Michigan Donor Family Ceremony Spring 2011.wmv

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Fishing and Exploring

Shawn wanted to go fishing last night so I took him over to the gravel pits that is located by our house. Not sure how long ago it was a gravel pit, but now it is a nice little lake area that runs into the Grand River which runs into Lake Michigan eventually.

Shawn decided to take his shoes and socks off so he could go into the water. It was cold he said.

A lot of people will take their boats out there and go fishing, boating, ski-dooing, water skiing and sometimes we take our lab over there so she can play in the water and fetch sticks that we throw out for her.

My handsome boy!

No luck catching any fish last night but it was a very nice time out by the water feeling the gentle breeze and watching the water move. The birds were out flying around and chirping. Geese flying overhead.

Nothing like nature and being able to enjoy it!



There was a frog in an area where the water puddled up in deep crevice areas and every time we walked by it would jump in the water or dive down in the water. Shawn decided that he wanted to try to catch it.

Twenty minutes later of exploring and and did not catch the frog, but he sure did have fun trying to catch it.

Here is the frog that Shawn could not catch. It was peeking up out of the water.

Even though Shawn did not catch any fish or frogs, he was able to have a good time.

God Bless The Broken Road

I have watched these two beautiful young ladies grow up over the years. I have known them since before they were born. Their Mama (a great friend of mine) was pregnant with them at my first wedding. I call them my twin nieces. Even though we are not blood related there is a special bond with them and the family. I love these two girls and just wanted to share something that they put together and hope that you may enjoy it too.

A little Fun~Tom sure can shake it!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The baby Robins are doing great!

There are four of them. If you like the pictures you can see a few different ones on my other blog Shelly Vandlen Photography.

Or you can go to my Facebook page.
I am having fun watching these little ones develop every day!

A Great Woman!

Great Grandma Odette

She was cute, short, funny.

I remember always going to her house and she always had a puzzle set up so we could all help put it together when we stopped by. She made homemade rugs out of like what people make quilts with I believe.

One time we went for supper and she had made pea soup. Boy, did I not want to eat. We sat at the table and Mom made me eat the soup. At that time, I hated peas. Well, every time G. Grandma and Mom went to the kitchen as they cleaned up, I would hide the peas under the table cloth. Yes, Grandma made her soup with a cream and whole peas. It wasn't all mushed up like I see down here. Well, I really got the look from Mom when she went to clear off the table cloth. Oh well, fun times!

This is Great Grandma with her son Philip Odette. He was my Mom's Dad. Grandpa and I shared the exact same birthday. Doesn't Granny look so cute with her little chunky cheeks sticking out in this picture?

Here's a picture of my cousins with Great Grandma O.
Johnny, Tina, Sheila and Great Grandma.

I remember that tree in Great Grandma's yard. You can see it in the background of this picture.
We use to hang on it and swing from it!
Granny had a bird in a cage at her house too. I little parakeet and she would let the door open on its cage. That bird would get out and fly around. I sure did not like that. I didn't like it flying past my head. Oh what memories!

The house that Granny lived at is not there anymore. It was taken down for a business to go up.
Loved that old Mustard color house!

Mother's Day

If Roses grow in Heaven,

Lord please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother's arms

And tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love and miss her,

and when she turns to smile,

place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it every day,

but there's an ache within my heart

that will never go away.

I know Mom is not here on this earth to celebrate Mother's day this year. She is rejoicing in Heaven with our heavenly Father. Thank you Jesus!

I couple weeks ago, I noticed that the Mother's day cards were starting to get on display for everyone to look and purchase for their Mom. I thought, oh, have to get one for Mom, then, I am like, wait a minute-Minus one this year. That is okay because I know where she is. I know that her life is better now and that she is living in Glory Land.

Mom's song!

6TH Grade Chicago Trip, May 3, 2011

Chicago view from the bus.
Statue by the Science Museum.

Waiting to get into the Museum.

A little excited to get out of the bus!

US 505 Submarine

They had to build around this to get it to be part of the museum.

Old Horse drawn Fire Engine.

Tornado


View from Lincoln Park Zoo

Shawn and Alan

After our DQ stop in Indiana on way home.

This is our whole group that stayed together during the trip.

Everyone was good and we all had a great time.

Spencer, Ivan, Sue

Alan, Andrew, Shawn and Me.

Funny how Shawn and I almost have the same look.

This Chicago trip was really nice. We had four Charter buses to take us there and back. The ride was nice, the driver was excellent. Wish we had time to see a few more things at the museum and the Zoo was nice to be outside. Wish the Zoo had some more animals, but maybe it was too early yet.

Years ago, when I went with Amanda's class, there were Polar bears and other animals. Only a select few animals this year. Still was a nice trip though.