Various February, 2014

 Various pictures to be continued!

2013 summary

It has been awhile since I posted!  Spring came and went. Summer came and went, too!  Now it is fall, and October is nearly over.  Life has been crazy busy, of course---that's the way it is around here!

Cheryl was gifted with an Alaskan cruise.  She and her sister---and my adopted sister!!---were gone from

OK, now the year is nearly over, and it's time to wrap up 2013's posts!

Everyone has been pretty healthy, other than mental health problems.

Simeon has been in a great residential home for 9 1/2 months, and because it is not safe for the other children in our home when he is here, we were able to find a transition home for Simeon to live in until we can move him into an AFC home.  We know the owner operators well, and are so thankful to God for opening up this opportunity.  Simeon can still attend his same school, come to our church, and we can easily visit him!

Rosie has had increased mental health issues, and, although she isn't happy at this time with the treatment plan, we are praying God will use this time at the hospital to improve her mental health.  We love her so much.

We enjoyed a week in Michigan City Indiana....sort of!  Cheryl ended up getting a really bad kidney infection complicated with E coli, and was hospitalized in Michigan City.  We're thankful that she made a complete recovery.

Merica's mental health issues have diminished at home, and increased at school.  So thankful for awesome school staff and counselors to help her and us navigate these troubled waters!

So thankful for our church and the wonderful family God has given to us there.  Too many wonderful people in our lives to give adequate acknowledgement!  God has certainly blessed us!

Also notable this year is that my son, Jeremy retired from the Navy after serving for 20 years!  He, his wife Michelle, her mother, Priscilla, and his two adorable sons, Jeremy Jr and Kalel moved to Michigan!  So thankful to be able to be a present part of their lives!

Much more happened, of course, in 2013, such as the 4H Fair, dog classes, ballet classes, trumpet and bass lessons, blessings beyond measure, however, I will complete this accounting of 2013, looking ahead to a new year.  Wondering what blessings andtrials await us in this coming year.  Leaning on Jesus.  Trusting Him to work out His good plan in each of our lives!

New Year's Day, 2014

I am going to try to write a note in here everyday for 2014.  In the past I've tried to also include a picture a day, and I may do that as well this year!

Today is a nice quiet snowy day---not actually snowing this morning, but we had more snow yesterday, so all is pristine and pure looking outside.  Temp is in the teens.

We've all been working at taking down our Christmas decorations all over the house.  Everyone except Meika has helped.  We are also watching the Rose Parade...beautiful.

Yesterday Rosie's 72 hour stay at Pine Rest was extended by the judge for 90 days, and we are praying that the meds will bring back good mental health.

A few pictures follow of our family New Year's Eve party!

Here are a few pictures of our New Year's Day morning!

Today was a fun day---Rose Bowl parade and game!  AND, the fun part was that Michigan State won!  I don't really follow football, but this was a special game!  

Inside Christmas decorations are all down; just got to organize them in the attic until next year---which will be here in no time at all--at least it seems that way!

My verse for today:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  Isaiah 43:18-19

Scripture

February, 2013 various assorted sundry moments in our days!

 We visited the Barrys, and brought a meal---got to meet the newest Barry!  Beautiful children---
Notice the 2 kitties on top of the tire!!

We visited the elementary school for the kids Valentine parties!

 Celebrated Valentine's Day at home---a tradition!  

Two days later we celebrated Bonnie's birthday!

We're finally getting snow!  Mahree has Katniss outside!

4H Quilt meeting!

Cody's 20!                                

                                                                                Kara

Shonda

Timothy

Kaitie

Mahree in the middle of dogs while doing her reading!  

Sam had an echocardiogram, because he has periodic very rapid heartbeats---the last time at school lasted for a full hour.  Since this only happens about every 2-3 months, the doctor is not concerned.

The view from our front window today!

Rosie and Ozzie

Spencer

Merica enjoying the outdoors!

Marge outside---freezing!!

Mahree and her snowman-----Bonnie taking Ozzie out!    Fun outside in the snow!