Junior Convention 2008

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!!!!

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!!!!!

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.

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

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!!!

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

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?