Lake Huron

One day while Ed and Helen were here visiting us we made a trip to Lake Huron. Ed & Helen really enjoy fishing and often go out on the Pacific Ocean. (We have eaten some of the fish they have caught and smoked and it is amazing!) We thought they would enjoy seeing Lake Huron and checking out some of the boats and the area. Unfortunately it was very cold and windy down by the water and we all felt like we came back with wind burn.

Making Memories

We had an awesome time this weekend with all our company that came to visit. My sister is one of my best friends and we have been friends with Ed and Helen for over 22 years; they are dear friends indeed. These people been such a HUGE part of our lives through their love and encouragement. The time this weekend went by too quickly. Saturday we had a ladies day. We went out to a 50's Dinner for ice cream and then we came home an waxed our hands and enjoyed a foot spa treatment. Sunday we enjoyed a nice walk around the park, played some lawn games, had a time around the fire and grill, and had lots of GREAT times of connecting. I hope God has put some amazing people along your path in life that are there cheering you on. And hopefully you are investing in the lives of people and are their cheerleader in life. Friendship is a great treasure.

Time to Party

As most of you know we like to celebrate any special occasion, and we certainly did that this weekend. We started off the weekend with a fajita meal right before the graduation. Ruth, Damarise, and Hannah did a wonderful job of rolling out all of the tortillas we would need. I believe we had over 100 balloons hung up between our dining room and family room. After the graduation we had about 25 people over to celebrate. It was a great time and we sure made some special memories. As many of you know I do love to recycle my decorations but once I pack these graduation decorations away we won't be using them for four years. But if every thing goes as planned Titus will be graduating from high school, and Ruth & Zachary from college so we will have a lot to celebrate. (In one of the pictures Ruth and Zachary are holding up t-shirts of Lake Superior State University which was a gift from their Aunt Ruth. It was so cool for them to get the t-shirts. Ruth ordered them on line, and it was a neat surprise and way to encourage them on towards university.)

Graduating Class of 2009

I know our families and friends have been waiting to see some pictures of Ruth's graduation. We wish you all could have been here with us. We were blessed to have three family members from Chicago, some good friends from B.C., Damarise and Hannah, as well as church friends, many of Ruth's coworkers, and many friends from the mission here join us for Ruth's graduation. It meant so much to us and we know so many more would have loved to be here. Caleb, Kristina, Seth and a good friend Carly lead us in some singing. (They did an amazing job!) Ruth gave a speech and had a power point of pictures that recapped her life. (Vern and I needed Kleenex at that point.) It might look like I was giving Ruth flowers, but she was actually giving me a dozen roses. Vern was voted to be the class speaker. Imagine that! We had about 40 party blowers that we handed out to family and friends which we used as she was handed her diploma. WAY TO GO RUTH!!! We would like to thank all of you special people out there that have loved, supported, prayed, and encouraged our daughter through her journey thus far in life. As she will soon be moving into the next phase of her life please continue to remember her. There will be adjustments and hurdles along the way. We know she will continue to need your love, support, prayers, and words of encouragement.

Congratulations To Our High School Graduate

Today we are celebrating another milestone for one of our children. As many of you know by now, I like to use any occasion to celebrate, especially when it involves some thing in the life of one of my children. Whether it was rolling over for the first time, getting a first tooth, walking, learning to read, counting to 100, getting their driver's license, or bringing home their first pay check. Vern and I have been there cheering them on in life. Today will be no different. Today is a day we will be celebrating and honoring our dear daughter who has worked so incredibly hard. Ruth we want you to know how proud we are of you. You have brought us joy beyond measure. It is a thrill to see how God has used you in so many ways whether it is working with our little Cubbies or showing a coworkers that you care about them. God has en gifted you in so many ways. Continue to seek Him and what he has for you in life. Congratulations! We love you and will continue to be here cheering you on in this next phase of life.

Field Day 2009

Today was Field Day at Titus' school. It was a nice sunny day and I came away with a sunburn. All the kids did so well. There was also an incredible crew of volunteers that helped make the day a success. (Thanks!) Here are a few snap shots of the day.