2011
August 2011
Some highlights in 2011 so far include... a family reunion in early March. Joanna, Stephen & Nicolas came from Colorado for a week, and we enjoyed having everyone together. After many months of illness, “GG” (Great Grandma), especially enjoyed her St. Patrick’s Day with the grandchildren and “great” grandchildren!
Left: Alex, Sue, Paul, Nate & Dena with Craig, Anthony, Joanna & Stephen with Nicolas. In front... “GG” (Sue’s mother), Emily and Mark
Craig (left) with cousin Nicolas
We had our second Christian Harpfest event held on March 18th with special speakers: Eduard Klassen from Canada, and Joanna (Marini) Dindinger from Colorado. We had a number of harpists join us for the day, and then we gave a concert together to a FULL house at Weaverland Mennonite Church in East Earl, PA.
Joanna speaking to a group of harpists at our Christian Harp Fest
Eduard Klassen joins the Harp Workshop for a concert at the Weaverland Menn Church
On June 6th, Joanna & Stephen gave us another grandson named Genesis Philip who we all call “Geno.” Grandma was able to fly out on July 4th to meet the new grandchild and to help out for a week.
Grandma with baby Geno
Stephen, Joanna, Nicolas & baby Geno
We’ve been working on the family CD, and all the recording is finished... now the cover design, copyrights, and final editing need to be completed. We are sure looking forward to finishing this project (which started before the girls got married over 4 years ago!). We will let you know (with a new update) when this recording is available. Alex and the boys continue to produce quality harps at our new shop. He enjoys creating new designs, and lately he’s been developing a new minstrel harp which just sits on your lap comfortably, without needing a stool. Sue just started learning harp using the Bass Minstrel with the new stand, and Alex also enjoys relaxing in his recliner chair playing hymns on his new “Lap Minstrel” harp.
Alex working on a Roma Rosa Harp
Alex looks sunburned after working with Padauk wood
Seems like a new season of life is upon us with young adults involved in a variety of ministries, and grandchildren visiting often... so we continue to look to the Lord to guide our family’s future.
December 2011
Alex keeps busy teaching school in the mornings and then going to the harp shop afternoons. He continues to create new harps that just dazzle the industry! Check out his new “LAP” harp displayed on the harp page! We have enough harp orders to keep Alex & all the boys busy at the shop. Joanna is a busy mom staying after two active boys these days and we are also anticipating another grandchild.... Dena’s little girl this February – pink for a change! Anthony (21) has many different skills... and worked at farming this summer part time, and remodeling this fall with his brother-in-law, Nate, part time; and this winter he’s helping make harps at the shop. For adventure, he loves going white-water rafting out west. He also enjoys playing tennis with his brothers and volleyball with friends. Paul (19) has been working at the shop making harps, but most of his focus has gone into theater this year. He’s been in two different Christian shows (one in August and another this December). He loves singing, acting, and performing with a variety of instruments. He’s also very involved in a variety of children’s ministries and camps. Tennis has also become popular with him and his brothers, so they try to fit that in.
Emily (17) is a senior this year, and also got her permit. She’s looking forward to completing the hours required so she can get her license soon. She’s involved in Christian theater also, and is involved with a variety of ministries to city children. Mark (15) is growing taller and taller each month! Mark’s got 2-1/2 more years of schooling before he graduates... but he has lots of interests to keep him going -- Tennis, fishing, volleyball and ping pong (just to name a few!). He also helps with making harps at the shop in the afternoons sometimes. Sue’s life is filled with lots of activities... and you’ll find her schooling Mark & Emily in the mornings, secretarial stuff for our harp business like showing harps in the living room to a customer.... or at the computer answering customer questions.... then later she’s in the kitchen making supper --- never a dull moment!
Marini Family December 2011
We are “still” working on the family CD, and hope to have it released soon after all the paperwork is done. This has been a VERY long project! So, needless to say, our lives are VERY full, and VERY blessed!
Nate & Dena with Craig
Stephen & Joanna with Nico & Geno
