Memorial Day Parade

Jordan is marching in two parades today. I ran up to main street and caught the Hartford parade. Of course, the band is my favorite entry. Much to my disappointment I couldn't pick Jordan out. I hate when that happens. The band was really large today because they combined the junior and senior band together for the event. They sounded great.
And the veterans always make me emotional. How proud I am!!!!
Happy Memorial Day........

Rain

Well, my gardening plans have been put on hold, at least for a few hours. It's been pouring rain for the last 3 hours. I've been up since 6:00 just laying in bed listening to the rain for an hour before getting out of bed. As much as I love the rain I feel terrible for Craig, Caleb and the rest of the car show crew at Lanes today. This is the highlight of their year. Caleb has been anticipating this for months and months. I keep thinking about them. It's only 8:30 and it does seem to be easing up a bit so maybe the car show will still go on.

I grabbed an umbrella and took the dogs out. Being the wimp that Seadra is she stood on the back porch deciding if it was worth running out into the rain to pee. Finally she darted out and took a 2 second pee and was right back on the porch. My poor neurotic Seadra. Zoe, on the other hand, was happy to run all over as long as I was outside with her.

Now I'm sitting outside on the front porch swing wrapped in a blanket with Seadra and Zoe. Jordan is still in bed. It's so peaceful out here.

I'm letting Jordan sleep in today. At least until 10:00. She puts so much pressure on herself to do well in all that she does that she needs a day like today. It isn't pretty when Jordan gets overwhelmed. School is almost over and so are a lot of her activities. Track and oboe lessons finished last week, and this is the last week of dance......then starts the summer activities. As usual, Jordan has big plans for the summer. The day after school gets out she and Caleb are leaving for Kentucky for Ichthus, a Christan music festival. They will be gone for 5 days. Then Jordan is home for a week and leaves for Disney World for a week with her friend Lindsey and Lindsey's grandparents. Then it's "Drum Major"camp (if Jordan gets the position, we will know next week).....not sure on the details for that yet. Then regular band camp after that. I told Jordan that I hope to get to see her sometime this summer. Oh, the life of a teenager.

Jordan's oboe recital

Caleb has plans of a different sort. He's already been working quite a bit. He loves his job at the golf course and once school is out will start to pick up even more hours. And then there is the Dune Buggy. The Dune Buggy made it's debut yesterday at the car show cruise-in. Josh and Caleb were just beaming driving it in the parade. Caleb has his sights set on Silver Lake Sand Dunes this summer....so do all the rest of us.

Dad and Jordan testing the Dune Buggy

Blessings to all..........

I haven't been lost.......

You might think that I've been lost....no new posts in over a week. I've been missing my blogging. Jordan tells me today that there is no such word as blogging. I say there is. In fact, my spell check just told me I had no misspellings, so there.

We've been so busy that I haven't had time to be on the computer. But much to my relief tonight I am starting a three day weekend. I'm looking forward to relaxing with no commitments. Other than a family cookout in kalamazoo Sunday I am free the whole weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to be gardening....Yahoooo, one of my favorite things.

Here I am starting my weekend....What a great feeling.

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Gas is $3.49 today for low grade.........Need I say more? AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!

The Best Mother's Day Ever!!

Today was one of those days. It just doesn't get any better. Seventeen years ago I became a Mother. And For Mother's Day today I got to stand up in church and participate in my children's baptism and confirmation. I couldn't have asked for a better gift.

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" John 1:16

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" John 3:1

Thanks Caleb and Jordan for being the greatest blessing in my life. I love you more than you will ever know. Just being able to say I am your Mother will be the only Mother's Day gift I will ever need.

Glorious Green

I was driving home from work today and for the first time this spring the color green hit me. Finally, the leaves have come out enough that I can no longer see through the trees. It was a wonderful sight. I couldn't get enough of it. It isn't just green trees that I love....... What else do I love that is green?

The green hostas in my garden (because Craig loves hostas)

Asparagus....Yumm-O

I will never see a turtle and not think of Caleb; if you know Caleb you know why.

Nothing like a fresh green salad.

Who doesn't love Kermit!!??

Happy Anniversary!!!

Whose anniversary, do you ask? Why it is the 1 year anniversary of my blog. One year ago today was my first posting. "Happy Anniversary" to my blog and today is also my 99th post. I love my blog.........

What a weekend!

As I wrote in my last posting we were anticipating a very busy weekend. It's Sunday evening and I am struggling to stay awake for a few more hours. I'm afraid that if I go to sleep now (7:00PM) then I will be wide awake at 2:00AM.

Jordan's track meet at Bangor was an Invitational Friday night. Jordan struggled with the hurdles this week. As is consistent with her personality she is a perfectionist and was really beating herself up in what she considered her faults were in running the hurdles. I continue to be impressed with her desire to improve her form and her best times each week.

Saturday was the Blossom Parade. This is the first year of the next 4 years that we will be at the parade because Jordan is marching in it now that she is in the high school band. The Hartford band was #23 in the line up so we stayed for 23 entries. Not because the parade was bad, in fact I was enjoying it but we just had too much on our plates to stay for the whole thing.

Then Saturday evening was the prom for Caleb. Despite the fact that Caleb didn't have a date this year he went to the prom and had a great time. Caleb is everyone's friend and I think the fact that he didn't have a date to worry about allowed him to just hang out without everyone and have a blast.

Then was the "After Prom Party". Craig and I chaperoned the party and didn't know what to expect. Boy were we impressed. I wish we would have had an "After Prom party" when I was in high school. It was quite the occasion. We were locked in the school from 11:30 to 5:00AM. The kids had food, games, sports, music & karaoke, and an auction with tickets they earned from the games. It was so fun and it keeps the kids safe. We got home at 5:30 and slept for a few hours this morning.

So today has been a lazy day. I haven't left the house. Craig did take Jordan and Shane to see the new "Spiderman" movie. They said it was a good movie. I think I'll pass on that one. Spiderman is not my thing.

Happy Days....

I just came inside from walking around in the yard with my camera. My dogwood tree is in full bloom. Some years it is very sparse but this year it's awesome. This picture only shows one branch. It's one of my favorite trees in the yard.
Seadra and Zoe are happy to have me home today. Here's Seadra after she found something that smelled good enough to roll in. See how happy she looks?

This is the start of a very busy weekend for us. It starts about 4:00 today and won't end until Sunday so right now I am relishing in the quiet and calm. Jordan has a track meet tonight, Jordan marches in the Blossom Parade tomorrow, Caleb's prom is tomorrow, Craig and I are chaperoning the after prom party at the school all night Saturday and Sunday we will most likely try to sleep for a few hours in the morning and then try to make the best of what's left of our weekend on Sunday afternoon. I'm not complaining.....it's an absolute joy being involved with these kids. In fact, it's a privilege. I'll be posting some pictures of all our weekend events soon.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood....

It was so beautiful today. These pictures will speak for themselves. Caleb had to work today after church. He was complaining about having to go in on such a gorgeous day. I told him "Welcome to the working world".

Jordan doing her homework outside today

Jordan and Zoe. I said "Say Cheese" so Zoe gave her best smile!!!

Robotic Surgery

I've been neglecting my blogging the last week. I've been in Columbus the last 3 days at the World Robotic Urology Symposium. Our new surgeon that is joining the practice in July will be doing robotic prostatectomies. It's so exciting. The hospital had just purchased the robot and we are in the process of getting the robotics program up and running. It's a very cool thing and we are all excited about it.

The birds are chirping.....

I'm doing one of my favorite things right now...... sitting on the front porch. A cool breeze is blowing, the birds are chirping, and I'm admiring the yard work that we all did today. Jordan is out here with me but she is engrossed in her homework with her Ipod stuck in her ears so she isn't into conversing with me right now.

It was a nice weekend but very busy. I am feeling a bit on the tired side tonight. Not a good sign since tomorrow is Monday.

Saturday was Jordan's track meet. We were at the meet from 9:30 to 3:00. I put sunscreen on my face but neglected my arms and now I am paying for it. I'm 41 years old and should know better. Anyway....back to the track meet. Jordan qualified for all her events and went on the place second in the 110 meter hurdles (I might add that there were 10 schools there!!!). I love watching her do the hurdles. Her team also placed second in the 1600 meter relay. Jordan proudly came home with 2 metals.

Not only did I have an awesome time watching Jordan in the meet but I got to play with my new camera all day. I got some of the most incredible shots. The telephoto lens in unbelievable. The following pictures are some that I took Saturday. The hurdle photos were taken with me in the stands some distance away. I cannot believe how sharp the action pictures are. I was very pleased!!!

Jordan 110 meter hurdles

Jordan 1600 meter relay

Shane 110 meter hurdles

Jordan long jump

I'm a real photographer now!!

I'm so excited. Last night I finally got a REAL digital camera. I did my homework and studied hard yesterday to try and educate myself on what I wanted and needed to help me with the issues I've been having with my old digital camera. I spent a lot of time online reviewing Consumer Reports and went to a professional camera shop for help too. We decided on a Canon Rebel XT. Yahooooo!! We bought a wide angel lens and a telephoto lens for sporting events and musicals. I can hardly wait for Jordan's track meet tomorrow so I can practice with the telephoto lens. I'll post some pictures soon...........

Jordan's Track Meet

We went to Jordan's track meet yesterday afternoon. I think I'm really going to get into this track thing. When Coach first put Jordan on hurdles she was not happy. But I must say I'm really proud of her. She has grown more comfortable with them by the day and is doing really well on them. She placed 2nd in both her hurdle events. Way to go Jordan!!! She's also doing long jump and 400 relay. Track is off to a good start.

I'm frustrated with my digital camera. I just can't seem to get decent pictures of action shots. And trying to get a clear shot when I zoom is impossible. I have a lot of other complaints and issues with it too. I am dreaming of a new digital camera but I don't know what type and features to look for. I'm going to try and educate myself a little today and go to some camera shops and look around. As much as I love photography I think I deserve to have decent equipment....... I'm just trying to justify a new camera. It's working.

Age Enhanced Photo

This week Craig and I are celebrating 21 years of marriage. In honor of our anniversary I took a picture of us and had it age enhanced to show what we will look like after another 21 years of marriage. I will still love you honey no matter what..... Here's to another 21 years!!!

Sunday and Sunshine

Praise God!! The sun is shinning today. And temps are gradually on the rise, slowly but still rising.

I found this awesome photo on a Google image search. It reminded me of how I'm feeling today.......

Spring is God's way of saying, "One more time!"
Robert Orben

Obsession

In honor of Earth Day today I'm going to tell you about an obsession that I have. I don't know if anyone even knows about this obsession. I can't ever remember talking out loud about this. I have not intentionally kept this to myself. Most obsessions are issues that people wish they could stop but I thoroughly enjoy doing this and I'm assuming that I will never stop.

I absolutely love big, huge, majestic, old trees. Whenever I am driving I am constantly looking for that new tree to give me a thrill. All the country roads that I drive each have trees that I admire. My favorites are usually trees that are standing alone in the middle of a field. I always wonder how that tree managed to survive all those years right in the middle of a farmers field.

I also love country roads that are lined with trees that hang over the roads like a canopy. Territorial in Van Buren county is like that. I imagine that those trees where planted to shade the horse and carts that drove on those roads so many years ago.

Pucker Street in Eau Claire is the home to one of my favorite trees. This particular tree is gigantic, standing alone on the edge of the road. The road takes a sharp turn right where this tree stands. I like to think that the road was intentionally made to turn at this particular spot just to save that tree from having to be cut down. It's absolutely beautiful.

Some trees that I admire have particular shapes that remind me of something. One particular tree has a few limbs that to me look like a dinosaur head with it's mouth huge open.

When we visited the Biltmore in Asheville a few years ago I loved the gardens and their trees as much as the house. I couldn't believe that a Jap. Maple tree could grow taller than your knees like we know in Michigan. I took this picture of one that was 15 feet tall at least.

I can remember a time when I was a child and we were on a family vacation. My parents took us to the childhood home of Abraham Lincoln in Illinois. There was a tree there with a sign that told the story of this particular tree being there in the time of Lincoln's childhood. Even as small as I was I can remember being in awe at the thought that I was looking at a tree that Lincoln played under.

I always say a prayer of thanks when I see a tree that is deserving of my admiration. It's like God put that tree there just for me.

So if you are planting a tree in honor of Earth Day, someone 200 years from now may say a prayer of thanks for that tree and for the person that planted that tree.

One more thought.....I didn't discover this children's book until I had children of my own but it quickly became one of my favorites to read to Caleb and Jordan...... The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It's the story of a tree that loves a little boy and how the tree gave and gave to the boy until it was only a stump. It's a metaphor of what parents do for their children. In the end the boy returns to the tree and the tree is happy again. The story always reminded me of the parable of the Prodigal Son. It's an absolute must book to have for your children. I will be reading this book to my grandkids someday.

Sailor Surprises Son

I wanted to share this with you. Pastor Ron showed this clip in church this morning of a sailor who had just returned home from 7 months in Iraq. His 6 year old son did not know that his father was coming home and his father surprised him in his classroom at school. There was not a dry eye in church this morning watching this. Click on this link and it will take you to the news site. Once there you can click on the video. Have your kleenex close by.........

He Is Not Here

The Resurrection
The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.

"Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, "He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. That's the message."

The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. "Good Morning" he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, "You're holding on to me for dear life! Don't be afraid like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I'll meet them there." (Matthew 28:5-10 The Message)

The Great Commission
Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of age." (Matthew 28:16-20 The Message)

Easter Chicks & Easter Penguins

What penguins have to do with Easter I have no idea but I found these when I was looking for some recipes today. Too cute!! They are just cream cheese, black olives and carrots.

Jordan helped me with the Easter chick eggs. You can easily make these with your favorite deviled egg recipe and green olives for the eyes and red bell pepper for the beaks.

Extreme Weather and Easter Lilies

Just a few days ago I was posting pictures of us outside gardening, mowing the lawn, sitting around the fire pit, etc. Temperatures were near 80 degrees last weekend. This is the view from our livingroom window today!!!! Can you see how hard it is snowing? I know that you can never know what Michigan weather will be like from one day to the next but this is extreme. This started on Wednesday and hasn't let up yet. The kids have especially been disappointed because they have been on spring break this week. Not what they were hoping for.


Mom, Caleb & I went up to the church this morning and got the altar all ready for tomorrow morning's Easter service. Isn't it beautiful? For God So Loved The World....

Here we go again.....

It's 3AM again, and here I am wide awake. This time I woke up way too warm. Someone turned the heat up to 73 and didn't turn it back down before going to bed. I can't sleep when I'm too warm. Plus I was thirsty. Sounds silly but I had to get up and get a drink of water. So here we go again........I have to start getting ready for work in 3 hours. Maybe the tv will lull me to sleep.

Daddy's Home!!!

You're probably getting tired of dog pictures but I couldn't resist posting this photo. This was taken today soon after Craig got home from work. Zoe waits for this all day. She just melts in his arms. We know who's dog she is. She loves her Daddy.........

Wet Dogs

Seadra and Zoe both received baths yesterday afternoon. Here is Seadra's "I'm pissed you gave me a bath" look and Zoe's "What bath?" look.

After Church Palm Sunday

Me & Zo-Zo

After church today we spent the rest of the day outside; only coming in because it started to rain. I made the comment to Craig that I am so happy with the way the yard looks already and it's only April 1st. Most years I don't think I've even started on the yard yet. Craig has already gotten the fertilizer on and I've almost gotten all my flower beds cleaned out. I even moved around some of my perennials.

Here's Jordan playing with the camera today.