2013 Christmas Letter

Nothing like eight inches of snow to inspire a Michigan Christmas letter. Now to remember 2013. Last January was another time of retreat and service in Honduras. Our team performed plastic and orthopedic surgery. The teams always vary so the dynamics change, this group was a lot of fun and although talented we had a non-talent show that gave us a lot of laughs. Skits, poems, rap and disco made for a memorable evening. February was a time to go south and leave the cold days of Michigan. Tom and I drove through Tennessee, visited Angie’s family, thanks Patsy for your warm hospitality, then on to Gulf Shores to visit Mary and Larry Rebert. Walks, everyday, some geo-caching, and a day at the beach. Next stop, Savannah, GA with all those cuties, we love. Never a dull moment or lack for hugs and kisses. We stay close to home until Fran sailed across the Atlantic with nursing school friend, Bonnie for 2 weeks of luxury in April while Tom took up residence at Bronson Hospital for a few days. He was covered with prayers as family and friends came to his aid. By summer he is back to strength and vigor. August was the highly anticipated 50 year high school class reunion and it did not disappoint!! So fun to see old friends. September we visit with Fran’s niece and family in the northwest and traveled up the coast into British Columbia, breath taking views. October is the annual trip to Cleveland Clinic for Tom’s kidney cancer screening. Unfortunately, November brought another hospitalization for Tom to have right kidney cancer ablated and an overnight stay became a 5 day stay. He is once again in recovery mode and we thank God for healing and return to health. Mike and Joy continue their busy schedules. Joy’s yoga studio celebrated 3 years with more classes and she still finds time to lead a Bible study class and help her sister with her travel agency. Mike continues with Lorilard. When he isn’t traveling for work, he enjoys time with family and friends. He, Joy and Conley enjoyed short vacations in the Midwest this year. Conley’s schedule is also packed with dance, and GEMS (Christian girl scout program)and school. We love having an evening with her each week when mom and dad are away from home. Chris is still with United and Kim is enjoying a few hours each week to herself. Jack began kindergarten at Timothy Christian and Natalie is in pre-school at Timothy. They love the school, teachers and curriculum. We enjoy their visits in Kalamazoo and spending time with Jack and Natalie. Love that they live only 2.5 hours away so we can drive over to give Chris and Kim a night out. Dan and Angie are acclimating to the south. They have a wonderful church and Angie is an active mom in the children’s schools. We are so proud of them for completing their Masters degree in sustainability at Libscomb College this spring. Dan enjoys his time at the Westin. Angie surprised us all when she, Claire, Hudson, Cooper and Tucker drove all the way from GA to Michigan!! We had a great visit with all seven grands here at the same time. All the children are in school this year so Angie even had time for a part-time job in her new major this fall. Hudson received a camouflage belt in curate and we saw his testing. Claire, Cooper and Tucker are in gymnastics and all are active in midweek church classes. Rejoice and be glad, the Savior of the world has come! Fran & Tom

Sea of Yellow

Today is the first of November, I'm feeling a bit melancholy. Is it the gray sky, the obviously frost bit leaves of the hosta or thinking about the end of my favorite time of year, autumn? Stop, Fran! This day is bright with yellow! The air is crisp! We celebrate a wonderful harvest! The yard is a feast for the eyes! Each of the seasons of the year in Michigan have their own reward! Here I share the beauty of fallen leaves. I just couldn't stay inside and not capture this on my camera.

Now is the time to cut those hydrangea blossoms and fill vases in the house and soon to fill window boxes and planters with the holly berries and greens God provides in nature. Before too long I'll post the nostalgic pictures of softly fallen snow on the branches of the evergreens and each branch outlined in white. A snow bird, I am not. It must by my deep Midwest roots that gives me pleasure in each season.

My Sister Sews

Unlike myself, my sister sews. She is a blessing to many and a really precious gift from God to me. Actually, I am her birthday gift having been born on her second birthday. The pros and cons of sharing a birthday with a sibling, not a twin, is a subject for another post. We are the best of friends and have always been close. I can't imagine not having her to lean on for her truth and wisdom. I have always looked up to her. As you can imagine having a sister for so many years, I have many gifts that remind me of her generosity. I mostly appreciate her talent for sewing. She is very precise and clever. I am proud of her and the beautiful gifts she has given, so the following are a few of her creations:

When we were first married, Tom's grandmothers gave us pillow cases with hand crochet lace. I cut the lace off the now yellowed pillow cases and sent it to Kathy. She made these pillows to display the lace that was made so many years ago. The doilies, made by our mother and kept in a linen closet now enjoy the light of day. I treasure these gifts again in loving remembrance of those dear ones of years ago

A few years ago, we updated our kitchen and she made this valance and the pillow with the left over material.

Tom's grandma's rocking chair is a lot more comfortable with this seat cover. I also love the little pillow that came with it.

I think I am most appreciative for her ability to sew doll clothes with all the little extras. Did you notice the lace and ribbon? What you can't see very well is the little pink heart shaped button above the pink bow on her dress. Yes, she also made the doll!

This pillow has a photograph of the two of us dressed in dresses for our older brother's wedding. I was 7 years old (notice the missing teeth) and Kathy is 9 years old. What a treasure to receive this memorable gift.

We are thankful to receive these fleece blankets with her signature cross stitch label. She has made these for all our grandchildren and so many more people over the years. I think over 70 blankets. They are warm, light weight and washable. This is part of her ministry.

If you follow this blog you have seen this doll before. She was rescued from certain "throw away" with a new body and clothes. A fresh outfit for my 60 plus year old doll. My newest doll, American Girl Kit, has also been the recipient of several outfits.

The nurse's outfit is in honor of my chosen profession. The little white sundress is actually a slip but I think it is so cute that it shouldn't be hidden under a dress. I love the house dress that reminds me of the clothes from the period, Kit represents. Thank you Kathy for your love and generous gifts! You have always claimed I was your birthday gift but I think I have been the gift receiver all these years.

Class Reunion!

I loved going to high school! I can't say I was a scholar, actually I met my goal; to have grades good enough to attend the nursing school of my choice. My memories of high school revolve around my friendships, school dances, homecomings, pep rallies, basketball and football games, movies,slumber parties and dates. Like most who will read this blog, I had a group of friends that spent a lot of time together in school and out. Unlike many, our group of friends have stayed in touch throughout the years. The class mates who live in my home town have faithfully planned a class reunion every five years since 1963. There I finally admitted the year I graduated from high school.

50 Years ! 50 Years! 50 Years? It seems impossible that 50 years have past. I'm stuck, in my mind, somewhere around 30 years post high school. Maybe it's because my classmates "haven't changed", "look the same" since graduation. Oh, if I could have a dollar for every time I heard that expression last weekend. Well, I guess you can judge for yourself how young my 1963 classmates look.

The years have not dimmed our friendships. It's as if time stood still when we meet and visit again. As this picture has captured, we enjoy each other.

We began our reunion weekend with our first ever grade school class reunion. Thirty-six in attendance, some spouses and friends. I must admit I had an emotional reaction when I stepped in to tour our grade school. This picture of the school is as we knew it. Today, there is a woods in the front yard. In 1959, we had a woods across the street from the school that was leveled to build houses. Seems ironic to tear down a woods then spend money to recreate it. The next few pictures are of the hallways and gymnasium. The gymnasium holds a lot of memories: gym class, music assemblies, concerts, Twilight Hour (junior high dances), basketball games, cheer leading and graduation. We left this school in strength and physically fit bodies and return as older adults with the frailties of life.

Although Susan lives in Mississippi, she stepped up to design the invitations, complete directories for both the elementary and high school and plan the grade school luncheon. I'm proud to call her, friend. We lived in the same neighborhood and have known each other since we were four years old. We share many memories of playing dolls, building sand castles, birthday parties and school days.

The class of "63" enjoyed 3 gatherings. Ella White Reunion, beer and pizza night and the more structured dinner and program. Our graduating class was around 215 students. Since 1963, 39 classmates have died. We honored each one with a balloon launch. It was a rather somber reminder of our mortality. A few of them were really close friends and dearly missed. The evening continued with a wonderful meal and Bill led us on a walk down memory lane.

For several classmates it was their first reunion! Others couldn't come for various reasons. I must say that I missed seeing my old friends, Judi, Louella, Connie, Leslie, Sally, and even a few of the guys. Hopefully they will return to Alpena for our informal gatherings in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and our 55th in 2018. Over the years, even the spouses have become friends.

Oh, yeah our class slogan is still one we can all agree. Thanks class mates for a memorable weekend!

Gifts

It wasn't until I read the book, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, that I became truly aware of the many blessings I receive daily. This post is about the visit of all seven grandchildren, a couple weeks ago. I will tell my story through the lens of gifts. 1. The gift of having my daughter-in-law drive almost 1000 miles (one-way) and bring four of our grandchildren for a visit. Thanks, Ang. 2. Safe travel and good little travelers. 3. Hugs and kisses, smiles and laughter from grandchildren. 4. Our kitchen table is full with good food and good times.

5. Sleepyheads in pajamas 6. Two more children arrive from the Chicago area to play with their cousins. Thanks, Kim. 7. An afternoon with all seven, Conley's here, on a rainy, indoor play day. I have energy and joy for the task. 8. Umbrellas and tractor rides from grandpa.

8. Daughters-in-law having lunch together. A gift?, yes. 9. Princess bingo, Little Mermaid, Legos and Playmobiles. 10. Rocks in bushes & grass, chalk drawings on sidewalk, basketballs being played with and water balloons. Dan's bike being rode by his son.

11. Cool nights, sound sleep. 12. Surprise party for two almost 7 year olds!

13. Precious memories of the past 7 years as Hudson and Claire grow and thrive. 14. Sunny summer day. 15. Beautiful beach. 16. Warm sand 17. Found a parking space. 18. Light breeze 19. Warmth of the sun 20. Fresh water. 21. Children having fun 22. Sandy bottoms

23. Beautiful daughters-in-law.

24. White caps 25. Care free atmosphere 26. Freedom 27. Lunch on the beach 28. Playing in sand 29. Sand toys, swings and slides 30. Sun screen 31. Taking time for a grandma picture 32. Love. 33. Colors of sky, water and beach 34. Sailboats on the horizon. 35. Families having fun Honestly I could go on and on with the over whelming feelings of good will. Thank you God for your abundance of grace. Take time to notice how God loves us and provides for each of us. As a nation and a family, we are blessed.

Super Heroes

This is a time of super heroes. Theirs is a world of laughter, ideas, games, stories and fun. There is nothing they can't do. They can ride a bike, climb a tree, write a story, draw, sing and soar through the sky! Two of my super heroes turned 5 last month. We gathered for a super hero day at a Georgia water park. Super fun!

The tallest ride and the fastest slide is no match for these two!

Even super heroes need a cold treat on a hot sunny day.

I guess some people don't actually believe in super heroes, like the people at the park who said these two are too short to ride alone down the slide. Well, super heroes are law abiding.

Time to fly this place to the super hero party!

Nothing like a super treat to celebrate!

Looks like the next event will be a super swim!

Happy Birthday Cooper and Tucker !! Thanks for all the fun!