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