Husteds Happenings

Playing In The Snow With The Grandkids

2012-01-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Saturdays I usually spend catching up or planning for the next week. Today found me having fun with the Grandkids. Julie and Sam were away, planning for the summer months when they will take their family and put on the Pirate Island Show at several County Fairs. They have done this for several years and it is an avenue in which the whole family can participate. This week end they traveled to Grand Rapids to seek out clients that will invite them as a part of the Fair. Chuck and I took the kids for the week end and had a bunch of fun with them. One of the highlights was a time playing outside in the snow. It started snowing sometime Friday and they were kind of hoping for a snow day, but no such luck. By Saturday the snow had piled up about 8 inches of snow in our yard and driveway. The driveway is steep toward the back and makes a nice sledding hill. Chuck had gotten a couple of sleds and they all had fun sliding down the hill.

Savannah, Max and Karson ready to go sledding

Karson sledding down the hill

Karson climbing back up the hill with the orange sled

Max sliding down the hill in our side driveway to the backyard

Max pulled Jasmin in the sled and she loved it. Just playing in the snow was fun for her. She made a path to walk in, like Fox and Geese too. The snow was too fluffy to make snowballs and would not pack to make a snowman. But we had fun anyway. I mostly took pictures and watched to make sure no one got hurt going down the hill.

Max pulling Jasmin on the sled

Jasmin making a path in the snow

Jasmin trying to make a snowball

Max trying to pull Savannah up the hill

Max and Jasmin in the woods behind our property

Karson, Jasmin, Max and Savannah find a fort in the woods

At the back of our property there is a bit of woods and we wondered back there to see what we could see. The snow was sticking to the branches and was so pretty. The snow was coming down in big flakes. The deer stay back in that woods and once in awhile come out to graze. We saw a fort someone had built and that was interesting to explore. Karson found a nice place to make a snow angel.

Karson makes a Snow Angel

Savannah enjoying a pull in the snow

We were out for about a half hour and then everyone was pretty cold so we came in and had hot chocolate to warm up. Then we were ready to have a lunch, so we fixed Burritos and then had some quiet time. Everyone was ready to take a short nap. After that we played several different card games. We all like to play this game called "Trash", or some call it "Golf". You put 8 cards face down, and then draw. If you draw a number 1-8 you can exchange it for one of the 8 cards. If you draw any other cards you have to throw them away, and the next one takes his turn. The first one to put all their cards face up in order 1-8 is the winner. Another game we like to play is Hand and Foot. It is more complicated and the younger ones don't play. When Chuck is here, he plays. So there are 4 players then.
On Saturday Chuck had to make a bus run with the SAU girls basketball team, to Goshen, IN leaving at 8AM. He did get back before the kids all went home and got in on a couple rounds of card games. We were going to play Monopoly, but it is a long game and we needed Chuck to play, so we didn't get to play it. Jasmin and Karson took the big pile of cards and decided to make a yellow brick road from the living room to the bedroom. It was Jasmin's creative idea.

The Yellow Brick Road made of cards

It has been a fun day and weekend but I must be honest and say, I'm not as young as I used to be, but glad I can still do some of these activities. My muscles and bones tell me that I have slowed down a bit. Chuck had a check up this week and came through it wonderfully. We try to keep healthy and eat the right kinds of food. I'm a little short on the exercise part, but with the Grandkids around, they keep us hopping, so we manage to stay fit. We sure enjoy the Jackson area and today was one of those beautiful, memorable, fun days.

Getting In Touch Again

2012-01-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since I posted. Please forgive me. We had a wonderful Christmas and a start of the new year, 2012. We wanted to let you know that we are fine, but just so busy and we are getting caught up a little. At the moment we are enjoying Julie and Sam's kids for the week end. They are away for the first 3 Saturdays of January. The first two wees of January felt like Spring. But last night we got some snow and the wind has been strong. So tomorrow we hope to play in the snow. Tonight I fixed some meat loaf and they really loved it. I think Max ate 4 pieces of it. Then tonight we played different card games. They love playing UNO and a game called trash. Also we have taught them how to play hand and foot, a game we learned in Florida. Jasmin isn't quite old enough to play but she is content to do puzzles and play with dominoes. She is such a happy gal. Well I just wanted to let you know that things are going ok for us and we will try to get back writing a few more things. Maybe backing up and sharing with you some Christmas stories.

Getting Ready For A Cookie Bake

2011-12-22T00:21:00.000-08:00

After spending the afternoon doing last minute Christmas shopping Chuck and I came home to make some sugar cookies for the cookie bake Julie is having at her house tomorrow. I just finished and thought I'd write a bit.
We enjoyed Christmas shopping together but the market place was a bit crowded and crazy. Since we only had a few things to get and a few groceries we didn't mind it that much. But it was quite hard to get down the aisles without bumping into someone. I heard one mom shouting, with joy, because she finally found what she was looking that her son had asked for for Christmas. She and I were both in the game department and I asked her what game it was and she was more than happy to tell me. So I wrote it down and also saw one more. It may be a future game idea. I had already gotten all the kids gifts. She said Merry Christmas and was on her way. And just to share with you how impressed I was with people out there for the holiday season, I share with you about my trip to Lowes.
I was looking for a gift and decided to get it. So I asked one of the workers, nice and available, if he could help me get something on a cart and out to my car. He said, sure thing. So I went up to pay for it and on the way there was another guy who asked me if he could help me. I said no, I had already been helped and then I got an urge just to praise him and all the workers. I said, "you guys are awesome." I walked in the door and right away someone helped me, then the cashier was anxious to help me get my item, and paid for. And you were so friendly, you are all just awesome." He said, "that's what we like to hear, you have a Merry Christmas." And today, several different times, clerks were quick to help me find what I needed and get it paid for. I was really impressed. And all the time Christmas music playing in the background. It was all actually fun. I didn't hear "Merry Christmas" at Walmart, but Happy Holidays. I wanted to go up to one of the clerks and ask her if they were told they couldn't say Merry Christmas. But I did hear it from people shopping down the aisles.

Baking cookies for the cookie bake at Julie's Dec. 21-11

Then tonight Chuck helped me mix up dough for the cookies, and I rolled them out and cut them, baked them etc. Tomorrow, at Julie's, we will decorate them with frosting and sprinkles. 5 of us girls are getting together plus the grandkids and friends, 5 adults and 10 kids. We are all making different types of soups to keep us energized. I'm making Taco soup with cornbread. So it should be a fun day tomorrow.

Chuck making pumpkin bread for the staff at church

We did get our tree up fairly early, this month, and Chuck put the lights outside on the bushes and some lighted candy canes plus baked pumpkin bread for all the staff at church..

Our tree and outside lights through the window 2011

So we have been enjoying the lights. They create such a wonderful atmosphere. I love mini white lights. Tonight when I was baking there was a movie on about the life of Thomas Kincaid, painter of light. It was how he got started and the inspiration he got from an old painter.

Thomas Kincaid, Painter Of Light

The old painter was painting the darkness for much of his life. And one day he discovered the light because Thomas had come to visit him and lit a candle, which inspired him to do his final painting, with light in it. He painted the fall leaves all dark and gray, but they were very beautiful colors when he put the light behind them shining through. The painting sold for a big sum of money, enough to help Thomas, his brother and mother, keep their cottage. After the man finished the painting and gave it to the mother, he went back to his home and died. Thomas carried on and painted many paintings with a source of light in them. I loved the movie. Inspirational along with baking my cookies. I worked during the commercials.

This morning the both of us were thinking there is just too much pressure and stress during the holidays. But as we bumped into different ones in the store, who were also busy and stressed out, we came to the conclusion that we are motivated by stress sometimes, and the busyness is alright. Anyway, we enjoyed the day and really got a lot done. I hope you are enjoying these days and giving and sharing your love with your friends and neighbors and an occasional person in the market place. You may be the only Christ they ever see.
I found something that helps with the stress. Last summer Chuck and I went to see a Civil War re-enactment. There were several tents set up and you could buy things at the sites. I spotted some Sassafras tea. There were about 10 pieces of small Sassafras branches in a bundle. You put one or two in a pan of water and boil it to steep. It makes a very fine tea with lots of antioxidants and gives you energy. My mom used to drink it when I lived at home. So I learned to like it way back then. I like it with sugar and it is very soothing too. Sassafras tea really connects me with my mom in a positive way, which is a good thing.

Sassafras Tea

Here are a couple quotes that I read on Facebook that people call Wall quotes...
God doesn't give you the people you want, he gives you the people you need. to help you , to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you the person you were meant to be."
"When something bad happens you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you."
So many memories come at Christmas. Some of the negative times were difficult to remember and bare, but all the memories and things that we experienced made us who we are today. I think we learned to choose to be blessed, shaped, and cultivated instead of being bitter over things that could have destroyed us. Only by God's grace and strength, not our own, could we enjoy this present day, being blessed so much. Have a Merry Christmas everyone and we trust your new year will bring good health and blessings over flowing for you.

Saying good-bye to a dear friend...

2011-12-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

Chuck's sister called today with news of a good friend that had passed away. We were assigned to our first circuit in the Free Methodist church in Snover, Michigan where we met Winston Dorman and his wife, Florence. They were among many good people who welcomed us as a young minister, just starting out in the pastorate. They lived just down the street and so we had many times of sharing in the Lord's work together. If we had a question we could ask Winston about it. He was the head trustee and regularly watched out for the church and parsonage. He also could fix most things. He and his wife were gracious and invited us into their home many times where we were privileged to eat a wonderful meal together or just share over a cup of coffee. Florence taught school and was a gifted teacher. I got to visit her classroom and substitute teach a few times for her. She taught special needs children and was so patient and loving with them. One of the things I remember about Florence and Winston, they were very giving people. They always made sure our little girls had a Christmas and Birthday present from them. One day Florence came down and said that she got a double order in the mail. So she decided to give Julie the extra order. (Cyndi was not born yet.) It was a dolly, and crib for her. Julie just loved that doll and crib.

Another time I remember, we were shopping down town and went into the clothing store. On the rack they had the cutest little coat, a pretty furry one in aqua color, with hat, leggings and a muff to match. I took it off the rack, and looked at Chuck and said, wouldn't Julie look cute in this.?" He said, "She sure would." But we both knew that our budget would not afford that outfit and we would do with the nice red coat that she had handed down to her from his sister. (it did have a hat, but no muff. ) I hung it back on the rack and we looked around a little more, we were about the only one in the store. Christmas was in about 3 weeks. A couple weeks went by and I got a call from Florence wanting me to come down to her house as she was sorting through a big bag of Barbara's little girl's clothes that didn't fit her anymore. She said that if any of them would fit Julie, I could have them. Well, almost everything in the bag she could wear, and it seemed hardly worn. There were shoes, socks, dresses, pants, I was elated. I had just about finished going through the bag and she said, "Oh, I almost forgot, I saw this cute little snow suit at the clothing store the other day and I thought it would look so cute on Julie. IT WAS THE EXACT SAME OUTFIT I HAD ADMIRED ON THE RACK IN THAT STORE! How could she have known, she wasn't there, and I never told another person about it. But somehow, I think, that God had communicated it to Florence and nudged her heart. I said after that, WOW! God meets our needs but He sometimes even blesses us with our desires. It ministered to our hearts as a young pastor and family that day and for many years to come. It was so creative of how God works in hearts to bless others.

I want to leave with you the Obituary for Winston, as many of you knew him. Be in prayer for the family and especially Florence as she will miss him dearly, I'm sure.

Winston A. Dorman 1914 - 2011

Winston A. Dorman Snover Winston A. Dorman, 97, of Snover, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Deckerville Community Hospital in Deckerville, MI. He was born March 27, 1914 in Snover, Michigan the son of the late John and Daisy (Moore) Dorman. He was a lifelong area resident, a member of the Laing Free Methodist Church, past member of the Snover Lions Club and a 1932 graduate of Sandusky High School. Winston married Florence Emily McKenney on June 22, 1940 in Decker, MI. He is survived by his wife Florence; Barbara & Ronald Gerstenberger (daughter) of Sandusky; 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son and daughter in law, John & Shauna Dorman, a grandson, Andrew Gerstenberger, brothers, Leonard, Vivian, Dallas and sisters, Violet Price and Fern Bricker. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky. Rev. Dale Wood Sr. and Rev. Dale Wood Jr. will be officiating. Burial will be in the Moore Township Cemetery in Snover. Visitation will be held at Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky on Thursday from 10 AM - 1 PM Memorial suggestions to the Marlette Regional Hospital, Sanilac County Child Abuse Prevention Council or United Hospice. Arrangements by Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky, www.marshfuneral.com.

Gone Camping

2011-11-29T19:43:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since I posted on my blog. It seems I have been camped out at the bottom of the Mountain of "Christmas rush". Before that I was on a road that was winding around in circles and I finally got on the right path, only to be side tracked by several projects that were most important. I feel like I've been on a trip similar to Christian's travels to the celestial city in Pilgrim's Progress.

So for now, just to let you know... we are alive and well but very busy. We will return before very long and share our story. We hope, in the mean time, you are doing ok and not in the tizzy of the Christmas Rush. It will be good to see you when I get back.

Sweetest Day Remembered

2011-10-15T23:21:00.000-07:00

Chuck wanted to surprise me for Sweetest day so we decided to take Friday and go to Shipshewana. The Bluegate Restaurant and Theater was having Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, a bluegrass group we had heard on the Gaither Hour.

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
Left to Right: Jason Barie, fiddle; Jesse Baker, banjo; Doyle Lawson, mandolin;
Corey Hensley, bass guitar ; Mike Rogers, guitar; Carl White, snare drum; and Josh Swift, dobro

Blue Gate Restaurant and Theater in Shipshewana, pretty with lights glowing, even in the rain

Jesse Baker, on the Banjo playing, Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church

We had not seen them in person, so decided to go. We arrived early so we could go to some shops. The Red Barn on main street had some unique shops. One of them is called Lotions and Potions. It is the only place Chuck could find shaving soap as he still uses a brush and soap. I looked around a bit and found some hand and body lotion. You could buy different fragrances and sparkles to layer in a bottle. I decided to get some so the granddaughters could enjoy it too. When I went up to the cashier I spotted a small container of, what she called, Fairy Dust. Well... Ava was trying to make fairy dust the other day out of paper, cutting up small pieces so she could scatter it. So I decided to get some of it. A little goes a long ways and sticks to your skin and SPARKLES!!! That should be fun. Later we had dinner at the Bluegate, fried chicken and sweet potato casseroles with green beans and fruit. Plus our favorite apple butter for the home made bread. Chuck also had Amish peanut butter. (it has marshmallow melted and mixed in it.) What a treat for Sweetest Day! To top it all off, then, we went to the concert which is upstairs in the theater.

Doyle Lawson and Corey Hensley singing "The Teddy Bear Revival".

The group was so good. We loved all their songs. We even managed to get 2nd row center seats. We got a couple CD's and played them all the way home. It only took us an hour and a half coming home. It had been raining off and on during the day and when we went out to our car it had stopped. So we got in and started to drive away and something was very wrong.

Flat tire in Shipshewana, in the rain, after the concert

Yes, we had a flat tire, and then the rain came pouring down again. We went across the street and pulled into where Subway was, waited for the rain to let up and then got out and went in, got a cup of coffee and called the road service. Chuck had not changed a tire in probably 20 years. The guy at the Subway shop said he would do it, but we said we called the road service. About then the Bluegrass group, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, walked in to get a sandwich.We said, we don't always hang around this long after a concert, but we had a flat tire. They also offered to change the tire. We told them if we knew they were going to be there, we would have waited to let them do it. We chatted with them and thanked them again for the fine concert they put on. I even asked them if I would have requested them to play "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" if they could have played it. They said "Oh sure." I wish I would have, it would have been a perfect ending to the concert. The flat tire didn't seem too bad, since we got to see DLandQ again.

Road Service arrives

They came all the way from Sturgis in about 30 minutes

The road man came in about 30 minutes and had the tire changed in about 5 minutes.

Taking the flat tire off and putting spare on

They have great equipment. We made it home about 12 midnight. It was good to be back home safe and sound.

Today I got the house in a little better order as we had friends from South Bend coming. Josh and Rene Gulledge were on their way to see her brother in Dexter, who used to attend Spring Arbor. Also her parents and some of the other family were going to be there to visit. Chuck married Josh and Rene about 7 yrs. ago, when we were at Gospel Center Church in South Bend. They have two children, now, and we had not seen the baby.

Josh and Renee Gulledge and their 2 children; Levi, 2 and Selah, 2 months

It was so good to see them and re-connect. They are such good parents and we loved that they stopped by to see us for a few minutes. The baby was real good and Levi went on a curious journey around the house. He also loved watching Veggie Tales for a bit while we talked to his parents. It is always good to see good friends, even if it was only a short time.

A Visit with the Sisters

2011-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

It has been beautiful weather here. Temperatures are in the 70-80 range and the trees are dressed in various shades of autumn colors. The good weather lasted all week so Chuck started a big project earlier in the week. Our deck has a pergola but some of the boards are broken, so he decided to take down the top part and replace the old lattice work.

Chuck taking down lattice on pergola

Quite a job. Andrew came over and helped him some. Then it was on to the power washing and cleaning the deck. The next step is to paint it all.

Andrew helping Grandpa clean up

Chuck washing the deck

On Sunday morning we got up bright and early (4:30 AM) to get ready for a trip to West Branch to visit the Free Methodist church there. Our friends the Lees came with us as they had served as pastor at West Branch and it is Chuck's home church. We had a good trip up and then attended the service. It was good to see some old friends. We met Allene there and then after the service we went back to her house where Betty met us and we all got in our van for the trip back to our house in Jackson. On the way we stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat and arrived back home early enough to give them a tour of our house and play a few games of 5 straight.

At Cracker Barrel with the Lees and the Sisters
Clockwise, Betty Bennett, Chuck, Elden Lee, Linda Lee, Allene Clayton

Playing 5 Straight with Allene and Betty

On Monday we got up to the smell of bacon frying and Chuck cooked us breakfast. After that we went to the mall to do a little shopping at the Bon Worth Store, a clothing store the sisters like. Around 1:30 we felt hungry again so we stopped at Finleys, close by, and had lunch. From there we went out to Spring Arbor to tour the church and campus at SAU. Betty had not seen our church, where we attend, or the SA campus and it had been a long time since Allene had seen the campus or church. We stopped to see Sam at his office and say hi and then walked through the halls, rooms and sanctuary. Our Pastor, Mark Van Valin, was in his office so we stopped to stay hello to him and introduce the sisters to him.

Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church

We drove around some of the SAU campus noting the clock tower and some of the newer dorms and buildings.

Science Center and Clock Tower

Welcome Center and Administration Building where Carrie worked

Chuck took them over to the new soccer field that was dedicated during homecoming week-end. We tried to tell the sisters about what campus was like when we attended and how it has grown and changed since 1965 when we graduated. Allene's daughter, Marsha, attended there too, and after she married they lived on Star St. so we drove over there to see her old house. We also saw where Carrie, Allene's granddaughter, worked.

Marsha and Chuck's House they lived in when attending SAU

119 Star

Then we stopped over at the Physical plant where the buses are parked and where maintenance is done. Chuck showed them the Cougar bus he drives for Spring Arbor University.

The Cougar bus Chuck drives for SAU to take sports groups to their games

Before leaving the campus we stopped to see an old friend of the family, Angus McLaughlin, who is now in assisted living and is 99 yrs. old. He used to be pastor at the West Branch and Allene wanted to see him. He was so glad to see her.

Allene with Pastor "Mac"

Cyndi and Nate's house is coming along good and dry wall is in and the kitchen cabinets were delivered over the week end. So we stopped by to see the progress.

Cyndi and Nate are having a new house built and we stopped to see it.

Our tummies were getting a little hungry so we headed home for a little snack and rest before our girls brought their family to see the sisters. We started a fire on the deck in the fire pit and when they all came we had hot drinks with cookies and sweet bread. The kids even roasted marshmallows. What fun.

Sitting by the fire chatting with the sisters.

Roasting Marshmallows on our deck

Andrew and Ava with Grandpa

After they all left we still had a little energy left to play another 4 games of 5 straight. The yellow team broke the tie and won for the evening. I bet you can guess who is on the YELLOW TEAM!

Allene placing her yellow peg and the yellow team wins

It has been such a fun time getting together with family and enjoying all the stories, drinking hot tea and cocoa and watching the grandkids with their aunts.
Just before we left we had lunch at the Parlour, one of Jackson's favorite and oldest places to visit. It is a dairy/restaurant. We had a sandwich and dessert. We all ordered junior sundaes, but it was still large portions.

Chuck and Betty and Allene at the Parlour

Junior Hot Fudge Sundae with nuts

Oh, I almost forgot, Chuck decided to take the girls for a ride in the yellow car one day.

Betty and Allene in the yellow Mustang

Chuck offered to let one of them drive and Betty took him up on it. Here she is pulling out of the driveway. Chuck even had hats for them to wear to keep their hair from getting wind blown.

Betty driving the Mustang. Chuck is the backseat driver.

Betty driving

Tuesday found us heading north toward West Branch again. We met Betty's son Bob and his wife Gail at Burch Run where they picked up the girls to take them the rest of the way home.

Allene and Betty riding with us in the van

Our drive was so enjoyable, on the back, as we viewed the handiwork of God displayed in so many lovely fall colors. We are so thankful for our family and the blessings we enjoy. Some days are not the easiest and we have some burdens to bare, but God meets all our needs and we see His miracles again and again. Through the years we have seen how He puts things back together again when they break apart and we are depending on Him to continue to do that work. Some of our churches have suffered great loss and some of our families are facing heart aches. As we trust God and pray I know we will see more to praise Him for.

October Is Here Already

2011-10-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned a bit colder and the trees are changing. We are seeing the season change, rather abruptly, this year. Seems like it was a short Spring, a long summer of very hot weather and lots of humidity but very few days of enjoyable summer weather before Fall came with colder temperatures.We have been going to see Savannah run at her track meet. Last Wednesday I put everything in the crock pot and left it warming while we took off to the meet in the rain. The rain let up, just in time, and the race was on.

Savannah (in purple) coming in 82nd in the State race

Savannah after getting her certificate

Savannah came in number 82 this time, 6 points better than last time. It was a state meet, so there were a lot more people running in her division. She is doing good running the 2 mile run. It was fun watching her. Afterwards we took the boys and Jasmin home for supper and Julie picked up Savannah later and joined us, before church. Everyone was pretty tired but we managed.

On Tuesday and Thursday, Andrew came over to practice the trumpet. He is using Grandpa's trumpet when he was in band from the late 50's. Chuck played several different instruments during his band days and is honored that some of those instruments can be of use to the grandkids. He played trumpet, trombone and the tuba. Andrew is just getting started, but seems to enjoy it. At first it is getting used to the mouth piece. I was telling him it takes a lot of practice and sometimes you get weary of playing the same thing every day. But later, you will be able to play songs and band music and maybe have your own trumpet.

Friday Chuck decided to take me on a date, so we went to see the movie "Dolphin Tale". It was really good. Cyndi's kids had been telling us about it and they got to see the Dolphin, Winter, who stared in the movie, when they were in Florida. The kids saw the movie last week with their folks so we wanted to see it this week.

Cast of "Dolphin Tale" Movie

"Dolphin Tale" is inspired by the amazing true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who banded together to save her life. Swimming free, a young dolphin is caught in a crab trap, severely damaging her tail. She is rescued and transported to the Clearwater Marine Hospital, where she is named Winter. But her fight for survival has just begun. Without a tail, Winter's prognosis is dire "Dolphin Tale," today serves as a symbol of courage, perseverance and hope to millions of people-both able and disabled-who have been touched by her remarkable story of recovery and rehabilitation. ‎1hr 52min‎‎ - Rated PG‎‎ - Drama‎
Director: Charles Martin Smith - Cast: Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble

After the movie, we went over to Ground Round for dinner and got to see our friend Niah. We met her a few weeks ago and she is interested in coming to our church's mother's group. Cyndi has been teaching a class there, and invited her to come. We had introduced her to Cyndi a time before. She doesn't have a car so Cyndi will see that she gets there. We hope we can find her one, that is in her budget, to buy. This has been the God thing we are working on for the past 2 weeks.

Chuck has been taking students up to Cedar Bend and back for their Core class trip. It is in upper Michigan and a long trip. Twice now he hasn't gotten home till around 3am. Then he has been teaching a parenting class and helping out with visitation at the rest homes. So he is a busy guy. Most of the time he is driving his yellow Mustang, around town, when he isn't driving the Cougar bus. This week his new license plate came in the mail. The kids wanted him to get a special one. I think you will agree it is pretty nice.

Grampa's new license plate. The 7 stands for 7 grandkids.

We are not sure if everyone knows our girls and their families. But I thought I would put in a few pictures we took last week of everyone when Chuck's sister, Margaret and her husband, Richard, stopped in to see us.

Julie, our oldest daughter, and family. The Durochers
Sam, Julie, Savannah, Karson, Max and Jasmin

Cyndi, our youngest daughter and her family, The Baldermanns
Nate, Cyndi, Andrew Alyssa and Ava, who is youngest. Not sure what she is doing with her ears...

Us with all the Grandkids together with Margaret (Chuck's youngest sister) and Richard
in front of our new house, in Jackson, on Smiley Way

They were camping at Portage Lake and always want to see us and the grandkids. We had supper on Sunday for them and all the kids too and then shared together, talking into the evening. The kids of course were in rare and cute form, doing their antics and being silly. Some of it shows up in the pictures.

Next week we look forward to going up to West Branch with the Lees, friends from college as well as fellow pastors in ministry, when we served in East Michigan. On the way back we will bring two of Chuck's sister home with us for a couple days and then take them back home. They don't drive much anymore, especially on long trips. We will be glad to have them visit and stay awhile. They have never seen our new home, so it will be nice having them.

Just to put a bit of a note in... We haven't heard much from anyone on the blogs, so wondering if you are not blogging anymore. I know Face book takes most of our time, keeping in touch, but would like to hear the stories and fun you are all having with your families. Anita, you keep up pretty well, and I always enjoy your blog and your Face book entries too. Looking for some posts from the Mumaus and Dilleheys..... I know time gets away from us, and I sure have had trouble keeping up too. I think I will copy many of these entries in a book some time. I've seen some of the digital books out there and they are so nice to keep. You can have your whole blog printed. Or just some of it, if you want. I want to save some entries, at least, of history and traditions, from our family and past ministry.

Middlebury, Our Favorite Vacation Spot

2011-09-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

We have been talking all summer about going to Middlebury again. It is one of our favorite places to go for a short get-away vacation. It is rare that we take a whole week at a time anymore, unless it is a long trip far away. Gas prices have prevented that. We love Middlebury near Shipshewana because of the Amish influence and simple life. The Amish always keep their land and homes so neat and nicely landscaped. The Essenhaus Inn is a delightful place, decorated with quilts and lovely paintings and the decor is cheerful with flowers and fine wood furniture. We stay in the old part of the Inn and it has a large living room that your room leads to. So Chuck will get up in the morning and go out there and read, while I take a couple extra minutes to sleep.

Our room leads to this greater Living room that guests can use. There is a microwave and coffee is always hot. Sometimes people play games at the tables or read in a rocking chair.

Our room 109 showing beds, TV, 3 windows, table and desk It has an adjoining bathroom area with clothes closet, sink, and closed bathroom area with sink, tub with jets, shower.

In the main lobby there are chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies besides. There are little areas to sit throughout the Inn and a wonderful pool and hot tub area. Our room was extra spacious and very cozy this time. We left Sunday afternoon, following church and lunch, and arrived about Supper time. We found this little restaurant, up town, once before when we were there. They had the Amish beef and noodles and Chuck couldn't resist the sour cream blueberry pie with crumble top. So I gave in and got Cherry. We got back to our room and enjoyed a game and caught up on our mini computer. It was great to sit by the little wrought Iron stove heater and then take a bath in the tub with jets, like a Jacuzzi. The bed was so comfortable and we slept so sound.

Living room area with chair and sofa and fireplace

The next morning we had breakfast in the great room where the Inn provides breakfast. We went shopping at the shops around the Inn. I was excited to get some good buys. I love to look at the many displays and get ideas for decorating. In the Quilt shop there was a new craft, of course, and I found some Christmas presents for some of the kids there. Later we went out town a ways and found an antique shop that also had good buys.

Chuck sitting at a wagon wheel table on milk can seat, at the Antique shop in Shipshewana

Painted room divider at the antique shop, painted on both sides.

In the evening we connected with some friends in South Bend to see if we could get together with them for dinner the next day. They said they could come over on Tuesday so we decided to go to the Essenhaus and have chicken dinner. It was so fun to talk with them and catch up on our lives.

Terry and Chuck walking over to the Essenhaus Restaurant

Susan and Terry Bucholtz at the Essenhaus Entrance

All of us eating our yummy chicken dinner and having good fellowship

We called a couple other people too and found out that there was a new baby born on Sunday. Phil and Deb Jerome are now grandparents. Lauren had a sweet baby boy, Jackson Philip. We wished them well. They were on their way to the hospital to see their new grandson. (7.5 lbs, 21" long)

Jackson Philip Bennett, new son of Kyle and Lauren Jerome Bennett

We were able to go to the flea market on Tues. morning, but did not stay long. Many vendors were not there, and we only wanted to check on a few things. Chuck did get himself a yellow hat to go with his yellow car. Do you know how hard it is to find a yellow ball cap? I think there were only 2 in the whole place.

We got back home on Tues. night around 10 PM. and as usual we were glad to be back home. We have the kids over on Wed. night for dinner and this year Cyndi and her family are joining us. To make it simple we just had pizza and salad because we had been away. I didn't get a chance to wrap Karson's presents but gave them to him anyway. He didn't care and liked them just the same.

Karson with his Lego kit and Art tote

We found out why some of our tomatoes were not surviving. While taking off some of the dead leaves, I ran into 3 tomato worms. I brought them in and put them in a dish to show the kids. I also gave them some extra food to eat, Kale, and they ate it fast plus the green tomato.

Tomato worms

Today they didn't look to active, so I'm afraid they have gone into dormant mode and may spin a cocoon or rather a chrysalis. They become butterflies, not moths.

On Thursday we got a call from Chuck's sister Margaret that they are camping at Portage lake and would like to go to supper with us on Friday.

Margaret and Richard eating dinner with us at Cracker Barrel

Savannah was to run in a race, for track, at Ella Sharp Park at 4PM. It was her first home meet and we wanted to see it. So when Margaret and Richard got here we decided to take them for a ride in the new Mustang and go see Savannah run. We got there just after they had started.

Savannah, Sam and Julie's daughter, coming in number 88 out of 150
She is in 6th grade in the Jr. division

Savannah, waiting to get her certificate

We cheered her on and then made a beeline across the field to get to the finish line to see her come in. It was about 2 miles she ran and she did pretty well. She came in 88 of about 150. We were proud of her. After that we went to dinner with Margaret and Richard. It was good to share with them and we had a great meal at Cracker Barrel. They headed on back to their camp site then, at Portage Lake. We will see them again on Sunday with our girls and families. I plan to have soup and sandwich for them when they come.

Our Saturday was filled with more activity. A college friend of ours, Welby Foster, had passed away and the funeral was at the church. Chuck was able to go before he took off for the bus run, taking the men's soccer team to Goshen. I spent the day cleaning and getting things ready for Sunday's meal. We keep busy for sure, but are so thankful for good health and friends and family to share with. The older we get we realize how important building good relationships with friends and family is. So many have troubled marriages or trouble with relationships in their family. We have had some stressful and trying times, but nothing you would call troubled. We have had some great family times and memories.

God's handiwork during my favorite time of year, Fall.

I was reading a blog by Ruth Dennings Jackson this week. She has decided to write a book called "The Best is Yet to Come." The essence... we tend to think that happiness lies in the past, that the future holds scary and fearful things, certainly not wonderful things. I am anxious to hear what Ruth writes. I tend to agree with her. We are living in some of the most blessed times of our lives right now. Not to say there were not great times in the past, but we never dreamed of what it would be like when our family was raised and the great blessing of living near them would be. But here we are, and every day is a new adventure and we couldn't ask for it to be any better. Yes, I know, their are more aches and pains. We try not to focus on them too much. Besides there are even people that have the same ailments, and we can talk about it, together, with them and laugh some or figure out some remedies. Last week I ran into someone that goes to the SA Field house everyday to swim. The Dr. said I need more exercise, so I may end up going swimming too. There is an instructor and they do water aerobics. Sounds like fun to me. I had a chance to encourage some people this week and that makes me happy. Fall is here, and I love the colors. God you are such a wonderful artist. Have you seen His handiwork in your neck of the woods?

God's creative art, each leaf is unique.

A Dream Comes True

2011-09-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember Chuck has talked about someday owning a yellow car. He wasn't concerned what the make was, as long as it was yellow. At first he talked like he would like a yellow bug. One year I even bought him a small replica of a yellow bug for Christmas.

George and Lisa, who sold us the car. We will think of you Lisa
as we drive George's car and keep you and your girls in prayer always. We love you all.

Recently he was talking to Jenelle Linden, whom we knew from our pastorate in Snover, in the 70's and who lived in South Bend when we were there. She has a sister Lisa, who lost her husband about 2 yrs. ago and he owned a yellow Ford Mustang (98). So Chuck told Jenelle to tell her sister that if they were ever going to sell it to let him know. Just recently they decided to sell it. We were not sure if we could afford it, but the price was right and they really wanted us to have it. We decided to buy it and knew it would be a good investment. It is one car that appreciates in value in future years.

Signing the papers for the sale of car

Chuck, realizing a dream come true

A wave of joy, sitting as owner of a 98 Ford Mustang

We decided to make the trip today, to Lisa's with the two oldest grandkids, Savannah and Andrew. They were so excited to go with us. When we got there the car was sitting in the driveway waiting for a new owner.

Lisa and her dog, Zoey

Lisa and her girls, Alysha, Caitlin, and Hannah

Jenelle and Pete

Lisa had made some of her delicious chicken noodle soup and the aroma of it made our tummy's hungry. Pete and Jenelle met us there too, and it was good to see them. I even got to see Zoey, their little Maltese dog. It was Jenelle's dog, but now Lisa has her. Lisa's girls Alysha, Caitlin and Hannah all joined us for lunch too. We had not seen them since Jenelle's parent's 50th anniversary. They sure have become beautiful young ladies. We had fun sharing around the table, stories from the past, once again. It is always good fellowship at the Zook family table. (Eskro, Linden table too, plus Husteds)

Savannah and Andrew going for a ride with Alysha in the Mustang

Savannah and Andrew waving from the Mustang

Savannah and Andrew had to have a ride in the Mustang, so Alysha took them for one last drive in her dad's car. Then we were off and headed for Jackson, of course with the top down, convertible style. They had a windy ride. I got to drive the Pontiac home. When we got home we stopped to let Savannah off at her house and showed Julie and Sam our new car, took the boys, Jasmin and Julie for a ride.

Dropping off Savannah at her house and showing the new car to Sam and Julie.

We decided to stop at the Baldermann's new house that is being built, on the way to take Andrew home. They have the walls all up and roof on so it is really looking like a house now. Andrew was showing us his huge bedroom and where all the other rooms are to be. It seems very big and will be wonderful when it is finished, hopefully by Christmas. We are so happy for them.

Cyndi and Nate's new house being built...so far...9-17-2011

Nate driving our car to take the girls for a ride, including Cyndi

Then on to see Cyndi and Nate to show them the new car and let them drive it and take their family for a ride. The weather was just perfect with blue skies, sunshine and fluffy clouds. We are counting this as one more blessing from the Lord. What a special day. To God's Glory, a perfect day!

A-OK in his book! Anyone want a ride?.... me, me, me, me, me, me, me (take us to school grandpa)

God Is Still In The Miracle Business

2011-09-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

God is still in the miracle business. In the summer we were able to visit a dear friend of ours. We met him in a little town called Snover. We were pastoring then, in the 1970's, just getting our feet wet. We had spent 3 years at Asbury seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. (1967-70) and then took a circuit which had two churches, Snover and Lang. I was pregnant for our first child and we were looking forward to being appointed to a church in the East Michigan Conference for the Free Methodist Church. We didn't expect we would have two churches to pastor but we were enthusiastic to minister there in that small community. Chuck preached his heart out and I worked with children's programs and we felt pleased that God was using us to do His work.

Our Parsonage in Snover, Michigan 1970
Our first church after seminary

Snover Free Methodist Church We Served, 1970-76 (next door to parsonage)

Laing Free Methodist Church We Served, 1970-76

One of the activities that Chuck loved to do was call on people and get to know them. He would network people together with others and he loved answering questions about the Bible and sometimes got involved in deep theological debates. One day when he was walking uptown, in Snover, he met a fella who drove a semi-truck. His name was Doug and he had quite a conversation with him the first time he met him. They used to love to study the Bible together and especially take on Jehovah Witness people.

Doug and Deb 2010 (Doug before being hospitalized)

Later Doug and his family started coming to church and he accepted Christ as his Savior. He matured rather quickly, spiritually, and couldn't seem to get enough Bible reading. He came to our small group Bible study and asked all kinds of questions and learned much. Before long we had him leading the Bible Study discussions. He didn't have a Bible and so I loaned him one of mine. It happened to be the one my mother gave me when I was 12, right after I got baptized. It really was a family Bible and had lots of information in it about the Bible and an encyclopedia of terms and people in it. I remember laying on my bed for hours reading it when I first got saved. The same thing happened to Doug, he read it and read it, saturating himself in God's word. I told him when he got a Bible of his own, he could return mine.

My Family Bible that my mother gave me after I was saved and baptized in 1954

This summer I was on face book trying to locate him and where he lived. I asked his former wife and she then told me that he was in the hospital, not expected to live. They were calling the family in and it wouldn't be long. We were so concerned and started praying for him. We told her we sure would have loved seeing him, one more time, before he died.

After a couple weeks I didn't hear anything so got in contact again.She said he was doing better. Then on May 18th, 2011, the phone rang and who was on the other end but, our good friend, Doug. He was calling to tell us about his miracle. I tried to take notes as he told the story. (so I apologize if I get some of the details wrong)

He had a heart attack and a stroke in March. He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and they almost lost him on the way. They were hand pumping oxygen to him. Seven weeks later he was in Hospice not expected to live. He had been on a morphine drip 24/7 and out of it. He spent 6 weeks in Hospice, lost 57 lbs. and his brain was swelling. He couldn't walk or eat much. He was in a drug induced coma and they did a tracheotomy and vented him and put him on a ventilator in ICU and he was not responding. They told his wife, Deb, to get the family together as they did not expect it would be long.

When Deb came into the room, he sat up and reached out to heaven, praying, "Jesus take me home, I don't want to do this anymore." Being on morphine and basically not eating for such a long time, his body was starting to shut down. He asked the nurse for a drink of water. They said they couldn't give him anything in Hospice, so Deb went and got him a glass of water and he drank it all down. Then Doug had an encounter with God and He told Doug He still had a purpose for him and gave him a second chance. Doug said, "I just want to take care of my son and be a good father to him."

15 years ago Doug was diagnosed with C.O.P.D., a pulmonary disease caused by smoking. He had tried hard to quit smoking but couldn't. He told us he walked out of Hospice when he was at the edge of death. He said, "2 weeks ago I couldn't walk, and my arms didn't function well.but my speech was not affected." He had been walking some without a walker or cane. The therapy was supposed to take 6-8 weeks but he was done with it in 11 days and able to go home. He is improving everyday. He went from 186 lbs. before his attack down to 133 lbs in weight. He had gotten back up to 147 lbs.in May.

Doug was hours or moments from death, but God intervened and had a purpose for him to live. We couldn't believe, after we got there, how good he was doing. You would not believe he had ever had a heart attack or stroke. His speech was good, his mind was good and he could recall all the memories from back when we were his pastor in Snover. (1970-76) He told us some things that we had not remembered and it was such a delight to listen to him and Deb, of how God helped her to help him even. It is just amazing how the whole thing happened, but I am not surprised that God can do a miracle like that. Doug has shared his testimony at his church and we are continually blessed by his story. He said that his goal now was to go on a camping trip with his family on July 4th.

Doug telling his story to us (after he was released from hospice and living at home)

Doug and Deb in the yard by their home near Boyne Mt. May, 2011

With therapy going well he was able to go on a camping trip in July and has gained his weight back. And the big thing is... He said... If I ever doubted there was a God, I sure don't now. He is so real to me. I just want to tell everyone I can. He was able to give up smoking quickly, after battling that for years. He tried so many times to quit and it just didn't work. Doug says that God is doing some new things in his life and he is so blessed.

Tonight he was on facebook and sharing how good he is doing. We are so thrilled to be a part of his story. The friendship Chuck and Doug has had, is priceless. Spanning over about 40 years we have kept in touch, checking on his spiritual progress and hearing his struggles, praying for him continuously and trying to cheer him on as a Christian. Now we hear from him loud and clear, "I know there is a God, and I am His child." He still has some rough edges to polish, but he is sure on the right track. Oh yes, when we went up to see him he finally returned my Bible. It was a little tattered and torn, from use, after 40 years, but it had stood the test. I'm so glad I let him borrow it. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to Doug and to his family. Continue to bless them and help them grow up in you to the fullness and glory of God.

Recalling 9-11

2011-09-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have been watching some of the film on 9-11 and heard the memorial service at Pennsylvania. It was something to see ground zero and what they have done there. Also to see the new tower almost up. I enjoyed hearing from President Bush, and several other dignitaries, who gave speeches. Remembering back... I was sitting in my family room watching the news and all of a sudden a plane hit the world trade center. First thought was, how could someone do that, weren't they watching how high they were. Never occurred it was a terrorist. When another plane hit the other tower then I knew something was wrong. The events after that were astonishing. To see it all again today with several different videos of it, made my stomach rumble and tears come again. It has been ten years and it seems like it just happened. There is new security measures and I sure hope they don't attack again. Praying for that and for loved ones that lost so much that day, 10 yrs. ago. New security measures have been taken and they have increased the police protection for this weekend.

World Trade Center Being Attacked 9-11-01

Aftermath of attack on W.T.C. buildings 9-11-01

The Strength and Spirit of America 9-11-01

Ground Zero N.Y. 9-11-11 new W.T.C. to be completed soon

Chuck is with the men's volleyball team in Indiana this week end. He won't be back till late tonight, driving the bus again. He is loving this job and the interaction he has with the coaches and teams.

It was fun being with the grandkids and hearing all about the new school year, this week. I hadn't seen them much as they all have busy schedules. We are glad we can help the girls out with their schedules now and then. The weather has been much nicer lately. Today it was up to 80. Sunny and bright. Much better than all that humidity. I've been getting use to a different diet to regulate blood sugar and it is going well. I am thankful for all of God's blessings.

Labor Day Week-End

2011-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

This week-end Chuck got to drive the bus for SAU and took the girl's volleyball team to Chicago. He left on Friday morning and the weather man was predicting rain and scattered thunder storms. I was a little uneasy about that, but trusted God would be with him there and back. Friday I spent the day catching up on things around the house. The girls and their families went over to our Church camp at Somerset Beach along with many of their friends from church. It is only about 20 miles from us. Saturday night when Chuck was coming home with the team, the storms came and their were warnings out for Somerset, Chicago and all along the Indiana/Michigan boarder. I watched the facebook to see that everyone was ok. There were some dark skies and wind here, but it all went through pretty fast and Chuck managed to be in between storms and it didn't rain hard for him on the road. He got home fairly early. It did rain hard at the camp and a few people came home Sat. night to sleep in dry beds. Then they went back over for Sunday. It was quite nice on Sunday and we ended up going over to the camp for a few hours to sit around the campfire with everyone.

Labor Day Camp-in at SBC with Friends and Family

Community soup-pot over the campfire
Everyone contributes something

Getting the baked apples ready for the campfire
In the back: Chad Cole and Sharon Burns In front: Mrs. Cole and Jeremy Burns

They had home made soup, baked cinnamon apples and banana boats. It was all so yummy. When we first got there Julie was face painting, the boys were playing a board game and some were getting the apples and bananas ready for tin foil wrapping and baking over the campfire grill. (see my recipe blog for recipes)

Julie doing face painting for the kids

The boys played the game of RISK to have some fun

We got hugs from the kids and it was fun to share with everyone. There were over 30 in our group. It got a little chilly later on and I was glad that I brought my jacket. Jasmin tried snuggling with grandpa and Savannah sat on my lap. I can't quite hold her anymore. The campfire felt good and there were no mosquitoes. After a while we decided we better start home. We left around 9:30 but most everyone had campers or tents and stayed till Monday. We sure enjoy going out to camp and being with our girls and families and friends, another blessing of living in Jackson.

My neighbor next door decided to have a yard sale for the week-end and it began on Thursday. Julie dropped the kids off to stay with me when she went to get her hair cut that day. When the kids saw the sale they all wanted to go over to see what they had. Max even had $4 in change to spend. We didn't find a whole lot for kids but I did see some tea cups and saucers that would be good for our up-coming tea party for the grandkids. Most of the summer was too hot to have one on the deck, so we are planning it, before long, this fall.

Bargain I found at the yard sale: 5 pretty tea cups and saucers (bone china) for our tea party

I only brought over a couple dollars so I borrowed some from Max to get all 5 cups and saucers for $3. The kids seemed satisfied about the purchase.

Farmer's Market

2011-09-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Today was the day there is a Farmer's market downtown across from the Hospital. They have all organic grown food, veggies, fruit, cheeses, eggs, and home made soaps and jewelry, plus some crocheted things. We got mostly produce and some eggs.

Home grown organic produce: green beans, egg plant, zucchini, cucumbers, red sweet peppers, yellow squash and eggs

Chuck likes egg plant and we had that for supper. He fried it in some olive oil and put Italian seasoned bread crumbs on it and a slice of provolone cheese. Was it ever good.We also had pears, peaches, and cantaloupe with it. For meat we had baked salmon.

Dinner - Baked Salmon, Fried egg plant with Provolone cheese, peaches, pears, cantaloupe

We have both been eating lots of fruit. Sometimes we cut it up but we have enjoyed our bullet blender and made smoothies quite a bit.Chuck has lost about 15 lbs. and I have lost 10 lbs. The doctor was concerned about my cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure being too high. My sugar has come down and my blood pressure was down when I had my colonoscopy. So I am encouraged. Report: no polyps but a little diverticulitis spotted. He said I need to eat a high fiber diet. So that is what I'm doing. It sure makes you feel different and better.

I had written about the squirrels being pesky but some people have problems with deer eating things in their gardens. This afternoon as we looked out our window we saw 3 deer grazing at the back of our property. They were so pretty as they pranced around. There were 2 does and a buck. They live in the woods at the back and come out ever so often. It is neat to see wild life like that. Most of the yards next door on both sides of us do not have fences.

deer grazing at the back of our property

Tomorrow Chuck takes off again to drive the bus for the girl's volleyball team. They are going to Chicago to play their games. It will be a two day trip this time. It looks like the weather is going to be storms and rain so he will have to drive home in it. I will be praying that he keeps alert. They won't get back till midnight.

Spur of the Moment Fun

2011-08-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

Chuck came home tonight and wanted to know if I wanted to go to the Cascades. The last time everyone was going, I couldn't go. They were having a group of fiddlers that were to play Celtic, Bluegrass, and Country in front of the falls at the park.

Fiddlers playing at the Cascades Falls in Jackson

It was a pretty nice night and we got in on about an hour of singing and playing. The falls were beautiful as usual. I had not been there since college days. Chuck had gone with the kids once. We tried to call them but both of our phones were not working. When I talked to Julie later I found out that they were at some doings and Cyndi and her family were shopping for school at Kohls. It is funny we didn't meet at the Cascades ice cream shop when we stopped as they stopped for ice cream too. Maybe they went to Maggie Moos.

Since I wrote last we had some company. My friend Barb and her husband from South Bend were up vacationing at Mackinaw City and on their way back stopped to see us. I was so excited to see her and we had the best time sharing together. She and I were able to share from Day 1 of our friendship and is such a dear friend. We showed them our house and then took them to church and showed them around there. They loved it all. Then we went to eat at Ground Round. They had some yummy meals. We all had fish and salad. It was so good. It was so fun to share with good friends and we loved it. I had forgotten all about taking pictures, so I am including one I have from 2007 when we went on a boat ride together.

Together with Barb and Mike On A Boat ride in 2007

On another note... We have been having a few squirrels in our yard lately and now understand why the former owner of our house, Joe, left us a slingshot. We woke up Mon. morning to see a squirrel eating our petunias and tomato plant. We shooed him away and then Chuck went down to get a trap which was in our garage. It belongs to Cyndi and Nate and we decided to use it.

Squirrel Chuck caught in the trap

Squirrel trying to eat fake corn cob

Sure enough mid afternoon we got one of the squirrels. Chuck took him out to Spring Arbor and let him out in the woods on his way to call on some people at the nursing home. He has been helping fill in, a little, for Pastor Earl and doing visitation work.

Tuesday was quiet and we didn't see any evidence of squirrels until Wed. morning. Then there was a mess on our porch, parts of plants all over the deck.

Mess from the Squirrel

Pretty soon one squirrel wanted the cob of corn inside the cage he went for it. The door came down and it was too late to get out. So that makes 2 squirrels in 3 days. The trap works pretty good.

Today in the afternoon Savannah stopped by with her girlfriend Madison. They were on their way to middle school orientation. This will be their first year there. She wanted to show her friend our house. She gave her a grand tour. It was so cute to see her and know that she loves coming to our house. It is so much fun to have the grand kids so near. We love it so much. Thank you Lord for our family, good friends, music and pretty sites like the falls and yes, even pesky squirrels that fit somewhere in God's plan.

Time Keeps Moving On

2011-08-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Monday was a very full day. Chuck and our daughter Cyndi decided to go on a bike ride together and took four of the older grandkids with them. It was a beautiful day for it, sunny and 74 degrees.

Chuck and Cyndi and the grandkids

This is their second time riding on the Falling Waters Trail. They get to see deer and lots of wildlife and wild flowers. An extra special surprise came while they were on the trail. They found a Geo cache. If some of you don't know what that is, look it up on line at http://www.geocaching.com/guide/default.aspx. It is really fun for kids to find these.

Alyssa, Andrew and Savannah find a Geo cache

After the 10 mile ride they stopped at the Concord Grill to eat and celebrated Andrew's 11th birthday. The waitress treated him special for that and had extra things on the salad bar for him.

Meanwhile, back at home Julie and I were busy getting lunch for the other 3 grandkids. Karson, oldest, and the 2 little girls, Ava 4 and Jasmin 3, had quite a fun time before lunch. They dressed up in fancy shawls and Karson was the server and brought them tea and cookies for their tea party.

Dinner music was playing featuring Jay Kilgus on the piano (on CD). Then Karson turned into a teacher of ball room dancing. He danced with each of the girls and they did pretty well spinning around, like a ballet dancer. After all that pretend play it was time to eat lunch. We had pigs in the blanket, some chips, yogurt and cheese sticks, celery and dip, plus fruit smoothies. After that naptime was on the agenda while Julie went to pick up the bikes and riders in Spring Arbor and I picked up and washed dishes.

What a story the kids had to tell of their ride. Then everyone went home for awhile and around 8:00 PM we joined everyone at the Parlour for ice cream and presents for Andrew. The kids all ordered a "dare to be great" Sundae. The adults ordered individual sundaes. The kids also played in the arcade for awhile. Andrew opened his presents and was pleasantly surprised. What a fun, day we had. (I will add more pictures to this post later. My computer shut down and has to be fixed....

The Joys Of Being A Senior Citizen

2011-08-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I had lunch with my college roommate who lives a few miles from me. We have been friends since the 50's and both from Toledo, my home town. We had fun sharing memories together and I am reminded how God had blessed me, over the years, with wonderful friends. We were discussing family and I caught some of her thinking and remembered how I used to think, being raised in Toledo, a very Democratic city. We touched a bit on politics and then quickly got on a different subject. She sounded like my parents, a little, and their inhibited ways of thinking. The unions influenced their thinking and then of course it was the 50's. It took me nearly 15 yrs.to change my thinking and learn to trust people for who they were and enjoy friendships. Of course, my husband was at the top of the list to help me with this. I have met some wonderful people, over the years, as we served the Lord in Ministry. Belonging to Christ and the church has meant everything to me. The church people cared for me when my folks were going through hard times and their marriage was breaking apart. In spite of that I survived and flourished in the care of Christian people and the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. It has just been a blessing. My friend reminded me of the roots I had being raised in Toledo and in the wonderful care of the church family. It is a joy to renew our friendship. She goes to the same church, here in Spring Arbor, that I do. Hoping to take a little more time together, growing and renewing our friendship, this year.

This week, I am focusing on health care. The last doctor's appointment brought attention to the fact that I need a colonoscopy. I get one every 3 yrs. So, tonight, I am drinking that awful stuff and trying to get ready for my test tomorrow. Fun, fun!!! My dad had colon cancer and my mother had ovarian cancer which meant that some of the colon had to be removed for dad and an ovary removed for my mom. It is just a given for my good health, then, that I get checked periodically.

Chuck got back Sunday night around 8PM. Then has had today, Mon., to rest up and goes first thing Tues. morning to Cincinnati with the SAU girls soccer team. They tied their last game with Lindsey Wilson a team who ranked 6th, SA ranking 19th. They are pumped, so hope to win and Chuck will be cheering them on. He says he doesn't think he'll get back till 2-3am. So his job keeps him hopping. He even took a nap this afternoon. Very rare for him. The trips were 8-9 hr. driving time. He so enjoys sharing with the coaches, so driving the Cougar bus for SAU is not a hard job, really.

To let you know, there will be no pictures with this posting. My main computer shut down with a blue screen. All my data and pictures are on it. Meanwhile I am typing on our mini-laptop. I called my son-in-law to get advice and he said it was the bsod, (blue screen of death). So very serious. Today I took my cpu to the computer store to get fixed. It may be my hard drive or a couple other things. Please pray that I don't lose everything. Sam and Julie will be out of town a week and then when they get back it will be Staff retreat, so he can't fix it for 2 wks.. So that is the "jist" of it. Well I'm off to drink my second round of Lemon Citrus Cocktail...... The joys of being a SC. (senior citizen)!!!!

Keeping In Good Health And Enjoying Life

2011-08-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last week was our Vacation Bible School and it was quite successful. The grand total of kids was close to 300. And over 170 workers. Quite a few kids gave their heart to the Lord or renewed their commitment. And quite a sum was given for Missions. It was just a wonderful week.Thanks Candy and team.

On Tuesday I had an appointment with my new doctor and had a complete physical. Most things were normal but my blood pressure was up a bit and my sugar. So she said I was in the diabetic range and sent me to the medical supply store to purchase a glucometer. I knew before long I would be having to keep track of my blood glucose levels. My Dad was diabetic the latter part of his life. Lately I have been dizzy sometimes and had low blood sugar times where I couldn't see properly. All signs of what was coming. The good news is if I eat right and cut out sugar as much as I can and eat lots of fruit, I should be good. Also cutting out so many carbs and cholesterol foods. We have been using our magic bullet allot and drinking fruit smoothies. So I am feeling good. I've even lost 4 lbs. I changed some of my medicine to try to control it too. One of the meds were giving me some side effects so she replaced that one. So I'm doing a whole lot better.

On Sunday we went to church and then to a ball game in Lansing featuring the Lansing Lugnuts. On the way in they had pony rides so each of the kids road the horses.

Ava, Alyssa and Savannah riding the horses at the Lugnut game
outside the stadium in Lansing

Getting in our seats at the game

We then went to our seats that were in a pretty good section to catch balls. Several balls came close but not close enough.

Rain Clouds rolling in.

The game got started as the rain clouds started to roll in. They played 2 innings and then it started raining softly at first. Then it started to rain hard and they called a rain delay.

Starting to get wet

Rain Delay

We waited it out. All the grandkids were with us as well as their parents. It was fun in spite of the weather. We ate at the tailgate party sponsored by SAU before getting our seats so we were good to go. But after the rain came down hard I think it produced a little anxiety and adrenalin. So then we heard... Mom, I'm hungry. Can I get something to eat, drink, etc. So we went up to the concession stands in the rain. At least we could be under the roof there. If any of you have visited a ball park, you know they don't let you bring in any food. We found out why, so they could sell their food at $4.50 for ice cream sandwich, $3 for bottle of water, $5 for popcorn, $3 for coffee. We did get some popcorn and shared and a coffee to keep warm after getting wet. Ava, Max and Karson waited it out the longest hoping that their blanket would help them keep dry. After a bit, they came up the stairs to where we were with a very wet blanket and jackets.

Ava, Max and Karson trying to keep dry

But all in all, we had fun and after an hour or so, the sun came out again and we finished watching the ball game. The little girls made the best of it and played in the water puddle.

Ava and kids playing in the water puddles

Cyndi and Chuck waiting for the rain to stop

Some of us had umbrellas we shared too. The other team won but we didn't care that much. It was just fun to be together as a family.

Alyssa and her dad (Nate) watching the other team get one more run. Final score: 4 to 8 Lugnuts lost

On the way home we stopped for some supper at Applebees. We were hungry by then. Thank you Lord for being able to spend time with our family and we are thankful for rain.

Pandamania

2011-08-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Theme for VBS 2011, based on Psalm 139

Sanctuary filled with VBS kids ready to sing theme song

Lisa Strodtbeck talking to kids at VBS

Pastor Mark giving sermon to VBS kids

Tonight was the last night of VBS at our church in Spring Arbor. The girls have been helping all week. Cyndi helped with registration and setting up groups. Julie was able to contribute her artistic ability by drawing the Pagoda backdrop on the stage and helped with some props. The weather was hot all wk. but that didn't stop the fun and learning this week. Several were led to the Lord and I'm sure God's word was planted in many hearts.

Kids singing "God's Great Love" at VBS 2011

There were 280 plus kids who attended and Candy Brugger and team had 150+ leaders and helpers to carry out the many duties in VBS. We sure enjoyed the kids singing tonight. Chuck taught a parenting class during the time the kids were in class. He had good participation too and many received good parenting tools during the last four nights. Although I didn't directly help with the VBS, I prayed for the leaders and program plus helped our girls a bit with things so they could participate. It is such a privilege to be a part of the family here at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church.

Friends are so valuable.

2011-08-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Friends from South Bend stopped by this morning. We were glad to see John and Glenda. They took a special interest in us and our family early on, at our last church we served in South Bend. They committed to pray for us everyday. They know each one of our grandkids by name and always ask about them and how they are doing. They remember what activities they are in and ask us how they can pray for them. We so appreciate this.

Our friends from South Bend, John and Glenda Pozsgai

Also John has a special interest in evangelism and witnessing to people about Christ. I've been making business cards for him for about 3-4 years. Not your typical card with address and phone number on it. One side has the name of church, pastor, times of the services, website and email. The other side has a picture of Christ and a quote: He hands these out regularly to waitresses, and business people along the way as an invitation to church plus a witness. It starts a conversation fairly easily. I keep him stocked with cards. So today they drove all the way to South Bend to get some more cards, as he was out of them. It was wonderful to see them and we had such a good time sharing together..

John's card

When we stopped over to the church Cyndi was busy with Carrie and crew, making decorations and putting them up at church for this week's Bible School, which starts Sunday night at 6:30 PM. Chuck is also teaching parenting classes for parents who want to stay over while their child is in VBS activities. It should be a fun week. We are so glad that the heat has toned down a bit. Today we still had lots of humidity, but maybe next week we will have a break from it. We are praying for that. Hope your summer is going well. Julie and Sam should be back home this week from their week performing in Cass County Fair. Julie put her talents to work before they left, to paint the backdrop for the VBS stage in the church sanctuary. Everything is being decorated with a Chinese theme and Panda bears. The little circles going across the stage are Chinese lanterns. Behind them is a huge pagoda, bonsai trees and other blossoming trees. I know lots of people are involved making things happen behind the scenes. Pray that many will come to know Christ this week and that things will go smoothly. We expect great things to happen for the Lord.

The platform at church for VBS Pandamania 2011

I think the back to school bells are starting to ring and the parents are getting their kids ready with school clothes, supplies and backpacks. We will have our grandkids going in several directions this year. We might have to help with that. Everyone will be in school this year, Jasmin and Ava will go a few days per week to preschool.

Birthday Celebrations

2011-07-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

We've had a long week. The weather has been hot and humid, but Nate and Cyndi got moved into their new apartment with the help of family and friends. All is well tonight as they spend their fist night in their new place. It was a sentimental day. They all came over tonight to celebrate our birthdays. Chuck had his birthday on July 14th and I will have mine on Aug. 1st. There wasn't a time available when we could all be together until tonight. So they all came over with cake and presents.

Celebrating our Birthdays 2011

Cyndi and her family stayed till about 10:30 and we got in a game of 5 straight plus Alyssa and I watched an episode of Little House On the Prairie, when Laura and Almanzo got married. Julie and her family left a bit earlier as they had to get ready for their trip. It was a fun filled night once again. Jasmin got a new dress and was wearing that for the party. Ava also looked very cute in her outfit. They both did a little ballet dance for us, and I painted their nails. It sure is fun enjoying all the grandkids on our birthdays, not to mention enjoying our girls and their husbands. Tomorrow Sam and Julie and their kids take off for Cassopolis where they will be performing daily for the county fair down there. We helped put beds together today and arrange Cyndi and Nate's living room. They will be able to sleep there tonight. The last couple nights the kids stayed with us while their folks worked on the apartment.. So tomorrow should be unpacking a bit for them, but at their own pace. The old house is all tidy for the new owners. And now to make the new place look like home. On goes the saga of the Husted life in Jackson. We would like to hear comments and what is going on in your world. Till next time, sending hugs your way.

June 2011 Happenings

2011-07-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

(As I was reviewing my blog postings I found an entry I had forgotten to enter for some reason, maybe more pictures. But decided to post as is, so you could see some of our events. I have added more pictures)
So many things have happened since we last blogged, it is hard to catch up. So just mentioning a few.
May 15th we attended the Williamston FM church we used to pastor. We have decided to team up with Eldon and Linda Lee and go back and visit some of the churches we both served. Several times they followed us in the pastorate. It was a grand day there and so nice to see several of our members and see the new church building. Vernon and Charlene Cobb took us out to dinner following church and we had fun sharing over dinner for about 3 hours. The service was grand and it was so good to share in it and worship together with many friends.

Vern and Charlene Cobb treating us to dinner

(Linda Lee, Chuck Husted, Elden Lee, Vernon Cobb) Sharing together at Chilli's Okemos

The rest of the wk. was spent in doing things with the grandkids, attending events for them and Julie's art show. It rained a lot and there were several bad storms in the area that caused damages, but we were able to avoid them.
Ava graduated from pre-school and it was a very fun day as we watched all the pre-schoolers sing for us.

Cyndi and Nate's 4 yr. old daughter, Ava, graduating from pre-school 2011

Savannah and Andrew both graduated from 5th grade and we were so proud of them. Savannah was class president and gave the speech for the class. Next year they will both attend the middle school.

Sam did a wonderful job putting together a video of the whole class of 5th graders and made a DVD of all the kids that graduated and their time at Bean Elementary. It was really special. Each student received a copy of the DVD. Savannah also won the Principal's award.

Savannah's Principle Award 2011

It is only awarded to one student from the whole class of 5th graders. Andrew got the President's Award in recognition of reading over 10,000 pages during the reading contest.

Cyndi got her yellow belt in Karate. She has been taking lessons on Tuesday night. Andrew has gotten his green belt and is working hard on the next step up. Eventually they will both earn their black belt.

Both Ava and Alyssa performed in their Spring ballet recital.

Ava Baldermann, 4 yrs. old, in ballet recital at Western High School 2011
(center, pointing toe)

Alyssa Baldermann,, at Spring Ballet Recital 2011

Alyssa, at head of line, performing in ballet recital 2011

At the end of school all of the kids at Bean School were in a program or a play. And it was fun attending those. There was singing, skits and puppet shows. So cute.

On June 4th Cyndi and Alyssa celebrated their birthdays.

In between all of the above happenings we managed to get some flowers planted and a bit of a deck garden going. Chuck planted one large tomatoes plant and it now is sprouting over 25 tomatoes.

Chuck's seedling tomato plants 2011

Tomatoes sprouting

Our deck showing flowers and tomato plant (far corner)

Father's day was really special this year. The girls and their families came over and we had a dinner together and then played games and did things in the yard. We had set up the ping pong table in the garage, they loved playing ping pong. We also got out the croquet set and played that in the backyard. So much fun, to teach a new game. The little girls had fun with blowing bubbles. We had gotten a jar of bubbles to start with. The little kind, but then had fun with some blowers we got from the dollar store. They are huge blowers and make huge bubbles. I don't think anyone left before 9:30. It was a grand day and so much fun interacting and the weather cooperated so nicely. About 72 degrees and sunny. Perfect wouldn't you say?

Cake Cyndi made for Alyssa's 9th birthday

Cyndi (39) and Alyssa (9) share birth dates, June 4, 2011, Ava 4 in April.

Cyndi, Alyssa, Max and Nate all had birthdays we celebrated and then there was Father's day too. So the month of June is really full of fun activities.

After school was out Savannah had the privilege of participating in a Magic show at Meadowbrook near Rochester hills in Detroit. She had won top prize for 2011 in the Magicians club. She performed with 3 other long time and professional Magicians. A real special time for her and Sam. They have attended Magic training all year together, once a week.

Savannah performing her magic act 2011

Savannah performing magic at Meadow Brook 2011

Savannah with friends, Chad Cole and the Archers, at Meadowbrook

The last thing I will mention is that Cyndi and Nate sold their house. They signed the purchase agreement and close in July. We watch the kids and get to do fun things with them. Smores is their favorite thing. One or two nights were right for this, on the deck. We are so thankful for our house that accommodates all of the activities well.

Jasmin, Max and Karson making the perfect smore, over our new fire pit for the deck

It's a perfect one grandpa

Jasmin loves to make smores

Chuck also took Cyndi and four of the grandkids on a bike ride down Falling Water trails. They traveled 14 miles before they all got tired. Then it was time for ice-cream at MacDonald's.

Alyssa, Andrew, Max, Grandpa, Savannah, 14 mile Bike Ride 2011

Savannah and Alyssa on the bikeride

After having cold rainy days the weather changed and gave us hot and humid days as we attended our Church family camp. The summer seems to be going by fast. In fact I'm not sure that I remember Spring too much. We trust you are all enjoying the summer and your family where ever you are. It has been our joy to be in contact with many of you either through the blog or on facebook. It seems like you are right next door. How blessed we are to have that opportunity of communication with friends who mean so much to us. Until next time, take care and be blessed and keep living for the Lord.

Blessings Of Being In Jackson

2011-07-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks have been busy as we have fun with the grandkids. They provide much entertainment and joy. This morning Julie and her kids stopped by on there way back from the Farmers Market with a surprise for Grandma and Grandpa. Would you believe they brought us flowers? Yes indeed. We quick looked for a vase big enough to contain them. What a treat. If we were in South Bend yet, we would have missed the moment. We sure miss our friends their, but are filled with joy getting in on the moments with grandkids. They were so excited to give. I just love that.

Last night I helped Cyndi pack her kitchen things. We are getting to the end. Thursday is moving day. We are having them at our house to sleep the one or two nights during transition to their temporary place while they are having their new house built. We got to share last night, feelings you have when you move. The losses that come and of things, but more importantly friends. They will be close enough to maintain friends, but it is not quite the same. I reminisced about times that I left different houses and friends. As I look back now those friends have become closer in some ways and much cherished. We still keep in contact with many during Christmas time. And sometimes visit during the yr. But the time invested during the time we lived in the same city will always be special. God has been showing me how He has used us over the years to be there for people, to share their joys and sorrows and see them through hard times. And sometimes we get to come back together allot later and realize how our life touched them and brought them closer to the Lord. It helps me get a different perspective and see a little from God's point of view.

First Fruits

2011-07-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hasn't the weather been hot? Thank goodness for Air Conditioning. The tomato plant that Chuck planted in the spring is blooming nicely now and loves all the sunshine. We have been watering it about 3 times a day and putting fertilizer on it. It has about 25 blooms on it, so we should get lots of produce. The first ripe tomatoes came on last week. We waited till they turned real orange, and then ate one.

Our first two tomatoes of the season

Oh, they taste so good. Not like store bought. They have the sweet/sour taste that I remember from my childhood. We would go out to the garden in the back yard with the salt shaker and just pick one and eat it. The taste I can't describe except that it was de-licious!!! The other thing I remember is canning tomatoes. My mom put up 3 or 4 doz. jars each year. And when I started going with Chuck and would go to his home, his mom canned beans, carrots, tomatoes and corn. Tomatoes require blanching for the skin to come off easily. And I would help with that. I remember snapping big bunches of beans for hours at a time. I loved going home to West Branch and spending time learning to can and cook with Chuck's mom. We also made cookies and candy when it got near Christmas. But in the summer she did lots of gardening and always had the prettiest flowers in the garden. Mainly she grew peonies and gladiolas and had a lilac tree I think. There were flowers on the table most of the summer. My mom was good at gardening too, but mostly grew flowers and tomatoes, sometimes cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers and the like. One year she even won the award for best looking yard in the neighborhood. Back then most people grew some type of garden and tried to save on the grocery bill. Things always tasted so good. I know most of you have some remembrance of a home garden. Although we don't have a lot of land to do a garden we decided to have a deck garden in containers. Very enjoyable.

Jackson Balloon Fest

2011-07-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

I've been away and taking a break from my blog as most of you can tell. So thought I'd post what we did yesterday. It was a perfect day weather wise, and we went to see the Jackson Hot Air Balloon Launch. We have never been able to see them this close. Ella Sharp Park provides a pretty nice area for them to launch. They fill them with hot air, balloons laying down and basket laying down.

Then it has ropes and men controlling how fast it is tipped up and the basket can be entered by the guide. Very interesting to watch. Then they go up one or two at a time. We thought some would bump into the trees, but they didn't, so you must be able to control them from side to side and up or down with the hot air, fire.

Sugar Bear

Afterwards we walked over to the midway to get ice cream. And then caught our tram to take us back to the parking lot where we had parked.
We have missed posting about a lot of events over the last month. So will try to catch up with some of it. We are continually blessed by all the many things we can attend and enjoy with or with out the girls and their families. They are away at camp and vacation for a bit. Julie and Sam are doing their Pirate Show on the road, finishing up Indiana this wk. I got in on one day of family camp, but got overheated and decided to come home. Chuck stayed for 5 days in the Durocher trailer. It was fun being at camp and meeting old and newly made friends. We took Sat. to visit old friends at the East Michigan family camp. We got to attend the farewell reception for Dan and Judy, Supt. for the past 12 yrs. and also welcomed new Supt. Paul and Christy Castle. Chuck would have gotten a 45 yr. plaque for service if he would have stayed with the Free Methodist denomination. The last 10 yrs we were in the Missionary Church. And then we moved from South Bend and live in Jackson now near our girls and families (2 miles from us) So we reinstated our credentials with the Southern Michigan Conference. Also we celebrated Chuck's 70th birthday on the 14th. Since everyone was at camp we decided we would celebrate later after everyone gets back home.
Hopefully we will get back to blogging more often and catching you up on thing at the beginning of the summer. Hope all of you are having a fun filled summer.
Hugs to you all, Chuck and Sue

Events in May

2011-06-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

The neighbor's tree that we get to enjoy, in our backyard.

It has been fun trying to keep up with the last month's activities here in Jackson. We hope you are enjoying the nice summer weather. We thought for awhile there that Winter was going to be around forever. I haven't written anything since May 8th, so starting tonight (June 6th ) almost a month later to catch you up. I will put in a few pictures and make the posts many instead one long one.
We finally got some hot weather, after all the rain and cold, sometimes down to the high 30's for most of April and May. Didn't get flowers planted until late, but they are beautiful now. Planted petunias on the back porch in a porch box that hangs over the Deck rail. And even got some carnations like my mom used to grow beside our home when I was 9. They are so fragrant. We called them pinks. They are pink and white variegated and are smaller than regular carnations. I used to love to help my mom plant flowers in the Spring. Her gardens always looked lovely and she surely had a green thumb.
On the 10th some good friends from South Bend came to see us. Martha and Joe and Peggy and Bob joined us for the day and took us out to eat at the Cracker Barrel, here in Jackson.It was fun to see our friends and catch up on each other's lives.We showed them our house first and then we were off to CB. Something funny happened when we got out of the car at Cracker Barrel. Chuck looked down at his feet and saw that he had forgotten to change from his house slippers into his tennis shoes, before we left home.

Chuck in his house slippers at the Parlour. He forgot to change into his tennis shoes. We all laughed
and went on our way. Even Supt. Romundo didn't notice.

So he wore them all the time we were gone. After dinner we went over to Spring Arbor to show them the church we attend. We introduced them around, showed them the CE building and gym, plus the sanctuary. By that time we were ready for dessert and took them to our favorite ice cream place, "The Parlour."

Me at the Parlour on another day when Chuck decided to treat me. The sundaes there are huge.

Peggy Beyler and Martha Huntsburger at the Parlour in Jackson

Joe Hunsburger, Chuck and Bob Beyler at the Parlour in Jackson

Us girls had hot fudge Sundaes and the guys had brownies and sodas. We had so much fun sharing together and enjoying each other's company.
The rest of that week was quite cold weather, and we began to wonder if it was ever going to warm up. It was 40 degrees most of the wk. I helped Julie with her Art Show at the Library. She had an outstanding array of Art work with over 500 students participating. She matted and displayed most of them. It was fun to be there and see all the entries.

Norm and Joyce (Kingsbury) Amstutz visit us

Then on Saturday we had a pleasant surprise. A couple classmates, we went to school with, stopped by to see us. Norm Amstutz was Chuck's roommate and Joyce, his wife, lived next door to me in the Alpha dorm. They were both in our wedding as attendants and Norm was class president and Joyce was the homecoming queen one year. It sure was good to see them and share about our family and look at old pictures from college. They shared that they have just recently retired and we told them that we have too and moved to Jackson last year to be near our girls and their families. Joyce's sister lives in Spring Arbor, so maybe we will get to see them again soon.
The weather continued playing a big roll in the News the following week and their were many Tornadoes in the south, in Alabama and Tenn. and in Mississippi causing several towns and cities to pretty much be wiped off the map by wind or floods. Many teams are helping in the rescue effort. We had some warnings here but are thankful nothing severe came in our area. (This post covers May 10-14th, 2011)

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Sunday it has been. The temperature got up to 70 + and it was sunny. We met the kids at church and the grandkids all gave us hugs and home made presents and gifts. We got a planter of flowers from Julie and her family, plus on Sat. she took me to Anna's place for a delightful breakfast. Ava, also wanted to pick some flowers (dandelions) for me, in the church yard. The kids were all so creative making me things. The girls and Nate gave me hugs, cards and wishes and in the evening I got a call from Sam wishing me a happy mother's day. My hubby took me out to dinner at Olive Gardens and also got me a bouquet of roses and mums, letting me pick the color. I love pink and that is what we got.

Mother's Day flowers from Chuck

Feeling so loved and blessed. We came home right after church and decided not to go for dinner till later, as it would be a long line. The wait was still 30 min. at 4 PM. It is so nice to be able to be near the kids and their families. We are thankful and grateful for our home here. The back yard is looking so green now. The birds are singing in the trees and it is so nice to sit on our deck finally after the long winter.

My mother, Dollie Van Fleet (1943), and me at 5 mos.

Several of the people on facebook are putting pictures of their moms on. So I decided to do that too. It was good to remember some good times when my mom was younger. Some of my childhood was not pleasant, but I am glad that we have had a wonderful family and that God put me into a good family when I met Chuck. I did have some good days in my childhood because many neighbors and friends at church seemed to watch out for me. God has blessed me with so many good friends and wonderful children and their families. God turns the bad memories into good. So no matter what, you end up blessed.

To summarize some of the past two weeks, we received news about the Terrorist leader, who caused 9-11, being killed, and there was a real victory won by our country and it's military people. Also, a long time outstanding pastor, David Wilkerson died. He wrote the book, Cross and the Switchblade. I remember too, when they made a film of it, back when we were in college.Many will remember the organization he started called "Teen Challenge." We have had company and are looking forward to some visitors from South Bend who are to come on Tuesday. So it will be another busy week. Until next time, Blessings to you.

Getting to Easter 2011

2011-04-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

The past couple weeks have been a blur to me. So much going on. We have had 3 different couples visit and stay over night a couple nights. Jenelle and Pete came for the day one day, on their way back from Sandusky where they visited her mother's grave. We were glad they stopped by and we decided to go out to eat and then got a cake on the way home and had dessert, sang Happy Birthday to Pat, and then played games till 10:00. They went on home after that. Then we had to baby sit Jasmin all week the next week as her regular baby sitter could not. Being together everyday from 8:30 till 4 did have it's advantages. We have been teaching her how to cut with scissors and she loves to cut and make things and glue them on paper.

Jasmin cutting paper, 3 yrs. old

Also we got a puzzle of horses, birds, butterflies in a Spring setting. She loved it and can put it together quite quick for 3 yrs. old. The puzzle had printed on it for age 4 and up.

Jasmin putting 50 piece puzzle together

The next week end we had the kids over night and then Loydene and Anna came to visit. Loydene stayed with us and Anna was at the dorm with her friends. They were here from Fri. through Sun. and went to church with us. On Tues. the next week we had a couple here we knew from Seminary days. They were here Tuesday through Friday. Chuck drove bus several days and on Fri. we got eggs to dye for Easter and had an egg hunt Sat. and both Cyndi and Julie's family came over for that and we had dinner and games in the afternoon and evening. So you see it has been very busy at the Husted (hotel) place. Today after the kids and grandkids all left I was exhausted and a bit angry with some of the actions and attitudes of the family. I guess we were all tired, and a bit out of sorts.
Sometimes it is hard to be with family and get along. Sometimes we have different ways of doing things and disciplining children and we clash from time to time. I guess I wasn't rested like I should have been to handle all the goings on, Tonight I feel a bit down and depressed. I have always had trouble celebrating Easter as too many family trauma's happened when I was a child (at Easter time). I don't like celebrating Good Friday at all, as it reminds me of suffering and death too much, and it seems like I internalize it all. Some of the emotional damage from my past comes as a remembrance. Kinda painful. But I know it is all under the blood and I really am thankful for the plan of Salvation and for Christ bearing the cross in my behalf. I just wish He didn't have to suffer like He did. Feelings coming from my heart.

Alyssa wipes out on scooter

Max getting first aid from Julie

Max and Alyssa had new scooters and tried going down the steep driveway and both wiped out. There was some tense moments as their moms checked for broken bones and bruises. We managed to get out the peroxide and bandaids to do some first aid. Later we played a new game called 5 straight that we learned in Florida. And then it was time to eat. We had pulled pork and potato salad and coleslaw. So goes the Easter Weekend activities.

Here are some Easter pictures of the day.

Mostly Brown eggs colored, makes deep color

Max finding eggs

Jasmin and her eggs

(top to bottom) Max, Andrew, Karson, Ava, Alyssa, Savannah, Jasmin
Baskets full of eggs

Ava and Alyssa coloring eggs

Alyssa, Savannah, Max and Jasmin coloring eggs, Julie helping

Karson checking his eggs for candy, stickers, prizes and money

Ava is Happy with her basket of eggs

This and That on a Friday Night

2011-04-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I've blogged. Chuck has been busy driving bus for the University here at Spring Arbor. They keep him pretty busy. He drives at least 2-3 times a week. It is mostly for the sports teams and once in awhile it is a trip with the Biology class. I have been getting ready for the crop that Julie and I went to the week end of the 25th. She taught two mini sessions and I taught one. It is always fun to get together with other creative gals. Cyndi was not able to go this year as she had a showing for their house that they just put on the market. She was busy painting and repairing and replacing items. Chuck helped on the days he didn't drive bus. I, however, stayed up too many nights into the wee hours doing scrapbooking projects and sorting stamp sets to sell plus packing my things up to take. So I managed to get a cold and at first it was just sinus infection and then turned into a full fledged cold and Bronchitis. I've felt so tired. Of course you just count on it, when you go to crop, to stay up late. I think it was 3am one night and 1am the other night. Plus it is dry and your hands and nose gets pretty dry. Other than that we had lots of fun. This year Julie and I really got a lot of experience on my new Cricut machine.(a die cutting machine) It is amazing what it does. Then I've been learning to use my punches more creatively. It is always good to see friends at crop, and share with them. It was special, too, to be with Julie.We tend to inspire each other. The food is always so good there at the Cedar Center. My friend Gail was there and provided such great decorations for us on the table and all around. Here is some of the decorations she had on the fireplace. (Julie in foreground) The theme was Life is sweet and she had lollipops and candy on the table.

Julie at Crop in the Cedar Center Dining Hall

Marianne, Cheryl, Marilyn, Gail (in background at lunch in Cedar Center

Marilyn and her daughter were there and Maryanne (Dennings) Kilbourne. I had not realized they were connected in family. I met Marilyn way back when Cyndi was at college and had her and her husband Willis as house parents. Little did I know that I would be living near her and attending crops with her. This year we all sat at the same group of tables in the field house, to do our scrapbooking. I wish I would have taken a picture of the scrapbook that Marilyn did for her kids for Christmas.

Marilyn Kilbourne

It was a family history album. She did such a great job with it. Part of it was pictures and then there were stories and charts of ancestors. What a nice idea for Christmas. It inspired me to get going on mine for the girls.

This week we are catching up a bit on things around here and then next week we hope to get down to South Bend for an apt. and to Ft. Wayne for tax preparation. We haven't found anyone here to do taxes like the gal in Ft. Wayne, so we make the trip. Of course, then, we have an excuse to visit some friends on the way.

It has been cold here and there is still a large pile of un-melted, dirty, snow over by Wal-mart. Most of us are ready for spring and warmer temperatures. Next week we get to have fun with the grandkids and take a few days up north with Julie and family. Cyndi was to leave for Florida with her family, and enjoy a warmer climate. She has had one family view their house and are still waiting for more to look. They are working hard to do the extras that it takes to sell a house. Remember to pray for them to be able to sell it soon. Our friends in Oregon, Gene and Joyce, sold theirs. At least that was the last word we heard. Hopefully no one backs out. That is all for this time. I'll try to write more often. Blessings to you all.

Part 2 of our Florida trip Feb. 17-Mar.1, 2011

2011-03-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

We arrived back in Lakeland to join up with Chuck's sister, Margaret. They were glad to see us when we came in on Wed. night.

Sue in front of the Palm tree close to our motel

Barney and Ruth Bunting's home where we played 5 Straight every evening from 8-10.
They had little snacks for us and it was so fun to meet many other people there.

Richard, Margaret's husband, dealing the cards for 5 Straight

We went over to Barney and Ruth Bunting’s house and, sure enough, they were there playing 5 Straight, a strategy board game. They have had a contest between the guys and gals going since November. (Girls were winning when we left) The idea is to get 5 pegs in a row. You can block your opponent. We would usually get in about 3 games a night.

Shuttle going up

The people close by our motel told us that we might be able to see the Space shuttle go up from our motel. We would only see the smoky plume behind it, but at least you could see it. So I decided to go on TV and take a picture. John Glen had ridden in it the first time it went up and was also going on this last trip. It was something that he is in good enough health to go.
My cousin Ruth had told me that my cousin Donna lived in Lakeland and so I decided to look her up. I had not seen her for about 50 years. When we were both in grade school our folks had gotten a divorce and we went to school together in Findlay. We decided to go out to eat and met at the Golden Coral.

Susy and Donna

It was so neat to catch up on each other's lives and we will be getting together on email.

Donna sharing

Well....you know how it was...

We had so much in common as we shared together

Sue, Chuck and Donna

After we ate we went back over to our motel and talked till about 10 PM. We had many stories to share about family and growing up. I was so glad to get together with her and her husband. We are about 2 yrs. different in age.
We took one day to go over to Plant City to have strawberry shortcake at Parkesdale Farms. They were huge.

My huge strawberry shortcake

Ruth and Barney Bunting and Richard Thrall eating shortcake at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City

Sue getting her picture taken at Parkesdale Farms - I always wanted to be a Queen

Also you could buy fresh vegetables and fruit there. We got oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and a strawberry onion. We saw where they were processing oranges one day, and got to drink some of the fresh squeezed. They had different combinations. Cranberry mixed in, pineapple, strawberry etc.

Oranges being processed at the Farms

Got a few souvenirs. I even got a tee shirt, which I never do, as they don't fit usually. But this time they did.

Someone told us there was a pond on the other side of the Trailer court, where there was a live Alligator and some Cranes. So we walked down to see it. The alligator was small and I got a shot of him as he swam away. (tap on picture to enlarge) There was also an alligator head on display at the farms and you can see it in the photo at the Strawberry place. The kids were interested in this story when we got home.

Alligator about 3 ft. long

Alligator head on display

Chuck's sister took us to Sammy's, a BQ restaurant, with all kinds of food to season up with BQ sauce. It was really good. Also got to go shopping a little at Bells, a clothing store at the mall. We had great weather all the time there, and never had any rain. So it was nice. Sunday we ended our time with church and a Sunday catered dinner. Pastor Hendricks gave greetings and Al Snyder spoke for Missions.
On our way home we were going to visit Creation museum, but because of the backup with traffic we couldn't do it. So Chuck decided we would go to Berea to the Boone Tavern there, a hotel that was built by Berea college 100 yrs. ago. It was for visiting parents and friends and then turned into a pretty nice hotel and restaurant.

Sue at the Boone Tavern Dining Room, Berea KY

Chuck eating their famous Spoon bread

Our room, note warm throws on the bed, woven, by local artisans, of wool

Boone Tavern/hotel on main street with shops to the left

We ate an elegant dining room there and the spoon bread was still on the menu. Very good, with butter. The following day we went to some of the shops before heading out to the visitors center. There were lots of artisans selling their wares in town and at the center. Fun to browse. The next morning before leaving town we decided we had seen too many Waffle House signs and decided to eat our breakfast there. Wow what a great feast we had. If you have never been to one, it is like a 50's diner.

Chuck at Waffle House, Berea KY

Waffle House, Berea KY

Gas fill up costs $54.50 at about 3.46 a gallon

Our trip home was fun as we stopped in several places for snack or gas. The mountains of Tennessee were fun to drive through, but then we did get a little rain and found out there was a tornado warning near ClevelandToledo, my home town, for a bite to eat and then drove the rest of the way home, stopping at the girl's homes to touch base with them, and the grandkids. The next day we gave them their surprise gifts and they were happy to have us home. We got lots of hugs to be sure.

Visiting Florida Part 1

2011-03-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. We are finally back home after a wonderful vacation in Florida. We left on the 17th of Feb. and didn't start home till Sunday afternoon the 27th of Feb. We had been planning on going to Florida for some time, but it never worked out till this year. We wanted to visit friends at Sebring, Cape Coral and Lakeland. We also got to see several of my cousins who live down there. The weather was gorgeous and we got to swim almost everyday in the pool. We were not able to swim in the ocean water as there was danger of stingrays, so we just picked up shells on the beach. It was about 78 when we arrived, but before we left it got up to 87. I think one day it was 90.

Margaret & Richard Thrall at Snowbird Reunion

Chuck's sister was staying at the Light and Life Camp and they got us a motel room on the grounds there. We were surprised to find out that we had to share a bathroom. But double surprised when we found out we were sharing it with Bruce and Vonnie Denton whom Chuck married in 75. (I think that is right, correct me if I'm wrong). I think the Lord wants us to keep up with the Denton family as a few yrs. ago when we were vacationing up north we ran into Jerry and Gail Denton Mack. They were at an antique shop we happened to drop in on. Jerry is pastoring a nearby church and managing the antique shop. Small world ...as they say.

Bruce and Vonnie Denton, our next door neighbors while in Florida

We had not been to the Light and life Camp since 1984 when we took the girls on a trip there. They have made many improvements there and it has grown in numbers of people and places to stay. We attended the Snow Bird reunion for the East Michigan Conference on Saturday the 19th and then on the 24th we got to go to the reunion for Southern Michigan.

Supt. Dan Shinabarger and Judy

Pastor Les & Colleen Sellers
We attended Seminary with them and Les gave a Mono-log on B.T. Roberts

We saw lots of pastors and wives we had served with over the yrs. Some we hadn't seen in a long time. Some of the people in the churches we pastored were there too. The Shinabargers were there, Supt. of E. Mich. and they were retiring after 12 yrs. There were nice programs at both reunions.

Roy Cummings singing praises. He was lead singer for the Lighthouse Quartet back in the 70's
Both him and Joanne (wife and Piano player) & Al Morris, Tenor, were there too.
What a joy to see them, as we had them sing at our churches over the years

On Saturday after the dinner we left Lakeland and went over to visit with Carole and Tim. They have been telling us to come down, and enjoy their pool. So we finally took them up on it. We played games at night after dinner and went swimming almost every day.

This is Carole and Tim's pool under the Lenai (screened in Patio)

Carole, Chuck, Tim and Ben (their son-0n-law)
Enjoying the hot tub.

On Sunday we got to go to church with them, and some of their people came over to have a picnic with them and swim.

Tim and Carole's dinner group enjoying fellowship in the kitchen

The Dilleheys love to entertain. They were able to get this wonderful home last year.
Carole, with the help of some of her children decorated her kitchen with an Apple Theme.

The next day we went to the Sanibel beach and found some shells for the kids. Tim and Carole took us to the Island Cow, a restaurant that had great food and lots of cows. (not real ones, decorative ones). After we got home we took a swim in the pool and then tried to beat the Dilleheys playing the game of 7. A new game they taught us, and we hope to teach the grandkids.

Chuck getting shells for the Grandkids

Mark and Tabitha and two of their kids. (Tim and Carole's son and wife)
They live in Ft. Meyers, a few miles from them.

Carole & Tim when we were at Sanibel Island

Sue enjoying a yummy meal at the Island Cow at Sanibel Island
Lovely restaurant but very large portions, had to take some home.

Waiting to be seated inside at the Island Cow
Chuck, Tim and Carole

Traveling to Sebring to see the Millers and my Cousin Ruth Ellen
and then stay the night with the Gerstenbergers

Cal and Eloise Miller at their home in Sebring 2011

The next day we went to Sebring, had lunch at Homers with the Millers from Gospel Center and then went to see my cousin Ruth Ellen. She invited her brother Robert and his wife Ruthanne over, and we sat and talked for the longest time about growing up together and the family.

Ruth has done a great job gathering information about the family and has an album of genealogy she has put together.

Ruth Ellen Hilkert Dray, looking at the family history notebook

My Uncle Chetter's son Robert and his wife came over to Ruth's house and we sure were glad to see them. He only lives a few blocks away from her.

Robert Hilkert, looks just like my Uncle Chetter

Ruthanne Hilkert, Robert's wife

Ruth's sun room and her sweet kitty

Master bedroom at Ruthie's. She collects dolls.

The dining room and part of the living room

Ruthie showed us her house and then we road about 3-4 miles to Shirley and Marvin's house and spent the night with them. They were our next door neighbors when we pastored the Snover churches. We shared for a few hours and then had dinner with them and played a new game called Trans America.

It is a train board game. Shirley shared a couple recipes with me and I put them on my recipe blog Just go on the sidebar of this blog and tap the picture under recipes.

Shirley and Marvin Gerstenberger at Denny's in Sebring

They took us to a really nice Denny's, the next morning, for breakfast before we headed back to Lakeland. We sure had a nice time with them.

We Are Back From FLorida

2011-03-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Chuck and Carole and Tim Dillehey at Sanibel Beach

Chuck and Sue at Sanibel Beach

The Light and Life FM Church in Lakeland

We have been away visiting in Florida. Got home last Mon. and it has been busy as always since we got back so only have a couple pictures I'll put on right now. We had a great time, enjoyed temperatures in 80-90s and visited many friends and relatives there. It was 87 when we left and got back home on Mar. 1st to cold temperatures in the 30s. Just in time too, as there was flooding in Ohio and KY right on the path we would have been on. We did miss tornadoes in Cleveland Tennessee, was ahead of that storm front about 30 min. So we are very thankful for good weather both going and coming back. Will write more in a day or so. (hopefully!) We have had activities and meeting with the grandkids, so missed them and they missed us. The girls and guys too. So even though we are wishing for warmer temperatures, we are very glad to be back home.

Homegoing of Sara and Miranda

2011-02-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

I attended the funeral of Sara and Miranda Cole today. It was a beautiful service. Our Pastor gave a wonderful message following some of the tributes by family. Chad himself gave an outstanding testimony and tribute to his wife and daughter that touched us all. I just wanted to share with you Chad's last post on his blog, so you can pray for him in the days ahead.

Miranda Evangelene Cole

I can not begin to express my gratitude for, nor my amazement at, what has happened over the past three days. Never in my life have I felt so surrounded with love. This has been the worst three days of my life, and yet, at the same time, it has been three glorious days, full of shekinah glory.

Chad and his daughter

As I prepared to hold my darling daughter to my chest this evening, I was terrified that I would break...literally break...into pieces. My fears were unjustified. The hand of God so reached down and touched me, that I was able to sing my sweet angel into heaven.

Miranda, free to go home with Mommy, giving one last hug to dad

That peace stayed with me while I bathed her. It covered me like a deep blanket of snow while I dressed her for the first time. It kept a smile on my face while we took pictures and I was able to introduce her to her extended families without all those wires and tubes sticking out of her. You are all responsible for that peace.

God's miracle to me was giving me strength beyond my own. Endurance that I could never have mustered. Helping me carry my daughter proudly down long, silent corridors as we approached the gathered family and friends who were singing upon our arrival:

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,

Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong

Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,

Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,

Make music for thy Lord to hear,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou fire so masterful and bright,

That givest man both warmth and light.

Dear mother earth, who day by day

Unfoldest blessings on our way,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,

Let them His glory also show.

And all ye men of tender heart,

Forgiving others, take your part,

O sing ye! Alleluia!

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,

Praise God and on Him cast your care!

And thou most kind and gentle Death,

Waiting to hush our latest breath,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou leadest home the child of God,

And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

I am blessed, truly blessed this early morning.

Sara Jean Cole

I do realize that dark clouds are on the horizon. The hurting will not go away, or end, just because today is done. It's 3:45AM, and Stevie, our 10 year old cat, is wandering around the house crying for his "mommy." All he knows is that he hasn't seen her in 3 days and misses her. His simple desire to sit on her lap and enjoy a good scratch brings tears to my eyes. No matter how hard I try, I know that I can't provide for him what he'd grown to love and desire from Sara. He sits on the step to the family room, watching me type, and I can his questions in his eyes, "Where is she? When will she be home?" He occasionally glances at the back door, as if he expects her to walk in any moment.

This house already feels like a shell, an empty reflection of what it once was. I've had this same feeling every time I looked at myself in a mirror over the past 3 days. I just didn't recognize the man who was looking back. He seemed familiar, but not quite the same as what it felt like he should look like.

The only thing that keeps the dark waters of despair and depression from flooding over me at this time is the levy of Christ's love. A levy woven from the fabric of your prayers. While God may not have given me my heart's desire, He has stopped up the flood waters. He has thrown me a life jackets that keeps me from drowning in the deep pits and pools that Satan would love to pull me down into.

Thank you, one thousand times, one million times, thank you!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sincerely,

Chad Cole

The whole story

2011-02-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Chad and Sara Cole

For all of you who have been following my facebook or blog recently of Sam and Julie's friend, Chad A. Cole, here is some more information about the funeral and newspaper articles. If you would like to read the whole story go to http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2011/02/our_little_secret_a_fathers_bl.html They started a blog site when they found out Sara was pregnant. It is a very touching story. When the accident happened they were about 3 weeks from delivery. The baby was delivered but the mother died. Read the details by going to the above link. How God worked in the lives of Chad and his family is amazing and over 40,000 people replied and responded to prayer from all over the country.

Accident Scene - Semi truck hitting van

The funeral will be held on Saturday at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church at 11 AM. Visitation will be on Friday at 2-4 and 6-8 and 10-11 on Sat. morning for those who would like to pay tribute to Sara and Miranda and support to the family. Please continue to remember Chad and his and Sara's family in prayer in the days ahead. For anyone who would like to make a donation, Flagstar Bank is accepting donations to the Sara Cole Memorial Fund.

"Goodbye Daddy," "Jesus is taking me to be with Mommy."

2011-02-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

Baby Miranda Evangelene Cole
Parents: Chad and Sara Cole
Miranda and Sara are both with Jesus
following an accident on Feb. 7th, 2011

Just want you to know that Baby Miranda is enjoying her mom and being in the presence of Jesus now. I don't know how many of you have read about the tragic accident that happened on Sat. Chad Cole, a friend to Julie and Sam, and his wife were in a car accident that happened when it was near white out conditions on I-94. A semi truck hit their van. Chad and his wife Sara were traveling with her parents to Kalamazoo when the van was hit. Sara died in the accident, and the baby was delivered in 45 min. and taken to Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor. They put her on life support and there was no brain activity for 3 days. Tonight the family and friends gathered and supported Chad, who was not hurt in the crash. Sara's parents were not hurt either. The call to pray for a miracle was put on facebook and over 12,000 were praying for a miracle, the newspaper reported. Tonight the TV news announced that Baby Miranda Cole was in heaven. Our family has been touched by this little life and we were all hoping for a miracle. Please pray for Chad as he faces very tough days ahead and pray for his family and friends who are sharing in the grief of this tragedy.
To see Baby Miranda's blog go to: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192961067399474

I want you to also pray for another person we have come to know. Her name is Wendy. This year Julie was in search of a babysitter for Jasmin, their youngest daughter. They found a wonderful lady, Wendy, who is really excellent with Jasmin. She has been watching her each day while Julie and Sam are both working. A few weeks ago we found out that Wendy's husband has been diagnosed with throat cancer and has had an operation and will need to have another one. Please pray for her husband, that he would be able to over come this with treatments. I have been helping watch Jasmin as she has not been able to since her husband has been so sick. I am glad to help out and I am praying and ask you to join me, for a miracle in his behalf. Life is sure full of unexpected things lately. We can't understand it all, but will trust God for each new day and be grateful that He is our Lord. Trusting in God's Word tonight and claiming His promises.
Sharing with you a very wonderful blog that gives me much encouragement and inspiration... It is Holley's blog generated from Dayspring. I just love reading it each and every day. If you would like to subscribe to it go here: www.blog.dayspring.com called Heart to Heart with Holley
Below is a little from one of her daily posts.

Life is hard sometimes--
crazy, mixed up, messed up.
There we are in the middle of it all.
You know what it's like, Lord.
So we ask for your help this week...
When we face fear, give us courage
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

When we feel stress, give us peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
When we falter, give us strength.
I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Thank you for promising in anything we face, you'll give us everything we need. Amen.
(borrowed from Holley at Dayspring.com

Resting

2011-02-07T23:57:00.000-08:00

It has been a little while and we have been so busy again, I needed to rest. I was reading on a devotional site about the rest we need to have in our lives. God wants us to rest. When He asks us to rest it is actually more about my heart.
Learning to trust instead of strive
Learning to enjoy rather than push so hard.
Learning to focus on the moment instead of the results.
Rest is an intimate invitation - not to step away from life
... but to embrace the Giver of it.

Last Sunday we got together with some friends of ours and went to visit the Green Oak Church where we pastored in the 80's. The Lees went with us. We went to College and Seminary with them and have known them for a long time. We have served in several of the same churches in the East Michigan Conference.

The Lee Family (Elden and Linda in front)
Son Nathan and Missy & their family, daughter Loretta and Kirsten & family

They are living in Coldwater now, and not too far away. They pastored the Green Oak church after us. It was a joy to be there and see the people. They were having a potluck dinner so we stayed for that and got to talk to several people. It was like old home week. Green Oak was one of our churches that grew in number quite a bit. We remember working with them to build a new gym and Sunday school rooms. Julie, our daughter, got married there and it was a wonderful place to have a wedding. We saw lots of growth and people saved while we were there as pastor. We still keep in touch with several families there. Below is a few pictures of the church, gym and parsonage where we lived.

Green Oak Free Methodist Church with Gym addition on right

Green Oak Parsonage

The gym after completion 1996

Arial view of the church, gym (being built) and parsonage on right
(back of church can be seen from US 23 Highway) Brighton, MI

We were saddened over the week end when we learned about one of Sam and Julie's friends, Chad Cole, who lost his wife in an auto accident. He and his wife Sara were expecting their first baby in a couple weeks. Chad stood up in Sam and Julie's wedding and Sam stood up in Chad;s wedding. Sara did not make it, and was killed in the accident.

Sara Jean Cole (35 yrs. old), loving wife, worked in Flower Shop, very creative

The baby was born about 45 min. after the accident and taken to Mott hospital in Ann Arbor. She is in critical condition and needs lots of prayer for a miracle to save her life. Also please pray for Chad and his parents. This is a very rough time for them.

Memories of Days Gone By

2011-01-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

Last week started out good and I was able to be a blessing to someone at the store who couldn't afford a bag of potatoes. I was waiting in line at the cash register and as is often my plight I get behind someone who is slow, or their check isn't going through, or the cashier is slow or too talkative. This couple had two children and the mother was paying for the groceries. I didn't see what was happening at first, but then realized she couldn't get her credit card to work, or perhaps a coupon didn't work. The girl rang everything up but then the lady didn't have enough and had to take the bag of potatoes off her bill.

today... give just a sack of potatoes in my name.... Jesus

So they got through and went on with their cart and I asked how much the potatoes were and purchased them and ran to give them to the couple. I felt like I had so much and a surplus at that, the least I could do is get those potatoes for them. They were not the typical poor couple who worked the system, they were not trying to beg. Obviously poor and needy. I was glad to share. I very rarely do that sort of thing because I've seen so many,quote, poor people, unquote, who are poor because they choose to be and won't get a job and then try to play the pity party roll and get people to give them things etc. So I had a chance to be helpful and it felt genuine and good to do so.

On Thursday we learned that one of the coaches from Spring Arbor College, when we were there, died. Mr. Ken Beardslee coached several of the sports but was most known for coaching Cross Country. One of his students, Barry May came to the funeral and gave a tribute during the funeral. Barry was in our graduating class and he married a girl that I have been friends with since I was 12, Fran Hall.

Fran Hall, 1956-67 school picture, 13 yrs. old

The viewing was to take place on Thursday and Chuck went but I stayed home. When he got home he said "are you ready for some company?" I said. "I guess so". He said he had invited Fran and Barry over. I said "really?" I hadn't seen them in 15 yrs. We greeted them with hugs and enjoyed catching up on our lives since we saw each other. Fran and I grew up as youth in the Ohio Conference, Free Methodist Church. We were best of friends and she was Maid of Honor in our wedding. One year (1960) we even decided to become blood sisters and ,of all things, pricked our fingers and put the blood fingerprints on a document and signed it. (we were such silly teenagers back then).

Blood Sisters, (Fran Hall and Sue Van Fleet) dated Aug. 23, 1960

I got out my old camp picture scrapbook to show her some pictures of us when we were at camp involved in quizzing and working as counselors and in the dining hall waiting tables. There on one page was the document when we became blood sisters. She said, just the other day I came across a box of keepsakes and found my document of the same thing. I couldn't believe it. We laughed together.

My Camp notebook showing some quartets from Spring Arbor and Greenville and on left pg. at bottom right is a picture

of my 16th birthday cake my mom sent to camp.

Picture of our Toledo Dorr St Church Quiz team (in front) number 1 Sue, 2 Donna Zwayer, 3 Marilyn Zwayer, 4 ?

and Mrs Pauline Hart Right, Rev Swartzwalter on left from Roberts Chapel

back row, second, Rena Shaner Quiz coach and Jeanette Shively is 6th from left, Youth leader.

When the teens went to camp we pd. our way by working in the dining hall. Here are some of us from Ohio Conference camp in 1959.

Back row: Burt Kettinger, Burt Jones, Donna Zwayer, Dan Hall, Ester Nelson, Roger Moretz, Karyl Cox

Front row: Juanita Roby, Sue (Van Fleet) Husted, Mary Moretz, Jill Lane, Sharlotte Tomasello (Fortress)

Fran Hall, Queen and Dave Cain, King

Back row: Sue Husted (Van Fleet) 1st Princess, 2nd ?, 1st Prince Jim Weant, 2nd Prince Rocky Kent

Fran had been youth camp queen one year and I was on the court as princess. I had those pictures too, as well as when she was on queen's court at Spring Arbor and later became homecoming queen herself. We had fun reminiscing.

I told her that the best thing I remember is going to her house and her mom made these home made rolls and buns for hamburgers and hot dogs. And she fed us very well, I remember. I really loved being at her home because it was Christian and everyone loved each other. It wasn't that way at my house back home. My home was dysfunctional and a lot of drinking and arguing. I didn't want to bring people home to my house. It was like God gave me Fran for a sister I never had.

Barry May, Chuck and Fran Hall May January 2011

Barry and Fran May and Sue January 2011

The next day at the funeral we got to sit with Fran and Barry. The funeral was wonderful emphasizing how we should live, telling others of Christ, and living intentionally to win them to Christ. So many tributes and honor for Mr. Beardslee

Below are a few more pictures I wanted to share with you from camp days in the 50's and 60's. Camp time really was a wonderful time for me and I grew in Christ so much during those years. Much of my home life was turmoil and I so much appreciated solid Christian people in my life, many of whom were Pastors and Pastor's Wives, Missionaries and conference Superintendents. It was another way God had of influencing me and training me for my future as a Pastor's wife. Fran and I agreed that our camp days gave us a good foundation of learning as we learned Christian principles.

A picture of me, 1961, rowing a boat at Camp Mac in Warsaw, Indiana Youth Camp
That camp I think I had the most fun of all the camps and it truly made an impact upon my life.

This was our youth group officers in 1961. We all attended the Dorr Street Free Methodist Church
President, Sue Van Fleet Husted, Secretary, Donna Zwayer, Vice President, Gerald Jones,
and Treasurer, Marilyn Zwayer May. We are standing outside the church, which has now been torn down.

This is one of my pastor's wives, Ann Orr

Ann Orr had a profound influence upon my life as a young girl. Her husband (Walter) and her would pick me up for Sunday School every Sunday. My folks didn't attend church. They lived about 2 blocks from me and it was easy for them to swing by and get me for church. Mrs. Orr also taught school at Mt. Vernon Elementary School where I was in the 3rd grade. When I was outside for recess I remember seeing her in her classroom through the window. (her class was on basement level and we could look in) I admired her so much and she inspired me to become a teacher and I'm sure her example facilitated the call to be a teacher. She had two boys to raise and as I sat next to her at church I picked up ways of parenting from her. She would always use eye contact and all she had to do to make them mind (in my memory) was to raise her first finger a little and they knew that they should be quiet and reverent. I also saw her at camp time as she communicated with her boys, no yelling in those days. I kept in touch with the Orrs for many years after they left our church and moved to a new church. Pastor Orr used to come and visit my grandma and encourage me and my family. Grandma had a stroke and it was hard on mom. The next pastor came, Rev. Clarence Jones, and I dearly loved him and his wife. I used to help Pastor Jones do the bulletin at church. Those were the days that you had the old mimeograph. You had a stencil and corrections had to be made by painting some gel substance on the stencil and then retype it. Before you could put the stencil on the mimeograph you had to ink the inside of the barrel with a paintbrush. I learned the trick but sometimes got ink on my hands and blouse. Those were the good old days. We had one of those machines on our first few pastorates. Then we went to copy machines. You typed the original on paper, cut and pasted the pictures you would use and then ran it on the copy machine. Next we got a computer and typed it on a screen and ran it off on a copier.We sure have come a long ways since the 60's. I always loved working in the office of the church and was secretary for Chuck many years. Who would have thought when I was helping Rev. Jones in the little office at the Dorr Street church, with the bulletin, that I would some day be helping my Pastor husband with the bulletin too. The lesson I learned was that God goes before us and provides training and preparation for our future. We are never alone. What a blessing that is!

Jasmin Comes To Our House

2011-01-30T23:40:00.000-08:00

Last week we were able to help Julie and Sam out with Jasmin. They have a baby sitter for her on a regular basis but her husband was diagnosed with throat cancer and had an operation. So Jasmin came to our house all last week. She is real good and very easy to care for. We have all kinds of toys and things to do with her, so it was no problem at all.
I have been doing some crocheting and trying to figure out a couple patterns by way of samples I have received or have been given. At Christmas time I had this door knob cover that looks like a little hat.

It looks fairly simple. One day Cyndi came over and helped me figure out the stitching. I tried to make one then, but it needed a few adjustments. I think I got it now.

Then there is a little doll with a crocheted dress. Jasmin loves to dress and undress it. It fits over top of a Cool Whip dish. You can give it as a gift with cookies, candy, or whatever you want to put inside the bowl.

When Ava saw it she wanted one of the dolls with a dress, so I'm trying to figure out the pattern. One other thing I tried was a crocheted bookworm. They are quick and easy, so share it with you here.

Crocheted Bookworm (use as a marker)

Jasmin trying to crochet

Jasmin really liked seeing me crochet and wanted to try it, so I gave her some yarn and a hook to try it.

I did a few chain stitches and gave it to her and it was so cute to watch her try to wrap the yarn around her hook and fingers to try to do it.

Then she would play with some blocks or a puzzle. Pretty soon she would come back to the yarn to try to figure it out. Sometimes we would stretch some yarn across the living room so she could walk on it like a balance beam. Then she would do some ballet moves that Ava taught her.

Building towers with wooden blocks

Then she wanted to play Bride, so I cut her a piece of netting for a veil and attached it to her head band she got for going potty on the toilet.

Here comes the bride

Currently we are working on a goal of going a whole week without wetting in her panties. If she does, the prize is Ruby slippers like Dorothy of Oz. I'll probably have to figure out a way that Ava (already potty trained) can get her a pair of Ruby slippers too. Grandparenting is such fun.
The other fun things we did was teach her a song we used to sing when we were kids and we played train ride too. It was called "Down by the Station" Chuck would set out 2 chairs to sit on, and then they would get on board, with their tickets. Singing...

"Down by the Station, train ride with Grandpa.

Down by the station, early in the morning, see the little puffer bellies all in a row. See the station master pull the little handle, clang, clang, toot, toot, off we go. (make all the sounds of the choo choo, chugging.)
Chuck read a story to her called "3 Billy Goats Gruff". Remember that one? Lots of different voices. (The Troll, Little Billy Goat, Middle Billy Goat, and Big Billy Goat.)

Reading story of 3 Billy Goats Gruff

Later when we were doing things in the kitchen she laid on the floor reading the book and imitating all the sounds. So cute

Jasmin and her painted finger nails, ready for the ball

Sometimes she likes to pretend she is Cinderella going to the ball to dance with the prince. Of course that would be Grandpa. We had to paint her nails when she got ready to go to the ball too.

Cinderella (Jasmin)dancing with her prince (grandpa)

We have quite a few little conversations with her and Chuck was trying to teach her some new words. When she would put her socks or shoes on by herself he would say, "you are very independent." He would ask her if she knew what independent means? Can you say it? She would try and he told her it meant that she could do things all by herself. So when she would ask to go to the bathroom, she would say I can do it, I'm independent. We decided then, to have a word for each day. Something she wouldn't know the meaning of. The words we have tried are: patience, independent, interesting, delicious, and obedient.

Comments on the 3 Day Diet Plan

2011-01-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

Finished off Day 2 tonight. Lost about 2 lbs. so far.
I want to point out that this is not a diet that you absolutely enjoy the taste of the food. But it will take off the pounds. And you just have to say, yes I will do this for the next 3 days. You are pretty hungry for the dinner meals, when it comes 5:00 pm you want to eat. And it fills you up.

It is ok....
a small amt. of butter on toast.
I put a little on veggies cooked sometimes. Just to make it taste a bit better.
You can use salt, or Mrs. Dash too, for the taste. Otherwise everything tastes bland.
It is not a diet of calories. But it is a chemical diet. But I do think the amt. per day works out to be
about 1,000 to 1200 calories a day.
We eat light toast to save a few calories for the butter added.
It helps so much to buy the foods you are going to need for 3 days. Then you have your menu
and you know what you will cook for each meal. It saves time and frustration of what to cook.

3 Day Diet Plan

2011-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

For the last few years, usually in January, I have gone on a 3 Day diet. Just to take off the weight gained during Christmas time. Plus to jump start a more consistent diet plan for myself. Chuck and I started on Monday and today is the 2nd day. It is going pretty well. I've had several people on my Face Book wanting the diet plan, so I thought I'd share it here.

Super Diet

Must Be Followed Exactly. Lose 10 lbs. in 3 Days, then eat regular diet

Can go back on then after 4 days of regular meals.

Shopping List

3 Day Diet

Fruit: Apples, Bananas, Grapefruit, Cantaloupe,

Veggies: Beets Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower

Meat: Tuna, Beef Hot Dogs, Lean meat, Lean Lunch meat

Lean Roast Beef Lean Turkey Chicken (no skin) (no pork)

Peanut Butter

Starch: Wheat Bread Plain saltine Crackers

Dairy: Cheese Eggs Cottage cheese Vanilla Ice Cream

Lettuce & greens: Romaine, Collard, Spinach, dark green leafy lettuce, some ice burg lettuce.

Day 1

Breakfast: 1/2 Grapefruit, 1 slice toast, 2 Tablespoons peanut butter

Lunch: 1/2 cup tuna, 1 slice toast, coffee or tea

Dinner: 2 slices any type meat (about 1.3 oz ea.) 1 cup greens

1 small apple, 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Day 2

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 slice toast, 1/2 banana

Lunch: 1 cup cottage cheese, 5 saltine cracker squares

Dinner: 2 hot dogs, 1 cup broccoli, 1/2 cup carrots,

1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, 1/2 banana

Day 3

Breakfast: 5 Saltine cracker squares, 1 slice cheddar cheese, 1 small apple

Lunch: 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 slice toast

Dinner: 1 cup tuna, beets, 1 cup cauliflower, 1/2 cantaloupe,

1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

I think I eat way too much and bigger portions, especially at restaurants, than I need. And I have a troublesome part of the day. About 3-3:30 in the afternoon I begin to get groggy or lethargic and usually give up and take a nap. But then that puts me up later than I need to be getting things done. Then I don't want to get up very early in the morning. So I've really been trying to address this and am trying to revise my daily plan. So wish me luck or better yet, pray for me that I would be able to get my daily routine in better shape so I can accomplish more. I think this 3 day diet plan helps me to get a good start on eating right and then I do the weight watcher diet for the most part. The one I used to do in the 1970's when I went to classes in Sandusky. I had a wonderful instructor. She really inspired us. Basically if I stick to this and go without sugar most of the time I keep my hypoglycemia in check and my cholesterol and high blood pressure in check. The Doctor said if I could get off 30 lbs. I probably wouldn't have to take meds. Well that would be worth it for sure.

I used to be skinny in college and when Chuck and I got married. I think I weighed 116 lbs. I know I will not get back to that weight, nor do I want to. But I want to get my body in better shape and health so I can be using my time and energy better. I have been having a cup of tea each day. Cyndi got me some Herbal Life tea and it is real good and does give you energy in the afternoon especially. So that is my story. It seems we all fight with the weight control and I know God wants us to take care of ourselves and do the best plan we can so we can be effective in His work. Sometimes I get tired of trying, but I think I have a new outlook lately. It is getting closer to God and so much listening to and worshipping Him, that it directs my life choices. It is not new, it is just a renewal of my mind. Romans 12:2 J.B. Phillips puts it this way...
"Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity."

Savannah Turned 11

2011-01-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Last night after,church, we went over to Julie and Sam's for a dessert which happened to be a birthday brownie, well a whole bake dish of brownies. It was Savannah's birthday (our oldest granddaughter).We had brownies to go with chocolate mint ice cream. Savannah opened her presents from Cyndi and her family. She got some very cute outfits for her American girl doll and a treasure chest to carry the clothes in. They make such cute clothes and accessories for dolls now.

Savannah's present from the Baldermann family - doll clothes and treasure chest to keep them in.

Savannah opening her skates

Savannah enjoying her skates

We gave her skates and a magical ball called Fuhuigi. It didn't take her long to put her skates on. She had been wanting them for some time. So I imagine that her family or Grandpa will be taking her to the roller rink before long. Cyndi hinted that she could use some skates too. And I'm pretty sure that Alyssa will want some too. The Baldermanns have just recently been to the Skate place. I think it is in or near Spring Arbor.

Cyndi putting the laces in Savannah's skates

The girls, Alyssa and Savannah, are working on a baton routine for the upcoming talent show. We will see what they will come up with for that. Cyndi and I were giving some guidance and it reminded me of when Cyndi use to teach baton and when I used to march in the Labor Day parade with my dad. He bought me a pair of majorette boots and a fine baton. I loved marching to the John Philip Sousa tunes. I think Cyndi picked out "Stars and Stripes Forever" for the music the girls are using with their routine. Another opportunity to reminisce some of my childhood memories. We had a good time sharing once again. Julie drew some caricatures of some of the kids. She is going to be doing that this summer for an added feature to their Pirate shows. They were able to book 4 fairs and a couple more leads.

Julie drawing Alyssa's caricature (exaggerated features)

Earlier today Chuck went to a Martin Luther King service that our pastor had promoted. It was at a black church and very few white people were there. He said it was a great service and he was glad he went. Then later on this afternoon, we ran into Savannah at the mall shopping with their former baby sitter, Jasmin E. Jasmin was treating her for her birthday. Chuck and I had to get a few items for the diet we are going to be on for the next 3 days. I go on it every year when I go on a diet plan. I do this one for 3 days to jump start the other diet. It helps you lose 7-10 pounds right off the bat. So that helps. But you have to follow it exactly and only be on it for 3 days. After the 3 days we will be on Weight Watcher type diet along with substituting a meal at lunch time, from Herbal life.

Herbal Life and Tea plus a Shake Weight and a 3 Day diet plan
What more could you want for a great Weight loss success?

Plus we are doing exercise on the rebounder and Chuck got me (and him) a Shake Weight which will help with upper arms. So we are working the diet and exercise plan for January. A pretty easy plan. But it still takes dedication and stick-to-it-tive-ness. I so need to get some pounds off to feel better. Pray for us as we commit to this for the next couple months. Oh yes and Cyndi got me some Herbal life tea. I have never tried it before, but it seems to be giving me extra energy.
Attached is my 3 day diet plan, approved through the Mayo Clinic, if anyone would like to try it.
You have to eat exactly what it says on the day it says and all of it.

Shake Weight plus Ice-cream, How Awesome

Yes, you even get ice cream for dessert.
But no chocolate or extras. Vanilla ice cream is better than no dessert. This is what you call a chemical diet, and it really works to lose 10 pounds. January seems a good time to start a new plan to get in shape. Now if I just wouldn't indulge so much at birthdays and weddings, and other times. I really enjoy all those cookies and candies at Christmas time too, I guess it doesn't hurt now and then. But sometimes my now and then becomes everyday!!! Good luck on your plan. I'll be thinking of you.

3 Day Diet Plan - follow exactly. (double click to see better)

5 Minute Chocolate Cake in a Mug

2011-01-17T16:53:00.000-08:00

THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON.......HOW NEAT

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
It is Never to Late for a Happy Childhood! Have Fun!

Spring Arbor makes the News

2011-01-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

On the way home from church, today, we stopped to get the paper and found out that there was a big article in it about the little town of Spring Arbor. Ava, next to youngest granddaughter, was in one of the pictures (pg. A-4). Spring Arbor was voted to be the best small town to raise your kids in. It told about the many opportunities at the church as well as featured Warner school. We know how wonderful it is at the church for sure. There are so many things going on for the kids, teens and youth. Take a look at the article below and you will see. We are glad we only live 2 miles away and can get in on many of the programs at the schools and church. (to see closer view, double click on picture)

Ava in the News

A Week-end With the Durocher Kids

2011-01-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

We are having the Durocher kids stay at our house while their parents are going to Grand Rapids till Sat. night. They came at different times last night. Chuck picked up Karson and Max. Jasmin got dropped off around 3 and Savannah had to stay after school for some club and then had a birthday party. Cyndi had Karate lessons so she dropped off her 3 kids around 6. In between coming home from school, snacks and sharing time, the kids played and I got dinner ready. It was a little chaotic for awhile, but we were ok until Max spilled his juice, cranberry apple juice, all over the rug that is under the table in the dining room. Wasn't sure if it would come up, but Grampa to the rescue. He had some super duper carpet cleaner which did the job. Max felt so bad about spilling it. He went in the bedroom to hide for awhile, but we talked and he was ok after while and came back out to eat and later play. The incident went down good, and it was a good learning time. Lots of hugs and consoling helped. Both the boys test each other from time to time, and Karson said a few things that really felt extra judging to Max at the time, but he came in and apologized without anyone telling him, so that was a good thing.

This morning went pretty well, but I over slept a little, and Grandpa was up making oatmeal and packing some lunches. I got up then and helped with things. The kids made it to school in good time, no arguing, had their backpacks ready, got themselves dressed and made their beds, put their dirty clothes in a bag without hardly a word. So feeling pretty good about the morning. Now to concentrate on what is for dinner. I think it will be chili. We are appreciating our girls and their husbands for the awesome job they do with keeping the family routine going. It is actually kind of fun to get back with the parenting roll, but have noticed that the body and mind is not working as good as it used to work. We may do some things on Sat. Max is trying to do some sewing projects. And Grandpa and Karson have been working on the Titanic model they got for Christmas. Max and Andrew both have a model car they are working on with him too. Us girls are doing sewing projects. So much fun. I just have to work a little more on getting things out of boxes downstairs in the craft room. Cyndi and I worked on a pattern for the door knob cover for Christmas. Trying to write the pattern, from a sample of one already made, is a little hard.

When Alyssa came over last night, with Andrew and Ava, we looked through several boxes of craft items. We found a pattern for making a leotard. It is the one I used when I made Cyndi's outfit for a baton routine or maybe a gymnastic suit. There was some red, white and blue sequin boarder to sew on the suit. So I gave it to Cyndi. Alyssa is supposed to be in a talent show doing a baton twirling routine. I think she might make an outfit for her. I think Savannah is doing a magic trick for the talent show, but she is interested in doing a baton presentation too. We will see what the two of them come up with. Anyway, you can see, we are having a lot of fun with the grandkids.

Around 3:30 Chuck went to pick up the kids at school and stopped by to get mail and some things at the dollar store. He found a can of sardines on sale, so got it. He told the story how him and his dad used to like to eat sardines together. He told Max and Savannah, if they tried them he would give them a quarter. So they did. And I tried it too (no quarter).

Sardines in mustard sauce, yum, says Grandpa

Chuck eating sardine sandwich

Max trying sardines

max, "Hey these are pretty good!"

Savannah, "Well maybe, for a quarter"

She didn't like them much, nor did I. But Max liked them and ate half the can. Especially after I said they were good for you. So funny.

I wanted to share with you about the spelling bee we went to this week at the high school. Andrew was in the 5th grade group and got an award and certificate. The 4th grade participated also. Some pretty sharp kids and some pretty hard words. Andrew did not make the finals, but did well.

Andrew in 5th Gd. Spelling Bee, 4th from left

Andrew with his friend Ethan, holding their awards

Hope you are enjoying your winter, inside or outside. Someone was talking about sitting by a cozy fire reading or crocheting. All sounds good. The point is to enjoy life and not let life drain you of your energy. That can be a challenge and a test from time to time.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-01-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

It is a sunny day here in the neighborhood. I have been in and out of the computer room trying to catch up on paper work and blog. If you haven't checked out my Recipe blog recently, go here. I put a link on the sidebar for my main blog for the Christmas recipes we did over Christmas. I didn't get the sugar cookies and frosting recipes posted yet. But you can check ever so often and there will be new recipes to try. Also I hope to do some "history" things, I call it.
Example: Stories behind Christmas ornaments, Churches we served, Vacations we've taken, Special family memories, people who have touched our lives in the ministry, childhood and college and seminary life. Tips and techniques and how to do things, like crafts and sewing, methods of organization and cleaning, etc. I may even put on computer tips on how to do blogs and short cuts in computer know how. So be sure to check back. This is one of my projects for the new year. I think it is sort of in the resolutions category, but those so often fail. So I'm putting them in the goal category and checking them off as I go. Maybe, just maybe, I will get more accomplished. lol.

It was sure busy in Nov. and Dec. as we attended so many programs and services. The grandkids were in plays and programs and the church and the college provided us many opportunities to view the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. It was indeed wonderful to be with our girls and their families to share in all of this. We are feeling more at home in our new house on Smiley Way and have enjoyed a bit of company. This week we will have some friends from Indiana visiting. We hope many more of you will find a time to come visit. Below are a couple pictures of Christmas celebrations.

The grandkids, Blowing out the candles on Jesus' Birthday Cake on Christmas Eve

Chuck and Cyndi putting together a puzzle,
A New Year's tradition

Last week, as you know, we attended a funeral for our brother-in-law, Russell Clayton. He was 97 years old. He will be missed so much. It was good to see many of the family at the dinner after the service. Some we had not seen for several years.

Chuck, Sue, Betty, Allene, Margaret and Richard at Russ' funeral 12-31-10

Cyndi, Sue, Chuck and Julie at the funeral 12=31=10

Meretta, Terry and Ben, Annette Mast, Richard and Margaret Thrall, Dan and Megan, Andrea and Kathy Painter

Many of the children are growing up and changed in appearance. Most of us have changed because we ate too much and so we look to the new year to start trimming down. The girls have already started their routine with exercising and weight loss. It is encouraging me to get with it. Sometimes we fail to take care of our own bodies because we are so busy taking care of everyone else. This is another area I intend to work on, keeping healthy. We ate way too many candies and cookies. The new restaurant of choice, here in Jackson, is Cracker Barrel. It is only a couple miles from us. In Indiana we traveled to Elkhart to go to it. Of course we like our standby, Bob Evans. But the new year finds us being a little more frugal about going out to eat, and I've taken on the challenge of cooking more. I am motivated by the grandkids and their families. We sure enjoy being together for meals and games.

Some new projects resulting from Christmas are: Chuck building a model Titanic with Karson and the other 2 boys. Karson, the youngest boy, has been very interested in the Titanic and the story behind it. He has checked out several books in the library at school, on the subject. So one day we stopped at Michaels store and they had a model of the ship. So of course we had to get it.

Karson and Grandpa with model of the Titanic they will build together

When it is completed, Karson will get it. The other boys will just help. Chuck also wants to get the 2 older girls involved in visiting the rest homes for a service. Last Sunday they both went with Chuck and sang "Go Tell it on the Mountain". Chuck gave the devotional and the people that live there in Arbor Manor enjoyed the worship time. Another goal I have is to teach the two oldest granddaughters how to sew by hand, and maybe make some 9 patches for quilting. That should be fun. We got them a dolly sewing machine for Christmas, but it doesn't really work very well, so may aim for buying them a first sewing machine of their own, in the future.

So that is my small, getting started, vision for 2011. Spiritually we are setting some new goals for living Missionally. Applying principles of the 4 areas of growth that Pastor Mark has been sharing with us. The vision he has been sharing is Come and Die, based on Matthew 16:24. The 4 investments of a Christ follower...

We live in the precarious, and yet exhilarating 'middle' - a place of devotion and sacrifice , called to do this together.
Gathering to see God as He is, scattering to be a tangible expression of Christ to the world. This is a Missional Life.

We trust you are taking a new look at your new year, filled with opportunity and challenges. May God go with us all, to renew our relationships, commit daily to Christ's work, reach out and bless the world around us. Blessings and love from us to you.