sherman204

What you learn from a vacation (with your family)

2010-07-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a reeealy long time since a last posted so any one who would be interested has long since given up reading what I have to say. I feel compelled to post. So this is what I have learned. First I need to beee a grand father, going fishing with my grand son, rolling on the floor with the little one's, seeing the great joy in Mary's face when she shows off her new gift from her great aunt Nancy. (It is a cute outfit.)
spending time with my son and listening to him read to his son. ( he was reading Robinson Course). I have been so blessed to be apart of this week with them I can't put it into words. I just know I don't want it to end...

Life is a whirl

2008-04-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I was looking and it has been awhile since my last post. Then I got to thinking about what has been happening in my life recently. Well I have had my truck ran into while Mother and I were just minding our own business. So I have been faithful in my exercising and have joined a group to help me eat healthier. I have lost some weight which good.
I have been working with a group of guys to plan a mens conference for this fall to give men some tool to better their walk with Jesus. We haven't flesh this our too far but it is coming together. The Ideas are really going great.
I take Elijah to preschool two mornings a week and baby sit Jonathan on Thursdays while his mom goes to bible study.
I would say the biggest news is that because of the exercising I have more energy and feel better.
I'm getting ready to go back to prison this coming May with the Kairos ministry and some of us from my church are going to Brooklyn NY to the Brooklyn Tabernacle for a look see at how they do prayer ministry. We leave middle of April for four days.
My life is full and rewarding doing what ever I can to further God's kingdom on this earth.
Until the next time Bob"O"

My first day at the gym.

2008-02-27T18:20:00.001-08:00

Well the back has quieted down enough for me to start my new exercising. I'm so grateful to my old employer they have a deal set up with my insurance company and a fitness club here in town so I can work out at no charge. So my good buddy Brian Henderson also belongs so we are holding each other accountable to get some exercise three mornings a week . I'm starting out slow just walking and stretching. I've also set as a goal to not eat any high cal. snacks ,like potato chips and those girl scout cookies that have shown up in the past few days, for this week. I'm looking at this like my quitting smoking one day at a time one week at a time. Anyway this all came about because my last blood work showed a direct correlation between my retirement and high LDL low HDL and high glucose so when asked by my Dr. those two terrible questions; are you exercising and are you watching what you eat my answer was No. The free ride is over I need to work out a little and watch what I'm eating a bit more. I have a goal but I'm keeping it to my self for now. I am happy that I have my Buddy Brain to keep me motivated. I spent the last half of my walk just asking Jesus to help me finish. I'm thinking that this could be good for my prayer time. Well more later. I.m tired and heading to bed. Bye for now

Oh those achs and pains

2008-02-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

I'm currently battling the back spasms. I get them Oh once a year or so. Any way I'm on the mend but it occurred to me that I haven't kept up my blogging. So here's whats been happening. Susan has had some good news about her career she really has a heart for these folks who struggle with mental health issues and is currently taking some counseling courses to help her in this endeavor.
It really has been a god directed path. She has been struggling with the new computer medication program at the Hospital to the point that she handed in her resignation as a part time nurse. The hospital had to close down the Psych ward last year because of the lack of Drs to staff it. They have recently hired a Dr. so the 20 bed facility is going to reopen. Susan's heart has always been in helping these patient. So the very day the she handed in her resignation the head nurse ask her if she would like to be her part time person. What a God thing here she went for discouragement to a feeling of belonging in just one day. So she in in the process of getting some further training to prepare her for this new challenge.
Me I've been asked to help lead a Great Banquet team this March so for the past 8 weeks I been meeting one night a week with the rest of the team in preparation for this upcoming week end retreat. As well as leading a small group at our Men's fraternity. This is a weekly gathering of about 18 men in our church and community on the Quest for Authentic Manhood.
Plus going back to the prison for a monthly reunion wiht those guys. So life is busy and fulfilling with family and friends. I have to go now but I'll be back.

We are parents again for a short while.

2008-01-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Elijah and Mary have come for the week end while Michelle, Brian & Emily go to sunny Florida for a very short week end. Michelle's brother Jeff is getting married on Sat. so they have flown down for the wedding. What a world we live in. I never cease to be amazed at what is available to us for our convenience. Need to be somewhere thousands of miles away no problem. Can have you there in a couple of hours with out breaking a sweat.

Anyway Susan and I are taking care of Elijah and Mary until Monday. It will be a sweet time of never ending questions and spontaneous conversation. I have come to love those out of the blue remarks by those two. They make me laugh out loud. Tomorrow we go first thing to the dentist for Susan's appointment. I looking forward to how they guys handle this event. Then off to have fun. That is what this week end will be all about. We have a few ideas but nothing firm. I have learned to be flexible and ready to ad lib. I hope we have pictures to post when I next write. Right now I here a lot of talking from upstairs which means that there is some discussion gong on about bed time. I'm sure that If I go up there I'll just upset the cart so I'm content to sit here and do nothing but listen. Susan has come down for now it seems that they both will need a bottle of water for bed time "it's something Mom always does." We will sit here and listen to the thumping of little feet on the floor upstairs boy does this bring back memories. Little feet tromping over head. They should be in bed but alas the aren't.

Now it has started, Elijah is down because Mary is bugging him. This will mean Mary is moving in to our room for the week end would be my guess. Susan is so patience with the little ones. I remember with our own three I would start out cool but sometimes I would be pushed to the limit. Susan tells me that Mary came to her at 6:30 and said she was ready for bed Elijah was ready by 7:30 they're good kids. When Susan went back up to deal with the sleeping arraignments Mary was already in her sleeping bag on our bed room floor. She new what the rules are. I'll leave more for tomorrow. By for now.

The best laid plans...

2008-01-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

Well I should be getting ready for a quick trip to Brooklyn New York to visit the Brooklyn Tabernacle with our pastor and other. But alas God has other plans. It seems that Pastor Brian has acquired pneumonia and has been restricted to bed for a week or so which put the plans on hold. I'm sure that he will recover and we will pick a more suitable time weather wise to go.

So the next thing on the list is getting ready to head south to Hopefully Sunny Florida for a week of relaxation. I'll keep you all posted.

Right now Susan and I are going to take care of Elijah and Mary while there folks go the Florida for a wedding. Michelle's brother is getting married on Sat. on the beach. So she, Brian and Emily are flying out Fri. afternoon and returning Mon. Susan and will have a time spoiling the two of them intime to return them to mom and dad. Nothing I like doing better than that. I'll see you the next time I post and I will have pictures.....

Home Improvements

2008-01-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

Hello again from Sherman St:

It seems that even though I tried as hard as I could the Kitchen make over is happening. I thought that if I said I didn't like the color choices that Susan would just not try. Well that worked for the summer months. But I came in the house last week and she was on the floor with roller in hand painting the kitchen cabinets EGG PLANT. ugh!!!! I have found that, at this point, I will step in and do the job because I will take the time to do it right. In other words I will not paint the handles and hinges as well as the electrical outlets whatever color in on the roller and I will not hate it as much if it is done well as I would if I left it to her. Plus she will take FOREVER to finish and I have the time. So all last week everything in my dreams was EGGPLANT!!!!
I think my truck was even EGGPLANT!!!! You all know that this is just the beginning from here we move to the walls and then a new counter top and floor. It is fun but at the same time I would prefer to be working on the 500 cc Honda in the garage.

This is My latest work in progress. It is a 1984 Honda VT500 that has set for a while unloved. I have the carbs cleaned. At this time I just received the necessary parts for a tune up. The Christmas FedEx rush caused me to have to wait a bit for them to arrive. Once I get it running then I'll work on the cosmetics to make it look, well, different. Then off to the auction block to see what it will fetch. But this too will have to be postponed I have a commitment to take care of a gutter issue at Brian & Michelle's the first of next week. So the final kitchen make over will be documented in the coming weeks.

Until then so long from the little house in Battle Ground.

January stuff

2008-01-05T07:50:00.001-08:00

Hi to all of you,

I hope that the New Year is starting off on a good note with you and those you love. If not My prayers are with you all. It has started to thaw a little here in Hoosier land ( Global warming I think). I have been playing with my newest Grandson. He is a hoot. Jonathan is such a strong little guy we spent last night just watching Pluto's Christmas tree over and over and over. It seemed those pesky little chipmunks were fascinating to him. Then we spent some time working out. He would exercising by standing up while I held his arms. He was very talkative last evening. I have no idea where he gets the chatterbox box thing. Ha Ha.

So as you can see I am having a great time being a grampa. I'll try this year to be more faithful in posting my life. See you soon.

DECEMBER 31, 2007

2007-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hi to all who might be reading this.
I'm currently sitting at home on this New Years Eve reflecting on this past year. Boy what a life changing year this has been. In January the company I have worked for for 34 years offered to pay me 22 months severance plus my pension plus benefits. So I had to make a choice to retire or not. I can say that it was not an easy thing to decide. As with every major life changing decision I have ever been faces with, God had his hand all over it. In the end it wasn't hard to say OK God, now that you have freed me from a steady job ,what do you want me to do with this gift.
SOOOOOO!!!!!

I went on my first adventure for God outside the US. Susan and I went with our church on a mission trip to Mexico in February. I had never been on a mission trip before. What a mountain top experience. We went to Monterrey Mexico and ministered to the poorest of the poor with prayer, music, crazy dancing, Bibles and food. All of this through an organization known as YWAM, better known as Youth with a Mission. It was an experience that Susan and I will treasure our entire lives.

In March we were informed that Megan and Everette were going to have their first baby due in late September.

Then in April Michelle and Brian informed all of us that their third baby was coming in November. So we quickly will go from two grand children to four.

Susan and I went with our good friends Jim & Cathy on a motorcycle ride to Natchez Mississippi. It was a really hot time. It was Late May early June it was Really Hot. Had it not been overcast and rainy for some of it, that was a blessing, we really would have been misrable.

It was Susan's first long adventure on a motorcycle. She did great except in the heat. The good news is we are planning another trip for 2008. So it wasn't too bad.

Then in late June and early July my good friend Brian and I headed up to Michigan on the bikes for a long week end. We made it to the Upper Peninsula road across the big bridge to Paradise. That was cool.

It was a great time we even ran into Brain and Michelle in St Ignace . They were having a little alone time before Baby number three arrives. They were camping in a very primitive beach front park. So they used our shower at the hotel to get comfortable. We all went to dinner and
Just had a great time. Would do that again.

Well things slowed down a little through July. I did some work around the house and helped move Megan and Everette into their new house. We also moved our Good friends Jim and Cathy to their new house in Williamsport that was sad. I don't like to have my best friend/ neighbor move.

Life sped up again in August. The family all got together in Holland Michigan for a week of sand and water fun. For me the most traumatic event of my week was when I went swimming with my cell phone in my pocket.

We all had a great time being together. The family included Susan's Sister Nancy and my Brother-in-law Al along with their son Sam.

On September 20th God brought in to the world Jonathan Danial Mills. He was small but mighty.
Baby and Mommy are great. He truly is a gift from God..

It was time to gear up for another great God trip. I was asked to serve as a team member on a Prison ministry called Kairos. WOW what a time I had. We go into the Westville Correctional facility in Westville Indiana for three and a half days. Where we spend time hearing talks given by the team members on various themes having to do with a walk with Christ. I was privileged to give one of those talks. I came away with a totally different perspective on serving a prisoner. It was another Mountain top experience which was made even more wonderful in that I had the honor of serving with several close Christian Brothers.

After Thanksgiving Emily Ruth Greene was born November 28th. With I hope just as much joy as each of our children I know that Big Brother Elijah and Big Sister Mary were all revved up about a new sister.

If all of this is not enough for one year we have one more great time to celebrate.

MY BABY LAURA IS GRADUATING FROM PURDUE!!!!!!!!!!!!
So one more party to plan and enjoy.

As I have reflected on what a memorable year this was I'm exhausted but happy. I cannot express my gratitude enough to God for allowing me to be a part of all that has gone on this year. It has been blessing upon blessing upon blessing.

I am hoping that next year will be quieter but I doubt it. You see God has a plan for me and he only lets me in on a little bit at a time. If he told me the whole thing I'm sure I'd figure out a way to screw it up. So I'm looking forward and upward in 2008.
What a ride this has been in '07.
May God be with you for ever and always Amen.

Getting ready

2007-10-18T06:31:00.002-07:00

As the days get closer to my Prison week end I'm getting ready. I still have to finish my letters to all of the residents who will be served by us. I'd better back up As I haven't been very regular in this posting. Several of my close friends and myself are heading into the Westville correctional facility Nov.1st thru the 4th. We are going there to be the hands and feet of Christ to 40, or so, inmates.
As well as being a servant I've been ask to give a talk on the subject of opening the door to Christ.
We have been meeting every other Sat. since the end of Aug. to get trained and ready to go into the Prison. I can only tell you that I'm both excited and afraid at the same time. It is nice to be doing this with some close buddy's I don't think I could do it with out them.
Meanwhile My family got bigger by one His name I Jonathan Danial Mills. He weighed at birth 6# 10 oz. and he is doing fine. Mom Megan has rebounded well. the little guy is getting the hang of nursing and will soon start to get bigger. It is great to watch mom and dad grow into their new responsibility's. Here is a picture of te little bugger and his mama.

So as you can see we have been busy so love and peace to you all. Bob

in the mornig

2007-08-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

So in the morning six of us will be heading out onto the big lake to do battle with trout and samon of various type ai'll post pick when I have them.

Sunday is for family

2007-07-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's me again; Michelle and the youngsters came out Sunday afternoon and played dress up and just had so much fun. Here you see Elijah all dressed up with mom on his arm. We walked down the street to the school play ground and got all sweaty and tired ( oh the kids did I didn't retired folks don't get that way). Brian is trying to get the CD done for Small Town Heroes so he was recording with the group. Later Meg and Everette came by for a impromptu cook out and just to see every body. While we were finishing up the meal Laura comes home from Texas so it turned out to be a really blessed day for Susan and me.

Continuing to be retired

2007-07-23T14:33:00.001-07:00

Well It's Monday afternoon and I'm sitting on the back deck here in good old BG. Susan worked today which left me to my own devices. I work this morning on a project that I have wanted to do for some time. It is a frame work for an awning over the deck outside Laura's apartment door. When it is finished I'll post a pic. Then I mowed my Mothers lawn as a favor to Laura. Laura has just returned from a trip to Austin Texas to visit friends. She seemed to have had a great time. Just a lot of driving to get there and back. Friday evening we hosted a motorcycle ride for several of new and old Friends. Went out to the south end of the county to enjoy the lonesome road together. We have met some great Christian people doing this. We try to keep it to couples only. Last Fri. we have 14 people come on 7 Bikes. This is the second Ride we've had this year I hope to have many more. It's a loosely organized group show up with a dish of food to share and a motorcycle and your in. You will have to hear the gospel before you eat.
Saturday morning we went to a wedding at our church of two of thos who ride with us. It was a real special ceremony the two partisan's the Sunday before were baptized. So it was cool.
Saturday afternoon not much happened I went into town to Brian's house to see if I could fix their stove not a quick fix so I told them to call a guy. Thats all for today

2007-07-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

2007-07-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

What canI say

2007-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

I Hope you like this furniture
Dad

2007-07-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad Muehlhausen

A Smilling Heather

Mom And Dad VanderKleed

FogHorn Eatin' the Vittles

2007-07-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

These guys were perfoming for FogHorn in my driveway. How cool is that.

Retirement

2007-07-16T19:11:00.001-07:00

News for sherman 204

2007-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is the first day of a new page in my life. I now have my own blog to rant and rave about anything I choose or not.
To my daughter Hi I'll Get better at this as the days go by. Hope you see this. Love Dad