Wa-La

Well, I finally got it figured out and was able to post some pics. I hope you're all enjoying the season.

For the Soldiers

Well, the link says it is no longer available so- go to Lauras blog from here andyou can see it. So much for my computer knowledge!

For the Soldiers

This is so moving. It helps us to remember OUR troops who are fighting for US=U.S.

Just as a side note- a few months ago the navy base had to forgo buying ink for the printers so they could buy toilet paper! But, rest assured, congress WILL get their next raise-whether they turn up to vote even half the time. They will have all the comforts they want and more and continue to be out of touch with the real America and her citizens. I wish we could get them all out and start all over and make them earn their money . I know it's a lot of responsibility and yet- I do believe they're more concerned with themselves and getting their face and name in the news instead of serving the country. Aren't they considered a public servant?
Well-that's a bit of my rant for the week!

Oh,Deer!

YES!!!! Tom got a good size doe Sat. eve. She's now hanging in the garage for a few days so the meat will be nice and tender. I'm so glad he got her- I'm looking forward to some delicious, wholesome meat. I think I'm going to try some new ways to fix it. There are a lot of venison recipes on the web to choose from. However- I like to keep it pretty simple. Simple but good!
I actually did get a new camera-unfortunately the pics will not upload to the blog. Tom has to fix this for me and then I can post all the pics I have.
BTW- I enjoy seeing the decorations in other peoples homes. I have some pics of mine that I'll hopefully get on soon.
Enjoy the holidays. Keep it simple-you'll never regret not having all the hassle!

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! We surely have much to be thankful for- I thought i would share a few of the reasons I'm thankful.

For a loving, patient, understanding God.
A good husband that loves me and his children.
3 healthy children/
A large, extended family/
Times we can be together with family and friends.
The ability to work and keep up with life in general.
Living in the USA with all her freedoms.

The list could go on but, I'll stop there. I know I don't just stop and really think about all my blessings near enough.
Enjoy your families and friends this holiday season. We have felt first hand as a family so recently that you can not take for granted that everyone will be here next year- even the young. So-enjoy everyone!

Home

Nathanael is home for the holiday before reporting for "C" school in Norfolk, VA on the 25th. How times change from having all the children home at holidays to not knowing if they'll be there or not! I can't say i like it but, I know that's part of life. I say all that because--Aaron may visit his girlfriend in FL. over the holiday. She is attending Pensacola Christian. Christmas is still in question as to whether we'll all get to be together. We plan to be at Hannah and Andy's then. Don't you wish some things wouldn't change? Ah, well-----. If Aaron does indeed go to the Marines, that will be another major adjustment for me! I must remember to let go and let God take care of him. After all, He can do what I cannot.
Otherwise, I bought a new camera and it should be here next week! Yeah! Now I'll be able to post pics and maybe add some life to this blog!

How 'bout a new ride?!

Ok, I've been thinking that maybe it's my turn to get a new "ride". Since Hannah drives a Lexus, Nathanael a BMW and Aaron an RX7, maybe I should get -oh-say a BMW sedan or maybe an Acura Legend? I don't know- I just thought maybe I should keep up with the kids! NO- not really. They got their cars at good prices and they enjoy them. I just like to joke about it. I like my 96" Honda Accord just fine --and best of all--it's paid for!!! That makes the ride pretty nice!
Nathanael and Aaron both made it home for the weekend-that was nice. After the 23rd we won't see Nathanael very much. As of now, he's not certain if he'll get to spend Christmas with us or not.That will be a bummer, but I know there are those who have spent more an one holiday apart because of military duties. I don't ever want to whine. There are a lot of people over the years who have sacrificed much for our country's freedom. For that I am grateful and I don't want to forget it. So--thanks to anyone who has sacrificed for US- especially veterans!

ORDERS!

Nathanael finally got his long awaited orders-they are not what he wanted! He wanted VA. and a communications ship. He got WA. and a sub? ship.(I can not remember exactly what he called it!) Anyway, it's still a smaller ship so advancement is still quite possible. As I understand it, the ship will service subs when they surface. He will be working with radar. He will go to VA. in 2 wks. for "C" school and then report to WA. March 1. That will be his base for about the next 5 years or so. That is a fer piece to travel!!! May as well plan a "little getaway" to Alaska once we go that far!!!! Needless to say, this will make visiting a bit more difficult and alot more costly! I'm just glad it's not Iraq or somewhere that would be impossible to even think about visiting! Please remember to say a prayer for him if he comes to your mind. This will be a whole new adjustment.
Tom is looking forward to getting into the woods this wkend. Hopefully it will pay off with some good venison! Yum!
You all have a great day! Til next time!

Graduation

We're off to Chicago for Nathanael's graduation from "A" school. It will be a quick trip. He's done very well. Orders should be posted soon-well-as soon as he gets them!
Tom is hunting and so far they've seen some really nice deer. Now- they just have to be able to get close enough to shoot one! I'm looking forward to some good, fresh, wholesome meat! I'll keep you posted!

Time to post!

Time is ticking right along and I'm still not done with my projects! It usually takes me awhile. I can say that I'm half done with the kitchen makeover and- I must say- it's looking quite nice. Everyone who has seen it likes it. I would much rather be home doing things there instead of working out. I'm not one that "needs" that outlet, I guess.
Well, with fall here that means deer season and hopefully a nice deer or 2 for the freezer! Tom did get a shot at a doe- he figured her to be about 200 lbs.- but it was a bit too windy and must have blow the arrow off just enough. He's going camping/hunting this weekend in Delaware State Park. His cousin's husband, which he has never met, is coming in from vermont and wanted Tom to take him hunting while the cousin visits with Granny. Should be interesting. I hope the effort pays off with a nice deer. Doe or buck- doesn't matter to me -(you can't eat the antlers) but I know all guys like the bucks!
We plan to be in Chicago next weekend for Nathanael's graduation from A school. He will then get his orders and wherever he goes he will complete C school there. That will focus on the particular job he will be doing. He hopes to get on a communications ship- better chance for advancement there. He's done a great job and God has helped him through it all.
My camera broke suddenly so I haven't/can't post any pics. I still hope to remedy that soon!
Good day to all! Enjoy the lovely fall weather!!

All Is Well

Fall has arrived, I believe. I have to take the fence down that protects my garden from the ravenous rabbits and clean it all up. Except for a few vegies it's all done. Of course, that means planning next years garden-which I plan to enlarge. I hope to have a small herb plot, too. Raised beds are going to be the highlight of my changes. They look so neat and orderly and yes, they help in getting more production in a smaller space.
My kitchen makeover is coming along. I'm half done and we really like it. Sorry, my camera quit so I don't have any pics. I hope to remedy that soon!
I can't believe my baby has turned 19! Aaron's b-day was the 8th and Tom's was the 9th. Let's see-that must mean I'm getting older, too! Oh, well, it's bound to happen. I can't say as if I feel old. I'm so glad to be mobile and flexible! I hope I can stay that way til I really am old!
Nathanael will be home for a few short hours this weekend. We're looking forward to it. We're going to have a big dinner and celebrate b-days. He will getting orders soon and hopes to go to VA. We shall see.
I do hope everything is well for all who read this. I enjoy knowing just who does read it! So- please- leave me a comment so I know you're there!
BTW-- my niece- Amber- finally came home from St. Vincent's burn unit this past Sat. She has a long road ahead of her in many ways. A prayer for her and her husband would certainly be appreciated!
Have a great week!

Tagged?!

Ok-I can't say that I'm a real interesting person but, since I've been tagged I'll give it a shot.

1. I've lived in 4 different states since being married-of which Alaska is my favorite.

2. I am # 9 of 10 kids. Yes, that did mean I had it easier than the older ones! After all those kids a parent is bound to be a bit tired by the time they get to 9 & 10!

3. I like a variety of decorating-right now I'm concentrating on the shabby chic and northwoodsy.

4. I used to enjoy riding a motorcycle. Now, I don't think I want to ride one unless there is no other traffic!

5. I enjoy having a large family- when we all get together there are over 100 of us. That's just my immediate family!

6. I always thought it would be fun to own a restaurant.

7. I've been with my husband-who I think is a fun, neat and loving man- for a total of almost 27 years. 24 of those as his wife.

Well! I did it! I guess I will need to TAG someone. I tag Hannah Heintzelman, Laura Heintzelman and Rebecca Pearce.I don't think I know anyone else with a blog that hasn't been tagged!

Ta-Ta!

FALL!

What do you think! Fall seems to be just around tthe corner. I think it's kind of exciting. Now, I can't say I'm anxious for winter! You see, I like to be warm! Tom says I need a blow torch--it's not that bad! Fall offers a lot of fun and the colors are always neat.
Andy is home and doing fine. He said he jas the best nurse. Awww-isn't that sweet! I must say- I tthink she's going to be a good wife-Andy hasn't complained so far!!!!
I'm still working on the kitchen. I'm going to paint my cupboards. Yes, I said paint them. Trust me, it will look a lot better! I'm excited about the outcome.
Hope everyone is enjoying life. It certainly has enough drama for me!
Until next post!

I'm still among the living

I know, I know! I must keep this updated if it is to have any interest at all! So sorry! Anyhow-- I'll update on my niece Amber first. She is still at St. Vincent's in Toledo-the burn unit. She has had 5 surgery's and will need at least one more. She seems to be keeping a good attitude. She told her dad that she's not going to be ashamed of all the scarring. We are so very glad her face was not burned badly. She had some on the side and neck but, it should all heal with little or no scarring.
This morning Hannah had to take Andy to the emergency room. He was having awful pain in the stomach-you guessed it--appendesitis. He will be operated on tonight and possibly go home tomorrow if all goes well. He'll have about a week of recovery at home and hopefully be good to go! Did I tell you that Hannah, Andy and David gave me a surprise visit a coulpe wkends. ago? It was great! I say me because it was no surprise to tom and the boys- they knew for several weeks! Usually things can't be kept from me that way!
Aaron is working hard and sleeping little! Ugh! I worry about him! He went to PA. last weekend to see his girlfriend, Shannon, before she left to go back to collge. This is her 2nd year at Pensacola Christian in Pensacola FL. He is still talking about the Marines--you know my heart says NO!!!
Nathanael is just waiting to finish his schooling and get his orders. Right now they are being pushed to learn material that usually takes a month to cover in just a couple weeks. He is doing ok, though. He keeps his nose clean, so to speak, and it has served him well! A new sailor tried to get him in serious trouble by making a false accusation but, it all came out ok. The guy is not being treated well by some of his superiors now. Nathanael didn't say anything- they just found out. I guess you be very careful what you do and say. He's just ready to move on. He would like to be stationed in FL. or VA. -we'll see.
Tom is still watching for openings in Lima or Findlay. He's going to go to a compressed schedule pretty soon so that will give him 2 Fridays a month off. He's planning to hunt in Delaware State Park this Oct. His cousin(who he hasn't seen or talked to in 20 yrs.) is coming for a visit to Granny and wanted Tom to take her husband(who Tom has never met) hunting. So, we've done some looking around at the land- looks pretty promising.
Me- I stay busy. I'm in the process of giving my kitchen a makeover. So far, I'm liking it. I have a few more ideas that I hope to incorporate and then I'll be done. Maybe I'll post some pics when the project is finished.
Speaking of pics- I know I need to update those, too. I'll see what I can do!
Until next time--which shouldn't be such a long time--have a great day!

Good Thursday Morning

Hope everyone is having a good week. We certainly cannot complain.
We buried my niece, DaShelle, on Mon. It was a beautiful day, as you know, and Rev. Joe Hurst did a very good job bringing the message for the funeral.We got to meet the man that pulled the girls from the building. Ken Shepherd is his name. He is our hero of the year, along with DaShelle, who put Rashelle's life before her own.
Amber was operated on the same day- they did the grafting on her left arm. All went well but, she will be pretty much out of it for a few days.
Rashelle had an operation on her leg. It went very deep. She will need a lot of support, too.
Life just keeps happening. My niece's bro-in-law was killed Tues. morn. This is not making us feel any relief- it makes you a bit uneasy.
On the brighter side, we are all doing ok. The garden is producing well and we're looking ahead to brighter days!
Until next post-have a bright, bright, sunshiny day!

Sad News

I wanted to update on DaShelle and Amber. DaShelle passed away today, Tues., around 2:10 pm. Several of us family members were with her. Thanks for all the prayers and support-it was/is greatly appreciated.
Amber is coming along. She is being treated for a yeast infection- I'm sure it's probably due to all the meds. They have begun getting her up to walk. It is so very painful but, it has to be done. She isn't asking questions like you would expect- that is a bit bothersome. Hopefully in another 2 weeks or so they will be able to do grafting on her left arm. We still do not know if she will keep both feet -almost positive she will lose at least some toes.
RaShelle, DaShelles friend that was also burned, is coming along well.
Thanks again for all the prayers!

Update

Just an update for any who might wonder how the girls are doing. DaShelle is on dialysis and will continue to be on it until the respiratort is taken off. As of Tues. it was at 80%. They did some surgery on her Tues. They removed the burned skin from her right leg and put cadaver skin on it for now. They were running out of time to do something and even though she is so sick it was a must to get something going. The burnt skin is toxic to her so without doing anything she would most certainly reach a point of no return- so to speak. She came through it well and was resting last night.
Amber is coming along. They did harvest skin from her for the grafting on her legs and most of it took well. There are a few places that will have to be redone and then her arms. Her feet are still in question. Most likely she will lose at least 2 or 4 toes- hopefully not her feet. She is doing therapy so she stays flexible and they have put 'boots' on her feet to keep her from getting drop feet. She is still heavily medicated so no real conversation can be held, although she does recognize and will talk-she just won't remember. She feels pain so she's not so medicated that she's under all the time. DaShelle, on the other hand, is being kept sedated quite heavily.
If any of you heard about the small plane that went down in Orlando on Tues. well-the firefighter that rescued the people was our brother-in-law. He is married to Karen, Tom's sister. I believe he will be alright. He was being treated for smoke inhalation.
Our family has seen a lot in the past 3-4 weeks. My nephew was diagnosed with cancer- a very aggressive kind- and had his first chemo treatment on Tues. It starts to get a bit frightening.
I trust you will have a great day! No matter what- we STILL serve a great and good God! Anything that helps us to make it to Heaven will be a mercy!
I'll try to update later.
Oh- Hannah and Andrew are doing fine. She is liking her new home and I think Andy is liking his new wife! She surprised him with his favorite meal for his birthday last week. He thought that was pretty great!
Nathanael is struggling a bit at base- he does not enjoy all the garbage there and can't wait to get off base and away from it all. He hasn't been feeling to hot either so, I'm sure he'd appreciate your prayers.
Aaron has been hired by Lima Tank and begins training today. It will be a lot of hard work but, he wants to learn different things and the money is good. He has signed up to go to the Marines-scheduled for boot camp in Oct. as of now. I can't say I'm excited about that but, we'll support him. How could someone not support a kid taking on that type of commitment? It's all so scary and the garbage is so prolific! Please pray for him.
Now- I really will sign off!! Tally-ho!

It's unreal

Wow! Last Tues. my niece was in an apartment fire in Carey. Dashelle and her friend, Rashelle, were rescued by a man in a dump truck who pulled them from the building. They were flown by life flight to St. Vincent hosp. in Toledo. Dashelle suffered 70% burns on most of her body and 2nd degree on her face. Rashelle's burns were mostly the lower part of the body-I'm not sure the %. They were both in critical condition. As of today, Tues., I do not have an update on Rashelle, the friend. The Drs. have harvested skin from her to grow some for grafting.Dashelle, my niece, is still not doing well. Her kidneys are not functioning properly so they have given her a medicine to jump start them. We should know by 11 today if it will work. If not, they will start dialysis. They wanted to graft some skin from her chest area, where she still had a patch of skin, to her right hand but, were unable to because she was to unstable. They did harvest some skin from under the arm and sent it away. They are both a long way from being whole!
Then, Sat. eve we received a call that another niece and her boyfriend were in an accident-in Carey- about a 1/4 mile from their house. They were both life flighted to St. V's also. We headed to Toledo- ariiving about 11 p.m.. There were several family members there already- some had gotten half way home (from visiting Dashelle) only to turn around and go back up. Amber suffered 35-40% burns, mostly the lower part of the body and her hands- the truck had flipped and caught fire. Andy, her boyfriend, was fatally hurt. He passed away at 3:53 a.m.. at first they thought Amber had brain damage because there was some bleeding on the brain but, the neurologist said all looks well. She does know that Andy is gone. They plan to do some grafting on her this morn at 11.
So--- I have 2 nieces in the same burn unit at the same time. Neither of the girls are saved and neither are the parents. Dashelle has not been responsive for several days- not sure if it is all medicine related or not. I know the Dr. had said they would keep her sedated for maybe as long as 3-4 months. She looks like a mummy all wrapped up.
Please remember them all in your prayers. It is going to be a long, hard road to recovery. I pray that they will turn to God through this. He certainly has shown much mercy!!
I trust your life has not been so eventful! Have a great day!

All's Well

All is well on the home front! Anyway-- as far as I know we're all ok. Nathanael finally got to go to Bro. Thomas Reed's church in Chicago. He was excited to go- he hasn't been able to go for different reasons. I'm glad to know he desires to be in a good church and misses it when he can't get there. Pray for him- base life is not so hot-well- at least most of the other shipmates are anything but upstanding sailors!
Aaron is working his tail off. I don't know how people stand working out in the heat all day! UGH! He may be changing jobs- we don't know yet.
Hannah and Andy are doing fine. Getting the house together is proving to be an enjoyable experience. Andy's family had painted the house so she only had to do the sponging. It has turned out really well and everyone likes it. It's inspiring some of the family to think about some redecorating! They still have some work to do in the kitchen and I guess it's going to be really nice.
Tom and I are ok. Life keeps moving on and we're trying to keep up!
Hope life is being good to you!

New Addess

The Newlyweds are now at home at:

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Heintzelman
9317 SE 20th St.
Webster, FL 33597

They arrived home Friday and had to get the trailer full of their stuff unloaded. Now Hannah can get to work making her and Andy's home. She's excited!
Have a great day!

A few more pictures not everyone will get to see

Cooperation!

My computer decided to cooperate today so I posted a few pics from the wedding and also some smaller ones of the events at our house in preparation for Hannah's departure! There are a lot more pics, but I don't have access to all of them yet. I'll probably post some later- ones we didn't all get to see.
I think I'm pretty well done with returns, however, I still have to finish all the cleanup and disposal of stuff! Who said the wedding was over!
Seriously, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Hannah was happy with it all and it was very much so a portrait of who Hannah is. Andy-while he is much more laid back and simple, enjoyed it too, and thought it was all very nice. I'll be anxious to see their home when she gets done with it. I'm sure it will be very nice. Maybe a bunch of us could just take a trip down for a tour when she gets it done!? Sounds good to me!
Now- fro the pics. We had a good time with Andy's family although there wasn;t much time to just kick back and talk. They are a great family.

Wedding

Hannah and Andy had a beautiful day for a wedding and everything went very well. I think everyone enjoyed the day. They arrived safely at the cabin in TN. and I know they'll have a great time there! I'm missing her a lot already. I wonder how my mom felt when I left for FL.? 24 years ago I was staying with Andy's family and they were helping me prepare for our wedding! I went down about a week or so before the wedding. Everyone and Fl. was all new to me. Thankfully, Hannah has friends and family there. As for pics, my computer is experiencing some difficulty. I'll try again later.

6 Days and counting!

Ok, the list is getting pretty well done! Andy's family is on their way and plan to be in Weds. Andy and his aunt Esther will fly in Weds. eve. Marriage license will be gotten early Thurs. morn., dress picked up and taken to the church, church decorated Thurs. afternoon, food taken to my sister for HER to prepare!Let's see--then there's Fri.--we plan to have the reception room done BEFORE rehearsal, rehearsal dinner at 5:30, rehearsal started by 6:30-6:45 and hopefully done with rehearsal by 9 or so! Oh, the best laid plans of mice and men!! Nathanael will be flying in Fri. and gets to stay till Sun. Oh! hey! my bedroom is even cleaned!! Hannah is pretty well all packed up and ready to go, so--now--what will I do with all the stuff when it's all over? Hmmmm. Good question! Anyway- that's what is happening here. Just busy, busy. We do hope to be able to sit down and relax a bit before the wedding. I think if it all goes as planned we'll be able to. I can't believe it yet. It's really here and Hannah is going to be a married woman in just 6 days! Tom and I are so thankful for Andrew. He's a wonderful young man who we believe will be a great husband, provider and leader. Next post will most likely be after the big day!

He's a Sailor now!

Yes, We're back and Nathanael is an official U.S. Sailor. The graduation was really neat. So much concentration and discipline goes into it. If you don't pay attention and keep very focused-well- you may find yourself 2 steps ahead or behind the rest! Hannah took a lot of pics of the actual graduation and I'll probably post a couple later. Nathanael was very tired, somewhat numb to emotion, but glad to have us all there. Becky was with us, too. Somehow, I don't think you could have hog tied her to keep her away! He will move into his room at school on Tues. All his schooling is self paced so he may be able to finish a lot sooner than the 18 months alloted. We're hoping he gets to make it home for the Wedding! He received 2 promotions while in boot camp so he is now an E3 and said he will probably become a Petty Officer before to long. He had a lot of fun telling us how it was and showing (especially Dad!) how the workout went! We enjoyed it all!! We did take the train (which he will get to know the routes real well since he can't have a car while he's there)into Chicago and went to the Sears Tower. Pretty spectacular view. We went to service on Base with him and got to experience the service there. It was all a very different life for him. He's glad it's over!

Yes, I'm here

Been a pretty busy time! This weekend we will be in IL. for the Naval graduation and some time with Nathanael. We're excited. It will be a very special time and we haven't seen him since the 21st of March. It will be a nice,(unfortunately, short) weekend.
I'm trying to pull all the loose ends together for the wedding plus get the garden out. I can't say I'm all that excited about the garden this year. Maybe once I have time to relax I will be.We've enlarged it by about 5 feet wider. I really need about 20 more feet to be able to get it all in at the same time!
Andy woke up to the sound of running water-AGAIN- at he and Hannah's house! He hasn't been able to see any damage yet. Fortunately, it was under the house and not inside this time. It gets a bit discouraging, wouldn't you say?
Have a great day and remember all your blessings!

RSVP

Anyone who has received a wedding invitation and has not sent the RSVP back, please do so. I don't want to over or under plan for the reception food! Thanks!!

Announcement

Hannah's engagement announcement came out in todays Findlay paper. Thurs. it will be in the Ada Herald. Lima was so expensive-$70! Considering Findlay was free and Ada was only $15-I'd say that was a bit excessive! Things are coming together very well. The next big thing-after the programs- after getting the ceremony figured out- is buying all the food. We haven't received half of the RSVP's yet- I do hope folks know to send it back even if they can't come! Anyhow- our evenings are going to be busy from here on out!!!!!
Next weekend is Nathanael's graduation. I keep hearing how fantastic it is. I'm sure it will be quite memorable! We'll get lot's of pics so you'll get to see some of them.
Must close- the kiddies are down for a nap and all of them have finally fallen asleep! That's my cue to get something done!

It's The Gas Chamber!!

Today Nathanael gets to experience the gas chamber. I'm sure you're all wishing you could do it, too. As for me, I'm glad I'm not!!! This week should be the last of the heavy stuff-then on to graduation. His division also performs today and next Fri. for other graduations. If they do well tonight they will get a 30 min. phone call. Of course, for us, that means 10-maybe 15 since his calls get split between 2 parties!
As an update on my bro-in-law and niece- they are recovering, but very sore.
BUSY will be the theme of my life for the next month. Pulling it all together is scary.
Have a happy day and enjoy the sunshine!

Just Today

Man! I feel like - well- a bit harried and tired! Seems like one thing after another these past 4 days. Last night we rushed to Fostoria- my brother-in-law and great-niece were hit broadside by a semi. Fortunately, it happened in town so the speed wasn't as fast. This would be a different blog if it had happened on a highway! Phil has a cracked sternum and is banged up and will probably be very sore for a few days. Taylor seems to have a bad concussion so she was kept in the hosp.
Nathanael got to call yesterday. He is doing well and is still on target to graduate May 18.
Enjoy these beautiful days! Even last nights storm had some beauty in it!

Surprise!

I couldn't say anything until after the fact on Hannah's trip to FL. because Andy's does check this blog sometimes and I dared not ruin the surprise. She flew out Fri. morning to surprise Andy and spend the weekend there. She took all her curtains for the house and some other decorating things thinking she would add some finishing touches and make the place look homey. Well, when she and Andy got to the house they found it was being flooded from a broken pipe under the sink! Ugh! Needless to say, she did not hang curtains. They will have to replace some flooring and possibly the bottom kitchen cabinets. Thankfully, the new linoleum had not yet been laid. By the way, she surprised him at his office. He said he loved the surprise! I think he was getting kind of Hannah sick (home sick) to see her! They are down to 39 days! That means we really have to pull it all together-soon! No, really, we're doing ok in that area.
So far, Nathanael is still set to graduate May 18. We will be spending the weekend there since he will have liberty for the entire weekend. Once he's in school he should be able to come home some weekends.
Aaron is back at work and settling back in at home. I don't know how I'll do when all my kids are out and on their own. I know I'll miss them! Hopefully they won't all be so far away I'll never get to see them except at Christmas! I know- life will go on!
Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine! I think Spring has officially arrived!!!

Aries

Aries Hardesty, (age 4 mos. and 23 days) went to be with Jesus yesterday. Apparently it was SIDS. I babysat for Aries and his brother, Theo. Please pray for his parents- they are not doing well. They had all gone to Miami along with some other family to witness/celebrate the marriage of Eric and Suzanne, Aries parents. They found Aries not breathing when they went in to check on him during his nap. I can not imagine the grief
and pain they must be feeling. Please pray that I will have the right words to say when they get back. The posted picture was taken at about 2-2 1/2 months. I can imagine the joy in Heaven and how Aries must be enjoying his time with Jesus!

Hey--

That's sort of what I heard early this morning as I went into the kitchen. I was pleasantly surprised to see Aaron there. He got in around 2 this morning. It's good to have him back.
Hannah's shower went very well last night. Of course, it was beautifully done by Wendy Bailey. A couple of the pics I post will show 2 little girls that thoroughly enjoyed the cookies, even the day after! Hannah received a lot of very nice gifts and thought it was all so nice. Now we're full speed ahead to pull everything together for the wedding! Hopefully there will be no snags!!
Try to make it a beautiful day, anyway!

April Showers Bring-June Weddings!!

Thought I'd share some of Hannah's shower pics. She has had 2 and tonight she'll have her third. The first one was given by her Matron of Honor, Christie Thomas, the 2nd I gave and this one is being given by the church. Once her and Andy are married and back in FL. Andy's mom plans to have a house warming for them. How fun can this get! We've had a good time at both showers and Hannah has really appreciated all her gifts.She is at 45 days and counting(down of course)Woo-Hoo!

Up to Date

I guess I'm not doing a very good job of keeping this blog up to date. Even though I'm busy, busy it doesn't seem to interesting for others!Anyhow--Aaron is on his way home from FL. after 3 months-ready to pick up on his job with Metzgers. Hannah will have her 2nd bridal shower Sat.. Her first one was last Fri. in IN and turned out really nice. Nathanael has had lot's of sickness while at boot camp, but says he is getting on top of it now. I'm trying to decide my next career move! Not so sure I want to continue babysitting or if I should even consider it. I've been fighting bursitis and tendonitis for several months. All the lifting and being on my feet all day just doesn't give it a chance to rest. So-- maybe I'll get a job helping old folks or maybe a bank job-who knows!There's just a brief update on what's going on with us. Hope you all are living life to it's fullest, too!!

Wedding Plans

The BIG DAY for Hannah and Andy is only 59 days away! Wedding plans are going well and yes, I am getting a touch of anxiety. Her dress was taken to be altered. The invitations will be done and ready to mail this week, all the flowers are pretty well done, menu has been done--well, you know how the list goes. Of course, I believe Hannah will be a beautiful bride and everything will be lovely! Tom's just glad he only has 1 daughter! I thought I would post some pics. One of her bridesmaids (Amanda) was here last weekend to be fitted for her dress- they were very pleased with the lady who will be doing the work. My goal is no last minute rush on the big stuff! So far so good!

Nathanaels Address

SR Downer, Nathanael T
DIV 925 Ship 06
Recruit Training Command
3510 Illinois Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119

This has to be written in this form. He can receive letters any time but can only write on Sun. He wanted me to pass the addy on so I know he would really enjoy getting some letters!

Nathanaels New World

Here is the latest from Nathanael. First- he says there is a lot of yelling and screaming and 2 min. showers. There are 37 girls( Nate refers to them as high school drama queens) in his division and he says they cause a lot of the yelling and screaming. His division is a performing division. They are being marched to death- so to speak. They will be performing in about 4 weeks for an Admiral and some VIPs.He also tried out for the Navy choir and made it. That is only for the duration of boot camp if I'm not mistaken. He went to church and made a mistake-he ended up in a Catholic service. I'm sure that was different! He was down with strep throat for 2 days. A 103 degree temp went with it! As of last Sun. he was on light duty but, probably back to full by now. He said he was going to be ok but only with a lot of prayer. I'm sure you'll all call his name when you think of him- I know he would sure appreciate it!

Boot Camp

Nathanael finally arrived at boot camp in Chicago around 1:15 a.m. today! The plane couldn't get out of Columbus for quite awhile due to poor weather in Chicago and then the 30 guys that had made it to Chicago had to wait for more to arrive before the bus would take them to boot camp! Anyway, the first 2 weeks are going to be the toughest. Now we look forward to his first letter!

Nathanael

Ok-Nathanael is headed to Col. again. He is supposed to leave for boot camp Weds. A.M.. I thought I'd share a picture from his anchor's aweigh get together.

Update

Just an update here- Nathanael was ready to go to boot camp on Mon. He was in Columbus and was cleared to go except -he needed a Dr. to sign off on him! He had seen a Dr. in Findlay the Friday before and was on antibiotics- hence the need for the Dr. to sign off on his care. Well- it couldn't be done without a visit to the Dr.! so- his recruiter brought Nathanael back to Findlay to see the Dr. and faxed the needed paper work into command right away so there would be no further problems. Now he will leave on the 21st-barring no further problems! It worked out in Nates favor since he isn't feeling good at all. The Lord does know what He's doing!

Old and new news

Ok- so here I am-Finally!! I'm posting some photos from Hannahs FL Christmas trip so you can see what kind of family she's marrying into! (I think we'll get along fine!)Really- she is gaining a great family. We're getting ready to see Nathanael off to boot camp at Great Lakes. No communication for 2 wks! After 8 wks. of that he'll have a few days then he'll start A school. That will be abut 18 months. We went out to Olive Garden last Sat. night-compliments of Nathanael, and had a good time. (A certain young lady came to visit!)Becky Pearce is Nathanaels special friend. She is a very nice girl and a go-getter. We're also on the count down for the Wedding June 9. Meeting with the caterers tonight(2 of my sisters!)Aren't things expensive! Tom and I could do a weekend get-away for all the postage we're buying! Now- there's an idea! Really- we're having to much fun and excitement! Life is great!

Weekend update

Busy weekend! Aaron and Nathanael are on their way to Fl. as I write this. Aaron will be staying with Sam and Robin Ogg and working for Sam. He'll be staying until--?? He doesn't know how long he'll stay. Nathanael will be flying back Tues. Andy is coming for the weekend. He and Hannah will complete their premarital counseling with Bro. Nichols and then Andy will return to FL. on Mon. eve. Life just seems to stay busy! Hope your weekend is great!

Spring!

Time to start thinking about Spring and the garden! I have really enjoyed my garden the past 2 years. I've had very good results and it yielded much for it's size. This year I think we may enlarge quite a bit. So- I'll get the opportunity to plant some things I couldn't in my smaller garden. Lot's of work but, it also offers a lot of "therapy"!

Wedding Website

To view Hannah and Andy's wedding site, go to www.theknot.com. Look under their names and yes, sign the guest book!