Shades of Hope, Love, and Life

My half marathon time!

2010-10-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

3:07:19

More details and pictures to come.

6 Years

2010-07-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

Mike and I have now been married for six years. For our anniversary he bought me these roses. We also went to the Detroit Zoo.

Now Molly is not a zoo animal but she is growing like a weed!

Half Marathon

2010-06-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

It is official... I signed up for Disney's Inaurgural Wine and Dine Half Marthon. http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/endurance/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/index?page=disney-wine-and-dine-half-marathon
This will be my longest race yet. I plan to run a few races (5K and 10K) in anticipation of the big race and also for training. I am really excited to do this race at Disney, with my sister Kathy.
I also also looking forward to seeing all of my friends in FL while I am down there.

First Harvest

2010-06-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

The lettuce in my garden and been growing really well and fast! Yesterday I harvested the both of my red leaf lettuce and a head of the "regular" leaf lettuce. I have two big Tupperware containers in the fridge now and brought some to my friend Sam last night. I am hoping that I will be able to get another harvest from these plants by the end of summer. We will see how it goes! I also have some tomatoes and green peppers starting to grow.
If you have a good recipe to use with these lettuces please share it with me. My only bright idea is salads. :)

Pictures from May

2010-06-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

My Garden

Drew buried on the beach in Holland

The boys on the beach

Drew and Molly

Molly's first time on the beach

Kate and I getting ready for the YMCA 5K in Grand Haven, MI

Crossing the finish line

Way to go!

Petunia Lady

2010-05-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Petunia Lady...

to this day I don't remember her real name.

She was the first person I ever "bought" (my parent's bought) flowers for my garden. My garden at that point in my life was a big tractor tire with dirt in it. Every year I would fill it with petunias or as I grew older different and varied flowers. This started my love of gardening and I do still like petunias.

We also had a vegetable garden at the house on Congdon Road behind the barn. Fresh vegetables from my dad's garden was just a way of life and I had hoped when I got my first house that I would be able to grow my own vegetable garden.

Yesterday I bought lots of vegetable plants and a few flowers for my garden beds in the backyard. This evening I planted rosemary, basil, peppers, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, and a blackberry bush. I hope that it will grow well and yield enough vegetables and fruit to share. I am really excited and hopeful. It has taken a lot of work to get these beds ready but I will tend to my garden.

As I was finishing planting a butterfly came into the garden to visit. Maybe it really was dad coming for a visit and hopefully blessing not only the garden, vegetables, fruits, but me as well.

Now I may not be the petunia lady but maybe one day a child will remember me in the same fond way I remember her.

Spring Has Come

2010-04-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Spring has come to Michigan. The trees are budding and the temperature is beginning to be warmer. Spring reminds me that we are all renewed in the many seasons of our lives. This spring is renewing me. I am beginning to work in our yard and I trying to plan out my garden. This is spiritual work tending a garden and being outside in the beauty that is nature. Go out and tend your own garden whether it is the garden in your yard or the garden of your soul.

Molly

2010-04-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the new family member

2010-03-19T09:42:00.001-07:00

Molly

More pictures coming soon.

A New Year

2010-01-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Well we are now almost a month into 2010. Last year was another interesting year for Mike and I. Mike found many soccer coaching opportunities and now is the JV coach for both the Pioneer high school men and women. He also continues to be the director of the Rush Academy. Due to Mike's schedule he was able to get a lot of work done at our house and we are so proud of it.

In December I was looking at my goals for 2009. One was to buy a house... well I think I can put a big check mark by that one! My other goal was to run at least 2 races. In 2009 I ran four races! I think that calls for a check mark with a lot of stars around it! I have already begun to plan my races for this year. I may even start in February.

I also have revived my love of knitting. Yes I was knitting a little (now a little for me may be a lot for others) but I am now knitting a lot... joined an international shawl exchange and I am going to try to join a knitting group or two this year.

It is time for me to get out there and meet more people. I have even started playing in a coed soccer league with Mike. We will see what this year has in store for us.

Here are a few pictures. The first is just a cute picture of Mike and Drew at Bona family Christmas. The other two are from Mike's Christmas present... we went to a Red Wings game.

Merry Christmas to all! And to all good knitting.

2009-12-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

I decided to knit a last minute Christmas present. I am sure not many of you are surprised. In order to get this Christmas present done I decided to knit on the bus from my car to the hospital in the mornings and evenings. For all of you knitters out there you need to knit in public because the looks you get are priceless! People on the bus were trying not to stare but seemed not to be able to help themselves. One woman would stare at my knitting and then when I would look at her she would quickly try to make it look like she wasn't staring. It all made me giggle as I knitted away.

Speaking of Christmas I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas. May it be filled with good memories, love, and a sparkle of hope. I also want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Thanksgiving and Turkey Trot

2009-12-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late post. We don't have internet at home so I haven't been able to post in a timely fashion. Mike and I went to NY for Thanksgiving. We had a good time hanging out with the Johnville and Ellis clan. Kathy and I also ran another race. (Yup we are a bit nuts!) Kathy had her best time to date even with hurting her ankle. We even took a trip to the ER but no broken ankle for Kathy but a very bad strain. I had an OK time for not running in awhile. While we were in NY we went to the museum with Jacob and Evan, helped Kathy get a Christmas tree, and saw Jenny and the kids. All in all a good visit.

Home Sweet Home

2009-11-06T05:29:00.001-08:00

We brought Zoomer over to our new house on Wednesday night. He is exploring but isn't too vocal (at least for Zoomer). Bringing Zooomer over meant that we finally stayed over night at our house. Hurray! We still have a bit of stuff at the in-laws house but hope to have everything at our place by the end of the weekend. Now if only everything could find its place... Mary Poppins style...

More After Pictures

2009-11-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

New shower curtain in the bathroom

The Master bedroom after painting and putting together some IKEA pieces.

The Master Bedroom after painting

Furniture in the Master bedroom

Another view.

Mike's new deak all set up.

The new lighting in the Office.

Wallpaper Glue

2009-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper glue has been my nemesis for the past week. The wallpaper in the master bedroom came off quick and easy. I can't say that much about the glue. How many layers of glue do you need anyway!? So in my attempt to get the walls prepared for the paint I learned a thing or two about getting the glue of the wall.

1. Do NOT do big sections at a time. You can't work fast enough (unless you are the Flash) to get it off before it dries.
2. Scraping the glue off isn't always the best. We got a wallpaper scrapper that I tried to use to get the glue off... I may have gotten the glue off (with a lot of struggle) but I also left a lot of holes for Mike to putty.
3. Scrub brush and putty knife work the best!

Here is what I found that worked the best if you have to take stubborn wallpaper glue off your walls:
* Dissolve TSP (Trisodium Phosphate Cleaner) in HOT water (according to the directions).
* Using a sponge apply the TSP solution to a small section of wall.
* Take your scrub brush and scrub in circular motion on the wall. (You will notice the glue coming up.)
* Now you can do one or both of these things:
1. Take the sponge and wipe off the glue and continue to use the scrub brush till it is all off OR
2. Take a putty knife to the scrubbed area to take the glue off the wall.
* When finished wipe the walls with a clean sponge and warm water.

Note: This will not be hard work but tedious work! Also dipping the scrub brush in the TSP solution works well too.

After Photos of the Spare Room

2009-10-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

After Photos of Living Room

2009-10-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Before Pictures

2009-10-13T16:19:00.001-07:00

Backyard

Deck

Basement

Master Bedroom

Spare Bedroom and Office (I know they look alike)

Bathroom (We also have a full bathroom in the basement)

Kitchen (view from living room)

Living room fireplace

Our Home

2009-10-09T16:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of our new house. More pictures to come...

More Running

2009-10-05T18:27:00.001-07:00

This Sunday I took on the Big House Big Heart 5K. We finished on the 50 yard line in the Big House (University of Michigan Football Stadium). It was an amazing atmosphere. I also got a new personal best time: 33 minutes and 24 seconds. I keep improving and am really excited about it. Kathy came in and ran the race with me. She paced me and gave me encouragement throughout the whole race.
Thanks Kath!

In other news we should be closing on our house on Friday. More details and pictures will come after we close.

Here are some pictures of the race

Short sale approved!

2009-09-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

Finally the house we have had a bid on for about 100 days received short sale approval. We are now on to inspections and securing a mortgage. Let's pray it all goes well.

Luau and Running

2009-08-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

Parties are always fun but my family always knows how to throw a good one. Over the weekend Mike and I drove to NY to attend Craig and Sandi's annual Luau. I made a dress for it and we found a great shirt for Mike at Walmart. His was much cheaper (of course!). We had a good time on Saturday night and it was great to finally be close enough to come to fun family stuff.

Kathy and I ran a 5K that morning. Kathy did a great job and I shaved off about 4 minutes from my best 5K time. Woo hoo! I was very excited and didn't believe Kathy when she told me my time. It is official I ran the Heritage 5K in 33:41.

Now it is time to shoot for 30 minutes on the next one.

5th Anniversary and July 4th

2009-07-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

On July 3rd Mike and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We remembered what a great day it was by hitting almost all the spots we did on that day. We ate dinner at Alpen Rose (where had our reception), drinks at New Holland Brewery, and drinks at the Curragh. We also spent the night at the new hotel in Holland, MI: City Flats. A truly good anniversary.

We stayed in Holland at the Bona family cottage for the July 4th holiday. We had fun hanging out on the beach, going to Michigan Adventure, and spending time with the Bona family.

Here are some pictures from our week there.

Flirt with Dirt

2009-06-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

I finished my first trail run on June 13th. It was harder than I thought and we ended the race by running up a hill. Fun right? Kathy was there waiting for me at the bottom of the hill and ran with me up to the finish. Thanks Kathy!! I looked at the official race time and I ran the 5K in 41:16. This is not my best 5K time but I am proud that I was able to run it and finish.

Kathy and my mom came out to cheer me on. We had a good weekend and I was able to show them around some of Ann Arbor. I took them to Zingerman's (of course) for lunch, went to Kerrytown, and then walked down main street. It was a good day and I felt good even though I ran.

Here are some of the pictures from the Flirt with Dirt

Before the run

The Beginning

The hill at the end.

Finished! (and don't look too tired)

Nope

2009-05-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail yesterday to inform me that our offer was not accepted and that someone else's was. So the great house search continues. Mike and I are both a bit bummed. Here is hoping we find something soon.

Offer

2009-05-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

We put in an offer on a house last night. We are hoping to hear if it is accepted within the week here. I will keep you updated. We are very excited and of course nervous.

Flirting

2009-05-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

I have now committed to running a 5K race in June. It is called "Flirt with the Dirt."

Here is the link: http://www.runflirt.com

My sister Kathy is planning to come in and run it with me. Although I think she will get a better time since she has always been the athletic one. I also know that this is a really hard course so I think we will have some bragging rights when we finish!!

I am slowly training for the race. Last year I hurt my foot in a 5K race at Epcot in Orlando, FL, so I am excited to be able to run again. The weather has been great for running outside so I have really been enjoying it. I am hoping to be more aware of my foot (and the rest of me) in order to avoid any more injuries this time.

The race is on June 13th so wish us luck!

Loss and Life

2009-04-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today is six years my father has been gone. It is amazing to think that he has been dead that long. In light of today I would like to share a poem I found.

Tis a Fearful Thing

It is a fearful thing

to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing

to love, hope, and dream:

to be--

to be,

And! to lose.

A thing for fools, this,

and

a holy thing,

a holy thing

to love.

For your life has lived in me,

your laugh once lifted me,

your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings painful joy.

'Tis a human thing, love,

a holy thing,

to love

what death has touched.

-- Anonymous

Short Goodbyes

2009-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Edith Ellis was my grandmother. She was a vibrant lady who loved her family, cards, and in her own words she "never met a man she didn't like." Last friday I officiated her funeral. She had a short two month struggle with colon cancer. I was able to spend some time with her before she was transferred to hospice care and say my goodbyes. My grandmother asked me to prayer for her which brought me to tears. When I asked her what we should pray for she said "for peace and comfort." Now that is my prayer for my family and myself. We have had a long six years and have seen a lot of loss.

If I have learned anything from my grandmother is to live life to the fullest on your own terms and cherish family and friends. I will miss my grandma... and I am so glad that Webster Comfort Care ( webstercomfortcare.org ) took such good care of her.

St. Paddy's and Melting Pot

2009-03-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Mike and I headed to Chicago for St. Paddy's Day weekend (see pics that follow). We had a great time as always. We took the train from Ann Arbor to Chicago. I have to say that riding on the train was a lot less stressful than driving and had more leg room then flying. I was able to finish my hat for the Shamrocking weekend and start one for Liz (which I finish the next day).

Like the hat? I do! And I already have an order to make another (which yes is on the needles). We took the trolley that Jon's mom rented from place to place and she even made song books. I know it sounds a bit silly but it was a lot of fun. We all sang Irish songs (or at least tried) with Jon leading the singing.

Here is Liz and Jon at the first place...

Mike and I...

On the trolley... picture from where I was sitting.

The girls at the last place.

Liz and I in our new hats!

It was great to spend more time with Jon and Liz on Sunday and just hang out. We got back home on Monday. On St. Patrick's Day we went to the Red Wings game. (GO RED WINGS!) The Red Wings won but it was not the best game I've seen. Mike and I really enjoyed the crowd and the energy at the Joe. (Joe Louis Arena) Maybe one day we will be able to have season tickets.

On my birthday we went to the Melting Pot with my in-laws. www.meltingpot.com

We had "the Big Night Out." I love fondue! Who doesn't like dipping delicious food in cheese, oil, or chocolate.

I also want to thank everyone for the cards and facebook birthday wishes. It was great to hear from everyone even though I am far from a lot of you. I think that is the scoop for now.

Hultgren Wisconsin Dells Weekend

2009-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Mike and I had a great time in the Dells with Jon, Liz and all of Jon's family. My snow pants went to good use as we went snow tubing. We also joined Jon's family for cosmic bowling, laser tag, and a trip to Ho Chunk casino (My first trip to a casino by the way). Mike and I didn't gamble but had fun watching Jon play black jack.

Thanks Hultgren family for a fun time, good food, and lots of laughs.

Snow Pants

2009-02-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yep it is official I have bought my first pair of snow pants since junior high school. I got a great deal on them. They are for skiing or snowboarding so they were originally $135 but I got them for $40! Then Mike and I stop by TJ Maxx to look for snow pants for him but I found a ski jacket for $25 (original price $165)! Yes it is “such a deal.”
Why am I buying these things you ask? Well Mike and I are going up to the Wisconsin Dells to Cascade Mountain with our friends Jon and Liz. Jon’s family has gone up there for many years now for a tubing weekend. Liz and I might have Mike teach us to snowboard too while we are there. Mike and I are really looking forward to some winter fun in the snow.

Speaking of Mike it was his birthday on Tuesday. Happy Birthday honey! I was able to take the day off and we had a good day of hanging out together. Then my in-laws took us out to dinner at the Gandy Dancer. It is a very nice restaurant and we had a good time together. Mike was able to have lobster, crab, and mussels.

Mike and I have also begun to look for houses and townhouses. We hope to find something in Ann Arbor so that I can ride the bus. Yes I am one of those silly people who enjoy riding the bus.
I think that is all the fun news for now!

Snow, Christmas, and New Years Pics

2009-01-10T10:01:00.001-08:00

The snow storm the Friday before Christmas

Evan

Jacob

Nancy (mom), Lindsay, and Kathy

Mason, Ben, Abby, and Jacob

Eric and Kevin playing "Rock Band"

Jon playing "Rock Band"

Andrea

Mike's self portrait

Lindsay and Liz after the Winter Classic

Christmas and New Years

2009-01-07T18:42:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

2008 was an interesting year for Mike and I. We decided to move back to Michigan after I received a new job offer. I am still enjoying my chaplain position at the University of Michigan Hospital System. Mike continues to work at finding a job here in Michigan. Mike has been awesome. This is the third move where he has not had a job when we have moved. I love you honey!!

We made the trek to New York for Christmas. We had a great time with family and I got to reconnect with an old friend from high school. The funny part was Caitlin and I lived in the Central Florida area for a year and only reconnected after I moved back to Michigan.

I have the best nephews and niece. Mike and I had a great time with Jacob and Evan. Mike put together train tracks and we danced to songs in movies. Mason and Ben have gotten so TALL and I can't believe they are thirteen! It was great to send time with them and Abby as well. Abby is as beautiful as ever.

During the Johnville Christmas my sister Kathy and I had a boxing match by playing Wii sports. If you are on facebook Sandi Johnville posted a great picture of us. We had a lot of fun playing games with the whole family and even convinced my mom to play.

New Years was spent in Chicago with our good friends Jon and Liz. This has been eight years in the making and we were so thankful to be there. In the spirit of gaming we played Rock Band almost all night and had a great time. Jon went to the Winter Classic (Go Red Wings!!!) and we watched from the warmth of Jon and Liz's house.

I hope this new year will be the start of many good things. I hope to run at least two 5Ks in the spring. In doing some research I have found a few that may be fun. I will keep you updated. I also hope that Mike and I will buy a house.

We will see what 2009 has in store for us.

May you be blessed in this new year!

Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2008-11-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The whole Bona family got up early on Thanksgiving Day and went to the Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My nephew Drew had a great time. We had grand stand seats and great weather. Bobbie, Sue, Mike, and I had a team effort to make dinner when we returned home. It was very yummy!

Here are some pictures of the parade.

Drew

Detroit Institute of Art

2008-11-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

Monet to Dali

A few weekends ago Mike, Bobbie, John, and I went to the Detroit Institute of Art to see the exhibit "Monet to Dali Modern Masters from the Cleveland Museum of Art." It was amazing! When we walked into the exhibit we received what I would describe as a 1980s cellphone. From this "cellphone" we were able to listen to commentary on various artists.

Here are two pieces that were are favorites...

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853–1890)

The Poplars at Saint-Rémy (Les peupliers sur la Colline), 1889

---

My Favorite

Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989). The Dream (Le rêve), 1931

---

Mike's Favorite

First Flurries and thoughts...

2008-11-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

I walked outside this morning and there was a light coating of snow on the Banana (our yellow Aveo). I was so excited! I got to wear a hat to work and everything! Unfortunately I was running late so I couldn't go grab my camera and take a picture. Sorry everyone in FL... winter pics coming soon. There is something so magical about the first snow of the season. It seems as if the world holds its breath in anticipatory reverence waiting to be wrapped in the comforting silence of snow...

This weekend Bobbie and I went to a craft show hosted by the Ann Arbor Fiber Guild. There were some really nice bags, scarves, hats, yarn, etc. I got two skeins of yarn and both were hand dyed and handspun. The only problem is I tried to wind one of them into a ball and it is now one big knot!!! It better make a beautiful scarf!! :)

For those of you that wondered my first time on-call was good. I didn't have too many calls to the hospital. I did have the honor to be present at the most beautiful death. I know that sounds odd but it was. This sacred time was filled with special music, stories, tears, laughter, and most of all love. It reminded me of the song from the musical Rent "Seasons of Love."

Here are some of the lyrics that always hit me.

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Moments so dear
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure - Measure A Year?
In Daylights - In Sunsets
In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches - In Miles
In Laughter - In Strife
In - Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure A Year In The Life?
How About Love?
Measure In Love
Seasons of Love.
How Do You Measure The Life
Of A Woman Or A Man
In Truth That She Learned
Or In Times That He Cried
In Bridges He Burned
Or The Way That She Died
Oh you got to you got to remember the love,
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.

May YOU measure YOUR life in LOVE

My Fab Button Sweater

2008-11-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

I got the sweater I have been working on done!! I am so excited. It came out great.

Here is a picture of it. I took my the picture myself so it isn't the best.

In other news I am twelve hours away from being done with my first on-call. It hasn't been too bad. So far I have only been called to the hospital three times. I am always honored to be part of those holy moments. Hope everyone had a good weekend!
Let me know what you think of the sweater.

RED WINGS!

2008-10-26T09:45:00.001-07:00

When Mike and I started dating I thought that I might become a Red Wings fan. I enjoy watching hockey (honestly I love the fights!) and besides basketball it may be my favorite sport. Last night we went to a bar called Ashley's. We had a pint of good beer and watched the Red Wings win in a shoot out! It was fabulous! Mike told me that he may become a bigger Red Wings fan but I think that I will be too.

Go RED WINGS!!!

Detroit 6

Chicago 5

Autumn is amazing!

2008-10-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying autumn immensely. I have been taking a lot of pictures which I also promised to send to John (a social worker I worked with at Winnie Palmer). I know that I have only missed three autumns being in Florida but I didn't know how much I missed it. Here are some pictures I took. I also "heart" apple cider!!

2008-10-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

I decided to start a blog. I am hoping that I will be able to keep all of my friends and family across the country up to date on life here in Ann Arbor. We will see how I do!