The Wilhelm Family: MAY...What a busy month!

Life is busy isn't it? I only work at the hospital one day a week and I still don't get everything done. Journaling has been on my to do list for a long time. So without getting too wordy, I will tell you just what we have been up to since Easter.

KATIE CONFERENCE

I went to my very first Katie Conference with two friends and also pastors wives. I had a great time and enjoyed meeting new people and even a nice comfort dog, Faith. The theme this year was "Identity Check". We had good speakers leading bible study. One of the leaders writes a devotion every day. I liked her very much and found out later that it was her husband that sat with us at a Pastor's Conference and has been praying for me since my diagnosis. Wish I would have known that during the conference. I look forward to attending next year back in Bay City.

GRADUATIONS GALORE
Both Mary and Sarah completed their studies by the end of April and were anxious to graduate and move on to their careers. Jeff's mom flew up to Grand Rapids and spent a few days with us before heading to the "thumb side" of Michigan and met up with my mom, brother and sister who flew in to Detroit and spent the morning visiting Evergreen Lutheran Church (my home church growing up).

Friday, May 2, Mary graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Arts in English. She minored in history and music and obtained her teaching certificate in secondary education. Whew! That's a lot! Our family, Brandon, and his family were all in attendance to celebrate her achievements. Graduation took place in the Michigan Theatre in downtown Ann Arbor. Afterward, we all enjoyed an authentic German meal at Metzger's. Mmmm. It was an appropriate place to dine, since Mary had two years of studying german and became proficient in the language.

The next morning, we were up and at the University of Toledo for Sarah's commencement. In addition to parents, grandmas and a sister, my cousin Virginia, Kathy and Charlotte came to celebrate with us. Sarah graduated with a Masters of Science Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Athletic Training. She completed her thesis after many hours and revisions. Jeff and I were lucky to be there when Sarah defended her work. She wore her green hood with pride at graduation, of course we are all proud of her too! The whole gang had a nice lunch together and visited for a couple hours.

What's next? Mary has moved to Los Angeles, CA where she was placed to teached 7th grade English with Teach for America for the next two years. Her school, James Jordan Middle School, has the option to keep her on board in 2016. Mary's boyfriend, Brandon will be done at UCLA Law School at that time as well. Do I hear bells?? Sarah has been interviewing for Athletic Training positions at high schools and small colleges. She has an interview this Tuesday for a high school position. Sarah has a certain fondness for the high school athlete. The athletic director, coaches, students and parents at Summerfield High School (her graduate assistant position) love her and are so sad to see her leave. Both girls supervisors only had great things to say about Mary's teaching skills and Sarah's professional and competent care. Can you tell I am a proud momma?

MOM'S HAT TRICK

I scored a hat trick on Mother's Day having all three of my wonderful children home with us. That is the best gift ever! We enjoyed eating together, watching TV together and taking a walk together. What a great day.

Matthew arrived the day before Mother's Day and stayed a whole week. Sophomore year at OU is finished. He had another good year with lots of good compliments from his professors. Matt always brings a certain happiness to our house making us smile and laugh. He also takes on chores like mowing the lawn, doing yard work, cleaned up the basement, helped Mary clean out her room (the attic), hauled donations to Goodwill, and did many chores with me like getting the car washed, shopping and vacuuming. We did manage to do fun things together as a family too. He went to Tai Chi and Yoga with us, played board games, watched movies and made a trip to Toledo to have lunch with Sarah and visit her school. Several girls walking down the hallway wanted his number! Before he left, I made sure we played catch, something we loved to do since he was a small boy.

MARY'S BIRTHDAY AND FAREWELL

Just before Matthew had to return to Oklahoma, We celebrated Mary's 22nd birthday. I made some brownies instead of cake. Then we ate dinner at Jimmy's in Newaygo (Brandon's Dad's restaurant). Dinner was delicious. The main event was in Grand Rapids at the DeVos Concert Hall. The Glenn Miller Orchestra was absolutely awesome. All four of us really enjoyed it. My brownies were quite yummy.

Two days later, we had a farewell party for Mary. Tacos, Chips and salsa and Sarah's yummy taco dip was the menu. I made a devil's food cake that turned out to be one of my best in a long time. Mary likes to bake and did most of it for me. Guess I will be baking more. Anyway, we had a lot of fun. Mary created a home made photo booth where all the guests took pictures and enjoyed some silliness. Here are a few taken that night.