Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Tennessee with Angie's family and enjoyed genuine southern hospitality.
The days passed quickly but that Lions/Titans game just wouldn't end. Even our Lions cheerleaders lost heart.












Our hostesses were great but when you mixed up those Titans and Lions fans, it was a free for all!




















Aunt Nancy and Emily were tireless in providing for our every need. They fed us like royalty and provided "Loving Arms Childcare."


Then the behind the scenes workers, the stage manager Gary and his assistant, Scott.

The weekend began with a flying start that became a busy time of wonderful meals, praising God in prayer and song, visiting a Civil War battle field and attending the Grand Ole Opry. The peaceful landscape and friendly folks warmed our hearts with memories that will last.

Workplace

Many ask if I am still working, the answer is yes.

I work in the Education Department of a small rural hospital that is about a 16 mile drive from home. I love this drive through the countryside past a tree farm a cattle farm, a golf course, a small village then around a beautiful lake. I never tire of it because I only work two days a week and am able to work on days that accommodate my other responsibilities and appointments.

I sometimes miss the patient care in the operating room that I left 3 years ago but I enjoy the people I work with and my projects. This is a picture of my boss and my office mate. We really
have a good time, lots of laughs.


The above two pictures are my lunch buddy, regulatory affairs and another sweet grandma friend in the quality department.

When I'm not talking about my adorable grandchildren, I work on education programs for all hospital employees. This includes self-learning modules, computer based programs, presenting inservice education and applying for continuing education credits for nursing programs. Much of my time is spent writing and revising forms that are used to document employee performance. Healthcare is not static, changes due to new technology, equipment, treatments and medication keep this department in constant flux. There, now maybe even my sons have an idea about what their mother does at work these days.

Autumn's Gift

Many of you live in beautiful places too.

Last week I took a leisurely walk with my camera and basked in the peacefulness and serene beauty of our land and our neighbor's. With all the chaos in the world, it was good for the soul to spend some time with God as he showed me his love for mankind.

What the pictures don't capture is the warm sun on my shoulder, the scurry of small woodland creatures and the sound of the wind in the trees and cornfields or the smell of autumn leaves.

Come, join me as we walk together, sharing God's grace.

October Surprise

This was an October surprise and I'm not talking politics!

Our sons and their families came from Michigan and Colorado to Wheaton, IL to surprise us and honor our 40 years of marriage.

When you celebrate with six grandchildren 2 years old and under, its all about child's play.
The fun begins with lunch and naps so the ladies could get away for a short shopping trip.

Hudson, Conley and Claire show Jack how to get a good work out at the park.

It's a beautiful day for a walk through the zoo and pumpkin patch.

Conley's Birthday Party

For a two year old, two days is not too long to wait for your birthday party.

Conley's cousins were a big help in helping her open her gifts especially since you have to use one hand to hold balloons. A big hit was the Max and Ruby dvd and colored picture.
The perfect birthday photo-op, birthday cake and birthday balloons!!
And now for the big surprise... "bouncy, bouncy!"

Conley's Two

Conley Frances spent her birthday with the ladies. She and her two grandma's and mommy went to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch.

With a little help she picked apples right off the tree. She agreed that the apple is delicious!

So many pumpkins to choose from and some even look like people.

Mommy and Conley look in the store but Conley finds the perfect pumpkin for her.