Happy New Year!

I can't believe how fast 2011 went by.  I'm sure in just a few blinks Sarah and Matthew will have gradutated this spring! My mom was right (as usual) time does go faster with each passing year. I am thankful for all the blessings God has given to us, our family and friends. Each one of you is a blessing to us! 

Our trip to Florida has been wonderful. Although the trip was LONG on Sunday and Monday, it sure was worth it and we had no trouble with the driving and only a few traffic tie ups.  Here are the highlights of our trip so far:

• Waking up in Daytona Beach and seeing the sun glistening on the roaring ocean.
• Playing shuffleboard with Jeff and Matthew and walking along the beach.
• Witnessing the marriage of our neice, Lori, to Daniel Brown.  A great couple!
• Seeing all but a few of Jeff's siblings and their families. Friends too!
• Having a delicious Japanese meal cooked at our table. 
• Celebrating Christmas..again!
• Spending the day with my brothers and their families.  Talking, laughing, playing games, eating, and watching some football.

Still ahead:

• Celebrating Jeff's dad's birthday with many friends and family! 
• Welcoming in 2012. Praying for a healthy and happy New Year for everyone!
• Church on Sunday before another LONG ride home.  Sarah wants to try and drive straight through! I am not sure if we can do that.  Only time will tell.

Signing off for the last time in 2011,

Gracie

Christmas Day!

Mary and Sarah sang "Here With Us" at church Christmas Morning. It was beautiful. It has been a very nice Christmas. Presents have been opened, ham dinner shared and we even tried out Matt's new Wii Sports Resort! Mary is spending a little time with Brandon and family before we head out. I must say we have done a lot in a small amount of time! Way to go troops!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone! We had a very nice Christmas Eve, last minute shopping, wrapping gifts and even visiting a little princess!  Church was very nice. The orchestra did a fine job playing along with the hymns. Jeff gave a good sermon and the candles are always the pinnacle of the service.  I even sang Silent Night a little bit.  Usually my emotions get carried away and wonderful memories come flowing back.  I miss my dad. So thankful the Jesus loves us so much that he died and rose again, so we call live forever with Him! I know my dad is there and that makes me happy.

Our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Hot Dogs and Cheese Balls was eaten after church and then Mary and Brandon went to midnight service and the rest of us played a family game.  I even won this time! The time kept ticking and soon, one by one, our family is falling asleep.  Much needed rest.  It will be my turn in just a few minutes.  Tomorrow we will have church, eat, open presents and pack before heading south for a family wedding. Life is so busy!

My new job is great, but leaves me exhausted by the time I get  home.  My decision to work at the hospital again was a good one, and I am feeling more assimilated with each day.  The girls finished up another semester of classes with all A's and one B. So proud of  them!  Glad to have them home too. I miss them so much when they are away at school. Our Sunday School Christmas Program was terrific!  Everyone did a wonderful job.

With all the busyness at this time of the year, it is easy to forget the reason of the season!  When those times of being overwhelmed stress you out, take time to talk to God.  Without Him we are lost. Celebrate Jesus birth and let Him help you plug along at your list of things to do..I will get Christmas Cards out, but you might not get them until the New Year!  The wishes will be just as heartfelt!  Check out all the new pictures on the Family Photo Album.

Here's to a blessed 2012~

Gracie

GHS Christmas Concert 2011

I went to Matthew's concert tonight. Had the day off! It was very nice. I especially liked the set/scenery. Matthew was chosen to sing the duet portion of White Christmas earlier today. He did a great job and looks so nice!

I am sorry that it has been so long since my last entry. I have been so busy the past few weeks. Last week was a full week of orientation, spending time in a conference room listening from the many departments of the hospital. We also had computer training as our chart is completely electronic. Lots to remember. This week I worked 2 twelve hour day shifts with another nurse and had many many experiences. I am glad to be back in the nursery and delivery rooms. Talked to my little client's mom and will be picking up a few days a month with them too. That was my plan all along. Just need to wait until I go to my regular shift on nights a few nights a week.

Last Saturday Jeff Matt and I went to Ann Arbor to have dinner with Mary and Brandon before an evening of singing. The Blue Horizon barbershop was terrific as was the Women's Glee Club. Glad we could see and hear Mary play her cello too! What a great night!

I am trying to get so many things done. The Sunday School program is this Sunday. Presents need to wrapped. Bought Christmas cards and Matt got more lights to put up outside. He has done a great job with the lights this year. I am playing for a wedding this weekend too. Need a little more practice time. Did I mention there are still presents to buy for some important people? Laundry is getting done and I even cooked dinner tonight. I need to do a little banking too.

The girls are still at school and preparing for the finals. Sarah is done on Friday and Mary next Wednesday. Can't wait to have them back home for a while.

I better get back to work...then bed..soon!

Gracie

RC.Chamber.AVI

Mary's Chamber Group performs Panis Angelicus. These players are all from the Residential College and are majoring in something besides music.

Blue Horizon 12/10/11

Mary and Brandon's Mixed Barbershop Quartet debuts before the UMWGC concert.

UMWGC.Winter (2).AVI

Mary's Chamber Group accompanies the UMWGC. Can't see Mary. She is behind the director.

Thankfulness Abounds!

What a fun filled weekend with our family! Thank You Lord for a wonderful husband and children!

I promised a report from Matthew and Jeff's black Friday adventure. They started out at Radio Shack and bought a new TomTom GPS on sale to replace the Garmin GPS Jeff would return later, only to have found a good exchange instead of a return at Best Buy with a TomTom GPS. So in the end, Jeff got a new GPS and then gave me the GPS from Radio Shack for my car!  I might be needing it now that I will be driving to Grand Rapids more often.

Their next stop was the Apple Store. Matthew bought himself a new MacBook PRO laptop computer.  He loves it, and now he and I won't be "fighting" over my laptop anymore. So all three kids were working on their MacBooks this weekend either for homework or for fun!

I had a good day at work on Friday and then we had chicken crescents for dinner as planned. Mary and I have it down to a science and can turn out a meal together pretty quick!

By 8 pm we were at the Sports Plex ready for ice skating.  We had Sarah's skates sharpened and we all laced up!  We all enjoyed ourselves but only needed one hour for skating. The skates hurt our feet.  Even Sarah's did since they aren't the right size anymore. She still loves them and uses them.  She looked so lovely out there skating.  I miss it and I think she does too. We took lots of pictures, so be sure to visit the Family Photo Album.  The night wasn't over, Sarah Mary and I stayed up and made Bulkoogi for dinner for Saturday.  Sarah has mad meat cutting skills! The smell of the marinade made us hungry so we shared a frozen pizza before bed.  Fun!

Saturday was the big Michigan vs Ohio State game.  Mary, Jeff and I watched the game with the Cory's at their pub on the big screen TV. A fun private party!  What a game and a nail biter. So glad the Wolverines hung on and WON!  Go Blue!  Wish we could say the same for the Gators. :(  The Sooners had no problem beating Iowa State.  By the way, Mary and Brandon were interviewed by the Detroit Free Press last week about their recent trip to OSU to sing the Victors.  I have posted the link to the story on my Facebook.

The plan was to begin making the yakimondue after getting home from the game,  but the whole matter of new cell phones and plans came up with great buys!  So we went phone shopping for an hour to see what phone we might want to have next.

So even though we were behind a little, with great team work, Mary and I had the Korean meal ready by 7:15 and we ate to our hearts content. bulkoogi and rice and yakimondue...Mmmmm.  So glad that Brandon could join us for our feast.  Anytime Mary and Brandon are home, there is some singing involved. Matthew and I joined in on some barbershop quartet numbers. Their mixed barbershop quarter, Blue Horizon, should be debuting the night of Mary' Glee Club concert.  Mary is playing her cello that night too.  Can't wait!

Sunday morning came early and our group sunday school and church service went well.  I played for church along with the orchestra. Our anthem turned out very nice. I was pleased, I think God was too!  Jeff and I did chapel for the Long Term Care residents in the afternoon and then came the moment the girls were waiting for: ordering new phones.  Despite the long phone call between two customer service people and four of the five of us, our new phones are ordered and we did get a good deal.  They are even supposed to be shipped overnight, which means we should have them tomorrow!  Another new toy to play with, when will I ever have time for Quicken?  Brandon picked up Mary around 6 pm Sunday and headed back to Ann Arbor. They arrived safe and sound. Sarah stayed until after we finished bowling (we won only one game) and headed home around 11pm.  She too made it home safe and sound with lots of work to do...Supposed to have a presentation today, hope it went well for her. Maybe I will hear from her sometime soon.

Today I did some cybershopping,  "redecorated" the blog and watched TV.  I want to start some laundry tonight and decorate our house for Christmas.  First I have choir and chimes and a little shopping.  Better get going!

Gracie

PS:  Jeff has found a good deal on a new Toshiba laptop computer (his is old and slow) and will be driving into Grand Rapids to pick it up!  Fun Fun Fun!

Keep Scrolling and watch a few videos from our ice skating night!

IceSkating - Sarah Jumps

Ice Skating 11-25-11

Black Friday is Overrated

This was my second time shopping on Black Friday, only today I had to wake up at 0430 to go.  Last time I shopped after a night shift at a hospital.  That was 18 years ago!

Mary and I willingly got up and dressed and headed to our local K-Mart for a few good buys on kitchenware.  After all, Mary will be cooking meals at school next year, living in a house with 5 other people.  How can you pass up a deal of 16 pieces of cookware for $20 and a hand mixer for $10?  We arrived only 5 minutes after KMart opened and there were no shopping carts left and we had a great parking spot (cough cough) first spot at the end!  We meandered to the kitchen section and there were none on the shelf.  Really?  Five minutes after they opened? So we looked at some other small kitchen appliances when I noticed a mountain of them in one of the main aisles!  Woohoo!  Mary got her red pots and pans with utensils.  Good thing we got up early, they were going quick!  It was interesting to watch all these other people shopping.  We were definitely out of our league here.  There was one lady with a bike in her shopping cart. There was a line to get into the audio/visual department.  Our decision was "let's go"!  The checkout lines were pretty slow and long. We stood in line as long as it took to find our two items. Unfortunately, we got hot standing there in line with everyone else, only they had carts of stuff instead of two things. We both started feeling a little ill in line, but survived and made it home.

Meanwhile, Matthew and Jeff are on their own adventure.  Radio Shack, Best Busy and the Apple Store.  I wish them the best...and will report their success later on.  Now for a little more shut eye before work.

Gracie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am most thankful for my family that we can spend it together!  Mary and Brandon surprised us and came home on Tuesday and Sarah was home when I got home from work yesterday. It is so nice to have them home for a long weekend. So far we have:

• Enjoyed dinner together at Pizza Hut and late night shopping for groceries.
• Sarah made delicious pumpkin-spice cream cheese breakfast rolls. They were yummy!
• Mary and I made pumpkin pies.
• Planned shopping for Black Friday...:Not too much...just a few things. I work tomorrow too.
• Prepared and ate traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Pumpkin Pies still to be devoured.
• Matthew and Mary put up the Christmas Tree. Still need to decorate more this weekend.
• Played a game and now watching some silly TV.  

The past week has been so busy, I failed to write any updates.

• Matthew was stage manager for GHS musical, Grease three nights in a row.  It was a great show and all went well each night.  I stayed after the last show to watch the strike the set and learned a lot about how much work goes into the techincal part of the show!  Parents of the actors watch their kids perform and all is well.  Techie moms and dads don't get to see their kids work, unless you watch the strike.  Very cool.
• MCLC Chime Team played on Sunday and it was virtually perfect!  Orchestra plays on Sunday.  Advent is here! Chirstmas Program is planned and parts distributed. I think it is going to be a nice service.
•  I went for my employee health appointment and can't start until I am cleared by the Metro Employee Health Doctor. He needs to clear me for work since I have had some knee issues related to arthritis.  It might click and lock a little, but I don't have constant pain and never missed work because of it. Also need to check my immunity to mumps. I won't get to see him until next Thursday. Supposed to start the following Monday. That is cutting it pretty close, especially since I don't know what the doc will say. I fretted for  a while, but there isn't a lot that I can do.
• Our bathroom is finally finished and very nice. The floor is heated and feels great. The water strong now and the drains are no longer slow.  Yay!
• Our bowling team remains in 2nd place. I didn't bowl so well last Sunday, but Jeff had a great game of 204!  He has a great average..176!

The rest of the weekend should prove to be a lot of fun!  Sometimes I think we won't have enough time!

• Shopping late night/early morning shopping.  Jeff and Matthew are going into Grand Rapids and Mary and I are staying local, since I need to be at work later after the sun rises.
• Chicken Crescents are slated for Friday dinner,but we are always open to change.
• Possible Ice Skating at a new rink nearby.  I may not skate, but I love to watch Sarah skate. She still loves it.  Matthew would love it too.
• College Football..U of M vs. OSU. Go Blue!  Not sure where we will watch it, but it is sure to be a good game.  Will be rooting for the Gators and Sooners too! Korean dinner on Saturday.

That is all for now....I will try to write more often!

Go Blue Beat OSU!

Grace

2011 WVU Marching Band Armed Forces Salute

Jeff posted this on Facebook.  I think it is really great and worth watching!  Enjoy!

Gracie

Hunting Season Has Begun

The Wilhelm's are not hunters, but Matthew enjoyed the day to sleep in.  No school on opening day of "gun" hunting.  It certainly was still a busy day!  I worked for my Marcella, my nurse buddy, who was out hunting today and got a buck and a doe!  Every year she has success on day #1.  Matthew worked at the childcare center and then had dress rehearsal this evening.  Jeff worked at church then did a lot of work at the house. The carpets got cleaned, gutter repair, readying the snow blower and vacuumed the whole place!  What a man!  So grateful for all he does.

Tonight was press review for the high school's musical, Grease.  It went pretty well. Looking forward to the performances at the end of the week. I will be selling tickets, both on Friday and Saturday. I love that job.  Speaking of jobs, I got a message from the nurse scheduler from my new job.  I will be in touch with her in the next few days to finalize my orientation schedule. I am getting pretty excited about my new adventure.

Our bathroom is almost finished! Just a few final touches.  It has sure been a long time, since the end of  September. It was totally worth doing the project though since the water pressure is so much better!  We have yet to try out the heated floor. The electrician is coming next week to show us how to work the thermostat.  I will take pictures when everything is back in place.

We ordered Matthew's senior pictures on Monday.  The good news is that there is no deadline to order, so I will be bringing the proof book to Florida in December for everyone to see. If there is something someone wants to order, we can do it at the first of the new year.


Matthew worked hard outside last Sunday after church.He trimmed the bushes, cut back a tree, raked leaves and cut the grass. He has everything looking great!  Our bowling team took three points on Sunday evening, but it was quite a struggle. The lanes we were bowling on kept malfunctioning, we were the last team to finish our games. My scores were mediocre, but Jeff had a big 204!  Glad we were able to keep the games close and pull off a good result.

I had a wonderful time in Ann Arbor last Saturday.  Pizza with Mary at the Pizza House, then we spent time visiting in her dorm room before the concert.  The concert was very good as always, worth the drive there and back.  We will be going back on December 11th for Mary's concert.  In addition to the women's glee club concert, Mary will be playing her cello with her chamber quartet and the mixed barbershop quartet group Mary and Brandon formed at the the beginning of the year should be performing too! How exciting!

Looking ahead for the rest of the week:

• Choir practice and Orchestra practice.  
• Grease, the musical
• A birthday party
• Chimes are playing on Sunday
• Getting the house/bathroom back to normal
• Plan Thanksgiving Dinner/weekend
• Laundry and all those household chores! Whew!

Better get some rest! Goodnight!

Gracie

First Snow

Today was our first day we had snow. It was little balls of snow, almost like tiny beads. It was fun to watch. Didn't stick around very long at all. We had all kinds of weather today, cloudy and gloomy, then snowy, then sunny then snowy...etc....It is cold. I broke out my winter coat. I don't mind though. I like the change of seasons.

The tile is down in the bathroom and it looks nice. Tomorrow the grout goes in tomorrow. Things are finally getting done. Next week the fixtures get put in and the final touches, including the carpet. Will take some pictures of the finished product.

I was able to get some Sunday School work done today, along with other paperwork and getting tickets to the GR Symphony concert. Had orchestra practice and it went pretty well. We have one more practice next week.

Today is Martin Luther's birthday...Tomorrow is Veterans Day! We will go out to eat somewhere that Jeff can eat for free! Probably Applebee's.

First another day of work.

God Bless America! God Bless our Troops!

Grace

Operation: Hail

Well, I have kept this secret pretty well for the past month. Now I can share the video that Mary and Brandon participated in, singing the "Victors" at Ohio State University. No one was hurt or got in trouble. LOL! I think it is pretty neat and that they all sounded and looked marvelous! Enjoy watching and please share it with everyone one you know! I will be heading to UMich on Saturday for Brandon's Glee Club concert. I can't wait! I am in the spirit!

The past few days have been pretty good even though it has been cold and rainy. The bathroom project continues to move forward! Yay! Thinking the tile might actually start going down tomorrow! I know on this Thanksgiving, I will be thankful for an finished upstairs bathroom! Of course, I am most thankful for my family, friends and my new job and most of all for my savior Jesus!

Heard back from the doctor and I am a little anemic. Doc wants me to take iron. That is pretty hard on the stomach.. I am a little concerned that it will make me sick. Guess I should try it, maybe it will give me a little pep! Knee felt a little better today. Will see my doctor next Thursday.

Sarah is sick. Sore throat, fever and just feels horrible. She also has lots of homework and papers to write. Please pray that she feels better very soon and that she has the energy she needs to get her assignments done.

Matthew and I are off to the store. Remember to pass on the video link! GO BLUE!

Gracie

Good News!

Well, today is the day!  After several weeks of waiting, the tile expert is here this week to put in our bathroom floor.  We sure hope that the rest of the bathroom repair goes smoothly with nice results.  Not sure when it will be done, but sure glad there is some progress and don't want to rush anything. Watch for updates this week!

After years being on the job hunt, filling out countless lengthy online applications and three recent interviews,  I was offered a night shift position at Metro Hospital in the Nursery and Postpartum unit.  I am happy to announce that I accepted the position and will begin my new job on December 5th. I am excited about this new opportunity and furthering my career.  The staff I have met are very friendly and helpful.  The hospital has the reputation of treating the employees very well, and that they love working there!  I am still planning on caring for my little princess as time allows.

We had a pretty good weekend too. Matthew had play rehearsal and reports that things are coming together nicely.  He also got the proof book from his senior pictures and we are going to have a time picking out a few favorites.  Matthew is getting excited about his senior year, graduation and being a Sooner!  He has been accepted to OU but still has an interview to set up with the theatre department admissions.  He needs to create a portfolio too.  In the meantime, Matt is doing well in school and is part of the first ever Technical Theatre Class at GHS.  Here is a sketch that he did for homework and was posted on GHS Theatre Facebook.  I  think it looks great.  The melodrama "Westward Whoa" will be showing at GHS by staff and friends of Greenville Public Schools in February.  We will see if they use some or all of Matthew's ideas!  So proud of Mr Matthew.  He works occasionally at the Church's Child care when needed.  The kids love him!

Jeff and I enjoyed a delicious mexican meal with some friends from church last Saturday. It certainly is a popular place since there was a 45 minute wait.  I don't think we waited the whole 45 minutes, but it sure was worth it.  Loved my chimichanga.  It was a fun time.  Saturday is football day and we were happy that the Gators and Sooners won there games, but felt so bad that Michigan lost. I truly believe that they scored a touchdown with only seconds left, but it was ruled incomplete.  Who knows what would have happened.

Sarah and Mary have been very busy.  Sarah has a lot of homework to complete after attending an AT  conference this weekend.  She also wants to start applying to Graduate School.  Sarah reported to me that Hope College is hosting the Men's NCAA soccer tournament and is so happy that she can work the Hope games with the team! She loves being around the action and athletes!  Go Hope!  Mary has lots to keep her busy and she was with the Women's Glee Club retreat this weekend, so I haven't heard much from her.  I will be going to the University of Michigan this weekend for the Men's Glee Club Concert on Saturday.  Brandon and Mary's mixed barbershop quartet might perform as well before the concert. That would be so exciting!

Today I am going for some blood work and hope to make an appointment with my orthopedic doctor for a second opinion on my knee problem that persists.  Want to get it under control before I start my new job!

I guess that is all the news I have for now.....

Gracie

My interview went really well. One interviewer said I did marvelous! Around 1:30pm I got a message on my cell phone from Human Resources that they have some good news for me!  Now we are playing phone tag and I work tomorrow.  Wonder when I will get to talk to her in person?  The other issue is that they only have one orientation this month and it this coming week.  I cannot just leave my job with Hailey  in less than a week.  I was supposed to have the option of job shadowing too.  I don't think I could start until December without going against my conscience. Jeff waited for me during my interview and when it was over, I couldn't find him for 30 minutes. Turned out we were sitting in separate waiting rooms maybe a few hundred feet from each other!  That was crazy!  We stopped for breakfast and received no service for the first 5 or more minutes, not even a hello!  So we left and bought some pastries to eat.  They were delicious!  

Sarah's presentation was superb! We are so proud of her! I liked how she gave the info and then had questions for the other students during the presentation.  All of her teachers were very welcoming and had only nice things to say about our Senior. Hope College is a wonderful place!  Took Sarah to lunch  and then headed back to Greenville.

Had my first MRI ever today. My right knee continues to click, twist and catch during the day and I feel aching pain at night or at rest.  I sure hope that it can tell the docs what is going on with it.  I sure don't want to deal with this forever!  Should have results by Friday.  Hope I don't have to play more phone tag. Oh, I didn't have to go all the way into the MRI machine. That was a plus!

Just heard from Mary. She had a great day. So good to hear her voice and especially a happy one!  She and five of her friends have secured an off campus home for next year.  They are very excited about it.  School is going well as is her activities, barbershop group, K-Grams and Glee Club.  The South Africa trip is a go!  Yay!

Better get going..Have some more things to get done before bed.

Gracie

Trunk or Treat!

We had a lot of fun at Mt Calvary's Trunk or Treat! Jeff went as Darth Vader and Matthew returned as the Jedi Knight. Only wish Jeff would have said to him..Matthew I AM YOUR FATHER! Everyone loved the Star Wars corner and especially liked Matthew's pumpkins which were awesome! One little girl had to have her picture taken with Darth Vader! Most kids knew his voice and said that is Pastor Jeff. Darth Vader turned to the good side and was friendly as he passed out candy. We found the Jedi sat lifeless with his hood over his head until just the "right" time and scared a few kids. I was so original and went as a nurse. Whoopie! I guess it was better than not dressing up. The turn out for Trunk or Treat was huge, maybe 1000 people. We had no candy or hot dogs leftover and everyone had a lot of fun. There are lots of pictures on the Photo Album. Take a look!

 Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I have a third interview early in the AM with my potential peers at a local hospital. Jeff and I will continue on to Holland mid-morning to attend Sarah's senior case study presentation. I am looking forward to it. Can't wait to give my Sarah a big hug too! We have to be back by 3pm for an MRI of R knee. It has been especially bothersome tonight.

Well that is all. It was a good day! Praying for a great day for everyone tomorrow!

Gracie

Happy Reformation Day!

Mt Calvary's Reformation service was great Sunday morning!  I was very pleased with the Chime Team and with our horn players.  I sang with a mass choir in the afternoon and that went pretty well too.  It made for a long day after a short night's sleep.

Bowling started off a little rough, but ended up in a high note!  Jeff bowled at 232 and I bowled a 157.  Jeff's series was a 607 and now has an average of  178!  Better him than me, I am happy to stay at 122.

Weather here is cold and rainy tonight. Matthew was able to mow our lawn and our neighbor's lawn one last time before the winter.  I don't mind the cold..just the rainy part that.  Rather  have snow.  To many snow is a four lettered word!

So we all get to sleep in tomorrow.  Matthew has no school, but play practice from 9-1.  Then he will go to work at the child care center at church in the afternoon.  My little buddy is coming at 10 instead of 8:30, so I have a little make up sleep time too.

Trunk or Treat begins at 6pm, at MCLC and I am planning on having a great time as usual.  Hope it isn't too cold. Matthew carved three pumpkins this year aren't they great?

Mary went to a halloween party last Friday.  She and Brandon wore their trachten, German clothes. They look great and it sure looks the whole group of friends had a fun time!  Don't know if Sarah has any Halloween plans.  She has been super busy! Matthew and Jeff have their costumes ready.  I am not sure what I am going to do yet.. I don't get too excited about dressing up for Halloween anymore. I will post pictures of them tomorrow after Jeff reveals his new look!

I had better get to bed.  Think I will take some ibuprofen first. My knee still hurts. Hope the MRI can tell us why it is giving me so much trouble.

Have a Great Pumpkin of a Day!

Gracie

Pretty Good Week, Fun Weekend Ahead!

The week at the Wilhelm's was a productive one.  Good days at work, Survived joint choir rehearsal and our Brass Ensemble is ready for Reformation Sunday! Even the tile specialist came to look at our bathroom to see where he will be putting in the tile. Just a few more weeks.  I am happy to report that the shower and toilet upstairs are in working order and that makes me very very happy!

 Thursday Jeff and I went to Concordia Ann Arbor for a Parenting Seminar. It was very good and we also go the chance to visit with our Mary!  We had such a nice one hour visit.  Saw some of the houses that Mary and her friends looked to rent next year.  They have decided on one, and have paper work to do!  We also took her to McDonald's for a snack. She told so many fun stories and I got to give her a couple of big hugs!  That is the best.

Friday we traveled into Grand Rapids for pizza and the World Series. What a battle! Great baseball to end the season.  Wished it could have been the Tigers winning the whole thing.  I had reasons for either Texas or St Louis to win.  Went to Nursing School in St Louis and watched them win the world series in 1982, and it is always nice when a team who has never won a series gets this far.  Looking forward to next year! We made as stop at Party City to get Jeff a new halloween costume.  Won't tell you what it is, you will have to wait for pictures. It is going to be great!

Saturday is always College Football day in the fall.  So glad to see Michigan and Oklahoma win, and felt bad that the Gators couldn't hold on and earn a win against those 'dawgs. Eeeww.  Hope  Brantley is ok, he was really limping at the end of the game.

Matthew has a friend over  and they had fun carving pumpkins, eating dinner and watching TV.  I am glad that Matt has a buddy to spend off time with.  They are in Village Green together and maybe other classes too. Not sure.  We have Matthew's senior picture proof book.  I guess there is no way for family to see them.  Will have to pick for you!! Ha Ha!  They are nice, so no worries! Maybe if I knew if you like full length or close up, I can pick better.

I had a long list of things to do today, but didn't get it all done.  I did start the laundry and thought about quicken. My poster is made and the kitchen is clean.  Matt got his pumpkins and I watched all of my football games.  I still need to shop and practice the piano.

Looking ahead....

• Reformation at MCLC~Chimes and Orchestra are playing.  Joint Reformation services of several Lutheran Churches.  Our choir is in the joint choir.
• Bowling
• Halloween~Trunk or Treat at MCLC. Jeff's costume revealed!  Fun!  
• Peer Interview early Tuesday, then off to Holland for Sarah's Senior Case Presentation. MRI on my R knee that continues to click, twist and pop.

It is always busy at the Wilhelm's house!  How about yours?


Gracie

Plans Keep Changing

Today Jeff and I were supposed to attend Sarah's Senior Case Study Presentation. Instead, I will use this day to do laundry, church work and go to the dentist. Tragically, a Hope student was hit and killed by a train going though the campus last night.  I have crossed that track many times over the past four years. So today the campus will come together at the chapel at 1100 for a service of prayer and reflection. Sarah's presentation will be next week at 1100 and we will be there!  So glad it is on a Tuesday.  I feel bad for my Sarah since she was all set and ready to go!  Waiting another week would cause some stress for me, that is for sure!  I know Sarah will do fine, she has done such a great job all four years at Hope! We are so proud of her!

Went to the doctor for my knee. It is still bothering me after two weeks. Clicking, popping, twisting and that horrible feeling of getting stuck. Having pain at night too.  Anyway, the xrays I had show only a little arthritis, so I will be getting an MRI sometime in the near future to see if there is damage to the meniscus.  If there is, I will go back to Orthopedic Associates of Michigan. If not, then some physical therapy.  Today I am going to the dentist and will get a cleaning and have them check my baby tooth that is chipped. I am freaking out about that! I don't like going to the dentist.

We did NOT see the Northern Lights last night. Jeff drove us out of town to a dark field north of town and we saw only twinkling stars, which were pretty too, but no aurora borealis. When I moved to FL many years ago, I missed the snow so much, that I asked God to let it snow in FL and when he did, I missed it. I was inside church acolyeting. Well, taking the robe off and putting stuff away. Now, I'd love to see the northern lights and God made them visible in W Michigan, even Grand Rapids, and I missed them.  I certainly hope to see them one day, somewhere! The local TV station posted some pictures sent in by their viewers. Click here to take a look!

Last Sunday was position night at bowling.  We won one game, losing three.  I had one good game and my teammates had good games.  The other team was just bowling over average each game.  So I think we are in second place and lucky for us, we play the same first place team next week! I hope I do a little better.

Jeff was sad to watch the Sooners lose to Texas Tech last weekend.   Seems our teams are having some tough luck lately.  Michigan and Florida had a bye week, so hopefully we can pull off some wins this week!  I really thought I was going to root for the Cardinals for this World Series, but I am finding myself rooting for Texas now.  Hmmm.  I still like my "old" cardinals, their uniforms and Ozzie Smith, but for some reason, hoping for a Texas win.  

I have gotten through a lot of quicken which I had put off for months. Whew! Still have some work, but it is less daunting.  What else is on my long list of things to do?

1. Pick a Christmas Program for Sunday School.
2. Heading to Ann Arbor on Thursday for a Parenting Seminar at Concordia University. Wonder if we will get to see Mary, even if it is just for a hug!
3. Finalize music for this Sunday (Chimes and Orchestra)  Plus I need to call a publisher, since two of our orchestra books are missing multiple measures in our planned Christmas song. That was crazy.
4. Our church is having Trunk or Treat on Halloween.  It is always a fun time. 
5. Looking forward to getting Matt's proof book of all his senior pictures.

Better get rolling....I need to be brave and head to the dentist.

Grace

Top Two and Matthew's Concert

Our bowling team, Alpha and Omega, was in first place last night. We battled the other team every game, losing the first game by only one pin.  We won the second and then lost the third by enough to lose total points. Next week is position night, we will see where we stand after that.  However, Jeff had two magnificent games! He bowled in the 190's the first and last game, the ones we lost.  That is crazy, but no matter. Great games and we had a lot of fun.  Mary and Matthew came to the bowling alley and bowled too.  The night ended with McDonald's and then a couple movies before bed.

Mary and I had fun shopping this afternoon and found her some new tennis shoes and a few other things she needed to take back to college. Bought some groceries too, made chicken crescents for dinner and then enjoyed a great concert at Greenville High School.  Matthew did such a wonderful job!  I have posted three videos of his performance with Village Green.  One is posted under Tuesday and two under Monday.  I tried so hard to post before midnight, but I was two minutes late.  You could also click here to watch the whole concert online!  There is a link to the right too, "Watch GHS Events".   I've also posted a few pictures in the Family Photo Album.

Jeff is going to Holland tomorrow for a conference, so I am sending mail, pillows, and presents for Sarah along with him. Sure do miss that girl!  Mary is home until 5 pm tomorrow. It has been so nice having her home.  Like a ray of sunshine. I have plenty to do to keep me busy.

Better get to it so I can get some rest.

Gracie

Now, keep scrolling to watch the videos!

Rhythm of the Night~Village Green Fall 2012

Ain't No Mountain High Enough~Village Green Fall 2012

Right Here Waiting~Village Green Fall 2012

Good Times...Season's Over..

It's been quite a week.  Lots of activity, work and sports!  Today the Sooners were the only one of my teams to win.  Boomer Sooner!  It was a fun day anyway.

But let's start back a week ago:


Bill and Bobbie's Wedding Anniversary
Matthew, Jeff and I had a little weekend getaway.  Friday we headed to Wisconsin with a few fun stops.  First we stopped in Holland to have dinner with Sarah and her friend.  We had a fun time and ate delicious food at a place called Goog's.  Driving through Chicago at night is always a treat with the city lights shining. We stopped for ice cream at an oasis in Wisconsin and arrived late to our hotel west of Milwaukee.

It was so nice to see Jeff's parents, brother Andy, Uncle Bill and Aunt Bobbie and many of his cousins and their families. The service was very nice and then the reception had great food and fellowship.  They also had some awesome videos with well wishes from the present and then movies of their wedding 50 years ago!  It brought tears to my eyes.  Afterward we all headed their home and some people played football while others did some hiking.  I went hiking and made it to the top of a hill with a great view and boy was the weather beautiful. Somewhere along the way my R knee started clicking, popping and catching itself on a frequent basis.  No swelling or bruising, just hurting.

Sunday we attended church with Jeff's cousin then spent some more time with Bobbie and Bill, Mom and Dad, Andy and cousins.  Seems time really flies and we were headed back to Michigan. Chicago pizza sounded pretty good for dinner so we stopped in downtown Chicago and had a great meal. We got home late, but had enough energy to check mail, do homework and give Sammy some attention.


Busy Week
I worked an extra day as a nurse and watched my little buddy and his sister this week. It is always a fun time, especially playing the leaves with them.   Two music rehearsals, Sunday School preparation, a doctor's appointment, overdo laundry and of course Tiger's baseball kept me very busy.  My knee continues to bother me, but at least it isn't constant pain and I can go about my business.  Best of all, Mary came home for her fall break.   It is so nice to have her home!

Happy Times with Disappointments
Today was quite a Saturday:

• Matthew had rehearsal at the high school for "Grease" this morning.  

• All of us headed to Newaygo to have lunch with the Cory's and watch Michigan Football. It was the  Michigan/Michigan State game.  Our hopes of winning were crushed with a loss. Not a good day for the Wolverines.  Michigan State, I thought, were mean players and very unsportsmanlike.  But they did play better football.  In spite of it all, we had fun with the Cory's and enjoyed a yummy lunch at Brandon's dad's restaurant, Jimmy's.  

• Matthew, Jeff and I returned to Greenville for Matt's buddy, Mitch's welcome home party after a very successful boot camp.  He has already been promoted!  Had fun visiting with friends and having more delicious food.  We watched a lot of sports.  It is always more fun to watch sporting events with friends and family. Matthew was so happy to spend time with his best friend. Mary spent day with Brandon.

• Florida Gators lost, but not as bad as I would have guessed.  Tigers, played  a must win game six.  It started out with some Tiger Home Runs, but quickly turned sour in the 3rd inning where they went through four pitchers and allowed nine runs!  We continued to watch with our friends at the party, but knew there was no hope when it was 12-4.  Tigers are done for the season, but they are still my team!  What changes will be made to the team before next April??  Three losses..one game left. Oklahoma came through and won their game 47-17.  Boomer Sooner! It is good to have one win.

• Sarah stays busy in Holland at Hope College. It was Homecoming Weekend and she also worked a Soccer game. Wish I could have reported a win there, but they lost 1-0.  Jeff is planning in seeing her on Tuesday when he is at Hope for a conference.

Well, it is Sunday morning and I have six hours before I get up for church.  Better get some sleep! Tomorrow is another fun day with my family and then I will see if my knee will let me bowl. Our team is in first place for now.   I am a little concerned.

Gracie

Check out the family album for some great pictures!

Tiger's Win!!!

Yesterday may have started out depressing me with the knowledge that my bathroom is going to be out of commission for a while longer, and that poor Sammy boy continues to lose weight each time he goes to the vet for a visit or grooming. Some say it is because he getting old.  That is the only thing that makes sense. He is acting normal otherwise.

But those Detroit Tigers turned things around!  What a game!  Wish we could have seen the first inning when Don Kelly and Young hit home runs!   It sure was close and nail biting right up to the end! I am so glad that they won and move on to Texas to play for the League Championship!  We can do it!! Keep the momentum Tigers! Let them hear you ROAR!   A perfect ending for the day.

Getting things done this morning so we can head to Wisconsin for a family celebration this weekend.  It will be so nice to spend time with family.  Should have wonderful weather too! I took the day off, so we could be ready.  Matthew is coming home early and will need to mow the neighbors grass, pack and off we go!  Woohoo!  We can all take showers this weekend, an extra perk!

Besides, the family celebration, we will be keeping an eye on our sports..Oklahoma plays Texas, Michigan plays Northwestern and both hope to stay undefeated.  Florida plays LSU, which will be a rough game.  The Tigers play on Saturday too!  Wow, what a day!  Can't wait!

Better run.  I will take some pictures and report on our weekend!

Gracie

Thank You Mary!

Mary uploaded her video of the UMMGC singing the National Anthem on Sarah's Bday at Comerica Park. Now it's on you tube, so here it is!!

I have lots to do today. I hope I can get the whole list done!

• Take more pictures of our bathroom
• Hang up all my clothes
• Clean up 
• Quicken
• Shopping
• Prep for Sunday School/Kid's Church
• Drop Off newspapers at the collection site.
• Pick up the dog from the groomer.  

Here's hoping your day is a superb one!

Gracie

I Just Want to Take a Shower!

It's been a week since I have had a full fledged shower. The bathroom floor has been torn up, new pipes put in, sub-floor back on, the cement boards down, heating element down and today our new bathroom tile is going down. I took a peek and it should look nice.  We almost picked a light brown tile, something a little different and give our bathroom a totally new look.  But our common sense took over.  It was a little risky, what if we didn't like it?  Can't change the tile on the floor, plus it might make the old yellow tile on the wall pop more!  In the end we got the white floor to tone down the yellow and to contrast with our brown vanilty.  A new vanity was way too much money~$300 is a lot for a vanity.  The one we have is old, but functional. We are getting a new toilet and sink top, so there will be some changes! Still not sure when it will all be done, and then how long it will have to "dry" before we can use it!

Sunday was a very nice day. Good service and Sunday School continues to hum along.  Jeff and I did service at the local long term care facilities. Sunday bowling was a huge success!  We took all four points and Jeff had a 603 series with a high game of 244.  I was getting pretty excited after he bowled 6 straight strikes. But it ended in the 7th with a spare.   Still the best game for Jeff ever! My bowling got better as the night went on, with a high game of 134, and my average remains 124.   That is pretty high for me these days.  Boy when I was on a league in Japan, I would bowl 140's!  I still have lots of fun!

Now for the Tigers. Saturday's game was nauseating..we didn't look good and the Yankees creamed us. It didn't help that it was a continuation of Friday night's game. Glad it is over and that we won the next two games.  Verlander was a beast last night.  I love to watch him pitch. Had some good hitting too. If we win tonight, we move on to the Amercian League playoffs and send the Yankees home.  It has been such a great year.  I hope that the Tigers can go all the way and win the World Series!  Sarah, Matthew and I would be so happy! Plus it would be a great event to remember during Matt and Sarah's senior year.

Guess I had better get working on some other things.  Sammy's dog food is making him a little sick.  Tried mixing it with other dog food, but it just doesn't agree with him. Need to get rid of it and  give him some of his favorite, Beneful!  Have two more loads of laundry and then quicken...I am in the mood, just need to move out to the other computer. Lunch first.   Need to make sure things are ready for  Sunday too since we will be out of town.  Heading to Wisconsin to celebrate Uncle  Bill and Bobbie's 50th wedding anniversary.  Should be lots of fun to see everyone again!

Have a nice day!

Gracie

PS: It is the anniversary of Jeff  and my engagement..It was a wonderful night!

It's Matthew's Day!

After a late night of doing laundry after the GHS football game, I forced myself out of bed to take Matthew to his Senior Picture Shoot. What a great morning!  Matthew looked so nice in his clothes and his nice smile!  Those big blue eyes can't be missed! He had a great time posing for the pictures, studio, outside near a river and then GHS Theatre with shots as a techie!  There are 4 teaser pictures posted here. We will get his proof book in about 3 weeks.

We met Jeff for lunch at our local Mexican Restaurant and had an ok meal.  They changed up their enchiladas and Matt and I weren't to happy with the tortilla changes.  Matthew played some video games for a while after we got home and I took a needed nap!

By 4:30pm Matthew was ready to head to the Homecoming Dance.  Wore his new suit (without the coat) with his new green tie. He looked so nice and is a wonderful young man! His mom and dad are so proud of him!

I vacuumed the house again. Sammy is shedding so much I could vac twice a day!  Need to get him groomed! Even though I stayed up late doing laundry, I still have three more loads to complete.  There is plenty of football and baseball to keep me awake to get the job done.

Mary is doing well. She and Brandon enjoyed a show last night in Ann Arbor and then attended the Michigan game this afternoon. UMich is still undefeated!  Let's keep the momentum!  Go Blue!

Sarah went to ArtPrize yesterday with a friend and saw lots of different art from all over the country and as far as Beijing China.  She said she liked it ok, but her friend is an art major loved it!  I haven't been yet, but hear it is really nice. She is working a Hope Men's Soccer game this evening.  I know she will be anxious to hear and maybe see how the Tigers game turns out after it was suspended due to rain yesterday and will be resumed this evening.  I guess Verlander will not be pitching, which could be a really bad ramification of the suspension. He is the best pitcher in the American League. Fister is a good pitcher too, and we have a great team to back him up, so let's get 'em Tigers.  Did I mention we are playing the Yankees?  Yikes.

I just saw the end of the South Carolina/Auburn game and it will be controversial.  Auburn won 16-13, but SC had a first down with one second left on the clock within field goal range.  They called it out of time and Auburn wins!   What a shame, but that's football.  Heck it is just a game!   I would like to pick the winner though, there's another game where I picked wrong! Texas A&M lost too Arkansas. I guess I will be moving down in the ranks this week!

Better get to the grocery store...out of milk!  Gators, Sooners and Tigers play with in the hour!  Bye!

Gracie

GHS Homecoming

Friday night was the last homecoming for GHS at Black Field. Next year football games will be played at the High School Campus at a brand new field! Lots of memories for many people. There is a real sense of community there, but I am sure that the new field will be great. Decided to video the floats this year and the court. Matthew was so proud of his class and I was glad the senior float won! He also stood in the student section, something that he hasn't done in years! Even got in the first row..that made me happy to see him with friends, having a lot of fun. We left during the fourth quarter because it was getting to cold to sit in the bleachers, esp since the score was 44-0. Jackets win! We had pizza afterward and then I got to the laundry. Matthew has senior pictures in less than 5 hours! Got everything done, now just need to get some sleep! Will let you know how everything goes!

Good night! (really good morning)

Gracie

Good Morning to Another Busy Day!

The morning started off with Jeff finding Sammy had thrown up near his favorite sleeping spot.  My morning started out with cleaning it up.  It looks pretty good too!  I have had breakfast and sent out my emails.

So what else is on the docket for this Thursday?

• Our bathroom continues with it's remodeling job.  The electrician has been here for the wiring for our new heated floor, and now the builders are back to put the subfloor back in.  The plumber is here putting some sort of valves on the tub and toilet or something. 
• Lunch at church with the quilters,office and preschool staff. I better find something to bring! It's a potluck!
• Shopping with Jeff for bathroom tile, a new vanity and possibly a toilet.
• Prep for Sunday School and Kids' Church for the next few weeks.
• Going to the store with Matthew to get dressy clothes for senior pictures and the homecoming dance this weekend.
• Bills and quick book work.  Yike!
• Picking music for Orchestra
• Grocery Shopping
• Laundry should get started. 
• Get Mom's football picks.
• Upload pictures of the construction.  Take a look on the Wilhelm Family Photos.

That is probably all I can attempt.   But there are many more things to do!  Reschedule appointments I missed when I was feeling pretty sick, banking and post office, and completing requirements for work. 

So without further ado, I had better get started!

Grace

Fun Fun~Not So Much Fun

Let's start with the fun!

We headed to Holland just after 1 pm Monday to have lunch with Sarah and deliver her persents.   We took our little buddy, Jack with us. We had a lot of fun!  Haven't had such little ones at the table with us for a long time.  It iis cute to watch them play with simple things like coasters and napkins. Sarah was happy to have him with us. All the adults had burgers at Red Robin, while Jack like the french fries the most.

 

After lunch we went back to Sarah's place and opened presents. She was very happy with them.  She got an official ACLS Division Champions TShirt, just like the ones the Tigers wear.  We gave her a new memory foam pillow, and hope it helps relieve her morning neck pain and headaches. Time always flies when you are having fun, and before we knew it we were on the way home again. 

 

Sarah had a very happy birthday in 2011!  We are so proud of her and love her very much.

Chime team went pretty well for the first week of playing.  We want to be ready to play for church in about three weeks.  It's possible!

Now the not so fun:

Pipe repair of our upstairs bathroom is NOT fun.  Everything had to come out.  They have torn out the old yellow tile floor and exposed the pipes..Today they told us that no one should walk in the bathroom or they will land in the dining room below.  Tomorrow the plumbers will come and start putting in new pipes.  So will have to go and pick out new bathroom tile and perhaps a new vanity..The worse things are no more showers for a week, and the price tag at the end of the project.

My car's tire loses air every few weeks, Matthew was nice enough to go fill it up.  Wonder what it will look like in the morning. Also, Matthew took down the sunflowers. They were dying.  Still kind of sad.

Haven't felt too well today..Had to skip watching my little buddy and Sammy's grooming will have be another day.  Hoping tomorrow will be a better one! Was able to cook dinner, write some announcements for Sunday School and even blog!  Laundry is on hold and will have to look at the bills before heading to bed.  Maybe I will take a few pictures of our broken up bathroom.

That is all for now...

Gracie

What a Weekend!

I had a very busy day at work, but all in all a good one too.  When I got home, Matthew was asleep.  He works hard and has long hours, sometimes by his own choosing.  Jeff was still at work and I decided it was time to relax. 

The Michigan Men's Glee Club was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Tiger's Game Friday night, so I tuned in early and hope that they would cover the event.  I was wrong, I guess they think that most people want to listen to people talking.  Mary texted me after they were done singing, and to my disappointment, never heard them sing.  I was watching a commercial! Boo Hiss!  Mary said she recorded it, but I haven't seen it yet. We had planned to go to the GHS football game, but decided to go our for pizza with Matt before he left for the Village Green Retreat weekend.

Saturday morning came early, and Matthew was off for a weekend of learning choreography.  He was looking forward to the weekend.  Jeff signed up to ride in a 30 mile bike race, so I drove him over to the starting location and took a video of the start.  Be sure to scroll down below this entry and watch it!

I bought a ticket for the "A Grand Night for Singing" concert at the University of Michigan. So I spent the morning getting some things done for church and sunday school in between checking in on the race. I was on my way by 1:30 pm, and listened to the umich football game most of the way. We won and remain undefeated! I was in Ann Arbor by 4 pm and Mary, Brandon and I enjoyed a delicious sandwich at Potbelly's. Nice to try a new place!  I took a little nap in Mary's room when she left for her call time.  Both Mary and Brandon were singing the concert as part of the Glee Clubs. I found my way to Hill Auditorium and took my seat.   The concert was very good and I was so glad that I went.  The Glee Clubs did a great job, especially since they had only met 4 times since the beginning of school before the concert.  Awesome!   Besides the Glee Clubs, there were solos, opera, music theatre, mixed choir, chamber choir and the Orpheus Singers that sang with a String Chamber Ensemble with Harpsicord.  The finale was fabulous, with the professors singing along with the students.  It was a wonderful night!  I got home late, around 1 am without incident.  The concert and time spent with my wolverines was well worth the trip!

Sunday School and Church went very well.  It was preschool Sunday and the music was good, children's church was a success and Jeff had a really really good sermon.  Jeff and I had lunch together and then pre-bowled after a short afternoon nap, since we had a church meeting in the evening.  We bowled well, both averages went up again.  I bowled over average all three game and now have an average of 125! Jeff had a 200 game today!   We found out later that we won three points and are tied for first place! Yay!

Matthew arrive home tired and with a little cold.  He said it was a good weekend, and that the dances are good.  Guess his feet hurt too.   We all watched a movie to end our Sunday evening and all of us are ready for sleep. The guys have already gone to bed.

Tomorrow will be a fun day too.  My little buddy will be coming later in the morning, but in time to go to Holland with us to celebrate Sarah's birthday.. We will have lunch and deliver her presents.  I will be so nice to see her.  I miss my kids when they aren't home.  What will I do as an empty nester??  It is just a year away.

Well, I am very tired.. I am off to bed.

Gracie

LeTourDeDonut.AVI

Jeff rode in a 30 mile bike race, LeTour DeDonut. The catch? You stop twice and eat a donut! The race was put on by Klackle Orchards and it is a well attended event. In addition to Jeff riding, two other MCLC members, Gary and Paul, rode too. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a good time! By the way, Klackles has delicious donuts!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH

A wonderful day in history. September 23, 1989 at Yokota Air Base, Japan.  Sarah Elisabeth was born at 6:34 pm.  My first day as a mommy.  It has been a wonderful 22 years watching her (and her siblings) grow up and chase dreams.  Now she is in her last year at Hope College, and on the brink of becoming an Athletic Trainer. She has done a remarkable job!

I guess she has some plans with friends for tomorrow evening and has to work a soccer game on Saturday.  Her buddies from Klaaren Cottage from last year, will be celebrating with her on Sunday.  So, Jeff and I will go have a birthday lunch with her on Monday.  I can't wait to see her and give her some presents and a hug!

So here's to you baby girl, have a wonderful day and a very special year. Lots of excitement ahead!



Lots of  Love,

Sarah's Mom and Dad!

A Week in Review

Well, life and it's activities have kept me so busy that my ability to blog regularly has been challenged. I hope that this will change over the next month or so.  I miss blogging!

For now, I will post the highlights of the past week:

Friday: Had another successful day at work and then supported the Lion's Club Spaghetti dinner in town.  Matthew had McDonald's instead..he doesn't like spaghetti too much.  Matthew also received acceptance to Western Michigan University. Hooray!  The three of us drove to Holland and enjoyed a Hope Men's Soccer game. The weather was beautiful and the Flying Dutchman won!  Didn't have much time with Sarah, but we knew that she was working.  We got home to watch the Tigers clinch the Central Division of the American League.  SO EXCITED! 


Saturday: Matthew had a car wash for Village Green!   All three cars at home got cleaned!  I got some errands done and came home to watch Michigan Football.  But when I checked the mail, there was a beautiful mailing from University of Oklahoma!  I dropped everything and drove back to the car wash so Matthew could open it. He gave us all the thumbs up!  Matthew has been accepted to OU! We are all very happy! His friends at the car wash were giving high five's and even a chest bump!  Now the work toward admission into the theatre program  begins. Ok, now back to football.  Michigan and Florida won, as did Oklahoma, but not without a lot of nail biting.  Florida State (BOOOO!) really gave OU a challenge. We don't need anymore games like that one.

Sunday: Good Sunday School and Church Service.  Our Sunday School Attendance went up and I think things are going well enough so that the kids and adults should want to return.  Bowling started up Sunday night and although my first two games weren't very good, my last was awesome! Bowled a 178, all marks for the first five frames and good counts the last five.   My average jumped up 10!

Monday: Started having my little buddy back.  He is so cute and would love to play with my ipod and phone rather than his trucks.    Had to fight off a migraine before junior choir and chime team.  I am playing for kids choir and I am happy to say that Chimes is all planned for the next year! Just found out that there will be another "Bell Concert' with all the area church's bell/chime teams.

Tuesday: Book work day.  More typing and organizing for activities at church.  Even made some posters!  It  doesn't seem like a lot, but time keeps passing by and I don't get to everything I want to, like Quicken. I am going to be sorry!  Our pipe situation continues.  Upstairs bathroom drains area so slow, so we got a team of a contractor and plumber to take a look.  Can you say remodel? The floor will have to come up and new pipes put in for the sink, toilet and shower.  We will need a new floor, maybe a heated one(?), vanity and toilet. Yellow tile will stay on the walls.  It is in good condition.  Jeff has also given me the ok to investigate getting the dining room redone.  I hate the wall paper and who ever painted the nice hardwood molding and doors should get a lesson in decorating.  I want the wood stripped and refurbished.  Just getting a quote. Wonder what the price will be??? I am a little worried.


Wednesday: Working, singing and trying to stay ahead of the game.


Thursday: The list I made last night, has a huge dent in it!  Still have things to do before Sunday, but hey I have a few days left to accomplish it. Yeah right. Laundry will be done tonight!  I even made supper twice this week!

What is ahead??

• Sarah's Birthday!
• Watch the Tiger's game tomorrow night. The University of Michigan Men's Glee Club will be singing the National Anthem!  Once the game is on it's way, I may walk over to the GHS football game.  We are playing a tough team from Grand Rapids, so I think I know what the outcome will be. 
• Jeff is going to ride in a bike ride on Saturday.  I hope that he has fun and that he doesn't get hurt.  
• I am planning on heading to Ann Arbor for the concert "A Grand Night for Singing"  Mary and Brandon will be singing.  Mary needs some boots, shoes and coats.  
• Matthew will be in Holland with Village Green, learning the choreography for their Fall Show.  He is looking forward to it.

Life is busy...I just take it one step at a time!

Grace

Yes! I'm a Proud Mom

I am always a proud mom.  Sometimes, though, I have to brag or I might just burst!

Mary was announced as a scholarship winner at last spring's Women's Glee Club concert. All summer she tried to find out how much the scholarship was worth so she could plan her finances. No one knew the answer.  Not the Glee Club Board, Glee Club Director or anyone in the financial aid that would have received the funds.  In fact  The scholarship was not received in time for the bill payment deadline.  She finally spoke with someone in the Music Department who had all the answers.  Her Scholarship is The Quinn Scholarship~ $4000.00!  Much more than we expected.  She will get to meet the donors at a dinner where she will be served filet mignon!  Wow, how cool is that?

Matthew has had a few great shots in the arm~

• He was announced as the Vice President of Village Green this year. (The VP of VG!)
• He is the PSM (production stage manager) for the GHS fall musical, Grease.   
• Received a letter from Central Michigan University, accepting him as a student there next fall.  While this is NOT his first choice school, it is nice to get acceptance letters.  We hope to get those same kind of letters from University of Oklahoma and Western Michigan University.  He has been working hard keeping in touch with OU and WMU making sure he is completing everything  required for admission.

Sarah is keeping up with a busy schedule her senior year of college.  She has grown into a wonderful  young Christian woman.  Just talked with her and she has been cleared and will observe a surgery tomorrow!  I wish I could go too!  She is a little nervous that she might feel a little faint.   Say some prayers!  We are planning to back to Holland on Friday and watch a Men's Soccer game.  She is a trainer for that sport and will be working.  Hope has  a good soccer team, so it should be a fun evening. Wonder if I should wear a sweatshirt?  The temperatures have cooled off here.  Possible frost tonight and highs in the 60's.  Aaaaaah~just how I like it!


Better get some other things done...

Gracie, mom of Sarah, Mary and Matthew.

Time Really Flies!

I don't know how many times I sit down to write an entry to this blog, and I get side tracked or just too tired to think.  I felt like this tonight, but I am determined to give a summary of the past week.


Wednesday:  A good day back to work. Confirmation began for Jeff and I was at home planning for the weekend ahead.

Thursday: I spent most of the day at church preparing for Sunday School. Rally Day is coming!  First we had a Pandamania evaluation meeting and even started planning for next summer!  I probably spent about four hours cleaning out the craft cabinet. I found lots of old unusable things that had to be discarded.  Then it needed organizing. I wanted to make it easy for the teachers to find things, with the most used items plainly visible.  As I was moving some coloring books around I found an old record. I thought whoa!  It was certainly a 78, that was very heavy and thicker than other records I remember as a kid.  Turned out to be a record from the early 1900's of a male quartet. This was unbelievable!  I brought it home and played it on Mary's record player and it was simply amazing to hear the voices of men that were singing before my dad was born!  I felt like I had found a treasure!  I shared the news with Mary and Brandon and they were pretty excited too!  How on earth did it find it's way into a craft cabinet?

Friday: Another good day at work.  Jeff and I were scheduled to work at the concessions tent for the Senior Mystery Trip, selling burgers brats and fries.  I had fun and we had good business.  Matthew worked too slicing potatoes.  Eventually, they excused Matthew and said you have worked enough!  He shouldn't need to work at anymore events, he got them all done this summer!  Way to go Matt! GHS played Holland High School and I saw a man with Hope Clothes and hat on, so I said Go Hope!   Turned out to be Sarah's badminton teacher and football coach! We had a nice little conversation.

Saturday: We all got up early. Matthew took the ACT and had to be there by 0800.  Jeff drove him there which eased his mind.  He did the best he could and is anxious to see how he scored.  We picked him up at 1215 and then headed to Hope College for their Football game. It was pretty hot and Matthew and I couldn't sit out in the sun for very long.  We were able to find some shade and stayed through the third quarter.  Hope won! Go Dutch!   Stopped by to see Sarah and deliver her mail.  She had lots of homework to do.  I was glad we were home in time to watch some college football, namely, the Michigan game!  It was a crazy game! We didn't look we could win, but I kept the hope and as the game neared the end, the wolverines got better!  Was there time??  Denard Robinson got things moving...we were ahead with a few minutes left, then Notre Dame scored and took the lead by three points, with 30 seconds to go!   Amazingly, the wolverines moved the ball down the gridiron and all we needed was to make a field goal with 8 seconds to go into overtime.  That isn't what happened.  Denard threw a pass into the end zone for a touchdown with only seconds left! We won! Magnificent! A great end to the day!   All my teams won- Tigers, Hope, Florida and Michigan.

Sunday: Rally Day was a success!  We had 46 in Sunday School/Bible Study and the church service was great...the music was nice and Jeff preached a good sermon.  I presented the third graders with their Bibles and that was that!  Later in the afternoon, I got a letter from Mary about her experiences from Saturday before and at the game. She and Brandon enjoyed a walk through the Arboretum in the afternoon.  Then Mary saved a life.  She found a very sick freshman girl in the bathroom, got help and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived.  I am so proud of her, and I told her that God was proud of her too!  Her letters are always so well written and her personality always shines through. She added the top ten reasons why last night's  was the greatest game in Michigan history:

"10. Full moon/beautiful sunset
9. No rain!
8. No terror attacks (apparently there were rumors of non-credible threats)
7. There was a beautiful patriotic tribute at the beginning.
6. Desmond Howard was honored and made a moving acceptance speech.
5. Two parachute drops at halftime
4. We had polite and fun seat-mates (no drunk people!)
3. New attendance record for the NCAA!
2. First night game ever.
1. WE WON!"

Senior Youth Group met at church and we decided on what activities to do over the next few months.  Our bowling league started Sunday night and we took on a name from the past and will be "Alpha and Omega" again this year.  We took only one point, but each of us had a good game.

Monday: Was repair day. Jeff and I cleaned out the dryer vent system and changed the duct work.  The dryer hadn't been drying the clothes too  well, so we figured we had to clean out the lint, before a fire started. It was successful and after some frustration with the taping of the seams, all systems are go, and we are ready to do laundry.  Jeff and Matt worked on the upstairs sink drain. It was leaking.  With our house being so old, we are careful about how much we do with the pipes.  Luckily, we have the water draining and not leaking so we can use that sink again.

Mary surprised us and came home for an overnight.  Brandon had a meeting in town and Mary rode along. It was so nice to have dinner together and then just chat through the evening..We grilled steaks and later ended the night with brownies a la mode!

Tuesday:  I had my little buddy to babysit today.  We had a nice day and a lot of fun!   I got all the laundry done and even cooked dinner!  The kitchen is clean too!  Wow another day of accomplishments. Watched another great Tiger game too!  They are on fire!

It is Wednesday now, and I need to be up in six hours.  That means I have to go to bed....We are having cooler temperatures tomorrow.. highs in the 60's!  Welcome Fall!!! I have had enough hot weather. 

Need some sleep!

Grace