Dog Rescue

So for the past 2 years I have been busy doing dog Rescue for Pet Tales Rescue

The following video shows the Dogs I have fostered this past year!

A Year of Changes

 This past year I had stomach surgery, took care of my brother who has cancer and embarked on a new healthier living routine.  Tim and I are still rambling around in the 5 bedroom home, now only occupied by just the three of us. I have to admit I still love to swim in the pool and canoe down the Thornapple River. It's like a vacation home and regular home all in one. After our youngest graduates in 2 years it might be time to downsize.

My niece Bri got married and I had a great time helping with the decorations for her wedding.

For now I am still teaching technology classes, exercising to lose more weight, and trying to find some joy in very act of living!

Social Media and the Culture of Mean

By: Kelley DeBoer

    If you read your news online, you know the comments below the article don’t take much to become mean spirited. Hiding behind a keyboard, camera or App somehow allows people to post things they would never say in person. This becomes a real issue when so many tweens and teens use social media sites such as Instagram,  Titter, Whatsup, Vine, Wechat, Snapchat and many others, to post things in the spur of the moment not understanding the long term effects of the posts.  Many reputations have been damaged and friendships lost over a post that was supposed to be funny.  Years ago when you or I were angry we wrote a note, called or yelled at the person. The notes were thrown away, no record of the phone calls were kept, and we usually made up the next day. With social media this is no longer the case.  Many posts take on a life of their own and travel to many, many different people. Tween and teens collect followers as a measure of their popularity and often add a friend of a friend of a friend-until it is really unclear who is actually seeing and learning so much about them.  In addition the 700 “friends” that see an inappropriate post, can have an equal number of friends and the post can reach thousands within hours. A summer vacation  picture on a beach in a swim suit can be zoomed in on, altered  and send on to people you may not wish to view them.

 Another factor on the rise is the “ selfee”- often silly self-portraits taken at arm's length with a mobile phone. Almost half of the photos on Instagram feeds among people aged 14 to 21 in the UK are e, according to MobileYouth.. Before you know it underage children have their pictures and profiles distributed widely which is a grave cause for concern.

What can we do?   Keep connected with your child and don’t be afraid to disconnect them from the web when needed. Cell phones do not have to be attached to a child 24/7, and since the children are using the internet service you pay for, you have a right to know what information is being shared.

 1.Keep a basket in the kitchen and  have cell phones dropped into them when children are at home, and limit the time spent on them when they are at home.

2. Check you cell phone records each month so you know who he/she is texting.

3. Insist on your child giving you their user name and password for all social media sites they use. and make them add you to their friends list.  (If you are uncomfortable with this have them choose a favorite aunt/uncle to be your eyes and hears)

4. Model good social media behavior yourself .

5. Read the terms of service agreements out loud so your child understands that anything posted on a social media site belongs to the site holder and even if they use privacy settings-info is really not private.

6. Explain to your child about cyber bullying and defamation of character.

7. Encourage your child to think before they post.

8. Encourage your child to come to you when they view anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

9. Understand the kids have a real need to feel connect-so redirect them to connect in the manner Pope Francis suggested on World Youth Day: “Go and make disciples of all nations”. He went on to say Jesus’ message of love is not just for some, it is for everyone, and he urged the young people not to be afraid of bringing Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem most indifferent. Get them involved in a worthy cause-fighting cancer, feeding the homeless ect.

10. Remind your child that as a Catholics we live our faith by example, in both the real world and in the virtual world.

 

**Remember most tween/teens do not think what they are doing is wrong or bad-they have grown up with social media and see it has harmless play-until it affects them.  

Social Media and the Culture of Mean

If you read your news online, you know the comments below the article don’t take much to become mean spirited. Hiding behind a keyboard, camera or App somehow allows people to post things they would never say in person. This becomes a real issue when so many tweens and teens use social media sites such as Instagram,  Titter, Whatsup, Vine, Wechat, Snapchat and many others, to post things in the spur of the moment not understanding the long term effects of the posts.  Many reputations have been damaged and friendships lost over a post that was supposed to be funny.  Years ago when you or I were angry we wrote a note, called or yelled at the person. The notes were thrown away, no record of the phone calls were kept, and we usually made up the next day. With social media this is no longer the case.  Many posts take on a life of their own and travel to many, many different people. Tween and teens collect followers as a measure of their popularity and often add a friend of a friend of a friend-until it is really unclear who is actually seeing and learning so much about them.  In addition the 700 “friends” that see an inappropriate post, can have an equal number of friends and the post can reach thousands within hours. A summer vacation  picture on a beach in a swim suit can be zoomed in on, altered  and send on to people you may not wish to view them.

 Another factor on the rise is the “ selfee”- often silly self-portraits taken at arm's length with a mobile phone. Almost half of the photos on Instagram feeds among people aged 14 to 21 in the UK are e, according to MobileYouth.. Before you know it underage children have their pictures and profiles distributed widely which is a grave cause for concern.

What can we do?   Keep connected with your child and don’t be afraid to disconnect them from the web when needed. Cell phones do not have to be attached to a child 24/7, and since the children are using the internet service you pay for, you have a right to know what information is being shared.

 1.Keep a basket in the kitchen and  have cell phones dropped into them when children are at home, and limit the time spent on them when they are at home.

2, Check you cell phone records each month so you know who he/she is texting.

3. Insist on your child giving you their user name and password for all social media sites they use. and make them add you to their friends list.  (If you are uncomfortable with this have them choose a favorite aunt/uncle to be your eyes and hears)

4. Model good social media behavior yourself .

5. Read the terms of service agreements out loud so your child understands that anything posted on a social media site belongs to the site holder and even if they use privacy settings-info is really not private.

6. Explain to your child about cyber bullying and defamation of character.

7. Encourage your child to think before they post.

8. Encourage your child to come to you when they view anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

9. Understand the kids have a real need to feel connect-so redirect them to connect in the manner Pope Francis suggested on World Youth Day: “Go and make disciples of all nations”. He went on to say Jesus’ message of love is not just for some, it is for everyone, and he urged the young people not to be afraid of bringing Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem most indifferent. Get them involved in a worthy cause-fighting cancer, feeding the homeless ect.

10. Remind your child that as a Catholics we live our faith by example, in both the real world and in the virtual world.

 

 

 

**Remember most tween/teens do not think what they are doing is wrong or bad-they have grown up with social media and see it has harmless play-until it affects them

Grandparents

I was so blessed to grow up with grandparents. I was made keenly aware of this fact because my own children were not so blessed. My mother died when Jamie was 10 and KayLee only 4. She never even knew Timmy. Tim's father lived in Alaska and died when I was pregnant for Timmy.. For 17 years we were not included in family gatherings with my husbands mother and siblings.  My kids had no grandparents to spoil them, cheer a little to loudly at Christmas programs, spend the night at their house, nor did they get to hear stories of the "olden days". They had no aunts or uncles who took interest in them. My siblings lived out of state, and Tim's brother's and sisters took no interest in our children. Yes I did try. I sent over clothes my children out grown to Tim's youngest sister, we tried setting up things with Tim's brother-but other than one time Timmy was invited out to fish-nada. This rejection had a greater impact on my children than either of us realized.

When you grow up knowing you are not the chosen grandchildren, it makes you question your own value. The few times my children were around their cousins they were keenly aware that they were not the favorites. Nothing was said-but when everyone else has Christmas gifts and you have none-you get the picture. The other lesson it taught my children is that when their is a disagreement-you don't work it out-you just cut those people out of your life. (For like 17 years)

 I am living with the results of those unintended lessons right now. My daughter is living in Montana and has not spoken to us since October. We did not approve of her living with someone without benefit of marriage, she had issues of being "yelled at" growing up and after a Psychology class, "learned" she was abused. Apparently getting yelled at to clean your room and do homework lowered her self esteem. Hurtful-heart wrenching. In my struggle to understand her behavior, counseling taught me that that actions of continued family rejection taught her that the acceptable way to deal with issues-was to avoid them. I pray some day she realizes how much we loved her and that we would have done anything to have given her loving grandparents, aunts, and uncles.  I yelled at her to clean her room out of pure frustration. She was loved, given ballet lessons, help in school, taken on trips, birthday parties, cars, college money.  She was loved and treasured. I pray someday she wil remember these things as well.

Summer of sewing

Check out all my projects on Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/kirish43/kelleys-crafts-and-purses/
Or on my Facebook page under Aunt Kelley

The State of Education

 PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/teacher-resignation-video-ellie-rubenstein_n_3328117.html


She says it well for so many teachers! This year  the district I work for is losing some of our very best educators. Those intelligent dedicate people who have fought for their students. I am blessed-yes -blessed to be teaching in a program with a wonderful administrator. She is fair, gives timely guidelines and is supportive.  She is no cupcake and  has gotten rid of truly ineffective teachers. Unfortunately she is rare in the profession.

The state has passed so many laws to "reform" education the district has had to hire an attorney to figure our how to deal with so many of the conflicting requirements.  To put in in a nut shell- their will be no more raises, no matter who you teach or how long you teach it doesn't matter, test scores are the only tool to determine teacher effectiveness (since all children are identical and all come for loving supportive families-NOT).

The amount now required for insurance and retirement  created a 15% pay cut. The school day is longer, the amount of after school required hours has doubled, professional development hours have increased. You must also advocate for your district, clear any communication through the district office, and above all get the kids to pass the tests-and when and if you do- hold on- they will make the tests even harder.

What is most troubling-is the fact that the state has taken away local control. Now that they have done their worst to teachers-who will be next?

The Great GR Flood of 2013

Water water everywhere!

Downtown

Un real

Fall

Today is the first day of fall September 22,2012. In keeping with the fall tradition here in Michigan it is of course overcast and rainy. The leaves are beginning to change, and usually it would be apple cider season. Tim and I got all the fall decoration out. Pumpkins on the porch orange leaves center piece, and the harvest top treatment in the dinette.

It time to start Christmas shopping

Simply September

September started off with some new members joining our family. The smallest addition to the family has 4 little legs, and his name is Sammie. Victor, our other dog, is not too happy to have the little guy join the family. But with Victor's bad heart we know our days with him are limited, so we decided to add to the family now. Sammie was named after Uncle Sam, and is Timmy's dog. So far Timmy is doing a great job and is never very far from the puppy.
 Sammie  is a brown and black Shih Tzu we bought from a breeder in Muskegon. He is an alert, lively, little dog. Happy and hardy he is packed with character. So far he has made friends easily and has responded well to patient training. He is playful and spunky, and loves to cuddle. Right now he is 9 inches long, about the size of my shoe. He is an affectionate little dog and likes to be with people. He has tried to make friends with Victor-but Victor is having no part of it! Instead Victor seems to be spending time with my brother, and looks at me with accusing eyes. I remember the same look on my daughters face when I brought Timmy home form the hospital. 

State legislature very unfriendly to teachers

September finds me back at work teaching eight, 45 minute classes a day and traveling between buildings on Monday and Friday. Our Republican governor is also handing me a nice 8,000 dollar pay cut. The legislature  passed several laws this summer. I now have to pay 3% toward my retirement Medicare part B. (for when I retired in another 13 years-provided they don't change the law yet again.) Another 4% to maintain my pension,(provided they don't change the law again) and 20% of my health insurance premium.  All of this because the the former Governor Engler "borrowed" from our pension fund in 1991 and never paid it back.  A bit disheartening to now make less than a manager at WALMART and hold 2 advanced degrees. I love teaching but they are sure making it almost impossible to make a living after all the laws they have passed. I remember when it was supposed to be a shared sacrifice...except so far the only state workers taking cuts are teachers. Just as we all start back to work we are slammed by the legislature. I realize the state is in recovery mode-and I could understand any one of the three cuts-but ALL 3-Gee- how cold can you be?

Meanwhile the state had a surplus in the k-12 fund-but instead of restoring the cuts to education, the governor redirected the funds to departments that needed it more. Above and beyond the money taken from me, is a larger issue dealing with giving so much power to state government.  The state is acting too much like a dictator taking local control away, and acting like a schoolyard bully-pun intended! I remember when Republicans stood for less government-but apparently that is no longer the case. So much as I am tempted to leave the state and work elsewhere, I do love Michigan. I am just praying that the November election will place some people back in lansing with some common sense.

Victor Goes to College

Our beloved Shih Tzu Victor after getting a wonderful dog check up 4 weeks ago, collapsed with a heart attack. I gave him mouth to mouth and cpr and brought him back. Our vet sent us to MSU small animal hospital. Victor  had a physical exam, EEG, blood work, xrays, ultra sound, and stress test.

 He is in wonderful shape-except for a bad heart.  His little heart mummer has gotten worse and the left ventricle of his heart is enlarged. They gave him medication to help his heart pump-it should buy us 6 months to a year. When the heart fails there is other medication-but after reading about the side effects we have decided this is the only step we will take. We have seen too many family members suffer, and want to enjoy him and allow him to spend his finally time lively and happy.

The little guy stole my heart and made me into a dog person.Vido below shows the MSU Animal Hospital.

It has been a crazy 6 months. I lost my cousin Skip, my cousin Susie, my Uncle Sam and my sister-in law Terri. My Aunt was in and out of the hospital for knee surgery, I got diagnose with diabetes, and then fell on the dock injuring my knee.  The days were filled with  tears, hospital visits, prayers, funerals, visitations, and unless work. The pool pump broke, the pool filter broke and we had to replace the main power lines coming into the house. It was like an out-of-body experience. Sometimes I felt like a total stranger even to myself.We just dealt with life as it happened to us...it was all that we could do.

 Terri, Randy at the table

Jon Cousin Susie and Aunt Jean

Aunt Geri, Uncle Sam and Aunt Jean Popma

Cousin Skip and his wife Pat

Along the way there were some happy moments. My son Jamie came home to visit in June, and I spent a day at my best friend Gary's cottage. The pool has been my refuge during the long hot summer, and I've read many, many books on my ipad. I have a couple of weeks of summer vacation left and hope to get in some time for fun.

Tim and Jamie Star gazing

New Years Eve

Like so many people this year I can't help but bid a fair ado to 2011. For our family it was a year of pay cuts, attacks against teachers, teachers employment rights, longer hours less pay, repairs on the car-again and again, pool repairs, painting, and replacing facets, and appliances. Timmy had the teacher from Hell and was bullied at his old school, and Kaylee moved to New Jersey sending a horrible letter complaining about her childhood.  The downgrade in medical coverage that happened at the same time the portion of insurance increased to 300 dollars a month, and the drug copay's up to 40 dollars. I simply can't afford to take all the medication the doctor prescribes.  My hubby's health continues to provide us with challenges, my sister-in=law continues to fight for her very life, my uncle's cancer is gaining on him, my cousin Skip died, and my aunt is struggling to walk. The diagnosis of Diabetes is still kicking my behind.

However 2011 also held some blessings. My cousin Tara moved back to GR, her husband graduated from medical school, and I bought a new car. I enjoyed seeing my family. Jamie came home for a visit, Timmy adjusted very well to Forest Hills and made the honor roll. I enjoyed taking riding lessons and going horseback riding. A trip to Disney with Timmy was wonderful and the first vacation I had in 10 years.

I close out this new year taking my aunts to church and returning home to toast the new year with my husband. HE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. So goodbye 2011

Christmas is Past

The day after Christmas for many people seems to be more shopping. Unreal-unbelievable-and so not me!
My morning began sleeping in to the Blessed Hour of 9:00 A.M. Then the cleaning. Being a working mother these days off give me time to scrub, clean and rearrange. Today in between a quick riding lesson I vacuumed and scrubbed and even cleaned one closet. it is mindless work that allows me a bit of reflection so here goes..Family room and dinette done. Tomorrow the kitchen and living room. Wednesday bathrooms, and Thursday the upstairs.

What I gave for Christmas. So much more interesting than bragging about what I got. I gave zero gift cards this year-while practical and loved by so many they lack that personal touch-so here is what I gave and why.

1. To My Secret Santa at work who recently had a power outage and was a bite freaked out with light and nothing to do- A bag with chocolate wine, wine glass and a flashlight kit.  She got such a big laugh out of the gift that I know when she uses the flashlight she will remember her story of crawling across the floor without light.

2. To my husband who loves "The  Christmas Story Movie" Timmy and I got him THE MAJOR AWARD=That's right the famous leg lamp. I have a feeling it is going in his den window in front of the house-Ah electric gleaming lite up leg-right here in Cascade. Walgreen's had the lamp and it was a mission to  get it in the house without him seeing it. Well worth it to experience the laugh when he opened it. To make it even more perfect he was of course watching the movie A Christmas story in TBS when he opened it!

3.To my youngest son the builder- a Lego Wii remote. It actually works with his Wii and has extra Lego blocks. I envision a village build around the remote made out of-what else Lego's. I also got him an iPod charger that is an alarm clock. The best part is the bed shaker attachment that vibrates under his pillow. He liked the charger part. The alarm clock was needed.  I am loving the idea of the bed shaker......umm a gift that keeps on giving. Gives new meaning to "Shake it Baby Shake it!"


4. To My Oldest son Jamie I sent a 4 Gig USB bracelet for his college data files,  and travel luggage. He says it's a gift that says "visit home more often"- I actually got it because I was stumped as to what to get him and it was on an interest list of Gifts for the Young Adult. However I do love the idea of him visiting home more often.

5. To everyone who came to Manning Christmas- An Ornament showing some aspect of family.

6 . With 2010 students- I bought mints=lots of mints I handed out all day.

7. I got the teenagers lotion and eye makeup, or nail polish and a nail kit. I got the three 3 year old's a winter scarf, hat and matching mittens along with a my little pony. I gave Austin a Detective Kit, Keenan a set of green soldiers like the ones on toy story. Just like the set Robbie played with when he was little.
8. We brought dinner down to my sister in law and her family and enjoyed the seeing their expressions for their little gifts. Travel insulated coffee cups for Randy who whenever I saw him in the hospital was off to get a beverage which wouldn't stay cold. A nice ring for BZ because she knows I always get her jewelry-it's a girl thing. I got Jacob noise resistant Headphones so when needed he can tune out everyone, relax, and listen to music. For Terri an deluxe nail kit and a promise to return and do her nails again.
9. A family at school had a fire so I bought 2 outfits for each of the three children.
10. Someone I knew and was not feeling well was unable to purchase Christmas gifts, So  I shopped, paid for, amd wrapped the gifts for this person to give. That way she could experience the gift of giving as well.


What I tried to do this year was think about each person and pick out something fun-when you can't afford fabulous-I'll pick funny any day of the week.

I was myself blessed with  thoughtful gifts. A new pair of riding boots from  my husband and a horse statue 'cause a real horse is not affordable. Timmy made me a beautiful necklace that I will treasure.  One of my best gifts was a phone call from my son Jamie on Christmas day.

Irony- The wreathe showing the pool. Christmas framing summer.

Mementoes , Memories, and Understandings

2011 has been a year of mixed blessings. My husband is still with me battling against his

 tremors, and debilitating headaches.My Uncle Sam who is battling cancer was well enough to attend the Manning Family Christmas and I was able to hug him and tell him how much I loved him. I was also able to see my son Jamie who came home for California this summer for a visit. Timmy has recovered nicely from his school drama from last year, made honor roll, and is actually enjoying school. This past May I was able to take Timmy to Disney World and my cousin David and Marty joined us for some great fun.Manning family Christmas was a happy success. It is so wonderful to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins. What is even more of a blessings is how so many make the effort to come.  So my memory book and mementos include, pictures, notes, and yep---mouse ears. My sister in law continues to recover from her stomach surgery and we are overjoyed to be able to visit her on Christmas day in her own home and not at U of M medical.

On the other hand it wouldn't be life if we were not faced with obstacles to overcome, and sadness to bear.I lost my dear cousin and friend Skip a few weeks ago. He was my buddy and conspirator in all the family history research. He died barely over the age of 60. I will remember him how I last saw him, as well as the young man who loved to surf, would throw me over his shoulder, and always seemed to have a "model" of a girlfriend hanging over him. He served as a medic during the Vietnam war taking care of the guys shipped stateside. He married the love of his life who already had 4 children who became his, and added a beloved daughter. He joins his wife Pat in heaven and leaves us with richer lives because of his presence.

Kaylee moved to New Jersey with a boyfriend and we do not hear much from her. She did send a note to Timmy on his birthday, but besides that she remains absent from our lives, but present in our prayers, My Aunt who turns 85 in January has had dizzy spells and I have spent a couple of days and one night over there recently to help out. She has always been so active, seeing her use a walker has taken some getting used to.  But I treasure these days we get to spend together as I know that there are not as many ahead as there once were. We love to talk about our adventures together in the past, and dream of the things we could do if the right lottery ticket ever changed our lives . Her daughter Christine has been shuffling between my aunts home and her own. She is a jewel. I remember well the long years of taking care of my own mother, driving back from Detroit for a day or two, and then back to college, I used to joke I was raising my kids and my mother-now I treasure those days that at one time seemed so endless and trying. 

The other day I  found myself pondering about life, work, family friends and Christmas. I guess crossing 50 gives you a bit of perspective and an uncannily ability to look both back and forward. I find myself forgiving more easily, forgetting more often, and measuring my words more effectively. I now understand what my mother meant when she said, "Some day you will understand!"While neither my husband nor I remember what we "got" for Christmas last year-we do remember many things. We remember and recall the call from our son, Timmy sleeping in for the first time in all the Christmas's we remember. I recall with perfect clarity the look on my sons face when he spotted us at the airport. That look of joy and love inhabits a special place in my heart. I have to smile every time I recall Timmy cantering his horse around the ring with a smile that was half terror and half joy. When I recall handing out diplomas in May to my 8th grade homeroom, I still tear up a bit because I surprised myself with how close I felt to them all. So as I look back this holiday season, it is the memories of people and events-and not of things that have brought both joy and sadness. Ying and Yang.

Now I love "stuff" as much as the next person-but the kind of things I love seem to have changed. My treasured possessions all have a memory attached to them. I treasure a ring my husband gave me on our 5th anniversary when he told me" I was the love of his life." I treasure a hand carved spinning wheel my uncle made for me that reminds me of the full size one I used to play with at his house. I have a emerald ring that My Aunt Geri had her father make for me. ( He was a jewelry and like another grandpa to me).  I have an old weather predictor from my grandpa, a special pin from my aunt Jean, and hand made clay art from each of my children. My grandmother and I shared July birthdays so I was left her ruby ring. I have a dutch cupboard that was made for my mom and a lamp Tim's dad made for us. The retail value on all of this put together would likely be rather small-but to me they are the world. They represent my world, filled with family, and memories, and events.

All this brings me to the gift giving part of Christmas. In a year when gift cards seem to be the gift of choice, I just have to pause and wonder how many memories a gift card makes? I remember my Easy Bake oven and the hours of cooking with a little light bulb, as a kid. I remember getting the ugliest pare of slippers that ended up being the best foot warmers ever. My grandmother bought me a little plastic sewing machine that I used forever and whenever I use my real sewing machine now I remember her lessons on my little plastic one.

So Mom-I get it now...it really is the thought that counts. It's the time spent together, its the memories, and the momentous that remind us that we are blessed to have special people in our lives. Our lives our touched by those who love us. It is the joy we ourselves receive when every now and then a gift we might give-becomes a memento for another person. Not a gift card-but a thoughtful gift-the gift of ourselves,

Fabulous Fall

We decided to take advantage of the warm 80 degree temperature in October and make a trek out to the beach since Tim was headache free. These occassions are rare, so we try to make use of them to build some family memories.The drive from Cascade to Grand Haven was like taking a mini color tour. All the rain in September has apparently helped the trees hang on to their leaves longer as they change color. 

We love North Shore in Spring Lake. You can walk along the shoreline for miles and enjoy the sand dunes, beach, and  bathe in the light that dances across the water. One of the best times to visit the "Big Lake" is in the fall. The wind creates such interesting patterns, there are less people, and the colorful tree makes such a nice backdrop to the sparkling watrer and blue skies! The fresh produces stands were all open so of course we brought home some prize pumpkins. Fall in Michigan is a delight for the sensesw.

ArtPrize

Art Prize the Third Year

A lovely  fall day and a town filled with people, and there to view art-amazing. While the forml artists may decry the process where all of us Joe and Jane public  get to vote, even they have to agree that Art Prize drws ttention to art as a whole.

There is so much to see. We wlked from one end of downtown to the other. It will require a return trip to see more, but here is a little taste of the  Art wesaw.

Summer Recap

August 28th, 2011

Dear Readers,
I  got very busy and very behind in keeping up this journal, so I will attempt a bit of summarizing the summer-pun intended.

Timmy went to camp. He enjoyed the horseback riding, going canoeing, and the crafts. He was concerned that they left the horses out in the sun too long. He was happy to get back to his lessons with Kelly at  Rivendell. He has been taking lessons since April and really seems to love them. After a horrible school year, the horses have been very healing for him. His horse is named Precious and the horse I ride is named Mickey. He is really getting control of the horse and gaining self confidence.

One of the real highlights of the summer was when Jamie came home to visit us for a week. Even though Tim Senior had a few bad days we managed to log some great quality time with our oldest. We are so proud of him. He has a decent job and is taking some additional college classes. My heart was so full of joy to have my boys with me. We went canoeing, bike riding and even managed to spent a bit of time at Craig's Cruisers. The guys managed to get the telescope to center in some awesome stars.

Tim continues to have good days and bad days. When he has a good day we quickly plan something fun to do-making the most of the time we have together. We may call each other old man and 'ole woman-but he still calls me the love of his life. So that's worth a lot!!

I managed to stay on my diet, swim and bike ride. So I didn't gain any weight-but would still like to lose some. We haven't heard from Kaylee since she moved, it hurts my heart, but I have my 2 sons whose constant love makes up for it.  My sister-in-law finally was released from U of M medical. We travled once a week to support her, there were days we thought she wouldn't make it-but she came through. Uncle Sam had a pretty good summer but is looking weaker. Fighting cancer is a tough job on him and all of those who love him. Aunt Klio, Tami and Todd continue to be a huge source of support. My cousin Skip and cousin Susie are battling there own health issues. We hold them in our prayers and love.



I am already back at school with inservices.This year I have 2 schools and wil lbe traveling during the day-so life gives me an additional challenge. Now if the car will hold out one more year!