Years ago, my daughter, Corrie Petersen found herself in a decent job, but it was a dead-end job when it came to promotions and such. While she was already doing the job that would have been a promotion, they said she needed a college degree to be considered. Well, she got that degree, but not in that field. She chose, instead to take a different course of action. If they didn’t see her value, she would go into a field where her value would be appreciated. So, after years of being out of school, Corrie went back to college to become a nurse, and she has never looked back.
It has been two years since Corrie graduated from nursing school and passed her NCLEX test to become a (BSN RN) registered nurse with a Bachelors Degree. That is amazing to me…and to her. The time has literally flown by. She is in her dream career and is quickly becoming the go-to advisor for our family concerning all things medical. Corrie works at Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital and is well liked and respected. Her life now is a “far cry” from that old dead-end job she bailed on years ago, when this journey began. The nursing degree, according to the Guiness Book of 
World Records, is the hardest degree to obtain, and I totally believe that. I don’t know of anyone who has gone through that program without shedding many tears and dealing with a “boatload” of anxiety. There is so much information to commit to memory, and even the best students struggle. Nevertheless, all the struggle is worth it when they hold that degree in their hands and know that they made it.
The entire time that Corrie was in nursing school, she was also gaining two daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. Life doesn’t stop just because you are in nursing school, or any other course of study for that matter…even if we sometimes wish it could. You have to buckle down, and hit the books hard, while still trying to keep up with the rest of your life. Of course, she would tell you that she couldn’t have done it without her husband, Kevin Petersen, and that his support was a vital part of her success. Kevin was there for her every step of the way, through every teardrop she shed and every anxious moment, and for his support, she was so grateful, as am I. Today, all that schooling is behind her, but that doesn’t mean that the learning is behind her. 
Nursing is not a “one and done” kind of career. Every year she must do continuing education, and every advancement comes with study and testing. Right now, she is studying for her test to become a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. I am confident that she will pass the test with ease. As with everything else, Corrie faces each new challenge with determination and confidence. I am so proud of her achievements. Today is Corrie’s birthday. Happy birthday Corrie!! Have a wonderful day!! We love you!!
When my oldest daughter, Corrie Petersen was born, it was one of the happiest days of her great grandmother, Nettie Knox’s life. Her first great grandchild had been born on her birthday. I had no idea Corrie was coming on Grandma’s birthday, because in my “labor fogged” head, I thought it was July 1st, not June 30th. What they share is called “birthday twins” and it was the coolest thing for both Grandma Knox and Corrie. When Corrie was little, and indeed until grandma passed away when she was just a month past 82 years, and Corrie was just a month past 15 years, they celebrated their birthdays together. It was so important to both of them. Their bond was a very special one and lasted for the rest of Grandma’s life…and beyond. I know that with Grandma in Heaven now, Corrie feels sad sometimes, and her birthday is just a little bittersweet, but I hope Corrie knows just how proud Grandma always was of her.
Two years ago, Corrie realized her dream of becoming a nurse, and I have imagined many times since then, 
just how proud of Corrie her great grandmother would be. She always knew that Corrie would become something great. She never doubted it for a minute, and I’m sure that Corrie has thought of her great grandmother many times since becoming a nurse. When Grandma was young, most women became stay-at-home moms. These days, that occupation is an extreme rarity. In fact, it is mostly the families that know that if the mom worked, the daycare would take up her entire paycheck. Those moms try to find work they can do at home, like babysitting and such. That was the world Grandma grew up and lived most of her life in. These days, most women have a career at some point in their lives, and the best thing is to find one that you love to do. Corrie has done that, and Grandma would be very happy for her.
Sharing a birthday with her great-grandmother created an unbreakable bond between Corrie and Grandma Knox. From Corrie’s birth in 1975 to Grandma’s passing on July 29, 1990, just one month after Corrie’s 15th birthday, they celebrated every 
birthday together. Not a year passes now without Corrie reflecting on her great-grandmother and the enduring connection they share. Even though her great-grandmother is in Heaven now, the bond remains as strong as ever. Grandma Knox lives on in Corrie’s memory files as her great-grandmother and birthday biddy. It is a unique and rare blessing reserved for the few who are born as a special gift to their great-grandmother. Today is the 117th anniversary of Grandma Knox’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandma Knox. We love and miss you very much.
My niece, Kellie Hadlock, one of the sweetest people you will ever know, “tied the knot” yesterday with the love of her life, Tim Thompson. With that marriage, Kellie also gained a sweet little daughter named Jolene, whom she dearly loves. This little family was a match made in Heaven, and both of their families are beyond happy about the connection that God put together. The hilltop setting looked out on Casper Mountain, and the day was beautiful. While the temperature was in the nineties, there was a breeze and some cloud cover that kept it cool enough to make it comfortable. It was a dressy cowboy theme, and which may not seem like a thing, but it is. Cowboy boots and jeans, meets formal lacy dresses and more cowboy boots. Cowboy hats, a beautiful bridal veil, flowers, and antlers, created a mix of the complexity of the styles of these two lovebirds.
Kellie has always been a girly girl, and more noticeably, a songbird. Her sister, Jessie best said it, when she said that Kellie’s life is a “musical” filled with singing…everywhere. Kellie sings in the house, the shower, the car, at church, outside, inside…yes, everywhere!! Kellie loves to sing. Kellie also loves to laugh and smile…both of 
which are infectious and are likely a big part of what let Tim know that he had found his other half. I’m sure the fact that Jolene, lovingly called Jo or Jo Jo, loved Kellie from day one helped too. Jo and Kellie are so close, you would think they have known each other all their lives. They just totally meshed, and it is the sweetest thing to see.
In what can only be called a “stark contrast,” Tim is an outdoor, hunter, fisherman, camping kind of guy. While Kellie has gone camping with her family, she never went hunting, and to my knowledge, fishing either. She says that Tim has opened up her world to things she would not likely have experienced without him. The funny thing is, that Kellie had decided that she likes these things. It’s just one more way to see for a certainty that these two were a match made in Heaven. Kellie’s sisters, Jessie and Lindsay have commented on the vital fact that Tim just lets Kellie be Kellie. My question is how does Kellie’s singing fit in with the normally necessary quietness of hunting…hmmmm?!? I guess this is where Tim letting Kellie be Kellie comes in…especially after the deer ran off because he heard singing in the forest. Well maybe, she just sings more softly though, because the hunt was a success.
Kellie and Tim are two very different people who make up a perfect match, and to see their union was a privilege indeed. As they head out now into their future, I am excited to watch where life takes them. For now, just seeing the happiness they share is exciting in itself. Yesterday marked the beginning of their lives together, and it was a beautiful beginning. For now, they plan to spend the rest of the summer enjoying their time with Jolene, before she must head back to her mom. I know that will be a hard day, but they aren’t thinking about that right now. They are a new little family of three, and they couldn’t be happier. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Thompson on your marriage!! We are so happy for you!! I know that God will greatly bless your union!! We love you both…and Jo too!!
My grandnephew, Chris Spicer just finished college, earning an Associate Degree in Graphic Design. After high school, he and his mom, Andrea Beach moved from Rawlins, Wyoming to Casper, Wyoming, for better opportunities and so he could attend Casper College. It seems like just yesterday that the moved and he started college, and now he is finished. Time sure flies. Now, he is busily pursuing a job in his field and is also doing some online work. Chris has been employed at Ace Hardware while pursuing his degree. He was an excellent student who loved his classes and rarely missed school. He worked diligently and maintained a 4.0 GPA for the majority of his two-year college career…an extraordinary accomplishment while working at a full-time job too.
With college behind him, he and his mom have been enjoying the summer months. They recently took a trip to Denver and saw a concert at Red Rocks. Chris’ best friend, Elias, whom Chris has known since 3rd grade, and their friend, Bella also went with them to the concert. Chris did the driving from Casper to Laramie, which is something he has not done before, and he did very well. In addition, their friend Bella gave Chris a birthday present of a trip to Seattle next month to see his favorite band My Chemical Romance in concert for the first time. Andrea’s dad, Warren Beach lives in the Seattle area, so they will spend some time visiting him, and seeing the sights. This will be Chris’ first official trip to Seattle too. He was there once…when his mom was pregnant with him, so I guess that doesn’t exactly qualify…or does it?
Chris has recently developed a great interest in all things retro. He enjoys playing music on a black vinyl album and turn table setup and his dream car is…not surprisingly, a Volkswagen van. It would not be surprising if he ended up driving classic flower power van for a significant period. It is interesting how certain elements from the past regain popularity when rediscovered by younger generations. Chris is planning to relocate into Casper proper very soon. He and his mother have been renting an apartment on his grandparents’ ranch outside of Casper, but moving closer to town will better suit Chris, allowing him to engage actively with the city social scene. Life is starting to get moving for Chris, and we are all very excited for his next venture. Today is Chris’ 20th birthday. Happy birthday Chris!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
Our uncle, Butch Hein went to Heaven on October 13, 2023. He was a well-known and much-loved rancher in Forsyth, Montana. When my husband and I went to Forsyth to attend the funeral, we were having breakfast at a local restaurant, when the waitress mentioned that the townspeople were all in mourning over the loss of a local rancher. She didn’t know we knew, much less that we were related to Uncle Butch. All she knew was that the town was hurting. I heard some people saying that they weren’t going to go to the weekly breakfast meet that Butch had been a part of, because it “just wouldn’t be the same” now that he was gone. The things said, and the way the townspeople felt says a lot about much Uncle Butch was loved and respected in Forsyth.
Much has changed in the almost two years since Uncle Butch went home to heaven. His granddaughter, Laura and her husband, Sean made Uncle Butch a great grandfather on December 18, 2024, when sweet little Emmett Butch came into the world. Emmett has a cute little smiley face that would melt Butch’s heart. I know he would be beyond happy. Butch’s grandson, Carson works with his dad, Butch’s son Scott running the ranching business. That would also be very pleasing to Butch, who wanted to be able to hand the business down to the guys. His youngest grandchild, Lindsey just passed the LSAT exam and will be headed for Law School at the University of Montana in the Fall. Butch was a hands-on grandpa with a very close relationship with his three grandchildren. I 
know he would be so proud of all they have accomplished.
Butch would also be very proud of his son, Scott and Scott’s wife Terri, who now own the ranch and who gave him these wonderful grandchildren. It was always a dream of Butch’s that one day he and his son would run the ranch together. When that dream became a reality, and Scott got married and had kids, the dream expanded to include one or more of the kids joining the business. The logical choice for that fell on Carson, and while that dream didn’t fully become fulfilled during Butch’s lifetime, it has been fulfilled now, and I know that Butch would have been beyond happy with that. Today would have been Butch’s 80th birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Uncle Butch. We love and miss you very much.
You can live in a town all or most of your life, and somehow never really know all about it or its history. I knew where Casper, Wyoming got its name…I think most people do. A local hero, named Caspar Collins who was killed near Fort Casper in 1865. By Special Order 49 dated November 21, 1865, Major General John Pope changed the name of Platte Bridge Station to Fort Casper, misspelling the fallen lieutenant’s name. Pope chose the lieutenant’s first name because there already was a Fort Collins in Colorado named for his father. The misspelling of Fort Casper was corrected to Fort Caspar in 1936, when the fort was reconstructed. The reconstruction project, funded by the Works Progress Administration, corrected the spelling, and also creating the discrepancy in the names that exists to this day.
Casper is located at 5,150 feet above sea level, on the banks of the North Platte River on Wyoming’s high plains, and it is the seat of Natrona County. While the fort existed for many years prior, the town actually began when the tracks of the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad arrived in June 1888. The town was named after the fort, which was still carrying the misspelled name, and so became Casper. The fort itself had deteriorated to ruins by then and wouldn’t be rebuilt until 1936.
The railroad brought with it a need to have a town in that location. So, soon after the railroad arrived the area became an important shipping point for cattle and wool. Casper’s earliest buildings stood at about the present-day intersection of what are now A Street and McKinley Street. As soon as the railroad’s land company started plotting residential and commercial sites, the inhabitants of the fledgling town relocated approximately a mile west. By the autumn of 1888, the town’s center had shifted to the intersection of Center Street and Second Street, where it continues to be located today.
On April 9, 1889, residents petitioned the officials of Carbon County for permission to incorporate the town of Casper. The following year, Natrona County separated from Carbon County. The petition was granted, and on July 8, 1889, voters elected George Mitchell as mayor along with Robert White, Peter Demorest, Alexander McKinney, and John Adams as councilmen. Casper is home to three courthouses. The first, on David Street, was a wood-framed structure covered with seam iron, constructed in 1895 at a cost of $477. The second courthouse, built in 1908 was situated in the middle of North Center Street at A Street. The current county building, completed 1940, stands on Center Street between A Street and B Street. In its early years, Casper was a bustling and unruly town. The west side of Center Street featured numerous saloons, fostering a wild and boisterous culture. Early law enforcement faced the challenge of maintaining order amidst rowdy cowboys, jubilant sheepherders, and the constant presence of prostitutes.
The town leaders immediately set about making changes to guarantee a more stable and permanent city. While the population could not really be changed, they knew that a proper town needed things like water, streets, schools, a fire department, a library, and other amenities, if it was going to survive. On July 7, 1890, the town government established its first headquarters in a two-story brick structure on Center Street, featuring a spacious central hall and bell tower. By the 20th century, they had expanded the town hall due to community growth and increasing municipal affairs. A new building was constructed and completed on May 29, 1919. It is located at the northwest corner of Center Street and Eighth Street. This two-story brick building featured a section dedicated to the fire department. For many years, the fire department operated as all-volunteer. The first paid firefighter was employed in 1912 with a monthly salary of $100 a month. In 1920, the city constructed a new station on the west side of David Street, north of Midwest Avenue. During this period, law enforcement also underwent changes with police officers gradually replacing the town marshal.
Water was and still is a constant problem. Between draughts and the need for bigger lines, the city is always removing and replacing the lines. At first, centrally located wells provided water to residents living close to downtown. Those living further out had to dig their own wells. Alkali and bacteria often made the water unpalatable or unsafe. That continues to be a problem to this day as well. Waterborne diseases took their toll on residents, especially children. Thankfully, that problem has been solved over the years. Nevertheless, at that time, the epidemics caused the town physician and marshal to force people to clean up their properties, improving sanitation and thus improving the water supply. Like any “Old West” town, Casper has evolved over 
the years, and it has become great place to live. While crime does exist, we have a much lower crime rate than many big cities. We are big enough to have many of the amenities people want and need, but enough of a small town feel to make the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable. While we are a mid-sized city, the feel is more like a small town, and most of Casper’s 58,823 residents, especially the long-term residents, like it that way.
The Civil War was a bloody war that threatened to divide the United States. North fought against South, and brother fought against brother. In any war, fear is a constant companion, even for the bravest of soldiers. During the Battle of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Confederate General Robert E. Lee Army of Northern Virginia launched an attack on Union General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac, marking the start of the Seven Days’ Battles. Despite suffering significant casualties and failing to achieve a decisive victory over the forces, the battle did succeed in unnerving McClellan. Over the course of the following week, Lee pushed McClellan from the outskirts of Richmond Virginia, back to his base along the James River.
Lee had replaced Joseph Johnston on June 1, 1862, and this was his first battle as commander of the army. Johnston had been severely wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks, and Lee was eager to show his prowess. He saw this as his best chance. McClellan had been on the offensive, but his operation had stalled about five miles from Richmond. Nevertheless, his army was still there until late June. While McClellan was regrouping outside of Richmond, General J.E.B. Stuart and his Rebel cavalry made a reconnaissance ride around McClellan’s force. Following their ride, the spies brought back information that indicated that McClellan’s right flank was “in the air,” which means unprotected by natural barriers. On June 23rd, Lee told his commanders that he was going to attack the flank, which was occupied by Fitz John Porter’s V corps. They saw that Porter’s group was separated from the rest of the Union army by the Chickahominy River. Lee’s plan could have been viewed as risky, because it meant leaving a skeleton force to face the rest of McClellan’s army south of the Chickahominy River. It was an early indication of Lee’s bold and daring style.
The plan was probably a good one originally, but it quickly fell apart. McClellan had been alerted to the vulnerability of his flanks by Stuart’s ride two weeks prior, which had apparently not been as secret as they thought. So, McClellan shored up his left flank and moved Porter’s men to high ground with a deep creek in front of them. The new location gave them much better security. Lee’s plan had called for several smaller forces to overwhelm Porter’s men, but it required precise timing. Unfortunately, for Lee, when the assault came, the coordination did not materialize. A major problem was General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s corps, which was slow to move into place. Jackson was just back from his brilliant campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, but 
didn’t show the same vigor and speed at Mechanicsville.
Lee had planned to bring about 55,000 troops against Porter. Unfortunately, because of the mistakes made by Jackson and others, there were only about 11,000. Vastly undermanned, Lee lost 1,475 men in the battle, while the Union losses were only 361. Nevertheless, Lee had stunned McClellan, who then began to fall back away from Richmond. Lee continued to hammer on McClellan for the next week, and the Yankees had to retreat to the James River. For some reason, McClellan did not threaten Richmond again. Instead, and he eventually sailed his army back to Washington, D.C. in what could be viewed a retreat.
My grandson, Caalab Royce loves playing the guitar. He first got into the guitar when he was in middle school. When a child learns an instrument in school, there is normally little chance they will continue to play into adulthood, but Caalab really enjoyed playing, and he has continued playing ever since. He is very talented too, and I’m not just saying that because he is my grandson. Over the years, Caalab has honed his skill, and his playing style has evolved, which I’m sure is typical of a long-term guitar player. I suppose that in the days of old-time country music, the guitar pickers learned one style and stuck with it, but Caalab doesn’t play country music…although he could, if he chose to.
Caalab and his equally musical dad, Travis have formed a little band, and they love to jam together. Once in a while they hold a little concert for family and friends, and it is a good time for everyone. I love watching these guys really get into their music, and I know that Caalab’s mom, my daughter, Amy Royce and his sister, Shai also really enjoy these sessions. The family has a long-standing tradition of Tuesday night being family night, and they pretty much stick to that tradition. Of course, sometimes other obligations get in the way, but not real often. After all, as we all know, a 
job is really a way to finance our lives, and not the thing we live for.
That is the same with Caalab and his family. They are hard workers, but that isn’t their life. They love doing a variety of fun activities, and they are very social people, so they love socializing often. They have attended several baseball games and concerts this year too, and they always enjoy those. Caalab and his dad like playing Disk Golf, and the last time I was there, I got to go along. It was a lot of fun, even though I didn’t play. The course was beautiful, and I got to walk the whole thing with them. We had a blast. Caalab is a fun-loving guy with an infectious laugh, and I very much enjoy his company. Today is Caalab’s 28th birthday. Happy birthday Caalab!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My grandniece, Maya Stevens is a very active little girl. In fact, her daddy, my nephew Garrett calls her an “energizer bunny.” Maya is always on the go, and hard to keep up with most of the time…unless she is sleeping, hahaha!! The reality is that Maya just wants to be in the middle of the action. She wants to experience everything, and she doesn’t want to miss out on anything. For Maya, life is just the coolest thing, and she loves every minute of it. She has a great imagination, and she is curious about everything, so each day becomes an adventure.
Besides her parents, Garrett and his wife Kayla, Maya’s favorite person is her sister, Elliott. Maya thinks she should be able to participate in everything Elliott is doing. That is fun for Elliott…most of the time, but as anyone who has had a younger sibling knows, that whole “kid” sister thing can be a pain sometimes, and sometimes Elliott just doesn’t like it. Nevertheless, Elliott tries to be understanding, and so the girls often play “mom and baby” where Elliott is the mom and Maya is the baby. That is one of Maya’s favorite, because as we all know, the baby has the full attention of the mommy. The girls pretend to run errands and drop Maya off at daycare and such…all fun parts of Maya’s day. Elliott has great motherly instincts because of Kayla and both grandmothers, Alena Stevens and 
Lynette Smiley. Maya does too, and she is quickly becoming a motherly type too, although mostly to her dolls. She loves to push her babies around in strollers and bathe them and feed them. Her imagination is endless.
Maya loves her daycare, and she has made many friends there. A few of them came over for her birthday party on Saturday. It was a great party. The kids all swam and had a great time. That is the cool thing about summer birthdays…the outdoor parties, swimming and running around the yard. So much fun. Maya is an explorer and loves to climb anything she can. I can see it now…watch that girl when she gets around trees!! She also loves riding anything with wheels…especially her daddy’s 4-wheeler. She is also starting to learn how to ride her little bike…a little bit but not great yet. That will come with practice. The family recently went to Disney World, and Maya had a blast on the rides there too. While Maya may have a bit of a “tom-boy” side, she is very much a girly girl. She loves playing dress 
up and putting on makeup and nail polish. She definitely got the “sparkly” gene from her daddy’s mom…her grandma Alena Stevens, who went to Heaven on April 23, 2025. I know that her family will work very hard to keep Alena’s memory alive for Maya and her sister, Elliott. Maya also loves her cousins, Brooklyn and Jaxon Killinger, the bonus children of her Aunt Lacey…who recently gave Maya her first haircut, helping to bring out the “sparkly” gene. Maya is such a bubbly, smiley girl. She’s a joy to be around. Today is Maya’s 3rd birthday. Happy birthday Maya! Have a great day! We love you!
It’s hard to believe that my grandson, Josh Petersen and his wife, Athena Petersen have been married two years already, and yet it also seems like they have been married, or at least together for a long time. I remember the first time I met Athena. They had come to the bowling alley we bowled at for our league. It was their first date. Somehow, I knew this girl would be his wife. They were just perfect for each other. It’s not often that it is so obvious that two people are perfect for each other, but that is what happened with these kids, and the rest is history.
Josh and Athena were married on June 24, 2023. Their marriage has been blessed with three sons…Justin, born 
October 14, 2022; Axel, born September 18, 2023; and Cristian, born January 26, 2025. Their lives are busy and active. Those little boys keep them hopping, but they are very happy and loving every second with their sweet boys and with each other. I love how they are always telling each other just how much they mean to them. It’s so important to express your love for your spouse, and these kids do so all the time.
Josh and Athena actually met when they were in middle school, but like most kids, they did not make the connection until much later when they ended up working together. Their love is real and true, but that was not something they knew in middle school. In fact, Athena told me that she didn’t like Josh then, which is funny, because my mother-in-law, Joann Schulenberg (Josh’s great grandmother) told me the same thing about my father-in-law, Walt Schulenberg (Josh’s great grandfather). I guess the way boys are as kids can be annoying, but later on that boyish charm becomes endearing. In this case, it wasn’t the first moment they met, that 
mattered, but the second moment they met. Not everyone can say that they have known their spouse for much of their lives, but it is really cool when they can, and when they are still in love even after their school days are long over. Nevertheless, Josh and Athena truly are perfect for each other. I love that these kids have their priorities straight…God first, family second, and self, last. I love that they are dedicated to God and family. I love seeing their faith in action. Today marks Josh and Athena’s second anniversary. Happy anniversary, Josh and Athena!! Have an amazing day!! We love you!!
Check these out!
