Prayer Needed For Brugger/Case Families

Please keep praying for Cathy (Brugger) Case and her 3 children, John (16), Catrina (14), and Jacey (12) in the loss of their husband and father, John Case, this past weekend.
They are such a precious family and the shock is unbelievable. John was also the brother-in-law of our good friends, Phil and Stephenie (Clemens) Brugger, and we are sharing in their grief at this time.
There will be a viewing/funeral Thurs. and Fri. in Maryland, then all of the family will be making the 10 hour trip from Maryland after the Friday funeral to Marion, OH for a Saturday morning funeral/burial. Special strength will definitely be needed.

Sad News...

As I was clicking through my favorite blogs this evening, I noticed how happy and carefree we all seem to be. Then I was reminded of the reality of life and death with the horrible, tragic news of the death of Rev. Sam Everhart, a longtime family friend. I will always remember Sam's happy smile and friendly demeanor. He was a great guy. Please pray for his dear wife Phoebe and his son and daughters. The tragic accident occurred earlier this evening. Sam pastored the Pilgrim Nazarene Church in Muncie, IN.

I've Been Tagged (at least twice now!)

I was trying to ignore the whole "tagging" thing, thinking that there isn't really anything about me that is new or interesting. Since having a blog, I feel that my whole life is an open book anyway! But, since taggers these days are relentless :), I am going to try to think up 7 items to share:

1. I have never been on a plane or helicopter - yes, you read correctly. If all goes well and my husband doesn't inject me with something and drag me on one, I will go to my grave without that experience!

2. I do not gain weight during pregnancy. Usually I end up lighter at 39 weeks than when I started. Deliver the baby and all that comes with it, and I have a 15 lb. advantage over my pre-pregnancy weight. Not sure why I haven't taken the opportunity to lose more at that point...maybe stress, no sleep, everything that comes with a newborn...oh, I'm getting excited just talking about it...

3. I experienced a miscarriage the month Evan turned one. We could have had three children under three. Wow!

4. I had a huge crush on my husband three years before we started dating. The feelings weren't mutual at the time :)!

5. I have lived in the same town (except for college) since 9 months of age...a huge accomplishment for a PK!

6. I hate housework. Label me a feminist, lazy mamma, or whatever you want! I do it only to retain my sanity. If I didn't have children at home, I would probably work while Greg is at work, then I would have the money to hire a maid!

7. My "career" life has included waitressing (Ponderosa at 16 years of age), caregiving for elderly (senior in H.S. through senior in College), medical records for nursing agency (College), teaching Christian Ed.(1998-present), and support staff for Adult Ed. Nurse Aide Training Program (2005-present). My best and most fulfilling role is that of wife and mommy. Life is so wonderful, and God is so good. I have definitely found happiness and joy!

Christian Educator's Convention/Staff Retreat

Dennis Joslin (our wonderful regional coordinator) asked if our school staff would help in the merchandise sales area during one of the 30 minute breaks.

The riverview behind the hotel restaurant where Marea, Mom, and I had lunch. Dad went to the pastor/administrator luncheon.

Mom and Marea eating an awesome meal...

One of my favorite things about ACE is their worldwide vision. They are missions minded to the core, and that is very noble. The pictures of the primitive, yet neatly run schools overseas are so touching.

One of the convention speakers

Mr. Dawson, a convention favorite and a brilliant man

My dear friend, Stephenie (Clemens) Brugger, who is principal at Heritage Christian Academy in Marion, OH. She also whispered to me that they are due to have another baby in April. Congratulations Stephenie, Phil, Kade, and Blake!

Mrs. Marea Pouzar (my boy's teacher) working sales at convention.

Enjoying our meal at the Der Dutchman at the beginning of staff retreat. Marea (Roberts)and her husband Jeff attended HSBC in the early 1990's for any who may have thought them familiar.

An evening view of the hills of Holmes County...beautiful Amish country.

Mom and Dad chillin' out on the lovely porch of the Carlisle Inn, our abode for the night.

Finishing the last session of convention.

Getting the schedule set for the next day. So many things to do, yet so little time!

Yes, teachers are nuts, too.

They take us to a quaint, romantic hotel and within the first 5 minutes they have their heads in the newspaper!

Greg and I at the Der Dutchman

Our gorgeous room at the Carlisle Inn.



Hmmm...still readin'!

Activities...

Rachel, Ashley, and Beth listen to the devotional "Don't Get Hooked".

Dad presented a devotional before the kids played hide and seek in the dark

Nathan, Dana, and Becca listening to devotions

Dana and Becca (I had to catch the photo while he wasn't looking!)

Our nice, toasty fire...it was CHILLY that night!

Ben stretching to serve the volleyball

Ryan waits for the volleyball...

Another Ryan...ready to punch the volleyball!

Ben and Charles "shootin" the breese...no kidding...Charles was packin' at least two that night!

Evangelyn, Kaitlynn, Christianna, Sharree, and Heather enjoying the pizza, chips, pop, and desserts

Jennifer tries to stay warm while playing volleyball

Nathan...ready for a power serve...


Last Friday night, Greg and I had the privilege of hosting a youth party on our church property. We have 8 acres there, and it seems rural when you are behind the building. It is relaxing to watch the deer graze in the field, burn a nice fire, and sing and laugh together. The weather was perfect (high 50's, maybe) and the food and fun couldn't be beat. Thanks, kids, for making it a great night!