Catching Up

It has been a while since I've written anything. I've been busy with the kids and getting them to and from school. Plus, when I have a free moment I've been knitting like crazy. Lot's of baby knitting has been getting done and I've moved onto the Christmas knitting.

Hmm, what is new with the Williams Family? Well, Henry has gotten glasses.

 He started telling me that things would look very far away. I thought he was near-sighted like me, but the way he described it didn't make sense for it. Thankfully, he got in to an eye doctor. He is far-sighted, but by the end of the day his eyes are strained from the work of trying to read, etc. at school that it makes it hard to see things far away. He now has glasses to help with it and the doctor said that his condition could actually get better. I think he is so stinkin' cute in his glasses!

Henry has also lost three teeth recently. He lost two on the bottom (one on Thanksgiving) and just the other day one of his top front teeth came out.

Mark and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. We made plans this year since it has been years since we've been able to go out. We went to a German restaurant in Middleville. I enjoyed it since a lot of the flavors reminded me of meals with my grandma. We were near the Gun Lake Casino so we decided to pop in after dinner. Normally, we do not gamble. However, since it was our anniversary we signed up for the players club and got some "free" money to use in the slot machines. I won ten dollars and Mark won a hundred! That money paid for our entire evening out. Dinner, gas, coffee all covered. And, we were home by 7pm. Woohoo, let the good times roll! Actually, it was such a blast and it was one evening where we got to do something for just us.

We had Thanksgiving at home. We weren't invited anywhere and it was actually nice to not have to drive for an hour or more. I did invite my dad, but he went elsewhere. Mark makes a great turkey and we had an abundance of veggies to go along with it. It was a nice and calm day. Mark actually left around 10pm to take a load to Detroit for work. He came back on Friday morning. I picked him up and we stopped at two stores for some Black Friday deals. Since it was around noon when we went I didn't think what we wanted would still be there and I wasn't too concerned about it. Surprisingly, both items were still in stock and for one I used my store reward points and got it for $4. We went to two stores, bought two gifts and it only took 15 minutes total.

We are getting in the Christmas spirit. Last year at this time I didn't think we'd be able to give the kids a Christmas. Thankfully, we were blessed with some big-hearted angels and were able to give them a beautiful day. This year I've started early and bought gifts as I could. One week Mark had to take an extra run to Florida, so that money went to gifts. I still have a couple of things to pick up. I do still have a few things to get for my family and Mark's.

I guess I don't actually have that much news. We've just been plugging through school and the holidays. Take Care!

Halloween!

Halloween was a bit wet and cold this year. The kids had on their winter jackets and some gloves to keep the hands warm. Thankfully, it stopped raining and Barbie Cheerleader, a Fireman and some character from Star Wars (along with mom) set off. We walked our neighborhood this year instead of my in-laws'. There were quite a few houses giving out candy. Since no one was home at our place I set out a bowl full of candy from three bags. An hour later it was all gone. There were a lot of kids out in our area!

We stayed out an hour and a half. We had a great time and everyone was tired. Henry had a homework sheet to fill out about how much of each kind of candy he got and he had to read to me. We did these things and watched a little bit of TV and still managed to get in bed only ten minutes behind schedule.

Henry had another baby tooth come out yesterday. The tooth fairy was supposed to come last night, but she was tired and completely forgot. When Henry discovered this he was so sad. The tooth fairy offered a sincere apology, a hug...and then paid double.

My Best Friend's Wedding

 My friend, Caroline, and I met in first or second grade. I cannot remember which it was, but I remember the school we were at and it just seemed like one day I met her and the next we were best friends. She moved to a town near Detroit a few years later, but we always kept in touch and saw each other during summertime. It helped that her grandparents lived in the same town as me.

When my mom died she was one of the first people I called. She and her mom came for the funeral and several months later they came back to help clean the last of the things from my mother's house. They did this in the middle of winter with no heat in the house. Considering the circumstances, it was still a great time and I look back at those days with fondness and love. I am amazed that they cared enough to do that with me.

 Shortly after that, Caroline moved to Texas. She had found a wonderful man that made moving worth it. Recently, they got engaged and planned to have their wedding in Manistee.

As soon as I found out the date I had a room booked in Manistee. I started saving money each week. There was no way I was going to miss this wedding! Of course, the week leading up to leaving I seemed to have no end of difficulties. Little things went wrong, big things went wrong. Still, I decided we were going no matter what. After all, we had not gone anywhere out of town in the year since we moved here and I felt we could all use the time away.

 My beautiful friend and her Texan got married at the Ramsdell Inn in Manistee. The building has an interesting history and is right downtown with a view of the bridge and river.

Irene was a flower girl in the wedding and got to wear a beautiful dress and cowboy boots! In fact, the bride and bridesmaids wore them, too!

 After the wedding there were some finger foods and drinks served while pictures were taken. Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained the entire weekend. Caroline had planned on pictures taken on the beach and other areas of town, but had to have mostly inside ones taken.

 I think they need to have a party for their one year anniversary and have some pictures taken then. Of course, this would mean we'd all get to come back and have fun again!

 The kids were fairly well-behaved during the ceremony. It was fairly short so Gavin tried sitting still...with a few funny faces thrown in.

 Henry wore the hat he got from Uncle Peter for his birthday. He did have it off for the ceremony and a lesson was given on why men do not wear hats inside.

 The reception was held at the Rockin' R Stables in Bear Lake. It was still raining and so we were all inside. Caroline had planned for a hayride and even horseback riding, but that darn rain messed that up. I didn't mind the rain and lack of activities. The room we were in had a big fireplace. It was rustic but cute and the decorations just added to the country feel.

 They had Eddie D's doing the catering. During the summer he does food at the beach house at the main beach in Manistee. His food is good and the food he did for the reception was fantastic. Keeping with the country theme they had ribs, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw, biscuits, beans. There was wine, pop, beer and even a beer that had been made especially for the wedding.

 Bubbles were handed out, in mini champagne bottles, and the kids were entertained with blowing bubbles all around. Big Texas mugs were given out as well as chocolate popcorn.

 After dinner was finished, big batches of cheese popcorn, caramel popcorn and butter popcorn were brought out.

 Caroline and Sean had a dance together to a song that has special meaning to them. Some very sweet speeches were given. The cake was cut and shared. The entire event was so cozy and had such a family feel. I loved every second of it. The roof even leaked in one spot in the middle of the room. I thought it added to the whole feel of the evening. I know that things did not go the way they were planned, but I thought it was the best wedding I've ever attended. I think a lot of that atmosphere was from the people. No drama, just lots of good feeling and love.

 One of the funniest parts of the evening were the goats. They roamed freely and to use the bathrooms you had to leave the building we were in and cross the lane to another. There the goats came in and out. Lots of pictures were taken of those goats! At one point a goat tried sneaking into our building through the back door. It just happened to be right were the cake was set up. Perhaps he wanted a piece?

 We stayed until 9pm. On our short drive back to Manistee we saw a coyote on the side of the road. Totally kept with that country theme of the evening!

 It was the best weekend and the best wedding. I loved being with Caroline and her mom.

 When I first heard that Caroline and Sean were getting married I decided to make Caroline a wedding shawl. I actually made two. Since her dress was an off-white/ivory color she wore the creamy colored shawl. Her dress was gorgeous and totally something I would pick out. I thought the shawl went nicely with it.

 I am thrilled we got to be a part of the day. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Congratulations to Caroline and Sean!!!!!

School Time, Again!

 Another school year has started! This year Henry is in 1st grade and Irene is in Kindergarten. The day started with a thunderstorm and a lot of rain. We managed to make it out the door on time. At school it was a madhouse! So many cars we had to park at the nearby church and walk over. Since it was raining all the students and parents and helpers were inside the halls.

We stopped at Henry's classroom first. We talked to his teacher and dropped off his rain jacket and lunchbox. Then we walked to Irene's room. Irene gave me a kiss and was ready for the day to start. I walked Henry back to his room and got my hug and kiss. He joined the other kids that were waiting for the bell to ring.

Now it is just me and Gavin at home. Goodness! It is quiet!

I am hopeful that this year is going to be better than last year. This year Henry's teacher was recommended by Mrs. Peterson, Henry's tutor. She said Henry will have a good year with her. I hope so! They are expected to do more work by themselves, which is good, but I worry about Henry.

Henry did do three weeks of summer school in August and I think that really gave him a head start into this school year. I'm hoping that it has gotten him back into the 'school mode' so that the transition from summer to school will be easier.

 August was a busy month for us. Henry had summer school 4 days a week for 4 weeks. He missed one week because I had food poisoning and was not able to leave the house. Thankfully, the kids and I had a movie watching marathon that week.

Miss Irene either feel or jumped off her bed and hit her leg. She was screaming in pain and her leg looked...not right. We thought it was broken. We made the drive to the hospital. Poor Irene whimpered all the way. I sat in the back with her and we had her legged propped up with pillows. At the emergency room we got right in and within fifteen minutes she was getting x-rays. Everyone, including the doctor, was surprised that her leg was not broken. We were shocked but relieved! The doctor said she had bleeding into the muscle which was causing the pain and trouble walking. She was instructed to stay off it for a few days. She became very good at ordering her brothers to get things for her. Pillow pets, cheese, blankets, go get them!

 She is doing much better now. Just a lot of bruising on her leg.

                                
 We went to the library a lot this summer. We'd find books and movies to bring home. Plus, the library always has some kind of cool set-up in the children's area. For the summer they had a tent set up with a fake fire and marshmallows for roasting. There was fishing, and cook-out food to play with as well. It was a very cute set-up and the kids loved it.

 Now, we are in school mode once again. Lot's of new stuff this year. We are also saving to go to Manistee for a weekend in October. One of my best childhood friends is getting married there. I am so excited for her! We are looking forward to a weekend spent with people we like and love. It will be a real treat to get away from Lowell. Of course, those darn curve balls keep coming our way. As I try to save each week for the October weekend life sends little surprises. The water pump went on our vehicle and we were without a car for several days. Our dryer quit working. It took the repairman ten minutes to fix and cost us $90. I am grateful for a working dryer once again, but it did set back my weekend savings plan.

With school starting it reminds me that we have now lived in Lowell for a year. I can't say that I am thrilled about it all. We have our very own family Dramalama complete with threats against my children. Perhaps I'll tell that story soon.
Yeah, can't say I'm happy to be here, but I am trying to make the best of it.

Besides, just look at that ^ smile. It sure makes me smile!

In the Water we will Play

 After my last post I felt we needed a little bit of light-heartedness around here, but please, take a moment to read my last post and help if you can!

Now in the picture above the boy on the left is my nephew Shelby. That's right, he is the one that got hit by a car, suffered a fractured (7 pieces!) skull, had major surgery, and a broken collarbone. Can you believe that this picture was taken on the 4th of July only two weeks after it happened?! He is doing so amazingly well. He is suppose to be taking it easy all summer, no sports, bikes or anything that would be taxing on his brain (tests, reading, etc.).

 My mother-in-law and I took the kids to the small little "beach" here in town. It is a far cry from Lake Michigan and the beautiful beaches we are used to, but I am thankful that it is here.

The water is warm and the kids enjoyed the chance to cool off. Heck, I even got in to cool down. It has been HOT here!

 The ducks in the area are very friendly. They come right up to you and demand food. If you drop anything they are on it. Of course, we had some blueberries, chips and fruit snacks and every one that dropped the ducks were fighting over. It was kind of cute though.

Mrs. Peterson, the kids' tutor, told us about a park in Grand Rapids that has a playground area and a water fountain that is made for the kids to play in. I'd like to go there but haven't yet. It is a 30 minutes drive from here. Of course, everything is a 30 minute drive from us...still, I'd rather wait for Mark to be home and have him drive ;-)

A Little Help For My Friend

Before Henry was born, I worked the front desk at a local hotel. One of the people I worked with was a woman named Marian. She was a single mom and lived with her teenage son, Paul. Over the years we were friends and even after I left that job we stayed in touch through email and through my mom (Marian came into the library a lot while my mom worked there).

Last November Marian passed away in her sleep. Of course, we no longer lived in the same town and this was during the time we had no money at all so I was not able to help her son in any way. I felt badly about that and tried to make up for it by sending messages and sharing happy stories of Marian.

Marian's son, Paul, is now in his early twenties and is a father of a two year old. Unfortunately, his son passed away on July 6th. It was such a tragic, senseless death and my heart aches for him and his partner. I remember Paul fondly and I'm so sad that he is going through this so soon after losing his mom.

Thankfully, I am in a position where I am able to send some help money-wise. It isn't much. I've also shared his story on Facebook. His older sister, who lives in New York state, made a donation site for him. The money is to be used for final expenses. I donated to that fund as well and I've shared it several times on Facebook.

The thing that is really getting me upset is that no one that I know has donated to it. I know people can't always contribute (I know that first hand) but I thought that my friends that live in the same town as Paul would at least jump in with prayers, healing thoughts or mojo. Usually these friends are the first to say they are praying and the first to try to help somehow even if it is with a meal. Why are the not responding to this?? These two young people have lost their 2 year old son!

I'm trying to not jump to conclusions about why no one seems to care. I know money is tight for some, but words are always free and kind ones are always well received.

So, I am coming to the blogging world and asking for help. I know that you don't know these young people, but you don't have to know them to have a bit of compassion. Check out the donation site. It has pictures and Paul has written about his son and what happened. I find that it is hard for me to write about the details and it is so much better coming from Paul. If you can, please donate a couple of dollars or leave a kind message...or both.

You can find the website by clicking HERE.

Edited to Add...
Okay...I came to respond to a message that was left for me and now that message is gone. Weird. I will just add my comment here in  the hopes it makes things clearer.

The reason I am mad that no one is giving a kind thought or prayer to these people is that my Manistee friends KNOW them. Several times a day I see status updates about friends of friends and/or their children and the love and pray pile is on. I guess I am confused why no one seems to care about these two. When my nephew was in the hospital many friends that never knew he existed before then were willing to send thoughts and prayers, but for someone they know and that lives in their town and they actually see out and about they can't seem to care about.

I understand that sending them well wishes might come across as weird if you don't know them. I probably wouldn't either. I do know that on Facebook any comments made on my link would be visible to Paul and that's why I am shocked that people are so quiet.

It comes down to my wanting to help them in some way. I've done what I was able to do financially and by sharing their story I hope that, somehow, they will get the help they need.

Edited again because some people are truly wonderful!

Sometimes people you meet through the internet are kind, cool and talented. Those people care when the ones that SHOULD care don't or can't be bothered.

DM- I only know you online and yet you are the kind of person I want my children to grow up to be like. Thank you.

AO- You are so kind and thoughtful. Thank you for helping! Many blessing to you!

Playing Catch Up, Part 3

 Our local library had a free petting zoo one night. The kids and I walked over and got to meet some animals. Gavin was quite willing to pet the snake! Henry and Irene touched it but refused to let them set it around their shoulders.

 Petting the fuzzy rabbit was a big hit.

 Gavin had to get right up there and check it out, too.

 The big turtle (tortoise? I have no idea.) was Gavin's favorite.

                              
                               
 Henry and the llama became good friends and he liked the goats, too. Of course, he wanted to actually touch the tarantula that they had....yuck. They kids also got to pet a prairie dog and get 'kissed' by a lizard with a blue tongue.

 They also had to take a turn sitting on the donkey.

 And making faces...

I like our library and the programs they offer. I feel we are fortunate to have a library that is part of the KDL library system. We have a lot of books available to us and they offer so many programs. Great deal!

Playing Catch Up, Part 2

Irene turned 5 back in June. We had her birthday at the Binder Park Zoo. She wanted a Barbie cake this year. Grandpa Lou picked it up the night before and when he got home the cake had fallen apart! He went back to the store with it and the manager called up the bakery staff and told them they'd have to make another first thing in the morning. Thankfully, the second cake survived and was quite yummy.

 My dad made a picnic lunch for us. He had three kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of chips.

 After we ate, Irene opened her gifts. Lalaloopsy was the favorite again this year. My dad did get her a doctor's kit, which she had wanted badly. She is big into Doc McStuffins and wanted a stethoscope like Doc's.

 After the party we headed into the zoo. We rode the tram into "Africa" and started our safari. We all got to feed the giraffes and this year Gavin loved it!

 Then we made the long walk through "Africa."  It was so hot. By the time we made it back to the tram we were all ready for a drink and some shade.

 We checked out the children's portion of the zoo. There were goats and rabbits and a big slide that the kids played on for quite some time. Through out the area there were misters spraying out cool water.

 We had a lovely time. The kids were tired (so were the adults!) and Gavin fell asleep soon after getting in the car.

I think it was a good birthday for Irene. She is excited about being five and can't wait for school to start in the fall since she will be in Kindergarten!

As always, you can check out my knitting blog by clicking here.