Back to Empty Nesting

A year ago, we started moving our kids to their new locations.  I was already singing the blues. Little did we know that just a few months later, blues of empty nesting ended and a fight with cancer ensued.   So, I feel like we are starting over as new empty nesters. 

Sarah is back in Toledo and working with her student and collecting data for her thesis and covering pre-season sporting events. We are presently working with her to purchase a new vehicle. With her Kia nearing 200,000 miles and needing more cargo space, we located a Ford Escape with hopes to buy it. It is very nice and a good price for a vehicle much newer than her 2003 car.  I sure miss having her at home. 

Mary has two weeks of her two classes during this summer session.  She also had to say goodbye to Brandon who left Monday morning for Los Angeles and UCLA.  I am sure it wasn't easy for either of them. At least there is cyberspace and smart phones that make it easy to stay in touch.  I look forward to having Mary home for a few weeks before fall classes.  

Matthew is busy working his two jobs in Oklahoma.  I don't hear too much from him, as he is man of few words right now.  So it is normal, no news is good news.  But this mom misses him so much, that I need to at least text him during the week and skype or face time with him once in a while. Jeff and I have planned a trip to Norman in October for alumni weekend.  I am anxiously awaiting to see what plays may be onstage at OU that weekend. It would mean so much to see a show where Matthew is learning his profession.  

I am trying to keep busy with piecing my life back together.  I kind of feel like I lost a year, since most of the last nine months has been focused on health.  I've started going to a water aerobics class and getting out and doing more things like, baseball games, lunch with friends, working on personal projects, chores and playing the piano.  Jeff is always busy. Church, Habitat for Humanity, helping the kids over the miles, and spending time with me!   

It has been a good summer so far.

First Official Shift

Matthew's official first shift is tonight. He promised me a picture of him in his uniform and doesn't he look great?  We are so proud of him, making things happen in Oklahoma.  Two jobs and a successful freshman year of college so far away from home, not to mention doing this while his mom has cancer, having his bike stolen, spraining his ankle and  needing stitches after a mishap backstage.  He has had to deal with a car a/c that wouldn't blow cold air too!  Too hot in OK to be without air conditioning.

Sarah spent the first part of this week working for her advisor at the University of Toledo screening football players. She came home Thursday, in time for softball, and will be home with me until next Friday.  She sure has everything under control too, Grad School studies, writing her thesis, and her favorite working at Summerfield High School across the border in Michigan as their athletic trainer.  She has an excellent rapport with the school, coaches, students and their parents!

Mary is living in Ann Arbor, working at the Pizza House on weekends and taking two classes during the week. Boy she keeps busy!  She works a lot of hours on the Women's Glee Club as their new president. She and Brandon are coming home tomorrow for a Cory family picnic and then plans to spend Monday with us before heading back to UM for class and an exam on Tuesday!  Brandon leaves for UCLA before the end of the month.

I am not feeling well, got a c-diff infection.  The doctors want you to look forward after you're in remission, and I was doing pretty well.  Updated my resume, wrote some cover letters and even started filling out an application in case in need to transfer departments when I ready to return to work which is planned for September.  I'm driving, swimming and even exercised at our local gym. What's the saying 2 steps foward 3 steps back? Isn't that the truth.

Jeff maintains the stability of the household. Works many hours at church and keeps things going at home.  At least Sarah and I can handle the laundry, cooking and cleaning as a team.  Guess this fall will be my taste of empty nesting since last fall was filled with doctors, hospitals and nausea.

Have a good weekend.  I will be watching church online from home tomorrow. Thanks St Luke's Oviedo!

Good News!

Matthew had a job interview today at Regal Cinemas. It went well and got the job!  He starts his training tomorrow.  This is a good thing for him.  Making extra money will be a great help, especially since he had the AC fixed in the camry.  He sure is learning a lot of life lessons and coping quite well I would say.  Kudos Matthew!

Sarah is back in Toledo for most of the week.  Working with/for her advisor at the University's football program.  She will be home on Thursday and stay for another week. Pretty soon Jeff and I will be back to the two of us again.  We didn't get too much training for empty nesters last year, since life had a big change with my myeloma. This October instead of bone marrow biopsies and chemotherapy, Jeff and I have planned a trip to Oklahoma for OU Alumni weekend.  We have tickets to a Sooner Football game. I will be glad to see our Sooner, Matthew!  Wonder if we will be able to see a play too?

Haven't heard too much from Mary lately. I suppose things are going well as she keeps up with her classes.  Brandon got his room assignment at UCLA and will be heading west before the end of the month. Mary will be home for a short time on July 22.

I really liked how our family picture with the hats turned out great! It has been a year of hats for me.  Miss wearing them sometimes.  Check out the family photo albums for more proofs!

Well, that is all...have a great Tuesday!

Grace

Another Week

It was a week ago that Matthew was getting ready to fly back to Oklahoma.  He is doing fine and has an interview at Regal Cinemas on Monday!  He is excited about the possibility of working at the movie theater.  I sure hope that it works out for him, it would be so great for him to have more income!

Mary has started her summer classes and continues to work all her hours at the pizza house on the weekends. Brandon and Mary have been home a few times the past few weeks for various reasons. I don't care why, I am just glad to have them here whenever and how ever long I can have them! Make sense?

Sarah has been helping me here at home as planned and just found out from her advisor that she needs to be in Toledo next week for testing of the football players at University of Toledo.  That girl certainly does a lot of driving! It's been a blessing to have her at home with me otherwise I would be so lonely.  We do cooking, laundry, shopping and errands together and of course watch our favorite TV programs too!

Jeff is always busy with church, keeping up with all the work at home and on the lawn.  I am glad that we all make time to do things together! He needs as much fun time as we can give him! I have decided to return to my volunteer job as Sunday School Superintendent.  I am sad that our numbers are trending down.  Trying to brainstorm and find new ways to fire up the program and grow our Sunday School and in so doing our church family.  I must be careful not taking on too much too fast.  Bible Study needs to be a priority for me so I may just start with those two activities. I love music, but I don't know if I have the energy for leading two groups and I don't have the breath support to sing in the choir.

Guess that is all for now. We are enjoying a few days of mild weather before our heat wave arrives.  Sure glad Jeff got our AC's in last month. He sure is a great guy!  I am a lucky lady!

Back to Oklahoma

 Matthew had to return to Oklahoma this morning.  We had such a wonderful time together. The party on Thursday was fun with good food and friends.  I even played some yard games.  Matthew was happy to have time with his buddy Mitch. Matthew burned all of his high school papers in the bonfire. If you are his friend on facebook, you can see pictures of 4 years of home work go up in flames!

Friday we were able to eat pizza at his favorite place, Mancino's.  Sarah took us to JCPenney's and Wal-Mart to find some clothes that fit Matthew.  After running 3 times a week all year, he needed a smaller size! We spent Friday evening at the ball park.  The Whitecaps won and we saw fireworks too! Sarah and Matthew lit up our driveway with special sparklers that Mary left for us.  She was at the Cory's for the evening on 4th of July. She also gave us a CD with slideshows and videos of the European Trip.  It was so well done with music and captions.

This morning we were up early and got Matthew to the airport to fly back to Oklahoma. He needs to be back to work at the scene shop @ OU on Monday.  Although I was sad to see him go, I didn't cry and am happy he likes his work. I am so proud of him and me too. It won't be long and he will move into an apartment with 3 of his buddies.   I know he looks forward to that day, especially since when Matt got back to his dorm room, he had a new room mate. Surprise!  Would have been nice if someone told him before he arrived.

That is all for now.

Happy Birthday America!

The whole family is together again. Jeff is mowing the lawn and Mary and Matt are at the store for a few last minute items.  Everyone is feeling well!   Going to have some fun, food and fellowship at a party as soon as we are all ready!  Hope you have a fantastic day!

GOD BLESS                AMERICA!

More Fun with the Wilhelms

Our time with Matthew has been so nice.  Even when we are just at home watching TV, eating together or just hanging out, it is wonderful to have him home.  Sarah is home now for the month of July with the exception of time back in Toledo for a meeting with the graduate school.

Here are some highlights of the past few days:

• Went to a play "Into the Woods" at Greenville High School.  It was very good and quite long.
• Of course everyone at church and Bible Hour were happy to see Matthew and surprised how tall he is now.  Almost taller than Jeff!
• All five of us spent Sunday evening with our friends, the Clarks,celebrating our godson's birthday. We had so much  fun. Miss having them here in Greenville and at Mt. Calvary. There are lots of pictures in the family album.
• Monday we went to the Michigan Whitecaps baseball game and had a fun time. Sarah and Matthew had friends with them at the game.   The weather was beautiful.  Not hot at all and had shady seats, which made me very happy.
• Sarah and I have been cooking together.  We have made Lasagna Rolls,  Chicken Enchiladas, and tonight is chicken crescents.
• Matthew finally went with our family friend Daryl and shot arrows with his bow.  He had a good time and said he did pretty well.
• Sarah accompanied me on my first time driving in months. I had no crashes and returned home safe and sound.

We still have some fun ahead:

• Mary will be with us for the 4th of July.  It will be so nice to have her home, no matter how short the visit might be.
• We will be going to a 4th of July party at the Olivers in the afternoon.

Friday is Matthew's last day here.  Thinking about that makes me sad.  I hope that we can do something fun to last me until I see him again near the end of the year. 

I guess that about does it.  Have a great Independence Day! Happy Birthday America!

Gracie

Matthew is home!

It's been a fun week at 319 Cass.  Wednesday and Friday were Korean cooking days. My friend Deann came over and with Sarah's help,  made Bulgogi and put it to marinade for two days.  Then today we worked together Mary included to make Yaki Mondue. Tonight was dinner with both families and we have very little leftovers.  It was a lot of fun.

Yesterday was a very special day.  Matthew came home from Oklahoma for 10 days!  Had lunch at Red Lobster and then Jeff gave Matthew a lesson on how to change a flat tire after a piece of metal plunged into our tire.  Luckily the tire was repairable and things are back to normal.

Mary came home a few hours later and we spent quite a while deciding what to wear for our family picture.  Pictures went well and have been ordered.  Bought the CD too, so we can print or email pictures to as many friends and family we want.  Keep your eyes open in 2-3 weeks.   Dinner was at our favorite  late night place~Applebees for 50% off appetizers.  It was nice to have all 5 of us together again.  Baking is always something Mary loves to do when she comes home and made some delicious fudge brownies with dark chocolate chips! Yum.

Brandon came back to Greenville as well and spent time with  his dad.  When he picked Mary up to return to Ann Arbor, he showed me his diploma from U of M. Pretty nice! He heads to UCLA in a month, I think.

More fun times ahead!  I'll keep you posted.

Gracie

It's summer!

It's summer! Luckily, the weather hasn't been too hot until recently.  Even without our air conditioners, it has been tolerable in the house.  It's the brick! Hope the AC will be in and working before it gets really hot and humid. 

 Two recent events this month for me was my 50th birthday and the Relay for Life fundraiser where I walked over a mile at GHS track.  I walked one lap with Sarah, the Survivor lap with Jeff and then three more laps after a very nice meal that was prepared for the survivors and families.  Just the week before, I turned 50!  I sure don't feel it, not even with all the treatments I have been through and side effects that came along with it.  My birthday was wonderful. Sarah surprised me and came home the night before and stayed for a few days.  Jeff took me to Outback for dinner. Mary arrived home after her European trip with Brandon, and Matthew called to wish his mama a happy day.  That is really all I needed.   But Jeff had a birthday party for me with some close friends and we enjoyed some delicious cake and snacks.   Did I mention that our house is filled with birthday balloons??  I love them! Thanks to everyone for your good wishes. 

What's happened since I turned 50?  We went to Brandon's graduation party and had a wonderful afternoon and evening.  My appetite was back, so I was able to enjoy the most delicious burgers, hot dog and potato salad.  We also enjoyed a ride on the lake. Whenever we get together with the Cory's we have a lot fun and laughs. Thanks for a great evening friends!  Mary made the cake and as  usual she did a great job with decoration. The cake was delicious too.

 

Sarah is home for about 6 weeks to help me with the housework and drive me places, since I am still banned from driving by my transplant doctor. It has been so nice having her home and having someone to talk to, watch TV with and cook with.  We are going to work on new recipes. She has made some trips back to Toledo to cover her high school baseball district and regional games and this weekend is the all star football game.  She was also able to attend some graduation open houses for some of the athletes.

 Now for more exciting news!  Matthew is coming home next week.  I am so so so happy, especially since I wasn't able to go to Oklahoma in May.  He is going to get lots of hugs while he is home for over a week!  Did I mention I was happy?  Mary is going to come home for an overnight so we can have a family picture taken. Hope they turn out nice. Then she goes back to Ann Arbor to continue working and taking two summer classes at the U of M.

 

So, it has been a great  June 2013.....

Scene Shop

Matthew's Welding project at the Scene Shop at OU.

Cool!

After talking to Matthew about this project, he told us that the casters underneath the table has a pneumatic pump that raises the table so you can roll the table/scenery easily. Once in place, you put the table back down so it  doesn't move.

He's learning so much...so proud!

Family Update for May

Can you believe  that it is the end of May already?  It  is hard for me to keep track these days, sometimes I don't even know what day it is. A lot has happened in the last 9 months, starting with becoming empty nesters and then my cancer diagnosis. My family has been so supportive I don't know how I would have made it without them.

Now for the updates:


Sarah has finished her first year of Graduate School and is taking making sure her high school athletes are safe and well cared for.  She loves her job as athletic trainer and the students, coaches and administrators all love her!  It was so nice having Sarah home this Memorial Day. She was in Holland for a wedding and then spent time with us.  She will be coming back home for an extended period in a few weeks.  It will be good  to have her home.





Mary finished her junior year at of U of M and also passed her state test that makes her an official English teacher!  Her other good news that she is the new President of the Women's Glee Club. She will do a great job!  Brandon graduated from U of M and I am so glad  that Jeff and I could be there. We had a nice  time with the Cory's.  Mary spent a week at home before embarking on a trip  to Europe with Brandon.  They are having a great time and seeing so many wonderful places.  Click on the link in the right column, where they are sharing their trip with us!

Matthew now has a car down in Norman. Jeff drove the camry down and then flew home after spending a few days with him.  He is moved into his  summer dorm room, taking some summer classes and working at the OU Scene Shop in an apprenticeship.   He will move into his apartment with 3 other buddies in August. I sure miss that boy. Guess I will have to skype more. I need more pictures too!


Sure enjoyed having my mom here to help out after my transplant.  We had a nice time together and her help in the kitchen, cleaning and laundry is so appreciated.  We even enjoyed an event at Gilda's House!  I think it is time for her to come back.  Went home only a week ago after staying in the hospital with me when I had breathing problems.  Glad to say I am on the mend.

Better fold some laundry and get some sleep!

Gracie

CONGRATULATIONS!

Brandon Cory is UCLA bound for Law School! Pretty Awesome! It's Michigan Law School's Loss. Mary and Brandon are finishing up their semester this week.  Brandon graduates on May second!  Planning on being there!  Go Blue! Go Brandon!






Sarah is doing great.  Baseball season..our favorite. Too bad the Tigers have had some really bad days.  She will be giving her proposal about her thesis.  Great Job honey!

Mary is finishing her junior year, and will be continuing her student teaching before graduating next year.  She will also be the President of the Women's Glee Club!

Matt is busy during is last few weeks of his first year of college.  He is going to live and work in Norman.  Jeff will be taking a car to him in a few weeks..

Have a happy day!

Grace

Fun Weekend

 We had a wonderful weekend!  Even with the rain and snow. There was a splattering of sunshine too!

Friday we enjoyed the Annual Collage Concert at Greenville  High School.  We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful fine arts program here.  All three of our kids profited from their participation and education.

Brandon's last Men's Glee Club Concert was one of the best ever!  So glad I was able to attend.  We were able visit with Brandon's family too.

Sunday worship and bible study started our day our right and we supported the Blue Star Moms by having dinner at Big Boy.  Meijer isn't to crowded at 2100, so we all went grocery shopping since we ate most of what was in our fridge.

Eye exam and Lab Day today. Check my CaringBridge for my medical update. 

Now were off for some pizza.  Mmm. 

Gracie

It's OUR Anniversary

 Today marks our 28th Wedding Anniversary.  I feel good and we are going to Ann Arbor for a concert.  I am looking forward to it.  

Grace


PS:
10,000 reasons (click here)
 I love this song.  Remember hearing it first at the Pastors Conference just before my diagnosis of cancer.  I listened to this every morning of chemo.  Maybe I should start doing that now.  Enjoy!

Rain

The past  few days have been very rainy. Good for the grass and trees, but I prefer staying dry. 

Had an appointment in Grand Rapids yesterday morning that went well, and then my mom and I worked in the kitchen. I think we accomplished a lot. Jeff has started the laundry and we will be the folders.

Mary presents her first lesson plan today for her college class.  I guess it is her "final".  A few more weeks and Mary will finish her junior year and Brandon will graduate!  Law school ahead. They will be travelling to Europe this summer for a few weeks.  Sounds like fun!

Sarah and Matthew are fine....nothing new. 

Mom and I work on little projects in the house.  We will work on laundry with Jeff as the leader of the team.   Mom is going to dust and I will rest, I guess.

Friday we will attend the collage concert at GHS and Saturday we hope to attend the UM Men's Glee Club.  Brandon's last concert.  It didn't seem so long ago I went to his first one!

That's all for now....have a good week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIA WILHELM!

Time for Blogger Again

I don't have as much medical news to journal on CaringBridge, so I am going to try to update my blog on family events more frequently now. I try to keep family news here, and cancer news on the "bridge".  This picture was taken on my new birthday 2/22/13, the day of my transplant.

 I am feel pretty good and really glad to have mom here helping out.  Jeff has been balancing so much since the beginning of my fight with cancer. He loves me, takes good care of me, our house and his work at church. I hope to get back to work this summer.  Our congregation has been so wonderful to the whole family.

Sarah continues to love her job as athletic trainer at Summerfield High  School.  The good thing is that they love her too!  Working steadily on her thesis.  She will be presenting her proposal of her thesis next month. She will be staying in Toledo this summer and her sister Mary will be staying in Ann Arbor most of the summer.

Mary is busy all the time.  She was elected President of the Women's Glee Club next year! That was one of her goals as  a  freshman.  Keeping up with her teaching class, student teaching and continues to help at an elementary school each week.  Brandon graduates with his Bachelor's degree next month and will most likely attend Law School at UCLA in the fall.  Mary has one more year of student teaching and some history classes as she is minoring in History.  She will be taking her   English Teacher test on Saturday for the state, not for a grade. 

Matthew has a dorm room to himself now. His room mate moved in with another friend in  the dorm.  Matt likes this arrangement to he has more  room!  Classes are going pretty well and he has been also working on scholarships and acquiring a car for this summer and beyond.  He will be working in Norman this summer and has
rented an apartment with 3 of his buddies. My boy is growing up!  He sure has had lots of experiences.  Unfortunately, his bike was never recovered.

All three have been so supportive to me and do things to cheer me up.  I love them so much and I know they love me. Last report on Sammy, he is doing well and made himself at home.   I am glad he made the adjustment well.

Other than that all is well. Hope your world is terrific.  

Love you all!

Gracie

Good News to the Kids

Jeff and I were some happy after receiving the news about my complete response to chemotherapy, that we texted our children first. It wasn't long before we received hoorays from all three of them. Just another star in our day.

Now for a quick update:

Sarah: Continues to work on her thesis and works at the high school.  She really loves being an Athletic Trainer.  Any recent injuries haven't been too severe, which is good.Sarah calls me everyday and catches me up on her day and I help pass the time as she drives home for 30 minutes. 

Mary: Enjoys her student teaching, however now that the assignments in her classes are in full swing, it is back to work! She has a very busy life at U of M.  Brandon has been offered a full tuition scholarship to Washington and Lee Law School.  UCLA has also offered him some nice financial incentive. He's hoping to hear what Michigan Law School will offer him too.  Harvard is still making some admission decisions, so no word yet.

Matthew: Signed a lease for apartment next year with 3 other buddies. Looks like he will be staying in Oklahoma for the summer and working there at the scene shop and maybe somewhere else too.  In just  a few days he will be talking with the head of the school of drama to see if there might be a possibility of him getting in-state tuition.  It gets pretty involved, but if you could pray for a positive answer, that would sure be appreciated. 

Since our trips to Karmanos Cancer Center begin next week, it will be time take Sammy to his new home.  He has been a guest there several times. I know he will be well taken care of, maybe even spoiled.  Still I am getting a little sad about it. But it is for the best.

Well, that is all...next update? Next time I have exciting news about the kids!

Gracie

A New Semester

The Holidays have come and gone and the kids are back at their college and classes.  It was sure nice having them home.

Sarah- Loves her graduate assistant job as Athletic Trainer at Summerfield High School.  She has built up a rapport with the coaches, students and parents.  Her classes are early in the morning then has time to use the exercise room and have time for lunch before driving 30 minutes to the high school.  She does have one evening class from 7-10pm once a week.

Mary- Has a very full schedule, but is very happy to start her student teaching at a local Ann Arbor High School.  All of  her English classes for her major are complete, so the rest of her classes are teaching classes and history classes.  She will be getting a minor in history and of course getting a teaching certificate. She is still the secretary of the women's glee club and works at the pizza house.

Matthew- Has an English class and the rest are Theatre classes.  Character study, Drafting and Costume Construction. He will be learning to sew!  Matt works 10 hours a week in the scene shop for work study.  He and three other guys are looking at apartments for next year.  Looks like he might be living in Norman this summer.  Anyone have an extra car??

As new and exciting events happen with the kids, I will try to update this page.  We are very proud of them.

Update on Our Kids

Sarah continues to excel at University of  Toledo.  She is on target with her thesis and has one week left of classes.  Unfortunately she can't come home until the 21st because she has basketball games to work at her high school.  She loves what she does and the staff, coaches and kids love her!

 Mary passed her MTTC basic skills test. For all of us non-teachers it stands for Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification. She will be student teaching this coming semester. Time flies! I am so excited for her! She has one final on Tuesday and has a shift at the pizza house on Wednesday evening.  Mary will be home on Thursday! Brandon has been accepted to Georgetown and George Washington law schools.  Waiting to her from Harvard. 

Matthew finishes up his first semester this week and will be home on Saturday and will be home for nearly a month!  I don't hear too much about school, but I guess that might be a good thing.  Another good thing is that his leg/ankle wasn't broken! It was just a bad sprain/strain.  Thank the Lord.  No news on his bike.  Boy, that still makes me mad!

I enjoy seeing the white snow on the ground and look forward to seeing our Christmas Tree up soon!  Not sure how much decorating will get done this year.

Until Next Time~

Grace

Happy Veteran's Day!

Thank you to all who serve and have served in our nation's military and protecting our Freedom!  Special thanks to Bob Scherer, Dan and Lori Brown, Mitch Oliver and my veteran Jeff!  

Jeff and I had a very nice evening in Ann Arbor last night.  We attended Mary's U of M Women's Glee Club Concert.  It was wonderful! Mary looked beautiful and getting lots of her hugs made me so happy.   It was nice to see Brandon and the Cory's too.  More hugs! 

Mary recently completed a project in her English ambiguity class.  It is pretty complicated to this old nurse.  I am just amazed at what she can do!  Have a look at the project: Mary's Garden Path. Brandon has received his acceptance to Michigan's Law School! He is very excited.  Guess the Dean of the Law School handed him the letter in person!  Wow!  He is going to have a very hard decision this winter.

Sarah has turned in a rough draft of two chapters of her thesis about predicting ankle injuries in high school athletes.  Basketball season at the high school has begun for boys and girls, so she is back to afternoon practices.  She loves her work at the high school. The kids love her too.  It's obvious she chose the right profession.  I just talked to her and she is working on a special mission for a special person! 

Matthew is working hard at classes.  Performed a monologue for a class and felt he did a great job.  No news about the bike yet.  Guess there were some tornado sirens yesterday, but no tornadoes, thank goodness.  I sure miss him, but am so happy he is at such a great school. 

That is about it.  Until next time~

Gracie