I am a Gram (sort of)

Mark and I have been friends for over 35 years (since high school). He escorted me down the aisle when I married Michael eight years ago.

Mark has a son, Matthew, who I have known since he was born.

Mark and Matthew and I had a lot of fun when Matt was a teenager. Matt was born on the same date as my niece, so we had great birthday parties. He was so much fun to feed! That boy could eat!

I got to play Mom/Friend for the two years that Matt played Varsity Football in Heartland. I did not miss a game! Matt always made a point to stop and say hi to his dad and me before he went into the locker room or headed for the bus. Since I never had children of my own, it was so nice to have a part time son.

Matt married Sarah a few years ago. I will always remember the wonderful expression that Matt had when he saw Sarah for the first time as she walked down the aisle.

Matt and Sarah had a baby boy on Thursday evening. Grandpa Mark is smiling from ear to ear. I decided that since I have known Matt since his birth, and I got to play Mom/Friend during his teenage years, then I can be a Grandma, too! So...I am a Gram (sort of)!

I cannot wait to meet my grandson!

News from Katie

Hello Family and Pals:

As requested, I am passing along the info that the rumors are true. I landed a job. In the midst of my Economic studies, I unexpectedly found myself presented with the opportunity to accept a full-time position working as a legislative Aide for the Michigan House of Representatives. Specifically, I am working for Representative Dudley Spade, a legislator who is commonly referred to as a “champion for children,” due to the fact that he is always working to ensure that the youth of our state are properly taken care of. He already has and will, no doubt, continue to serve as a mentor and role model to me.

It is a very exciting time to be taking on such a position in government. I can’t express how lucky I feel, yet again. Just another reminder that life always has a way of leading us right where we need to be.

Lots of Love,

Katie Lynn

Katie has a new job!

I am so excited for Katie, "Miss, I work at the Capital now!"

This is her latest update...

The job is wonderful! I am working at the Capital and getting right into the mix of everything that is going on in our state in relation to politics, the budget crisis, etc. etc.. It is exciting, challenging and will be an incredible learning experience.

You go, girl!

Katie will update when she gets a chance to breathe!

He made it home, finally!

I am sorry that I did not update right away. The nightmare is over. The van was fixed on Wednesday afternoon and Michael made it home late Thursday night. The engine sounds funny, but at least we can get it fixed here, instead of the middle of Wyoming.

Michael is now very busy trying to get layers of oil off the trailer and the motorcycle, along with the salt from the Bonneville Salt Flats. The oil covered the trailer and motorcycle when the engine blew and salt is in every nook and cranny of the van and trailer.

It is nice to have him back!

Engine Pieces

The sad news is that the van engine is in hundreds of pieces on the repair shop floor. More sad news is that Michael walked the twenty five minutes to meet the shop owner to check on progress. The doors were locked, the owner was gone and the engine was still in pieces, when the owner had told him earlier that the van would be fixed today. We are worried and trying to figure out our next plan.

This has been a very difficult five days. Prayers would be appreciated.

On a happy note, Katie did a great job in Illinois! I cannot wait to hear the details.

Still broken, only two hours closer to home

The van was supposedly fixed and Michael was on his way home. Michael made it two hours closer to home, but the van died again. This time it was in Rawlings, Wyoming.

He is in a very small town, in a very old, but clean motel and no way to get around town. The motel is seven miles away from the nearest grocery store. At least the motel has a great dog who keeps him company!

He will be there until Tuesday, when the replacement parts arrive.

Prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.

Broken

Michael is stranded in Evanston, Wyoming, with a broken oil something on the van. Not good on a long weekend...Replacement parts may make it tomorrow morning. If not, parts will make it next week. Prayers would be nice. Thanks.

Good luck to Katie this weekend! We are cheering for you!

A Post from Katie!

Well, I made it to Hoopeston my friends. From headstands in tractor wheels, to acquiring a plethora of knowledge on corn, to spending time with incredible new pals from all over the country it's been nothing short of good times. More details later!