The Wagner Hotel---We have Vacancies

Well it has been a while since I blogged. About 1 month actually. So much has happened. We had a busy summer, moved my mom and dad ( that was the last blog) and oh yes, we have a tenant!

On 8-9-08 our niece Melissa moved in with us... She has been in the service for the last 5 1/2 years. She has been in the Air Force. First in Texas, then South Korea finishing up her tour in London.

Melissa had a medical discharge as she has Crohns.. That makes two in the family. Bills brother Bob also has that disease. So..... they discharged her.

Let me tell you when they talk about government red tape... they are not kidding! It is terrible. Waiting on separation pay and everything else is crazy. After several calls you may get someone to call back or better yet.. actually look into the matter for you! I know she was frustrated because it certainly frustrated me.

Anyway, it has been about 2 months since she has been here. I tease her and call her my maid! She has been helpful with my mom and dad moving and has made us many a dinner and did laundry to boot! I don't think I mentioned that she has two dogs on our deck and she is pregnant...but it has been fun getting to know her again, as an adult.

I can see such a change in her since she joined the service. She has grown up in five years. She is so responsible with her dogs.. taking them to Bertha Brock park or the fairgrounds every day. Walking them 2 times a day. Outside playing with them.... I see her totally different then I did 6 years ago... I wish everyone could see her now.. and how she has grown up!! (I wont go into detail with the dogs hating bicycles.. hello---we live in town and there are a lot of bikes!)

So---if you read the last blog you would know Steph moved out shortly after Melissa moved into the Wagner Hotel! We are rotating girls here.. haha.

Melissa has signed a lease on an apartment in Lansing. She intends to go to school after the baby is born and to get a job in Lansing where there are more jobs to be found. I will miss her!

Its funny--- I look at my two girls and Melissa. They all know right and wrong.. they all have made mistakes and yet they all have two things important to them. God and Family. Melissa's belief in her faith is strong, even going to her church alone.. while we go to ours. I am proud of her for that. Staci and Steph both have strong beliefs in God and ties with their families.. I look around in todays world and am happy for that!

Bill, the poor guy has had females in and out of the house on and off all year and yes, even a female dog... he is so out numbered!

The house is quiet as I write this... that is not the norm. When Steph, Staci and Melissa were here a week ago, there was much babble and laughs and "remember whens".. those are the cool times to sit back and see how your kids carry on some traditions and how they too reminisce when together. They were making a spaghetti dinner for my mom and dad. Staci and Stephs idea.. Melissas sauce---between the three of them it turned out a nice dinner.. and nana and boppy loved it.

Staci is in Chicago, Atlanta or in the air to and fro .. Steph is in her East Lansing apartment---Melissa is here for about another week.. then she leaves with her two dogs.. her belongings and she soon will start her own traditions to share with her soon to be daughter...

Then it will be Bill and I again.. in an empty nest.. for how long???? We never know the answer to that one!