Fun Times with Students

Sunday evening Gretchen Whitmer stopped out to the

house with a group of students that are competing in the State

Forensic tournaments this week. Four of the five are choir students,

and the fifth girl is the daughter of a good friend of mine.

I had blast listening to them and critiquing/helping them

with the "Nunsense" presentation. Here are a couple of group shots...

the rest are candid pics during their forensic piece.

Back row: Emma, me, Ashley

Front row: Taylor, Molly, Christina

We moved everything out of the dining room so

they had a performance area, It worked out

just perfect!!!! Thank you kids for a great time,

and for offering me the chance to still stay involved

in your lives!!!

Earlier in the day Rachel stopped by with some friends she

had over for a birthday get together!! Three of these Freshmen are

in choir! Great kids!!!!!

Sometimes I Cry........................

Sometimes, and mostly, for no reason why,
I look in the mirror, and I start to cry.

I look at my body and how much it's changed,
my life and my days have been re-arranged.

I think about things that I used to do,
cooking and baking to name just a few.

How in eight short months of my busy life,
I've learned to adapt to my pain and strife.

Sometimes I cry when my body hurts,
or when I can't dress myself in a shirt.

I cry when I miss our grown up boys,
but think about all our laughter and joys.

I wish I could still help babysit,
but changing those diapers give my hands a fit!

I fight with my attitude some of the time,
but realize in God's eyes I'm one of a kind.

I'm thankful for every new day that I see,
the birds and the flowers, new buds on the tree.

Despite how I'm challenged now and again
I'm never let down by my husband, my friend.

I know we face these moments together,
and take it head on like Michigan weather.

It's not that I''m looking for pity for me,
I'm looking ahead for the day that I'm free.

Free from the stiffness and weird hands and feet,
Looking to Jesus, my Savior I'll meet.

But till that time in my life shall arrive.
I'll keep of good courage, I'll flourish and strive.

Strive to be the best mom and wife,
To put God's love first, throughout my whole life.

Crying will not determine my path,
I get more comfort out of a laugh!

by Judy Nichols 4/27/08

A Doggy Day!!!

Yesterday was in the 70's....today it is really windy and cold...so basically we all stayed inside ....laying around under the table......well, we didn't actually lay under the table, the dogs did!!! We just lounged mostly doing occasional laundry, snoozing, snacking, and relaxing.

Love this Michigan weather!!!

Birds, Coyotes, and Bears OH My!!!

An afternoon at Aunt Jeanne's and Uncle Les

Baby ducks that peep!! I guess they don't get their quackers until later.

Isaac and Seth petting the baby chicks

Emily, Annabelle, and niece Joy Housler

There are at least 35 baby chicks and 5 ducklings in the brooder

Too little to hold.....just right to pet!

Annabelle intently watching the chicks

2 adorable duckies

Peep Peep

Isaac snuggling with one of Jeanne's cats

Sister-in-laws!!! For almost 30 years!

Aunt Jeanne and Annabelle

Notice the similar hair style!

There's a bear in the living room!!! YIKES!

Brave Issac!! Seth was a little more skeptical if the bear was real or not

Isaac and a coyote rug

Seth taking a coyote "rug ride"

Thanks for the wonderful time Aunt Jeanne!!

We all had lots of fun...and it was great spending time together!

Our friend Rachel got her moped license today!! Yippee!

Our friend Rachel Martz, who is also one of my choir students, and the grand daughter to our neighbor Jane brought her moped over so I could see it tonight.
Today Rachel turned 15 years old.....and she brought us some birthday cake that her Grandma made....yummmmm!
Rachel and I have always enjoyed our teacher-student-friend relationship and I'm so glad she visited me on her special day.

Rachel and her moped
Rachel and me

Rachel said to pose like a "biker momma!!"

Happy Birthday Rachel!!