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.