Krista and Ben Get Married (finally)

After dating for over 7 1/2 years, Ben and Krista finally tied the knot. It was a pure honor to stand beside them on their wedding day. Krista looked beautiful and I could not have been more happy for them. Here are a few snapshots of the day.

Grandpa...

Lewis Lee Haddix

Published: Saturday, May 2, 2009 3:11 AM EDT

Lewis Lee Haddix passed away on Friday, May 1, 2009, at the age of 94, surrounded by his family.

Lewis had resided at Brigadoon Apartments at Boardman Lake Glens.

Lewis was born on the family farm in Bentley on Feb. 27, 1915, one of three children born to Lee and Susie (Lewis) Haddix. He attended school and later attended Bay City Business School where he met the love of his life, Roberta Newman. (In class, he threw a paper wad at her to get her to turn around) They were married in Roberta’s parents’ home in Midland on Sept. 10, 1937. He then worked with his father as a finish carpenter in Midland and Bay City. During World War II they moved back to the family 180-acre dairy and produce farm in nearby Bentley. In 1946, they moved to Standish where they raised their five children and partnered with his father and brother in the Standish Lumber and Manufacturing Company. In 1959, they moved to Midland and established the Haddix Lumber and Supply Company which they operated until they retired in 1980. During that time period they also owned and operated Standish Lumber in Standish and Midway Lumber in Sanford.

In the winter months, Lewis and Roberta lived in Palm Harbor, Fla., and summered in Midland until 2003 when they moved to Traverse City. They lived in the Village at Bay Ridge Apartments and later at Boardman Lake Glens.

Lewis was known in the lumber business as a man of integrity and as a businessman who believed service was the best commodity to his clientele.

He loved and was loved by his family. Always with an infectious and beautiful smile on his face, Lewis was a very generous and caring person with a heart of gold. He loved to sing and in recent months enjoyed singing with the staff at Boardman Glens, remembering all of the words to all of the songs, even when others didn’t. He also loved singing at the Central United Methodist Church hymn sings and even sang with the choir and the soloists. He was the last surviving founding member of the Mansfield Rod and Gun Club, and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Bay City Masonic Lodge. He loved to bowl, hunt, fish, play cards and enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Roberta.

Lewis loved God and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Midland and later Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City.

He is survived by his loving family, Peter (Margaret) of Traverse City, Carol (John) Keen and Marcia (Robert) Lowry of Rutherfordton, N.C., Mary (Mike) Rumbaugh of Farwell and John (Pam) of Indianapolis; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Francis Beckrow and Mildred Onderchanen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Roberta, sister, Ruby Hubbell, and brother, Don Haddix.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, with Pastor Dale Ostema officiating.

Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 2:30 p.m.. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 at Midland Cemetery, Midland.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Central United Methodist Church. Please share your condolences and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City.

Do not worry about your life...

One of my favorite devotionals for many years has been "My Utmost for His Highest". I have read and re-read this devotional many times and God has used it to meet me where I'm at time and time again.

Just yesterday I was talking with Jordan about my worries about the future... I have NO idea what it holds... what it will look like concerning kids, my work, my education, etc. I have always worried about things like this and I try to control more than I am able. Jordan continues to remind me that it is out of my hands and that I need to trust God to work out the details. But UTMOST today said it in terms that hit home for me.

Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.

This is one of those things that seems so simple and easy to understand, yet is one of my struggles. I worry and try to work things out on my own, but that is no good. And these worries can easily consume my thoughts more than anything else. I need to surrender my life, take one step at a time and then trust God with the rest.

I know that there are a lot of people out there right now who have concerns about the future. Especially in this economic situation, there are people without jobs, or at least without job security and questions about what that means for their lives. As I have seem God work in my life before, I am confident that he does provide and that trusting in him is the best thing I can do. Just some words of encouragement... for myself, and anyone else who has concerns or worry about the future. It is better to continue to surrender each day to the one who made us in the first place. :)

Belated Update...

I have LOTS of pictures to post and LOTS of things to say... just not right now. :) So you will have to settle for some pictures and I'll update later. ;)

The family :)

More family... this picture is probably more accurate than the previous one. ;)

Me and my wonderful hubby. :)

Macy LOVED playing in the snow with the in-law dogs!! :)


Doggie Sandwich!


How can you resist that face?? Can you tell I'm really into my dog. ;)


My work was closed for the two weeks around Christmas and New Years... which allowed me to do some updating around the house! New black cabinets! I think some people thought I was weird painting them black, but I am VERY happy with how they turned out!