Grandma Ruby

This past week has been such a roller coaster for me and my family. On Monday, my grandma had a heart attack and at first we thought she would be okay. Tuesday night we were told to come down and say our goodbyes. Fortunately, she lived long enough for everyone to make it into town and see her one more time. It wasn't really her, but it was nice to say goodbye.

Anyway, I know she wouldn't want everyone to be sad over her passing, but would want us to remember the good times. We will all remember her as a person who was constantly smiling and always had a kind word for everyone. She made countless afghans and blankets for everyone in the family, along with creating the original beanie babies. When I was little I remember her (at age 50) doing cartwheels in the yard with my cousins and I. Summing it up, she was the coolest.

I am hoping to keep up her tradition of making blankets and little beanies, and in fact she left a whole bunch to finish up. So, I'm working on finishing one right now for my 2nd cousin who is going to Iraq. It gives me something to do to remember her and keep me busy.

Right now Josh and I are back from Evansville after spending the weekend hanging out with the family and keeping grandpa busy. We are very blessed for the support that we have received through our hardship, and it was really nice to see everyone back together and to reconnect. My advice for everyone is to make time for your family-I am so thankful that I know she knew how much she was loved.

Here's a picture of grandma and grandpa at our wedding.

Quick Update

Hello All!

I don't have a lot of time today, but wanted to give a quick update.
We had a wonderful Christmas. The guys all really liked their gifts and I think we succeeded in making it a good Christmas for them, despite being in placement. As for Josh and I, we had a great time with family, played a little Scrabble, got Wii Fit, and I ate my weight in no-bake cookies!

We spent New Year's with a great group of people :) Thanks to everyone for making it so fun, and a special shout-out to Dan and Chelsea for hosting, even though you took our money in poker!

This past week has been a little rough since the guys are STILL not back in school, but we made it through the weekend, and school starts again Monday. I cannot tell you how pumped I am about this. We've had everything from some pot usage (not on our watch!) to gang activity so school is a welcome break!

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments...make sure to email me if you get a chance melanie.bowyer@gmail.com

Baby it's cold outside

Wow is it ever cold out! We walked to chapel this morning, I'm guessing it was below zero. Right now it's registering at 2. Yes, you read that right. As I am sitting here, the wind is howling and creeping in our not-so-insulated windows. So much for warmth :)

Josh always jokes about starting a band, but now it may be coming true. Some of the guys here are pretty musically inclined, and Josh has been working with them on the drums and guitar. Sorry about the lack of pictures...we aren't allowed to put pictures of the students up!

Goodbyes

Well, today was my last day at Herron. By the time I left, I felt so loved and appreciated that it made it so difficult to leave. I am very excited to start the new job, but a day like today makes me want to stay at Herron and never leave.

A bunch of students got together and created a keepsake for me and brought in lunch (and created the most elaborate group hug ever) and it was difficult for me to keep it together. Then I received a gift from the staff and faculty along with cards. Everyone was so kind and encouraging for our new endeavor. I was proud of myself for making it through the day without breaking down, but as soon as I left hanging out with some teachers it was all over.

I cried the whole way home, thinking about all the students and faculty who have shaped my life over the past year and a half. It is hard for me to imagine not coming back to school after break even though I know that's the case. I am so thankful that my first real job was one that I absolutely loved coming to (on most days!) and that I was able to work with and teach such amazing people. I hope everyone is able to keep in touch and lets me in on how their lives are going.


Alright, enough with that, or I'll get all emotional again. I officially start at White's on Monday, though I am going up tomorrow. We're still waiting to hear back from our buyer about the inspection specifications, so hoping that all works out. I just want to be done with it!!! I also heard from Josh that one of our kids isn't able to go home (he's been at White's for over a year) because his uncle had an outburst in court. What is wrong with people? Some of our new "kids" have some crappy people in their lives. Our goal is to show them that's not how they should treat their families in the future...

"Christmas"

Josh's family celebrated Christmas this past weekend since it's everyone's year to visit the other family. We had a great time, and were given some amazing gifts! (Including new bikes, time to get in shape!) As we get closer to Christmas, I find myself reflecting back on the year that Josh and I have had. It has been quite a whirlwind.

When we first decided to start looking into different paths to go down, I never thought it would all happen so quickly. We also had no idea what field God would call us into. I truly feel that our new job at White's is what we are meant to do right now.

On the house-selling front-We have an inspection on the house tomorrow, so praying that goes well! This buyer/his family had been a little trying on my patience!

Stockings by the fireplace!













Josh and I on "Christmas" morning











Josh in Chad's Christmas picture sweater. Snug.

Thanksgiving-a little late

For Thanksgiving I went home to hang out with my fam, while Josh stayed up in Wabash and worked most of the weekend. Mom and I did some great shopping on Black Friday, we played a rousing game of Risk and Monopoly and Mom cut her hair! Great time had by all!

Pictures of course!


We all told Gil not to fall asleep. Friends don't let friends eat two Thanksgiving dinners!










Tony's army preparing to conquer Dusty in Australia.










Tony and Gil, check out that dedication










Everyone getting stomped by Grandma in Yatzee










Dusty, Timmy, and Gil

Starting Fresh

Hello!

We're starting this blog as a way to keep in touch with people from all of our walks of life. Josh and I recently changed jobs, sold our house (hopefully!), and moved two hours north to Wabash, IN. You can see what our new job (as house parents) entails at www.whiteskids.org.

Our goal is to keep this somewhat updated with the exploits of dealing with 14-17 year old boys on a daily basis.

Hope you enjoy!

Mel