Memorial Weekend in West Virginia

Beth and I spent Memorial weekend in West Virginia visiting her family. Her dad is struggling with cancer but he is holding his own at this time. He is walking out to get the mail everyday and we pushed him around the park in his wheelchair on Saturday. We celebrated Whitney’s birthday Sunday afternoon and took many family pictures. When we got back to Beth’s parent’s house Uncle Eddie and Aunt Thelma were there to spend the night before heading back home on Monday. John is still out of work since January when he lost his truck driving job. We pray for John, Becca and AJ as they struggle through their financial problems.

Still Raining

Now it’s starting to look like spring outdoors but the rain won’t stop. The grass is green and the trees are starting to bud. It looks a lot like West Virginia over Easter weekend. Still haven’t cut the grass because everything is too wet. Might need to buy a sickle for the first grass cutting of the year.

Beth’s Birthday

A couple of nights ago we celebrated Beth’s birthday at Outback. My dad called earlier in the day to wish her a happy birthday. Beth asked him to come over to go out with us but he didn’t want to go any where. Later he called and said he was heading over. So the three of us went out for dinner and had a real good time. We got a free ice cream sundae for her birthday and I shared it with dad. You know how Beth’s not in to desserts. As we were leaving her cell phone was going crazy as all of her family from West Virginia was trying to call and wish her a happy birthday all at once. Now it’s my turn to decide where to eat since my birthday is in a few days. Then we will have completed the cycle of anniversary, Christmas season, New Years and both of our birthdays in just under two and half weeks.

A Nice Thanksgiving

Last week Beth and I spent the Thanksgiving weekend in West Virginia. We spent Thanksgiving day at Becky and Tim’s house with most of the family. Then on Saturday we had another Thanksgiving gathering at Ginny’s house. The rest of the time we spent with Beth’s parents. It was a nice weekend to spend with family. John, Becca and AJ went to his Aunt Sandy’s house for Thanksgiving. AJ spent time with his great grandpa, great uncle and great aunt. Cori had to work all day so not sure what she did after work. We have some photos from the weekend so head over to the family photos to view.

What a Long Couple of Weeks

Beth and I arrived at our home last weekend after a trip to West Virginia. It started with news about my Aunt Drew, my dad’s older sister, passed away in Texas on 9/17. Her funeral was in Michigan on 9/25 and burial beside Uncle Edward. We were planning to attend but then we received bad news from West Virginia. First Beth’s dad went into the hospital on Sunday, 9/21 because of complications with his blood cancer. Then on Tuesday, 9/23 Beth received news her Uncle Dick, Beth’s dad older brother, passed away after a battle with his cancer. So we were on the road Wednesday morning heading to West Virgina. The decision to head to West Virginia was easy since Beth was closer to her uncle and because her dad was having problems with his disease. Also, I haven’t seen my aunt in 30 year. Beth’s dad was out of the hospital on Thursday after a couple of blood transfusion and was able to make the trip for the funeral. We met a lot of Beth’s relatives she hasn’t seen in many years. There are many photos she took and to view them click on the family photos link to the right.

Jamie’s Visit Day 2

Day 2 of Jamie’s visit we had a cook out. Roasted some corn on the cob in the grill then we did the steaks. Cori, Becca and AJ came over to have dinner with us. It was nice to have our nephew over for a few days and we talked about all the things he has been doing between working and finishing up his degree. He left this morning to head back home to West Virginia. He has a lot to do this week getting registered for his last semester of college then head to Maryland where he’ll be getting married next weekend. Here’s a picture of Jamie holding AJ.

A Surprise Visit from Jamie

We’ve been enjoying a surprise visit from our nephew Jamie. He is living out in Billings, Montana and is heading to West Virginia for his last semester of school at Marshall University. He met up with Cori yesterday afternoon since Beth and I was still at work. Beth was working in Frankenmuth so we all met there and had dinner at the Bavarian Inn. Then went home and stayed up late catching up on all his adventures. He is planning to stay another night before heading to WV.

John Back on the Road

Yesterday John headed back out on the road truckdriving. He spent the last 1.5 weeks with Becca and AJ in West Virginia and a few days at their home. He really bonded with AJ who he only saw a few days prior to this time off. I talked to him this morning and he is missing AJ. This is the life of a truck driver. All we can do is pray that a route opens up in his company which will get him home more often.

Watoga State Park 2008

Just back from a week in West Virginia visiting Beth’s family. We enjoyed our time at Watoga State Park for the 5th year in a row. It was a fun and relaxing time being with family. No cell phones, TV or internet just family, love and conversation. Every night we gathered after dinner for some devotional time, singing and glorifying God. John spent the whole week bonding with AJ since he never had the chance because of his job. You could see his love growing for his son everyday. We met our great niece Audrey for the first time. It was very special to have both great grandchildren with Beth’s parents. Below is our family photo missing Dave, Jamie, Mathew, Brittany & Nathan which couldn’t make the trip and Cori who left the previous day. Check out the family photos for more pictures from the week.