Back to School 2025-2026

 I love reading everyone's back to school posts.  This is what I think social media was designed for: to stay in touch with friends and keep up on the latest.  It's definitely a nice break from political posts and all the other crap of social media.  So because I love reading everyone's back to school posts so much I decided to do my own even though only one of us is in school.  It's also time to give a life update considering my last blog post was 13 years ago!

Claire moved to Ann Arbor at the beginning of August and started her new job with Nelson, Kelmann and Associates as an administrative assistant.  She is loving it and currently living with Dane's parents in Ann Arbor although that could change within the next couple of days.  She is apartment hunting tomorrow!  And I realize that also because my latest post was from 2012 and Claire was 11, I should also note that Claire is now 24 and engaged to Dane Hubers.  They are planning a wedding next June, and we're so excited about that!  

 Erin (22) completed her BSN this past May from Calvin and is working as a RN at Blodgett--following in my mom's footsteps.  She will be transitioning to nights in the next couple of weeks which will be different, but Erin's going into it with an open mind.  Her boyfriend Andrew will also be working nights starting in January at Kraft Heinz in Holland so I think that will work out ok for them.  

 Ben is now 20 and a sophomore at Texas A&M.  He is studying engineering (industrial distribution with a business minor) and is on the swim team.  Jerry and I love being able to see him more regularly when we are down in TX.  As I'm writing this, it has been the longest I've ever gone without seeing Ben.  It's been about 6 weeks already.  I can't wait to hug him in a couple of weeks!

I'm starting year two of being retired from teaching.  I am officially "lady of leisure" and "Jerry's hype girl".  I'm looking forward to planning a wedding next year and also stay busy enough helping plan some of the MLA trips and going back and forth between TX and MI.  Who knows what next year might bring?  I'd be open to exploring the workforce in some capacity if it was the right fit.

Jerry is in his 32nd year with MLA (Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas).  He is executive VP of Sales and Aftermarket Parts.  He overall loves the challenge of his job but definitely has good days and bad days like everyone else.  We love the perks that his position brings which mainly include being able to travel to some really cool places.