The Burleys, 2012

Summer is flying by!

2011-07-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

Why does summer have to fly by? With Harmony married and Amanda out of the house I thought things would settle down. NOT. Kristen kickstarted her summer by going on a East Coast Trip, then she went to youth camp the next week. Now she is going camping for a whole week starting tomorrow with her friend in Cadillac. My house sure is getting more quiet all the time, but still moving full steam ahead. Well, I guess you might as well enjoy it, and live to the fullest! Who knows if we might have tomorrow! God Bless, and love to all my family!

Newest Member of the Family

2011-01-25T16:09:00.000-05:00

Gene called me one afternoon at work and said that he had a puppy someone left in a parking lot and wanted to know if he could bring him home. I just laughed and said sure, seeing that we were interested in getting a puppy any way for Kristen. Speaking of Kristen she was so surprised when she saw him. Talk about smiling from ear to ear. She has named him Brody, and he has been with us now for 10 days. We all have fallen in love with him. How can you not with a face like that!

2011, The year of whirlwinds and blessings.

2011-01-24T23:37:00.000-05:00

I'll tell ya, i'm very excited for this year! It has been a very busy one indeed already! From Christmas to bridal shows, to a shopping weekend, to now almost breaking a rib slipping down my stairs with our new puppy who has no interest doing his duty outside when its way to cold. It looks like we are going to have a whirlwind kind of year, and i'm excited to see God work and move and help us through it all. My prayer is that I will just trust God with everything and just watch Him do what He does best! Thank you Father in advance for all the blessings you have in store for us this year!

Test behind me!!

2010-08-24T10:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I got to take my test for pharmacy technician! I PASSED! I'm so glad to have that over with. It has been a long time since I've had a test that big. Now I am officially a Rite Aid pharm tech!! I'm very excited but glad it's behind me!!

Aahh the cool breeze!

2010-08-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day in Michigan today! So long humidity! We went to Lake Michigan today after church with some friends! Wow! The water was awesome!!! The waves were having fun with us as well! It was the most fun we have had there in a long time!!! I'm going to bed soon. Got to have Kristen and her two friends back to church at 4am! They are going to Cedar Point. Wish I was too!! Hope you all are enjoying your summer days!

Sweet Summer "Daze"!

2010-08-14T10:12:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love having Saturdays & Sundays off! I've got things to do, but here I am sitting at the computer instead. Don't tell Gene! :-) My older girls are gone for most of the day, so it's just Kristen and me at home. Tonight she has a birthday party. I love how busy summer is and all the things we get to enjoy outside, but i think i am looking forward to schedule again when school starts. But for now I'm just going to enjoy these sweet summer "daze"!!

What a day!

2010-08-10T21:53:00.000-04:00

What a good, hot summer day! Started out driving the church ladies to Maranatha for a "Ladies Summer Breakaway". Kathy Troccoli and her friend Ellie were the speakers. Amazing. The place where we were did not have air conditioning. I have one word for that(mostly because i'm making myself only use one word), sweltering! On the way home the air was feeling so good! We were just cooling off good and guess what, we ran out of gas!! So we waited on the side of the road for about 35-45 mins. for someone to bring us some gas. Thanks Jim!!!!!!!!!!!
When I got home, we went out on the pontoon boat at Camp Lake. That was so refreshing! All is good in the end. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. Here is one quote from today that stuck out to me,
"Regret looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up"! Help me Father to always look up and trust you!

Hello again!!

2010-08-09T21:01:00.000-04:00

Can you believe i'm back on here? Me either!! It's been to long, i even had to look up my information again! :-)
Lots of things have been happening in our family. But mostly I'm just glad that we are healthy and doing good! God is good!
This summer has been amazing. I'm thinking its been one of the best summers in a long time!
I'll write more tomorrow, it took me long enough to update this site for today.
In His Care, Me

The latest on the Burley's

2008-09-18T20:47:00.005-04:00

Heyy, so this is Harmony. I am updating for my mom. Haha. We really haven't been upto too much. I am just going to school-finally a senior!! It's great so far! Kristen is a 6th grader, and she is in band. She is in the percussion part, and she is actually pretty good as of now. Except it gets loud when she is banging on the drums and the other instrument she plays..don't know how to spell it, so I'm deciding not to try and then butcher it. =) So to move on to Amanda now. She is attending KCTC again and is in the nursing program for the 2nd year. She recently got a job at Family Fare and likes it so far. She is very busy and gone quite a bit. =(

Mom and Dad, are both working quite a bit. Mom is trying to get another job right now so that she can work at home. It will be good for her, and for the family too. My dad is just the same-o same-o right now. Just working and watching football and the news! Haha. He actually just went to see McCain-Phalin downtown GR yesterday. He came back with 2 pins and had a good time!

Hmm, I'm trying to think what else has happened lately. Well, we can go back to Labor Day. Amanda and I went camping at our church campground on Friday morning and stayed through Sunday afternoon. We had alot of fun playing games, riding bikes, going to bonfires, and hanging out with friends. When we got back on Sunday, our family from Ohio was here-Ungle Greg, Aunt Steph, Ryan, Evan, Kaitlyn, and Allison. Sunday night we went to the Collingsworth Concert, which was very good, and then went back home to eat tacos! Yumm! Probably one of the best foods! Monday they had to go home so mom, dad, manda, kristen, and I went to Lake Michigan for the day. We had an awesome time and the weather was perfect-nice and hot! From there, the school year has begun.

So basically that is what has went on lately. Not too exciting but something. We are just so fortunate to have a big family that loves each other and a God who is always there.

P.S. Thought it might be nice to put some pics up so here they are. We don't have any that really relate to this blog but I figured it's better to have pics than no pics at all. Hope you enjoy! =)

Amanda and I thought we would be funny and act and tough Navy girls! Haha!

The FAMILY (this was in May so we all look a little different) =)

Well these are the only ones I can find as of now but I'm sure we will have more sometime soon! Have a great weekend everyone!

I love my REBATE checks!

2008-07-10T10:35:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love my rebate checks I get back from Rite Aid. Especially when I can use coupons too! Here is a quick example. I bought ...
Herbal Essence Shampoo(40% bigger)
Herbal Essence Condit. (40% bigger)
Satin Care Shave Gel
Venus Razor
2 Gillette Men's Body Wash
Tag Body Spray
Infusium 23 Shampoo
Crest Toothpaste
Oral B Toothbrush
3 Lypsol Chapsticks
After my coupons and my rebate check, I only paid 14.46 for everything. What a deal. What is your best bargain? I just wish I lived close enough to a Walgreen's too. I'd take advantage of both. Happy bargain shopping.

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE

2008-06-29T18:57:00.002-04:00

Check out this great drama! What an amazing God we serve. Hope you realize how much our God loves us after watching this. God Bless! Have a great week!

SURPRISE!

2008-06-13T11:40:00.007-04:00

Hi every one. Thanks for being so patient and waiting for me to update my blog! Things have been a little crazy around here lately. Amanda has graduated from high school and we had an open house for her last Saturday. Thanks to everyone who could make it and help us celebrate this special day. We are very proud of her. Enjoy some of the many pix taken that day.

Amanda and Aunt Joy fighting over who is going to hold Allison.

Aunt Claribelle and Amanda

Ryan, Evan, Kaitlyn, and Kristen all smiles.

Uncle Mel and Amanda

Uncle Al, Grandpa Burley, and Dale enjoying some sideline conversation.

Uncle Greg, Uncle Mark, Kaden, and Terry catching up.

Di and Amanda. FF

Leanne getting the 411 on Kris(Amanda's boyfriend). LOL

Gary and Cindy with Amanda. Remember those "good ol' daze" on the bus? What fun the girls had at Gary's expense. LOL

Karson was so tired after his long trip to get here but Amanda was so happy to see him! What a cutie pie.

Shirley, Rachel, and Amanda

Pastor Tim and Amanda

Ed, Amanda, and Annette

Thanks again for everyone who came to the open house and to all of you who had a positive influence in Amanda's life. We love you all. God Bless.

Stronger 2008

2008-01-14T10:24:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I can't believe we are almost through the first month of 2008. Wow! Things have been busy around here! I'm excited to see what 2008 will bring. I love how we get a fresh start every new year. I've just been promoted at work to be a Shift Supervisor. So now I'm training and learning more new things. The girls are back into the swing of things at school. And Gene is getting over a cold with a very bad sore throat. Poor guy!
Yesterday in Sunday School we were talking about Justin: Martyr and Apologist. He was condemned to death at about age 65 because he refused to sacrifice to the Roman idols. Before his death he wrote several letters call "apologetics." These were an attempt to argue against persecutions of the Christians by writing directly to the emperor. If you think about it, this was an amazing! What I thought was great is that he took a huge risk to try to tear down the walls of misunderstandings that people believed about Christians and tried to listen to what the defense was and tried to find some common ground to be able to open up some communication and ultimately build a bridge between the two sides so that the real story of Jesus and His love can shine through. The question was asked; Are most Christians dedicated enough to die for their faith?. And dare I ask, am I dedicated enough in my faith to live for what I believe? Those questions really sunk in. I've been thinking and praying about this every since the class. I want God to be able to help me build bridges and not tear down walls. I want to be strong enough in my faith, and what I believe that if I have to someday die for them, may God's will be done. I would encourage you to review the Apostle's Creed with me and become stronger in our faith in God the Father Almighty. May you all be truly blessed in 2008.
Happy bridge building, Tina

Kristen sharing the Christmas Story

2007-12-16T14:51:00.000-05:00

Kristen's Christmas program was on December 2. I just love the Christmas programs kids do. You never know for sure what they are going to do or say! Their program was called "Mystery at the Manger". It was the first time Kristen sang a solo and she also was in the nativity scene. She had about 3 costume changes and she did a great job.

I love how God's gift is so easy to understand and how children can simply tell the Good News and melt all of our hearts.

Lots to be thankful for!

2007-12-16T14:08:00.000-05:00

Uncle Mel and Mom working together making Aunt Joyce's famous "slushie"! Yum!

The kids table! :-) Just kidding!

Sorry it's been awhile since I posted anything! Our internet was down right after Thanksgiving for about a week and a half. We had a great Thanksgiving. Mom and Dad and our family went to Uncle Mel and Aunt Joyce's home. Which looks fabulous! They have a brand new kitchen and it is beautiful and spacious! After we enjoyed a great dinner, us ladies were all in the kitchen TOGETHER cleaning up and singing worship songs praising our God for who He is and all He does. What a great God and memory.

Ring those bells Harmony

Thanks girls! I loved the cake!

We had such a great time we were invited up to Leanne and Lyles home for the weekend. So of course we had to do a little Christmas shopping while we were in Traverse City. That was fun. Leanne and the girls made my birthday(37) very special by making me my favorite carrot cake. Harmony was really in the spirit with her antlers on. Manda wasn't to happy to get her picture taken again, oh well! Kristen was just to busy having fun with her cousins sledding. She loves to play outside! The snow was beautiful!
To finish off such a great Thanksgiving Weekend we dinner with Mom and Dad Sunday afternoon, and guess what? Mom made me another carrot cake. Thanks mom! I enjoyed everything and I thank God for the blessings He has given me!

Parent-Teen Retreat, 2007

2007-11-13T11:35:00.001-05:00

Kristen's Basketball Team

2007-11-05T11:11:00.000-05:00

Kristen has been playing basketball this year. It's lots of fun watching 5th grade play basketball. They have had an awesome coach. She has been very good for the girls. She gets right in there trying to teach the girls. It's been very good to see the progress they make in just a few short weeks. Kristen has made a basket the last two weeks. You should just see her eyes light up. I'm so proud of her and look forward to seeing her play more as the years go by. Go Kristen!!

Happy Sweet 16 Harmony!!

2007-11-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

My daughter Harmony is now 16. I am so proud of the young lady she is. We celebrated her birthday with a party Friday night. We had a scanvenger hunt throughout Cedar Springs, played some football, and enjoyed chili dogs around a warm bonfire, and finished the night with cake and ice-cream.

Kristen, Chris, and Nate 1 & Nate 2 going for a hayride.

Amanda is 18!!!

2007-10-16T22:00:00.000-04:00

Amanda is now 18! I can't believe it. I don't feel old enough to have an eighteen year old. Well, sometimes I do. Ha!Ha! It sure has been a lot of fun being her mom. It won't be long and Harmony will be sweet sixteen, and Kristen will be 10. Wow! I'm looking forward to the next eighteen years, God willing. Here are a few pictures of Amanda and her double layer chocolate cake with chocolate pudding and chocolate frosting. It was really good. Talk to you all again soon.

I've always loved those cheeks!

Fun Over the Weekend

2007-10-01T11:22:00.000-04:00

Great times and great friends!

Amanda and Kristen had fun getting their faces painted.

Harmony and her dad enjoying a great hayride together.

Tag, I'm it!

2007-10-01T10:32:00.001-04:00

Well, I guess it's my time to be "tagged". So here are seven things about me.

1. I took a class and learned how to do stain glass. It's awesome. Putting the glass together reminds me of the chorus, "Something Beautiful".

2. I'm working at a pharmacy right now and learning all kinds of new things. I hope I never out grow the excitement of learning something new.

3. I have three wonderful daughters. One is a senior in high school this year, one is a junior, and my youngest is in 5th grade.

4. My two daughters Harmony and Kristen and I all took a knitting class together last winter. That was fun.

5. I married my husband when I was seventeen. Now we have been married for 19 and a half years. I love him now more than ever.

6. I teach Sunday School to two of the most awesome autistic girls; Haley and Lauren. I'm sure I learn from them more than I ever teach. I know that Haley has memorized more verses than me. Go Veggie Tales!

7. I'm always hungry to learn more about my heavenly Father. I thank God for the difference He has made in my life! My life goal is to be more like Him, and be who He wants and created me to be. I'm still a work in progress and I have a long way to go, but Thank God I'm not who I use to be.

Well, I'm glad this is done. You all have a great day. Don't worry I won't be passing along this tag. :-) God Bless

Preview of Senior Pics!

2007-09-18T07:56:00.000-04:00

Well its been a couple of days since I've added anything. I have enjoyed checking the blog to see who has been finding my little blip on the internet.

On a different note my little girl is on the brink of becoming an adult! Amanda has just got her senior pics done. Here are a few of them for you all to preview. Enjoy. I've been going through pictures the last couple of days of Amanda when she was little. She sure brought alot of joy to our lives. Of course she still does, but I have come to believe she has been, is, and always will be full of life.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

1st Comment

2007-09-11T09:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our new blog! We are looking forward to sharing our activities with you all and hope you enjoy them.

This year is very exciting and busy for us. Amanda is a senior and lots of things are going on for her. She is going to be making some exciting, and some scarry decisions that will follow her the rest of her life. Next year Harmony will face the same issues. It's hard to believe that my two older girls are almost on the brink of being adults. Talk about mixed emotions. Thank God Kristen is only in 5th grade this year. She loves being back in school and being with all her friends again. She is such a social butterfly.

Gene started new job yesterday at Premier Auto Parts. It's about 3-4 miles down the road. He will be in outside sales contacting new customers. They gave him a company car including gas! That's awesome!! He'll also be putting parts on ebay for them. With both of us working so close to home it will be wonderful not to buy so much gas!

Well I hope you have wonderful day. I'll keep in touch. God bless you all!