Updates from the Home front

Updates from the Home front

1. Now that we have the in home uvb light unit I am able take treatments three times/week.

2. My occupational therapy at mercy Rehab has ended. I was there for 7 months...and unless you can prove measurable improvement....insurance will deny continued coverage. My experience there was wonderful!! My therapists were outstanding....and I made some lasting friendships with Ilia, Shari, and Yvonne.

3. We went to U of M Brighton Health Center last Wednesday for an appointment with my Scleroderma Doctor. She said I "looked good"! I said that's because I'm wearing a pink shirt and I put makeup on!!! We chuckled! anyway....once again, I am no better, no worse....I am remaining "stable". that still is very good news for us! PTL

The important thing is that the disease still has not infiltrated any internal part of me.

I will continue on the same course of treatment.....and pray God's healing touch upon my body....and peace of mind in my heart and soul.

4. We have received many encouraging emails in the past few days.....thank you so much for your love and faithfulness in praying. I had visits from Jenna and Tonya, and a visit from Sarah Lamphere just before she headed off to college. I also spent some time at school, met with Corie, saw many old friends....and am beginning to cope with my emotions much better as I face not going back to work.

5. God blessed us immensely through a $ gift from some very dear friends of ours. We continue to marvel at how God supplies our needs on a daily basis.....when we least expect it...He uses others to encourage us...and stand by us through this trial. We are deeply grateful.

6. We were able to spend time with Ken's boss David....who came to our home for dinner last Tuesday. We had a wonderful time, Emily and the kids joined us (Jason was out of town)....and Annabelle warmed right up to David!! He said it reminded him of when his daughters were little!! David has quite the southern accent to his voice...which really intrigued Joel! Ken fixed his "ribs" recipe....and we had a brownie sundae for dessert! Yum!! after supper we showed David around the property and took a 4 X 4 ride out back. What a great visit we had! Thank you once again David for all you do....and for how understanding you have been of my health situation.

7. On Friday I got to babysit grand kids!!!! Not just Isaac and Seth....but Annabelle too! I think this is the first time I've taken all three of Jason and Emily's kids It was pretty uneventful because Seth and Annie napped most of the time....but I did want to share one exciting moment! My hesitation in watching Annabelle has always been the issue of "diapers"

Given the condition of my hands...I was uncertain whether or not I could even handle a diaper. Well......my opportunity arrived! and not just any diaper......a poopy diaper!

I thought..."Oh no!! How am I going to do this?" Thankfully Annabelle was the most patient little toddler in the world! What would normally take her Mommy just moments to do...took this Grandma almost 7 minutes! Emily would usually use a couple of diaper wipes.....I used 6!

Annabelle just laid there, motionless and grinning!!! Probably trying to figure out what was taking me sooooo long! After successfully getting her cleaned and the new diaper on...I realized that I could not "snap" the outfit....so I had to call upon "Uncle Joel" who quickly completed the task. So....Friday was for me a new adventure....and a sense of accomplishment! This was actually a "poopy diaper" that meant something to me!!!!

Praying you all will have a relaxing and safe long weekend. and that the time you spend with family and friends will be sweet and memorable!

Seth, Isaac, and Annabelle

Annabelle and her "Baby doll"

Isaac and the Wii board......what I would give to have this much energy!

Arghhhh....It was "One of those days"

Yesterday was a day I'd soon like to forget! From the time I got up until the time I went to bed I was filled with emotional ups and downs and plenty of tears. It was like a sprinkler was turned on in my eyes and they went "k-ching k-ching k-ching" all day long! Well....trying to pinpoint my source of emotional distress.....it soon became evident to me that at the heart of my "

feeling bad" was the back to school routine called "first day for teachers".....which is Tuesday Aug.26th. I realized that this would be the first time in 31 years that I did not return to my "normal fall routine"....that I did not make the "opening meeting" that I would not be a part of "how was you summer"????

I knew weeks ago that this day would come....but I didn't realize how much I would be moved by it! All sorts of doubts crossed my mind during the day...."Is this the end of my career?", am I a "has been?".......have I arrived at "the ole gray mare she ain't what she used to be?".....then as if the voice of God stopped me in my tracks of woe....In my heart I knew I had a purpose in life despite my inability to return to work.....my disability due to scleroderma......He has a plan for my life that could perhaps be the most exciting time of my life!! So many blessing flooded my way...........I had a visit from two former students.....girls who sang in my choirs.....I had a phone call from a good friend...I was able to see Jason, Emily and kids.....I got an encouraging email from a friend....I talked to Heidi and Andrew on the phone.....Ken made me laugh.....I talked to my Mom and Dad....Joel is excited to go back to school (as am I for him!!!!)....I was encouraged by two more good friends.....and Ken clipped my nails!! Then the blessings rolled on and on....my tears of sorrow turned to tears of joy.......and the spicket of tears finally turned off as my head lay down on my pillow! Once again....very grateful for my husband, family, and friends, and for the opportunity to serve an awesome God who cares about me and my future........and in that joy and comfort...I surrender my days to Him....yesterday....today...and forever!!

Flowers from my neighbor Jane's garden

Dog Days of Summer

Ken decided to water the dry grass in front of the house.....well our male Golden Retriever "Cash" got in on the action by enjoying a little "shower"!!! He laid there quite a while simply taking it all in!! I couldn't resist getting a little clip of this serenity!!

Celebration with our Family

If you have been following our blogsite, you know that Ken and I celebrated our 30th Wedding anniversary on this past Tuesday, August 12th. Well....on Friday night August 15th we had the pleasure of celebrating again with our sons and daughter-in-laws.
Jason, Emily, Kurt and Heidi planned a wonderful dinner at Jason and Emily's home
Our daughter-in-laws are wonderful cooks! Heidi brought rolls, a really cool salad, mixed vegetables, cracker and dips! Emily fixed chicken on the grill and a really cool dessert, and provided a great set-up to eat out on their deck!

While Heidi and Emily were fixing dinner.....Jason, Kurt, and Joel took the little boys on a ride around the property in our little white trailer....being pulled by the quad! They had sooooo much fun and actually took another ride after dinner! I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of the kids in the trailer....but we did get lots of family video! Ken and I stayed inside with our daughter-in-laws...and the "girls". What great memories we are making!

We want to thank our family once again for the very special time we had with you all! You are so very precious to us....and as we watch you grow as couples, and as families....we think fondly back to the times we had when our boys were just "little tots". It means so much to us to know that you love each other and are committed to raising your families "Gods Way".....and that you treat us with a deep love and respect as your parents and in-laws. This was a terrific anniversary....one made very special by who we shared it with....and the bonds that unite our family!

Here we are!!!! All 14 of us....with #15 coming in November!

Our grandchildren....a never ending source of joy!!!

Here we are opening our 30th Anniversary special memory book....put together by Heidi. It's absolutely precious and priceless!!!....including written memories and well wishes from our kids, extended family, and dear friends. It is a unique gift that we will treasure forever! I know this book took alot of time and energy to put together and it truly will be cherished!
Thank you sooooooooo much Heidi (Kurt too!)



Reading the notes and well wishes from friends and family!
This book even included pictures from when we were first dating and married.
We are even thinking of getting re-acquainted with
"Just For Men"...and "Lady Clairol Highlights!"



"Reflections on your Special Anniversary"
Amen!!!!

The Flower in My Car

All summer I have been going to Mercy Rehab three times per week for hand therapy. Well after treatment my normal routine is to stop by Wexford Jewelers a couple of times a week on the way home to say hello....or maybe occasionally use their bathroom:) Anyway....our oldest son Jason works there...and it's become quite routine for him to walk me out the car when I leave.....help me with whatever...then I'm on my way. One of the sweetest things for me however is the flower he picks.....he fits it neatly into the dash...the color is brilliant.....and I enjoy it for the rest of the day!!!!
This reminds me of the days when our little boys came running up with a beautiful yellow "yard flower" (dandelion)....saying enthusiastically "Mommy...look what I've picked for you!!"

It warms my heart and encourages me to know that the little boy....now a grown man.... will still pick a flower for his Mom. Thank you Jason!!!

30 Years of Marriage.....A Gift From God

Happy 30th Anniversary to My Husband Ken

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Nichols Aug. 12, 1978

Today, August 12th, 2008 Ken and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary. I was trying to think up something unique and creative....but decided I would just share with you a tidbit called "Together".

Together we have experienced the journey of marriage

Together we have served the Lord

Together we have been best friends

Together we have raised three amazing sons

Together we have gone exploring

Together we have said goodbye to Kens' Mom and Dad

Together we have met our grandchildren for the first time

Together we have laughed and cried

Together (but mostly Ken) we built a house

Together we made our house a home.

Together we have faced an illness

Together we have lived life full!

Thank you Ken for being an amazing husband, love of my life, and best friend.

It seems likes it's always been "us" and I look forward to the next "30" years...

Lord willing....until He calls or takes us home!

When you said "if I was to marry you all over again I would"....

well I just wanted to tell you "I'm ready when you are"

This picture was taken on Aug. 11th 2008

Hey honey.....the dress still fits!!

Thank you Diane for helping me get ready and taking the picture

Our Monday night date to the Fair

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to a concert at the Northern District Fair featuring the "Nolf" country western band. Well....this was a very special invitation to us because Kelly and Val Nolf were former students of mine at CHS. Evidently they wanted to acknowledge me as being a special part of their lives and an inspiration to their direction and passion for music and performance. Well.....we went to the show and it was absolutely wonderful! We got front row seat...and because I couldn't sit on bleachers for very long, they provided a lawn chair. It was super because we were real close to the stage...and took in every musical moment.

Part way through the girls honored me with beautiful words of appreciation and a dozen pink roses. Ken helped me up from the chair to wave at the many faces in the stands...

it was a moment I'll never forget.

Below are some pics from the evening

Kelly and Vallory Nolf

http://www.kellynolf.com/

Brian Glenn Nolf (the girl's cousin)http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=158751042

Kelly and ValBrian, Glenn(the girl's Dad) Kelly and Val

One of the amazing musiciansVal , Judy, Kelly

Happy 5th Anniversary Kurt and Heidi

Happy 5th Anniversary to You!!!!!!!!!

August 9, 2003

Five short years as man and wife

Four sweet babies entered your life

Only two of you from the start

Now there's six to warm our hearts.

In three states have you stayed

Numerous houses have you prayed

One fine house have you bought

Hundreds of falling toys you've caught

Zero the problems you have to fear

Cause Jesus your Savior is always near.

What's wished in the numbers of this poem?

Millions of joys for your happy home!!!!

by Mom/Judy August 9th 2008

July 2008

Dear Kurt and Heidi,

Wishing you a wonderful 5th anniversary! We are so glad you were able to "get away" on your mini-trip and hope the time was relaxing and refreshing!

Love to you both,

Dad and Mom

2008-2009 Ensemble Cookout....at our house

The CHS administration recently interviewed several candidates for my choir position next school year 2008-2009. I will remain on disability for one more year before final decisions are made. Anyway, they hired Ms. Corie Brown to fill the position for the upcoming school year.(Corie is no relation to any Brown's at CHS).

Corie is from the Benzonia area and graduated from Alma College in 2007. (funny thing...I graduated from Alma in 1977.......thirty years apart!!) Corie has had experience teaching at the HS level, and most recently filled in as a long term sub in the Otsego school district. Congratulations Corie! We are enthused to have you on board....and wish you the best!

Because school is just a month away...we thought it would be good for some of the students to meet her....so we had a cookout at our home for the ensemble on Thursday....Aug. 7th. Lots of the students came....except the ones that were working or out of town. We had a great time just visiting, eating, playing croquet, riding the Rhino (4 x 4)...

.Joel gave the rides and the kids had a blast!

We were even surprised by a visit from last years seniors....Josh, Chelsea, and Emily!

Pam Liebler and Sharon Badovinac were here to help out where needed, Ann Hunt came...and Ken did the grilling! he also did a bunch of preparation like lawn mowing, chairs, etc. Thank you thank you thank you Ken!! Jessica Gonder baked cookies brought celery, and carrots, my neighbor Diane Cooper brought over brownies, JoAnn VanLente sent over a bowl of fruit, Sharon brought watermelon and a beautiful bouquet of flowers, Ann brought cookies, and Jesse Liebler did a crock pot of potatoes! Way to go Jesse!

So....here are pictures from the event...even a short little video clip!

Katelan Smith.......

Ethan, Jesse, Emily

Jacob Combs (Audrey in the background)

2008 Grads Chelsea Dixon and Emily Laurent.

The girls are headed out to college in two weeks.

Josh Hall also stopped by.....sorry Josh I didn't get you in any pics!

Chris Rickerd

Corie and me

Audrey, Hadassah, Lizzie, Jessica, Holly


2008-2009 Ensemble and Mrs. N

Missing were: Christina, Chrissy, Caitlin, Matt, Aaron, Dave and Kristian

The ensemble plus Ms. Brown and Mrs. Hunt
(notice Ann and I are both in pink shirts and khaki pants:)

The kids were spontaneously singing songs from past musicals we performed.....so I urged Ethan to do this clip from "Music Man"......he obliged....and it was good!!! He and Chelsea were just finishing "Pick a little" first........enjoy!!

Happy 3rd Birthday to our Grandson Seth

We had a 3rd birthday celebration for Seth on Sunday after church. He actually turned three on July 28th....but they were all down at Gull Lake bible conference for the week....so we decided to have an "after b-day" b-day party. Grandma Karen was here too! We all went swimming and the water was very nice. This was the first time that I was in the pool this summer. it was quite an ordeal to get in and out of the pool....but I think once I have the hang of it things will be smoother. The day was absolutely beautiful!!!! A great time was had by all!

This was a shirt we gave Seth...."naturally sweet....no sugar added"

What a little ham in this pose!!!

Seth


Brother Isaac

"Ring around the Rosie" in the pool

Emily, Karen, Isaac, Judy

Annabelle and an apple snack

The boys were so happy Grandma could swim in the pool

(it was finally warm enough for my skin!)

Pool fun with Grandpa

Emily, Seth, and Jason

Yumm! Thank you Grandpa for baking the cake!

A boy in a bag

Seth checking out his gifts

We had company this past week

Earlier this week Tom Cooper was in town visiting his parents Alan and Diane. Tom and Mindy live in Traverse City now where Mindy is a veternarian. Tom has his degree in teaching and is applying with CAPS for this fall. Pictured above is Diane, Tom, and me. I'm so glad they came to visit......Diane is a very close friend and Tom is like family!

On Sunday Randy and Kathy Ball stopped by(riding their mopeds) to say hello. We had just finished lunch so we invited them in for a cup of coffee! Jason and Emily were here too, so we just all sat around and talked. Brad and Marcie will be in Michigan this week visiting......so we are looking forward to seeing them too! I was just thinking about how nice it is to have friends feel free to stop by and say hello! We don't always get together with each other....or our schedules don't mesh...so it's great to have the spur of the moment visits and just catch up!! I'm sorry we didn't take any pics with Randy and Kathy...... we'll have to do that next time!!!

What seemed like a long week....quickly came to an end!

This was a dreaded "medical procedure week" where I had an appointment in GR for the good old "scopes!"......you know the one your supposed to get when you turn the magic age of 50!
Well.....I'm a couple of years over due.....but am glad to say now that it's over!
I'll spare you the preparation details (yechh) but will share with you a few memorable moments.
First of all.....thanks once again to my amazing husband who is always there to support and comfort me. Unfortunately we ran into the same IV problem we had at the last emergency visit.
The one saving grace was that the RN that was assigned to put in my IV localized the area first with a shot of lydocane(sp) before trying to insert it. The sad news is that he had to try this procedure five times before he felt pretty confident that he found a vein. Well....once I got back to the surgical area and the nurse put in the med that's supposed to sedate me....it didn't work...so they ended up putting the IV in my right arm just below my shoulder....then I was out like a light!

Probably another low point was having three of the attending nurses comment on my scleroderma. I guess I was pretty unique and they have not seen a case like mine. Two of them mentioned that I was the 'worst" case they have ever seen!! Now that made me feel good! I have come to realize that some people just don't think before they speak....and unintentionally can be hurtful with their words without even realizing it. That makes me even more aware of how sensitive I am to others.....seeking to meet their needs...their comfort....and not my own. It's not about "us" or "me" it's about how I represent Jesus to others.....and how He shines through my life!

Now the good news!!! The Dr. came out and talked to Ken about the results saying that the colon looked good (no polyps...cancer...etc), the esophagus looked normal...and the only thing questionable may be something they call "watermelon stomach" http://www.sclero.org/medical/symptoms/gi/watermelon-stomach.html
He is sending tissues in for biopsy and we should get the results soon. I am not going to worry about this....I am just thankful it is behind (no pun intended) me!

On the way to GR we stopped at Kurt and Heidi's for a brief visit before going over to my appointment. We were pleasantly surprised by seeing Jason and Emily (and kids) there also! They had stopped by Kurt's on the way back from a great week at Gull Lake Bible Conference to see me before the procedure. I tell you......it's great to feel the love and support of family when you are going through trials.....it was equally as important to Ken to know his son's and daughter-in-laws were there to encourage him. Thanks Kurt and Heidi for feeding Ken lunch. Even though I could just sit back and "smell" the food....the company was nice! Jonny kept offering me a bite of his pbj sandwich.....it was very hard to resist! It was wonderful seeing everyone!

A special thank you to Pastor Bart Glupker http://bdglupker.blogspot.com/ who went to the clinic and kept Ken company while I was "out". We really appreciated having you pray with us, laugh with us, and for being such a good friend and pastor.

Tomorrow's a new day....a better day.....a gift from God. I will never take it for granted.