BEAR. . . our bestest friend

Fifteen years ago, we brought home a tiny, black, Shih tzu puppy, BEAR. She weighed three pounds and fit into the palm of my hand. For many months, I'd rock her to sleep, just like I had done with my babies. Oh, we loved this puppy so very much. Everyday she brought so much joy and love to our family!!

We loved to watch her race around the house, especially after her tubby, or when we'd return from a hectic day, she'd warmly greet us at the door. . . tail wagging. . . tongue hanging. . .eagerly waiting for us to pick her up! She loved us regardless of what we did, said, or felt. Bear taught us unconditional love.

When we adopted our puppy, we all knew that one day we would have to say good-bye. This day has come, January 22 at 4:30pm, in my arms. Our hearts are broken and filled with sadness, but we are so grateful for the many smiles and joys she has brought to us! Her memories will always be with us and thoughts of her will bring us happiness for many years to come!

We loved you, Bear Girl! Thank you for teaching us lessons of real, unconditional love!

2008 will be great

We celebrated 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona with my dad. What a great time we had together . . . eating, exploring, playing games, shopping, visiting, and eating some more. It was a restful and relaxing vacation! I appreciate being able to stay in his beautiful home, waking up to warm and sunny days! Ahhh...vacation days!The sunrises and sunsets were amazing everyday!

We were visited by this little roadrunner almost every morning on the back deck.

Could this be more beautiful? We went to the Wig Wam Resort for a lovely lunch with Dad and Barbara.

We were sad to leave the warm and sunshine, but all good thing must come to an end. I'm looking forward to our next visit!! Can't wait!!

Christmas 2007

Grampa Bill and Sharon joined us Christmas Eve morning for brunch and they took us to the airport to head for Phoenix!

Jonathan and Sarah couldn't wait to try out their new crockpot!

Julia loved her new camera . . . she will be the family photographer now!

Christmas 2007 was exciting! We celebrated together and exchanged gifts before we left for Phoenix. Everyone was happy with their surprises . . . even I was excited about my new Saab car mats!! (Not!) As the kids get older, our family traditions change. Sometimes I wish they were both small again, and we were able to tuck them into their beds.

Hard to imagine

Craig and Kim , December 2007

It's hard to imagine Christmas is almost here! My heart is tender with pleasant memories of years past as we prepare for another Christmastime. I hope your Christmas season be filled with much love and memories!

I pray your heart is merry
I pray your joy is bright.
Throughout this special season
of peace and hope and light!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

Graduation and Engagement

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

What a wonderful, exciting weekend!! We went to Kalamazoo for Jonathan's graduation from W.M.U.! The ceremony was lovely and very touching! We are so proud of Jonathan and his accomplishments and perseverance! He has reached his goals and now will begin living his dream! We know God has great plans for his future!

After graduation, we joined Sarah's family for dinner and went back to their house in Portage for desserts and celebrations! During dessert, Jonathan proposed to Sarah! She was surprised and thrilled! (Her ring is beautiful!!) Through laughter and tears, both families celebrated together! Jonathan is blessed to have found such a 'gem' in Sarah! They are so in love with each other . . . so happy together! I'm blessed to be able to experience this exciting day~ and I'm certain the best is yet to come!

Dance Club

We had another big night at Flint Golf Dance Club last evening! It was wonderful getting together again with Steve and Kathy, Steve and Rosie, and Mark and Gina! Everyone was all dressed up in their finest holiday fare! We shared a delicious meal, and danced away the evening! (Can you believe the band play Dancin' Queen from Momma Mia - - I think that was for ME!!) Even when it's cold outside, it's memories of evenings like this that keep us warm. Tis the season. . .Merry Christmas!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Our Thanksgiving dinner was shared at our lovely neighbors, the Rockwells. They warmly welcomed us into their home to share their bountiful feast!

On Friday, Craig, Julia, and I hit the malls shopping for that 'special' gift. The jeep was packed and we were pooped!

On Saturday, Grandpa Bill and Sharon came to our house to share in another yummy turkey dinner. (I couldn't go through Thanksgiving without preparing a turkey with all the sides!) After dinner, Craig dragged the small Christmas tree from the attic and Sharon, Julia, and Grampa Bill decorated it with the box of Santa tree ornaments! (I wasn't going to put up a tree this year, but I was guilted into decorating the small one!) When it was all done, I was happy!

Sunday, we all went to church and enjoyed left-overs for dinner! The fun, fast paced, weekend quickly ended when we packed Julia up for her long trip back to Bourbonnais to finish her third semester at O.N.U.

Again, I look forward to our next holiday when the family can be united once again! I miss the activity when our children are away! Tis the season to be jolly!