Kids
My grandniece, Brooklyn Killinger is sweet big sister who loves little children…all little children, but especially those in her family. She is very good to her brother, Jaxon Killinger and her cousins, Elliott and Maya Stevens. Brooklyn and Maya have had a special relationship since Maya’s birth. Brooklyn is looking forward with great anticipation the upcoming birth of her new baby sister. Her sister is due in early August, and Brooklyn has decided that it is only fitting that, as the big sister, she should get to hold her before her younger brother. Brooklyn is always asking questions about the baby, probably planning the ways she can help in her care. There is always so much to do when caring for a baby, 
and it is always a good thing to have plenty of help. Brooklyn plans to be that source of help, and her stepmom, Lacey and her dad, Chris are really proud of her…as are we all.
Brooklyn is getting ready for her last year of middle school. I can hardly believe that she could be soon to go into high school. Nevertheless, kids grow up, and Brooklyn has grown up beautifully. She has a sweet spirit and a kind heart. She will do well in high school, as she has in middle school. Brooklyn has long loved volleyball, and she has been playing travel volleyball. Brooklyn has applied herself to the game and has learned how to play the game well. She is getting very skilled and is an asset to her team. Her and her teammates are besties now, and they all plan to play together 
again for next season! Brooklyn also enjoys performing in musical theatre. She is looking forward to auditioning for the lead in plays in the future. I know she will do well.
Lacey and Chris are hoping to take Brooklyn and Jax camping a little over The Independence Day holiday. The kids love fishing, so going camping will let them do more fishing together. I’m sure there will be a lot of competition during this fishing expedition, but it will be good clean fun between the siblings. Brooklyn loves her brother very much, and while there will be a competition, it won’t change how she and her brother feel about each other. They are very good friends too…and that is how it should be. Today is Brooklyn’s birthday. Happy birthday Brooklyn!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My nephew, Isaac Spethman has always been an industrious young man…from the time he was just a small child, in fact. From the time he was just seven years old, Isaac has held down a job. I know that sounds crazy, but he managed to talk the neighborhood small grocery store across the street from his house to “hire” him. Basically, Isaac did things like sweeping floors and taking out trash…basically the kind of work parents would consider to be “chores” their children did. For his labor, Isaac was paid in things like candy bars, sandwiches, pop, and such. People tried to tell Isaac’s parents, Jenny and Steve Spethman that he had ADHD, but they refused to accept that and never put him on medication. Instead, they helped him to focus his energy and his ambitions. That was why they didn’t discourage him from taking on that first little job. It proved to be a sound decision. From that time forward, Isaac always had one kind of job or another, and just before his 18th birthday, Isaac bought his first house. He has been successful in all the things he has taken on.
When the Covid-19 Pandemic stepped in and caused some major damage to the school system in the United States, and possibly many other countries, quite a few students became “disenchanted” with traditional school, 
and some decided to quit altogether. Isaac and his girlfriend, Aspen Taylor were among the former, and so, while it took a bit longer, they chose to test out of the traditional school program, and while it took a little longer, it allowed them to work while they studied for the test. After working very hard, both of them, I am very proud to say, graduated from the High School Equivalency program at Casper College on Thursday, May 21, 2026. We are so very proud of both of them. I don’t know what plans they have for the future, but I know that whatever they decide, they will be successful in their endeavors. Isaac has never failed at anything he put his mind to, and Aspen has been at his side for a number of years now, so I know that their future is going to be a bright one. Isaac will always prove to be a success. Of that, there is no doubt in my mind.
These days, Isaac and his brother, Xander Spethman both work in the oilfield industry, and are stationed north 
of Casper at Midwest…the same place their dad, Steve started his 23-year-long oilfield career. The nice thing for the brothers is that they get to work together. I’m sure they carpool too, which saves on gasoline for both of them, and give them time to visit on the long commute. I don’t know if either of the boys will continue in oilfield work or not, but they are both good people, as are Jenny and Steve’s other son, Zack and daughter, Aleesia. They were raised right, and they will do well. Congratulation Isaac and Aspen on your graduation. We are all so proud of your both.
My nephew, Xander Spethman has had a year of emotional healing and many changes. While going through all he did in the past was very hard, he knows that he is ok now, and he is happy. Xander loves being back in Casper with his family, because they are all very close. It has just been the best move for him. These days, Xander and his brother Isaac are both working together on a work over rig at the petroleum reserve in Midwest doing the same job in the same field where their dad, Steve Spethman started out his 34-year oilfield career. The work is hard, but they aren’t afraid of hard work, and the oil field is a good career.
Xander is still very close with his 2 brothers, Zack and Isaac, and he still wants to be just like his dad. Recently, the guys took three weekends to build a fence for their parents. They were all working hard, and the fence looks like professionals built it. Their mom, Jenny and dad, Steve were so proud of their boys working together without the need to ask them. They have all grown into amazing young men. Their parents are very proud of all of them and of their sister, Aleesia.
Xander has really had a great year. He and his dog, Rocky are very close, and his dog waits at the door all day and gets so excited when Xander finally gets home. Rocky is definitely his loyal companion. The whole family has always loved the outdoors and still love getting out and 
hiking or just hanging out. The mountain has always been the favorite place for the Spethman family. With summer coming on, they will all be getting out there to enjoy it again. Things are looking up for Xander, and I know that God has great things in store for him. For now, he is just spending time with family and friends and enjoying life. Today is Xander’s 23rd birthday. Happy birthday Xander!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
When I talk to his family about my nephew, Rob Masterson’s birthday, I always find that they always have the best things to say. Dustie so clearly loves her husband with all her heart. She says, “My husband…there are so many things, so many ways that he is amazing. Every day I fall more in love with him and everyday I’m more grateful than the last, that God put him in my life. It’s what most people call the “little” things, but I think they are really the most important things. Like the way he will spend so much time happily humming while finding something that I’ve lost AGAIN…for the hundredth time!! Or, when he sends me a goofy picture of our cat because he knows I’m having a rough day at work. Or, when he surprises me with a cup of coffee from the coffee shop…just because. The million times he’s brought me lunch because he’s worried that I won’t eat enough at lunch. Or the time that I got a hole in my shoe at work and he went to the store and bought me the exact pair of shoes that I wear for work in the exact size that I wear and brought them to me so I wouldn’t have a holey shoe at work. He does 90% of the running around because he says I work all day and that’s the least, he can do. He puts everyone in our house before himself and as much as it aggravates me!! I love him all the more for it.” What more can I say. Anything I said would pale by comparison.
Rob’s daughter, Raelynn tells me that her dad is a silly guy. She says that he always makes her laugh on the way home from work. Rob picks Raelynn up and they are both pretty tired by that point so it’s all stupid jokes…”Dad jokes,” if you will. While Rob jokes around, he is also thoughtful and observant. He genuinely just always knows when something is up with any one of his kids. even if they don’t realize it at times. Sometimes, Raelynn just spaces out to her music on the way home, not realize I’m doing a “thing” with her hands or my legs or just moving a lot, and he’ll ask what’s wrong, and then she realizes that her day had been bad. Rob noticed before she did. He complains that he’s too old for the kids’ antics, but he still puts up with it, and Raelynn thinks that’s just how her dad will always be. She says, “I love my dad for that. I get my humor mostly 
exaggerates it, with dad it takes a moment to realize he made a joke or sarcastic comment and that is its own kind of funny. My dad has always been a symbol of perseverance to me. Even when he’s in pain, or tired, or sick, he keeps moving, because the world doesn’t stop because you’re in pain, or tired, or sick, and it really helped when I was having pain in school with scoliosis, and when I needed surgery, and it still helps now. Knowing my dad can do it after everything his body has been through makes me know I can do it. I can keep moving.”
Sometimes, as in Taylor’s case, it’s hard to put in words, all someone means to you. Taylor said, “Oh, I’ve been struggling to find what I want to say, but for starters he’s always ok with helping us three (Raelynn, Matt, and Taylor) with whatever it is we need. The amounts of times he’s brought me things while I’m at work more often than not real early in the morning. I’ve honestly lost count. Dad has been such a strong presence in my life that I always think if Dad can do it, so can I. Dad has gotten me food despite me saying it was fine, because he knew I had a bad day at work he knew that nacho fries from Taco Bell would make it a million times better.” Taylor tells me that Rob, like so many people, doesn’t like having his picture taken all that much, unless it’s by his sister, Liz Masterson, who’s taking them of him with Pita, his cat cuddled up to him so we don’t have a whole lot with his face, because Pita likes to lay on his back. Taylor says, “There is not a single word or language known, unknown, alive, or dead that can describe just how much I love, appreciate and need my father. He is the image of strength and knowledge that I look to when I need guidance. He doesn’t mind driving me to work at McDonald’s at 4:00am either. I can’t believe I almost forgot that he refuses to let me walk to or from work because it’s either too early or because I’ve worked 10 hours and he doesn’t want me overexerting myself.”
Rob’s son, Matt tells me that his dad is his biggest supporter. Matt says, “He always has been my hero. I 
couldn’t do half the of the things I can do now without his support. My dad has always been wanting to support his family in times of need and in my times, he has always been there. I just want to make my dad proud, and I hope that he has an amazing birthday!! Today is Rob’s birthday. Happy birthday Rob!! Have an wonderfully amazing, “hero’s birthday!!” Your family is all in agreement that you have earned it. They are very proud of you…all of your family!! We love you!!
For my brother-in-law, Mike Stevens the last year has been one of major changes. My sister, Alena, who is Mike’s wife of what would have been 42 years this year. Mike has had a tough year. It’s hard to be the parent left behind after a loss, even when the children of the marriage are grown and on their own. Mike has had to try to be supportive of his children, while dealing with his own sense of immense loss. That was the position Mike found himself in, and through his grief, I can say he has handled it well. Mike knew how important all the family birthdays were to Alena, and they are to him too, but like many men, he had looked to Alena to keep track of the days, and then he would join her in wishing the happy birthday to the family member. After Alena went to Heaven, Mike contacted me to get a good list so he could continue to do so. He knew I would have that list because of my blog. I was so proud of him for making sure he could continue that tradition, and I know Alena would be proud of him too. It was such a sweet blessing to get that text from Mike on my birthday. He is carrying on the tradition started by Alena. 
There are joyful events coming Mike’s way too. His son, Garrett and wife Kayla are expecting a new baby in July, and his daughter, Lacey and husband Chris Killinger are expecting a baby in August. I know Alena has met these grandbabies in Heaven already, but soon the rest of the family will get to meet them. I know Mike is very excited to see his family continuing to grow, but I’m sure he wishes he could share these joyous occasions with Alena. Mike has a close relationship with his kids, and they all work hard to maintain that closeness. They are very supportive of each other.
In early April, Callie, the half miniature Doberman and half Long-Haired Chihuahua dog Mike and Alena had owned for 13 years passed away. It was hard that it was shortly before the one-year anniversary of Alena’s passing on April 23, 2025. After Callie was gone, Mike said the house felt really lonely, and since he had been 
around my sister’ Caryl Reed and her husband, Mike’s West Highland White Terrier, he decided to get one for himself. In early May, he got a male Westie, and names him Festus. I guess you can see that Mike is a “Gunsmoke” fan. While he still misses Callie, Mike and Festus are getting along very well. Westies are a small dog, so they make for a great lap dog when Mike is watching television or just relaxing in the evening. I’m glad he has a new companion in the house and Festus is a sweet little companion too. It’s a good thing for Mike. Today is Mike’s birthday. Happy birthday Mike!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My grandniece, Katy Herr is an amazing woman. She is an athlete, marathon runner, exercise enthusiast, but above all that, she is a wife and mother. Her husband, Dylan Herr and her son, Max Herr. They are Katy’s world. She loves then more than life itself, and she works very hard to bring happiness to their lives, to create the best home and life she can for them. Katy has a kind and loving heart, and it shows in everything she does for everyone she knows. Her smile lights up a room and makes everyone’s day better. It’s no wonder she is loved and respected by everyone who knows her.
I don’t recall when exactly Katy started her training for and running marathons, but I over the years, she has won several races both individual and as part of a team. I do a lot of walking, but running is just not something I could ever get into. I am in awe of anyone who can, and in awe of all the work and training it takes to get there. As her husband says, she “pushes herself at the gym to chase her goals and become the best version of herself.” You can tell that she works very hard, she looks great, and she is very healthy. I know that Max is glad she does too, because his mama can get out there and play with him as if she were a kid too. Not every mom can do that. He really is the recipient of her hard work.
Katy is also a great help to Dylan in all the charity work and business obligations he has. Dylan is one of the owners, along with his family of Red Wing Shoes, but he is also community minded, as is Katy. Their contributions to the community have been a welcome help to many people, and Katy has been a big part of that. Sometimes, I think she must be part “Superwoman” with all she does. On top of all that, add keeping her house up and baking…both things she also does very well. I just don’t know how she does it!! Katy has a heart of gold, and a sweet spirit to match!! Katy is a wonderful person, and a joy to know. Today is Katy’s birthday. Happy birthday Katy!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
For years, we all thought my niece, Andrea Beach would be a chef. The culinary arts were always of interest to her, and she had worked as a chef in several restaurants. Andrea liked her culinary jobs, but after a long time in that industry, she decided that it was time for a change. It’s not that she no longer enjoys cooking and baking, but now her family is the group that gets to enjoy her creations. So, she took a job at Wyoming Machinery as a lab technician in the oil lab. Somehow, I had never considered Andrea might find herself in an occupation involving science. Of course, I don’t know how she did in science in school, but Andrea has been working there for a little over a year now, and she is very happy with her decision to make a change of career. In her work, Andrea tests a variety of fluids from semitrucks to cars. She tests hydraulic, differential, and transmission fluids. These come from trucking companies, mine sites Construction companies and such, and they come from Rick Springs, Casper, Cheyenne, Rawlins and even Denver. It is very important work, and I’m very proud of her.
Andrea is a music lover, and while she and her son, Chris usually go with her mom, Caryl Reed to the Black Hills for a week’s vacation every year, she had to forego the trip last year, because she Seattle, Washington for a concert called Chemical Romance. The trip also gave them a chance to visit her dad, Warren Beach and his wife Diane. This year, even though she and Chris are going to Boston to see a Korean Band called BTS in August, they will still get to make the annual Black Hills trip. I’m sure that is because of the better pay with Wyoming Machinery, and more vacation time, now that she has been there over a year. I’m glad they get to go on their annual trip again this year.
Andrea has always loved experimenting with her hair, and she recently got it cut really short. She loves it and 
the freedom it affords her. While I have always had and likely will always have long hair, I can understand the extra work it is, so I understand why she likes it short. It looks very cute on her. Andrea has been a single mom for most of her son’s life, and she has raised him to be a successful and loving man. While her life was not always easy, she has made it successful with hard work and her faith in God. She loves her son dearly, and she wants nothing more than for him to be happy. She has simply kept forging ahead. Today is Andrea’s birthday. Happy birthday Andrea!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My sister, Cheryl Masterson, the eldest of our parents five daughters has always carried a lot of the responsibilities of helping our mom, Collene Spencer and dad, Allen Spencer in taking care of her younger sisters. So, when they passed away, it was just natural for Cheryl to assume the role of family matriarch. Cheryl is a very strong woman of God, and being the family matriarch, she is really good about passing much of her wisdom on Christian matters down to her sisters, as well as her nieces and nephews. Cheryl truly loves the Lord, and she spends much of her free time in deep study of His Word. I some ways Cheryl reminds me of Anna in the Bible. Anna was a prophetess. She was widowed at a young age, and decided never to marry again, but rather to serve the Lord for the rest of her life. Cheryl was not widowed, but rather divorced when her five children were very young. She too never married again, and raised her kids, Chantel Balcerzak, Toni Chase, Rob Masterson, Elizabeth Masterson, and Jenny Spethman alone and with little help. Anna didn’t have children, but 
like Anna, Cheryl spends all of her free time studying God’s Word, praying and worshipping God, and sharing her wealth of knowledge from her studies with her sisters and anyone else in need. We are all very blessed because of her.
Cheryl worked hard to get an education and became a legal secretary, a position she’s held for many years. She’s excellent at her job, serving as the secretary for the firm’s busiest attorney, and when she retires, they’ll have a tough time replacing her. Still, she’s hoping to retire in the next year or so and has been looking forward to it for quite some time. It will be a big change for her after working most of her life, but retirement will surely feel wonderful, and I know that she will consider it the perfect time to dive even deeper into her Bible study.
While her top priority is her study of God’s Word, Cheryl is also an excellent cook. Anyone who has had the privilege of eating food Cheryl has prepared, can tell you that her skills are amazing. She can make pretty 
much anything you can imagine, and if she doesn’t know how, just had her a recipe, and she will no doubt more that do it justice. Her family all love to come to her house for a family dinner whenever they can. And anytime we have a family “Potluck” dinner, you know Cheryl’s dishes will be one of the big hits. They always are. Today is Cheryl’s birthday. Happy birthday Cheryl!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My son-in-law, Travis Royce, is a fun-loving guy. Travis is, in many ways, a born entertainer, and he loves entertaining. Travis has never heard a joke without knowing the punchline, and he always remembers them…probably because they just click for him. My guess is that he could anticipate the punch line before he has even finished hearing a new joke. Travis is a true comedian, and not only because he recalls punchlines, but also because he can make up jokes on the spot. Travis seeing humor everywhere. I enjoy talking with him because he always brings something fun to the table. I’m sure that is one of the things that drew my daughter, Amy Royce to him, and one of the things that kept their house filled with laughter when the kids, Shai and Caalab were little.
Travis has a pretty cool job working in the local tourism industry. One of his tasks is restocking tourism flyers around the area, and the best part is doing it on the ferry boats. To fill the racks there, he gets to ride the 
ferries, which sounds like a dream gig. Sometimes, when he works on weekends, Amy joins him, and they turn it into a fun day out. The actual work doesn’t take long, so they get plenty of time to just enjoy the ride. Maybe those trips could get routine, but it’s hard to imagine that happening with Travis. He seems to have a touch of wanderlust…he’s not one for constant travel, but he loves a good outing. Still, he’s happiest spending most evenings relaxing in the backyard.
Travis and Amy love their backyard and fixing it up. Every year brings a new addition to the design. Amy plants new flowers, and Travis improves the design of the yard to make it even more inviting than it already is. This year, Travis redesigned the firepit area, and it is beautiful. The whole family loves hanging out in the Royce backyard, as do all their friends. Their yard is the go-to hangout for all their friends. Travis has always loved yardwork, and now 
his efforts are paying off in a big way. They also have a recreation room with a pool table, bar, and seating area for their many friends. Here Travis, Caalab, and several friends hold regular jam sessions. Both of them are excellent guitar players, and I love listening to them play. Sometimes, Shai and Amy will sing along, but mostly it’s the guys paying the music they love…which for Travis is and has been Blues for many years. Today is Travis birthday. Happy birthday Travis!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
Some holidays celebrate a single tradition, but others, like May Day, can mean many things. When my sisters and I were kids, May Day was always special. Our mom, Collene Spencer, would go to the store to buy candy. We’d make baskets out of construction paper, fill them with treats, and sneak around the neighborhood hanging them on neighbors’ doors. After knocking, we’d run and hide. Sometimes they caught us, and other times they’d just call out “thank you,” but they were always happy to know we thought of them and did something kind for them. For us, the tradition was all about the game.
Many people see May Day as a celebration of the start of summer or at least the warmer part of spring. It’s the time when flowers seem to bloom all at once, the grass 
turns green practically overnight, and trees burst with new leaves. For me, it’s a perfect way to think about it, since spring and summer are my favorite seasons. I love getting outside to hike and soak up the warm weather. Some festivities include a Maypole dance, where colorful ribbons are woven around a pole to create a beautiful pattern, much like braiding…although I haven’t really heard of it happening in the United States anymore. Still, where it is practiced, it’s a fun activity for kids and a wonderful way to welcome summer!!
In the United States, May 1st holds another meaning…it’s also Law Day. Opinions about it may vary, but to me, it’s an important occasion. Our nation depends on law and order, and I think most people would agree. Law Day is a time to reflect on the role of law in the country’s foundation and to recognize its value in society. Some people criticize the police, yet turn to them when they need help, suddenly appreciating their importance. I’ve had law enforcement officers in my family, and they are among the most caring people I know. So, to them I say, Happy Law Day!! And to everyone else, Happy May Day!!
