still something...

No. I haven't left blogworld. I've been super busy. It's not a good enough excuse, but please accept it for what it is, a lame excuse for not blogging more.

Labor Day weekend we went to the middle of the state, where dirt and gravel roads are alive and well. Where you can see millions of stars at night without even trying. Where our friends Heather W. and Josh live on forty acres. Josh built a HUGE bonfire, and we roasted marshmallows. We took a walk around their property, and we relaxed. I had allergies so I wasn't feeling that great and we only stayed one night. But it was a nice way to get back in touch with nature.

The following weekend was Homecoming Sunday at FUMC GR. There was a big turnout (over 500 in attendance at the 2nd service) and youth group was a lot of fun with a carnival theme. We're studying the Prodigal Son Scripture. This last Sunday we started off with the first two verses and played a shoe match game. Heather O. and I hid everyone's shoes (leaders too) in suitcases. It was fun. It was kind of smelly, but that's okay. We discussed the decisions we make everyday. Everything is a decision. It's pretty amazing. The kids are pretty good about discussing these things. We've had fifteen both nights. It's also Confirmation year, so I think that has something to do with attendance, but it seems like they enjoy youth group so far! Bill and I also became official members of FUMC GR this last Sunday.

This last Saturday we drove to Mt. Pleasant, home of Central Michigan University (who played Purdue and lost), and met Heather W. there. We drove over to Midland, home of Dow Chemicals. Also home to Dow Gardens. We strolled through the Gardens looking at beautiful flowers. We saw a wedding there, then while driving around Midland we saw at least four more weddings, then while eating dinner that night, a wedding party was outside having their pictures taken!!!

I'm on a big gardens kick. This Friday we're going to visit my Grandma. She mentioned something about going to the casino. Um, no. I'm not a fan. I don't care how good the buffet food is. I am not a buffet kind of person. It makes me want to vomit. Seriously, why do you think Americans are over weight? I can't eat that much food. So I'm just wasting money by going. So, instead of not doing anything about it, I remembered that my membership to Meijer Gardens is good for a Botanical Garden in Niles! I looked it up, found directions and am going to cross my fingers that she'll be up for that instead! I also looked up other things to do in the area. Notre Dame is close by, and my Grandfather was an alumni, I love that campus.

We'll see what we end up doing. But that's what I've been up to. Oh, and on this Saturday there's a Degage Ministries walk. So we're doing that with the youth groups and then we're eating at Yesterdog. Perhaps I'll have a picture or two to share from one of these experiences! (it's Jars of Clay's favorite place to eat when they're in town)