Toledo II Memorial Day Picnic

It is an annual tradition for our ward to have a Memorial Day Activity. I worked the night before, making this task a little more challenging...since I was in charge. My "little elves" came to the rescue and even got me a few hours of sleep :D The weather was awesome, the food yummy, and the company was even better.

Youth Temple Trip

The youth of our ward went to the Columbus Temple today.
Since it is Memorial Day Weekend, many of them could be doing many other things.
But they went.
They served.
And they had a great time doing it.
I'm proud of them.
Back row: Juston James, Steven Klepacz, Jacob Lauder, John Regan, Zachary Kasch, Kyle Simons, Dylan Simons, and Sean Tribbet
Front row: Amanda Kasch, Jessica Eck, Kaylyn Johnston and Laura Klepacz

Silly is still what they do best :D

SYSA Soccer Season

We had our youngest three in Soccer this Spring. Between practices and games, it made for a very busy several weeks.

Nicholas' SYSA Soccer Picture

Luke's SYSA Soccer Picture

Kyle's SYSA Soccer Picture

The kids played many different positions. This is Nicholas playing Goalie.

Kyle's favorite position is Goalie

Nicholas likes Defender

Luke kicking the ball in to the goal

Nicholas kicks the ball

Kyle ready

Luke's best as Defender

Nicholas steals the ball away

Whenever Kyle runs to kick the ball...he holds his arms out like this...it looks like he is flying :D

Luke in the action

There were many days where the weather was brisk, and we froze while we watched...but we were faithful fans until the end.

Even Mar tried to make as many games as her schedule would allow.

Second graders go to The Toledo Zoo

Mrs. McKown's 2nd grade class at Maplewood Elementary

African Safari

Giraffes and Kudus

Checking out the Bald Eagles

Looking at the wolves

I helped chaperone during this field trip...these were our kids

The kids were so excited because this duck laid her egg right in front of us.

Watching the duck pond

Nicholas' imitation of a bat

Chimpanzee eating fruit

Everyone loves Baby Louie

Baby Orangutang swinging

Nicholas tries on butterfly wings

Hunter, Ashlee, Madison, Olivia and Nicholas

Tiger stalking

Nicholas checking out what it's like to be in an egg

Nicholas hatching

Back to the 80's Choir Concert

Kyle's Spring Choir Concert
Back to the 80's
at Southview High School at 7 pm

The boys singing "Addicted to Love"

7th grade choir

Kyle looking cool :D

Mar is very supportive of the boys and their activities. She even sacrifices eating ice cream when she knows it will give her a migraine.
Our after concert tradition? Ice cream at Handel's Ice Cream. Yum!

Angels in Comfortable Shoes

As we were leaving the Celebration of Life Luncheon for Uncle Bill, Jeff took a moment to let me know how grateful he is for the "beacon" I am in our family. He commended my willingness to sacrifice time, energy, and even sanity to insure that our family on all sides is united. I help create traditions and provided opportunities for our family to not only have quality time together, but quantity time as well. I was grateful for his acknowledgment of the efforts I make to instill the importance of "family" in those I care for.

As we drove home, I felt blessed to have been able to be the "angel" to others over the past couple of weeks. When I was younger, and the concept of spiritual gifts or talents came up...I often times struggled to come up with any real gifts or talents I have. I'm not artistic, musical, a great speaker, etc... What do I really offer the world? For years, I have searched for that very answer.

It became apparent to me today as I thought of the many lives I am able to touch and assist not only within my own family, but in the lives of former patients...that I have a valuable contribution that I do make. When others are lost, afraid, sick, or need support, I am there. If I can't help in their healing, I can at least be a companion to help them through this difficult time. Sometimes, my contribution is seemingly small...but I am beginning to realize how long lasting and meaningful that contribution can be. I don't really feel like I did much for Bill, Julie, and their family this week...but the impact that was made in their lives was huge (according to them). I am grateful for my knowledge and ability to be there when I am needed most. My favorite nursing quote is "Nurses are Angels in Comfortable Shoes"...I truly felt the significance of that phrase this week. I knew I was an instrument in the Lord's hands, and I was honored to do it.

Uncle Bill's Celebration of Life

Lake Cousins
Autumn Dodd, Ashley McGovern, Tracy McGovern, Justin Lake, Carmen Lake, Helen Lake
Back row: Cassy Seedorf, Eric Lake, Maria Simons, and Jeffrey Lake

Autumn and Ashley

Eric, Maria, Justin and Carmen

Helen and Jeff

Cassy, Eric, Tracy and Justin

Maria, Dad, and Jeff

Bookends

My Dad and his twin brother Randy behind Uncle Jimmy

My dad's siblings

Jimmy, Mike, Rick, Wendy, and Randy

Uncle Randy taking a picture of Jon

Some of the gang

Cassy (Eric's girlfriend), Eric, Julie and Maria

Maria and Tracy

When making arrangements for Uncle Bill's funeral, I asked Aunt Julie if she had thought of where to have a luncheon following the funeral? She seemed relieved when I offered to organize the luncheon for her. I got our church scheduled and suggested whenever someone offered to bring food, that she get them to commit to what and where. My mom, Jonathan, Jeff and Denise, and I all rallied together and put on the luncheon without much of a sweat. It was a nice ending to a lovely service.