Easter, 2008

Easter was the earliest that it's been in Paul and Heidi's lifetime, and it won't happen again for over 100 years. That being said, blessed with some good weather, both Heidi and Paul were able to spend time with both of their families.

The picture to the right is of Heidi's family on that sunny Easter Sunday. Getting an entire family together for a holiday is always a challenge. We are always happy to spend these days together and catch up with each other.

Heidi's back is beginning to improve. Sitting is becoming easier to do, but standing and walking are still the best activities.

The musical that Heidi is directing this year is about ready to perform. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is the choice for this spring's musical and while Heidi, her production team, cast members, crew and pit orchestra have had to overcome a few obstacles this year, everything is ready to roll right on schedule.

Paul's job in Erie is going well. He expects that it's going to keep him away during the week through the month of August. The weather hasn't really helped progress at the construction site on which Paul is working.

Heidi's band trip is coming up soon after the musical. This year, Heidi has planned a trip to Nashville, Tennessee for her students. As the time for the trip looms near, the students are increasingly becoming more excited about going and letting Heidi know it.

Much activity

January and February were both semi-relaxing months for Heidi and Paul. Right before enjoying a weekend at Penn State at the end of January, Paul attempted to avoid a collision on the road and hit the barrier on the Parkway West. Lucky for him, he hit the passenger side of his truck...but not so lucky for his truck as the truck was in the body shop for a month. Paul was relegated to a rental car for most of February, which he didn't mind. Heidi's month of January was spent slowly ramping up for the what's going on now.

There is much activity for both Paul and Heidi these days. Since the end of January, Paul has been assigned as the quality control manager for a construction project in Erie, so he's spending a significant amount of time in Erie and this assignment will last throughout the spring, summer and autumn. He visits home on the weekends and enjoys spending that time with Heidi, family and friends.

Heidi is preparing for a few events. On March 19th, the concert band will present their annual classical concert, "Around the World in about 10 Songs." This is a concert designed by the students, which is a new class project for them this year. Another upcoming event is the musical that Heidi is producing, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The students will perform this show on April 10, 11 and 12, 2008. Finally, Heidi, Alan, Heidi's mom and the band students will take a trip to Nashville, Tennessee on April 17 through 20, 2008. Yes, a ton of activity in a short amount of time...and there has to be complications with all of this.

Winter has finally reared its ugly head around the Pittsburgh area. With all this winter weather, Heidi managed to slip and fall on some ice in front of the school and has been having increasing back pain and mobility issues since then. Heidi is thanking God for all the wonderful friends and family who have come to help lift and carry items from one place to another, as well as the patience that the students have had with her while she moves very slowly from one room to the next. There are some upcoming doctor and chiropractor visits and we'll keep you posted on the official diagnosis and treatment. Needless to say, this is keeping Heidi's desire to go to the gym quite low.

Heidi just also celebrated her 32nd birthday a few days ago. With all the activity between the winter weather, Heidi's back problems and Heidi's job, the family is getting together today to celebrate.