Vickie's Blog

Haircut Anyone?

2008-08-28T21:32:00.002-05:00

One of Stephen's friends and his brother from Branson,Mo. came to visit us this summer. Jessie was unable to find a job this summer. He really wanted a haircut but didn't have money for one so Stephen gave him a free one. Stephen learned to do this from some of his buddies. I think it will come in handy at college too.

Friends

2008-08-28T21:29:00.002-05:00

Here are two of the greatest friends a girl could ever have!

First Day of School 08

2008-08-14T15:42:00.004-05:00

Here are some wild and crazy guys who know how to suck every last breath out of summer. They were in the parking lot at school this morning relaxing in the back of this truck in this kiddy pool. I thought it was quite funny!!!

What is in a name?

2008-07-29T15:01:00.002-05:00

Here is Stephen with our old dog that looks similar to the dog that lives at our house. This was actually our first Sheltie named Tenebrae. Does anyone know that a Tenebrae is? It has some meaning for us but when you know what it means you think why would you name a dog that. Names have had meanings for years! What does your name mean? Have you ever looked it up? Do you live up to the meaning of your name or do you even want to?

Anyone recognize this game?

2008-07-18T19:04:00.001-05:00

This is one of our favorite family games at Grandpa's House.

Sarah striking a pose.

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This is the playing field.

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Grandpa is quite good at this game.

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Grandpa, the winner and enjoying a nice cool glass of lemonade to enjoy his victory.

Actually, Stephen was the winner! Grandpa was second.

2008-07-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Friends

2008-07-18T18:53:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of Sarah and some of her classmates. I think it is such a good picture I just had to post it.

Cousins Are Grand!

2008-07-18T18:50:00.002-05:00

This is Hannah and her cousins. Hannah is in the middle. On Hannah's right shoulder is Sarah (Matt's middle girl) to Hannah left is Amy (Matt's oldest girl) and behind Hannah is Anne Marie (Matt's baby). This post is mainly for you Jenn.

My Senior!

2008-07-17T16:13:00.005-05:00

It is hard to beleive but Stephen is going to be a senior this year. Wow time flies as many of you know. He plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University but is unsure of his major yet. He loves nature, art, music, soccer, and filming. If you can think of a career with any of these let us know and I will pass them on to him. These are just a few of his senior pictures. I didn't want to bore you with all 20 of them. The first one is my favorite.

Our Private Splash

2008-07-15T09:47:00.003-05:00

Rhonda and Matt put in a pool last year and we are very glad! Below you will find some pictures of us there.

Best Buddies!

2008-07-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

This is Anne Marie and Erica. They are best buddies but if you see them they look like Mutt and Jeff. One is tall the other short!

Summer Time Relaxing!

2008-07-15T09:36:00.004-05:00

Our recent trip to Chicago by way of the South Shore Train

2008-07-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

Rachel and Steve in the Train Station

2008-07-07T08:46:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen it.....You Must!!!

2008-07-07T08:46:00.001-05:00

We saw Wicked it was Awesome!!!

2008-07-07T08:45:00.001-05:00

Rachel's Fav...Shopping...Forever 21

2008-07-07T08:43:00.000-05:00

We saw Kung Fu Panda on the Big Screen....Imax

2008-07-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

A Unique Experience in dining at Ed Debevics..Chicago

2008-07-07T08:38:00.000-05:00

Our Waiter....Biscuit at Ed Debevics

2008-07-07T08:37:00.000-05:00

Stainless Steel Dance at Ed Debevics

2008-07-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

4th of July Fireworks...Chicago Style

2008-07-07T08:26:00.000-05:00

Flood 2008

2008-06-28T21:11:00.005-05:00

Today I went with a group from my church to help some victims of the flood in Columbus, Indiana. It was quite overwhelming. Stay tuned for pictures coming soon.

KFC Camp

2008-06-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

Rachel and two of her campers

Tie Dying

2008-06-25T21:14:00.006-05:00

Now here is a real messy job. My sister-in-law Rhonda heads this class up every year at KFC camp along with her helpers Amy, Macia, Marlane, and this year Erica joined in the fun. Just to let you know that dye does not come off easily.

Here you go Keetha

2008-06-25T12:56:00.003-05:00

Job Wanted

2008-06-25T12:52:00.002-05:00

If you have any summer projects and you need a little extra muscle....call my son...he's needing work. He didn't quite get an early start on his applications for summer employment and he's been doing odd jobs here and there but he is pretty bored as you can see...ha

Mud Slide

2008-06-25T12:41:00.003-05:00

I took Rachel and her friend Kileigh fishing. Kileigh got her pole stuck in a tree and as I was trying to pull it out..it sort of pulled me in .....well as you can see I sort of got messy. It was funny!

KFC Camp

2008-06-25T12:37:00.002-05:00

Rachel and Emily were counselors together this year at KFC. Here is a picture of them with one of their favorite soon to be campers ....Heidi. Their smiles crack me up you can tell they had to really work hard at smiling. This picture was taken on Wednesday when you are starting to get really, really tired. The did a great job and I was proud of them for doing it.

Hannah got braces

2008-06-25T12:33:00.001-05:00

Hannah got her braces on about a week ago. She is doing well and her teeth are already looking straighter! Remarkable!

Summer Moonlight Night

2008-06-25T12:28:00.001-05:00

I took this picture during the last full moon. It looks like two moons but I think I moved while taking the picture but I still thought it was cool.

Summer Projects

2008-06-25T11:57:00.011-05:00

I really have negleted my blog and I won't go into my reasons for it, instead, I will post my new blog. Summer means getting those projects done that we just didn't have time for throughout the school year. One project that we have wanted to do for awhile is patch our driveway. Well, actually we wanted to replace it but when we got the estimate we almost had to go to the E.R. for heart failure. Concrete is so expensive! We had some friends visit from Branson who the guy is Mr. Fix It. He helped Steve patch the crater in our driveway. I got a kick out of their daughter Hannah who is 6th grade she is a daddy's girl and anything daddy is doing she is right beside him. Here are some pics of our project....

Past Students

2008-06-11T10:17:00.003-05:00

One of the fun things about summer is getting a chance to connect with students from the past. Here are two graduates from 2004 I think? Laura and Cassie. I had lunch with Laura and supper with Cassie. Clarissa also came for supper but I didn't catch a picture of her. It's always fun to catch up on what is going on in their life. Laura will be finishing at IWU and Cassie will be finishing at Anderson. Cassie is working E.R. at the Cleveland Hospital this summer and hopes to be accepted for her masters at U.K. I am very proud of both of them!!!

Macedonia Trip 2008

2008-06-05T22:26:00.005-05:00

I continue to post pictures of my trip to Macedonia because I have so many pictures to share. I really don't like having other pictures in the middle of other pictures. Although my friend Keetha has shared with me how to put pictures in at a different time...it just seems to be so much work. I hope you all will bear with me a little more as I continue to post pictures of our trip.

An Amazing Salad

2008-06-05T22:20:00.001-05:00

This was my favorite salad. The cheese on the top is amazing and the cucumbers taste so fresh like they just came out of the garden. I'm not sure how you spell it but I think it is pronounced Skopsha...something like that it was by far my very favorite food there in Macedonia

My Support Group

2008-06-05T22:15:00.002-05:00

These three amigos walked with me up the mountain in Macedonia. They were so patient with me. I will forever thank them for helping me. Hayley thanks for singing the "At the Cross" because that really helped. I will also never forget our stoning of the beetle. That was really crazy. I wish I had a picture of that to post Krista.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-03T23:28:00.001-05:00

Starting to decend into Macedonia!

2008-05-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

Decending into the Balkan Mountains

2008-05-27T19:39:00.000-05:00

We have arrived!

2008-05-27T19:36:00.001-05:00

Home Away from Home

2008-05-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

New Friends at the Orphanage

2008-05-27T19:25:00.003-05:00

The Night at the Orphanage

2008-05-27T19:19:00.001-05:00

We had a party with the orphanage. It was so much fun. We did some fun skits and they did some major break dancing!

Ethan and John Chill'n at the Cafe

2008-05-23T14:15:00.000-05:00

Hard Work!

2008-05-23T14:13:00.001-05:00

Don mowing the old fashioned way. Those ladies are just amazed at his skills!!!

Face Painted Guinea Pig

2008-05-23T14:11:00.002-05:00

The oprhans weren't sure they wanted their face painted so Mr. V. assured them it wouldn't hurt. Ha

Monopoly!

2008-05-23T14:10:00.000-05:00

Nertz Anyone

2008-05-23T14:06:00.003-05:00

We played a lot of Nertz! A fast pace game of solitare with partners!

Roommates!!

2008-05-22T12:56:00.002-05:00

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The Custom

2008-05-22T12:47:00.001-05:00

The custom was to remove your shoes before entering the house so when we entered the house we left a lot of shoes at the doorway. Can you see Svetlana's Boots?

2008-05-22T12:45:00.000-05:00

Once a woman to be feared...now to be loved!!!!

2008-05-22T12:41:00.000-05:00

Everyday We Waited for Bus # 22

2008-05-22T12:38:00.000-05:00

Make sure you have your yellow ticket!

All 23 Must load Bus # 22

2008-05-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

The bus ride

2008-05-22T12:36:00.001-05:00

ride the bus

2008-05-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

Macedonia and Lakeview Together!

2008-05-21T11:08:00.004-05:00

Here are our high school Macedonia Friends at their school.

Cutest Couple!!!

2008-05-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

Svetlana's Boots

2008-05-21T11:04:00.000-05:00

Here are Svetlana's boots that scared us at first! These boots gave her the look that she meant business!

Hayley and Svetlana

2008-05-21T11:03:00.002-05:00

Here is Svetlana our interpreter that everyone was so scared of at first but then we got to know the softer side of her and we all fell in love with her!

Me, Rachelle, and Shelli

2008-05-21T11:01:00.002-05:00

Here is Rachelle the director of the English School. She was such a sweetie! We loved her right from the start and had a hard time saying good-bye so instead we just said see you later! She is an amazing teacher!

Andy and Megan

2008-05-21T10:59:00.001-05:00

Here is the little guy that we tutored at the English School. He was sooo cute as you can see. The next picture is the picture we took at his house with his family except for his dad who was away.

Andy's Family

2008-05-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

Jump Rope Contest

2008-05-21T10:56:00.002-05:00

This guy smoked me in jump rope! He jumped 79 times to my 10 in a row!

My Nertz Partner and my guitar caddy! Thanks David

2008-05-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

Good times in Macedonia

2008-05-20T13:49:00.001-05:00

2008-05-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

Airport or Hotel

2008-05-18T18:29:00.001-05:00

We tried to get as much rest in the airport as possible before we arrived in Macedonia

2008-05-18T18:29:00.000-05:00

2008-05-18T18:25:00.003-05:00

2008-05-10T14:38:00.001-05:00

2008-05-10T14:35:00.001-05:00

Here is a view from the mountain that we climbed

2008-05-10T14:24:00.001-05:00

We made it to the top! It was at least a three hour hike straight up. It was a huge accomplishment for me but for others it was a piece of cake. The view at the top was worth it all!

more time to write

2008-05-05T04:08:00.002-05:00

Today Megan, John Alcock and I are helping a little boy with his English and math at the school. The rest of the crew are at a local elementary school working with the kids there. We had a great time yesterday visiting the various churches. The girls who went with me to an International Evangelical Church enjoyed the worship in English. We were all homesick to hear our praise and worship in our language. We also enjoyed teaching a preschool class at the church. It was also awesome to go to the cafe next door after church. The cafes here are amazing! We certainly don't know how to relax in America! The kids are doing great and I am so proud of them. Each of them brings something to contribute to the table! It is amazing to see God work through them . Well ...ta ta for now! Chow!

A Quick Check In

2008-05-04T09:20:00.002-05:00

i am in an internet cafe right now and thought i would blog a few lines. i cannot capitalize on this keyboard..not sure what the problem is but anyway...i am doing fine....its says my time is nearly up so i guess i will go for now....i will try to check in later....God is good!!!1

Made It!

2008-04-29T08:07:00.001-05:00

Hey just a quick note to say we made it and are doing well. We went to the High School today. The kids were great and enjoyed getting to meet other teens from another country. We don't have much time to write but just wanted to check in.

Macedonia Here I Come

2008-04-23T15:53:00.005-05:00

Macedonia Mission Trip April 27-May 9
In just a few short days I will visit the country of Macedonia. No, I haven't had a vision of anyone asking for help for me to come. Our high school seniors picked this for their senior trip and as one of their sponsors I have the privilege of going with them. I am looking forward to it but ,have been stressed at times trying to prepare to go. We are only allowed one backpack to take all we need for twelve days. Any ideas? We are teaching the students that you can live with less. I'll TRY anything once. Please pray for us in this way:
Pray that we can be a blessing to the those working there and that we will strengthen the bridge they have been building to the Macedonians there.
Pray for our spouses and children we leave behind.
Pray our seniors hearts will be soft and pliable for God's shaping and molding.
Pray for strength and wisdom for us sponsors as we lead this group.
May His light shine through us!

PRAY

2008-04-14T15:17:00.002-05:00

Today I continue to pray for a little girl at our school who is very sick. You can read her story at the end of this post. I continue to pray for healing for her. Some days we have news of a praise for a step in the right direction and other days it seems her condition steps back. I continue to feel led to not loose hope but to trust in a God who is our rock our shield and our fortress in times of trouble. Please, please join me in praying for Chrissy. She is precious!
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrissybriles

Where did it go?

2008-04-12T14:09:00.001-05:00

Well, my last post I was praising the Lord for the wonderful weather and the hope that spring had finally arrived! I am not so sure today! They are predicting snow for tonight...please say it isn't so! Here are some old pictures of spring to give me hope that it is on its way! Enjoy!

Don't loose heart! Spring is showing signs of coming!

2008-04-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

Feeding Frogs!

2008-04-12T14:07:00.003-05:00

Steve, Hannah and Christie

2008-04-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

Stephen a few years back by the pond. What a handsome guy.

2008-04-12T14:05:00.001-05:00

Spring Arrived!

2008-04-06T20:40:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a beautiful weekend! I was in heaven with all the sunshine! I feel like it has been a really long winter. Does anyone else feel the same? Thank you God for such a beautiful weekend! Would it be too much to ask if we could have some more of that sunshine this week?

I would also like to ask any of you who are prayer warriors to please pray for a little girl named Chrissy Briles who is a fifth grader at our school. She is in Riley Hospital. You can read her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrissybriles

Grant County Encounters

2008-03-28T19:06:00.002-05:00

Well, Keetha I know you will be shocked that I am posting a blog....actually my friend Shannon inspired me to write this one. You will probably be the only one to comment because I am sure the rest of the bloggers out there have given up on me... Well, back to my post. Shannon commented on her encounter at the BMV here in Marion and well I have had loads of those let me tell you. My son, who is 17 never wants to be seen there with me again. I guess I became a little vocal when they sent me home for the third time because I didn't have the proper papers which I called about the day before I went and was given no information about what to bring...I just guessed. what to bring...but anyway today I will comment on my Grant County Encounter at the Health Clinic downtown. I am leaving in a few weeks on a mission trip to Macedonia with high school seniors which I am looking forward to and feel blessed to go. However, I needed to get a few shots before going and decided to go to the health clinic. I was told it was at the court house most of them are in Indiana at least in the counties I have lived in prior to Grant. As I walk in the door I see NO CELL PHONES...so I promptly walk back outside to my car and put my cell phone in the car. I walk back into the court house through the security screen and ask where the health clinic is located. They said oh it hasn't been in this building for 25 years ...its across the street in the pretty building on the corner (part of the jail) ha ...so I walk across the street, walk in the door and try to find my way to the health clinic...I ask a lady at the first office I see and she directs me to the clinic....I walk in fill out papers ....and she says that will be $55.00 ....no problem do you take debit I ask...no she responds....cash or check...you can walk across the street to the bank there is a ATM there...at this point I almost don't want to go through with this because I really don't like getting shots anyway but I know I need to get this done ....so I walk in the bank and the lady greets me and says may I help you ....I respond yes I am looking for your ATM Oh she says it is outside in the drive through....you can walk outside and walk through it.....so what can I do? I walk up to the drive through and get $60.00 dollars and head over to get my shot...the lady promptly takes my cash tells me to have a seat,, a few minutes later a nurse comes out calls my name...I'm the only one sitting there...and in a few minutes it's all over....I know this sounds like I am rambling but I have had my share of encounters like this in Grant County......its always seems so difficult to get a simple thing done...you'd think it wouldn't be a hard thing to do in such a small town. I do love the people in our town and if you are reading this blog you are probably one of them! You make living in this this county a pleasure for me and my family...thanks for making my encounters seem so small in the grand scheme of things like friendship.....

Happy New Year!

2008-01-13T19:12:00.000-06:00

You may be wondering how this picture says Happy New Year. Well ever since my kids were preschoolers on New Year's Eve they had the bright idea of making their own confetti. About an hour or two before midnight all the cousins get together and tear up little pieces of construction paper then at midnight they throw it up and shout Happy New Year! Although the older ones are so excited anymore to participate because they don't want to pick it up....teenagers!

New Year's Pick Up

2008-01-13T19:11:00.000-06:00

Then after the confetti is thrown everyone pitches in to pick it up.

Rachel's Sweet 16

2008-01-13T19:09:00.000-06:00

Here is Rachel, Evan and Emily with one of Rachel's Birthday Celebrations. She had three cakes this year. Since her birthday is Jan. 3rd it seems the celebration goes on and on....I'm not quite sure how she manages to get us to do that....probably her charm.

Our Tree

2007-12-06T23:29:00.000-06:00

Here's our Christmas tree that Rachel pretty much decorated herself. I put on the ribbon. We decorate it with blue and silver bulbs along with snowflakes. This makes it ok to leave up in January too in case I don't have time to take it down right away. Stephen our son thinks it's not a real Christmas tree unless it has red and green bulbs on it.

The Fireplace

2007-12-06T23:22:00.000-06:00

That bow is really for our wreath outside over the garage. I brought my wreath home last week that I bought from the senior's fund raiser and it came with a nice bow. I put the wreath outside beside the garage, thinking Steve would see it and put it up. Steve didn't see the wreath and my bow blew away and I had to buy a new one. Hopefully my wreath will be up soon but right now it is buried under the snow.

Thanksgiving 2008

2007-11-25T21:05:00.001-06:00

Here is the front door to Grandpa's except we always enter in the back door which is on the next photo. You know what they say back door guest are always best!

The Path to Grandpa's House

2007-11-25T21:04:00.000-06:00

Beside Still Waters

2007-11-25T20:57:00.002-06:00

Steve's parents named their place beside still waters. I think this picture displays it beautifully. Good photography Stephen