Allen Drives!!

Well, today was Allen's first day driving with his instructor! It went very well! And Mom did pretty ok. I felt very comfortable letting him drive off! Now, it may be a different story when he's driving while I'm in the car!! It's all in God's hands!

Birthdays! Birthdays! Birthdays!

Lauren, Jordan and Bailey

Cake and pie and Ice cream!!

The beautiful table!!

Allen and his new comforter!

Thanks, Grandma and PaPa!

Caleb in his new ACDC hat!

October and November are big birthday months for my family. My brother, Brian, celebrates his birthday on October 13. My nephew, Caleb, and niece, Jordan, both have birthdays on October 24, and my sister-in-law, Jessica, and my son, Allen, have November 1st birthdays! We all got together a few weeks ago to celebrate Brian's birthday, and this passed weekend, because my parents are leaving for Florida this week, we celebrated the other 4. Caleb is now 19, while both Jordan and Allen are 17. Yes, for those of you who knew Caleb and Jordan when they were just little things, they are now 19 and 17!! Holy cow! The following are some celebratory pics!

Has it been that long?

Once again, I apologize! It's been way too long since I last posted. I've been busy. I know, haven't we all?? Anyway, to update, last week, I went up to Michigan on Thursday to be with my parents. My mom had her gall bladder out early Friday morning. Both my sister, Dana, and I were there to keep my dad company during the surgery. She was in and out of the OR within 45 minutes! They told her she had some of the largest gall stones that had ever seen! Way to go, Mom!! She had to stay only about an hour and a half longer, and then Dad and I took her home. She is doing very well now and is happy she got that over with!

Allen has started drivers ed. He's into his 3rd week of classes now. He's got this week and next week to go. He doesn't start driving until the end of the month, though. He's got 30 hours of classwork, followed by 6 hours of drive time. He's very anxious about driving. I'm scared to death!! I do, however, look forward to a time when Allen will be able to drive himself around. Lately, with his schedule, I feel like that's all I've been doing!!

I visited Dustin about 2 weeks ago, and will be back to see him at the end of this week. He's still struggling with aspects of his bi-polar, and some other behavioral issues as well, but we continue to hope and pray that he will be able to overcome them. Dustin is a wonderful kid with a great sense of humor. We hope to have him home again soon, where he belongs.

I've been busy at the dance studio. I now clock about 12 hours of teaching time, plus administrative time. On Wednesdays, I start teaching at 9am and teach until 1:15. Then I start up again at 3 and teach until 8. My feet are killing me by the end of the day. 95% of my classes on Wednesdays are ballet, which mean I'm in ballet shoes all day. For those of you not familiar with this type of shoe, it's nothing more than a canvas glove on my feet - no support! I'm researching some teaching sandals. I'm loving all the time I spend at the dance studio though! It's been great!

John has also been busy with work. He will be doing some traveling again soon too. North Carolina next week, and Boston in another week or so. Just a week and a half ago he traveled to Wisconsin Dells to outline a building project there. Busy busy!

So, there is an update from the Peters' house. I hope to post again soon with some pictures and more interesting stories!

Dustin's 15th Birthday!!

My boys are growing up! On August 20th, Dustin turned 15! As many of my closest friends and family know, Dustin is not currently living with us, but is nearby at a medical facility getting some help with his BiPolar Disorder. It's been an uphill battle for him, but we hope with lots of prayer, he will soon be home again. This isn't the greatest picture of Dustin (I promise to get one soon where you can actually see him), but this is Dustin and Allen (in the background). We went to visit him the weekend before his birthday to celebrate. The boys are playing frisbee or catch with their dad in this picture. We had a great day together and Dustin got lots of presents!

First Day of School

Wednesday, August 20th had two very special events this year. Allen started his Sophomore year in high school and Dustin turned 15!! Here is Allen, just before heading off to school. Just in case you're wondering, he's about 6' 3" now, and still growing!! It's been almost a week since the first day now, and he's loving it! He's got a heavy course load this year, but he's up for the challenge. He's also planning on joining the Key Club this year, and may even try out for basketball and/or track. I'll keep you posted!

Back to School Time!

I apologize for being away for so long! Time just gets away from me sometimes! You all know how that can be! It's back to school time in our house! Dustin starts school this Wednesday (the 13th) and Allen starts next Wednesday. We've been doing the back to school shopping and are officially finished! Yeah! I made a point this year to spread things out, so I've been picking up things for the last month. I know you guys up in Michigan don't have to start until after Labor Day! Lucky you! Enjoy it while you can! Time flies when you're having fun!!!

PS: I'll post more soon! I promise!

More Vacation Photos

Here are more pics from our vacation. These were all taken at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, as is the one in the previous post of Allen holding a horseshoe crab. Here we have a chameleon, and a few deep sea creatures that I bet you can name! On the beach below are Allen and John playing catch football, and that's me with one of my closest friends from NC, and her 3 month old son! (Click on a picture to enlarge it.)

Vacation

Sorry, it's been a while since I last posted. We've been on vacation for a little over a week. It was a much deserved vacation! We first drove down to Myrtle Beach (a 15 hour drive) where we spent the weekend. It has been a year since our last visit to the Carolinas. Ohhhh, it was like coming home! Strange, considering I grew up in the Midwest. I just love the Carolinas though! Anyway, after stopping and visiting friends, we made our way back to Indiana, and then up to Michigan to finish out the week at my parents' cottage. Though the mornings were cool, the days were a beautiful 70-80 degrees throughout the week. It was hard to come home! Reality strikes, though, and here we are, home again. Enjoy the pictures!

My Advanced Student

This is my advanced ballet student. She and I were in the opening number. I hope to post a video soon. I couldn't get a good one during the recital, so I may take a videocamera to class. I promise to post it soon!

My Beautiful Dancers

Well, as I said, the show was a success. I am so proud of my dancers! I was even crying backstage during my Ballet I and Ballet II classes. They were AMAZING!! Unfortunately, I don't have any video to share at this time, or even pics of my kids dancing. (long story!) However, I did have the chance to get some pics of me with my kids. I'm not in costume, but dressed all in black. Sorry. This is what we wear when we're on stage with our young kids who need us on stage with them, like the 3 and 4 year olds. (unless we've designed a costume to go along with theirs). This way, there is no attention drawn to us. From the audience, we practically blend into the blackground. Enjoy my beautiful kids! I'm so proud!

It's Over!

So, the show is over! It was a great success! I'll post more pictures later. These were taken after the show. My parents, my husband, and my son, Allen.

Thank you!

I just wanted to thank everyone who has sent me emails, or posted comments on my blogs, wishing me well this weekend! I really appreciate your support! I can't wait to share some pictures with you!

"Today's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories" - Dress Rehearsal

Tonight, it all begins! The recital dress rehearsal is from 6-9pm. I'll be arriving at the school around 3:30 to set the scenery on the stage and prepare the auditorium for the kids. It's going to be a long night! It's always alot of fun though! The kids are sooooo excited! I'll post some pictures as soon as I can! These pictures are of me, many years ago, at a few of my old recitals. Wonderful memories for me!

Birthday Thanks!

John wanted to extend a big thank you to everyone for his birthday gifts. I've posted some pictures for you to see. Jessica, he's even started seeing a few birds visit his feeders already! With his Lowe's gift cards, he bought himself a new shopvac. It mounts on the garage wall and has a 20 foot hose. It's also so small, it can easily be taken off the wall to wherever it's needed! He is very excited about that! Thanks again to everyone for sharing in his birthday party last Sunday!

4 Days Until Recital

So, here I am, just chilling with my Soduko after returning from the dance studio on Tuesday. Dress rehearsal is Friday, and the Recital is Saturday. I'm starting to get just a little stressed as I finish up the programs and try to get them in to the printer today. Thank goodness for little pleasures such as Soduko which take my mind off of everything else!! Wish me luck!

Recital Time

For those of you who know me well, you know that dancing has always been a big part of my life. It's a true passion for me. In fact, as I was reading Rick Warren's "A Purpose Driven Life" a couple of years ago, I came to believe that my purpose on this earth has something to do with dance. I was given a vision back then of what God wants me to do, and I'm slowly working my way toward fulfilling that vision.

Anyway, one of the steps was to get back to teaching dance. I began year before last teaching at a local dance studio. This week is our annual dance recital. My dancers are getting so excited about being on stage in their beautiful costumes, and I'm just as excited about getting to see them showcase all of their hard work from this year. I'm performing one number with my advanced ballet student. I have always wanted to choreograph to the song "Children" by Robert Miles, and this year was the year! We're even doing part of it in sign language. It's an awesome remix version of the song, and I hope the audience hears the message. I quote "If all the children all of the world, were to hold each other's hands, they'd be giving off such a strength, that all the walls of hate, war and racism would fall down!" AMEN!!

It's going to be a busy week. I'll post when I can!

PS: The picture is of my dad and me following last year's recital.

Poetry

I thought I would use my blog as a way to share some of my poetry as well. This is one I wrote in in July 1990 when I was struggling with matters of the heart...

Unspoken Answers
A tear escapes my distressful eye
As I search for answers with no words.
Above hangs the dark, starless sky,
As if to tell me the heavens are also sleeping.
A gray mist creeps across the mirrored water
That reflects shadows and lights from the other side.
The flag above sways just slightly with the touch of a chill breeze,
And the only sounds are those made by my shoes
Against the wooden dock.
As I make my way to the house,
My mind is lighter, and I see more clearly...
Maybe the heavens weren't asleep afterall.

Elena Bell - the Puppy - Spoiled like the rest!

This is Elena. I introduced you to her on my first post. Elena is now 4 1/2 months old. Over a year and a half ago, our Rottweiller, Diamond, passed away unexpectedly. I put my foot down and said, "No more dogs!" For 18 months that worked, until finally the male figures in my house wore me down! Elena is a pure bred Labrador Retriever. I have been spending the last couple of months training her, and she's doing very well so far. I was determined, however, not to let her get on the furniture!! As you can see in the picture, though, I'm not very successful in that area! The couch she's on is the one couch in the house designated for Sierra to be on. It's in our family room, and I've got those blue throws on it so I can easily take them off and wash them once a week. Well, I finally gave up. As long as Elena isn't chewing on anything, and as long as Sierra is not in the room, I let her stay! SO SPOILED!!! Just like the rest of them!

Sierra - The Sweet Greyhound Mix

Sierra was a stray that my husband almost hit in the middle of the road one day when he was driving home from work in the pouring down rain! She was about 3 months old at the time. She's now 5 1/2 years old. We believe she is a greyhound, possibly mixed with a pit bull. The older she gets, the more her body has taken on the appearance of a pit. She used to have a long, greyhound-like tail, but we had to have it docked when she started chewing the end off of it and splattering our house with blood! She is the sweetest animal I have ever had! She is ultra sensitive to loud noices, including voices. She will leave the room if she senses these things. On the other hand, she has a loud, booming bark when there is a stranger at the door! We are so thankful she came into our lives!

Queen Bambi - The "Bully!"

This is our chihuahua Bambi. Bambi is about 9 or 10 years old, we think, and weighs in at about 6 lbs. My husband rescued her from an abusive home before he and I met. I call her my 'cuddlebug.' She really does love to be petted. When you stop, she'll roll over and lift one of her paws to you, as if to say, "Please don't stop!" She is the bully of the house, however. All of the other dogs 'fear her...' well sort of. She won't hesitate to chase the larger dogs away, though! She's fearless! I can't imagine how someone could abuse this sweet little thing. To this day, when you reach out to pet her, she crouches down to avoid being 'hit!' It just breaks my heart! She knows she is very much loved in our home though!

DJ - the Miniature Pinscher (MinPin)

Now to introduce you to the rest of my "kids!" This is DJ. She will be 14 years old this September. She is my baby girl! She only weighs about 5 lbs and has lost most of her tan doberman coloring over the years, but she's still my baby! DJ has the greatest, childlike personality I have ever seen in a dog. She wraps her front legs around my leg when I come home; she yips at me and demands I sit down on the couch every once in a while so she can be on my lap. She'll put both front paws on either side of your neck and 'hug' you. Like I said, she's my baby girl! I could go on and on about how much I love this little one, but I won't bore you!

My Boys

Four years ago, a good friend of ours from church came to see us. She had been attending another church for about 6 months, so seeing her on a Sunday was quite a surprise! After the service, she pulled me aside and said she had had a dream about John and me. Her former youth pastor had recently called to share with her that he and his wife were fostering two brothers who were now ready to be adopted. It was then, that we came to her in a dream. She asked, "Didn't you tell me that you were thinking of adopting?" I'm pretty sure that I had never spoken of the subject to her. (But God knew!) Three months later, 12 year old Allen and 10 year old Dustin moved in with us (July 11, 2004). On November 29, 2004, the adoption was official! These are my 2 sons! Allen is on the right, and Dustin is on the left. They have brought alot of joy to our lives. They have both struggled with many issues, and Dustin is still struggling today, but John and I hope to secure for them the best opportunities for happiness and success in their lives.

Why? Live, Laugh, Love God?

It just occurred to me that I haven't explained why I named my blog "Live, Laugh, Love God." I'm sure many of you are familiar with the first part - a popular saying nowadays, and self explanatory. I added God to my phrase to remind the world that we all have been given a precious gift... our life. Regardless of the circumstances that brought us into this world, God knew what He was doing when He created each and every one of us, and there is a God-given purpose for each of us. Psalm 139 (one of my favorites) tells us: "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be..." God planned for us, even if we weren't planned for by man. And with that is a miraculous and wonderful purpose for us to seek and find. Live your lives as God wishes you to live them. Laugh often, because you are loved by God and H e wishes for your happiness. Give your worries and your heartache to Him. And love each other as God loves you - completely and unconditionally!!

I love Dolphins!!!

Another thing you should know about me is that I love dolphins! This passed February, I finally had the chance to 'swim with the dolphins!!' My husband's company had a builders' convention in Cancun, Mexico. We went on this side trip and spent a full hour in the water with the dolphins. They swam around us, under us, and as you can clearly see, over us!! It was an amazing day! I can't wait to do it again!

Storm

Well, John and I both got another surprise last night too. Only minutes after he got home from work, we got hit with a massive thunderstorm! The rain was coming down so hard, and the wind whipping so intensely, we couldn't see our neighbors' houses behind us! Some of our trees were blowing parallel to the ground and our willow tree was 'swirling!' Other than a little rain that came in through our front windows because they weren't latched tightly, and this pine tree which almost fell completely over, we survived with little damage. Some of our neighbors weren't so lucky.

Happy Birthday, John!

Yesterday, June 9th, was my husband, John's, 36th birthday! We are kid-free this week so I had dinner waiting for him when he got home, with a nice balloon and sign assortment to celebrate! He was very surprised! Happy Birthday, Honey!

Blogging - It Works!

Less than 24 hours and I've already gotten a message from someone I haven't seen in a couple of years. My roommate from Michigan State! We lived together for 3 years before I had to go and graduate and split us up! I love you, Linda! So glad we're back in touch! Go State!

This is me, Amy!

So, I'm starting this blog because I've watched my sister-in-law keep up her blog for over 2 years now. I love being able to get online and see what's going on with that part of my family. I know she has shared her blog with many friends and family, and I've finally decided to do the same. I have lived in Michigan, North Carolina and now Indiana and have made many friends along the way. This may be the best way to keep in touch with all of them at once! I hope you all enjoy keeping up with me and my family!