A Newsletter to Inspire and Celebrate Oakland United Methodists Vol. 19, No. 3 March 2011

March Calendar of Events

Wed. Mar. 2 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Feb 6 9:00 a.m. Sunday school & Choir practice 10:00 a.m. Worship w/Communion 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 9 Ash Wednesday NO Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Mar 13 9:00 a.m. Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 16 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Thu. Mar17 7:00 p.m. Administrative Council Sun, Mar 20 9:00 a.m. choir practice & Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 23 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Mar 27 9:00 a.m. Choir practice & Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 30 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups

"We invite all persons to be a part of our Community of Faith by participating in worship, education, fellowship and Christian service."

OAKLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 North Main PO Box 606 Oakland, IA 51560 Phone: 712-482-5530 Parsonage ph. 712-482-5539 E-mail: oaklandumc@frontiernet.net www.oaklandiaumc.org

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

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OAKLAND, IOWA

PERMIT NO. 5

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«Mailing label»

«Address1»

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«City State» «Zip code» March 9th Carson United Methodist church 7:30 p.m.

March 13th

March 4th March 17th

March 20th

THE BEGINNING OF LENT

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The kids went to the Manor to sing to the residents

SHOEBOX ANGELS The local charity, Shoebox Angels, was a big success again this year! Shoeboxes filled with hats, gloves, socks, snacks, balls, dolls and other treasures were delivered to 145 children and people in need. Packages were delivered to the Heartland Family Service School, Children’s Square Pre-school and Emergency Shelter, and the Phoenix House. Shoebox Angel gifts were given within the Riverside Community School district, as well. And while the main mission of Shoebox Angels is concentrated on Christmas, the preparation for it is year-round. Mischa Martens, who coordinates the project, along with help from her sister, Erica Carley, shop for Shoebox Angel gifts starting the day after Christmas whereas the Oakland United Methodist Church is the biggest financial supporter of Shoebox Angels. Other clubs and groups also contribute: Westside Feeder’s 4-H club, Oakland Lion’s club, Oakland UMYF, Sigma Gamma club (Carson) to name a few as well as a number of individuals. Thanks to many special “Angel” helpers homemade items get included, too. We have a scarf angel, a baby-and-bear-blanket angel, and a fleece hat angel maker along with box-stuffing angels and wrapping-gift angels. The Shoebox Angel mission truly shows the heart of Christmas in rural Iowa. Thanks to the many angels in our communities, love and hope has been spread to over 900 children and women in the last eight years, among givers and receivers both. Your angel donations, homemade items, and extras are welcomed throughout the year to make a difference here at home every Christmas season.

THE PASTOR'S CAT Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor? Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight. The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' and went on about his business. A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?' She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.' She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with

my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.' Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor. Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; but only God can count the apples in a seed.

GIVE ME A SENSE OF HUMOR, LORD GIVE ME THE GRACE TO SEE A JOKE TO GET SOME HUMOR OUT OF LIFE AND PASS IT ON TO OTHER FOLKS

AMEN !

"Each Day is God's Gift to you, make it blossom and grow into a Day of Beauty"

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(If you have any news you would like to have announced in the church newsletter, please have the information to the church office by the 20th of the month.)

THANK YOU Thank you for all the cards, letters, and phone calls I have received since I have been in Virginia. Great to hear from home. Also, I know you have been remembering me in your prayers. Thank you!!! I will be taking my third chemo treatment on Feb. 21 and 22. Hopefully that will be halfway through the treatments. It is great when the grandkids say, "Grandma you have mail!". God Bless each of you and thank you for remembering me. Ilene Parkhill Cleaning for a Reason If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/ <http://www.cleaningforareason.org/> (There is a service out of Red Oak that participates in this. Follow the web address for more information.)

SAVE MAY 14 FOR AN ALL CHURCH

PROJECT

George Carlin's Views on Aging (The clean version) Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. 'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. 'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling.. What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But! Wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, and REACH 50 and make it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into! your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.' Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100,

you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!' May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!! HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.' 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. ! Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's family name is Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips.. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

BISHOP J.C. TRIMBLE AND THE SW DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO A Season of Prayer and A Season of Action. The Southwest District Revitalization Task Force would like to invite you to join us in a Season of Prayer and a Season of Action. The goal is to help our churches turn their focus beyond their walls to their neighbors and community. When you participate you will be led to: • Attend one of the regional “Faith Fest”

gatherings as a congregation. • Include prayer focus in weekly worship

services through a designated prayer time throughout the season of prayers.

• Possibly study “Unbinding the Gospel” by Martha Grace Reese as a congregational study.

“I always pray (for you) with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…” Philippians 1:45

Season of Prayer, SW District Faith Fest! Regional Renewal Gatherings (3-5pm followed by meal)

March 13 Manning UMC

March 27 Hancock UMC Action Project will depend on what God led you to during prayer. Churches partner with neighboring UM congregations for shared projects depending on what the Holy Spirit leads them to do. Develop and live out a new outreach ministry, together.

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February 2011 School Teachers for Nigeria The Africa University students registered for the second semester this week with classes to begin on Jan. 24. For Francis Adamu, Doris David and her brother, Cletus David, this will be their final semester at this United Methodist university in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Jacob Tahiru returned to Nigeria before Christmas and has begun his internship with the Taraba State Accounting office until December. Doris writes, “Our results were published today and I thank God for seeing me through last semester successfully with a straight “B” GPA. Continue to pray for our “kids” at AU as they pursue their studies.

Revs. Arleon Kelley and Donna Meinhard of Elgin, IA returned home after spending three months teaching religion classes at Banyam Theological Seminary in Bambur, Nigeria. While there they worked with the BTS Provost Yahuda Zailani and staff to perfect a 5 Year Plan for the school. Well thought out, the plan includes having running water on campus, electricity to all buildings, continued education for seminary staff, scholarship for students, the building of latrines in the student living area as well as new housing blocks/building for both staff and students. The Bishop Job Library is to be updated with current theological books by African authors. To tell the story of BTS and share their experiences, Arleon and Donna have prepared a power point presentation they are willing to present in your church or with your group. To schedule them call: 563 426 5989 or e-mail: arleon35@alpinenet.com or donna37@alpine.net.com. Our educational priority project is to renovate the Nursery/Primary building at Banyam Theological Seminary. Over 70 children are in session daily with only three staff. “Crowded” is the best word to describe the situation. To brighten up the interior, we plan to paint the walls, then decorate them with appropriate learning signs and symbols. There is a cost to do this so contributions are welcome. Preparations are in place to send TWO containers (40 ‘x 8’ x 8’) to Nigeria on March 2 (dependent on the

weather). Thanks to the collection of kits at the Ingathering, Iowa churches and individuals who have donated a variety of items we will be able to fill both containers. We DO have room for more books (theological, primary and secondary age level), school supplies, medical equipment/supplies, white boards, classroom posters, pictures and teaching materials, robes and paraments, Bibles, knitting and sewing supplies/materials to fill up the containers. Please let me know immediately if you have any items that could be boxed, labeled and brought to Des Moines by the end of February. We welcome educators who work with children/young people of all ages to join our work team to Nigeria from June 12 to July 2. Assisting church teachers, mentoring and playing with children, organizing two school libraries, offering teacher in-service training are on the docket. Volunteer computer technicians, programmers, software engineers or anyone willing to assist computer classes and conference staff general keyboarding, reading/writing e-mails, use of the internet, instruction in Excel, Coral Draw and Facebook are desperately needed on this team. For further information and application form contact me at 515 266 4186 or bnmedical@aol.com. Is God calling you to utilize your educational skills in Nigeria?

Annual Conferences Thanked for Giving to Apportioned Funds in 2010 The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) reports that 15 annual conferences paid 100% of their apportioned funds in 2010. The conferences are Alaska, Baltimore-Washington, Dakotas, East Ohio, Greater New Jersey, Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Peninsula-Delaware, Red Bird Missionary, West Michigan, and Wisconsin. In 2009, 14 conferences gave 100% to all seven apportioned funds.

BOARD MINUTES

January 20, 2011, 7 p.m., Church lounge Members present- Pastor Shirley Textor, Barb Schorsch, Cathey Grosvenor, Dick Merkle, Merlin Jones, Skip Applegate, Marty & Kristy Rieken, Bernie & Norma Bolton, Bev Zuch

Board Chair Barb Schorsch called the meeting to order and asked Pastor Shirley to open the meeting with prayer. Those named in need of prayer were: Ilene Parkhill, Edith Haines, Shari Brandes, Gordon Frizzell, Jim Johnson, Gene Gleaves and Lonnie Smith. Norma Bolton moved that the secretary’s report be approved. Seconded by Skip Applegate. Motion carried. Dick Merkle presented the treasurer’s report for November and December since no meeting was held in December. Bernie Bolton moved to approve the report. Seconded by Dick Merkle. Motion carried. Marty Rieken and Barb Schorsch presented a report for the finance team. All of the board was very happy that our church had met the budget in a timely manner with all apportionments paid.

Bernie reported that the Staff-Parish Relations team had met with the district superintendent to begin the process of finding a new pastor for our church as Pastor Shirley has announced her plans for retirement in June of 2011. The board expressed their thanks for the service she has given our church in the 4 1/2 years that she has been with us. Discussion was held regarding the need for a temporary custodian while Gordon Frizzell is incapacitated with his broken leg. Jynell Miller has agreed to fill in as janitor until he is able to resume his duties.

Pastor Shirley asked that our secretary’s hours and salary be reviewed since it has not changed in the time that she has been with us. Dick Merkle moved that Sheryl Sindt’s hours be increased from 12 to 14 hours per week since she will be doing additional computer work for the church treasurer. Motion was seconded by Cathey Grosvenor and approved.

Pastor Shirley reported that work with the confirmation class is going well. The Jr Hi youth group attended the visitation for Roma Smith to show support for a classmate. This week the Sr Hi youth group went to the nursing home to visit with residents and also viewed a movie with them. They have voiced an interest in going to Council Bluffs to the Mohm’s shelter to help serve a meal.

Merlin Jones reported as lay leader that he is now down to one class to complete before he is certified. Cathey Grosvenor reported that our church and missions

team helped Mischa’s Shoebox Angel ministry to create approximately 160 boxes for distribution during the Christmas season. December missions offering was given to assist with the school milk program. Pastor Shirley reported for the nominations team that all positions have been filled with the exception of replacements on the nominating committee. Kristy Rieken reported that the education team had met last Sunday. Attendance has been good. They are considering splitting the 2-6 yr old class into smaller groups for manageability. Plans are in the works for a group of youth to go to the nursing home on January 30th to sing. Kristy reported plans to work with the Christian Church again this year for VBS possibly using a program called “Shake it Up”. Classes/ meetings for small interest groups are in the planning stage.

Bev Zuch reported for the memorials team that they will be meeting to discuss ways of using newly received memorial money. Possible replacement of the carillon system so that it can be used again has been discussed. Old business- The movie night scheduled for December had to be cancelled because of bad weather. Another movie night may be held in the future. The chili supper with the nativity displays was enjoyed and well attended. New business- The January program planning date is next Sunday, January 23rd from noon to 3 p.m. Goals for programs and plans for a community workday/ service project on May 14th in conjunction with “Make a Difference Day” will be topics of discussion. A catered meal will be served with free will offering. Team leaders and members are encouraged to attend. Dick Merkle reported that Robin Jefferson would like to have audio/ video recordings made of our church services so that they can be made available especially to our service men and women and others who are unable to attend a church service. She told Dick that there was a lack of chaplains and clergy persons in the service particularly in the Middle East. Robin is willing to pay for software and training necessary for this to happen. She has made a contact with RD services in regard to this matter. Date for the next administrative board meeting will be February 17, 2011. There being no further business, Bev Zuch moved for adjournment. Motion was seconded by Bernie and approved.

Barb closed the meeting with prayer.

Norma Bolton, secretary pro tem.

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NURSERY

VOLUNTEERS

March

USHERS,

GREETERS,

CANDLELIGHT ERS 6th Merle & Veva Larson Hannah Hummel & Andrew Jones Candle lighters Kyra & Kristian Martens 13th Larry & Judie Danker Hayley Haines & Sarah Jones Candle lighters Emma Ehmke & Haley Hummel 20th Gerald & Carol Wilson

Kyra Martens & Hannah Hummel

Candle lighters Andrew Jones & Grace Gleaves 27th Leigh Bell & Lisa Rollins Grace Gleaves & Hayley Haines Candle lighters Camryn Pierson & Sarah Jones

KOINONIA 6th Marsha Beedle 13th Holly Hinkhouse 20th Marty & Kristy Rieken 27th Suzanne & Jerry Pierce

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

6th Kristy Rieken Sheila Applegate Pam Ehmke 13th Leigh Belle Kristy Rieken Lynelle Jeppesen Pam Ehmke 20th Kristy Rieken Lisa Pierson Barb Schorsch Pam Ehmke 27th Lindsey Henderson Leigh Belle Lisa Pierson Pam Ehmke

SR. HIGH YOUTH COUNSELORS March 2nd Veva Larson & Cathey Grosvenor March 9th NO MEETING March 16-30th VOLUNTEER NEEDED

6 Suzanne Johnk

13 Joyce Henry

20 Barb Schorsch

27 Lindsey Henderson

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

1 Molly Henry 1 Collin Forrester 3 Sheila Applegate 3 Kim Farrell 3 Zach Putnam 3 Drake Bane 7 Jamie Calhoon 8 Lucia Kinnison 9 Beth Fulton 14 Wayne Colvin 14 Robert Copenhaver 14 R.J. Harris 15 Bob McJunkin 16 Teresa Keiser 17 Zachary Thompson 18 Dana Gleaves 18 Eric Bane 19 Jim Johnson 20 Jean Blackburn 20 Abby Ward 20 Eric Beedle 21 Adam Evans 21 Grant Henry 22 Chris Hildebrand 24 Dick Merkle 24 Matt Schuster 24 Noah Kinnison 25 Clark Jeppesen 25 Cherise Sparks 26 Diane Brown 27 Merle Davis 27 Roy Bane 27 Tiffany Obrecht 27 Jake Petersen 29 Alyssa Palmer

REMEMBER OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN Dane Nelsen, step-grandson of Daryl & Rita Henningsen; Matt Hackett, great nephew of Jessie Shiffer; Kristie Copenhaver, John & Mary Lou Copenhaver’s daughter; Alan Walker; Kelly Holdaway; Josh Harker; Jeremy Harker; Brad Jefferson, son of Dan & Robin Jefferson; Jared Myers, son of Robert Myers and Sid & Tami Skank; Tyler Williamson, son of Michelle Swope; Jon Reed, son of Phil & Denise Reed; Sonja Husz; Lucas Smith, Addie Mae’s grandson; Brian Thornton from Avoca; Craig Bintz, grandson of Larry & Judie Danker serving in Japan; Tyler Clark, Marvin & Carolyn Clark’s grandson serving in Alaska, Brad Grosvenor, Cathey Grosvenor’s son stateside, and other area service men and women. If you have a loved one in the service and wish to have them listed on our prayer list, please contact the church

NURSING HOMES - Remember those in the nursing homes with cards and visits. Oakland Manor: Mary Applegate, Margaret Alff, Dorothy Forristall, Oakland Heights: Eileen Haines, Lucille Bentley, Pauline Hogzett Griswold Nursing Home: Merle Davis Primrose: Lois Allen Harlan: Dorothy Liddell

is March 20

9:00 A.M.

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Come Do the Chicken Dance with Us The Missions Committee is sponsoring our second annual Chicken Delight Pot Luck Dinner after church March 20th. Bring a main dish that has chicken or eggs in it. We’ll provide the drinks and table settings. We will be taking an offering that Sunday for the Heifer Project. The mission of Heifer International is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. The money we raise that Sunday will go toward purchasing flocks of chickens. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year, plenty to eat, share or sell. Heifer recipients pass on the offspring and training, adding chickens to communities in poverty. A flock of chicks can help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing life sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets. The protein in just one egg is a nutritious gift for a child.

Flock to church March 20th and then join us afterward for fun, food, and fellowship.

Let our donations be something to crow about!!

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Save the Date

Second Annual

Chicken Delight

(Fundraiser for Heifer Project)

March 20th (after church)

Potluck (Bring food containing eggs or chicken.)

The Spiritual Challenge of Health

What does our spiritual life have to do the rest of life? Sinfulness, confession, and forgiveness do impact our physical and mental health.

Psalm 32:3-5 AWhile I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of the summer. Then, I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, AI will confess my transgressions to the Lord@ and you forgave the quilt of my sin.@

We have begun the season of Lent. The traditional view of Lent is on confession, sacrifice, and repentance; a turning from sin and a resolve to reform one=s life. This sounds like a change process to me! A perfect opportunity to turn from unhealthy habits towards healthier ones.

Many of us give up chocolate, caffine, or something we enjoy for Lent. This is a form of fasting. Fasting and abstinence brings us face to face with how we put the material world ahead of its Spiritual Source. Instead of going through the motions of giving something up for Lent, I challenge you to ask yourself the following questions:

What do I do to excess that comes between me and God? How can a particular activity bring me closer to God? What does God want me to accomplish through this activity or practice?

You may be surprised at the answers. Instead of just giving something up for Lent, you may need to replace an unhealthy habit with healthier one: spending time with family and friends instead of surfing the internet, reaching for fruit instead of chocolate, going for a walk instead of watching TV, being intentional about your devotional or study time.

Rather than viewing Lent as time of self-sacrifice and self-control; look at Lent as a time to intentionally connect with God. This will allow God to redirect your lifestyle and to open yourself to the process of healing your body, mind, and spirit.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a

new and right spirit within me,...Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. (Psalm 51)

I invite you to intentionally replace an unhealthy habit with a healthier one as your Lenten discipline. My hope is that the healthy habit sticks with you long after Lent is done. Kae Tritle, RN

Wellness Coordinator March 2011

A Desert Love Story

Once upon a time there was a very handsome male camel with two huge camel humps.

He fell in love and married a beautiful female camel who had one perfect camel hump.

As time progressed, they became the proud parents of a wonderful baby camel who had no humps.

They contemplated long and hard on what to call their beautiful little boy.

They finally decided on......'Humphrey'!!!!!!!!!!.