Saturday, June 28, 2008

Gurkin Update

As some of you may know, I've been looking for a teaching position closer to home. (The 35 minute/26 mile commute had gotten old and expensive.) Anyway, I've been interested in one school in Raleigh. A lady from our church is the music teacher there and she was helping me get my foot in the door. I met with the assistant principal a couple of weeks ago, and this past Monday I met with a couple of fifth grade teachers. On Tuesday I received a call from the assistant principal telling me that he had recommended me for the position. Wake County ultimately has the final say, but typically after being recommended it's just a rubber stamp. I sent my resignation letter to Harnett County on Friday, even though I haven't "officially" been hired by Wake Co. My new school is Green Elementary; it is on a year-round calendar. I will be teaching on Track 3. My first day is Monday, and students return to school on Monday the 7th. To see the calendar check out the following link: http://www.wcpss.net/Calendars/2008-09/08-09-year-round.pdf

Josh is still working hard in the lab. I don't really understand anything that he does, but I do visit the lab from time to time to keep him company. Abby is doing well. She has enjoyed having me home for the last 3 weeks. I think she may be a little sad when I go back to school.

This past week our church held VBS. Josh and I taught second graders. We had between 6-8 boys every night...no girls. Let's just say that we left each night exhausted. Overall, we had a great time, tired or not. We still find ourselves singing the VBS songs in the car. Haha!

We miss you all!

Looking forward to a get-together soon!

Sharon and Josh

Friday, June 20, 2008

Feeling better (from Caroline)

Hello everyone! I am happy to say that I am feeling better and better each day! I think I have my full range of motion back, and I can once again sleep on my side with no pain.

We will be leaving in a little while to head to Raleigh to pick up Kelli and Sam. I have missed them a lot, and I hope they had a great week. I will spend tomorrow washing clothes so they can repack for their mission trip to West Virginia. They leave on Monday.

I called my surgeon's office today to ask if I can start lifting weights again, and they gave me the okay. I have read that weight lifting helps ward of osteoporosis, so I need to get back to the weight lifting before I start taking my Femara.

I had a great time with Papa. We were able to visit Aunt Peggy, Aunt Eula, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Christine, and Aunt Betty over the few days I was home. We did get a lot accomplished, and I think Papa is doing better each day. Like all of us, the grief still hits hard when it hits, but he is grieving in a healthy way, and I am very proud of him.

Chuck had a good birthday...He took a nap when he got home from his trip, and we went to Red Robin for dinner. It was yummy!

I guess I don't have much other news. I look forward to our next family get-together. We'll have to try to put something on the calendar soon! Love, Caroline

No Bloggers out there...

Good morning - I am feeling purple (which is alittle past blue). I don't know why exactly. Steve got home a day earlier than usual this week. We are going to Wilmington on Sunday to move Mandy to her house. She signed a year's lease and has a wonderful roommate. Sharon has 2 interviews today and will have a birthday tomorrow. (Happy Birthday, Sharon) Muffin is great. She cleaned Caroline's feet and Mr EH's shoes this week. (I think Mr EH REALLY likes her.) The child support "issue" has kinda sunk in. So...see...I don't know exactly what it is.
I will meet with Mr EH and the monument people tomorrow. I am feeling alot better about him. First, Caroline helped him clean out the cabinets and refrig - science experiments are now gone. I think he is ready to take care of some things. Caroline was very pleased with him - He talked about Mama several times and didn't cry. THAT is an improvement. He will have pizza with the Cancer Center staff on Monday. That is something he has been wanting to do. Caroline worked with Pizza Inn, told them the "story", and they are giving him a great deal. That will mark that off his mental list. Saturday when we finalize the monument - that will also take a big item off his mental list. I think things like that will help. He is getting invitations to eat out alot which is good. AND the greatest thing of all - the GM Card came this week and he is now using it. I thought I was going to have to go to the corporate headquarters to pick it up. We are up to date on the thank you notes from the funeral. And all the accounts have been taken care of. Caroline contacted AFLAC and hopefully that will be moving along soon.
So I was thinking...how about a golfcart for Mr EH for Christmas, etc? I need to know who is in on it so Steve can start looking. Caroline rode him around on mine. I think it would be much safer for him than the 4 wheeler. He could use it to get the mail or ride to the graveyard, etc.
I am going to set up a list for "checking out" Mama's books. As Caroline, pointed out - if neighbors or church members ask to borrow books, it will make them feel better about signing them out if they see we are signing them out too. Eventually, I hope everyone agrees that we donate them to Maple Grove...but that is sometime off. We are going to start pulling some stuff together to donate to Piney Grove's yard sale. Mother kept EVERYTHING. Maybe we can do it together - but if not, whoever helps - we will make a list and let everyone approve before donation - but it will be Mr EH's final decision. But it is something Mr EH really wants to do.
I miss everybody. Say a prayer that my purple goes away. Say a prayer for Sharon's interviews. Oh, Happy Birthday to you too Chuck.
So does anyone else have time to Blog???
Love - Beth

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Sibling withdrawal


Today it has been a week since Mama went to Heaven. I go back and forth. Smiling because I know how happy and whole she is...sad because I can't pick up the phone and call her. I fear I will let her down with the responsibilities she left for me. She has been preparing me for this time, but she still thought she had time to tell me more. I remember in the hospital the second time she was adamant that I listen to all kinds of things I didn't want to hear. Please continue to pray for me - that I "will do her proud." I know that I really won't let it sink in for days - maybe weeks.

And I think she would have been very happy at all the time we were able to spend together. I say it again - it is a sad thing that we are all so busy that it takes BIG things to get us together. WE have to do better because I am going through sibling withdrawal. Crecia and Jamie that includes you too...you have always been like sister to us. I will be glad to come to the "piedmont" to visit. :)
Ronnie - A huge thank you for the love and care in making the DVD. It was awesome and will be something we treasure forever.
One of my friends from work was at the funeral. She said at the grave, "Wow, your mother was a special person." I think the service was a wonderful celebration.
Billy - I will never know how you did it. Mama would have been very proud. You were always her baby boy. :) Your words were a wonderful tribute.

Love to everyone -

Monday, April 21, 2008

My Blog

I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting on my blog too. I've put a feed of my blog, which is here on the right hand column of the family blog. If you have your own blog and are interested in having it linked here, let me know. No new real news from the Gurkin household though, other than Sharon went to the Wake Co. Sch. Job Fair on Saturday and had a few good interviews.

Introducing Muffin


Hi - Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting Muffin, but I wanted to formally introduce her to everyone.

She is precious.

Love - Beth

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Another birthday...


Thank you to everyone for the birthday cards and calls. Billy and I have decided to have the fun part of birthdays...cards, gifts, hugs...but not do the addition so we are remaining the same age indefinitely. :)

I had a wondeful birthday. Steve was supposed to be out of town, but his appointment was canceled. When I got home from work, he was there with flowers, a card, and a cake. He also took me out to dinner. BUT his being home was the best present of all.

Muffin continues to be a special gift from God. It is amazing how smart she is and how special she makes me feel. Mandy was home this weekend for Heather's wedding so Muffin and Fendi played alot. Muffin was very tired after her sister/niece left. Yes, we have a loop in our family tree. See if Muffin and Fendi have the same dog mommy, but Mandy is Fendi's person mommy and I am Muffin's person mommy and I am Mandy's mommy...what does that make Fendi and Muffin...see the confusion?

Our new sanctuary is almost finished. We are getting so excited and would love to have everyone visit our new church soon.

So now it is someone else's turn to post...

Love - Beth