Patrick's 50 th Birthday

Today is my son's 50th birthday! Patrick, how did that happen so quickly?

It seems like only a short time ago that Patrick was approaching his 4th birthday!

Days before his 4th birthday, I asked Patrick what kind of cake he would like for his birthday. His response was, "Why do people always have birthday cakes?" That was not what I expected to hear. I explained that People have celebrated with birthday cakes for years.  It is a tradition!

He took that in, thought about it for a few minutes and then said, "I don't care about people's traditions.  I do not want a birthday cake!  I want a birthday watermelon!  That took me by surprise.  But he got his wish!  After all, it was his birthday.

Though he clearly cared nothing for tradition, he unknowingly started one!

We celebrated his 50th birthday at his brother, Scott, and sister in law, Kerry's home last Sunday night. 

 Friends and family gathered for an outdoor event. 

There was a water slide and trampoline for the youngsters. 

There were games for the kid's at heart.

Those not in a playing mode, enjoyed visiting and capturing the moment with mirth and memories!

As the day grew on, pizza was delivered to go with the yummy salad bar and German Chocolate Cake or if you were daring……a pickle Popsicle!

Now those activities alone could have made for a great day, but Scott and Kerry could not stop there. They had to take our 50 year old honoree back to the 50’s with an out door movie reminiscent of a drive in movie and complete with a concession stand stocked with popcorn, pop, candy......and watermelon.

They were lucky to have the perfect trees for hanging the screen. 

The resolution was amazing!v  During Patrick’s 50 years, technology has moved rapidly!

Patrick, you have blessed our lives for 50 years and just had your 46th Birthday Watermelon. You were a just a sweet little guy who didn’t care about tradition.  How were you to lnow that you would be starting one of your very own?

Here’s to many more Happy Birthday Watermelons!  

I love you, Mom

Thank You Veterans!

12 th Annual Edna Perkins Project
12 Years Of Tribute

Time flies!

It seems like only a few short years have gone by since the Omaha Beady Bunch started the Edna Perkins Project. But in fact, this is the twelth year that the Omaha Beady Bunch has taken on this worthwhile mission. The Beady Bunch has donated handmade jewelry on Mother’s Day to honor the wonderful and courageous citizens who have valiantly served and sacrificed for our country including our esteemed friend, Edna Perkins.

This week Veterans who are patients at the Omaha Veteran’s Administration Hospital will be invited to accept a rose and a piece of jewelry for them to gift someone they love on Mother’s Day, 2018

This Project began In 2006, when Edna Perkins decided she was no longer going to bead. Edna, a long time member of the Omaha Beady Bunch, had generously donated beads from her growing “stash”. Members of the Beady Bunch determined that something very special should be done with the beads to honor Edna and all that she had done for the Omaha Beady Bunch. The Edna Perkins Project was born. This Project has been on going ever since. Edna's stash has dwindled over the years and now members donate their beads, time, and talent to make this event so successful.


Since Edna is a Veteran of the United States Navy, the Beady Bunch determined they would honor Veterans. Many of our hospitalized Veterans do not have an opportunity to shop for gifts to give to their mothers, wives, and/or significant others for Mother’s Day. The Omaha Beady Bunch agreed to donate the jewelry made by the members from Edna’s stash of beads to hospitalized veterans so they could gift others on Mother’s Day.


Joni Stinson, former member of the Beady Bunch, arranged and photographed the work. She delivered the jewelry to Ginnie Land, President of the Iowa Intertribal VFW Auxiliary and Marilyn Robinson, Treasurer of the Council Bluffs, Iowa Inter-tribal VFW Auxiliary. They will graciously deliver and assist in the distribution of the gifts on behalf of the Omaha Beady Bunch.


Dear Veterans,
Members of the Omaha Beady Bunch and the Iowa Intertribal VFW Auxillary wish to express their gratitude for your service to our country. We invite you to accept a rose and a piece of handmade jewelry to give to someone you love on Mother’s Day.

God Bless You and the USA!