Support for Jenny

     Recently we gathered together for a night of fun and friendship.  We had a great dinner followed by a Norwex party.  A friend and co-worker, Jenny, is in the middle of chemo treatments for breast cancer, so we organized a night for her to show our support.  She is also looking forward to trying the Norwex products since Becky and I assured her that she was going to love them!!  It is always nice to meet up with friends for an evening out!!

Becky and Jenny

The whole gang... 

 Alison, Ann, and I smile for the camera. :)

We love you, Jenny!!

A Perfect Night for S'mores

Enjoying one of our neighborhood gatherings before the "Back to School" craziness begins for everyone.

 Our newest addition to the neighborhood, Arthur :)

  Katie and Heidi enjoying the beginning of a fun evening...

 The neighbor ladies

 The S'mores table was very popular!!

 This is what you would call a S'mores induced glaze!!

I think Megann was on her third or fourth S'mores by this time. 

We all had a good laugh when Rachel found this piece of wood for our fire.  

It looked just like a pair of pants!! :0)

"Oh Me Oh Mio"

     A few friends and I gathered for lunch and a movie recently.  We always have fun when we go out together.  It was another celebration for our friend, Barb, who retired after teaching high school English for 37 (maybe 38) years...all in Big Lake!!  

 These are the most delicious snack!!  

They were served warm and enjoyed by all as we looked at our menus.

 This was quite a hilarious occurrence!! :) 

  

     When I was adding MIO to my water, it "wildly" hit the ice cubes and got ALL OVER the place: my face, my hair, my hands, the booth, etc...  The ladies thought it was quite comical and snapped this picture as well as a very close-up one (which I am not going to post)!!  I didn't realize that it had made such a mess, except for my hands, so I had to be convinced to clean myself up in the bathroom.  Good laughs though!!! :0)

Mary's Summer Gathering

Another chance to celebrate friends and summer...

     I have to squeeze as many of these chances in as possible because summer is coming to a quick close with school just around the corner!!

     Mary's new "puppy," Rosie.  I can't remember what breed she is, but she is so cute.  She is definitely one big fluff ball!!

     Mary loves to entertain, so she always has the best food at her parties.  Of course, everything is homemade as well. :)

 Pat and Laurie 

 Becky and Me

Bisch Bash 2012

     The annual "Bisch Bash" was held recently.  It is always held at my friend and co-worker's cabin, and it is always a lot of fun.  It is amazing how quickly my friends' kids grow each year; good thing we don't ever look any older! :0)  I mostly took pictures of the kids this year; it seems like we were too busy talking!!  A couple of my friends teach in other districts, so it is always good to catch up on what's new in their lives.  More people come and go throughout the afternoon and evening, but I did want to share some pictures from the time I spent soaking up the beautiful summer day with great friends!!

Time to fill up the water guns!!

 Watch out, Kyle!! Miranda is ready and loaded to go!!

 Jodee's four kids and Brynn

   

Amanda's cutie, Ella

Miranda, Kyle, and I pose for a quick picture.

I always take a picture of the Butkowski clan. :)

In between lake time and lunch 

Love Heals Us...

     Mom's service on Saturday was very beautiful.  Many of my family members and friends called or sent us a text the night before and/or the day of the funeral.  I thought that it might be weird to share some of the pictures from her service, but so many of my family and some of our friends wanted to share the day with us but couldn't, so I thought that this would be a way to share it with them.  We very much appreciate the cards, flowers, plants, food, etc... that we have received since Thursday.  Everyone's support, love, concern, etc... truly touches our hearts during this very difficult time. Words can not express our gratitude!! 

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One of the Miller Carlin employees took pictures of different things before and during the service to give us as keepsakes/memories; it was very thoughtful!!

These pictures don't do the beauty of the flowers justice!!

     A former student and a very good friend's daughter, Bailey, was our soloist.  One of the most touching moments was when she sang "I Will Remember You" as our family walked in together behind mom.  I will never forget this special moment!!!!

 

Darrell gave his mom's eulogy.  It was so special and just perfect in remembrance of his mom!!

 Thanks to my co-workers and friends for their support at the funeral and luncheon afterwards!  

It meant a lot to both of us!!

      I love this picture!  After everyone had left, Darrell's best friends for the past 40+ years stayed behind with us.  They did a lot of laughing, which his mom would have loved, and told many stories/memories that they had growing up together.  Many of those stories included Darrell's mom and dad.  It was just what Darrell needed!! Thanks, Jim, Jimbo, and Joe!!

 These 11 plants/flower arrangements were sent just from Darrell's work and my work/co-workers. Thanks to all of you for adding to a beautiful service for mom!!  

 

     Tomorrow morning we have a private family burial.  We have felt a sense of peace and comfort since her service on Saturday.  No doubt God is surrounding us with His love as well as hugs, support, prayers, love, and kind deeds from our family and friends. We are so very blessed!!