Wonderfully instructional book!
Best friends Maria and Riley accidentally break a window then lie to their parents. Their growing discomfort coincides with encounters with their parish priests and teachers and lessons of forgiveness, love and reconciliation. Includes a “Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation” and memory book section.
This book carries theimprimatur of the Catholic Church.
Price: $19.95
Best friends Maria and Riley accidentally break a window while playing ball. They fear they have done something wrong, anticipate the consequences, then decide to lie to their parents about it.
Coincidentally, they are just learning about sin and the commandments in their religion classes in preparation for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. After Ms. Kelly explains sin to the children, Maria and Riley know they are in big trouble but don’ t know quite what to do. Words like penance, reconciliation, and absolution are just too big and too confusing.
One day the children coax Father Mike and Sister Mary Rose to join them in an impromptu soccer game. Afterwards, Father questions them about their lessons and then provides examples of how children can commit sins that offend God.
As time passes, Maria and Riley grow more uncomfortable and feel alienated from their parents and each other. Events lead them to question: Can sin make me sick? If I did something bad, would you still love me?
Along the way their parish priests, teachers, and parents use stories of the prodigal son, Adam and Eve, the temptation of Jesus in the desert, ‘hit and run’ accidents, and Jesus’ suffering on the cross to explain sin, repentance, forgiveness, and God’s grace.
Father Hugo, their pastor who loves to de-mystify the church for the children, takes the class on a visit to the reconciliation room and answers their questions and fears about going to confession.
Through it all Maria and Riley begin to understand. However, it isn’t until they research the meaning of reconciliation, penance and absolution on their own, that they see the whole picture.
Full of confidence, Maria and Riley make their First Reconciliation and witness the peace and joy that is theirs through sacramental graces.
Today I Made My First Reconciliation is a storybook, a reference book, and a memory book.
The “Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation” contains information on confessionals, the Commandments, examination of conscience, prayers, how to go to confession, and includes scriptural references.
The “Memories of My First Reconciliation Day” section allows the first-time penitent and his or her family to personalize the book and create a lasting memory of this special day.
Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University. After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.
It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families. Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.
Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events. Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.
In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope. The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places. Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.
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A favorite gift for First Communion!
Join Maria and Riley and their classmates as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist. Learn about the Church, the Mass, music and prayer. “Look in the Back of the Book” for clues and information on the sacrament. A keepsake book to record events of the day.
This book carries the imprimatur of the Catholic Church.
Price: $19.95 hardback gift edition
Join Maria and Riley as they enter their church to begin First Communion classes. The children’s anxiousness gives way to curiosity and finally to confidence as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist!
Although initially taken-back by this offer, Father Hugo deftly turns it into a teaching opportunity. He challenges the children to look throughout the church for clues to solve the Mystery. Then he explains how the things they find point to the Eucharist.
Other members of the parish staff get involved too! Deacon Paul helps the class with their prayers. Sister Mary Rose, the music minister, invites them visit the choir loft and discover the importance of music. Their teacher, Ms. Kelly, brings it all together as she explains the Mass to the children.
When it’s Father Hugo’s turn to explain the Eucharist, he makes the connection between the Last Supper, the Mass, and the clues the children found in the church during their earlier classes. However, Maria and Riley continue to struggle with the Mystery.
Following an evening of family participation in Benediction and Adoration, Maria and Riley find their prayers are answered. A miracle happens and the Mystery is solved. (Sorry, you have to read the book to discover how the Mystery is solved!)
Full of confidence and joy, Maria and Riley receive the Eucharist at their First Holy Communion.
Today I Made My First Communion is a storybook, a reference book, and a memory book. The “Look in the Back of the Book” reference section contains a rendered drawing of ‘Our Church’ and expands the understanding of prayers, the commandments, and the ‘Parts of the Mass’. The “Memories of My First Communion Day” section allows the First Communicant and his or her family to personalize the book and create a lasting memory of this special day.
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AMSNews
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(Archdiocese of Military Services) Vol 2 No 3, 2003
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“Spreading the Faith” a letter from the Archbishop
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“I was especially taken by a series of colorful, highly informative and attractive gift books ($19.95 each), ‘Today I Was Baptized’, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’, and ‘Today We Became Engaged’, each solid, amazingly comprehensive and bound to appeal to the whole family.” Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA
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The Daily Journal
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August 7, 2003
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Book makes prepration for First Communion fun
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Learning about Holy Communion in the Catholic Church can be fun. Just read the new book, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’ ($19.95 by publisher Aunt Dee’s Attic), written by Dianne Ahern, who grew up on a farm near Dwight. Although it explains the Catholic church’s sacrament of Holy Communion and its origins in terms children 9-12 years can understand, their parents also may find it a learning experience. Ahern’s latest book is structured into three parts all within the same book: the story, a very handy reference section of definitions and a memory book. The author says she made her First Communion at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Campus, Illinois, at the age of 7. Growing up on a nearby family farm, she learned to appreciate her faith, family, and freedom to pursue the world. The book tells the story about the steps Catholics take to prepare for First Communion through the eyes of two children, Riley and Maria, who are about 8 years old. Both are very concerned that the 12 weeks of classes will be really hard — even confusing. But Father Hugo makes the experience interesting by presenting it as the “Mystery of the Eucharist.” The clues to solve the mystery can be found as the children study different elements of the Catholic religion: Prayers, the Commandments, parts of Mass, and, of course, what Communion actually means. Father Hugo said, “When you and I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion, we receive special sacramental graces that help us to live our lives according to His rules. And, if we believe in Him, love our neighbors, and live our lives according to the Commandments, we will live forever with God in heaven.” The text is broken up by the eye-catching illustrations of Katherine Larson. One is a large, colorful picture of the interior of a church which names all the different parts, from stained glass windows to the holy water font. Their definitions are explained on the next page. Behind that are pages giving prayers, explaining the Rosary and giving a detailed explanation for each part of the Mass. Adults who are not familiar with the Catholic faith, will find these pages very helpful. At the end of the book are seven pages where children can put the name and pictures of the people who shared the day with them to help make the First Communion experience even more memorable. There is a lot to learn, so children may need several nights to absorb everything, listening and asking questions as they go. But the book will help them understand that going to church is much more important than just a Sunday morning habit. The author has also written “Today I Was Baptized, “Today We Became Engaged” and other books. |
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CRUX of the News
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August 18 AD 2003
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Workbook, keepsake
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Cleverly designed, illustrated and written, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’ combines the fun of a mystery story with the helpfulness of a workbook and the joy of a keepsake for children and their parents as the child receives First Communion. The book begins with two friends who are preparing for their First Communion, and are determined to figure out the “Mystery of the Eucharist.” Author Dianne Ahern and illustrator Katherine Larson combine their talents to tell a story that will keep the children involved and interested. Farther back in the book are the workbook and keepsake parts. The former includes a “map” of the church that shows the different parts (ambo, baptismal font, holy water receptacle, etc.) and defines them in terms that children can understand, as well as prayers that children should learn, and an explanation of the rosary, the ten commandments and a thorough look at the parts of the Mass, with definitions. Following that is the keepsake protion of the book, allowing children (and parents) to write thoughts and dates, places and times, as well as place for pictures or drawings. A fun idea for teachers and children.
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Faith Magazine
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(Diocese of Lansing), June 2003
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Reviews, Today I Made My First Communion
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‘Today I Made My First Communion’ is a beautifully designed storybook, which proceeds into a reference section and ends as a keepsake memory book. Written, illustrated and published in Ann Arbor, it is presented at a level at which everyone — including those making their First Communion and the parents — can understand, learn and enjoy. A delightful, informative children’s story comprises the majority of the book. As readers join members of a First Communion class trying to understand the mystery of the Eucharist, some may recognize St. Thomas the Apostle Church and Fr. Roger Prokop in the wonderful illustrations. A reference sections follows, which contains things such as an illustrated “map of our church” and a step-by-step explanation of the order of the Mass. It also features the Commandments and popular prayers, including a guide to praying the rosary. Lastly, a memories sections is provided, offering the opportunity for this book to become a personalized First Communion keepsake. This local treasure is a perfect way to create a lasting memory and grow in understanding of this special day. |
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The Southern Cross
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(Diocese of San Diego) April 17, 2003
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Children’s Book on First Communion Helps Teach About Eucharist
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What to get a child for First Communion? You have your rosary, your First Prayer Book, a crucifix, a medal, a necklace. Perhaps you should consider ‘Today I Made My First Communion’, a new book in the Aunt Dee’s Attic series of books on the sacraments. This book is written primarily for children who are about to make their First Communion and their families. However, it may help others to learn about the Catholic Church and the Eucharist, as well. The book would also make an excellent ‘refresher’ gift for a confirmation candidate. The picture book, with lengthy and informative text, tells a tail about what happens when an affable parish priest is confronted by a pair of curious second graders who want to know about the Mystery of the Eucharist. The story follows Maria and Riley as they enter their church to begin First Communion classes. The children’s initial anxiety gives way to curiosity and finally to confidence as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist. Although initially taken aback by this offer, Father Hugo deftly turns their questions into a teaching opportunity, challenging the children to look throughout the church for clues to solve the Mystery. Then he explains how things they find point to the Eucharist. ‘Today I Made My First Communion’ is wonderful combination of storybook, reference book, and memory book. In the storybooks section, the author mixes a bit of ‘who-done-it’ drama with traditional religious education to uncover the mystery of our faith. The reference section includes things children should know when making First Communion, including a rendered drawing of “our Church” and expands the understanding of prayers, the commandments and the ‘parts of the Mass.’ The Memories of My First Communion section allows the First Communicant and family to personalize the books and create a lasting memory of this special day. |
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The Catholic Telegraph
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(Archdiocese of Cincinnati), March 5, 2004
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Books help children solve ‘the mystery of the Eucharist’ |
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What happens when affable Father Hugo, a parish priest, is confronted by a pair of curious second-graders who want to help him solve “the mystery of the Eucharist”? In Today I Made My First Communion ($19.95 hardcover), author Dianne Ahern, a Catholic writer from Michigan, turns a second-grader’s confusion into a story of a pastor who finds himself blessed with the opportunity to teach the first Communion class at this parish school about the sacrament. Among characters figuring prominently in the book are the two children, the parish deacon, the music minister and the second-grade teacher. The book uses the setting of the class preparation for first Communion to teach children — and adults — that the songs sung and prayers spoken all point to the Eucharist. There’s a bit of whodunit drama mixed in with traditional religious education so that children find a new way to uncover the mystery of faith. A reference section is also included, helping children learn the terms they should know when making first Communion. And the last section of the book allows a child and his or her family to record the events of their special day, making it a lasting keepsake. The book is the third in a series of books on the Sacraments authored by Ahern. “I want to preserve all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with our rites of passage,” she explained. “But more importantly, I want people to understand and reflect on how important certain events, and in this case, the sacraments are in our lives.” |
Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University. After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.
It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families. Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.
Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events. Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.
In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope. The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places. Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.
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All time best seller!
Begins with a children’s story about a baby’s baptism day-told from the baby’s perspective! Includes short essays that explain the sacrament of Baptism. The book becomes a keepsake for this very special day allowing parents, godparents, and others to describe the day.
This book carries the imprimatur of the Catholic Church.
Now available for Kindle! Only $5.99. Get yours today!
Price: $19.95 hardback gift edition
A children’s read-to-me story about a baby’s baptism day. The story is written from the perspective of the baby watching the goings-on of the day. The story helps children to understand the Sacrament of Baptism and is especially helpful to prepare siblings for the Baptism of their new brother or sister. Six short essays explain the significance and traditions associated with Baptism. The essays are nice “refreshers” for Christians who might not have thought about Baptism for a while, and are helpful to explain Baptism to individuals who have not received formal religious education.
– Why we Baptize
– Why and how we use water in Baptism
– The Baptism of Jesus Christ
– How Jesus conferred the right to Baptize to the Apostles
– Anointing with oil
– The Baptismal gown
It becomes a keepsake book with pages for parents and godparents to write their own special message to the baby, include photos of the day, insert a copy of the baptism certificate, and more. Today I Was Baptized makes the perfect gift and keepsake to commemorate this special day.
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CREDO
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October 15, 2001
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Book on Baptism is first in series
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In 1999 Dianne Ahern was leading a very successful life. She had a master’s degree in healthcare administration and was vice president of Elan Systems, an international healthcare consulting firm. But, she says, that just wasn’t enough. “I was walking to work one day, having my morning talk with God and wondering if I was doing the right thing with my life. This idea just came to me. Why not develop a series of books that commemorate and celebrate special events in people’s lives?” That moment of inspiration has not taken long to materialize. Ahern presented the idea to here partners at Elan Systems, who thought that it would open new opportunities for the company. Elan already published findings and recommendations in print and graphic format for their clients, so a new division of the company was formed called Aunt Dee’s Attic. By June 2000, Aunt Dee’s Attic had published Ahern’s first book, ‘Today I Was Baptized’. “Baptism seemed like a logical place to start,” Ahern said, “It is the first sacrament that Christians receive, and most of the time it is administered to infants. It is also a cause of great celebration that often brings generations of family together.” The book is written from the perspective of the baby being baptized. It also contains short essays on why we baptize, water in baptism, the baptism of Christ, anointing with oil and the baptismal gown. In the back are pages for photographs and “My Baptism Memories.” The illustrations, done by Katherine Larson, depict Ahern’s parish of St. Thomas the Apostle as well as the pastor, Fr. Roger Prokop. Now, Ahern has completed her second book, ‘Today We Became Engaged’. “This book encourages couples to actually examine what is important to themselves and their chosen mate,” Ahern said. “It talks about love and how it progresses from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. It discusses commitment, fairness, courage, compassion, honesty, respect and forgiveness.” ‘Today We Became Engaged’ offers helpful hints for things such as the ring, the proposal and acceptance. It also has an entire section for the couple to record their story: how they met, their courtship, the engagement story, and possibilities for the future. |
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AMSNews
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(Archdiocese of Military Services) Vol 2 No 3, 2003
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“Spreading the Faith” a letter from the Archbishop
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“I was especially taken by a series of colorful, highly informative and attractive gift books ($19.95 each), ‘Today I was Baptized’, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’, and ‘Today We Became Engaged’, each solid, amazingly comprehensive and bound to appeal to the whole family.” Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA
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The Midwest Book Review, February 2010
Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University. After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.
It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families. Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.
Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events. Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.
In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope. The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places. Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.
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This book was designed to help families pray the rosary with their children. Each mystery includes a piece of sacred art, a description of each mystery in “kid speak”, and instructions on how to pray this treasured method of prayer given to us by Our Lady herself. A digital version of this book can be downloaded for free at tinythomists.com. You may also download it to your Kindle device for a small charge. It comes as special gift we give to all of our members who enjoy bi-weekly faith formation plans grounded in the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. Each lesson includes a portion of the Summa Theologica in simplified kid speak, Lectio Divina, Saintly Situations, a Read to Me explanation of the Catholic faith, fun activities to do with your family and much more.
Paperback $18.99 | Kindle: $5.99
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St. Louis De Montfort tells us in his timeless book on Our Lady, True Devotion, that “the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus is through Mary.” The Rosary is the tool that Mary gave to St. Dominic to help us grow in our relationship with her, to recognize her mysterious role in the story of salvation.
In the same way that Jesus came to us through Mary, so do we come to him through her divine intervention as the Mother of all Christians and the Queen of Heaven and Earth. It is through her Rosary that we are tied to God’s grace and as faithful benefactors of such blessings, we are better equipped to carry out the personal missions God gives us to complete.
This book was written to help parents complete their mission of raising Christ-like children by helping them come to know, love, and serve Jesus through the love of his Mother. The Rosary, then, becomes the lifeline that unites us with the Holy Family, engaging our hearts and minds with the mysteries that each decade represents.
For each mystery, TJ has provided two components:
The Rosary has been called the “epitome of the whole Gospel” (CCC 971) and as such, it teaches children the greatest story ever told. It is recommended that the Rosary be prayed together with your children at a determined time each day so that the seeds of the Rosary can be planted, tilled, watered, and nourished through the repetition, contemplation, and imitation of the virtues it promotes.
“There is almost nothing more innocent and pure than when a child prays the rosary. It moves the hearts of Jesus and Mary and opens the floodgates of heaven. It is for this reason that The Rosary in Kid Speak is certain to bring about blessings for children, families, the Church, and society in general. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!” – Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, Author of Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon
“I want to give this book to every Catholic parent I know! I stand in awe. With stunning artwork to capture little one’s attention and the use of common, everyday words, these meditations capture the deep truths at the heart of the Rosary’s Mysteries. This book and TinyThomists.com are gifts to the domestic church!” – Shane Kapler, Author of Marrying the Rosary to the Divine Mercy Chaplet
T.J. Burdick the author of several books and professional speaker. He is the founder of the Dominican Institute and blogger at tjburdick.com. A former missionary to Latin America, T.J. creates media on how to grow in holiness amongst the distractions and difficulties of the current age. All proceeds from this book go to help fund Catholic missions. He resides in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife and four children.
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