Luke's Final Sixth Grade Orchestra Concert

Luke is really loving playing the violin

His crazy brothers were cracking him up

Arbor Hills Junior High Orchestra played at The Little Theater at Northview High School

The best part about going to school concerts is Handel's Ice Cream afterwards

Mother's Day 2010

I went shopping with my mom yesterday, and came home to this surprise from Nicholas.
He is so sweet!

Gramma loves flowers!
When she lived on her own, her house was filled with plants and flowers
We thought it was only appropriate to buy her some Calla Lilies to brighten up her room
Happy Mother's Day Gramma!

I told my boys, "All I want is a decent family picture for Mother's Day
Not too bad!

I grew you all close to my heart, and I couldn't love you more!

We had to get a little silly!

The rhododendron blooming

We went to church and spent the day with my mom, Grandpa Newbold, The Jeff and Denise Lake's, and The Richters

Happy Mother's Day!

Luke becomes a Deacon

Luke was surrounded by many good men ordaining him to the office of Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood today.
Michael Monday, David Lauder, Keith Kasch, Dad, Bishop Michael Benner, Michael Richter, Uncle Jeff and President Kim Beck

In our religion, when a boy turns 12 years old, he can receive the Aaronic Priesthood. This priesthood is a preparatory priesthood before they receive a higher priesthood called the Melchezidek Priesthood. There are different offices of the Aaronic Priesthood...the first one being the office of Deacon.

The responsibilities of a Deacon include...

1. Gather fast offerings.

2. Pass the sacrament.

3. Serve as the bishop’s messenger.

4. Care for the grounds and physical facilities of the church.

5. Assist in service projects or welfare assignments as assigned by the bishop.

6. Watch over the Church and act as standing ministers.

7. Be involved in missionary and reactivation efforts.

8. Assist teachers in all their duties as needed.

9. Give talks in Church meetings.

We're so proud of Luke

The purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood are...
*Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its teachings
*Serve faithfully in priesthood callings, and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices.
*Give meaningful service.
*Prepare and live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances.
*Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.
*Obtain as much education as possible.
*Prepare to become a worthy husband and father.
*Give proper respect to women, girls, and children.

You're a deacon now, Luke!
You have received the Aaronic Priesthood.
It's an important step and is the beginning of many wonderful experiences and opportunities throughout your life.
As you learn and do your priesthood duties, you will become better prepared for family and Church responsibilites.

Luke is pretty excited about this new priesthood he holds and being a part of our church
Youth & Scout organization

We are so grateful to have the Priesthood in our home.
We truly believe it helps turn these young boys, in to good young men!

Martina Mcbride:in my daughters eyes

Mom,

I cannot begin to tell you enough the difference you have made in my life. From the time I was very young you have shown me what a "mother's love" consisted of. You helped me, you prayed for me, you showed me through example the way I should be not only as a woman and daughter of God, but also as a mother. You weren't a "perfect" mother, but Heavenly Father knew that an imperfect daughter would need an imperfect mother. How else would I be able to find the faith to forgive myself and move forward when I did wrong? Whenever I am faced with challenges or questions in my life, before I ask myself "What would Jesus do?"...I find myself asking "What would my mom do?" Perhaps this is a little backwards. It is difficult to say. What I do know is Heavenly Father was very wise when He gave you to me. He knew you would be the mother I would need.

You are the one who taught me about my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, helped me form my testimony, and help me keep that testimony going strong to this day. I am grateful for your influence and presence in my life. I derive strength from knowing you are always there and will drop everything for me when I need you the most. Your prayers, example, and friendship strengthen me. Thank you for always being there for me! I love you! Happy Mother's Day!

Teal Toes

The night I came home from my Time Out For Women trip to Pittsburgh, I found out a dear friend of mine (who I work with), Susan Ammon has been diagnosed with Endstage Ovarian Cancer. I sobbed and sobbed that night over the idea of knowing my friend would have a battle of a lifetime, or even worse the potential of losing a friend.

As the days went by, I began to witness Susan's strength, courage, and perserverance. I was uplifted by her faith, and knew that regardless of what the journey might hold, we needed to surround her with our faith, love, and prayers.

Teal is the color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness.
Many of us at work are sporting teal fingers and toes in support of Susan's Fight

(I found this visor at the nurse's station...give me a prop and I'll certainly play)
Blowing kisses for Susan

Ovarian Cancer is one of the most deadly of women's cancers. Each year, approximately 21,500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2008, approximately 15,500 women will die in the United States from ovarian cancer. Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. Recent research suggests that together the four symptoms of: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency may be associated with ovarian cancer.

We all have love for our Susie

About 10 to 15 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a hereditary tendency to develop the disease. The most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer is an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes: breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes are responsible for about 5 to 10 percent of all ovarian cancers.

Eastern European women and women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Since these genes are linked to both breast and ovarian cancer, women who have had breast cancer have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Showing off our teal fingers and toes

Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. These symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms.

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

Early detection of ovarian cancer saves women’s lives. No screening test exists that can test all women for ovarian cancer. The Pap test does not test for ovarian cancer; it screens for cervical cancer.

Not only do researchers need to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer, like mammograms for breast cancer and Pap tests for cervical cancer, but also women and medical professionals need to become more aware of ovarian cancer symptoms.

While no early detection tool exists for all women, several tests exist for women who are at a high risk. If a woman has ovarian cancer symptoms, a strong family history, or a genetic predisposition such as a BRCA mutation, doctors may monitor her with one of three tests or a combination of them:

Nursing in Excellence In Education

Every year during Nurse's Appreciation Week, they honor nurses who were nominated by their peers for excellence in nursing.
I was nominated this year for excellence in nursing in education.
I was honored to be acknowledged and recognized

Northview Orchestra and Toledo Symphony 003.MPG

Dylan playing "The Second Storm" with Northview's Concert Orchestra and The Toledo Symphony on May 4th, 2010

Northview Orchestra and Toledo Symphony 002

Dylan's Northview Concert Orchestra playing "The Quaker Song" with The Toledo Symphony

Northview Orchestra and Band Ensembles play with the Toledo Symphony

Every year Maestro Tipton and the Toledo Symphony chooses a school to sponsor the "Keeping Music In Our Schools" program. This year they have worked with the Northview High School Orchestra and Band Ensembles. After a lot of hard work, the kids were able to perform for us at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.

Maestro Chelsea Tipton II

Nicholas and Mar waiting for the concert to begin

I'm starting to get the idea where this boy gets his sassy-ness from :D

Dylan on stage getting ready to perform

My handsome man

Maestro Tipton introduces the Orchestra

Playing "The Quaker Song"

Playing "The Second Storm"

Bravo!

Dylan and Mar

Dylan did such a great job! We were so proud!

Luke's Birthday Celebration

Birthday tradition #1
Going to pick out your birthday gift
This year was a Nintendo DS with the game Warioware

Birthday Tradition #2
Choosing what and where we eat
Luke chose Applebee's again this year
He loves their food!

12 year old Birthday Boy!

Dylan, Nicholas and Luke

Kyle didn't get to come to Luke's dinner because of another "outburst"
Which also meant Dad couldn't come either :(

Luke ordered the Ultimate Trio
Dynamite Shrip, Boneless Buffalo Chunks, and Mozarella Sticks

Luke's Birthday Sundae

Dylan helped eat the sundae

Nicholas helped too!

Birthday Tradition #3
Choosing a birthday activity...
Luke decided to stall his birthday activity because he would like to go to Cedar Point this summer.

Happy Birthday Luke!