Movie with friends!

Saturday night at the movies - what a great night. Sue and Beth picked up the movies and pizza - Jan had appetizers and wine ready for us. OK, pizza's ready, grab an afghan and head downstairs to the big screen and watch "Dan in Real Life". The movie was going well, pizza was yummy, wine had a nice bouquet, when suddenly the TV had issues :( So the only other TV in the house to finish the movie was in Dave and Jan's bedroom - hence the photo. After a few tries at getting a good picture - it was semi-accomplished! The movie was great - and the best part we were finished watching it by 9pm. (Us - old people don't want to stay out too late on a Saturday night!) Thanks for a great time Beth and Jan!

My friend Joan

Wednesday night, I did one of my favorite things - that was to meet one of my greatest friends (inspiration) for chips and salsa (my favorite snack). So you may ask, how many pictures must one (or maybe) two cameras take to get one photo that we both liked?? Well, let's just say "quite a few"!! The waitress finally helped us out - because Joan and/or I each had issues with many of the pictures. Sometimes God makes it so clear why He puts people in your life - I treasure Joan and our wonderful coffees together!! Thanks for being such a great friend!!

Celebrating Easter

Sarah and her boyfriend, Andy
Tim and Pam
Jack and Aunt Wilma deep in conversation!
Megan and Bob (only 10 more weeks and the wedding!
Allie and her Dad (hey, wait a minute, I didn't take this picture!!

It seems that our family times are getting less and less with kids moving and the busyness of our lives - we are alway thankful when can spend time together. We are looking forward to this summer so we can spend some time with the Holtvluwer kids and Uncle Tim! Easter is the time that we celebrate the reserrection of Jesus and be assured that He saves us from our sins as He paid the ultimate price of giving His life on the cross.

Spring Hic-cup!

Jack snowblowing the six inches of snow that came on Friday!
Waiting for Spring will be delayed for a few more days!
The bench in front of our house will probably give you a cold butt if you have to rest awhile!

Friday afternoon, snow came back toMichigan. It was a very slippery ride home from work - but I made it safely. With tomorrow being Easter, I am reminded that "real Spring" should be here soon. May you all have a very blessed Easter!

Back to Grand Rapids!

On the way back to Grand Rapids, there was a beautiful sunset when we stopped at a rest area. It was a perfect ending of our day! It is always amazing to me how God paints the sky for us - this picture doesn't do it justice!
Renee and I (Renee, please be serious!)
Mar and I (It sure gets chilly when the sun goes down!)

Thanks for the great weekend!!

Carlee's Championship Game

What an adventure! Carlee has been playing wheelchair basketball for the past several years. She is quite an athlete! Her team won the gold medal at the Greece ParaOlympics and now the are looking forward to going to Bejing, China and win another gold medal there! She has played wheelchair basketball for the University of Illionois for the past 4 years and has traveled to South America, Austraila, and all over the US. She is a wonderful girl and has been given many wonderful gifts which she used to glorify her God! Her mom, June has been a friend of mine for over 40 years (did I say 40, I am not even that old :) The Hoffmans' testimony of their faith and their walk with God is incredible! I am so proud of Carlee - since I have known her since she was a baby! My God truly bless your future as you use your talents to glorify HIM!

Chicago overnight

Mar and her daughter, Jill.
Mar and her granddaughter, Audra

Renee, Mar and I stopped in Chicago and spent the night at Mar's daughter, Jill's home. We arrived there around nine o'clock and Mar and I slept upstairs ( because we are snorers) and Renee slept downstairs. It was nice to spend some time with Jill and her family. After having some coffee and danish we left and continued our trip to Champagne to watch Carlee's team play.

Road trip to Champagne

Mar telling it like it is!
Renee is enjoying being the designated driver!
Renee, Mar, and I made a trip to Champagne, Illinois a couple of weeks ago - we stopped at Clementines in South Haven for dinner. We were on our way to watch our friend, June's daughter, Carlee play for the championship in Carlee's wheelchair basketball game. We had a fun time getting there - I have great friends!

Thanks DiAnn

DiAnn, my new friend at work, and who has been training me for the past 2 weeks has been very patient with me. We went out for lunch on Friday to Little Mexico and she introduced me to flautas. In this picture she is eating flan, which she thought was wonderful - I did have a small bite. Thank you very much for everything you have done to make my transition to Spectrum a positive experience. Keep in touch!

African American Day at work

We had an African American potluck at work on Thursday. I tasted a lot of new foods from collard greens, creole, gumbo, chicken, ham, etc. We were suppose to dress in African attire, but I didn't have any!
Susie and Juan really dressed the part! Thank you Susie for planning such a wonderful party. I really enjoyed trying all the new food and you did such a great job.

My new job at Spectrum is going really well, even though I wish I could learn all the new things more quickly. I have made many new acquaintances and starting to feel at home there. I have gone on a hospital tour of the birthing unit, sat in on a sibling class, taken some registrations for preparing for childbirth classes, and gone out for lunch a lot. This week I begin a Spanish class (I am really excited about that). Tomorrow I will be sitting in on a preparing for childbirth class. I am learning a lot! One of the most trying things is driving on icy roads to work - so I am really looking forward to spring! Thanks to everyone for all your prayers!

Brunch with family!

Uncle Garret and Aunt Goldie

Rick and Marsha
Pam and Tim
Uncle Garret, Brenda, Aunt Goldie

A few times a year (not often enough) I get together with family from my dad's side. We usually go out for breakfast. This time we went to the Omelette Shoppe at Breton Village. We always have a great time, talking about what's new in our lives, sharing pictures of our families and having a great breakfast. I treasure these people in my lives -- it always reminds me how wonderful family is. We always catch up, laugh and sometimes cry together. My dad was one of 11 kids in his family and although I didn't get to know all of his brothers and sisters very well, there are always great stories of his growing up. I am very thankful for the good health that you have blessed Uncle Garret and Aunt Goldie with. They are very special people! I can't wait until we have breakfast again!

Griffins Game Saturday, Feb. 23

Jack and I went to a Griffins Game on Saturday. We had really good seats and watched them win their game!
Go Griffins!

Griffins WIN!!