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.

The Fire Pit

Here's another reason I love spring so much......"The Fire Pit". From now until late fall we have our family fire about twice a week. Some of our best talks are around this fire pit. Some people are blessed to have indoor fireplaces, for us it's outdoors.
It's a wonderful stress reliever too. When the kids or I have had a bad day Craig will make us a fire...... it just calms us.

A Walk In The Woods

I was feeling a little artistic this afternoon and went down to the woods at the end of our road and take some pictures. These woods are one of my favorite places each spring. I don't know the story of these woods but best I can tell it must have been the property of a nursery at some time. These woods are full of daffodils!!!! And they are planted in neat rows. It's the most beautiful thing to see.
Car loads of people stop along the road to run into the woods and pick them each year, including myself. This morning Jordan, Aly and I picked enough to make 10 bouquets to decorate the fellowship hall and the altar at church tomorrow.

BRAVO!!!!!

Caleb, Trent & Fernando

Last night was opening night. We couldn't have been more proud of the whole cast. I would have to say that this is my favorite role that Caleb has ever played. I have never seen the audience respond so favorably the way they did last night. It's so hard for me to resist the urge to stand up and yell "That's my son!!!"

Caleb & Gram

Caleb & KatieJordan & Lindsey from Emerald City scene

The Scarecrow receiving his brain

Life Was Dull

Once in a while Craig and I will have the conversation that many of us have from time to time...."What unnecessary luxuries can we cut back on?". And it always turns out the same way. None of us are willing to give up our unnecessary toys.

Lets take cell phones. None of us had cell phones growing up or even for most of our adult life. I would say cell phones have only been prevalent in the last 10 years. I'm not one to have long conversations on my cell phone; in fact we never even use up all our allotted minutes in a month. But on the other hand I will be half way to work and remember that I left my cell phone at home and go into a little panic that I don't have that security blanket. Ok, I can't live without my cell phone.

Then there is satellite television with all of those 200 channels. Growing up we had 4 channels; the 3 main networks and if you were lucky one other channel. When we have the conversation to cut back on the number of channels we have there is simply just no agreeing as to how we can cut back. We all have different likes and dislikes and each package offers more so we simply have to have the biggest package of channels. How else can it be?

And of course there is the computer. We have to have DSL; I couldn't possibly go back to dial up and the dinosaur age.

Life must have been dull for me growing up.

One summer my parents decided that 4 channels was too much tv for my brother and I so they decided to cut the end of the plugs off the tv's and that became the summer of no tv for us. We survived. Instead we swam in the pond, caught frogs and turtles, harassed the farm animals, played with Saskia's puppies, learned to drive in the orchards, rode our bikes for miles, hung out with Mike and Danny.........

Truth is I wouldn't trade all those memories for the best cell phones, satellite tv, or computers in the world.