OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

HI THERE!

IT IS SO HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ENDING ANOTHER YEAR AND BRINGING IN ANOTHER YEAR! WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AND WHAT WAS THE THINGS YOU ENJOYED OR DIDN'T ENJOY IN YOUR LAST YEAR? DID YOU HAVE MANY CHALLENGES? MANY THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR?

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY AND FOR ALL THAT THEY MEAN TO ME. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR A GOD WHO IS ALL FORGIVING AND PROVIDES MY EVERY NEED.

THIS LAST YEAR I STARTED A NEW JOB AND TURNED OUT TO REALLY ENJOY IT. THE CLIENTS THAT I TAKE CARE OF (MOST OF THEM) ARE SO CUTE AND SHOW ME HOW MUCH THEY REALLY ENJOY HAVING ME THERE FOR THEM.

THIS PAST YEAR MY DAUGHTER STARTED HER LAST YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL. SHE WILL GRADUATE IN MAY OF 2009. THIS WILL BE A BIG YEAR FOR US. SHE IS GETTING OLDER AND HAVING TO DECIDE ON WHICH COLLEGE SHE WANTS TO GO TO, WHAT CAREER SHE WANTS TO HAVE, AND BECOMING INDEPENDENT. GOD IS GOOD!

I HOPE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU HAVE HAD A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND YOU WILL RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH MANY BLESSINGS ALSO.

TRY TO GRASP EVERY MOMENT POSSIBLE! ENJOY LIFE AND TRY NOT TO LET THE LITTLE THINGS BOTHER YOU.

TAKE CARE!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

LATER I WILL HAVE TO POST SOME PICS OF THE SNOW WE HAVE. ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Christmas fun!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Videos to share

Let it Snow!

Yepper Depper! We did get some snow and that did make it kinda hectic for some driving to work today.

When I went into work it did not seem that bad. When I got out of work there was No Way that I was going to get on I96 West! The traffic was stopped on there and I was going to get on at the Fuller exit. Well, I happened to look over and see that the traffic was standing still. Not sure why? Probably an accident or something. So, I got out of the turn lane and went up to Leonard Street and took that way home.

It was kinda nice in a way. Not so busy. A few stops to go through, but once got past most of those, I was going down memory lane. I happened to be thinking that I have not been down that Street in a long time and then I seen some nice houses the more West that I went.

Anyway, it was nice to go a different way for a change.

Ever wonder why you decide to turn or change what you are doing? Maybe perhaps there was a reason to go that way. God must have been telling me something. Sometimes we don't always listen and then we think--What in the world did I do that for?

God Bless--Have a great day, week, or whatever it may be until I post again.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope that all of you are blessed in so many ways and that you are all healthy. I also hope that if you spend time with family that it will all go well and have a wonderful time with them.

We certainly do have a lot to be thankful for yet why do we complain at times?

I have great health, great family, great friends, great life and most of all a GREAT GOD THAT MEETS AND SUPPLIES MY EVERY NEED. HE never leaves me hungry, thirsty, out in the cold, etc. I have a house to live in, a job to go to, a vehicle to get me to where I need to go. I also have a great church that I am able to attend.

I am thankful to all the service men and women out there that help me to live in the Free American that we live in. Praise be to God!

I have the capability to appreciate the things and challenges that I have went through in life and acceptance for the things I cannot change and learn to love the way life is.


GOD BLESS!

Reba and Kelly Clarkson TWO WORLDS TWO VOICES

TOM AND I WENT TO GO SEE REBA AND KELLY AT THE VANANDEL IN GRAND RAPIDS. THEIR OPENING ACT WAS WITH MELISSA PETERMAN. ALSO KNOWN AS BARBRA JEAN ON THE REBA TV SERIES. THEY DO NOT HAVE THAT SHOW ON ANYMORE BUT I GET A CHANCE TO WATCH THE RERUNS AND IT CAN BE SO FUNNY! HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN THAT SHOW?

WE HAD A GREAT TIME, THE SHOW WAS A BLAST AND AWESOME. THESE VIDEOS ARE FROM ANOTHER SHOW SOMEWHERE BUT YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE SEEN. I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD AT MELISSA MY STOMACH HURT.

REBA AND KELLY HAVE GREAT VOICES TOGETHER AND DID A GREAT JOB! IT WAS A PLEASURE TO SEE THEM IN CONCERT AND I HAD A WONDERFUL DATE NIGHT WITH MY HUBBY!

Adonai--We need to love one another!

To those I love and have loved!

Ever think how great it will be to be in heaven?

I just wanted to tell my friends and family that if you don't know Jesus as your personal savior, you might want to do that.

I have lost a couple people that have been very dear to me and am greatful that they are in heaven and we will meat again someday.

We as Christians never ever have to say goodbye. There is only a time of separation until we all meet again. So, if you are my friend and don't know Christ, What are you waiting for?

Love you all!

All We Ever Need

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACIE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACIE

Jack and Stacie. What a surprise for Stacie. She did not have a clue as to what was going on. She was shocked of the housefull of friends that showed up to celebrate with her.

Stacie with her wonderful daughter Julie.

That is quite the hat Stacie! Love the glasses!

Stacie and Gayle (daughter-in-law--Keiths wife)

Faith and Stacie, Long time friends, and people say that Faith looks like Stacie's Twin Susie!

Tom and I. We had a lot of fun!

The Piccard's minus one son Nick. Julie, Keith, Travis, Jack and Stacie.

Great party had by all.

Hey Keith's shirt looks like it says CHIGA. Instead of chita girl he is a CHIGA GUY! LOL Really, I know it says MICHIGAN!!!!!!!!! GO BLUE AND GOLD!

Quadmania

A few Saturdays ago, we went out to Babbitts and picked up a few toys. As you can see, Shawn is excited to bring them all home.

Mine is the red Arctic Cat behind Mitch's Grey/Red one. The one Shawn is sitting on.







As you can see, Shawn is excited. He has been bugging us for a while to get one. We got a great deal on all of them. Now all boys have a Quad and now all of us can go out on some trails together.

Mason and Mitch went to visit their Mom for Mason's birthday and when they came home we opened the garage to show them what we got them.

Here is Shawn on Left, Mason in middle, and Mitch on the Right.

We had to mark out the yard for them to ride because after we had rain and now that there are three boys on three quads, they tare up the yard more. So, we make some trails. LOL

What fun we are all having!

Amanda's Homecoming Senior Year!!!!

Matt and Amanda after Faith fixed her hair for homecoming.

Above is the before shot.
Amanda and her friends laughing really hard.
Still laughing!
Yeah! We look great!

Mighty and strong!

Awe!!!!

"Awe, SAY IT AIN'T SO-----JOE!"""

WHAT A HOOT!!!!!!

PALIN-WAY TO GO GIRL!!

Update

HI Everyone!

I just wanted to say that tonight the two boys wanted to call their Mom and talk to her. She did get the port put in her brain so they could put medicine directly into her spine. She is not doing well. She is very week. They did tell her today that she cannot drive anymore. I think that might be due to the fact that she has a port in her brain. She has to do into the hospital on Monday and she stated that she don't know for how long.

Saturday Mitchell has a football game and Mason's birthday is Sunday (8 yrs). We are planning on dropping the boys off to their Mom's after the game and then their Grandma (mom's mom) is going to come and get them and keep them for the night. The Grandma is going to try and throw a birthday party for Mason and their Mom will try to attend it.

That is the update so far and keep praying. All prayers are welcomed and much appreciated.

Friday Mason goes back to the Therapist. He is getting some counseling to deal with things going on in his life. He tends to be a little high anxiety and does not speak about things that are bothering him or how to handle stress. I believe this will be helpful to him.

Hope you all have had a great week. Sorry have not posted in a while. Been pretty busy.

Oh, work is going great! I love the new job. Starting to feel more comfortable and the girls are starting to be a lot more fun!

Street walking

Now this cracks me up! That might be some of us someday. LOL Hope everyone enjoys the laugh as much as I did.

NEW JOB

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to tell you that I started a new job this week and it is going well so far. I do like what I have to do for the job, some of the people I work with not sure about, but that will probably get better with time.

There are two girls that I work with and they are upset because I took the position and they wanted another one of their friends to work down there with them. Anyway!

Where I work is in the health field in a nursing home. But, it is a Day Center and we get people from the community and group homes and some people that live in the nursing home down in the day center. We provide some of them breakfast, then lunch and in between all that, medical help, vitals, wts, games, activities and time spent with us to "entertain" them or keep them occupied. We also have a pool table in there and games, and TV. They hardly watch TV as we have them busy with games, exercise, coffee breaks, meals, showers for those who need one.

So, all good so far.

Palin/McCain

WAY TO GO SARAH!!!!!

IF I HAD MY CHOICE, I WOULD CHOOSE HER FOR PRESIDENT!

SARAH DID AN AWESOME JOB!

SHE HAS SHOWN HOW WELL SHE CAN HANDLE ALASKA AND ALL THE BENEFITS THAT SHE HAS DONE FOR THAT STATE.

MCCAIN IS A GREAT CHOICE ALSO WITH ALL OF HIS BACKGROUND AND MANY OTHER THINGS HE WILL DO FOR OUR COUNTRY.

SARAH IS A GREAT SPEAKER, GREAT PERSON, YOU CAN TRULY TELL THAT SHE IS GENUINE WITH HOW SHE "CARRIES" HERSELF. THE GENUINE HUGS, THANK YOUS, KISS ON THE CHEEK AND LOVE FOR HER FAMILY AND STATE AND COUNTRY.

SARAH/MCCAIN--YOU HAVE MY VOTE!!

Video Bar

Check out the video bar at the top right.

I like the first two dog videos.

Enjoy your watch.

Shawn in the grass

Shawn trying to hide in the dune grass!


















I asked him to take another pic and this is the look I get.
















Then he smerks for his Mama!

Love ya Shawner!

Funny People

These two crack me up!

I love your blog!!!!!

Thanks Mari! That is a really cute little note!
I love your blog too!

Since Mari gave to anyone on her blog list, I would also like to pass around. Probably most of mine are on hers also. LOL

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

The kids made it up this dune pretty well. Tom did fairly well with a couple breaks. Me on the other hand--several breaks. Why? You ask? Well, this particular dune was really steap and the day before I climbed another dune and my legs were burning with pain in in my quads. First I was wanting to stay down to take pictures of people flying over the top of this dune. Then, I decided that I really wanted to see what it was like up there. I am so happy that I made it because the view was awesome!
This was at the top of the dune looking back to where we started walking from. That water in the background happens to be Silver Lake. You can see some of the vehicles taking a break and going back for some more dune riding.
This is Matt and Amanda. We rented a dune buggy for them and they had a great time riding on the dunes. This little thing is not that powerful they had to keep going on some of the smaller dunes. They did attempt this big one that we climbed to the top of. If he could keep it going, he could make it. What a riot to watch them.
This is someone in a really nice buggy flying over the steeped part. This was why I wanted to stay down and take a few pics. This was from half way up the dune. We could not believe how fast and how daring some of these people are.
This is a view from the top of the dune. Lake Michigan in the distance. This is the steep that they had to get up and go over. Some would get stuck at top, or just stop, some would rest up there or wait for others in their group. Some had to go down backwards because they could not make it. This was not the steepest one either.

Have a great day! Everyone should try to do this someday. Fun had by all!

Little Sable Lighthouse

We are on our way to the Little Sable and it really don't look that little!

We did make it all the way to the top. I forget how many stairs. Over 90.

Once you make it up, there is such a beautiful view.

Also, when you are at the top, on the outside rail it tells how far you are from certain places.

Amanda and Matt at top of Lighthouse. Lake Michigan behind!

Matt, Amanda, Mitch, Mason, Shawn

On the rocks below the lighthouse.

Shawn, Mitch, Mason

On a piece of driftwood on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

We had a lot of fun that day. Walking the beach, climbing the Lighthouse, going over to the dunes--that will be in next post.

SILVER LAKE MACWOODS DUNE RIDE

Shawn, Matt, Amanda, Mitch, Tom, Mason

We had fun riding the Mac Wood Dune Ride.

I was surprised at how fast we went. Up and down the dunes!

Very beautiful.

You can see how the dunes will change all the time with the wind that is up there.

The "Dune" grass was planted a long time ago by some boyscouts and it continued to spread.

This is one of the views from the ride. That is Lake Michigan.

This next picture you can see why I was not in the picture of the first picture! LOL

Really, that is someone who was skydiving and his shoot did not open up.

No really, just something funny to look at! We all thought it was a hoot.

We had a great driver named Rob!

Update

Thank you all for praying and wishing us well on our camping trip.

Camping was great! I will add that post later with some cool pics!

Update on my step-son's Mom. Yesterday we find out that they misdiagnosed her and U of M said that she has Leukemia. Not the Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Her white cells are minimal to non and will need a blood transfusion. The boys don't know this part yet.

Mason, the littlest one does not even want to go to the hospital to see his Mom. I think it scares him. Last time he came home and said he did not feel good and went downstairs and slammed his door and was crying for a while. I did try to comfort him.

Anyway, so this is a change and since you all are caring and praying for them I thought I would update you.

Thanks again!

Maribeth----I am happy for me about the news of my new job. I just have to go tell our DON now. I will miss working with you guys, but I am always staying in touch.

Prayer

Hello everyone!

I just have a little tidbit of info for ya and a little requests.

My two step-sons Mom was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-cell NK. (Cancer of the lymph nodes). She has been in the hospital the last couple weeks and not doing very well. The cancer is in the bone marrow and getting injections into her spine and now her brain. Mitchell(10) and Mason (8-soon) kinda keep things held in and don't want to talk about things. Mason is a little depressed until we get his mind on something else.

I guess what I am asking is prayer for their Mom and the two of them.

Also, we are going camping this weekend up to Silver Lake at Jellystone, Yogi Bear campground. We will have a great time. I will show pics and write a posts after we all get back.

Everyone enjoy your weekend.

The cooler weather is great for sleeping and opening the windows for some fresh air!!
Short summer though!

USCG FESTIVAL FIREWORKS

THIS WAS ON THE MACKINAC SHIP ON THE SIDE. I THOUGHT I WOULD GET A SHOT OF THAT.
GRAND HAVEN HAS A MUSICAL FOUNTAIN. THEY PLAY MUSIC AND HAVE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MUSIC ON CERTAIN NIGHTS. IT ALWAYS PLAYS AT DUSK AND IT IS PRETTY NEAT TO WATCH THE FOUNTAIN FLOW AND SWAY TO THE MUSIC. IT ALSO HAS VARIOUS COLORS THROUGHOUT THE FOUNTAIN SHOW TOO.

NOW FOR SOME FIREWORKS! THESE WERE ALSO DONE TO MUSIC AND THIS WAS A SPECATCULAR SHOW. JUST LIKE EVERY YEAR AT THE COAST GUARD FESTIVAL. THIS FEST ALWAYS PUTS OFF THE BEST FIREWORK DISPLAY THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN.

AS YOU CAN SEE THEY SET SOME OFF ON THE WATER OR NEAR THE WATER AND THEN UP ON THE HILL ABOVE THE MUSICAL FOUNTAIN.
PRETTY NEAT HEY?
THESE ARE JUST A FEW PICS OF THE ONES THAT I HAVE. ALSO I DID COMPETE WITH A TREE BRANCH. OH WELL, THEY STILL TURNED OUT PRETTY GOOD I THOUGHT.

HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THE SHOW!

USCG FESTIVAL

On our way to the great Mackinac Ship of the USCG. That huge tall thing on the front is what lifts in and out the big boueys. We got to tour the whole ship. All of us had a nice time climbing aboard the ship and up and down the ladders (which were steep, no wonder they slide down them). Up in that window area is where all the mechanical equipment and maps and radar stuff is. I don't know all the lingo but that is what ya get from me.
This is the ship from Canada.
Kara and Shawn at the bell in Grand Haven. This was on our way to the ship.

We were on the back of the ship and I seen the flag and had to get a shot of it. So cool how it was blowing in the breeze and in the background see the boats and Grand Haven lighthouse in the canal.

USCG FESTIVAL-kids parade

This is a couple of the service people starting the parade. I don't know their names but I am thankful for the service that they do for our country. This is Tom (in the State hat--which I raz him about all the time--I like UofM). Next to him in the white shirt is Bill, he is also in the CG. Actually all those people in the picture and then some are people that serve in the CG and their kids in the kids parade. My boys are Mason (orange hat), Mitch (red shirt), Shawn (brown shirt, red bike and a whole TWO balloons). He did not want to put much effort into decorating his bike. Oh well!
This is Amanda, she had to get some candy at the parade since the boys were in the parade. She did not want me to take her pic, but I did anyway.

We had a great time going to the kids parade which is the little parade the first Saturday of the Festival. Actually, the parade wasn't so little. It was nice sized and there were floats! Can you believe it? People actually still make floats. Like when I was in High School for our Homecoming.

Allendale's 4th of July parade consists of a lot of tractors, people walking and passing out flyers and candy and old cars, but not many homemade floats that you ride on. It is still a nice parade. Just not like I use to see.

I did not get a chance to go to the second parade which is the really big one as I had to work. I guess that parade was over two hours long.

Anyway, my next post is going to be some pics of the Mackinac CG ship and some little things and fireworks. Woo0hoo!!!!