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!!!

August

My sister Linda and me

My sister and I had a wonderful time in Boston Mass. at the National
Scleroderma Foundation conference.  We were there July 30, 31, August 1.
Our schedule was pretty packed with workshops, meetings, lunches, dinners, so we didn't do much sight seeing in our brief time there....but still had a great time.

A highlight of the conference was being the recipient of the "Messenger of Hope" award that was given to me by the National Foundation during the award banquet Saturday evening.  I was honored to receive such an award and am determined to continue working as hard as I can to be an advocate for scleroderma patients.

Laura Dyas, the executive director of the Michigan chapter

and me, after the banquet.

The day I returned home from the conference, Ken took Joel to Christian Horizon's Camp Aug 1-7.   The week ended up being very busy though as Ken worked on tearing a section of our roof off and replacing it with new shingles.  The process took several days....but as of August 14th...the job is done and NO MORE leaks in the back hall:)

August 7th.....the day Joel came home we enjoyed a family reunion with Ken's side of the family.....the event was held at Dick and Carol  Nichols..in Mesick.  We had lots of fun and enjoyed seeing relatives we only see once a year.  Here are some highlights~~~

Dad went with us and seemed to enjoy himself:)

The remainder of August flew by and unless I look at the calendar...I can't remember exactly what we did......well wait~~~I'll check the calendar cause it will bug me if I can't fill in the blanks!!! 

On August 12th Ken and I celebrated 32 years if wedded bliss!!! We can't believe how quickly time has flown by...our marriage has been a blessing to us! We have been together for so long that we can't imagine not being "us".

There were several anniversaries in August to celebrate:  Linda and Don,

 Kurt and Heidi, Clint and Andrea, and Dan and Vanessa.

During August I continued to enjoy "Thursdays with Grandma" when I take care of Isaac, Seth, and Annabelle.  We had lots of fun on those days...and our routine always included a visit to Great Grandpa over at Green Acres Retirement Living.  Dad really liked to see the children....and always had his candy dish full "just in case" they asked!!!

We have made several trips to Onekama to begin sorting through Mom and Dad's things and preparing to sell the house.   After 64 years of marriage...and 33 years in their current house....there is much sorting to be done.  At times it was bittersweet as we came upon things that meant alot to us....or that sparked a particular memory or event...but "that's life"! When we used to suggest to Mom that they have a sale and get rid of a few things a few years ago....she would just smile and say...."I'll leave it to you girls someday"!  Well.....now here we are.  This is "someday".

August brought lots of "at home" projects too such as re-roofing the back side of the house, keeping up on the lawn,  tending to the garden, and misc. this and that.  We try to visit Dad at least twice a day....once in the morning to take his mail to him and around 7:00 in the evening to watch "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy"!  I am getting pretty good at those two game shows:)

August 29th we took Dad over to Onekama to visit his home church, The Onekama Church of the Brethren.  He was so happy to see everyone...and we plan to do that again this Fall.  August ended peacefully and quietly...once again thankful for God's provisions in our lives....and for a smooth transition for our Dad as he settles in to his new living arrangements.

How could I forget one of the cutest stories from August....our little kitty visitor...who was "not" afraid of dogs!!  Turned out to be the pet of a neighbor out in the country.  The kitty stayed around for a couple of days...and by day three the owner stopped over and took it home!  We had our Milo cat for around 14 years...and this little kitty looked so much like Milo....just for a fleeting moment we considered being the permanent home....but alas...it twas not meant to be.  (and probably for the best...cat's like to roam at night about the house....our goldens prefer to sleep until we all get up!!

Here are some parting shots from the garden!!!