Our not-so-young but nevertheless illustrious "Man In the Know" Benjamin James Barnhart has turned 33 years of age. He celebrated his birthday by ordering Chinese take-out and watching a good movie with close friends (and next-door neighbors) Matt and Leah.
In honor of this momentous occasion, we would like to reminisce and recount some fond memories of Ben's fruitful life. Post any and all memories to the comment board. Thank you, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
NOTE: Candles in the picture have been known to switch with other candles when nobody is viewing the blog. This explains any discrepancies that may be noticed when viewing the above photograph.
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It seemed Ben's life might not be fruitful at all, according to Dad. Labor and delivery was a very long and exhausting process, and to add to the difficulty, somebody seemed to have had a big head, so delivery was by forceps. Dad relates he really thought it was all over, at that point, that the baby was no longer alive, and that the Dr. was using the forceps to take it out piece by piece. Alas, Ben arrived all in one piece, and very alive!
Thanksgiving Day, Two Years Ago
Me and Ben, running down the beach on Lake Michigan
Then there was the time when big brother, Ben, decided to help Mom and Dad out with baby brother, Steve, as we made preparations to leave for somewhere. At two, Ben found out that that little wrapped up bundle on the bed, was heavier and more awkward to pick up and carry than he anticipated, and dumped him on his head!
And from the looks of remodeling progress at Ben's house, it looks like he uses his "toolshriver" quite a bit!
Hmmm...Ben, you aren't going to like this, but one moment you will never live down took place at Grandma Barnhart's, in an old car, in the woods...I think you know where this is going.
"Git out before she blows!!!!" I know you want us to think that Jason said "Gentlemen, please exit the vehicle quickly and safely." But we all know the truth.
Happy Birthday Ben. You are a very patient brother who, despite many provocations and proddings, never hauled off and decked me when you probably felt like it. This birthday, I bequeath you with the proverbial fountain pen.
Anybody got a nice big gumball to cho..., or I mean to chew? Mr. Breitenbach, where are you?
I remember going to Meijer with Ben when I was 4 or 5. As I was walking through the store I heard a group of teenagers swear and I was so scared of them, but Ben assured me that they wouldn't hurt me : )
I'm wondering if Jim Bob would comment on Ben's prowess and Superman-like strength.
But hey, this isn't about all of Ben's least memorable moments - it's about fond memories.
I'd have to say one of our many walks along the train tracks by Grandpa & Grandma Schott's house, or in Minnesota near our apartment. Or taking a walk in the woods at Grandpa and Grandma Barnhart's house after a holiday meal with a bisquit in the pocket and plans for second desert after returning. Or, hiking with Ben along the North Shore. Or canoeing the Minnesota. Or walking out to the lighthouse on six feet of ice. Or biking out to McLain's and not realizing that we had the wind to our backs the way there.
Thanks for all the birthday memories. These are even better than presents. Man, we've done a lot in 33 years, haven't we?
Not really. I think Daniel is just slyly positioning himself for next year's "Post With Most Comments" award.
Among many of my fond memories are all the times of going down to the lake. And a variety of beaches at that. Sometime Pere Marquette, sometimes Cruz park, but usually just the guard rail. Memories of getting coffee or hot chocolate before going out. Memories of getting stuck in the snow. Or memories of tricking Daniel into venturing out a little too far on the ice. Ahhhhh.
Mother doesn't like hearing about these "fond" memories of venturing out on the ice!
I rememeber the cool spring day when I decided to wash my car in the driveway in Ossinke and Sandy decided to send little Ben out to help me wearing his little red coat and even littler red cap. The first thing he did was pick up the hose and squeeze the handle which happened to be pointed at me. I started yelling for him to put down the hose, but he seemed to be stuck in his pose with mouth open, blank look on his face, looking like he was wondering what was going on and why was I yelling so strangely? He was soon wisked back into the house by his Mom with a concerned for his well being look on her face. I finished washing the car cold and wet while contemplating the joys of fatherhood.
I remember (fondly now, not so fondly then) Ben being in the stuck position, foot on the brake, pinning my leg to the carport post in Terre Haute! In his defense, he was young, and there had been no Driver's Ed. yet. Thankfully, no harm done beyond temporary bruising.
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