Michigan 2010

After all that has been going on, we were really looking forward to a week at the beach with family! Every year the Graham family rents a house in Harbour Country, Michigan so we can relax and spend time together. Garrett had a great time with his cousins and was constantly entertained by the pool or playing on the beach! The week went by so quickly but we had a great time!



Garrett could dig in the sand for hours!

Playing with his cousins Noah, Claire and Anna Grace

Uncle Lance and Landon

My buddy, Pape and me on the beach

One of the more peaceful moments between cousins. Right now

these two annoy one another but soon I know they will be buds!


Daddy finally relaxing...you deserve it!


Making a chocolate cake for Father's Day


Pape watching "Cars" with his grandsons


Garretts favorite outdoor activity was learning to ride

Noah's razor


A Happy Father's Day campfire...love you daddy!


Warren Dunes State Park. Daddy carried Garrett all the way up!

(you can see Garrett and daddy at the very top)


Looking out at the beach from the top


The view


busy boy, Landon


Eating a homemade strawberry milkshake at Nancy's At The Beach

Anna Grace enjoying some ice cream


Claire and her Meme


Noah helping Garrett swim

But before we knew it, Garrett had the hang of it and would swim for hours

My swimming buddy, daddy!

My handsome boy!

Sweatshirts in June guys, really?!

The little man, Landon

On our way home we stopped by Chicago and met our

newest member of the family, Nicholas Oliver (Brandon's

sister, Dawn's new baby boy!)

Praise You in this Storm!

I know it has been a long time since I have done a Kline family update. In that time, we have had some major changes and challenges arise for our family. On May 13th, I was forced to resign at work. This came with no warning or explanation. I was just asked to pack my bags and not return. I am the bread winner of our family so this came with much anxiety and fear for our future. Brandon and I always thought we were in fields that made us exempt from this happening to us, but apparently this was not the case. We were not prepared for this emotionally, spiritually or financially. But God knew this! We went through this "storm" as you would a death. We were first mad at how my bossed handled the situation, then depressed/suppressed by fear of the unknown, then I blamed myself and told myself I was not capable of being a PA anymore and then hope and acceptance. Trust me it took me awhile to get to acceptance! Of course I immediately started sending out my resume to any job I could find and a week went by without a bite, then 2 weeks, then 3 weeks...well you get the picture. BUT meanwhile with help from family, friends and pastoral staff at our church, I learned that God was not doing this to me but was allowing it to happen because I needed to make some changes in my/our life. I learned for the first time in my life to truly TRUST God and his plan for me. I learned that nothing else matters in life but my family, friends and where I am spiritually. My house, my cars, my clothes, or our future vacations don't matter! My life was simplified very quickly: put food on the table, keep a shelter over our head, enjoy Garrett's laughter, love one another and PRAY!! I knew and was reminded by everyone that God had a big plan for us...but what was it?! During those weeks of searching for a new opportunity, I found an Orthopaedic job in Evansville (our hometown). Brandon and I immediately dismissed this idea, but as time went by we thought, "is this it?" We found out there were several teaching positions there as well, so we thought we would pursue this to see where God would take us. I later found out the job opportunity down there was not going to work out (bad timing), but was encouraged to call another Ortho group there instead. I met with them after Memorial Day and they were very interested. They were not actively searching for a PA, but anytime they can get an experienced PA in Evanville they'll strongly consider it. I had to wait two long weeks to meet with the actual surgeon and on Friday I accepted the position. Meanwhile, Brandon basically fell right into a teaching position at Castle High School (my Alma mater) teaching Freshman English. The principal could not even wait 6 hours before calling him to offer him the job! So we are moving!! Of course, we meet this new journey with sadness and excitement. Our hearts ache at the thought of leaving Fishers, our home, neighbors, friends and church while looking forward to moving closer to family (both Grandmas, aunt and uncle within 10 miles) and new opportunities. I am thrilled at the thought of getting back into the OR after 1.5 year hiatus and Brandon always wanted to teach high school! So our house is for sale and I am starting my new job on July 6th! We will keep you updated on the move and our status throughout. Friends, our God is good and he loves us so much. He desires us to follow Him and trust Him with an unfailing faith and he will provide for us even if it is not according to our plan, its HIS PLAN!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Great visit with old friends!!

Last weekend we were able to go visit our friends, the Kasprzyk's in Springfield Il. Unfortunately, we only get to see Nick and Jami about twice a year, and the birth of their second child, Alexander prompted this visit! It was fun to see Garrett and their daughter Addison (2 1/2 yrs) play together. Before it seemed like they were so far a part in age but now that Garrett has turned two they had a lot of fun! Besides free McDonalds all weekend (Nick owns/operates a McDonalds) which is always a plus, we also enjoyed the day a The Children's Discovery Museum. Great weekend, great kids, and great friends!!



Baby Alexander 7 weeks old




Garrett and daddy making me a pizza




Lunch at Windy City Weiners!!


Silly Nick!


Nick teaching the kids about milking cows?!









After the museum we enjoyed some time outdoors with bubbles,
baseball and beer (for the adults of course!)




Very talented of you Nick, hitting bubbles with a bat while drinking!




Giving the kiddos a bath....a far cry from the dorms at Purdue boys!


Precious!