Main Street Goes Pink

Main Street Goes Pink

This is such a beautiful article that you wrote about our journey. I am in tears. I am happy to report that my doctors confirmed today that I can disconitue my breast cancer medicine effect September. The risk of reoccurance is slim to none after 5 years cancer free. I look forward to celebrating our cancer free 5th anniversary in Howell. It sounds amazing.

January - What Happened in History

1 Paul Revere was born (1735)

1 Emma M. Nutt become sthe first woman telephone operator. (1878)

1 The ball was first dropped at Times Square in New York City. (1908)

3 Construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge (1870)

6 Samuel Morse demonstrates the telegraph (1838)

7 Astronomer Galileo Galilei discovers four of Jupiters moons. (1610)

9 The United Nations opens it's headquarters in New York City.

10 The world's first underground passenger railway system opens in London, England (1863)

11 American League baseball adopts the "Designated Hitter" rule (1973)

12 Batman debuts on television (1966)

14 The United States of America ratifies a treaty with England ending the Revolutionary war. (1784)

14 The Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins in Superbowl VII , and become the first undefeated team in NFL history. (1973)

14 The Simpsons debut on television. Will Tv ever be the same again!?! (1990)

15 The Pentagon opens (1943)

15 Happy Days premieres on television (1974)

16 Operation Desert Storm begins to oust Saddam Hussein's' Iraqi forces from Kuwait. (1991)

17 The U.S. Supreme court rules that taping on home VCRs does not violate copyright laws. (1984)

20 The Beatles release "Meet the the Beatles", their first album to the U.S., sparking a new "English invasion". (1964)

20 At 69 years, 349 days old, Ronald Reagan becomes the oldest person to become U.S. president. (1981)

21 Edward Jenner introduces the smallpox vaccine, which eventually leads to wiping out this deadly disease.(1799)

21 The first Kiwanis club is formed in Detroit. (1915)

21 Science fiction writer George Orwell dies. (1950)

22 A historic Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade legalizes abortion. (1973)

23 The deadliest earthquake in history strikes Shansi, China, killing 830,000 people. (1556)

24 Beer was first sold in cans . See Beer Can Appreciation Day (1935)

24 WWII Yalta agreement signed by the U.S., England, and Russia. The agreement defined how Germany would be divided and administered after the war's end.(1945)

25 The first Winter Olympic games begin in Chamonix, France. (1924)

25 The first Emmy awards were given out. (1949)

26 The Dental Drill was patented. (1875)

27 The Russians liberate Auschwitz in WWII (1945)

27 Tragedy strikes the Apollo space program as a fire in the command module kills astronauts Lt. Col. Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Lt. Col. Edward H. White, and Lt. Cdr. Roger Chafee . (1967)

28 U.S. space shuttle Challenger explodes 72 seconds after liftoff, killing the seven crew members. Among the crew was school teacher Christa McAuliffe. (1986)

29 Baseball's American League is founded (1900)

30 Tet New Year offensive launched by Viet Cong guerillas in Vietnam. (1968)

31 Confederates appoint Robert E. Lee their Commander in Chief.




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New Years 2010

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
New years Eve

My hubby and I went out with some friends for New Year's Eve for the first time in years. We enjoyed a mouth watering dinner at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse. For dinner I order the Samurai Special which included a

Shrimp Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Vegetable, Steamed Rice, and Ice Cream. Our meals were prepared at our table by Expert Hibachi Chefs. After dinner we headed to Royal Scott to do some cosmic bowling. We played

a couple games of pool and bowled a few frames before the clock struck midnight. As we watched the ball drop on the tv we notice Royal Scott's count down was a few seconds ahead so Big D and I got to kiss twice!

Once for the real count down and once for Royal Scotts count down.

Christmas 2009

Saturday, December 12th and 17th, 2009
Decorations

We decorated our Christmas Tree with our ornaments. The girls really enjoy opening up their ornaments every year. I think it feels like a precursor to opening up their Christmas presents on Christmas Day.

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
School Christmas Parties

Little C had her Christmas party started before little D's party. I coordinated a collection of money from parents to buy a gift certificate to the teacher store as a gift to Mrs. Bellore and Mrs. Judi. Little C made special card for all the kids in her class. Her classmate Carlos didn't like his because it had pink in it. :( The teachers let the kids make candy jars to give as presents. Mrs. Judi made a beautiful bracelet for little C and Mrs. Bellmore got her a book.

Little D's school Christmas party

I also collected money from parents from little D's class in order to purchase a gift certificate to the teachers store for her teacher Mrs. R. Little D's party started shortly after little C's party so I missed most of her party. The teacher gave all the children in the class huge erasers that looks like a long piece of hard candy as a gift. She said she gave them this because they have an eraser eater in the classroom. YUCK! It's true most of the pencil have erasers missing. I make sure to tell Little D to only use the pencil that mom wrote her name on.

Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Crosslan Christmas

We had our annual white elephant Christmas party with the Crosslan's today. Unfortunately, little D got sick just before we left. Little D and daddy had to stay home the next day. We were very sad that they couldn't join us in caroling.

Sunday, December 20th, 2009
Christmas Caroling

Some friends of ours and their families went Christmas Caroling at a retirement home in East Lansing today. Kellie organized a production of Jesus birth. The kids dressed up in costumes that included the three wise men, Shepard's, sheep, angel, Joseph, Mary,and baby Jesus. The kids did an awesome job acting out their roles while Mark read the story. It was so cute I wanted to cry. After the performance all of us joined in singing carols and then walked around wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. I am so blessed to have such wonderful and thoughtful friends.

Monday, December 21st, 2009
Santa

The kids and I went with the Wallis kids to see Santa at the mall today. Z of coarse was too cool to see Santa so he got a hair cut instead. I didn't get my monies worth either because he only let them take a tiny bit off. The hair is still in his eyes! I like his long hair but I want to see his beautiful blue eyes. The kids wasted no time jumping in Santa's lap. I decided to sit in Santa's lap this year too. I had one of the ladies take a picture of me and Santa. I could not believe what I saw in this picture. I think Santa was checking me out. I don't think I will be doing that again anytime soon. One of my friends made a comment on my facebook page "I don't think that was a candy cane in his pocket". Blah. After telling Santa our Christmas wishes we walked down to the big Christmas Tree in the mall for a photo opt.

Thursday, December 24th, 2009
Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve day at Grandma and Grandpa K13's eating a wonderful dinner and opening Christmas presents. As tradition would have it at the end of our time with the k13's we drove around town looking at all the Christmas decorations, Christmas lights and returned home to put out the cookies, milk, and reindeer food. Tuck the sweet children into bed and frantically finished wrapping the presents for morn. Our dear neighbors had a Christmas Eve party going on topped with teenagers standing on our porch screeching. Needless to say, I marched across the porch to inform them (in a very nice tone) that my children are trying to sleep so Santa can come. Luckily, they obliged.


Friday, December 25Th, 2009
Christmas Day

Little C woke up Christmas morning feeling sick. It was unusual to see a little one look so un-enthused to open presents. Luckily, she still had a good time opening them even though she had a bowl at her side. My precious and daddy stayed home Christmas day while I took little D and Z to Grandma S and Papa's. Christmas day was filled with a lot of emotions. Me, my mom, and my brother shed tears today for the loss of my dear sister in-law back in March. The first Christmas without her felt strange. I got my mother and brother special ornaments. My moms ornaments read:

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular
please wipe away that tear
for I am spending CHRISTMAS
WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
but the sound of music can't compare
with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.
I have no words to tell you
of the JOY their voices bring
for it is beyond description
to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.
I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending CHRISTMAS
WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR
or the PEACE here in this place
Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS
WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face
I'll ask him to lift your spirit
as I tell him of your love
so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful
and let your spirit sing
for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
and I’m walking WITH THE KING.

All we could do is hold each other and weep then within seconds later feel happy while watching the children run around with laughter and joy. I will hold that moment in time close to my heart. The time I was able to grieve Beth huddled in a corner alone with my brother and my mother at last. I don't think they realize how much I needed to do that with them.

Friday, December 25th, 2009
Bronson Park/Christmas Card Lane

After enjoying time with my mom, papa, brother, niece, and nephews we went to my dad's house to spend the night. I make a point to go to Bronson Park and Christmas Card Lane every Christmas season. It reminds me of home as a child. The kids love walking through candy cane lane. The park is finally starting to look like it did when I was a kid. Most of the tornado damage has been replaced. The next day grandpa F and Grandma Jo treated us to a movie. The girls saw "Princess and the Frog" while the boys saw "Sherlock Holmes".

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG summary
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman.


Sherlock Holmes Summary
After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler. Written by The Massie Twins

Moon Walk

Friday, December 18th, 2009
Moonwalk Field Trip

Little D's Daisy Girl Scout troup went on a field trip to Moonwalk a new inflatable bounce house in the mall today.

I wouldn't suggest that anyone waste their money at this facility. The management is horrible and they have very little to offer for entertainment. My choice will always be Jumpin Jaxs! I love that place.

In Rememberance

Beth you are always remember, loved, and missed. I will never forget this week!

Monday, March 23rd, 2009 Kalamazoo Gazette

Franklin, Mrs. Beth Ann
of Holland formerly of Kalamazoo passed away Sunday morning, March 22nd, 2009 in Holland, MI. Beth was born in Kalamazoo, MI. February 3rd, 1973, the daughter of Tommie and Dorothy Ann (lles) Sharp. She was a beautiful and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her children, watching them grow and play together. On June 2nd, 2000, she married Jeremy Tyler Franklin, who survives. Together they gave birth to three wonderful children, Jeremiah Thaddeus Franklin who is 7, Michell Aaron Franklin who is 5, and Samantha Faye-Ann Franklin who is 3. She is also survived by four brothers John, Robert, Paul and Joe Sharp. Beth was preceded in death by her father. A funeral service in her memory will be held at the funeral home at 11 o'clock Tuesday, March 24th, 2009, with
a visitation beginning 1 hour prior. Interment at Riverside cemetery. Beth will be missed by all who new her, and is sent to heaven with a million kisses by Sam I am. Contributions in her memory may be made toward the childrens college fund.

Joldersma & Klein
917 S. Burdick
269-343-2628

Songs played at the funeral were "Be E Glad", "Baby, I'm Amazed by You" Lone Star and "The Best of Times" Stix. The gravesite service was at Riverside Cemetery on Gull Rd. , Kalamazoo, MI. Luncheon after the funeral was at the (V.F.W) Veterans of Foreign Wars 8845 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI.

The funeral was officiated gracefully by Chaplain David Blauw. Blauw is the Chaplain at Holland Hospital and was with our family during the entire journey. He did a fantastic job officiating the service. He said many things that hit home for me. The kids did a Great job during the service. Sam wanted to dance with her cousin Zach, Jeremiah sat on Papa John's lap, and Mitchell sat on the couch between Zach and Grandma Stone. Beth's brother Joe gave an outstanding Eulogy. After Joe's eulogy the chaplain opened the floor for anyone whom wanted to speak. Many friends and family stood and professed their love to Beth. I felt an urge to stand and talk about Beth's free spirit and one of her favorite memories of having a flour fight while making Christmas Cookies with Zach and I at my home in Jenison, MI a few years ago. After the funeral we followed Beth and family to the gravesite. I held Samantha during the gravesite service and she repeated to me how she wanted her mommy really, really, really bad. It broke my heart to hear. We celebrated Beth with family and friends with a luncheon at the VFW hall. I printed out pictures of Beth for family and friends to take. It felt good to have family around after such a hard week and funeral. The picture attached is the sister bouquet from the funeral

Beth I promise to be there for Jeremy and the kids.

Beth Update
It was a long hard journey but the suffering ended Sunday. Beth is now celebrating in heaven with all mighty God.

Obituary
Beth Ann Franklin born Feb. 3rd, 1973 Kalamazoo, MI passed Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 in Holland, MI.

She was a beautiful young woman,wife, mother, sister, and friend she is survived by her husband Jeremy Franklin and three children Jeremiah Franklin 7 years old, Mitchell Franklin 5 years old, Samantha Franklin 3 years old, her mother Dorothy Ann Sharp, and her four brothers John, Robert, Paul, and Joe. She has been sent to heaven with a million kisses by Sam I Am.

Viewing: Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 10:00am
Funeral: Proceeding viewing at

Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home Inc
917 S Burdick St
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 343-2628

Cemetery
Riverside Cemetery
1015 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI

Thursday, March 19th, 2009
I sit here tonight looking through years of pictures trying to pick out special photos of Beth for her funeral and she lies in the hospital struggling to die. Her body so young but her brain so damaged. I can't believe it is true. How does this happen to a beautiful young women, mother, friend, daughter, sister, and wife? Why does god want her now? It has been approximately 2 days and 7 hours since Beth was removed from life support. The doctors stopped giving her food and water and say they are keeping her comfortable while she passes.

Tuesday, was one of the hardest days of my life. I had to watch my niece and nephews say goodbye to their mom. My baby niece (Samantha) just wanted to lie on her and give her hugs and kisses. She missed her so much over the last few days and has told me over and over that she just wants to go to the hospital and give her mom a "million kisses". At three years old she doesn't understand what is happening. My 5 year old nephew (Mitchell) has a hundred questions. He wants to know what the monitors are for, what the red spot is on the sheets, and what the feeding tubes are... etc. My brother did an excellent job on keeping his explanations of things simple such as: the monitor is just a computer and NOT a device to check her heart rate and blood pressure.... or....The red spot on the sheets is spilled medicine and NOT blood from mommy's IV. Mitchell didn't want to leave the hospital and did a lot of crying. My seven year old nephew (Jeremiah) pretended nothing was happening to mommy. He was afraid to go into the room. He would only peek in on her. He wanted to leave the hospital as soon as he got there. He wanted to go get ice cream or basically do anything that had nothing to do with seeing mommy unconscious in her hospital bed. Jeremiah was getting really anxious so I thought it would be best to get him moving. We decided to go elevator hopping. We went from hospital floor to hospital floor being spies and detectives. It seems crazy to run around the hospital having fun while Beth is suffering but it isn't and wasn't. I am so happy that I could be there to help my niece and nephews process all this stuff the best way they knew how. I am glad I could be there to help Jeremiah play spies, to help Sammy pick out a flower to put on mommy's tummy, to support my brother while he explains all of Mitchell's questions. I think Jeremiah explained our emotions best when he said, "I am sad on the inside but happy on the outside".

My brother feels like part of him has died. He doesn't know if he can ever love again. He is scared, confused, and overwhelmed and wants to be at Beth's bedside but also wants to be with the children to help them grieve. He aches for both his wife and his children. Both him and I never EVER thought the day would EVER come that we would pray for her to go to the lord. We want the suffering to end. Everyone is exhausted. I am exhausted so I can't imagine how my brother feels. My heart aches to hear him beg God to take her. It hurts to hear Beth struggle to breath. Why? Does he have something big in heaven for her to do?

Beth we love you dearly. You are so gently and so kind. I regret the day you leave us! March will never be the same again.

There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.
~Author Unknown

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Some of you know that my maiden name is Franklin. The Franklin family is in crisis mode right now. I wanted to let you know that I will be out of town for a week or more. My brothers wife (Beth) had an asthma attack on Thursday March 12th at 1:00am and then went into cardiac arrest. She was without oxygen for many minutes. My brother gave her CPR until the paramedics arrived. Currently, she is in the hospital fighting for her life.

Information from different websites: When a patients blood circulation prevents delivery of oxygen to any parts of the body. Cerebral hypoxia, or lack of oxygen supply to the brain, causes victims to lose consciousness and to stop normal breathing, although agonal breathing may still occur. Brain injury is likely if cardiac arrest is untreated for more than 5 minutes.

Beth has been unconscious for almost 48 hours. At first the doctors didn't have much hope that she would survive and if she did she would have severe brain damage. On a positive note she made some improvements today. Her lungs now have about 97% oxygen and she can breath on her own but it takes too much energy so the doctors have her sedated so she can rest. Docs also stated she was able to respond to movement in her lower extremities. We wont know much until she wakes up. Once she wakes up the doctors will administer tests. My brother has been at the hospital the entire time holding her, kissing her, and telling her how much he loves her. I think he is only getting 15 minutes of sleep at a time. Beth is a stay at home mother of three young children. They have a boy (7 years old), another boy (5 years old), and a girl (3 years old). My brother typically works 50-60 hours a week to support them. His boss told him not to worry about the job right now. I am trying to help my brother the best I can. I am staying with the kids at his house in order to provide some stability. Both families are offering wonderful support to me and my brother's family. I wish I could be at the hospital with my brother but at this time I feel God wants me with the kids and helping with the house.

Prayer Request:
- Pray for my brothers wife(Beth) that soon she will know Gods calling. We need her here and are hopeful this is gods will that she stay with us. If not pray for the loving lord to embrace her fully.

- Pray that the family remains patience and listens to what the lord would like us to do.

-Pray that the Franklin Family can remain supportive and healthy during this crisis.

-Pray that my brother will keep GOD close to his heart and NOT push him away or be angry with him.

- Pray that the children will feel at ease even though they are away from mom and dad right now.

- Pray that god will give our family the proper words and patients.

- Pray that God looks over these children and keeps them safe.

I am asking for no calls unless it is an emergency. I have many family members calling me at this time and I am struggling trying to keep them all informed. I will do my best to send updates on Beth's status via email, facebook, and my blog. Feel free to leave a message on those forms of media at anytime.

Beth is at :
Holland Hospital
602 Michigan Ave.
Holland MI 49423
616) 392-5141
info@hollandhospital.org

Big C

The Champagne Effect

The Champagne Effect
posted on March 02, 2010 10:33
By Dace Koenigsknecht
Economic Restructuring Specialist
Michigan Main Street Center
Michigan State Housing Development Authority


I’m an avid reader, a dozen books in this New Year, currently anything from self-improvement to historical fiction. The Big Moo by The Group of 33, edited by Seth Godin, was a quick and inspirational read; a collection of short essays revolving around change and making you/your business remarkable. One sentence from one essay from this one book helped me define the answer to the question most asked of we Michigan staff: how do you get resistors on-board with Main Street? In short, you don’t. The decision is up to them. It all comes down to a bottle of champagne.Click here to read more
another wonderful article from my husband