Home Sweet Home

Jeff got home last night. It is good to have him home. Next AF trip is probably in February. He came home with his BDU's (Battle Dress Uniform) and how I wished he would have been home in time to meet us at Applebee's after the show for food and fun with the cast and crew. Mary said her friends would have just loved it! Nothing like a man in uniform!

The play last night was very good and well attended. There were a few line changes that I think were good ones. Tonight is the closing show and striking the set. That is always a bittersweet occasion. Good memories from a great show and tearing down the set. Next Wednesday is auditions for the One Act Play. This year it is a comedy and you must prepare an audition for the director. You must either perform the 3 Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood or Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears by yourself. The purpose is to determine how well and quickly you can change characters. Neat idea, but not easy for the actors. Mary is still deciding which she will do. She loves the competition and the director of the one acts most of all. It is the highlight of the year for her. Last year had a large cast. This year has a much smaller one. Competition will be tough for the performers.

Our 1st Sunday School Practice went well this afternoon. I would have liked to have more kids show up, but we did fine with the ones we had. It should very nice. Stopped by a birthday party at my clients house and had a nice time. My patient sure loves me...she crawled all over Jeff this afternoon. She knows a cutie when she sees one!

Tomorrow the Chime team plays, SS teachers meeting, we pre bowl for next week, do laundry and bowl at night too. Always busy at the Wilhelm's. Gotta make the second run to the HS. Mary had cast call at 5, Matt has crew call at 6 and the show is at 7:30, but the doors open at 7pm. Tonight Jeff gets to see the show. Hurray!

Better get rolling

Grace

Opening Night

Opening night of Guys and Dolls was great! There was close to a full house and there were no major problems. Mary did a excellent job and sang her solo the best I have ever heard. I found out after the show that she had a bad headache during the performance. You never would have known. She is really talented at so many things and I am very proud of her. Brandon, Mary's friend, was just spectacular as Sky Masterson. What a polished performer. The singing was really good too. I really liked Mary's song "More I Cannot Wish You"..Brandon's "Luck Be a Lady" and Nicely singing "Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat". Selling tickets was a blast. We now have a computer with a ticket machine. I clicked away at selling seats and the tickets spit right out by the patron. I even learned how to return tickets and sell tickets in advance for another nights show. Matthew has enjoyed being behind the scenes with construction and moving the sets between acts. His great-grandpa, a master carpenter, would be proud. We all are. You can read the review from the paper here: http://www.thedailynews.cc/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=23163&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=233&S=1

Matthew's soccer banquet was last night. It was a dessert buffet. I took brownies. Matthew received a certificate and a Yellow Jacket patch for a Letterman's coat. Those coats are awfully expensive. Sarah wanted one for awhile then realized that after high school she wouldn't wear it anymore. I don't know how Matt feels about a coat. I do know he is still waiting for his class ring. Anyway the coach also showed a slideshow of the season that was really nice. He is a nice person.
I finished my latest quilt top for a baby quilt. It is purple and yellow with little horses on it. I have started a new on with a darling doggie print. I enjoy making baby quilts because it doesn't take me a year to finish it. My piano lesson went very well and I got some laundry done, so it has been a productive and fun day!

Jeff comes home late tomorrow night. I will have worked my shift, had a quick dinner and back for another show. Saturday morning I have a haircut, Sunday School and kids choir practice, a party and closing night of the show. The chimes play Sun morning. I think I have it all together. Just one step at a time.

Still waiting to hear back from my new doctor about having my repair surgery before the end of the year. I have met my deductible, so it would be wise to have that taken care of. Sarah is well and busy at school. I will have to check to see if her new asthma med is helping.

It is late..better get some winks.

Good Night!

Grace

Happy Veterans Day!

My veteran, Jeff left today for four days of military duty in Arizona. He has arrived safely and has an early morning. Time always goes by fast for him while he is there. We still await the results of the promotion board. I guess we should know some time in December.

Sarah is back at Hope College tonight after an unplanned break for a virus that has caused over 400 students, faculty and staff to become ill. As you know, Sarah was home and her case was very brief. Luckily no one else has had any symptoms. We should have been sick by now if we were going to get it. Still I think we will continue to pray for a few more days and breathe a sigh of a relief after the school musical is over.

Mary felt ill today during the string workshop she attended with the HS Orchestra. She thinks it was from the pizza lunch. She is fine tonight and had no symptoms related to the virus outbreak. Sarah reported this weekend that she is needing to use her inhaler before and during exercise. We called the doc and he put her on a daily med to help control her asthma. She exercises several times a week with the softball team. Matt is doing great. We all watched the video of the show from yesterday and he loved to explain some of the issues with the scenery. He knows all of the songs too. Mary did a great job with her part and her solo. The HS Choir concert DVD is in and we watched that too. How much fun we had watching it together. I think it sounded really good.

Tomorrow is work, play practice and the soccer banquet. I just made brownies! Thursday is chores, quilting (Which is not a chore), and opening night. Friday work, show and Jeff comes home late. Saturday I get a haircut, Sunday School practice, Birthday Party and the shows final performance. Whew! Lots to do!

Better get off to bed for some sleep. I am going to need it!

Grace

What a Hectic Day!

Sarah is well! She slept in this morning and then we had breakfast together. While she was stripping her bed and cleaning her room of any leftover germs, I went from store to store to find black pants for Matthew. He needed them for stage crew when he moves scenery during the show. I also bought a new battery and video tapes for our video camera so I could record the show. Today was press day. Sarah and I had lunch up in her room and then I went to tape the show. I did the best I could. I got most of the important things. Guess I will have to take a look at it this evening. Chimes was a real challenge tonight. We are doing much better, but I hoped to play two songs on Sunday, but we are really only ready to play one. So that is what we will do.

Tomorrow Jeff leaves for Arizona. Mary had a strings event until the evening. Matthew has crew till 5 and Sarah goes back to college after dinner. She getting some homework done and is finally released from her room tonight! That makes me happy. I work on Wednesday and Friday and sell tickets at the HS show on Thursday. I will probably attend all the performances. Jeff gets home Sat in time for the closing show. A lot of our friends will be attending sometime this week.

Well time for a late dinner.

Until next time,

Grace

Quick Update

Our team did not bowl that well tonight. Yours truly had a really bad game. Looks like we didn't win at all tonight. Sniff Sniff.. There is always next week. By our guesses we will be in second place next week.

Sarah is doing well, but Hope College is now closed until at least Wednesday at 6am. Latest reports of all sick college students, faculty and staff on and away from campus is 400! Whew! Still cleaning with bleach solution. Isolation at our house could be lifted tomorrow.

That is all the news since the last post.

Grace

Doing Better

Sarah is feeling better. She hasn't needed any advil today. No more....well you know. We continue the "isolation" precautions at least until tomorrow and hope that no one else gets sick. Thank goodness it was short lived. You can read the latest updates on the Hope College situation by clicking on the Hope College link in the left column. The earliest school opens is Tuesday morning. She will have had more than 48 hours symptom free!

Church went very well this morning. The preschool kids did a great job singing and I thought our praise team sang well too. It was a very good service. Mary and Matthew have play practice again today...full costume and makeup. Tomorrow is the press review day. I hope to make it over at least to take some pictures.

Tonight we bowl unopposed. It shouldn't take too long unless somone who will remain nameless has a lot of open frames. I will let you know how it goes. Right now we are in first place with 24 wins 2 ahead of second place. We should win 4 tonight.

The weather has been cold. We have had snow showers throughout the day. No accumulation. Most of the leaves have been blown off and we will have to spend more hours raking when we have some sunny weather. Our driveway did not flood with the rain on the weekend. Yay!

That is all for now.

Grace

A Little Too Late

We had a fun time last night. Lots of laughs. This morning wasn't as fun. Sarah most likely has the virus from college. She feels bad for coming home with us. I told not to be upset, we can't go backward, now we just prevent others from getting it. Plus I'd hate for her to have to be sick like this all alone. Her room mate left last night. This way I can take care of her.

I have been cleaning with bleach all morning and did the best I can. Now we just use good handwashing, common sense and pray a lot! We need to be sure Jeff stays healthy, he leaves for Arizona on Tuesday. We need lots of prayer warriors! Let's hope he can preach tomorrow too. I am one of two melody singers in the praise team. As long as I don't have symptoms I will attend church.

Mary had a wonderful time at the Opera Tosca. She said the music was perfect! What a great opportunity for young people to experience the fine arts! Matthew had a good time at the zombie hunt. Unfortunately, he lent one of his nerf guns to a brother of a friend and now it is gone. The family said they would pay $15 for a new one.

I won't be at work today. Too risky to take it to a family with a medically fragile child and a newborn. I think I am going to open the doors and let the cold air in a little today. That helps with the germs.

Well, I am supposed to go to a Thrivent Lunch. More later.

Grace

A Change in Plans

This is a case of either the wrong place at the wrong time or right place at the right time . We are praying that it is the latter. Last night on the news it was reported that Hope College had a outbreak of the norovirus. No classes were cancelled and parent's weekend was scheduled to proceed. I spoke with Sarah and she said as long as we had good handwashing, there wouldn't be a problem. That was the reccomendation of the health department. So, we arrived at the college at 10:20am in time for Chapel. It was wonderful! So spirit filled. What a blessing to have our daughter in this enviornment. There was a good message and awesome music and singing. After chapel we attended some classes across the campus. I went to Japanese class and pathophysiology class and Jeff attended Mass Communication and International Economics. Just before 1pm the annoucement was made that all school activities and classes were cancelled until Tuesday. Evidently more students came down with the short lived but wicked virus. The good news is that Sarah is healthy at this time. We brought her home with us this afternoon and will take her back on Monday in time for her softball meeting and anatomy study review. We are glad to have her home and wish that all who are sick, especially some of her good friends, get well soon.


Mary went to the opera tonight with her friend Brandon. They can get tickets for $10 as students. She was excited about going. The musical is next weekend. They have rehearsal this weekend and have press review on Monday. We hope to take some pictures or video at that time. I am anxious to see it. Matthew is at a zombie hunt at the community center. I think it is like a complicated tag game. He has been looking forward to this for a long time. It is sponsored as a senior mystery trip fundraiser. Jeff will be going to Arizona this week for duty. I am supposed to work tomorrow, but since I was "exposed" to the virus today, she is considering giving me the night off. We will see how everyone feels tomorrow. According to the cdc, the patient is contagious when they first feel ill until 24 hours after it is over. We pray we all stay healthy.

Sunday we have our praise service and the preschool children will be singing. There is also the possiblity of snow showers. We will see what happens. Jeff just mentioned there was a blizzard in the northern plains and a hurricane moving toward Cuba named Paloma. Crazy times!

Our driveway/curb/road is finished and we are parking the garage again. Yay! The barricades on our street were "tagged" with spray paint by some kids last night. Jeff thinks we need a sting to catch these losers who vandalize our town.


That is the story. I will update as needed. Have a great weekend!

Grace

More Bad News

Our cars have been vandalized! We had to park on the road in front of our house because of the roadwork by our driveway. Well, when I got up to take the kids to school, I found silly string on the side of my van and Jeff's car took an egg. The eggshell is still on the ground. I wonder if they can get fingerprints? Here are a few pictures I took with my cell phone camera since my regular camera's battery died during the first picture. What a morning!


Waiting for the police,

Grace

#3: It's Over....

It was a long shot I know. But I had to have hope. Now I have to come to grips with the truth. It won't be easy. Sarah reminded me that all things happen for a reason. I will trust and have faith in my God who is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He has the whole world in His hands and that is a good place to be.

The coverage has been hard to watch. Oprah and Jesse Jackson crying at the rally. I was crying too, but for totally different reasons. I have never had a problem with the color of Barack's skin, but I do with his stance on the issues. The definition of marriage is on the line. The continuation of late term abortions of humans who have a right to live. Saving and keeping our earnings and private health insurance for my family because each family knows what is best for them. Drilling offshore at home and using alternative energy and being free from foreign oil seems like the best answer to high gas prices and electricity bills. Having a commander-in-chief without any military experience, is a scary feeling. Thanks to the mainstream media, Americans were worrying about having an "inexperienced" VP, instead they have chosen a president with even less experience and questionable friends. I hope America is ready for change, because with a majority in congress and the White House, they can do just about anything. Anything. I hope I am wrong. I hope that our country will remain what our founding fathers and veterans have fought for.

Locally, the people of the state of Michigan have approved "regulated" marijuana use and it's private growing as prescribed by a physicain and to expand stem cell research to include embrionic stem cells under certain conditions. In any condition it is a human being. I just found out that a member at our church who ran for commissioner has also lost. It seems like everything I voted for, lost today.

In closing, I will continue to support the conservative viewpoint, pledge my alleigence to the United States of America and forever live to God's glory! Tomorrow can be a better day!

In God We Trust,



Grace


Be sure to read all 3 installments on the blog for today.

#2: While Waiting for the Results

I took pictures of the curb or lack of one on our side street. I don't know how long I will be without a driveway, but I am happy that we won't have that icy slushy mess in the winter.

My golf game wasn't very good. I had some nice drives, several good iron shots and even a few 2 putt finishes. I can't tell you how many times I was chopping at it in the rough "grass". The good news is that I didn't lose any balls, I hit them over the water, and most of all I had a blast with my good friend Norma. On a side note, Norma bowled a 171 on Sunday to help keep our team number one! Norma is our solid rock on the team. I didn't list her top score, in the previous blog because I couldn't remember it. Sorry Norma!

I got a lot of errands done. We have tickets to the GR Symphony and we have milk to drink and gas in the van. I found the items I needed for my piano student and resisted buying more piano books for me. I bought a few tops and pants at Meijer that I needed and at a good price too!

Jeff brought home pizza for dinner. I had a bad headache after all the events and worrying about the election. I know there is nothing I can do but pray, and that I have done! I save my other comments for later.

Still hoping and praying,

Grace

#1: Praying For a Fair Election & God Pleasing Outcome

Well, today is the day. I have been really "worked up" about this election. Yesterday I even shed a few tears in fear of where our nation is headed if "the people" vote for a "new" America not with smaller or bigger government, but with a "better" government. That sentence has some scary words in there. Who is to decide what is better? I certainly don't want some politicians deciding what is best for me or how much of my money I get to keep and how much they think I need to donate toward trillions in spending and "spreading" others wealth around. I for one have been saving for my family's future since my first job out of nursing school. I am grateful that there are people more wealthy than me that can afford to hire me as an employee. If someone can make 1 million playing baseball than good for them..way to go! Follow your dreams. What motivation will there be to get ahead if you know that it will taxed away from you? The only way to make everyone equal is to make everyone poor. A young lady told me just the other day, " I really think that Obama is dating America. He says a lot of nice things, promises us tax breaks and change everything into good. But if he gets into office, he will break up with us (America)." That says it all. Don't you think? I actually went to the Obama calculator to see what kind of tax relief we will receive. According to site, he will save me an extra $33 than McCain, only he won't drill, he will allow same sex marriage and continue to allow the killing of innocent babies even into late pregnancy! There really is one choice...John McCain!

Going on to a new subject. The city arrived today to fix the drainage problem on our side street. In the winter our driveway floods then turns to ice! We can barely get out of our own driveway. So the city is digging up the street and our curb to fix it. We will have to park on the street in front of our house while they work is being done. Don' t know how long it will take. I will have to take some pictures of the process.

So for today...I am going to go vote, buy tickets to the GR Symphony Concert here on 12/9 and then go golf with Norma and have lunch. I had some jewelry fixed that I need to pick up and prepare for worship meeting tomorrow. Plus I have some Sunday School issues that I need to take care of. Did I mention laundry? There is always laundry to do. I need to go to the store too, since we are out of milk and few other things. I also got my stamping stuff and plan to work on a few projects. Whew! Good thing I don't work till Saturday!

I forgot to post the pictures of our pumpkins. Matt carved his own this year and did a great job. I carved the two simple ones and Matt did the nice one. I am so proud!

Well better get to my activities. Next post should be soon!

Grace

(cat tails at"Grace's" golf course)

It's Been Too Long

My last entry really filled you in one the week's events. Mary's first orchestra concert was very nice. They played some wedding music and then some spanish selections. My work went well this week too. I am thankful to be healthy so far, since my client's brother was very sick at home Friday. We had some really nice weather for Halloween and our church's trunk or treat was well attended. Jeff and I passed out candy at church using a card game, and Mary and a few of her friends passed out 1,000 pieces of candy at our house. Unfortunately, my little patient and her family couldn't come to trunk or treat, but we did take pictures of the kids while I was at work and I have permission to post a one of my cute little pumpkin.

Our weekend has been filled with some shopping, play rehearsals, small group and youth group. Kid's choir sang this morning and they did great. I even got the congregation to join in on the last verse of "Soon and Very Soon". Of course our Sunday ends with bowling. We won three tonight that should keep us at least tied for first place! My new high game this season is a 160! I am bowling better, just need to pick up more spares. Jeff had two 160 games! Randy's last game was a 199. We had a fun time and that is what is important right? I like to win too.

Tomorrow I work 12 hours 5a-5p. The kids have the day off of school, but have play practice and scene shop in the afternoon. Musical groups are meeting all week and I have a good portion of my next quilt done. Wednesday I have worship meeting and Friday Jeff and I are going to Hope College for parents weekend. We are only staying on Friday and then going home. You can refer to the previous entry about the events we want to attend. So instead of working my normal m-w-f, I am only working mon and sat.

I would be remiss if Ididn't mention election day. I am praying hard about this election and as hard as I try not to, I worry about our country's future. I am still stumped as to how a candidate with so little experience and questionable friends, connections and scruples is so attractive to so many Americans. I am angry with the news reporters and the media in general for being so biased in it's reporting and really pushing a candidate down our throats.

I am voting for smaller government, less taxes and most of all pro-life!

God Bless America....Keep us the Land of the Free!

Grace

Found these cute pictures of Sarah from Halloween. Soccer player and also with the AT's dressed up as injured football players.

The Last Week of October

Well, I can't believe that the end of October is here! As you can see the kids have their costumes and Sarah has already gone to a party as a bunch of grapes. Our church will be holding a "trunk or treat" Friday while Mary will be passing out 1,000 pieces of candy to the people at our house. You see everyone in town trick or treats on our street. We have dogs, adults holding newborns, kids with 2-3 bags for cousins who are sick and some adults dressed up for candy for themselves. After passing out "good" candy the first year, and our kids getting a bag of jolly ranchers, I pass out tootsie rolls and dum dum suckers to the neighborhood. I keep a few chocolates for people we might know. So if they want the big candy..they can visit trunk or treat at church. I am going to put up a little sign on our front door.

Our Reformation Service was very nice. The West Michigan Lutheran Chorale came and sang several anthems. The service was a hymn festival, my favorites were "Thy Strong Word" and "A Mighty Fortress". Our church choir sang as well, and did a great job. I was also proud of our chime team. It was our first day of playing publicly this year. We added a new member to the team last night at practice and we had a great rehearsal! We will play again in about 3 weeks. Next Sunday the kids choir, made up of all girls, are going to sing with choreography. Our song "Soon and Very Soon".

Now on to baseball. I am so distressed at the poor calls made by the World Series umpires. It is beginning to look like they "want" the Phillies to win. I am glad the Rays tied the game last night with the awesome running of Upton and the single by Pena. Otherwise, they might have had to call the game and the Phillies win due to the weather. The playing conditions were horrible. We don't know when they will be able to play the rest of the game. I'd like to see the series go back to Tampa.

We have had wet cold weather for the past few days. There was talk of snow showers too, but so far we haven't seen any flakes. Sunday afternoon we did have small, soft hail showers. It was incredible. Sarah said Holland had hail showers monday morning while see was walking to class. She is assigned to football now, where she goes to the football practices and is available to assist with injuries. Sarah called my cell phone and left me a message that she had pitcher/catcher warm up this morning @ 0630 and that it went really well. I am so happy for her. She really loves to play catcher. I pray that she makes the Hope team this winter. She sure is showing her passion, commitment and abilities to the coach and making a lot of friends on the team. Jeff and I are going to spend Friday the 7th at Hope for parents weekend. We will attend some classes, have dinner with Sarah, go to a concert and a parents reception. We decided against going back on Saturday for the events since it is just too hard getting ready for church the next day.

Tonight is Mary's first Orchestra concert. She says the music is pretty easy, since we have to let the freshman adjust. Still I am looking forward to it. I work tomorrow 12 hours, and Friday 9 hours. Wednesday night is always long with 3 hours of choir..kids, adults and praise team. I like them all (I lead the kids choir). The high school musical is in 2 weeks and Mary reports that they are a little behind. She gets frustrated with the lack of commitment and lack of focus that some bring to the stage. I am sure it will all turn out well in the end.. It has in the past. Matt has enjoyed working in the scene shop for the play, using new tools and learning about sets. He came home and explained all kinds of things yesterday and was happy to learn to use new equipment like a jigsaw. Don't worry he is using safety goggles and other required protection!

Well, we didn't golf this morning. Too cold and I have a cold, sniff-cough. So my buddy Norma and I are going to meet for lunch in just 30 minutes! Our bowling team is still in first place! We managed to take 3 points from a very good team of bowlers. The most exciting moment was when the lights went out just as I released my ball......there was silence. I was thinking what happens now? I felt pretty good about my ball and now there was no power. Just as my ball hit the pins, the power came on and I got a strike. I bowled a strike in the dark! WooHoo! The whole league applauded! What a moment!

Better get going to lunch! Have a great day!

Grace

(Sarah's Pumpkin)

PS: Happy Birthday GG!

Be Proud to Be an American

Election Day is just 10 days away. I enjoy researching facts and thought you might too. So I have added links with information about the candidates and today's issues. They are just a click or two away! Happy reading and remember to vote on November 4th!

First Show of the Year!

Tonight was the first show of the year! It was really fantastic. Matthew sang his debut with the High School Concert Choir and Mary had her debut with a solo, "L-O-V-E", and as a member of Village Green. One young man sang "Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera. He did an outstanding job. The auditorium was packed! Don't the kids look great? Mary's friend is included in the picture. Tuesday is the first orchestra concert of the year. Middle School and High School. I think I might go a little late and bypass the middle orchestra this time.

Thank you to everyone who was praying for Matt. He is doing much better on a new stronger antibiotic. He sure was sick for a good 5 days. The rest of us seem healthy and hope we don't get what Matt had. Just got word that my friend from high school's son broke his femur at football practice. He is ~10 years old and needs surgery. Please keep Mikey in your prayers. Thanks! Our other doctor appointments went well. The doctors were professional and knowledgeable. They took time to explain things to us respectively.

We will celebrate Reformation Day this Sunday with a Hymn Festival. The West Michigan Chorale is going to sing along with us and we will also sing a anthem as well. The Chime team is supposed to make their debut too. We have a practice on Saturday morning to determine if we are ready. With a group of only 5, it is a challenge.

Well, I am pretty tired after a long and eventful day. Besides the concert, I had the MD appt in Grand Rapids, Quilting, gave a piano lesson and attended a dinner for Habitat for Humanity. I got the laundry done too! Yay!

Go Rays! They won tonight....3 wins to go!

Grace

A Long Weekend

So sorry that it has been a while since my last post. Time really flies by and I don't get to everything I want to do. I know I am not the only one with this problem. Anyway, I hope that I can accurately update you on the past four days.

Thursday I finished my quilted runner for the clavinova. Now I am starting a baby quilt. I like making them, because they are smaller and I can use really cute flannel material. I will have to take a picture of my latest piece now in use.

Later that evening, Matthew got the chills and had a sore throat. He had a fever over 100 and red throat with white spots. By Friday morning it was over 101 and he was miserable. He did attend school for 1.5 hours until he went to the doctor. The doctor's appointment wasn't good. They almost didn't let them get seen, since they were 10 minutes "late", eventhough the place was crowded with people. Jeff informed them that he tried calling the office from 0800 - 0820 with the same recording, sorry the office is closed. We had to have the after hours people connect us with the office that opens at 0800. Anyway, the "nurse" came to swab Matt's throat and decided she need to swab it twice to make sure she got "enough". The test was negatice for strep, but because it had it's characteristics, he was put on Amoxicillin twice a day. Well, it hasn't done a thing for him. His temp this morning was 103.4! His throat is worse than Friday. Jeff has been a real godsend. He has been taking care of Matt since I worked both Friday and Monday. Today Matt went to the hospital lab for bloodwork. We will know the results tomorrow. Last check was 99.8 with the chills setting in. He took penicillin and advil and fell asleep. Doesn't look like he will go to school tomorrow either. Mary brought home his home work and he got the majority of it done. Way to go Matt! It is hard to miss two days of high school.

Back to the weekend, we had small group at our house on Saturday. We got the house cleaned up just in time before the two couple arrived for study. We had a nice discussion and study on our discipline. Our book is called, Who You Are When No One is Looking" by Bill Hybels. Mary had play practice in the morning and had her friend over afterward. They spent time singing songs most of the afternoon. Mary really loves theater and music. It really defines her passion. She will be singing a solo on Thursday night at the fall Choir concert. It will also be her debut as part of the prestigious Village Green, the school's show choir. Hopefully Matthew will be well enough to sing with the concert as well. Not many freshman are approved to sing with the concert choir. Mary also had a gig this weekend. She played her cello with her quartet at the community center where "Thomas Jefferson" attended and spoke about his life. The quartet was there to play during the refreshment period. Tomorrow Mary and many from the drama club will be going to Grand Rapids to see "Sweeny Todd" on stage. She love to go on these trips and experience life on stage. Guys and Dolls opens at our high school in just about 3 weeks. I can't wait to see it!

All of us went to see "Fireproof" the movie yseterday afternoon, while Matt's advil was working, and I enjoyed it very much. There were a few issues that I have with the movie that I won't go into here, since some of you may not have seen it. Anyway on a whole it is a movie with a good message and really helps put things into perspective. Jeff and I are reading through a 40 day book that goes along with the movie called the "Love Dare". I like it. It is a book intended to help you love your spouse more. We went straight to our bowling league and split the point 2-2. We are still in first place. I had a great game with a score of 154! I hope I can do that again.

Tomorrow promises to be busy as well. I am way behind on laundry. The cable man comes at 3pm to see why our picture has turned fuzzy/snowy. I am supposed to golf in the morning, but the weather is supposed to be cold and I am not sure if Matt we will be well yet. It is my "turn" to be at home with him. I also have a Stampin Up party tomorrow night at 6:30pm. I need to have some type of snacks. We are going to have a Christmas theme stamping party, so I might make Christmas treats! Great idea, right?

I had to reschedule chime team from tonight to Saturday. With Matt sick, I would be down to 4 ringers. We are supposed to play on Sunday, so we need to all be together. Saturday will make it fresh in our minds about our music especially those who are new this year to the team. I told Jeff not to include it in the bulletin, just in case we aren't ready for Sunday. It is reformation sunday, so I'd really like to be able to pull it off for the special service at 4pm.

Jeff has his meeting with the neurologist tomorrow. He has been feeling better lately but we figure he might as well get established there so that when he has another flareup, he can make an appt there instead of jumping through the many hoops all over again. My appt is Thursday. I will have to make medical updates at they become available.

Well, that does it...Have a Great Day!

Grace

PS - Have a look the family blogs with links in the left column. There is some interesting stuff to read and listen too!

Just A Few Words

Sarah was happy to receive a package from her Grandma and Grandpa Wilhelm today. She posted a picture on her facebook and I thought I would share it on our blog. It appears that her goldfish are thriving so far, and she is back to her college routine. I know she will miss softball this half of the semester, but she is enjoys watching the MLB playoffs and world series. We even bought some peanuts for her to eat during the game. Go Rays!

I had a busy night at work, my patient stayed awake the whole time. I work again tomorrow, but it is regular day hours. I also finished my latest quilt project. It is a runner to conver the keys of the church clavinova. My next project is a baby quilt. We make a lot of them. Some go to babies baptized at our church and some go to the county for donations to babies that need them.

We are having more fall like weather with cooler temperatures and beautiful colors. The heat has been going on during the past few nights. Hope your world is colorful in every way.

Grace

Back Home..Safe and Sound

Sarah is back at college and off to the AT office for clinical hours. She gets off at 6 pm. We bought some goldfish for her dorm room. They travelled from Greenville well and now happily swim in their bowl in the bathroom. That is a good place for them I think. I also stocked her up with snacks, drinks and other needed items. This morning she visited the high school and then we had lunch with some church friends. It was enjoyable. The drive home alone wasn't too bad. I listened to Sean Hannity all the way. Keeps the ride interesting. He has a lot of good things to make you think about today's issues.

I got home in plenty of time to be back to pick up Mary and Matthew from school. Mary had play practice and Matthew has decided to work in the scene shop for the play rather than try out for basketball. He really likes to make things with wood and materials. After we got home Matthew and I raked leaves for about 30 minutes and added to the already huge pile Matthew started last week. Now Matthew is going to cut the grass. The weather is beautiful..60's sunny and blue sky and fall colors all around.

Mary and Matthew got their school pictures back and I have posted them for you to see. Don't they look great? No more school pics for Sarah. Her senior pictures were sure awesome though. Jeff comes home tomorrow. I work till 5 pm and then we have family night at church. All kinds of fun activities, including a meal. I work Thursday and Friday as well. My patient is doing well, and came home from the ER very early this morning. Docs decided that there is nothing serious at this point, and we will watch at home and treat ear infection with oral antibiotics. Thanks for your prayers! I need to write her bimonthly reports by Sunday! I'd better get started.

Signed,

A Proud Mom

The Fun is Almost Over

It sure has been fun having Sarah at home. She has been able to spend time with her friends and enjoy home life. Today we went shopping to replenish some needed supplies. We even bought some goldfish for her. I hope they survive the trip to Holland.

Yesterday at church, our congregation has a pastor appreciation fellowship. We received many nice cards and gifts. It was really very nice. We also received some flowers as shown here. Praise service, including the orchestra did quite well. Next week our Sunday school is going to hear more about Bethesda Lutheran Home. That is where our mission offerings are going.

Just heard that my little patient had a seizure today. She is on her way to Grand Rapids to the children's hospital to find out why. She has also had a stubborn ear infection that might be related. Please continue to pray for her health. I also learned that my brother fell and injured his shoulder. That is all the information I have at this time.

Jeff left early today for the pastors' conference and golfed when they arrived at Boyne Mtn.. I hope his score was better than my was last week. I think we took three points in bowling last night. Our teammates did well, and we did just soso. I'd really like to be able to throw the ball consistently.

Better go make supper. I have chimes tonight, and it is Sarah's last night at home :(

Love,

Homecoming Part Deux

The kids came home early from the dance-- it wasn't as great as it has been in years past (if thats saying anything). So instead I did a photo shoot with Mary, and we are adding some new pictures. Matthew is happy to be back to his video games. We are still waiting to see how Sarah faired from The Haunt-- we'll see if her hair turned gray, hahaha.

The Homecoming 2008

It has been a wonderful weekend! Sarah came home in time for the homecoming football game and worked on the sidelines with her mentor Mr Day. It is really fun having her back for a few days. She goes back to school on Tuesday. Tonight she went with some her friends to "The Haunt" an indoor haunted attraction to scare you out of your wits. There is a dark maze too. That stuff is not for me!

Matthew marched in the homecoming parade and then played the National Anthem with the band on the field for the first time. He did great! Mary and Matthew went to the homecoming dance tonight and met their "dates" there. They both look great don't they? I will pick them up at 11 pm. See more pictures at Wilhelm Family Photos!

Tomorrow is a busy day at church. The orchestra is playing, the praise team is singing and I still have to prepare for the Sunday School opening. Not sure what we will do in the afternoon, but we will be bowling tomorrow night. Jeff goes to the pastors conference Monday-Wednesday. I don't work until Wednesday. Right now I work MWF one week and WF the next week. It works out really nice. With the economy the way it is, I might need to start working more hours.

Well, better be ready for tomorrow.

Grace

Super Hero Day

This is homecoming week at Greenville High School. Today is super hero day. Is that one word or two? Anyway, thought I would post their picture. Matthew always loved superman since he was a little boy. Mary was attracted to underdog which I always liked as a kid. So far there has been favorite college day, crazy hair day, class color day and now super hero. I suppose tomorrow will be Purple and Gold Day.

I have obvioiusly added to my picture column. I really think that the question should make people think about the sanctity of life. Animals are more protected than human babies! My new favorite motto from Horton Hears a Who is "a person is a person no matter how small!" That's all!

Matthew's last soccer game is this afternoon. Mary has no play practice today. Politics continue to play a part in school activities. There seems to be a lot of no shows of important people in the play and there are no consequences. Hmmm. Rules change all the time and are different from one person to another. Either way, Mary does her best at whatever role or assignment given to her.

Sarah comes home tomorrow! Yay!! Can you tell I am excited? Both of her friends found a way to stay with family, so Sarah is coming home alone. It should be a really fun time.

I need to get some laundry folded and head off to quilting. I sure hope to finish that project. I have piano lessons today and orchestra practice after the soccer game. Better run!

Grace

Wednesday is Here..Two days until Sarah Comes Home

We have had a pretty good week so far. I had a good day at work on Monday and work again on Friday. My haircut yesterday turned out really nice and a played a good round of golf. My score doesn't really reflect that, but I had a couple of great holes. Matt played soccer yesterday and did well. Still the team lost only 2-0. Mary had another musical gig with her string quartet. I guess it was fun and they got free food. She is trying to figure out what to do for homecoming. Her date had to bow out due to a tennis tournament on the same day. I am sure that she will go, look like a $100 (or more) and have fun. Matthew is going to the dance too. He is meeting a girl there, since her parents won't allow her to go with a boy to the dance. Sarah's cold is getting better and her friends dad is showing improvement. Praise the Lord! She has fall break this weekend. She looks forward to hanging out with Mr Day at the football game and visiting some teachers at school while she is home. When she returns to Hope on Tuesday, her softball class will be over and she will have a religion class instead. Sarah would rather play ball. :) She been working at soccer games as a AT student and that will change too. She is going to start working at volleyball games. That will be fun.

There is lots going on the rest of this week. I have music committee meeting at 1100, and then choir from 1830-probably 2130 tonight. Praise team sings on Sunday, so we need to be ready. I have chosen a SS Christmas program and am looking for a new SS teacher too. I am optimistic. Tomorrow is quilting, and I hope to complete the little quilt for the keyboard of the clavinova. It gets dusty and the vinyl one is ugly, bulky and hard to deal with. Matthew's last soccer game is tomorow afternoon. We hope to encourage Matthew enough to at least try out for basketball and also to embrace his awesome musical talents at school in choir and band. Church Orchestra is Thursday evening, and we play As the Deer on Sunday.

Friday is a BIG day here. After work I need to get Matthew to the school for the homecoming parade and be ready to take pictures. Jeff is going to pick up Sarah at Hope @ 1600 in hopes that they will be home in plenty of time for the game and who knows maybe the parade too. We should have nice weather and a good game of football. Jeff is speaking at an LWML rally held at our church Sat morning and the dance is Saturday evening. I am sure I will blog around that time, so I will stop here and post more events later.

Need to get ready for the meeting..

Grace