Christmas Memories 2010

Christmas Eve with Dad

Dad and I in front of the new England Village
Mom and Dad collected these pieces for years...
when Dad moved into Green Acres he brought the set with him.

Linda and Don Christmas Eve

Dad and Linda Christmas Eve

Ken and I opening our card

Dad opening his gift from us
A 16 x 20 picture of our entire family taken Nov. 20, 2010

Dad, Linda and me

Christmas Day at Green Acres  12/25/10

I knew that Christmas 2010 would not be the same without Mom...but I don't think anyone could have prepared me for the sadness in my heart when the eve and day actually arrived. I had a perpetual lump in my throat, tears welled up in my eyes, ready to pour out at the mention of "Merry Christmas" for nearly three days.

Please don't get me wrong...I love Christmas!! I love celebrating Jesus Christ's birth!!! I cherish the memories in my heart that have been made during my lifetime.....but this Christmas...I put on a good front and struggled through.

Christmas Eve was special because Linda and Don came to Dad's apartment where we gathered with them to exchange gifts with Dad.  We all went out to dinner first at Ponderosa in Cadillac.  Special memories had been made there years before!! When our kids were younger...and just before Dad and Mom went off to Florida for the winter they would take us there for supper.

It became an annual "smorgasbord" for almost 20 years!!! Hopefully our boys remember those times:)    So this time we had our smorgasbord...then went back to Dad's apartment #211. We exchanged gifts...remembered good times...and said our goodbyes....

Christmas day we exchanged gifts with Joel and headed over to Dad's for Christmas dinner at Green Acres. Jason, Kurt and their families have established their own Christmas day traditions with their families so for the past several years we have had our "Nichols Christmas" the week before.

They both called us on Christmas Day.....I tried my best...yet  admit I didn't do very well.

 Our Christmas meal was wonderful and the company was delightful!   But deep down was the fact that most Christmas afternoons in my lifetime , this daughter  has "gone home to see her mother". I've been told by many friends that it is common for a daughter to "go home" and for a son to go to his in-laws.... But for me "going home"  has changed.....and over time....I'm sure I will get used to it:(

This year after dinner....we went back to our home....Dad with us....again I was choking back tears as to not upset Dad.  I know he was sad too....as was my sister Linda. We have always been a close knit family.....started out as the "four of us" and growing over the years into "twenty-four of us".  What a beautiful blessing our family has been to us!

I know that so many of you have experienced what I am talking about in your lifetime.  Maybe you have lost a parent, a child, a spouse, a friend.  holidays and special gatherings can seem unbearable during those first few years without your loved one....but by the grace of God...and the comfort HE gives..we will made it through.

We have experienced this before....Ken's Mom passed away 25 years ago...just after Christmas,  Ken's Dad passed away in 2006..right around Thanksgiving...it is never an easy time...but we have the hope of eternal life to see one another again forever...never ending!!!. It makes our time on earth seem like a fleeting moment......

Please accept my apologies for rambling on...but I am grateful I can share this with you....the reality of life and death.....the reality of every day living.

So tomorrow is a new day....a stronger day emotionally day for me! I am thankful for living....I am thankful for the time I can spend with my family and friends...I am thankful for Jesus coming to earth as a baby in a manger.....dying on the cross for our sins....and providing a way for us to be with Him in eternity!!!!  Now that is a reason to celebrate Christmas!!! 

"Nichols Christmas" 12/19/10

November News from the Nichols.....in DECEMBER:)

We had an absolutely wonderful November....and may I add....very busy!!
We celebrated grand daughter Madeline's "2nd" birthday....took a quick trip to Kenosha to see Kurt, Heidi, and family....had a birthday party for Dad celebrating his 87th birthday....and enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with Jason, Emily, and family.

Looking at our November calendar...I was shocked to see how fast our days filled up!! Then......before you knew it...December looked the same!!

In between all the birthday celebrations and trips and babysitting and  choir cantata rehearsals...and bathroom remodeling...and bringing in fire wood..and keeping up with Joel's schedule.....visiting Dad...and getting proper rest....and posting on Face Book (real important)....we find ourselves quite content and able to fit in a few episodes of 'NCIS" and the news!!!!


I'm sure you can guess who does what jobs listed above!!!

Now that December is here...I am excited to say I think we are ready for Christmas.....and anxiously awaiting our family celebration with our sons and families in a few days:)

We sang in the choir cantata for our church on December 5th  "O Holy Night".  It was beautiful!! This year Ken and I both had solos in the cantata...Ken sang a song called "Joseph".....I sang a solo in the song "Be it Unto Me".

We were scheduled to watch Kurt's kids overnight last weekend...but the snowfall hit Northern Michigan....and our plans changed:(

This week  we will be attending a Christmas concert presented by students at Heritage Christian School.  I will be directing the young fives and kindegarteners in their Christmas medley.  I have had the privilege of teaching the children once a week on Fridays....they are precious and so much fun!! 

This will be the first Christmas without Mom....and I am finding myself with mixed emotions that I will save for another blog....but I am grateful for her life....her testimony...and her love for her family.  We are experiencing great joy as we prepare for Christmas....a joy that our Mom would want us to have in our hearts.....to keep our Dad safe and sound....to be together to keep the traditions alive that we enjoyed while we were growing up.

Enjoy the pictures....see you soon:)

Madeline;s Birthday trip to Toy Town with Grandma
for her "2nd" birthday. http://www.toytowncadillac.com/

Kurt, Heidi, Jon, Kirsten, Rachelle, Andrew
at Grandpa's 87th birthday party.



Dad and Daughters



Happy 87th Birthday to Dad
November 21st, 2010

Jason, Emily, Isaac, Madeline, Annabelle, Seth
at Grandpa's birthday

Jason and Emily's kids on Thanksgiving Day

Kurt and Heidi;s kids at Grandpa's party

Our entire family celebrating Dad's Birthday

Jason and Emily and family

Our visit to Kurt and Heidi's in November

Grandpa and Kirsten

Kurt and Rachelle

Ken, Heidi, and kids after we ate at the Rainforest Cafe:)

Dad with two of his good friends at Green Acres
Roy Wolverton  and Margaret Bass
They play skipbo almost every day

Me, Kurt and Heid at Dad's party

Grandpa and his 9 great grand children



Happy Birthday to our grandson Jonny:) Four years old!!

Today we enjoyed a wonderful time with Kurt, Heidi, and family celebrating Jonny's fourth birthday!  I can't believe how fast he is growing!!! 

We all gathered in Wyoming at Grandpa and Grandma Scott's. Kurt, Heidi, Ron, and Carol had the garage all decorated for food and games:)
Jonny had such a good time...and was very thankful for his birthday surprises!
I was VERY impressed how his siblings patiently sat and watched as he opened his gifts! 

Times like these are very precious to our hearts...and we are so thankful to be able to share the joys of our children and grandchildren.

October 2010.....three years later

I'll never forget October 2007....the official diagnosis of my scleroderma, the last choir concert I would ever direct at CHS, the last day of teaching in the classroom.

Three years ago I was in Blairsville, Georgia at a health ministry retreat called "Times of Refreshing".  Even though the three week retreat was very beneficial to me in many ways....my scleroderma was advancing at a very fast rate....and to make a long story short...upon my return to Michigan I went under the watchful care of some really good scleroderma specialists...and a treatment program was started.


Three years later....October 2010...I am literally beating the odds.
Now we all know....that it's not the odds that I'm beating....but rather God's perfect plan unfolding.  HE is the one who has shaped my life, my path, and my skin.  HE is the one who hears the prayers and petitions of His children....HE is the one who gives me hope, courage, and who allows me to live. 

Everything I have experienced the last three years has shaped who I am today.  When I knew I was unable to return to my career as a music educator...something I had done for over 30 years...I thought I would crumble up and die:(   Now I look at this health challenge as an added blessing in my life.  My journey with scleroderma has opened up doors of ministry, advocacy, sharing my story with others, and most of all recognizing on a deeper level God's mercy and grace in my life.

October 2010 has brought sunshine and joy....
Dad is doing very well and adjusting to his new home at Green Acres.
He has made some good friends....and enjoys visits from family and friends.
He is going to church with us every Sunday, and had even invited one of his buddies, Roy, to come along too!  What a delight:)

Linda and I talk almost every day and have enjoyed special times with Dad. Andrea and Elliott have also come to Cadillac....we always enjoy their visits.

Dad sold his car this month, and on November 4th their household items will be auctioned off combined with two other estates in Onekama by Ringel Real Estate and Auction.  It was bittersweet as Ken and I, Linda and Don sorted through the belongings of our parents. There were some things that Dad wanted kept in the family.....but there are also LOTS of items that will be in the sale.  http://www.manistee.net/bldg%20auction%2011-4-10.htm

The house is also listed for sale......we continue to pray for the right buyer.

Ken is in  the middle of a bathroom remodel for Joel's bathroom.  I am grateful for a handyman husband who can plumb, wire, build, and figure out ANYTHING:)  He hopes to be done with it soon...then on to other projects.

We are going to see Kurt, Heidi and family on October 30th to celebrate Jonny's 4th birthday....also planning on taking a two day trip to Kenosha the first weekend in November.  We are also looking forward to the entire family getting together for Dad's 87th birthday this next month.  All of our kids and grand kids, as well as Linda and Don's family  will be able to celebrate with us.....Dad is pretty excited:)

Linda, Andrea, and Elliott visited Grandpa

Family:)

Picture from Green Acres Octoberfest

Don and Linda's grandson Elliott Hoagland

Mom has been in heaven for 4 months now.....we miss her so much...and I still can't get past the moments that I think I can just call her on the phone and chat...I'm sure that will be with me for a long time.  Just imagine the precious reunion when we are together for eternity!!

Grandson Isaac turned 7 years old:)

Friday we helped our grandson Isaac celebrate his seventh birthday!!!
This precious little boy born in 2003.....is now a first grader at Heritage Christian School...loves building things, playing outside, figuring things out, singing, riding his bike, and is full of joy:)

After school on Friday I picked Isaac up and took him to "Toy Town" in Cadillac. For the past three years we have taken Isaac to the store and let him pick out something he would enjoy and Toy Town in Cadillac has been the place to go!!!  http://toytowncadillac.com/  He was very excited about the visit...and after a short time...picked out a fun remote control car (water and land) and a couple of Lego things.  He was so appreciative and thanked us many times!

Later that evening we went to Jason and Emily's for cupcakes and ice cream.

Great Grandpa and Isaac




Legos from Daddy and Mommy



Madeline watching the action with Great Grandpa



Ooooo.....beware of cooties!!




Grandpa Kenny and Annabelle




Emily, Julie, Grandma Judy and Grandma Karen



What a special day!!!!

 Just before we ate the cupcakes, Emily read a special letter written to Isaac.

It was a moment I'll never forget~~~the love of two parents for each other~~~and the love they have for their children! This is a home filled with joy and laughter~~~totally devoted to Jesus Christ~~and centered around the teachings of God's word the Bible.  There is freedom to explore the world...yet discipline and boundaries when they are needed. 

Emily reading Isaac a letter for his seventh birthday

In my purse I carry a little card called "Children Live What they Learn".

I used it when I was a teacher.....and it is still applicable today.  Here are just a few lines from the original:

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

What a good reminder for us as parents and grandparents.

How are we doing in these categories?  Are we an encouragement to those precious children in our lives?  What kind of examples are we to those around us?  What words do they hear come from our mouths?~~~words about them~~~words about others.  Believe me....they are ALL ears and they do learn what they live.  May God direct our lives and paths in a pure and holy way.......May we be great examples of Christ's love for us and for others!!!

September stories~~~

September has flown by.....just like about every other month in our lives.
I have always enjoyed this month of the year for several reasons such as
1)Fall is just around the corner  2)the weather is enjoyable  3) I celebrate another year of life    4)school starts:)    Three of our grandsons are in school full days now.  Isaac is in first grade at Cadillac Heritage Christian School, Andrew is in Kindergarten in Kenosha, and Seth is in young fives at Heritage.

I am teaching music at Heritage for 45 minutes on Friday afternoon...and enjoy having grandson Seth as a student! My career at CHS was Jr. and Sr. high....so teaching elementary has been an adventure and a joy:)

Earlier this month we had a visit from Kurt and Heidi and kids on a Saturday. The weather wasn't that great...but despite that...a fun time was had by all:)
In the past we have tried to get together in July for a camping weekend at our house....but due to schedules, things didn't work out this year.  We are thankful for the times we do have....and make the most of them!

September also brought the start of our AWANA program at Rollins Christian Fellowship Church.  Joel and I go every Wednesday evening....I help with song time, and Joel helps the clubbers during game time.

Joel is currently working with Michigan Works and NOC to find volunteer work and or a job. Things are slow going....but we are praying for the right opportunity and the right match for him.

Linda and Don, Ken and I continue to sort things out at the house in Onekama... it has been listed for sale per Dad's wishes.  We have it listed with Ringel Real Estate and Auctions.  The process has been quite serene as every time I am there...sorting/packing...my heart and mind floods with memories of Mom and moments shared with her and Dad.  There are times I could just picture her walking into a room...her cheerful greeting...just so glad for the times family could visit.......We miss our Mom~~~

I am enjoying Thursdays with Grandma....just Seth and Annie now that Isaac is in school full time.  Grandma Karen has Madeline....we are very thankful for these times with these precious children.

"55" years this year on September 17th.....woo hoo....had a nice relaxing day...dinner at Jason and Emily's and a new fax/printer/copier for our computer room from my hubby.   I was surprised at Heritage with a gift from the children I teach music to...a lovely apple pie candle:)  of course all of the kids wanted to sniff it!!

On the 18th of September we had the kickoff to our first women's "Saturday Morning out to Relax" (SMOR) at Rollins Church.  Our plan is to have this ministry once a month from Sept.-Nov. and Jan.-April.  It was a special morning out with praise, worship, prayer, and a short devotion.  Each month we will present a specific topic pertinent to women today..and a devotional to challenge our walk with the Lord.  We also want to use this as a ministry outreach to women who are seeking Christian fellowship and a time to encourage one another.  Praise God I feel good enough this year to be part of this ministry team.....I am so grateful for improved health:)

September also brought the opportunity for me to lead a Patient Education Day for the Scleroderma Foundation, Michigan Chapter, in Traverse City.

The meeting went well....we had a speaker who is a hand therapist, and I had the opportunity to meet several scleroderma patients from northern Michigan.

Vanessa Prince and Me

Saturday....Sept. 25th we got together with Ken's side of the family for a cookout at Les and Jeanne's.  We had a fun time....and the t-bone steaks were YUMMY!  I love it when family can meet (and eat)....and cherish the memories made!

Now here we are...just four days away from welcoming in October.  already the calendar is filling up.....in GOOD ways! By the grace of God I look forward to new adventures, new challenges, new opportunities to serve our Almighty God!!!