Back from a week in "the 'burgh"

These were supposed to go at the end, but i don't know how to fix it, so....
Belle Vernon's Youth With A Mission Pittsburgh!

Cathedral of learning--University of PIttsburgh

Sample engine from a steel mill--Station Square, south side

view from above...West end overlook

Well, it's Monday, and after class from 8-1:30 for the day, I have officially conceded that spring break is, yes, over. However, I think it might be appropriate to remenisce and share a bit with the family about my week in Pittsburgh!

I got to go home with a friend from school that had gone to Ireland with me.

Spent Sunday morning in church...2 churches actually. The first was the church that Christy's dad pastors at. (Christy is the one from school....I stayed with her family). The second church was maybe 20 minutes from there, and the Taylor University Wind Ensemble was performing for service on their spring break tour. Fun stuff.

Monday, Christy and I went down to Oakland, the section of Pittsburgh dowtonwn where Pitt is located. It was fun to be on campus, to try to park, to walk through the Cathedral of Learning. It's really a beautiful campus and really neat that it's right down in the city. Got some coffee and then made our way to a place in Oakland where my YWAM base was having a worship night, so I got to spend the evening with them, even though it was brief.

Tuesday, Christy's mom took us down to the strip district, which is an area of Pittsburgh that used to be right off of the wharf where a lot of goods came in. Now there's lots of shops, mostly food shops--spices and teas and coffee, a meat shop (they sell the whole animal and you can pick your seafood while it is still alive...a very smelly shop), and other little stores. Then we went up to a look out over the city to see the convergence of the 3 Pittsburgh rivers: the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. It's so cool to see the rivers and all of the bridges in the Steel City...it's really a pretty city in some ways.

Wednesday I made my way south to my YWAM base in Belle Vernon and got to stay there for the rest of the week. It was so good to see people. 3 of the other girls from my school made it up, too. It felt almost like I'd never left...we skipped the catching up part and just jumped right back into things being like normal around each other. It was cool. Those people are definitely like family, and I've already been extended the open invitation to come back whenever I want for as long as I want. Which would be fun, especially if we repeat the karaoke from my last night there!! Yes, I sang karaoke...it was a riot.

Well, then Sunday after church--just one service this time--Christy and I made our way back to Upland. We were in for a horrible shock when we crossed the state line into Indiana and saw snow flurries...but today is beautiful and sunny...probably up in the 50s even. But I'm willing to leave it! And I'll get my chance to go home over Easter, so that's exciting.

Well, it's so great to hear how everyone is doing! Congratulations on all your dance, Rachel. And I bet Claire is changing so much since last I saw her!

Well, I'll see if I can't get some pictures up here, otherwise, love you all and cant' wait to see you!

4 Days Left

Hi- Hi,

Guess it's my turn to write a blog. Some of you heard all of this on the phone already, but, oh well. We really have enjoyed getting blogs from all of you.

We're heading for home early Thursday morning. We have reservations for Friday night in Omaha. We'll be by Sue and Rob on Saturday afternoon.

This month really went fast. The 2nd week we had the tennis events of the Senior Games. That is always a busy and fun week for us. It was especially busy for Grandpa because he was a coordinator for the event. It went well except for rain the first morning. Everything was backed up 1-1/2 hours and it was a job for him to reschedule everything. He wasn't too busy to play though. He did well taking the GOLD in the singles and men's doubles. He and his partner both turned 70 in the past year and I think everyone in that age bracket hated to see them come. Then in the mixed doubles we took silver. The couple that we beat last year, beat us this year. The only good part about that match is that we were down 5-1 in the 2nd set, and ended up winning 7-5. We also watched a lot of good tennis.

Then on the 17th Bernie came for a week. She had never been to Arizona before, so it was really fun showing her all the beautiful places around here. She fell in love with our White Elephant here and ended up buying 28 pieces of clothing!!!! (Also a church patio sale) Much of that we will be taking home with us.

It is really getting pretty here. Everything is starting to green up and many trees and cactus are blooming. Well unfortunately, along with that comes a high pollen count. Also, we've had
some windy, dusty days. My allergies have been bad. Last night I went to bed at 8:30 and got up at 7:15 this morning.

I hope Jessica, Hannah, Rachel, Nicole, Lydia, Paula, and Sue enjoy their spring break. (Maybe Donna too)

Looking forward to seeing most of you soon.

Love and Hugs,
Grandma and Grandpa

MI Update

Hi everyone!

Rachel had a good competition this past weekend in Grand Rapids. Her solo recieved a "Platinum" rating and 9th overall for ages 12-14 in all dance catagories. Platinum is the best you can get, so we were thrilled...she has been close several times, but this was her 1st Platinum to date. Her group routines did well too with all three receiving "High Golds" (level below Platinum). We are off this weekend and then it will be back to Grand Rapids to compete the 27th & 29th.

Soon it will be Spring Break time (1st full week of April) we had planned to go to my sister's in Vail for some spring skiing, but with Dave having last week off without pay we have altered our plans to just go to visit my sister Barbara in Kansas for a few days (going on the 3rd and returning on the 7th). Marty and John may drive from Colorado to spend the weekend with us in Kansas too. I am looking forward to seeing my siblings.

Sounds like quite the trip for Paula's brothers, how great of them to be able to do that, I'm sure it will be an emotional trek.

Tennis is going well, I'm looking forward to competing next week (our first match ended up with the other team forfeiting, so I'm anxious to play a real match. Practices are going well and I'm enjoying it.

Dave's been treking to Grand Rapids for 2 days this week preparing for a certification exam on Lean Manufacturing. He'll take the certification exam Saturday, I have no doubt that he'll do well. Another thing that'll look good on his resume should it be needed.

We had a few warm day this week and boy was it nice, we're all ready for Spring! Planning our community garden plot again, this year we now have a better idea of what we'll plant for the best results given our space constraints. That time will be here before we know it.

Good to hear from you all. I'm off to work tonight at 10 p.m. at Kohls. I'm working 2-3 nights a week there and occassionally subbing so I'm keeping busy. After I get off work at Kohls at 6 a.m. I'll be subbing at 8:15 a.m. for an elementary school's music teacher for the morning...not my strongest suit, but I can do pretty much anything for 1/2 day. (I'll be sleeping after that).

Dave and I are going out with a group of couples (mostly neighbors) Saturday night to a neat downtown Kalamazoo restaurant called Zazios (we haven't had a nice dinner out in a long time, so we're really looking forward to this outing, especially because this one is a really special dining experience)we'll be doing the "chef's table" which means we sit in a special section where the chef talks about what he's preparing and demonstates as he prepares our 5 course meal right in front of us...takes over 2 hours, a dining "event" rather than just going out for dinner. Should be a really fun evening (we had to book it almost 2 months ago, so we've been looking forward to it for a while). Plus it's nice that the girls can be home on their own without a sitter, the benefits of kids getting older.

Good to hear from you all. Take care. Love, Donna

St. Patrick's Day in Appleton

Ahh yes, its Saint Paddy's day and we are hopin' for some of the green where there isn't any concrete! It's been nice to hear cardinals and robins for a few weeks, but seeing grass, even brown grass is a geat start to Spring. The temperature made it to 69 degrees here today, so I have no complaints. We haven't had any precipitation for 10 days, so flooding hasn't been a problem.

Paula and I are starting to get psyched up for our bowling event this weekend. Other than bowling using Duane and Amy's Wii system, its been a few years since I have thrown the rock. And, since Paula consistently beats me in Wii bowling, I am out to prove to her that its a very poor simulation of the real thing. Thanks to those of you who have donated to the event.

All 3 of Paula's brothers are in Viet Nam this week. Among other things, they are visiting the loacation where 40 years ago (to the day) many guys in David's platoon were killed. Its hard to imagine what war is like for young people who go across the world and fight or die in a foreign land.

Daniel was laid off for a week--which was supposedly indefinite, and then got called back last Monday to work by Eagle River again. He was looking for another job and is hoping to see what he can learn about a trade at FVTC, but that will have to be on hold for now. I think he is ready to move on to something different if he can find a job.

Jessica has been fortunate to NOT be one of about 30 teachers in the district to get pink slip notices. She is even hopeful to be at Huntley again.

Work is well for both Paula and me. Everyone I work with is nervous about the Organizaiton Optimization project that is going on at K-C. Announcements are expected in May-July. I expect that gloally it will be about 500-1,000, which isn't that many compared to what many other companies are doing. I am guessing we have about 50,000 employees world wide.

On Saturday, Paula found Lake Leaky Heater in the basement. Her first reaction was to check Hannah's room for a repeat of last summer's Lake Hannah. No damage other than a sore wallet. I hope that this heater will last longer (or not) than the 6.5 years that the last one did since they both have/had 6 year warranties.

Not much else to write about here until my garden seed order arrives!

Life in Holmen

Hi everyone,

well I wrote a long blog last night and lost it so I'll try again...

I can tell spring is approaching; Sami's kennel is under water, Claire is loving playing outside, Rob has started tomatoes under the grow lights, and I need to shop for a new swimming suit - UGH!

My job is going well; no bomb threats this year:) We're hoping the lumber industry picks up with the economy.

Claire had her 18 mo. checkup last week. Didn't even know it but she had an ear infection. The dr. said she must have a high pain tolerance, as she was smiling and happy throughout the visit. She weighed in at a "whopping" 18# 11 oz, which puts her below the 3rd percentile for weight and she continues to be at the 5th for heighth. Because she hasn't been gaining but is dropping on the curve, we were referred to a diatician to see how we might be able to "beef her up." We can't make her eat more (she does eat) but we're supposed to try little weighs to add more fat and calories to what she does eat. So, we've had pudding made w/ whole milk, dipping her apples in caramel, etc. I'm supposed to chart her intake this weekend so they can determine the calories she's taking in. She had been drinking TONS of liquids so they did a blood sugar level to rule out diabetes; we were THRILLED to get back normal results:) So now, it's back to trying to weight on her before being rechecked in 2 months. At that time, we'll also decide whether a speech/language eval is in order. She is delayed in her speech but had made gains since her 15 mo. checkup so we're putting that on hold. Still no "mama" or "dada," although she said that once. She has said a variety of words (moose, boots, horse, kiss, all done) but doesn't say them consistently. She is now signing "more" and we're working on some others. Overall, she is healthy and HAPPY!!!!

Rob and I are going to Vegas over Easter; Cindy (daycare) and Rob's parents will watch her.

Not much else....

Hope all is well w/ everyone,

Love,

Sue, Rob, Claire and Sami

Thank You !!

Donna, thank you for the new post. It was great to hear from you.

Love,
Grandma

Michigan happenings

Greetings all!

Last night Rachel had her first solo competition. She has a really fun tap routine this year to a cool blues instrumental piece called "Rollaway Jam". She got a "Top First" rating and placed in the "Top 10" (10th) overall for her 11 & 12 year old age category for all dance types, which was a good finish for her first competition of the year. She competes again next weekend with all her routines (1 solo and 3 group routines).

Nicole just wrapped up her Bantam basketball season,she did a good job overall. Dave did a good job coaching. There were many positive comments by parents regarding the improvement of their kids over the season and how much their daughters enjoyed playing this season. So that was nice to hear.

I am playing on a 2.5 tennis team now at the Y. We had our first matches Friday and won decisively (the other team didn't show up...forfeited)we were disappointed to not play, but we played against ourselves and had a good practice. We have 2 doubles teams and 1 singles (I've been selected to be the singles player...guess they think I have the endurance and can hustle good). We'll see... we play our next matches on the 17th.

Dave is officially "off without pay" for the next week as part of his company's plan to cut expenses. Going without a paycheck for a week stinks, but at least he still is employed and will hopefully stay that way. I'm still working at Kohls 2-3 nights a week and subbing occassionally.

A few weeks ago we went to Ohio to visit our old neighbors Don and Abbe Kennis who moved from the neighborhood 2 years ago. It was great to spend sometime with them and catchup.

Last Friday night we had Linus and Kelly VanderWyst spend the night with us. They were heading to a wedding in Ann Arbor on Saturday. It had probably been 10 years since we have seen them, but picked right up where we'd left off. It was really great to see them. Linus entertained the girls with stories of what he and Dave did as kids hanging out during the summers in Appleton.

Don't think there is anything else to report here. Sparky is back to his "sparky" self after being on death's door with pancreanitis 3 weeks ago...no more meat/fatty scraps for him anymore. Both dogs have since gotten their spring clips and look like pups.

Hope all is well with all of you. Enjoy hearing what's going on with you at school Hannah. Best to you all!

Love,
Donna