The Williams Family

Dane's birthday!

2009-01-25T15:32:00.001-08:00

Church Basketball-Check out the $75,000 floor we were able to buy for $200.

Check out Darren!

Just messin' around!

Dane and Chandler

Church Basketball

Last night was the beginning of the church basketball games.

Dane and Darren are on the orange team with their friends Chandler Good and Reagan Titus.

We embarrassed Dane by having Pastor Rick announce it was his birthday to everyone.

My "beagle man" comes home!!!!

2009-01-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, I ran to Springfield, Ohio and picked up my husband. Everything just felt wrong to both of us. Things were not very good down there. I just couldn't handle my life without my husband here. I don't know what is going to happen but whatever does, I want my husband here with me. We feel we've done everything we can possibly do as far as trying to find a job and nothing seems to be working, so I guess all we can do is leave it in God's hands at this point.

Dane turns 13!!!!

2009-01-22T06:13:00.001-08:00

Dane and Darren-Christmas '07
Dane-11, Darren-13

I've always loved this picture!! Dane-age 4

What a cutie!!!! Dane at 6 weeks!

Unbelievable!!! My baby turns 13 today!!! Wow, how time does fly. Watch out everybody, he's a teenager now. Happy Birthday, Dane!!!

I love you and hope you have a wonderful day!!!

January 24, 1996.

8lbs 2oz

20 inches long.

2009-01-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we took Ralph to Springfield, Ohio for orientation/training with Werner Trucking. Man, how I hated saying goodbye to him not knowing for how long. Sniff! Sniff! I was hoping and praying something else would come up before today. Nothing did, so we felt this was our only option. I know I shouldn't say this, but I just don't understand why God allowed this. Why did Ralph have to take a job where he can't be home with his wife and kids for days at a time. I'm trying to be thankful that at least he found something while many others haven't. I've heard of several men now that have committed suicide due to loss of their jobs, etc.
I'm so very thankful to many of our friends and family who have offered to keep the boys on the nights that I work. This is a great relief to me, although I hate to impose on their family time. I also have Sandy Masters across the road and down a little ways who is home at night in case of an emergency if the boys stay here. She also will know to watch and make sure they behave!!! Thankfully, I have a full time job where I only have to work 3 nights a week, so I'm sure everything is going to work out!!!
I guess really, I have been spoiled over the last year, my husband did all the running for school and basketball, did all the laundry and dishes. Now, I have to try and juggle this myself. I'm just not real good with change.
Thanks everybody for your prayers for us. Please remember Ralph during the next few weeks, he has a roommate at the hotel (he wasn't real thrilled about that) and then will be on the road with a trainer(I believe they will sleep in bunk beds in the truck). Hopefully, his trainer will be someone who has some things in common with Ralph.

2009-01-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Hello, again.
Well, we have reached the desperate state.....since Ralph has been unable to find a job around this area, he has decided to go to work for Werner Trucking. This means he will be gone from us for 4-8weeks for the training period. I feel sick when I think about not having him with us for the next 1-2 months. Somehow, this does not seem like the best thing but we don't know what else to do. I'm going to stay at the hospital for now since we really need the money. I'm not sure what we will do about the boys on the nights that I'm at work. Darren is almost 15, so we'll see. Unless, God provides a different job sometime before next Tuesday, life will be pretty different around our house. Please remember to pray for us during this time, I would really appreciate it and thanks so much.

2009-01-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone!!

We're getting lots of snow as I write this. I guess they're calling for 8-10 inches by tomorrow morning. Yikes!!! I'm already tired of winter. Winter just makes me feel down in the dumps, of course that's where I've been lately anyways. Ralph still can't find a job and we are at the end of his unemployment benefits. We won't be able to make it on just one income. I don't know what we are going to do. I keep reminding myself there isn't anything I can do but wait on the Lord. I just don't understand what He has in mind for us. I feel I'm in a constant state of begging Him to help us somehow and then I look back over the last year and realize He has been helping us make it to this point. I'm trying so hard to let go.

Well, enough of that, I did have a little good news. My echo on my heart came back looking good which is a big relief to me. I don't know why my heart has been racing, I'm assuming it's from anxiety. I also found out my thyroid levels are off again, so that could contribute to my heart racing as well. I'm so thankful for that little bit of good news.

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-12-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everybody!!!! I, for one, am very glad to see 2008 end. This has been a very rough year for us. I'm hopeful that 2009 will be a better year.
Darren and Dane spent new year's eve with Reagan and Perry Titus, they were invited to a U of M basketball game. Even though, they are not the greatest Michigan fans (thanks to their father) I think they both had a really nice time. It was a neat opportunity for them. Thanks, Perry, for inviting them. We then met tonight at DJ's in Pittsford and ate with Perry and Cynthia and all the kids. It was nice to be with friends and laugh together. Ralph was asleep by 10:30 or so, but the kids and I watched the ball drop in Times Square. I always enjoy seeing that.
Please continue to pray for us as we make decisions about jobs, etc. It's confusing whether we made the right choice in staying in Michigan when Ralph was offered several jobs in the south and nothing seems to be working out for him here. I just want to be where God wants us.
Well, enough of that.
Have a very Happy New Year's Day!!!!!!!

Ralph's Kennel!

2008-12-28T10:14:00.001-08:00

Ralph's kennel-smashed!!

We had really high winds Saturday and Sunday. We woke up Sunday morning with Ralph's kennels smashed in the back yard. Wow!!! Looks like a pretty big limb is down behind it as well!

Our Christmas at Home!!!

2008-12-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

Darren's "perfect" shirt.
Bob with his toy hotdog.

Dane's new leather jacket and ipod touch!!

Darren with some of his goodies!

I really feel like Christmas wasn't so great this year, I guess, just because I have so many worries right now. It was nice having Mom and Dad here, although I wish Chris, Ron and Cass could of been here too. We also had a nice visit with Les, Marsha, Michael and Ruthann. It was great remembering old times and laughing together. I'm not sure why some of us don't get together more often. I think we get too busy with working etc and forget what is really important in life.

Christmas with Mom and Dad!!!!

2008-12-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

Darren's new hat with tags still on. What a goof!!
Dad, Ralph and Jess- just lazing around!!!

Some of the clan!!!

Mom's new purse!!!

We went to Boof's tonight for Christmas with Mom and Dad. Jess made lasagna, Boof made chocolate and pumpkin pies. Mom brought caramel pie(my favorite). Ralph and Easton were quite hyper. Ralph's always causing a ruckus around him. I guess that's why the kids love him!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to write and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

2008-12-10T03:10:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would ramble on for a little while. As most of you know, my husband has been without a job for over a year now. This has been a HUGE stressor in our lives, obviously, not only financially but emotionally as well. He has applied for a ton of jobs, went to truck driving school and still nothing has materialized. I just wanted to ask everyone who reads this, to please pray for us, that something might happen soon. I know my husband needs to have a job so he can feel better about himself. I think he is very tired of feeling like "Mr. Mom". Not only that, I would really like to be able to be more of a mom to my kids. With the shift I work, I am constantly tired or in bed. I work 12 hour shifts and have a 45 minute drive each way to work, so that does not leave much time for anything but sleep. Also, my schedule is so irregular, for six weeks I don't work the same days of the week. This makes it almost impossible for me to adjust back and forth on my days off. I just would like to maybe work part-time during the time my boys are at school and I can't do that until my husband has a job. Please, would you pray about this with me, my faith is not very strong, right now. Not only that, I have been having some issues with my heart and have to have some tests done next week. I am scared. Also, this adds to my stress as I need my job with health insurance to pay for these tests. I strongly feel, I need to be home (and when I am home, more awake) for my boys.
I'm sorry for the sob story, my husband probably won't be happy I have shared some of our problems on here, but I wanted to ask for your help in praying. Sometimes I think I can't take much more, but I know it could be a whole lot worse than this. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful that at least I do have a job and we do have some money coming in and I'm thankful for a healthy family, food to eat, a roof over my head and I could go on and on. I'm just so discouraged, so please remember us in your prayers. I want God's will in our lives. I just have a problem with trying to fix things myself and then worrying when I can't fix them.

A Very Naughty Dog!!!

2008-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

The naughty pooch!!! Does he look sorry??
My shoe and tree skirt!!

I only wore these once!!!

I just bought this tree skirt!!!!

He's gettin' nuttin' for Christmas, cuz he ain't been nuttin' but bad!!!!!! We went shopping tonight and came home to this. He chewed up my new shoes and my new Christmas tree skirt!!! Ugh!! What an ornery dog!!! And to think, I almost bought him a present while I was out!!!

Thanksgiving in West Virginia!!!

2008-12-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Dad, Mom, Me, Mibs, and Chris with my grandma!
Jess carving the turkey!

My Grandma with Dad and his grandkids!

My boys with their Grandpa and Great-Grandma!

My entire family were able to be together for Thanksgiving this year, including Bob and my sister's dog-Happy Jack. We had a nice time. It never fails that when we all get together we laugh until our stomachs hurt. Usually over very dumb things. It sure lifts the spirits to laugh and I'm thankful for being able to laugh. We are so blessed. We had way too much to eat and a VERY warm house to stay in (love ya dad lol)

Junior Convention 2008

2008-11-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

Dakota Mayle and Dane!!
Quiz Bowl Team getting their awards

Tannen Mayle-one tired baby!!

What an angel!!

Tyler, Justice, Chandler, Dakota, and Dane!

Dane's puppet team-getting ready to perform!

Our Pace Bowl Team-First Place Champs!

Corey Stewart, Abby Titus, Dakota Mayle, and Dane!

Third place! Tyler Mayle, Dakota Mayle, and Dane

Tyler Mayle, being silly!!!

Yesterday, was the 2008 Junior Convention in St. John's, Michigan. Dane took 2-Firsts one in wildlife photography, one in Pace Bowl, 1-second in special effects photography, 1-third place in basketball. We were all so proud of all of the students. We took alot of awards!!!!

It's a very tiring day, especially for the teachers and parents, but what an awesome feeling to see the students win medals for their hard work!! We ended our day at CiCi's pizza in Jackson, which seems to have become the tradition. I felt sorry for the employees when 30 plus people arrived all together at their restaurant.

BLBS mock election!!!!

2008-11-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

Darren's speech

Dane as a security guard

Arriving for the election

Here they come!

Part of the motorcade

Darren and Reagen

Security

Darren's blooper!

My boys were privileged to be a part of the BLBS Mock Election of 2008. Darren was campaign manager for John McCain(Reagan Titus), and Dane was a security guard. They sure played it up big with a limo, police escort with sirens, the works. Everyone even got to vote. We had speeches from many important people including Stan Burchardt, Ken Kurtz, JJ Hodshire( campaign manager for Tim Walberg), Bruce Caswell and several others. Darren cracked everyone up with his intro of John McCain, check out the video clip, but I was very proud of him for being able to get up in front of all those people and give his speech. For more of the mock election, go to birdlakebibleschool.org.

Bob goes to school!!!!!

2008-10-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dane did an oral report on English Bulldogs, so I took Bob to school for demonstration. The kids seemed to really like him. He even did his "splat" with his back feet straight out for them. This dog, what a turkey.

2008-10-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a few days since I've posted. Lots of stress at our house. As you all know, Ralph has been laid off since last November and we are starting to really get worried about him a new job. There really doesn't seem to be a whole lot out there. To make a long story short, Ralph starts truck driving school on Monday. We're still hoping to hear that the state of Michigan will pay for this training as Ralph is considered a displaced worker since Merillat is closing completely. Through the school, he filled out about 22 applications for jobs after his graduation. He has had about 10 offers of work once he passes the class. I have mixed feelings about all this. I'm worried about him being on the road and having to be gone for days at a time. I am praying that he will be able to be home frequently. Also, this is affecting my job because I work 12 hour night shifts and am almost an hour away from home, so I may have to find another job where I can be with the boys at night. I can't feel good about leaving them alone that long and being that far away. Please pray for us over the next few weeks as we make decisions about both of our jobs. I have a hard time leaving this in God's hands, I feel constantly anxious about how this will all work out. I pray and try to leave it with Him, but soon am worrying again. This last year has been sooooo difficult and I want to be where God wants us to be. ( Sarah Watters, if you're reading this, thanks so much for your post with Chonda Pierce, it really spoke to me. I needed that, too!!! Keep looking up!!!) I enjoy my work in the ER, and I dread starting a new job, but obviously my family comes first. I'd really like to be off night shift anyways.

As I type this, Bob is laying behind me snoring. It is such a peaceful sound almost like a purr, it always makes me feel safe and cozy somehow. Isn't it interesting, how such a simple thing like that, God can use to make you feel more at peace. Sometimes, I feel like I just can't take another minute of all this......the constant worry, and I know I need to just be still ( like Bob, who doesn't have a care in the world cuz he trusts we will take care of him) and let God work!!! I mean, really, does he look worried to you? lol

I'm sorry for the rambling, it helps to let it out. Please, whisper a prayer for us when you think of it and thanks!!!!!

Octoberfest, 2008

2008-10-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today was octoberfest at BLBS!!! We had boat rides, baked good auction, Reconcile quartet, a bouncy castle, lots of games, a bonfire, hog roast, and a hayride!!! Lots of people and lots of food!! I think they said we raised over $900 with the auction. What a beautiful day!!!

Finally!!!

2008-09-30T21:38:00.001-07:00

I finally found the color! I really like it and everything is coming together. Yay!!! What do you think?

2008-09-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have changed my mind several times about my new curtains. They are very pretty, Mom did a good job. I just can't decide whether to put them in the kitchen or the living room. Help!!! I really think they look better with the tan walls. What about sheers in the middle?

My new kitchen!!

2008-09-20T18:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, everybody. I'm not sure about this, but here's pictures of my kitchen. The color on the sample at the store seemed perfect and then when I put it on the walls, I'm not so sure. But, as Ralph says, I'll probably change the color shortly anyways. It's soooo different. I need some honest feedback, please. We'll have our own version of Rate My Space. I still have to hang pictures and accessorize. Now, on to the living room. Mom made my new curtains and they look really nice but I have to paint in there before I hang them. I want the rooms to coordinate together.

2008-09-15T01:13:00.000-07:00

It's 4:15 am on Monday, September 15, 2008. I am awake, so thought I would blog. I had 4 days off in a row over the weekend and ended up sick! Ugh!! What a great time to be sick, when I was hoping to get some stuff done around here. I am up because every time I lay down, I start to cough and don't want Ralph to be disturbed. I've had seepy eyes that were matted shut when I woke up yesterday, sorethroat, headache, stuffed nose, cough, you name it and I had it. I lost my voice also. Ralph enjoyed that, I think. Anyhow................I'm on the mend now hopefully. I was supposed to work tonight, but took the night off to recuperate. Now that I've bored you all with my woes, I'll move on to something else.
Mom and Dad were here on Thursday. Mom, Boof(Melanie), and I went shopping, that was fun. Just wish Chris could've been here to go too. I don't remember if I mentioned that we painted our kitchen cabinets a chocolate brown color. It's a drastic change but it's growing on me. It took me several days to decide if I like it or not. I removed all wall stuff to try and figure out how to make it all work. Any how while Mom was here, Boof and her helped me find material for new curtain panels and now I'm very excited about my new plan. I have picked out a new wall color, too. I will try to post pictures when it's done. Can't wait!!! I always get gung-ho in the fall with redecorating my house. Ralph is Thrilled!!! Ha!!!
Ralph is down to his last 8 or 9 weeks of unemployment and we're starting to get nervous. Could you remember us in your prayers about a new job for him. I don't understand why he was offered 6 jobs in North Carolina and none here. Obviously, we couldn't move without selling our house and that didn't seem to be happening. I just don't know.
The boys are already finished with 3 weeks of school. Wow!!! I can't believe I have a high-schooler and a junior high-schooler. What happened to my babies? So far, they are really enjoying their new school building.

2008-09-05T19:49:00.001-07:00

Just another post about Bob. He got stung today by a bee or horsefly, I'm not sure what. He looks horrible. It doesn't seem to be bothering him any but man, he was already ugly and now look at him. His better eye is HUGE!!!! I've been giving him Benadryl, I'm not sure what else I can do about it.

Dane's new room!

2008-09-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Dane and I hung a mural in his room tonight. What do you think? I hope he doesn't have bad dreams tonight with a shark above his head. He picked it out. So we'll see.

Bob!

2008-08-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

I know some of you probably get tired of my pictures of Bob but he does some of the most hilarious stuff. He keeps our household entertained.

What an ugly face?

2008-08-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad made an impromptu trip to Michigan on their trike. They ended up buying a camper while they were here. Dad took all the grandkids for rides on his trike, I only ended up with pictures of him and Darren though. I think Mom took some of the others. I threw in a picture of their camper. It's pretty nice.

2008-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ralph's new puppy!!

2008-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Dane is part boy, part fish. He loves being in the water. Then, there is Darren, he'd rather be in the house on the computer or playing games on his PS2 or PSP. He also doesn't like to have his picture taken as you can see. What a couple of turkeys!!!!

2008-08-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Chris, Ron, and Cassie came to visit last weekend. We really enjoyed visiting with them. It's been awhile since we were together. I sure miss having my other sister up here. Life sure isn't the same as it used to be. I'm posting some pictures of our time together. Bob was happy to have his Aunt Chris here to give him something to eat. You know, we never feed him. He was giving Chris the pathetic eyes and making her feel guilty for eating in front of him. He looked so funny. We also had fun playing Beware of the Dog and Cassie enjoyed giving Darren his birthday card. Then, checkout how Bob was sleeping.

2008-07-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, my doggie nephew came to stay with us. As you can see, him and Bob had quite the time. Happy Jack literally had Bob all tied up with the cable. They were awful hyper together, but I think Bob had the time of his life.

Happy Birthday, Bud!!

2008-07-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Darren's 14th birthday party. He actually turns 14 tomorrow but I have to work so we had it tonight. He had his good friend, Raegan Titus over to spend the night. I can hardly believe he's 14, it seems like yesterday he was my baby boy.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Bud. I love you very much.

2008-07-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

We've been redoing our laundry room, it's the last room that needed help. It's not finished but it's starting to look soooooo much better. Here's a picture of it. For those of you who have ever seen our laundry room, you'll understand. We still have work to do on it. I wanted to be more organized with all of our coats, hats and shoes.

2008-07-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind with my blog, but thought I would post some pictures of our night at the fireworks. We took Bob along. It was nice to be together, although it was COLD and of course, we didn't take jackets. Who could believe we would need them in July!!!!!

2008-07-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was so surprised to arrive at work on our anniversary to a huge bouquet of roses. 18 roses for 18 years. Just when I think I know him, he does something special to throw me for a loop. They are absolutely beautiful!! We sure have changed from the pictures in my previous post. Don't you think? Older, heavier but hopefully alot smarter.

Happy Anniversary to my Husband!!

2008-06-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

We've been married 18 years today. I can hardly believe how fast time has flown. We've been through alot together. I love you more today than I did 18 years ago. Thanks for 18 happy years. We've changed a little bit since then, don't you think? We were so young. Love ya, Hon.

2008-06-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Good-bye Frank!!

Frank died yesterday, June the 13th. Bob has been sick and Frank seemed to catch what Bob had. Within about 24 hours he was gone. I feel so horrible. I thought he would be okay after a day or so and instead he died during the night. Thursday night we tried to find a vet open but couldn't, so we figured if he wasn't better by morning we would take him then. I think the hardest thing I have ever had to do was to wake Dane up and tell him his dog had died, so he could see him one last time. Dane and Frank were the best of buddies. Dane is doing okay, I guess, he isn't saying very much. Darren, too has just gotten quiet. I just can't believe he's gone. No more Frank running to get under our feet so we will rub his tummy. I sure did love that dog. On top of my own sadness, I feel so bad for Dane I can hardly stand it. Bob is doing some better. He's on three different medications, I quess it's some sort of GI infection/virus. Frank was just too old to handle it.

2008-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at work and for the moment our ER is empty (that could change really fast), so thought I should update my blog. Mom and Dad left to go home to West Virginia yesterday afternoon. We had a nice time with them, we garage-saled like crazy. That's one of my favorite hobbies. I especially enjoyed Mom and Dad going to church with us. I think Dad was a little home sick for Michigan after going to the sale barn on Saturday.
We've been having some crazy storms lately. Kind of scares me. One we had yesterday caused the gate to our fence to blow open and we didn't realize it and let Bob out. A few minutes later, we heard a loud horn out front and a semi was stopped in the front of our house and Bob was running across the road. He almost became road kill. Man, that was scary.
Well, enough for now. I will post some pictures later of our new privacy fence and Ralph's new lawn mower.

Awards Night!!

2008-05-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the annual awards banquet for BLBS. Both of my boys received some trophies. Darren received-B honor roll and a scripture memory Trophy. Dane received-A honor roll, scripture memory, and highest overall GPA in Science for junior high.
I was very proud of both of them. We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed being in our own gymnasium for the banquet. It's so exciting!!
After the banquet, Darren headed off for international student convention in Warrensburg, Missiouri. He was very excited. I was kind of sad that I wasn't able to go with them. I'm sure Darren will have the time of his life. Jeremiah Hodshire even gave the entourage an official send off as he led the vehicles with his sheriff's car with the lights on. It was cool, I tried to catch it on camera but it didn't turn out.

It's kind of quiet already without Darren. I can't imagine life without him here. Just four years and he'll be heading off to college. I just can't believe it.

Darren's Graduation!

2008-05-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Bobber!!!

2008-05-11T14:41:00.001-07:00

I just love this picture of Bob and wanted to share it. Isn't he beautiful??

Mother's Day- May 11, 2008

2008-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

The boys and I on Mother's day!!!!!

Barn cleanup!!

2008-05-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

I don't think we have ever worked so hard for so long. Ralph and I are both so sore from pulling, tugging, climbing ladders etc. All day Saturday we worked on painting the house and cleaning up from our fires. Sorting metal from the debris etc. Merlin Masters brought in a backhoe and made things go so much easier. It's looking so much better. Hopefully, just one more good day of hard work and all remains of our barns will be gone.

Saturday was my birthday, sure wasn't the most wonderful way to spend it. Oh, well , birthdays aren't much fun anymore, anyways.

Regional Convention-May 2008

2008-05-11T13:58:00.001-07:00

We are so proud of Darren!! He received 4 medals his first year in the regional convention

1- a 4th for radio presentation

2-a 4th for web site design

3-a 3rd for one act play

4-a 1st with his special effects picture

After the awards banquet next Thursday, the students leave for Missiouri. Darren is excited. All the areas they received first, second, or third places in will go with them to the international convention.
Total our school took 4 First Place awards!! Good job everybody!!!!
Darren has had alot on his plate lately. Saturday, the 17th is his 8th grade graduation. He's growing up so fast. I can't believe it.

2008-05-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been almost a week since our fires. Probably half of our lawn is dead and several plants and trees in our yard. None of this was visible the day after the fire. The fire marshal and insurance adjuster have been here. It's unlikely that we will ever know for sure what caused the fire, although the fire across the road I feel was due to negligence of our fire department. Ralph and I were out at our barns with the hose and buckets dousing spots of fire that were still burning on Sunday night. I'm just so thankful that we only lost a dog and some material things and not our lives. God truly protected our house and us. I can't thank Him enough for that.
I was able to revoke my resignation from work and everyone seemed happy that I was staying which made me feel good. I have made so many friends at my job. I really did dread having to leave them. My heart has been so much more at peace over the last few days even with everything that has happened. Thanks everybody for your prayers. Please continue to remember us as we start the clean-up and everything else that goes along with having a fire. UGH! Lots of messy work.
We've been trying to get Darren ready for regional convention next week. He has entered 11 or 12 categories. I've tried to prepare him for not placing in anything as he's competing with lots of older kids from all over. If he plans not to place, if he does place it will be extra special. Then he's off to Missouri for the international convention. Oh, yeah. We also have Darren's graduation from 8th grade on the 17th. Lots and lots of work to do. I'll be glad when school is out and things are less stressful (hopefully)
Ralph has a job possibility that he's going to check on tomorrow morning. Please pray about this with us. It sounds perfect. So we'll see.

Our fire!!!

2008-04-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

We lost our garage (barn) and our barn last night to a fire. Darren posted the pictures last night and didn't write anything about it. We lost one of our dogs in the fire as well as our lawn mower and lots of other typical garage things. But we are all okay. Then this morning we woke suddenly to all of our house windows glowing orange and ran outside to find the barn across the rode completely engulfed in flames. The embers from our barn must have blown over and burned the neighbors barn to the ground within about 15 minutes. I'm so thankful it missed our house. Only by God's hand,are we all here today. It could have been so much worse. I feel the worst about the poor dog trapped inside. Darren's bedroom is upstairs and to the back of the house and the shade in his window is black and warped from the heat of our barn fires. When I opened our front door this morning I could feel the heat from the neighbors barn from my front porch. If the fire department would have gotten there just a few minutes later their house would have been engulfed and very likely gotten to our house. What a weekend. I've had enough stress for awhile.

On a lighter note, we've decided to stay here. Which is such a relief to me. I've been fighting and struggling with this decision for so long and on my way home from work last night after I'd gotten the news of the fire, It just hit me 'I don't want to go'. I just want to stay here. Thankfully, it seemed to occur to Ralph also. Nothing like God using a hammer over our heads to get us to look at things a different way. I feel pretty stupid letting everyone know this after all this time of thinking we were going to move. I have even given notice at work, so I'm not sure what will happen with that. But I need to get off my current shift anyways. So we will see.

2008-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

2008-04-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

Are these not the most hilarious pictures? I don't know how he can lay like that. Bob sure has added alot of life to our household. What a character!!!

We are moving!! Our house hasn't sold but hopefully will!

My last day at my job is in 2 weeks. Wow, this is scary.

A new adventure, (I'm trying, Sue) I do love the fact that I'll be about 3hours and 45 minutes from the coast!!! We're starting to pack. Fun, fun. I'm really excited about my job prospect, office hours and no holidays or weekends. This 12 hour night shift is killing me. The boys have a few weeks of school to get through and then we're off to North Carolina. You know, life is way too short to spend it fretting over minor details. In God's hands, nothing is a major one. With my BIL, Ron's recent heart "scare" it made me think, we need to live life to the fullest cuz we don't know what the future will hold. For some reason, God has put me in this place, at this time. I'm trying so hard just to rest in Him!!

I've been tagged!!!

2008-04-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've never done this before but I've been tagged. I'll try!!
1.) What I was doing 10 years ago-I'm not sure, my boys were pretty little, so I was probably too busy to notice. HA! HA!
2.) 5 Things on my to-do list today- 1. Start packing for our move 2.) Help Darren with Convention stuff 3.) Sleep 4.) Sleep 5.) Sleep
3.) Snacks I enjoy: Popcorn and plain M&M's, White chocolate pretzels, jelly beans, the list could go on and on.
4.) Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Pay off all debt for us and all our family, build a beautiful home with cash on the ocean, buy Ralph his dream truck, finish the school at Bird Lake, help missionaries, send my boys to college and on and on.
5.) Three of my bad habits: I don't have any!!! No, really this list does go on and on. I worry too much, have no patience, procrastinate, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, etc.............
6.) 5 Places I've lived: West Virginia, Bolivia, North Carolina, Michigan and Ohio.
7.) 5 Jobs I've had: Waitress, prep-cook, Cook, medical assistant, registered nurse.
8.) 5 people I'd like to know more about ( a nice way to say tag): Phil Arnold, Jesse Heer, Stanley Shipman, Chris and Ron Bolyard.

2008-04-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Haven't wrote for a few days. We had an extremely busy last few nights in our er. I am soooo tired. Around five this morning we flew out an 18mo old little boy to a children's hospital in Toledo where he could get intensive care that our small hospital is not equipped for. It was scary. I don't think I'll ever get used to the little ones coming in so critical.
Ralph was offered the position that he really wanted in North Carolina. He's excited. I'm really nervous about it. Ralph won't have to leave until closer to the end of May now which means I won't have to stay home for a month without him, which made me feel a little better. I also have an interview with Forsyth County health department in a few weeks. I really would like to be on a more normal schedule and be able to have a life again. Darren is starting to back track and doesn't think he wants to move now. He was the one who was so excited in the beginning. With Ralph, it's all black and white. He needs a job and he's been offered THREE down there. He doesn't see any reason to stay here. I tend to resist change and things aren't so easy for me. I hate starting new jobs.
Did anyone feel the earthquake this morning? I didn't, but I was rather busy at that time. Lots of people I work with felt it. Kind of scary.
Wasn't today a beautiful day? I think it must have hit 80 degrees. I'm not sure. It is so nice to finally see green grass and flowers blooming. I'm not sure Ralph is real thrilled about it, he keeps stuffing up and feeling horrible. I'm sure it's allergies.

2008-04-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight was BLBS' performance at the Sauk Theatre. They did excellent!! The place was full! Even though the weather took a turn for the worse, lots of people came out to support our kids!
I thought spring was here but it's cold again. We had to turn the furnace back on. Yuck!! North Carolina just keeps sounding better and better. Pastor Rick told us about a church and a Christian school close to the area we are planning to move to. I was very excited about that as I've been searching the area for a good school for the boys. Thankfully, this one isn't as expensive as most of the ones I have previously found. Just a little more than we pay now. God is really working things out, it seems like. Now, if we can just sell our house. I'm really trying to leave it all in His hands. I'm having trouble, though. I'm up and down and back and forth so much I'm feeling like I'm going to crack. One minute I want to go and the next minute I'm not so sure. I do know that Ralph needs a job and things here in Michigan are not looking so hot with area factories and businesses closing up. Boy does America need help. Gas was 3.44 a gallon tonight in Hillsdale. I don't know how people can keep going.
I think Bobber and Frank will like the weather better, especially Frank. His bones won't hurt so much with the warmer weather. Oh, We weighed Bob the other night and he weighs 62.5 pounds. What a horse!!!
Okay, gotta go. More later.

2008-04-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday afternoon. What a beautiful day, it's around 60 or so today. Yay!! Finally, Spring has sprung. Darren's drama class is getting the opportunity to perform their drama at the Sauk Theatre in Jonesville. What a great opportunity to witness to people who may not ever set foot into a church. He's very excited. It also made front page news in Hillsdale county yesterday. Ralph and the boys came back from North Carolina on Friday. He had a very positive time there and had several job offers. He may be starting a new job the beginning of May. He had one place that wanted him to start tomorrow. Yikes, that's moving a little too fast. The realtor called and has decided to list our house. On Tuesday night I had a good prayer time with the Lord and felt like everything was going to work out. Then on Wednesday, we had the call from the realtor and Ralph had 2 job offers.. Wow!! I feel peaceful about it now, just excited. It's interesting how when we take our hands off and turn everything over to Him, that seems to be when He starts to move. There is still lots of details and things to take care of, so please continue to remember us in prayer.

2008-04-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm home alone for a few days. Ralph and the boys took off for North Carolina today. So, it's just me, Bob and Frank. I've needed some quiet time. I miss "my guys" though. We're still not sure what we're going to do about moving. Please keep remembering to whisper a prayer for us whenever you can.

I took this lovely picture of Bob last night. Man, I wish I had his life. Don't you think he has it made? Not a care in the world.

Well, I think I'll go read a book or watch a movie. I need to enjoy this quiet while it lasts.

2008-03-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day, chilly but the sun was out all day. Yay!! Maybe spring is finally getting here. We spent the day in Fort Wayne, just to get away. We were supposed to go to North Carolina but decided to wait a little longer. It was nice just to spend the day with Ralph and the boys without pressure to do anything. Last night we went to Pizza Hut with Boof and Jess, Dave and Martha and the kids. We had a little too much fun, I think. I'm sure they were glad when we FINALLY decided to leave. That felt good, too. Just to laugh, it seems lately I haven't had a lot to laugh about. It felt good to be with Boof. We haven't been able to be together very much lately. I seem to not have much of a life by working 12 hour nights. I'm either sleeping or working. It feels like I live in a different world than everyone else sometimes. Any how it seems like whenever I get together with Boof we end up laughing like crazy. Ralph can be such a dork, acting like the "BEAGLE" man. If you don't know what that's about, you'll have to ask him about it sometime. Then, poor Jess, we seem to end up laughing at something he managed to do lately. Anyhow, we had a good time.
Today, while we were in Fort Wayne, we ran into Tim and Kristy, Ralph almost gave Kristy a heart attack by attempting to "steal" her cart in a store.
Tomorrow is church, and I'm anxious to go. I miss church frequently because of my job, so I think I appreciate it more when I get to go.
Oh, I thought this was interesting: I was in Goodwill tonight and I overheard a girl talking to her mother about a piece of furniture there in the store, she must have liked it and her mother didn't. Anyhow, as they walked away from it the girl told her mother, "You just don't appreciate art when you see it ". She was serious. HELLO, people this is GOOD WILL, I somehow don't think we're going to find art to appreciate at this store. It was a hideous Green painted end table. CLASSY people. WOW!! HIGHLy educated people hang out at GOODWILL. BE careful!!No offense to those of you who shop there (It's one of my favorite stores)

2008-03-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Boy, were we disappointed in what the realtor had to say. Obviously, now is not a good time to sell you're home, but I felt she was way off base. We have another realtor coming tomorrow so maybe she'll have better news for us. I don't know, maybe this is God telling us not to move. Time will tell. In the mean time, at least I got my husband to do alot of cleaning around the house that wouldn't normally have gotten done.

Frank fell in the pool yesterday. He had been walking around on the ice that had built up on the pool cover. Frank didn't realize that when the weather gets warmer the ice melts and he decided to take a little stroll and fell in the slush. He was drenched. I just HAD to get a picture real quick. It was funny, but I did feel sorry for the poor little fella.

Once again, we're getting huge flakes of snow and everything is white. When is Spring coming? I'm beginning to think never. The picture of frank was yesterday and you can see all the snow was gone and it was in the 40's. Then, today it's a winter wonderland again. YUCK!!

Our house!

2008-03-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

The realtor came tonight. She's coming back tomorrow to let us know what she thinks we can list for. Yikes!! I thought I would post a few pictures of our house just in case there's someone out there who might be interested. Also, so my relatives who haven't seen it for a while can see the progress we've made. What do you think?

More later.

2008-03-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

Here it is, 4am again and I'm sitting at the computer. Unbelievably, we got a ton of snow. ( I'm so tired of winter. Is spring ever going to get here?) I'm not sure how much, but I would say at least 7 inches. I'll take pictures when it's daylight. We worked really hard yesterday, cleaning closets, drawers etc to get our house in tip-top shape. The realtor re-scheduled for Monday now so that gave us more time to get ready. With the winter we've had this year, North Carolina is sounding better and better.
Bob loves the snow. He doesn't seem to understand that it makes you cold. He goes barreling through it like a bull-dozer. Then there's Frank. He hates it. I can't say as I blame him since he's so little. The snow is deeper than he is tall.
Ralph has a very good possibility of a job in NC. It's in the maintenance department of a huge hospital in Winston-Salem. At least hospital jobs won't be laying off. There's always going to be sick people. We leave next Friday for NC so hopefully, we'll know more when we get back.
Bye, I'll try to write more later.

2008-03-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Bob has really done it now, he chewed through the gas lines of our grill. Boy, Ralph wasn't too happy with him. I think Ralph is really starting to appreciate Frank. It cracks me up though that Bob is where ever Ralph is . He just loves him. It really bothers him when Ralph is mad at him.

Darren posted some video clips of the drama on his blog. So if you didn't get to see the play, you should check them out.

Darren and I got his short story done tonight for Convention. Can you believe Darren actually had WAY too many words. Most kids can't seem to have enough words. So I helped condense it down to about half of what it was. Now, we just have the research paper and the photos to do.

Oh, I thought everyone might enjoy this picture of the boys on MisMatch day. Aren't they beautiful?

2008-03-17T00:23:00.000-07:00

It's 3:30a Monday morning!! Yikes. I find myself often awake at these hours as I work night shift at the hospital. However, last night I had off. I can't seem to revert back and forth, I'm like a baby who has it's days and nights mixed up. We attended the wind/string ensemble last night at our church. It was beautiful. I was especially blessed when they played "How Great Is Thy Faithfulness" That is my favorite song. I needed to be reminded of God's faithfulness right now as we decide whether to move to NC or stay here. It's difficult, but I know He will quide us. Ralph has been laid off almost six months now. Anyways, on a brighter note, it was nice to see Les and Marsha Montgomery ( I think it was Ruth and Michaels wedding since we'd seen them, can it really be close to a year ago?) Boy oh Boy! Time sure does fly. I've been reading Sue Arnold's Blog. What a Hoot!! Loved the "knitting" story. Somehow, I'm sure, she'll find something to fill her hours. Don't you think? I have plenty of things here that could keep her busy! Why don't we all get together and show up for Sunday dinner sometime????
This coming Friday, the realtor is coming to look at our house and give us an idea of how much to list it for. I have alot of work to do to prepare for that. It's going to be a busy week. I realize now isn't the best time to sell a house, but we're going to try. Anyone interested? Obviously, this is a big factor in the decision to move south. Sooooo.......if you know anyone looking.... Well, enough for now. I guess I need to try to get some sleep.

BLBS spring drama

2008-03-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the drama. It was very good. We are so proud of Darren. Now it's time to concentrate on Convention stuff. This is Darrens first year in the regional and national conventions. Lots of work to do!!!

Bob the Bulldog!!!

2008-03-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

In October, we bought an English Bulldog puppy. I have always wanted to own one. Boy, has he ever rocked our world. Frank, our daschund, still hasn't accepted him into the family, although I can't blame him as Frank frequently gets bulldozed out of Bob's way or sat on, he even tries to sleep in the same bed with Frank. Whatever Bob feels like doing is what Bob does. Anyways, the picture to the left is of him at the beginning. See how cute he was. The other pictures are of him now. He's quite a cow!!! He doesn't even fit in his bed anymore. He sure has added life to the household.

BLBS Spring Drama-3/13/08

2008-03-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Bird Lake Bible School spring drama opening night!! Darren has one of the lead parts. He did really well, we are so proud of him. Dane was part of the stage crew. I think he is okay with letting big brother be in the lime light for awhile. Now, Dane tends to shine more in the sports department, however. He made the front page of the Hillsdale Daily News last week playing basketball in the schools new gym. I'll post pictures as soon as I can of the drama.
Ralph continues to be laid off from his job (5 months) at Merillat in Adrian. We are considering strongly moving south, closer to his dad and also a little closer to my parents. Ralph is hoping to be accepted into an electrical apprenticeship down there. He has wanted to become a licensed electrician for a long time. I really want the Lord's will regarding this. Please remember us in your prayers if we happen to cross your mind. My biggest regret would be the boys having to leave the school.
Well enough for right now. I'll try to keep this updated.