Memorial Day Weekend

What a fun, fun weekend! Sue and I picked up the kids on Friday evening, Andrea joined us on Sat, Mom and Dad joined us on Sunday and Jason and Holly arrived on Monday making the fam complete. It was a full busy weekend, but loads of fun. Just a quick run-down of activities. Let's see, there was jump rope (Emmy is the queen of jump rope!), line soccer (Andrea and I one on one is a sight you have to see to believe), Red Rover (Andrea about took Emmy out. We all ended up on the ground laughing till we cried. When we asked Emmy if she like red rover, she replied, "Not so much." This made it all the funnier), 4 square, baseball (Elijah is the master of this game. When I asked him how his season was going, he replied, "Great! I'm the best one on the team." And so humble too!), Frizbee, and the list goes on...
Sat. night we cooked out around the fire pit which was lots of fun. Emmy had a smore disaster, which if you notice Sandy in this picture, she had a nice bite of that smore in Emmy's hand while we were taking this picture.
Emmy helped Aunt Andrea make an incredible peach cobbler dessert to go along with our homemade ice-cream on Monday. It was delicious.

Did I mention a squirt gun war? That was lots of fun!
Zeke enjoyed squirting himeself more than anyone else.
What a crack-up!
Andrea enjoys the smores by the fire!
Zeke helped collect some sticks for the fire. Funny how the little guy brought the biggest sticks!

We also did some swimming. The weather wasn't perfect, but we made it work.

The weekend was perfect. The kids were a hoot and I loved every min. of it.

Recent activities

What a busy week this has been. I feel like every day has been full and they are flying by. After today only 7 more days of school. Everyone else at my school has 8, but I'm taking tomorrow off. I've saved this personal day for just the right time and tomorrow is it. Well, let me take you through my most recent adventures. I actually can't remember much about last week. We started softball last Monday night and actually have 2 games this week, one tonight and another tomorrow night. So, you can be looking for a post about that sometime soon. Let's see, Friday night we had a Sunday school progressive supper. Haven't done that since the Bennet St. Wesleyan days so that was lots of fun. It was a full evening and we all had a good time. Sat. started bright and early at 9:00 with some landscaping at the Buck's. A few of us from SS went to help Cindy since Geoffrey is graduating next weekend. We had such a good time and had it all done in 3 hours. Then I came home and raked out my front courtyard to prepare it for planting and new mulch. After 4 trips to the burn pile, I jumped in the shower to get ready to head to Indy. I need new tennis shoes, but have some serious feet problems. I find that I can't wear the new shoes after I get them. So, a friend of Sue and I told me about this place in Indy called Runners Forum where they watch you walk and try to fit you with a specific shoe to help you specific areas of need. I got a pair of Brooks that have great arch support. My "expert" shoe fitter said my arches were collapsing and my feet were turning in thus giving me my shin splints and many other pains. We'll see. You might see me training for my first marathon sometime soon. After a nice dinner out, we headed back to Marion. There was about an hour of daylight left so we thought we'd take a bike ride. Have I mentioned that Sue and I bought bikes? No, well, we did. Now, when we did, we ran into a girl from our softball team. She told us the next night at softball that she had purchased 2 bikes from Wal-mart only to have to return them both. Now, did she share this with us in Wal-mart, of course not. Sue had to take hers back because her back tire wouldn't hold air. Then we got ready to ride for the first time, my pedals went round but nothing was happening. Got to looking and the back sprocket wasn't even attached to the wheel. So, put the bike into the truck and off to Wal-mart. I exchanged it for this nice little beauty pictured a little ways down. So, by the time we got home, it was too dark to ride so we rode laps around Lakeview's parking lot. We rode between 2-3 miles both Sunday and today. I'm really enjoying it, but hope my rear grows caluses soon. Now, on to Sunday. After church and dinner, we jumped into my courtyard landscaping which is what these pictures are off. The top picture is taken from my front door looking out. The next two are taken as you come into the courtyard. I planted about 50 petunias that mom gave me last weekend. They were her leftovers (and she didn't think she had bought enough!) and they filled my space nicely. I put them in clumps of five to make some nice big plants. The new mulch really jazzed it up too. I have discovered something a little disturbing. Every morning, there are half eaten rabbits under my japanese maple tree. Something is catching them and bringing them up there to eat. I don't know if it's wild dogs or coyotes, but either way, it creeps me out to know they are up that close to my front door. Anyways, one more area down. Now, I just have my big hill out front to plant. I'm not sure when that will get done.


So, here we are at the beginning of another week. They sure do fly by. I'm looking forward to next weekend. My family will be here, all except J and Holly. Jason has to do a wedding, so we're just getting the kids. I can't wait to spend a few days with them. I've been missing them.

I may have an interview soon so be praying about that. I just want to be where the Lord wants me, but I hope it's in a new job for the fall. :) Well, I need to start getting ready for tonight's game. I hope every one is enjoying this fabulous spring weather, I know I am!

Kelley

Mother's Day

My Mother with her daughters!

Andrea with Susan, her Mother-in-law.
Mom and Dad

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Andrea and I were both home and we had such a good time. We all worked outside together on Sat. doing mom's landscaping. It was exhausting, but I enjoyed the time we all spent together doing it. Sat. evening we attended the annual Mother/Daughter banquet which was lots of fun. We sat with our cousins, Carolyn and Kim, Aunt Eva, and Susan, Andrea's Mother-in-law. It was a fun evening filled with laughter. Sunday, we all went to church and then to Grandma Grate's for a big dinner. I love my mom so much and enjoyed this weekend with her! It was a GRATE weekend!

Landscaping

What a weekend! I really don't know why I'm still awake at 10:42pm. I used muscles this weekend I didn't know I had and everyone of them is screaming at me. But, for some reason, I'm not tired. Maybe there's something to this physical labor thing. The fun began Sat. morning when Bob and and Sue showed up at 8:45 with the heavy equipment. Bob totally cleaned up my burn pile and carted off my rusting, horrible burn barrell. It looks so much better! Then, he took out some of the dirt off my huge hill in the front yard. Way better! Then he removed the pesky bush on the corner of my drive that everyone nearly hits and then removed the horrid, green ground cover on the corner of my landscaping by the garage! Way, WAY Better!

In the afternoon, Sue and I took off for Cincinnati! We always go to a couple of games through the season and this was our first this year. It was a disaster. First it was raining so the game was delayed an hour. 2nd, after the rain stopped if was chilly and breezy, bbbrrrr. 3rd, they lost. So, we arrived home around 2:00am this morning wondering why we did that.

Today after church, we dug into my landscaping. The pictures about do not do it justice. The mulch is the red kind and it looks so sharp! We worked all afternoon on the section in the back yard. The spilling basket is sitting where the groundcover was taken out. I had to put something there and that was easy. Sadly, this is only a tiny, small part of what i have to do, but I am feeling pretty proud of myself today. I think it looks good and I feel proud of my productivity.

Well, before I head off to bed, I just wanted to say thanks to all my commenters, especially Susan. Thanks for making yourself known. I always love comments even from stalkers! :) Actually, I have been thinking about the phenominon of this whole blogging thing. I started it as a way to share my life with others, mostly friends and family, but strangers too if they're interested. Somewhere along the line though it became more about the comments. I gauge how interested I am in writing by the feedback. I think this is normal, but I realize that it puts alot of pressure on those of you reading. I am going to try and make my posting, hopefully more frequent, more about my desire to express myself. I find it somewhat theraputic even if it's just a matter of sharing my day, so, comment if you like or just read if you want. I'll keep right on writing!

What to say?

Well, I haven't posted for a while, but I really don't know what to post about. Nothing much is happening. Spring is speeding by with only 20 days of school left. (Not that I'm counting) :)

I did have a question on my comments section asking about my car. It's working fine, just like it always does after I've had it fixed. Actually starting today, Heidi is driving for the rest of the year, so the Honda is going to get very little use. Maybe it'll last longer that way.

My big plans for the weekend are to begin landscaping and working in the yard. There might also be an impromptu trip to Cincinatti to see the Reds play on Sat. night. We'll just have to see.

Well, that's about it. Boring I know. I can't even think of some deep subject to talk about. I think part of my problem is that bloggerland seems dead. Nobody's posting much and nobody's commenting. Makes it hard to be motivated. Well, I hope everyone's doing well.

Kelley

Perspective

It's amazing how quickly God can change one's perspective. I was sure that I was supposed to have that job, but now with 24 hours to think on it, I feel like it's probably for the best. I am dreading the "stress" of a new hunt, but I'm already working on it. The human spirit really is resilient. Thanks for all the encouraging words and e-mails. They really do help. I'm very blesssed to have such good people in my life to support me.

Kelley

I Didn't Get the Job!

Well, there you have it. I didn't get the job. I got the call about 8:45 last night. He was very complimentary, but the committee decided to go another direction; whatever that means. I must admit I'm struggling with it a little. I thought I was prepared not to get it, but I really thought I might get it, so the disappointment is stinging a little right now. I'm better this morning than I was last night, but still sad. I do know that God has a better place for me, but the thought of starting this process over and going through the nerves all over again is enough to make me gag. I have compared this process to the ups and downs of a roller coaster, well, this particular ride reminds me of the Beast at Kings Island. I feel like I just went down the hill and into the dark tunnel that feels like it's going to chop your head off. I've realized this morning that my head is still attached, but I'm still in the dark. Hopefully it'll be daylight again soon.

Interview Update

Hi Everybody! I just wanted to give a quick update before I head off to bed. The interview went very well. It was a long day waiting for it to arrive, but once I got in there and got started, I felt calm. The Lord was really with me. I feel like I did the best I could and haven't started second guessing any answers, so that's good. I will not hear until the middle or end of next week. So, now we wait. Thank you for all your prayers, and encouraging words! They have helped more than you know.

Love,
Kelley

New Hair

This post is for my mom mainly. She wanted to see my new hair.

Here you go, Mom.

Hope you like it. :)

Honda's STINK! PLUS OTHER NEWS!!!!

Reader Warning Label: If you drive a Honda or any other foreign job, you may want to quit reading. This will be a rant and I will not hold back. I have not used my blog for this purpose in quite some time, but I have huge frustrations right now that need to be vented and this is my medium.

Today on my way home from school, my master cylinder clutch went out. I drove almost 2 miles in 2nd gear and prayed for no cars or cops at all intersections until I reached my garage. Thankfully, the Lord heard my cry and even gave me a clear intersection at 50th st and State Rd. 9. That's a busy intersection and I feared I was going to be stranded there. Now the frustrating thing about this, is that I had that part replaced in Dec. I know the car is old, but it only has 84,000 miles and was supposed to be the car that switched my loyalties forever. Well, let me tell you, it has accomplished quite the opposite! I will NEVER buy another foreign car again. My Dad worked for GM for 30 years and we were faithful and loyal to the company that put bread on our table. I've always boasted to being a GM girl. Now I realize it's not just because they supported our family, it's because they are the best cars!!!! I long for the days of my little chevette or my cavalier. Then there was my Blazer; man I loved that vehicle! But the biggest winners were my 2 Rendezvous!!! I loved that car so much, I got a 2nd one. You know what all these cars have in common??? They never had to be put in the shop. Nope, not once in all my years of driving! I called my Dad to cry a little when I got home and he was reading a magazine that was actually talking about how all the media wants to hype is how much better these foreign cars are than GM and Ford and how they will take over GM's place in the domestic market. Guess what? They aren't even close! Guess what else? Toyota and Honda have more recalls than GM and Ford put together! Why aren't we sharing that news in the media? They also aren't winning the big automobile awards! Guess who is? You guessed it; GM and Ford! I will be stuck with this little gem for a while unfortunately, but I can assure you that when I can get out from under it, I will be returning to my American friend, GM! I can also assure you that I would not have very nice things to say to Mr. Dave Ramsey, who set me on this path. I realize in theory that his plan of never driving new cars and paying cash is a good one, but this experience has soured me a little. Being a single girl, new is where it's at. I don't have time for the stress and headache of how I'm going to get to school on Monday since I don't have a vehicle. Luckily, I share rides with someone so even though it's my month to drive, I'm sure she will bail me out and pick me up on Monday, but what if I didn't carpool? I work 30 min. away! I was so mad I almost kicked the car when I got out of it, but I figured a big dent in the side would not help me when I try to sell it. It's got enough problems and it's appearance is one of it's only attributes!.....Okay, hold the phone...actually the phone is ringing....aauuugghgghghg I have a 2nd interview for the principal's position!!!!!! I'm dying here! I requested prayer for my interview on Thursday... Update....It went very well. There were 30 applicants. They interviewed 15...They are calling back 6 to do a more indepth interview next week. I just got the call that I am one of the 6!!! Oh my Gosh!! I just told my mom on the phone to pray hard that I find a job because that is the only way I can afford to get out of this Honda situation...I was not expecting to find out till Monday or Tuesday so this call was totally unexpected! The next interview will be in a big conference room with the Superintendent, the director of curriculum, the director of special education, several teachers from the building and the secretary! Can you say HOLY COW? Now you must all hit your knees! I would LOVE to get this job. I really thought I didn't have a chance so I was not getting my hopes up. Now they are up! Okay, that totally changes my whole attitude. The LORD does hear our cry and knows exactly what we need. Well, my mind is whirling! I have a lot of preparing to do. I will ask again that everyone keep me in your prayers. My interview is Wed. at 3:30 and will last approximately 2 hours. YIKES! Thanks for listening to my rant and please know that I didn't mean to offend any of you Honda lovers...I must have gotten the only rotten one out there! Love you all!

Kelley

Easter and other happenings

Well, I have no pictures of Easter to share. I took my camera home and never got it out of my bag. I'm kind of disgusted with myself. But I guess that means that I'll just have to paint the picture with my words. I had a wonderful weekend at home. It had been a long time since I'd been there, so it was nice to just relax. Friday night I went to dinner with mom and dad at my favorite chinese restaurant. That was yummy. Sat. was just a nice day. Andrea and Jon came up around noon and we went to my Grandparents for a visit. Then we went with my dad out to see a home he's building right now. WOW! That's all I can say. This house was amazing. After that, it was back home to just hang out and relax. Later that night, we met Andrea and Jon and Jon's parents for dinner. We sat at Bellacino's for almost 3 hours. Good conversation and lots of laughs. Easter Sunday was of course cold like it was for everyone, but the service was really good. Dayspring presented an Easter drama that was just outstanding. I am always amazed at the quality of their productions. After church we went to Grandma Grate's for dinner. I enjoyed this time so much. Grandma was feeling pretty good and seemed in bright spirits. It's sad in ways because she is not the same, but she still makes you feel like the most special person in the world when you talk to her. I'm not sure she even knew who I was, but she told me she loved me and thanked me for coming. My cousin Jamie plays the guitar so she brought it and basically led worship service. The younger girls were all singing worship choruses in harmony which was so beautiful to listen to. Then my Aunt marla, Aunt Margo and myself joined them. I loved that. I was a little blown away however when I was labeled an "Old-timer" by my cousin Becky. I just felt like this family gathering was extra special. The conversation was good, we laughed A LOT, and singing just topped it off.

Well, it is now back to reality. I would like to ask everyone to pray at 3:30 on Thursday. I have an interview for a principal's position here in my corporation. I am very nervous. It's for a K-2 building which would probably be my dream job. I know that God will lead me where he wants me.

Kelley

My Spring Break....

Well, this year I didn't get to spend Spring Break on a beach, but I did get to spend the week with my neice and nephews. I brought Zeke home from Michigan with me on Sunday and kept him till Wed. evening. We had such a good time! He was a total doll and gave his aunt Kelley lots of lovin'! He was in good spirits most of the time and just brought me lots of joy. The picture above is the face he made when I told him to say fuzzy pickles! He was hillarious! On Tuesday, we ran out to the farm with Zeke. He had never been there to see the cows. It was freezing cold and rainy so we didn't stay too long, just long enough for me to snap some pictures. Zeke was not afraid of the cows at all. He walked right up to them and let them lick him. Cracked me up! Silly boy!

McDonalds at the park on Monday! It was a beautiful day and Zeke played for 2 hours!

He loved the big slide! Wednesday night I met Jason half way to swap kids. I gave back Zeke (hard to do) and picked up Elijah and Emmy. On Thursday I took the kids to Escapades in Muncie. Imagine a 3 story gigantic playland. We went with the Rowleys, Wuertleys and Dawsons. The kids had a ball playing with the other kids. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera for this outingl.

On friday, we met the Rowleys, Wuertleys, Dawsons, Womacks and Julie Gray at the farm for a mini field trip. Farmer Bob and Sue gave us the grand tour with lots of interesting information.
The kids loved petting the baby calves and the goats. They loved how Sue stuck her finger in the calves mouth to keep it occupied and calm so they could pet it.
Emmy with some big cows behind her! Friday afternoon we went to Kokomo to the dollar theater to see Happy Feet. The kids enjoyed that. When we got home, it was time to pick up sticks. Since I basically live in a forest, the sticks are never ending. Zeke helped Sue and I pick up the front yard. I have cute pics of that, but they're on my computer at home. I'll have to add those later. Friday, Elijah and Emmy got to do the backyard. We made it a game and the one who picked up the most without whining got $5. Of course they worked like troopers! So, they both won! What they don't know if that I found a $10 bill in my yard when we first started. The real motivation was the bon-fire we had at the end. As you can see, Elijah loved that part!
Saturday, I met Holly in Ft. Wayne to give them back. It's always with mixed feelings. I'm usually exhausted and looking forward to some rest, but 5 min. after i leave, I miss them like crazy. It was a full week, but I wouldn't have had it any other way! I love my kids!

Happy Birthday Zekey and Emmy!

Due to many different sets of circumstances, we were unable to get together to celebrate Zeke's birthday (January 6th) and Emmy's birthday (March 4th) until this past weekend. It was a long time coming, but everyone was there and it was a fun, special weekend. The kids were so much fun. I've included several pictures from our weekend together.
I caught Emmy and Zeke's cousin Zoe doing a little jig in front of the mirror. It was so cute because she didn't know anyone was watching her.
The table was set and we were ready to eat.
Aunt Kelley grabs Emmy for a special birthday picture.
Emmy loved her presents!
Emmy found the magic string that released the pinata!
Everyone dives for the candy!
Zeke and Elijah play with his racetrack from Aunt Andrea and Uncle Jon.

Pretty as a princess!
Chick Magnet~ You got that right! What a doll!
Zeke (With a little help from Zoe) blows out the candles on his race car cake made by Grandma Syswerda.
Emmy blows out the candles on her Barbie cake (also made by Grandma Syswerda).

Elijah and Cousin Noah pose for a special picture with the birthday girl.

After the party, our family headed to the hotel for a little fun in the pool. Uncle Jon give Zeke a birds eye view.
Daddy and Emmy have a sweet moment.
Zeke's a wild man. No fear here.
Elijah is quite the swimmer.

The Grates!

A Hero's Welcome

The wildcats were welcomed home with a hero's welcome. The Police and firetrucks met them at the county line as they were arriving back in Marion Wednesday night. They escorted them with sirens wailing to the Luckey Gymnasium where a crowd of students were waiting to welcome them home.
This nice banner was posted near the gym doors.

Thursday evening, the school held a rally to applaud the efforts and successes of both the men's and women's teams. As you can see it was a full house!