Steve & Becky Shipp- Spring 2007

Hello from the Shipps in Flint,

I want to start by thanking Megan and Stacey for this great idea, and for their hard work in putting it all together. It’s hard to stay connected as an extended family in this day and age, and I’m sure this will help us. We appreciate all their work to get it started, and their efforts in the future too.

Steve and I are “empty nesters” now, and (although we miss our children) we really enjoy it. It’s nice to just have to fit 2 people’s activities into our schedule, and have some evenings where we can just be at home together. We’re both trying to lose weight, so we have been walking most evenings before the sun goes down. We walk about 2 miles and enjoy the time together and the time outdoors. Steve has really been losing weight because of watching his diet and exercising more. I have lost some, but haven’t made as much progress as Steve (who had to put 3 new holes in his belt to keep his pants up!).

Steve is still working for Ferrellgas, as most of you know; however, he really enjoys his job now, which is a big change from the last several years. He mentioned the other day how he hasn’t had any neck aches (tension!) since his job was switched around. He’s in charge of the physical plant locations and the truck maintenance (although he does much more), and those are things he enjoys and is very good at. He drives lots, but again has a company truck to use going to, from and during work.

I’m still working at the attorney’s office 4 days a week and usually enjoy it. Because of our local economy in Genesee County, things are slowing down, but there is usually plenty to keep me busy. We just started scanning all our old files so we can shred them, and that project will take years! I work with Stacey’s mother-in-law, who also attends our church, so we have lots to talk about and can pray for each other and our kids even while at work.

We are both still active at church, and in home projects. Our newest home project (which is just in the beginning stages) is to install new hardwood floors in our kitchen, living room and hallway, re-do the kitchen cupboards, install a new microwave/hood unit, paint the kitchen and living room, and re-do the large bathroom medicine cabinets and (probably) the sink and vanity. It’s a long story as to how the bathroom projects came into the picture when we are working mostly on the kitchen, but they have to be done now because of complications. If you want the details, let us know!

Our bird died this past year (Steve was sad and Becky rejoiced), but we still have the snapping turtle we have had for many years. He’s still growing larger and getting more social. He’s our only pet and is very low maintenance. We do dog-sit occasionally for Stacey’s in-laws, however, and that’s fun.

Not much other news. Our vacation plans for this year include trying to go see Kyle & Kristen in Boston sometime, a trip to Iowa to see Steve’s family, a trip to Branson with Deb & Bill in Oct, and a trip with Kyle & Kristen out to Rich & Stacey’s in VA and then a few days of all 6 of us vacationing. We are really looking forward to that. With trying to schedule around jobs, the Navy and Army Reserve, you have to get creative, but hopefully we will pull it off and all have a great time together. We have been very blessed with our children’s spouses and love to spend time with them. We hope this can be a yearly tradition of getting together in the summer, as well as our time together with Steve’s family between Christmas and New Years in Chicago.

Becky (on behalf of Steve & Becky!)