Friday, April 20, 2007
Joey Is Home!
Joe certainly didn't want to be far from home and family, but Michigan's economy has forced many to seek work wherever they could find it. After hearing about Joe's sadness at leaving to return to Kansas, they went into action. A week later, he had a place to live, a promise of a job and he was back in Michigan.
Erika and Karen had gone their separate ways after high school, losing touch. A week before her death, Karen called me just giggling with excitement. "Mom, you will never guess who found me? ERIKA!" She was so excited about their plans to get together, wanting Erika to meet her children and asked me if I would like to join her, Erika and Ann, Erika's Mom for lunch. Karen then ran on for at least 30 minutes, remembering all the good times she and Erika had shared. She was SO excited.
Erika and Karen never got to have that lunch. Instead, Erika and her family reached out to Joe. Thanks to the Ernst family, Alexis will see her Daddy this weekend, Catie can't wait to see Uncle Joe and as for Joe and I.....we want to hold all our children close right now, more than anything.
God works in mysterious ways, using all his angels here on earth...wonder if he got a nudge from Karen this week?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Survey says......
| You Are a Believer |
You definitely believe in God - and you're very unwavering in your religious beliefs. In fact, religion and spirituality are definitely big parts of your life. Religion shapes how you view right and wrong, as well as the decisions you make. It's hard for you to imagine how your life would be without your beliefs. |
Ok, Karen started this little survey on her blog, then Laura took it and posted her results. I couldn't resist. Here are my results.....Gee, not much surprise, huh?
Amazing the things you will do online when you are sitting here trying to occupy your mind, huh?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Happy Birthday to ME

Sunday, April 15, 2007
Never Too Old to Learn

I cried. It was beautiful.
Never too old to learn
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Faith
"Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said,
"I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man,
do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
"Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
but I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough."
My father always told me that faith was a gift he would give me. He told me that it was the ability to believe something in my heart which could not be proven. He gave me that gift by always saying what he knew to be true, never saying "I believe...." just explaining life and it's occurrences as if he wanted me to just understand what was true.
Since he was a Catholic man, who once considered the priesthood, it wasn't hard for him at all. He had faith. He shared it. With confidence, he seemed to understand everything in life. What made him magic was the fact that he spent every minute of his life just explaining it all to me.
Everything was a lesson. I rarely knew that I was learning anything. I was just being with my Dad. He taught us everything. He did no task by himself. As we moaned and groaned, he taught us to paint a room, bake a pie, fix a car, solve a problem, make a decision, speak in public, sell Girl Scout Cookies or Boy Scout Fertilizer. First we were his Assistants, but we graduated eventually to running the projects. He also taught us constantly how God expected us to work at being good and kind to others above all else. As he taught, he explained so many things in terms of faith.
When my baby brother died, as I sang Rock a Bye Baby to him, my grieving father told me that a wonderful thing had happened. Even though we would miss little A.J we now had our own Guardian Angel in heaven. He would forever watch over me. He bought me a book about Guardian Angels and taught me a special prayer that I said every night.
From that day forward we just talked about our Guardian Angel. Every time I had a "near miss" like the time I rode my bike in front a car and survived, he would gave toward heaven and saying, "Thanks AJ for watching out for Monie." "Thank you Lord, for the Guardian Angel."
Last night Catie told me she couldn't say her prayers because every time she said the word "Mom" it made her cry. I dug out that old prayer and taught it to her. I told her about her own special Guardian Angel. It is my turn to teach the Faith to my children and grandchildren.
When he had to punish me, he told me that it "broke his heart to punish me, but God gave me a job to do as a parent" and then he explained he must teach me the "right way to live". When he missed church and I asked if God was mad, he just said, "God loves me no matter what. He knows I make mistakes."
We spent many hours, he and I, just talking about anything and everything, but he lived his faith. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized how he gave me the gift.
That faith has sustained me through my entire life. In the joy of shouting out thanks to the Lord and in sorrow when I could barely pray. I've made many mistakes, but God loved me anyway. I have had the ability to believe in love, mercy and goodness and to believe in the joy of the future. To believe that Karen is in heaven.
I have the beautiful gift of faith. Thanks, Dad.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Just Can't Blog
I have gotten up every day this week and gone to the blogs. Joey is giving it his best try, Cat and Laura have posted messages saying they just can't blog right now. Jim is trying to keep us going.
It was too much fun for so long that I know we will begin again......someday.
For now, I am quiet. Just can't do it without sadness. I will try again soon. I promise.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Karen

Saturday, March 24, 2007
Happy Birthday Joey!
Joe had an unfortunate trip to New Orleans this year and his prized Mom-made quilt was lost. There is a new one in progress, which was to be a birthday gift, but is still in the "construction" stage. (see picture at right). Better late than never.....it's coming Joe!
28 years ago today I went to Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, MI, hoping for a baby boy. This was long before ultrasounds that spoiled the surprise. With 2 beautiful girls, we were really hoping for a son. This was the first time Joe was going into the delivery room. He promised only to try to accompany me through the birth. He made it, cut the cord and was the first to welcomed his son to the world.
Joseph Daniel Chin III (or the Turd as affectionately called by his sisters) was his father's pride and joy. A huge party was held to celebrate his baptism, complete with a mariachi band. Joe danced the first dance with Joey in his arms.
Many years have passed and tonight my mind is like a slide show.
Joey in pre-school refusing to appear in the Christmas program in his pajamas. What a mad face he has in the pictures from that night. Scenes of Joe coaching T-ball and Joey sitting in the outfield playing in the sand, with Joe screaming "Joey get UP!" He looked so cute in that little baseball uniform. The Mother's Day program in elementary school with Joey dressed as a flower is an unforgettable memory. What a smile!
Watching out my window on Henry Street when my little son shoveled the snow for our elderly neighbor and then took him dinner so he wouldn't be lonely. A few years later, watching him play Taps at his friend's funeral, tears in his eyes. He always makes me proud to be his Mom.
High school years bring memories of Joey behind the counter at the Video Store. Those are memories we will share forever. "Do you have that movie? About that guy?" (private joke only the video veterans understand).
I love remembering the day I piled all Joey's clothes inside Joey's Volkswagen all the way to the top. He had refused to clean his room. I think I threw them on the lawn for the same reason once.
Then there was the summer he ran away from home and joined the carnival. Oh, he didn't tell me the truth.......oh no, he told me he was working construction for the summer. Then I find out he is BoBo the Clown in the dunk tank, sleeping in the back of U-hauls, wrapped in Mom's homemade quilt. We all have to grow up our own way. Joey had to experience it ALL.
It happened quickly that my little boy grew up. The next thing I knew he was wrapping his quilt around him and his babies. He is Daddy now. Just when I thought having a son like Joe couldn't get any better, we were gifted with Alexis and then Joseph Daniel Chin IV.
Beautiful, smart, wonderful Alexis and Daniel. Thanks, Joey for giving me those fantastic grandchildren to bring more joy into our lives. Those 28 years have passed all too quickly, but they are filled with great memories of being Joe's Mom.
Happy Birthday to Joe!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Surgery for Andy
For all who know Andy, the thought of limited activity is like HELL. He told us "I'm not doing it"....YES YOU ARE! "Not now"....YES, ANDY, NOW....
At some point today when I told Joe that he spoiled Andy rotten, Andy responded with "That's cuz I am the only kid in the family who isn't fat and lazy!"
We laughed and laughed at him, telling him to guess again. That is what comes from being the BABY of the family and being CUTE!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Nick and Cameron Weekend
Nick and Cam spent a really fun weekend with us. As youcan see, Cameron was showing off his reading skills and he can read with such expression that you can't believe he is only 7 years old.
"kind of knew" I would show up because he had a dream about me. When I pulled in, I got the biggest hugs and kisses I have had in a long time. I need to do this much more often. Those kids made me feel like a million bucks.

Sunday, March 11, 2007
Family Time at The Nuthouse
When he reached Hartel and Strange Hwy, he saw a bad accident that had just happened. 4 teenagers had run a Stop sign and hit an elderly couple. Their vehicle was overturned, draining gasoline and smoking. Mike ran to them, found the woman bleeding. He got both of them out and clear of the dangerous situation.
He continued a few miles and watched the man ahead of him slide off into a ditch. He stopped again and helped the man get his car out and back on the road. He said he was glad to get home and ready to hit the bed.
I just sat there and thought about what a fine young man I had raised.
Joe and I are still feeling under the weather and thought we would enjoy a quiet weekend. I had a new book, my quilt and if all else failed, TV. I thought I was going to lay on the couch and read my book today. Wrong.
Carol called and invited me to her house and as I was getting dressed, the phone rang. It was my brother, Dave. When Joe mentioned that Dave was passing through Kalamazoo, I realized that once again, I had forgotten something important. (Doing a lot of that lately)
Dave was on his way to our house for dinner. I had forgotten! Called Carol to cancel and began making a big pot of Beef Barley soup, something that could feed a crowd and didn't require much preparation (which didn't come out great either). Karen heard Uncle Dave was in town, so she soon appeared. Andy had a friend here, but soup just grows as you add broth. No problem.
Joe had thought the little T-shirt I put on Rocky made him look like a sissy, so he was sporting his new "manly" shirt to meet Uncle Dave.>
It was good to have everyone around the table, complete with lots of laughter and food.
Karen went off to a concert, Dave to Detroit and Joe and the boys headed to the movies.
Dave and I got on the phone as he drove to Detroit and chatted away about the old days growing up in Westland. Memory lane was fun. So was looking up how much our parents house would cost today. We remembered they paid under $15,000 for it in 1959. $150k to $175,000 according to the internet today. I am resting with my puppies, grateful for peace and quiet now.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
I REALLY DO LOVE MIKE
I often try a sneak attack, but usually fail. He throws his hand up (as shown here) yelling, "STOP, Mom!" This all began about a year ago. From birth to age 17, I have lots of pictures of Mike. Then it all ended. It appears as if Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc are without Mike. As soon as he sees the camera come out, Mike splits.
The other day, Joe, Karen, Andy and I headed into Taco Bell for lunch. There was Mike with the members of his band. I had the ever present camera around my neck (we were on the way home from the wrestling match). As I snapped the first one, the hand went up....but I GOT HIM as he bit into his taco! So, yes, I love Mike......I just can't get him on film.
My Day OUT.....was POOPY
The poor Vet soon found that Paco is less than cooperative. He bit, he
SCREAMED like he was being killed.....all to get his nails cut, get weighed and well, forget the rest of his checkup!
I took all 3 dogs to the vet. Josie was easy. I put Rocky in first, on my seat with his blanket. I came back with Paco and set him in the backseat. Next I went to "scoop" up Rocky and move him off my seat. Instead, I "scooped" up a handful of nice, warm puppy poop! It was IN MY HAND!
Yes, Rocky had gotten either upset and let loose or maybe it was the feeling of the seat warmer that I turned on for him that inspired him to leave me the surprise package. Either way, I had to head back in the house to scrub, back to the car to scrub and back to the house to scrub my hands again. who normally doesn't have a lot of tolerance for Andy, was cuddling up today. From the
As you can see once we got to the Vet's office, Rocky thought the whole thing was just a blast! New people to lick! He got his shots and didn't miss a beat. Back to bouncing around like Tigger!
We treated the puppies to a trip to McDonalds for their favorite........a CHEESEBURGER!
It was my first day off the couch in the past 10 days. I have been following Dr's orders and resting, but by today I had to get OUT! After the Vet trip, I headed to Family Dollar for a few things where I witnessed the staff tackle a shoplifter. Lots of yelling and excitement. On down the road to Felpausch and I was ready to head home to my couch again.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Family

Michael, Peggy, Mona, David, Patty, Suzie,Julie, Dale and Anne
Recently 2 of my uncles passed away within weeks. As we gathered to pray together and mourn their passing I thought about the importance of family. Some of us hadn't seen each other since our last family reunion, but everyone knew we would gather. It never really changes.
My Mom and Dad went first,then Uncle Al and Aunt Madeline. This year was rough, losing both Uncle Frank and Uncle Bill. They are part of our memories and our history. They were strong family men, good husbands, fathers and grandfathers. Uncle Frank was my Godfather. I don't ever remember him without a big smile and a hug. Uncle Bill came right out and told me after my father had passed away, that he was available for "fill in" any time I needed it. He was often there for me and I will miss him very much.
We all sat and remembered the old days when we gathered at our grandparents house or their cottage. We have the same memories of holiday dinners or sweeping the sand out of the cottage on Sunday nights before we headed home, watching my Dad and Aunt Madeline do the Jitterbug, Uncle Frank and his boat and Uncle Bill fixing and building something and everything. I remember my last evening with Aunt Madeline and all our late night phone conversations. I thought she was the Albert family version of June Cleaver.
We looked at old pictures of our parents and grandparents that were assembled at the church. Where had the years gone?
There were 17 of us. Somehow as we grew older, we may have stayed close to our special cousins, but those shared memories draw us all together. We continue to get to know each other as adults and they are all amazing people, good parents, successful and they are all believers in family.
We now discuss our grandchildren. I am still remembering Suzie and I scrapping behind Nana's couch or "the big kids", Michael, Anne and Peggy locking us out so they didn't have to bother with us younger ones. I laugh when they still call me Little Mona.
We must have carried on those family values. My five children are so close, even when they get mad at each other, they are miserable. They need that family unit. We have fun together. We care about each other.
We have raised children who have married good people, become good parents and given us beautiful grandchildren. I have to believe this is what life is about and we learn it from our parents and grandparents. Too bad we don't "get it" until we are older and I can't say Thank You to Nana and Pop. They started it all.
We Will Rock!

Sunday, February 25, 2007
A Week of Sickness....Again!
10 days ago, I ended up in the emergency room with chest pain. That got my attention and as much as I hate going to the doctor or God forbid, the hospital, I knew I had better get moving.
After an hour of something that resembled a TV medical drama, complete with IVs, EKGs, etc, I was told it was caused by high blood pressure, probably due to stress. One big shot of something to mellow out and down came the BP. Hmmmmmmm
At least I had not had a heart attack. Always having had low blood pressure, I wondered if Eaton Rapids Hospital was correct. Just a fluke? NOT............it continued to rise the next day at my follow up visit.
By Tuesday, when it hit a number I won't put into print, the Dr advised me to take some time off, wrote a bunch of prescriptions and sent me to the cardiologist. Just GREAT!
So, I have taken a few days off to rest and try to see if I can get it under control. I decided to test the stress theory this weekend. During the break in the midst of the Regional Wrestling tournament I stopped at the drugstore and checked my BP........it wasn't pretty. Guess these doctors really do know more than I give them credit for.
Anybody want to take bets on what it will take me for to stay melllow?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Happy Birthday Mike

Mike's 18th birthday was a non-celebration for Mom and Dad, but a sign that he is truly 18 now. His idea of fun was, no birthday cake, no birthday dinner......just some birthday cash and off with his friends. That is when you know they are grown up, I guess.
His life is filled with school, his band, his love of computers and of course, looking forward to graduation. He is a great kid and I spent last night missing him, but feeling good that he has turned out to be such a wonderful son.
Happy Birthday, Mike
Today is the BIG Day
Tonight, Eaton Rapids Wrestlers go to Mason for the Regional competition. We are so proud of Andy to have been placed in tonight's lineup. He even got a haircut to commemorate the occasion. I have been begging him for months and I came home to find a pleasant surprise. At Saturday's competition, someone pulled his headgear off during the match, pulling his hair. I think it made him realize when it distracted him, that a haircut was a good idea. Anyway, he looks like my boy again.
According to the Wrestling website, he gets to wrestle against John Glenn High School on Sunday. Since Joe and I both graduated from Glenn, we told him we were wearing our alumni T-shirts and would not be able to stop chanting ....."J. G. H. S.....Goooooooo Glenn!" He didn't find it funny.
Unfortunately, he is wrestling at 125, which is above his weight class, but they need someone to fill that slot. He did it last week and won, so here's hoping.
Update tonight, after the tournament!