GHS Collage Concert~Friday and Saturday

Greenville High School Music Department will perform their annual Collage Concert this Friday (4/13) and Saturday (4/14) at 7:30 pm. There will be lots of great music, vocal and instrumental. Matthew will be performing with the Village Green.

This concert should be broadcast via live feed on the link below:
http://www.mhsaa.tv/greenville
Enjoy the show!

Jeff and I will be attending on our Anniversary after dinner together.  On Saturday I will be going to Ann Arbor for Mary's Glee Club Concert.   Her quartet will be singing as well.  I know that she has been packing, so I will most likely start bringing things home for the summer.  She moves home next week! 

I enjoyed the Nursing Ed Class today.  Think I might buy the book.  Has lots of really helpful and valuable information. I will work on Thursday night this week and then Monday and Tuesday next week.  Picked up an On-Call shift on Sunday.

Remember Sarah on Friday as she takes her certification test.   I have little Jack tomorrow.  He always brings joy to our house..

Gracie

PS~Did you hear we had snow today??

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

Spring Break has come to an end and Matthew will start the few months as a high school student.  We had a wonderful Easter weekend complete with sunny weather! Sarah arrived home safely Saturday and I was cancelled from work Saturday night, which allowed me to have fun times with my family.

• Tiger Baseball
• Lord of the Rings
• Watching "The Ten Commandments" and "Psyche"
• Baking Brownies

Jeff and Matthew left early for the "sunrise" service.  Matthew had A/V duty. Then Matt came home and picked me up for Easter Breakfast.  The men of MCLC did a great job.  French Toast, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy.  Sunday School was well attended by kids and adults.  Sarah arrived and attended church with me.  It was very nice to see some of the college students and military members home this weekend.

Sarah and Jeff made the sticky rice when we got home while I cooked the bulkogi.  We still have brownies to eat and I need to present the chocolate bunnies.  There are a few good TV shows to watch tonight too.

Jeff has gone to Lowe's to get some more lawn seed with mulch.  There is still some areas we need to seed. Matthew and Jeff have done a great job on our yard.  We both have tomorrow off, so we may entertain the idea of going to the season opener of the Michigan Whitecaps.  We will see what kind of weather we have. I am thankful for my friend at work who traded shifts with me so I can be home tonight with the family!

Sarah returns to Hope in the morning and will need your prayers on Friday when she takes her BOC (board of certification) test.   Passing gives her the title of Athletic Trainer Certified.  I have total faith in Sarah, but taking those type tests can be quite daunting! She will also finish up her 4 years at Hope College and prepare for grad school at University of Toledo.  A trip to Japan in May will be a memory making experience.

I received an email from Mary today.  She has several papers to write.  One 15 page paper for history, a final English paper and a 3 page written essay in German. Whew! She also mentioned that Brandon had a recording session last night and sang "As Long As I'm Singing" and "Mac the Knife".  She sent me some pictures (posted in the family album) and the recordings.  I am trying to figure out a way to post them. They turned out very well. Saturday is the Women's Glee Club Concert.  I will be going to listen to them and I am certain that "Blue Horizon" quartet will perform too.  I will make a second trip to Ann Arbor the next weekend to move Mary home!  I can't believe that she done with 2 years at Michigan.

Matthew is getting excited about OU.  He has been reading about some activities during orientation weekend and it does sound like lots of fun~ free movie, golf cart tour of where your classes are and learning about intramural sports.  He also read that the sword fighting theatre class was outside on the north oval.  Pretty cool!  Even though there are lots of fun things to think about, we also have deadlines for financial aid applications.

So what's happening the rest of the week?

• Nursing Ed class on Tuesday and work Thursday night.
• Jeff and I will celebrate our 27th  wedding anniversary on Friday. Sarah takes her BOC test.
• Matthew will be singing with the Village Green at GHS Collage Concert on Friday.
• I bowl in the state tournament Saturday morning and attend Mary's concert Saturday night.
• Last Chime Team rehearsal

Think we need to have some sort of mexican dinner tonight...Taco Bell??

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Gracie

Spring Break, Opening Day and Holy Week

Matthew's Spring Break finally arrived this week. Here are some of the activites:

• Matthew and Jeff worked on the yard all day Monday and it looks terrific!  There is grass seed down with mulch that Matt waters each day. All the old brush got pulled out and removed. I slept since I worked a 12 hour on call shift Sunday night and needed to go back to work Monday night. I did managed to have a taco bell dinner with my men.
• Tuesday Matthew and I caught up on our TV shows through On Demand on our Cable TV.  Jeff and I went out to dinner together, while Matthew planned on a basketball gig with his buddies.  Unfortunately, it fell through.  At least until the next day. Watched "War Horse".  It was ok.
• Wednesday, I watched "Courageous" while Matthew went to play basketball then came did errands with me including grocery shopping. I even made dinner and cookies!  Haven't done that in a while.  Working nights makes it difficult to cook the next day, since I end up sleeping  most of the day.
• Yesterday was probably one of the best!  Matthew and I went to the ball park and hit some softballs.  Matthew even did some switch hitting. It felt good to feel the ball hit the bat, especially when you see the ball sail to the outfield.  Had hot dogs for lunch with the quilters and hurried home to watch Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers! Verlander started where he left off, with a great pitching and control. Too bad Valverde couldn't get the save, but ended taking the win after some sloppy pitching.  Either way, TIGERS WIN!  The orchestra played for church and the Maunday Thursday service was very nice. 1/2 off Appetizers for dinner at Applebee's.

Good Friday is here. It is a day I feel sad that Jesus had to die on the cross, especially since He is holy. But,  I  also know it is a good day, Jesus took that on willingly endured a beating, crown of thorns, ridicule and hanging on a cross, so that I forgiven of all of my sins!  How Good, no Great is that?? Of course the most important part of the story happens on Sunday.  Because Jesus rose again on Easter, now we can be ASSURED that we will go to heaven and live with HIM forever.  I won't be going to church since I am scheduled to work tonight.

What else is planned for the weekend??

• Making Bulkoogi today for Sunday dinner, since I will be working Friday and Saturday. Maybe I will get cancelled for one of those days.
• EASTER Services....
• Sarah will be home for Easter Sunday.  It is always nice to have her home. Wish Mary could be with us too. 
• No bowling or work (I traded shifts), so I can spend the whole day with the family!
• Then back to the grind on Monday....

HAPPY EASTER!!   HE IS RISEN!! INDEED!! ALLELUIA!!

 Gracie

A Sunny Sunday!

It has been such a beautiful sunny day!  Sunday School and Church went well.  Chime team played without any noticeable mistakes and the orchestra did a great job with the hymns and the anthem was great.  Very happy.  It made for a good preschool Sunday too!

Sarah, Jeff, Matthew and I rode in to Grand Rapids for a delicious lunch.   Came home and the guys threw the softball around while Sarah and I watched some basketball, did laundry and baked cookies. We hate for this day to end, since we have a freeze warning for the overnight hours. Poor Daffodils, they look so pretty in our yard and all the trees are budding and the yards are green.

Matthew is hoping to hear from WMU to see if they are going to award him any scholarships/financial help.  He wants to make his decision  this week.  Sarah is going back to Hope after her last spring break as an undergraduate.   Just a few months and she will be done! Wow! Extra prayers for her as she prepares to take her state boards next month, on our anniversary.  Mary is keeping busy at  U of M, and is running for secretary or president of the Glee Club for next year.  Elections are tonight! Will keep you posted..

For now, Jeff and I are off to bowling.  Hope we do better than the last time. 

Goodbye!

Grace

Success!

Sarah and my trip to Grand Rapids was a success. Sarah got several dresses, one of which will be her graduation dress.  I like it very much.  We shopped in the "new" JCPenney and I bought some new white tops for work.  We ate fajita's for lunch at On the Border and it was very very good.  Found out after the fact, that I could have received a discount for being a Metro Employee.  Guess we will have to go back!

The weather continues to be unseasonably hot with a thunderstorm yesterday afternoon.  Even had a rainbow.  Had a great orchestra rehearsal and then watched men's basketball.  So glad the Gators pulled off a win!  Marquette wasn't playing up to there potential.  That helped. More games tonight. 

Little Jack is here today and we have had a fun time together.  He really loves music now. Gettting some computer work done while he is napping. Should get the laundry started or at least sorted downstairs. 

That's about it I guess,  have a nice day!

Gracie

A Happy Birthday for Jeff!

Today was another warm/hot day in W. Michigan.  The warmest birthday Jeff has had since living in Greenville.  He certainly didn't complain any.  There was even a little thunder just before soup supper at church! Here are some other things that happened today:

1. I baked a birthday cake.
2. Sarah and I had lunch with Jeff at Arby's.
3. Church/Choir
4. Watched TV together and the reading of birthday cards.

Still expecting more fun the rest of the week.

Gracie

You'd Think It Was Summer

Happy Spring! The weather is warm/hot for March here in Michigan.  The crocus have been up for a week or so and today our daffodils are in full bloom.  Don't you just love Spring?  It is has been strange going to work while it is still light and then hard driving into the sunrise in the morning. I like not having to wear a coat to go outside.

Sarah is home for spring break and I love having her home. Today we had lunch and went grocery shopping since our fridge was pretty empty. We both love watching Tiger's baseball and some TV shows.  Making meals that she hasn't had in a while.  She has also done some studying for her licensing exam.  That is going to take place on April 13, our Anniversary.  Other good news,  Sarah is going to Japan in May.  I am so happy for her!  So glad she had a second chance.

Not too much news from Ann Arbor.  Mary and Brandon are fine after all of the tornadoes in the area last week.  Classes are going well. She even got to see a reading of the orphan of Zhao, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company.  They will be performing the play during the London Olympics. What a great experience for her to see them at the U of M! I can't believe that we will move her home in five weeks, and she will have finished two years of college.

Matthew has been accepted into both theatre programs!  Now he has to decide where to go, Oklahoma or Western Michigan.  He is still waiting for the official letter from WMU, but received admittance via email.   We are all very happy for him. He and Jeff went to his interview last Friday while I stayed home with bronchitis and sinusitis.  I had to call into work sick for the first time. Ugh! I had that, especially on a weekend.  Good thing I have a doc note.  I can prove I wasn't playing hookey.

Tomorrow is Jeff's birthday and I will be baking a cake for soup supper before the lenten service.  Fudge Marble with Chocolate Frosting.  Wednesdays are always so busy, so not sure how when we will celebrate.  Guess I will have to let you know.

I had a couple busy nights in the nursery at work, and am now spending time with Sarah, had two fillings this morning and plan to go to Grand Rapids maybe on Thursday to hopefully find a graduation dress for Sarah.  I need some short sleeve white tops for work too.

Guess that is all.  We have more warm weather ahead this week, even setting heat records for the month of March!

Gracie

PS: Happy Birthday to by brother Dan...Hope you had a great day at Animal Kingdom! Look for you present in the mail in just a few days!

Home again..

We arrived home late last night, or should I say very early this morning. What a weekend!

We attended the church Jeff went to as a college student Sunday morning.  It was a very nice service and Jeff was able to meet up with a few friends that still attend there.  Furthermore, when we explained that our son was considering coming to OU, Matt was introduced to all of the students and was made to feel very welcome. After church we had some delicious burgers/sandwiches at a local restaurant, O'Connel's, at Campus Corner.

Since our plane didn't leave until 6:15pm, we stopped at the OKC National Museum on the way to the airport.  Matthew was only 1 when the bomb blew 1/2 the federal building away in April 1995.  The museum was very well done and the memorial quite moving. There were a  few moments when I teared up, remembering that day, and what could have been for those lost.  I don't know how you get over something like that if you were a survivor or family of a victim.

Before driving to the airport, we stopped at Braum's Ice Cream one last time.  We returned the rental toyota, checked in and got through security in plenty of time to load the plane. Our seats were almost all the way to the back. There was one row behind us. Although things were pretty tight, the trip to Chicago wasn't too bad and before you knew it we were eating dinner at the O'Hare Airport.  Jeff really likes the Italian Beef Sandwiches.  The flight to Grand Rapids was only about 30 minutes and much more comfortable.  We were all glad to get to get to bed and sleep.

Matthew is back at school. He had a test today. We also have a better idea what still needs to be done for the OU housing and scholarships.  I slept most of today trying to prepare for a night shift tonight.  I still have a cold, but am going to try and tough it out. I have a day of education at the hospital on Wednesday and then work the weekend. Jeff may get his driver's license and car tags renewed. It is his birthday month.

Hope all is going well for you! Have a great day!

Gracie

Interview #1- OU: Complete

We have had a marvelous time here in Norman, OK.  It started with a very early wake up Friday morning and were in the air by 0730.  We had a stop in Chicago along with a delay, but arrived in OKC before 11 am.  Lunch was at Matthew's favorite, Chik-Fil-A and checked into our room before going to OU.  The weather was gorgeous, sunny and warm, perfect for a walking tour. Some of Jeff's friends from his college days met us for dinner at a steakhouse. It was very good and we enjoyed our little reunion. Our evening wasn't over yet.  We had to shop for a new tie, and go to Kinkos to make a few changes to the portfolio. It turned out great!  Matthew got a teal and black tie and a blue striped tie, and would decide which one  to wear in the morning.  Even though we were tired, Braum's ice cream was in our mind, so we stopped and had some yummy ice cream before going to sleep.  Didn't take long to sleep, we had a long but fun day.

Today was another early day.  Sign in at audition day was at 0830.  Grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to campus.  Matthew decided to wear the blue tie and when we arrived, the color scheme for the day was blue.  How cool is that?  The itinerary was all planned out. Met the teachers and some students, heard from the financial aid and housing offices and then Matt went on with the tech profs for a workshop and tour.  Jeff and I had a Q+A session with financial aid, housing and faculty followed by a tour.  It was very interesting and helpful.  Everyone had lunch together in one of the small theatre stages.  Matthew and the other 5 techie applicants went upstairs and had their interviews together as a round table discussion. It lasted two hours. Jeff and I walked around a little then found waited patiently in a comfy lobby and then in the green room at the theatre. We even had a chance to call and talk to our moms. Matthew reported  that the interview went well and that he should here from the theatre department in two weeks.

With the interview complete, we had the rest of the day to do fun stuff like: eating at CiCi's Pizza, more shopping, and going to the Lloyd Noble Center, a sporting event venue, to watch #1 ranked Men's Gymnastic Team, University of Oklahoma, take on #8 University of Michigan.  It was fun to watch, had great seats and had a good outcome.  OU won the meet as a team and the All Around winner was from U of M.  I like floor exercise, rings and high bar the most.

It is night time and we are tired.  The guys are sleeping and I should get to sleep soon. Tomorrow is church in the morning, perhaps a little sightseeing in OKC and fly home tomorrow evening.  It's been a great time, and went by quick.  Posted pictures on our photo album.

Interview #2 at Western Michigan, Friday March 16th.

Good Night.

Gracie

Boomer Sooner

I think everything I needed to do is done, except for packing my clothes.  A very productive day if I say so myself.

1. Babysitting my little friend Jack.
2. Cooked the main dish for our Thursday Lunch
3. Laundry
4. Sent out emails
5. Sammy to the Groomer/Kennel. 
6. Pre Bowled for our league.  Better than last week, but still not so good.  
7. Parent Teacher Conferences~ The teachers love Matthew!
8. Quicken is up to date!
9. Organized my nursing bags, sunday school and computer bags. 
10. I even got to watch a few TV shows while folding clothes.

Matthew is all packed up and has all his homework done.  He has his portfolio ready to go and admits he is nervous.  He can practice his presentation ideas on the plane.  Audition on Saturday. He showed the portfolio to a few teachers today and they loved it.  Whew!  Can't believe the day is finally here. Time is sure going by fast now.

Mary is back in the swing at U of M.  She texted me tonight to let me know that the Northern Lights are supposed to be visible here.  What a sweetie.  She knows that her Momma wants to see them one day!  It's a little chilly to go out side, plus being in the city, even a small one, with street lights, it would probably be hard to see. Her barbershop group, Blue Horizon, had a singing gig yesterday.

Sarah is finally feeling a little better.  Doc thinks she has an ulcer from taking ibuprofen for so long to control the fever.  Fever and aches probably due to mono or other related virus. Liver test normal.  They are checking her blood for H. Pylori (stomach bacteria) and a repeat Hemoglobin.   She has been  a trouper, being so sick for so long and keeping up with assignments.  Started taking some medicine for her stomach today.  On a happier note, Sarah might be able to go to Japan this May.  It is not certain yet, but so glad they are offering it to her should the trip pan out.   I would be so happy for her!

Guess that is about all for now...We will be in rainy Oklahoma in less than 12 hours.  A campus tour in the rain, fun!  I am sure it will be no matter.  I love Norman, OK.  We will be having dinner with some friends Friday night.  Looking forward to a great weekend!

Gracie

Back to U of M, Bowling and the Week Ahead

Spring Break is over and Mary and Brandon are on their way back to Ann Arbor.  We had some really fun times.  It is always nice to have your kids home from college.  I will be going to Ann Arbor in a few weeks for Brandon's UMMGC concert.  Time will go by quickly.

The Cory's and our family went to see "Act of Valor" last night. It was an action packed movie about the navy seals.  The movie was well done and sure left me with so much gratitude of our military who fight to keep us safe.  There is so much we don't know about or realize what sacrifices they make. It certainly left me thinking and thankful. 

Tonight I hope to bowl over average.  Our team isn't fairing to well this season.  It sure is amazing that we were in the top 3 for the fall season and in the bottom 3 in the spring season.

Sarah continues to have a sick stomach.  She says it is not a muscular pain, but kind of under the ribs.  The tests that she has had have all been within normal limits.  Negative rapid strep, mono (x3) and flu tests. Guess they took other blood tests at her last doc visit on Thursday morning.  Supposed to have results by Friday, but no one called.  Better hear something from them in the AM! Being medical people, Sarah and I have thinking of everything it could be and that can be a dangerous thing.  Better just to wait and see what the blood tests show.  Fever came back early over the weekend but has subsided since last night.  When I asked what she might need, her answer was energy.

I work tomorrow and Tuesday night and then have the rest of the week off.  Wow, gotta love my schedule.  I have a great job!  Wednesday and Thursday will be prep days.  Getting Sunday School and Kids' Church ready, laundry and packing.  Friday morning we fly out to Oklahoma for Matthew's college visit.  Campus tour on Friday afternoon, dinner with some of Jeff's friends on Friday night and then the big theatre interview on Saturday. Portfolio is done.  Will let you know how things go.

We won't get home until late Sunday night, and then I have a pretty full week. Work on Monday CPR and clinical skills updates on Wednesday, VBS meeting and church.  Concert on Thursday and then working the weekend.  Matthew has his audition/interview at Western Michigan on Friday afternoon.  One of my friends will work my first four hours of work so that I can go with Matthew to K-Zoo. By then, Sarah will be on spring break and I will have the whole week off with her.

Guess that about does it.  Might have time to work on our VBS website and some planning tonight yet.

Ready, Set....GO!

Gracie

Leap Year! UM Spring Break!

It has been so nice having Mary home this week. It is even better that my scheduled week off at work coincided with it.  We have done a lot and have fun things to look forward to:

• Friday I was cancelled on a snow day and was able to go out to dinner with Mary and the family at Pizza Hut.  
• Saturday I had to work, but had some fun morning time with Mary and Matthew.  Jeff was at a conference,  Matthew left around noon for his show choir gig and I took Mary to Brandon's on the way to work. I finally worked in the nursery, and had a nice evening.
• Sunday was a work day for me too, so after the sermon at church I slept until 4:30 and then we all ate at Applebee's for dinner before I headed out to work.  I was the back-up nursery nurse and had another good night.  
• Monday was a catch up on sleep day and then watched some TV. Jeff worked on taxes and then I worked on FAFSA, so we could file before the first of March. Mary and Matthew's are done, and we are working on Sarah's now.  Thank goodness February had an extra day! Happy Leap Year!
• Tuesday I had to be brave.  I had to go to the dentist and have my baby tooth fixed.   It sure is easier than having it pulled and who knows what else.  Anyway, after lots of anxiety and questions, I had the filling and it all went well.  Unfortunately, they could only fill one of the three needed. The other two are small and one is actually a replacement filling. Of course we voted and then had little Jack over for about six hours.  Mary and I made dinner for the Cory's last night. Jim had carpal tunnel surgery.  He is doing well and they appreciated it very much. Chime rehearsal went well, they sure have grown into a really good group.
• Today was another Jack day with lots of smiles and laughs.  Mary had been helping Matthew with his portfolio and it is looking really nice.  He still has lots to do before next week.  Just need to keep plugging along. Matthew had Village Green Choreography tonight and tomorrow. Mary and I went shopping and then attended church.  The VBS stuff came in and looks like so much fun!  Gives me more drive to make it a great week in June. 

Sounds fun-filled?  Look what it yet to come:

• Thursday Mary has an appointment to renew her passport so she can travel to South Africa.Then we are off to Holland to see Sarah.  Sarah will have seen the doctor again to see if the negative tests from earlier remain negative.  Girls lunch will be a lot of fun.  We will get to be with Sarah when she gets her cap and gown.  Guess we will have opportunities to order graduation announcements. Going to take my camera and try not to cry too much. Later in the evening Mary will be going to dinner with the Cory's, and I will be helping serve dinner to Village Green on their second night of choreography before Orchestra practice.  
• Friday Mary is going to get a haircut and then we will head to Grand Rapids for a little shopping. Dinner planned is chicken crescents, a favorite.  
• Saturday and Sunday are still open for fun and excitement, including bowling.  I had better wash my scrubs since I go back to work on Monday. Sure will need to get my rest.

That is about it!  Have a nice day!

Gracie

Slept at Home

After a 2 hour nap, I got cancelled from work, as requested.  It was nice to pick up Mary from Brandon's, have dinner together, then help Matthew with his portfolio.  All the pictures are ordered and the plan is formed and in process. Mary even started her laundry.  Time flew by and we went to bed.

Jeff got up early and is off to the apologetics conference today in Grand Rapids. I won't see him until church tomorrow. Matthew is up and ready to go with the Village Green to their choir showcase is Chelsea,MI.  Mary and I have some down time this afternoon.  Some of which I will nap before work and she can work on school and other stuff.  I am going to drop Mary off at Brandon's on the way to work and then pick her up on the way home from work.  Brandon's family loves to have Mary come and spend time with them.  It will be nice for her since Matt won't be home till after midnight, Jeff will be getting ready for church and I will be at work.

Sunday will be church, sleep and work. Will try to fit in a family dinner. Course the rest of the family can go and do something fun or work on FAFSA which is not fun, but necessary. Mary and I hope to go visit Sarah sometime this week.

Signing off,

Gracie

Snow Day!

Our weatherman, Jeff, is the best ever.  This Pastor Master Forecaster told Matt earlier in the week that Friday would most likely be a snow day!  He was right, of course.  The snow has stopped for now, and we have four inches of new snow.  The trees are snowy and it looks like winter again.  Luckily the streets are clearing.  We do expect more later today.

I am scheduled to work the tonight and the weekend.  I was able to get on the cancellation list for tonight just in case the weather gets bad again.  Would prefer not driving in this stuff 40 miles one way.  We will see if they call me off or not.

Mary and Brandon are coming home tonight.  Sure hope they are careful as are the drivers around them.  There was supposed to be a basketball tournament game tonight, but that has been cancelled.

This weekend has lots of  activity.  Matthew has a showcase concert tomorrow night at 8 pm on the east side of the state and the bus leaves at 2 pm and won't get home till around midnight or later. Jeff is going to a Apologetics Conference for the day in Grand Rapids.  I will be sleeping and getting ready for work. 

Sarah reports snow in Holland and also is battling another cold and sore throat.  No strep, so just needs to treat the symptoms until her body fights off the bug.

That is all the news for now. Time for a nap before work.

Grace

Exciting Times..Busy Schedules

Well,  I didn't get called in on Sunday night. I did work Monday night and it was pretty busy.  It was nice to receive nice compliments from the patients before I left work.  Makes it worth the extra effort.

Yesterday I got an official retired AF dependent ID card.  I actually like the picture too. Unfortunately, it is only good for a few years which is weird, since my last one lasted a long time.  I hated that picture.  Oh well, I have learned to go with the flow. Who knows maybe the next picture will be even better!

Chime Team rehearsal went great.  They have really grown together and play well.  Last Sunday they played Beautiful Savior with just a few rehearsals.  Working on three more songs for the rest of the season.

Got up early today and went to the doctor for a check up.  Lost weight and all my labs are good.  Knee pain is almost non-existent.  The doc was very happy and told me to keep up the good work.  I plan on it!

I am happy to announce that I finally finished Quicken! I let it lag and procrastinated too long, which made it into a daunting job.  Thanks to Jeff he helped me through a few wrinkles. But it is done!  Yay! It feels good, and I don't ever want to get that far behind again.  So I plan to keep up with those slips regularly from now on.

Tonight is the Village Green Variety Show and Matthew will be singing with his barbershop group.  It heard a snipet of it over a voice message and they sounded pretty nice.  Gave him a few thoughts and look forward to the performance.  Interestingly, they almost didn't sing, as they had to find another baritone. So it was miraculous that they found someone willing and sang well the first time through.

Jeff won't be able to go to the concert. It is Ash Wednesday. It aggravates us no end that schools plan events on days that force kids to choose between school and church. Grades reflect attendance too.  In the end, I will be missing church tonight and Jeff will miss the concert.  I wonder if you could watch it live on http://www.mhsaa.tv/greenville  .If not live, maybe after the fact.  I haven't heard anything, but it is possible. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

Matthew has been working hard on the college auditions for technical theatre. The applications are in and now he has the portfolio to finish.  Glad Mary is coming home this weekend. She will be a big help. I know that Matthew has also worked on applications for financial aid.  He has also taken to playing the piano, learning songs and playing by ear!  More recently, he has been reading the music and learning to play. I am so impressed with him.

As mentioned earlier, Mary will be home this weekend for spring break.  I have all next week off after working the weekend.   Glad to have time together!   She is very busy with midterms this week.  She is ready for some rest and relaxation.  Sarah is doing fine at Hope.  Graduation is coming quick and we are very proud of her.

As for now, I had better get working on the rest of my to do list. 

Gracie

On Call!

I am On Call again tonight till 7 am.  I don't mind, just worry a little about sleeping and not hearing the phone, or getting called in at 4 am for just a few hours, especially since I am 45 minutes away from work. So I am missing bowling, just in case they call as I would leave within a few minutes.

We had a nice weekend.  Friday night we watched the GHS Boy's Basketball team remain undefeated for the regular season with a exciting game.  District tournaments start on Friday. Our team played so well together, and their defense was stellar. Saturday we went to see Little Women at GHS.  The play was very good and the set was awesome.  It is weird that the last play of the year is over already.  GHS Theatre is doing a live "radio show", War of the Worlds next month.  We won't be able to go, as we will be in Oklahoma for Matthew's interview.

I had a busy Sunday morning.  Sunday School...Chime Team..Played for church and Led the VBS informational meeting.I work all next weekend and play for church with the orchestra next Sunday. Better learn to drink some coffee!

No school tomorrow...President's Day, but I am working.  I hope to get some things accomplished before I sleep before work.  That is if I don't get called in tonight.  Then I will sleep most of the day.  Mary comes home on Friday for a week of Spring Break.  Nice that I will be off all next week! 

Guess that is about it.  Have a great week!

Gracie

It's That Time of Year!

The time of year that none of us really like at all.  FAFSA. Financial Aid applications.  Having to get your taxes done a month early.  Reporting bank accounts and funds so the government can determine how much of the college bill we can pay, the EFC, Expected Family Contribution. We can't get away from it, so we plug away and get all this numbers in order the best we can, and within certain deadlines.   Our Quicken is nearly updated which is crucial for Jeff to work on taxes. What a headache!

I was busy at work last night, but it was still a good night at work and I learned some new things! That is always a plus.  Everyone is so helpful and willing to help out this newbie. I am on-call tonight, so I need to be available should they need me to come in. I work a regular shift tomorrow. Then I have several nights off. 

We had a nice time with Sarah home for several days and Mary had a nice Valentine's Day as well.  She will be home for spring break in a few weeks.  Yay!

Get's that is all for now.  Have a nice week! Wish us luck on all of our financial forms to fill out!

Gracie

Happy 18th Birthday Matthew!

It was 18 years ago, that Matthew was born.  An unforgettable day, an adorable little boy.  What do you remember about that day?  I remember that this was my only delivery by a midwife. It was exceptional.  Thank you Lisa, CNM!  The next day Jeff brought the girls to the hospital all dressed in hearts with their hair in ponytails.  That was impressive.  I even asked why they were decked out in hearts. He said "It's Valentine's Day!"  I had forgotten all about it, it didn't matter, I had the best Valentine gift ever, my son. We were all so very happy when we took him home.



We had a great weekend! Packed with activities:

• Friday we finally got snow!  It was so beautiful to watch it fall to the ground.  The only bad thing was that it delayed Sarah from coming home from Holland for her winter break.  Better safe than sorry.  Jeff, Matthew and I went to the GHS boys basketball game and watched a wild and fast paced game.  The best news is that the Yellow Jackets remain undefeated and conference champions!  It was great..right down to the last seconds.

• Saturday started out with Jeff and Matthew clearing the snow from the sidewalks. It didn't take too long and it looks great. The sky was clear blue with sunshine!  Then Matt's friend, Alex came over and we headed to Craig's Cruisers for pizza, games and go karts.  Sarah met us there too.  We  had a lot of fun.  We brought home 5 goldfish as prizes.  Glad to report that they are all still alive in our 10 gallon tank!  Once we were all home we played a game and then the "kids" watched TV.   I cooked them some food and worked on quicken so we could be one step closer to getting to FAFSA. 

• Sunday included a nice church service, chicken enchilada dinner together at home, more paperwork, then bowling and Applebees for a late supper.

• Matthew was back at school on his real birthday and had a good day.  Appreciates all the cards, wishes, calls and gifts.  Mary called and wished him a happy day that put a big smile on his face. He loves his sisters.

It has been so nice having Sarah home.  For those of you who might not have heard, Sarah has accepted a position as a graduate student/AT at the University of Toledo.  Nice to have that decision made and excited about her future.  Just a few more months of undergraduate work and of course the license exam in the spring.  

Mary had a Glee Club retreat this past weekend that she planned as the business manager. It was well received and everyone had a nice time. Guess she needs to plan a trip out of state now to sing at a Director's conference.  Still raising money for South Africa.  Any fundraising ideas?  Brandon took his LSAT test on Saturday and feels it went pretty well. He should know he score near the beginning of March.

I have been off work for over a week now.   Thanks to a co-worker who traded shifts with me so I could be home with Matthew tonight.  I am back to work tomorrow and Thursday and on call Wednesday and Sunday.   I am liking my job very much.


That says it all.

Gracie, mom of Matthew. 

Surprise!

I worked last night instead of tonight.  The hospital called me and asked if I could switch.  I told them I could work 11-7 and they still did a swap.  They sure needed nurses.  It was very busy!  We are making up for the lull we had in January.  I will work Saturday and Sunday as planned.

Jeff had a meeting tonight for middle school youth, so Matthew and I went out for taco bell.  I love the new enchiridos (minus beans).  Matthew had Quesadillas (no sauce).  Red Box was our next stop to rent a few movies.  We await Jeff's arrival before starting them.  I told Matthew that he could teach me a Wii game.  So far that hasn't happened,but he wants me to play a war game with him.. Bad idea, but I will.

Sarah is home safe and sound, and has lots of decisions to make. She also needs to catch up on rest and studying after a two day trip to Toledo.  She has been accepted to Toledo, Western and Indiana.  The dopey Spartans at Michigan State haven't even communicated with her since her application was complete.  Their loss.

Mary is spending time with fundraising for her South African trip this summer. Guess they are going to go out and sing for whatever money people will thow into the bin.  They are going to sell flowers for Valentine's Day too. She also continues to work at a local elem school and has a new student to work with, she loves being in a classsroom.

Matthew has started his last semester at GHS. Likes his classes and is slowly getting to his college stuff.  He really wants to go to Oklahoma!   Jeff and I went to the show that Matthew sculpted rocks, even a skull rock, out of styrofoam. It looked awesome.  He also built the jail bars.   Tomorrow he will help strike the set and  put in the set for Little Women. 

Tomorrow we will be getting a new printer and a new laptop computer for me. The old desktop is moving slow and we rarely use it.  I am excited, as the one I am using right now turns off without notice.

Well, I better go check the dryer..making sure I have enough scrubs for the weekend..

Gracie

Update!

HAPPY GROUNDHOGS DAY! SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!

Here is the latest:

• Sarah made it safe to Toledo.  Visit is going well.
• I changed my dental appointment.  Wanted the dentist that saw me to do the drilling.  Wouldn't you? 
• Sammy still safe and sound..no more walkabouts yet.
• Ready for Orchestra tonight 
• Got a lot accomplished, still need to work on laundry, quicken and cook dinner.
• Still working this weekend. 
• Sarah drives home tonight.  Praying for safe travel.
• No more sore throat or stuffy head today!

Gracie

Stress and Anxiety

The remainder of this week is causing some stress and anxiety. 

• Had big plans to accomplish a lot, but woke up with a sore throat and a stuffy head
• Getting two fillings tomorrow...High Anxiety
• Choir and Orchestra and a presentation of the GPS Melodrama, Westward Whoa!
• Working a three night weekend.  
• Wondering if Sammy will go on walkabout again. 
• Sarah a little stressed about driving to Toledo today and will spend tomorrow with the Athletic Training Staff and Students.

Guess I had better get some work done.  Charge!

Grace

Prayers Needed For So Many.

This is truly sad and tragic. I don't know how could handle such a tragedy.

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod - Crash kills pastor's wife, two children in Kansas

My friend of mine shared this on her Facebook~

Words from Rev. Jeff Geske posted on his Facebook wall - 

"Thank you! I would like to thank everyone for the words and love shown to me during this most difficult time at the death of Laura and Joshua and Joy. I rejoice knowing that they are now in heaven with our Savior Jesus. I miss them so much, but I know that one great and glorious day, they will along with Jesus welcome me home to heaven. May ...this difficult time for me remind you and encourage you to continue to express your love to your family. They are so precious and truly a gift from God on loan to us. May God comfort you as He is comforting me. Never forget how much God loves you! John 3:16-17 Take comfort in the five most important words you can ever know which are, "Jesus died for my sins!" Jesus loves you and so I ask and encourage you to love others and share His love, forgiveness, and salvation with them. Heaven is our home!"

 Wow! 

Gracie

Weird Weather

We sure have had some crazy "winter" weather.  Couple days of cold and snow, then a warm up with rain and sleet. The last few days have been cold and snowy and we have several inches on the ground with a little more expected in the morning.

Tomorrow Matthew has two finals covering the first semester in the morning and then a half day of 2nde semester classes in the afternoon. Time is going to go by faster now I think..it always does.  I will have my own assignment tomorrow at work instead of working with another nurse on the same assignment.  In other words, I am off orientation.  I think I am ready, but can't help being a little nervous.  Prayers are certainly appreciated by both of us!

Sarah had an exciting week with Grad School Interviews.  Monday a Skype interview with U of Indiana, Thursday Western Michigan called early in the AM for a phone interview and Friday she talked with U of Toledo.  Since their interview on Thursday, Sarah has been accepted to Western Michigan and will be visiting U of Toledo this week.  Michigan State hasn't communicated with her, so they are losing out.  :) Guess we will know more after the visit to Toledo on Thursday. Pray for safe travel and good visit.

We will be taking the Prius in tomorrow for a recurrent low tire pressure in one of the tires and an oil change. Wonder if there might be a nail in the tire.  In any case, I am tired of pumping air into the tires in cold weather! I have a long drive to work, so I want to be sure that I won't have trouble on the road.

Got the laundry all done and all but one CEU class completed.  Whew.  My to do list was whittled away, so I update that. Yay!  Matthew has been working on his application packet for OU's theater admission.  It's coming along nicely.  Jeff and I have to work on FAFSA, wonder what kind of financial aid we will get this year??

Guess that is about it..Have a great week!

Gracie

PS- Lost all four points at bowling tonight.  There's time to make progress.

So Far So Good!

I spent most of Friday sleeping, after working a couple of night shifts in a row.   Got up and made Chicken Enchiladas and rice for dinner then watched several netflix movies.  It snowed most of the day, but we only got about 2 inches or less in the end. The white blanket of snow looks beautiful but the single digit temps were bone chilling.

This morning I woke up at 0400 wide awake.  Tried to go back to sleep without success, so I went downstairs and watched some TV for a few hours.  Managed to get a nap in the mid morning. I wanted to get more done this afternoon, but it seems one thing leads to another and times just keeps flying by.

We decided to go see the new Mission Impossible movie in Grand Rapids this afternoon.  Sarah was able to meet us there, which made it so much more fun.   I really liked the movie and we had dinner together afterward.

Now I am  working on laundry, since I will need scrubs for work tomorrow night and Matthew will have clean jeans for school.  Guess I will be up a few more hours to get that done. 

That's all....have a good Sunday.  I am playing for church tomorrow morning! Almost forgot!

Grace

Here's the Latest

Sunday was filled with activity:

• After Sunday School and a nice service, Jeff Matthew and I went tubing with eight others from the MCLC youth group. Tubing is sledding on a big inner tube.  We had so much fun.  All eleven of us held on to each other and went down the hill together! Woohoo!  We had multiple runs, some with races, some going down by twos, fours and eights.  The last time we hooked together like a train! I discovered that both of my boots had holes/splits between the sole and upper. The outcome was wet cold feet. I bought some new boots last night at Meijer, on clearance.  Nothing cute, but they are warm and comfortable.    

•  Not too long after getting home from sledding, Jeff and I went bowling. Our team took all four points. I bowled over average each game!  So happy about that.  I work next Sunday so my sub will bowl.  We will end up bowling about half of the weeks each.  Thanks Janet for filling in!

Matt had no school Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr Day.  Instead he worked at the school scene shop all afternoon.  We all drove into Grand Rapids for dinner at TGiFriday's for dinner, and then I went on to work and the men went home.  I will be working tonight and tomorrow this week and then 3 days next week to finish up my orientation.

Had some good sleep yesterday and then got a few errands done, had pizza dinner and attended the forum at MCLC about finding a new preschool director.  Our current one is moving at the end of the year. Got home late.  Can you imagine?  Was hoping to spend a little time with Matthew in the evening and watch the MSU vs. UM basketball game.  Glad to hear the Wolverines pulled off the win 60-59.  What will be the result at their next meeting in Lansing?  Go Blue!

Happy Birthday to my brother Dave!  It was his day yesterday!   Hope it was a great day!

For now, I should get going.  There is more work to be done before I sleep a little and go to work tonight. 

Gracie

Matthew's Video of Tubing at Pando.  Fun! Don't worry if the screen is black.  Click on play and it will work.

    

School, Sleep and Snow

SCHOOL: All the kids are back to school. The daily routine is back.  Christmas decorations are down. Church activities are back in swing!

Sarah is starting her last semester at Hope College.  It's almost unbelievable and a little bittersweet. Hope has been such a wonderful place for Sarah over that past four years. She made the Dean's list again this fall, and has applied to Gradate Schools at Michigan State, University of Toledo, Indiana and Western Michigan University. Graduation will be on May 6th, and we are very proud of her.

Mary is going full throttle at University of Michigan. Classes, Glee Club, Barbershop Quaretet, K-Grams and Swimming are keeping her days and nights busy, just the way she likes it! Since she is the business manager for the Glee Club she is making the arrangements for their tour to South Africa and since then planned a winter retreat for the club at an upscale hotel in Detroit.

Matthew is almost half way through his senior year.  He is doing well is preparing for his interviews at University of Oklahoma and Western Michigan University theatre departments.  He recently bought himself a nook and is reading books a lot more lately. That is good! He is also busy at the school scene shop building the set for the next play, Little Women.

SLEEP:  Sleep has been a big part of my day lately since I am now working at night.  I really like my new job at the hospital and am feeling a little more confident with each shift worked. I have two more weeks of orientation and then will be on my own at the end of January.  I think I will be ready! I will be happy to work two nights a week instead of the three.

SNOW: We finally had our first BIG snow.  Of course it fell all night while I was at work and made the roads crazy for the ride home.  There is a Hyatt Hotel on the hospital campus, so I can stay there in the future, if I need to, especially if I work two nights in a row. Matthew was happy to have Snow Day #1!  Now that we have several inches of snow on the ground, tomorrow is sledding/tubing day after church. We usually have a great turn out.

This weekend promises to be busy:

• Doing laundry, including, putting away clean clothes since our vacation.
• Practicing the piano for church tomorrow.
• Preparation for Sunday School and Children's Church
• Watching Bronco Football.  Rooting for Tim Tebow and his team! 
• Sledding and Bowling
• No School Monday, but that will be a sleep day for me.
• Bills and Quicken.

Thanks for your patience and interest.  Like the new look of the blog?

Gracie

Happy 2012

Yes, we made it home. It was a long, straight through, ride home.  Mary and Sarah did a great job driving the Midnight shift.  We all slept as much as we could in the car.  Sure isn't something I want to do again.  Thankful for safe travel. I think we are still recovering.

We had a fun time celebrating Ernie's birthday last Saturday. Good food, friends and family.  What could be better?  Today is his "real" birthday.  Happy Birthday Dad!

Today I picked up Sammy the Dog and he is glad to be back home.  Tends to follow me around or sleeps in his favorite spots.  I think he is even glad to be out in our snowy yard. Laundry is caught up, errands done and had lunch with Mary before she and Brandon went back to University of Michigan. Time sure flies. Matthew goes back to school tomorrow and I am back to work!  Sarah will be home through the weekend.

For now, we are watching the Sugar Bowl.  What a crazy game this has been! Come on Wolverine's and WIN!  GO BLUE!

This year promises lots of events:

• Sarah graduates from Hope College and begins Grad School in the fall.
• Matthew graduates from Greenville High School and will be a college freshman in the fall.
• Mary will travel to South Africa with the University of Michigan Women's Glee Club~On Tour!
• Jeff and Grace will be empty nesters.  :(

Hoping I can wake up refreshed in the morning,

Gracie

PS: Be sure to check out the photo album for many more pictures!

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