Oh where oh where did our little May go?

If I had a dollar for every time I thought about updating our blog...I would have enough to treat most of you to Dairy Queen!!! Sounds good doesn't it? Hot fudge sundae...small....extra chocolate for me!! Or maybe just a dilly bar:)

I have been so happy...and so busy!!! Mother's Day was fun, I am watching our grandkids once a week, teaching at Heritage 1/2 per week, enjoying watching Ken re-do our front flower beds, had a great time in GR going to see Christian speaker/author Beth Moore last weekend. We also spent time with Kurt, Heidi, and kids who were in GR.  In addition we are singing in choir at our church every Sunday, and I even accompanied them on Mother's Day.  I still use only 2-3 fingers on the rh and 1-2 on the lh~~~But it still sounds pretty good...and my heart is jumping with joy that I can serve God this way!

The CHS choirs had their spring concert a week or so ago,,,I attended it and really had a nice time!  I can finally sit in the audience without feeling the grieving of not being the director.  I am, just happy for the kids that are singing and loving what they do!!
There are just a few left that were students of mine...most have graduated.

Saturday evening was a first for me in three years!! Ken and I took a walk to the back of our property and back!  I was elated that my feet/legs could walk that distance...to me another answer to prayer...and another hurdle that God has brought me through:)

We have made a visits to Onekama...Mom is improving slowly. she has been able to get out a little bit...mostly for DR. appointments,,,but we are hoping they can make it over here sometime in June!  Speaking of June....My sister is officially retiring from 37 years of teaching for the Alma Public Schools.  I am so excited about this and look forward to spending more time with her.  In fact...Linda and I are going to Boston, Mass. July 30-Aug.1st for the National Scleroderma Foundation Conference.  There will be many workshops and speakers that will share with us updates and current research.  We are really looking forward to attending this!

Our grandkids are growing too fast~~~and are so precious!  I have started keeping a booklet of funny things they say to me and ask me!! There is never a dull moment...and we love being with them!!  We love being with our sons and their wives too~~~It's just that the g-kids are so adorable!

Joel graduates from WMISD on June 10th...and will no longer be a student!  Out into the real world he must go! (while still living at home with Dad and Mom)  He has been prepared well though by job coaches and has several places he volunteers at.  He has a solid chance at working for Arby's a few hours per week....cleaning tables/taking trays/etc.  He is looking forward to attending Christian Horizon's camp this summer~~and so are we:)

Well....enough rambling, enjoy the pictures....

Till we meet again:)

This and That~~~~and a Few More Things:)

Joel's surgery went very well on April 23rd. He actually just got his staples removed on Wednesday......14 of them....and it looks like he will still have restricted use of the wrist for the next month or so.  He is a real trooper though, and the healing seems to be going quite well.  I don't want to gross anybody out....but here is the final product!

Dr. Bizzigotti did a super job and was really encouraging to Joel.

Our Mom Lois is home recovering from a medical procedure that is supposed to stop the plural effusion problem she has suffered for the past several months.  The 6 day hospital stay was very difficult and really wore her out....but slowly she is improving and gaining her physical strength daily. Dad is her main caregiver, along with the occasional help of  visiting nurse, and home health care workers. Linda and I try to get over to Onekama as much as possible. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement .  While visiting Mom at West Shore Hospital in Manistee, I saw a close friend from my high school days in Onekama, Sandy (Clouse) Nelson.  Sandy and I have been friends forever!!! We always enjoy catching up on life....and are looking forward to getting together this summer some time.

Thursday, April 29th was a HUGE day for me.  For the first time in over three years I drove all by myself to Grand Rapids!!! I was a little stiff....but very excited about this accomplishment!  I went there to attend a "Meet and greet" sponsored by the Michigan Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation.  Another joy to the trip was that my roommate from college, Betsy Kindig Kettle, was able to take a day off from teaching and join me for the meet and greet.  We took full advantage of the day by going first to lunch at Applebees. then over to the event.

Above is a group picture of some of us that attended.

Betsy is to the right of me in the purple shirt.

We had a wonderful visit...plus really enjoyed meeting

Scleroderma patients and advocates from the GR area.

Below is a picture of me with Laura Dyas, the Executive of the Michigan Chapter.

Ken and I traveled to Washington DC with Laura last October.

On May 1st I had the opportunity to speak to a group of ladies at the Jennings Community Church...close to Lake City.  The pastor of that church is Pastor Larry Shetenhelm....his wife is Kathy...many if you know them:)  The theme for the evening was "Aprons".  All of the ladies...and younger girls wore aprons...so many beautiful aprons with  many unique stories and fascinating history behind them. Me....I wore a borrowed, yet adorable, apron from Emily. (our daughter-in-law)  I am embarrased to admit that I do not own an apron of my own. Yet after talking with Mom a few days later, I found out that I have an apron in Onekama...one from my childhood!!

I entitled my devotion "The Woman Behind the Apron".  I wish I could share the whole thing with you....but just know God provided the words..and I provided the outline.  He even gave me the strength to do sing special music AND accompany myself.  I can't tell you how much joy it brings to my heart that I may serve the Lord by speaking to various groups.  I pray for many opportunities and doors to open to glorify God in this capacity as I continue to strengthen physically.

Wednesday evening was our last official AWANA night at Rollins.  Next Wednesday is the "Fairmont Fair".  Jason and I have been leading praise and worship music with the club this year. We have truly enkoyed working with the children and seeing the clubbers grow spiritually (and musically:)  On Friday afternoons I have been teaching music to young fives and kindergarten at Heritage Christian School.  I have been teaching for the last 6 weeks for 30 minutes a week. I LOVE it....and I LOVE the children.  It is much different from teaching almost 200 kids per day....but I believe God is using me in a special way...and the children are so eager to learn.

Plus....I have a grandson in  class!!! That is so much fun!!

On Thursdays I am continuing to take care of Isaac and Annie while Emily works at Wexford Jewelry.  Grandma Karen takes care of Madeline on Thursdays at her house, and Seth is at pre-school. 

Kurt, Heidi, and children are doing well in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Although we have only visited once....we talk on the phone and "skype"....which is video chatting over the internet!! We are so thankful for today's technology and are looking forward to our next visit!

Here are some pictures from AWANA awards night.

And last....but not least....our pony "Sugar Babe" arrived at our farm Wednesday evening.  She spent the winter in South Boardman at our friend's The Brittons!  We were so excited to see her again....and she adjusted very quickly to her home as if she had never left!!  More to follow....and thanks for reading this rather lengthy update.