My Family

Mothers hold their children’s hands for just a little while...
And their hearts forever.

Family.....the word is so simple. At times, we don't realize how deeply the definition of that word is entrenched within our very being. From the very first moment of our birth, our family has nurtured and defined the person we are today. They loved us unconditionally. They gave us role models to admire and respect while guiding and protecting us on our journey through childhood. They lifted us when we stumbled, and supported us through those most difficult and frightening times of our lives. They freely devoted themselves to our care and well being and felt true joy as we blossomed into the adults we are today.

Somehow, a simple "thank you" seems totally inadequate.....

This page will take a while to load
as I have a few pictures so you can meet my family.
In the mean time relax and enjoy a cup of (irish)coffee with me
while I tell you a little about our life.

I was both born and raised in Upper Michigan. I moved away for a couple years but found that I missed the small town setting and the friendly people. I am glad that I decided to come back here and raise our two children....Bob who is 26 and Ryan who is 23. I was married at at age 18. I cant imagine my boys being married now at their age. *whew...thank goodness!*

Bob of course needed his space and has moved to Chicago and bought a home. As a mom, I am just glad that he chose to stay close to home. He seems to think that sleep deprivation, work and seeing the country go together far too closely, and rarely allows himself to go bond with a pillow. He is tunneling his way to new horizons. I suppose this is what they mean by ~spreadin their wings~. Bob is outspoken and honest, and from him I learned tolerance, and the gift of laughter. Ryan on the other hand has returned *worldly* from a year in Germany and entered college in the fall of '98. He now attends Northern Michigan Univ. about an hour from here.
From Ryan I have learned patience, and endurance.
So both of my children will be 'out' of the home in a very close period of time.

This past few years were a real stepping stone in my life.
Gathering the strength from friends and family I see a bright future ahead for us all.
I have chosen a new path as have my boys.

I live in a country setting about four miles from main street in this thriving metropolis! There is no crime to speak of and you can walk down the street without being afraid. This will always be my home. It is a beautiful place, if you like trees, deer, trees, small roads, trees, smiling faces and trees! *laughing*

If you would like to know why we call our selves Yoopers........
visit the 'Yooper Link'. And then say ya to da UP eh!

(Click on thumbnail images to see larger picture views. Don't forget to use your browser's "back" key to come back to this page after you view the larger picture.)

This is our first family photo ever.
Taken December 16, 1996.
Seems strange how in a short time four becomes one.



Bob..who doesn't sport a full beard anymore...*sigh*
Please visit his web site here......Bob's Page

Homecoming

The world is full of wonder and beauty.
Great cities from afar beckon; great monuments rise;
Great adventures await us all over the world.
But no matter where you travel or how far you roam
There is nothing so special
As the place we call home.


Ryan...who will always be my baby...and loves hearing that..(laughing)
Ryans's Page


Rab's Old Page



A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Author Unknown


All through the night I'll be standing over you...
All through the night I'll be watching over you...
And through bad dreams I'll be, right there, baby,
Holding your hand, telling you everything's all right,
And when you cry I'll be right there,
Telling you you were never anything less than beautiful,
So don't worry, I'm your Angel standing by.....

From a song by Jewel called "Angel Standing By"



HAND PRINTS ON THE WALL

One day as I was picking
the toys up off the floor,
I noticed a small hand print
on the wall beside the door.

I knew that it was something
that I'd seen most every day,
but this time when I saw it there
I wanted it to stay.

Then tears welled up inside my eyes,
for every mother knows
her children grow up way too fast.

Just then I put my chores aside
and held my children tight.
I sang to them sweet lullabies
and rocked into the night.

Sometimes we take for granted,
all those things that seem so small.
Like one of God's great treasures...

A small hand print on the wall.

If . . .

If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world."

Dorothy Law Nolte

Send the Children to Bed With a Kiss

Oh, mothers, so weary, discouraged,
Worn out with the cares of the day,
You often grow cross and impatient,
Complain of the noise and the play.
For the day brings many vexations,
So many things go amiss.
But, mothers, whatever may vex you,
Send the children to bed with a kiss.

The dear little feet often wander,
Perhaps from the pathways of right.
The dear little hands find new mischief
To try you from morning 'til night.
But think of the desolate mothers
Who'd give all the world for your bliss.
And as thanks for your infinite blessings,
Send the children to bed with a kiss.

For some day their noise will not vex you.
The silence will hurt you far more.
You will long for the sweet childish voices,
For a sweet childish face at the door.
And to press a child's face to your bosom,
You'd give all the world just for this.
For the comfort t'will give you in sorrow,
Send the children to bed with a kiss.

A Mother's Love

A Mother's Love is like an island
In life's ocean vast and wide,
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the restless, rising tide.

A Mother's Love is like a fortress
And we seek protection there
When the waves of tribulation
Seem to drown us in despair.

A Mother's Love is a sanctuary
Where our souls can find sweet rest
From the struggle and the tension
Of life's fast and futile quest.

A Mother's Love is like a tower
Rising far above the crowd,
And her smile is like the sunshine
Breaking through a threatening cloud.

A Mother's Love is like a beacon
Burning bright with faith and prayer,
And through the changing scenes of life
We can find a haven there.

For a Mother's Love is fashioned
After God's enduring love,
It is endless and unfailing
Like the love of Him above.

For God knew in His great wisdom
That He couldn't be everywhere,
So He put His little children
In a loving mother's care.






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Last updated on May 29, 2001.
Please send any comments, corrections, or inquires regarding this page to Angelfire.

This page is a compilation of resources either created by myself or found on my travels of the internet.
If you know of any original material used here that shouldn't be,
or that should carry a reference to the originator,
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by copyright whether or not they display a copyright notice.
Having said that,
please feel free to use anything you find on my pages for any non-profit purpose.


Click your mouse on the above player to stop the music
Midi Title
"Where I Belong"
is used with permission
and is copyright© 2000 Bruce De Boer

Originial Compositions By Bruce DeBoer







Background by Jimmers