The Beginning

Philippians 4:13 is my favorite verse. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I have tried to do things on my own but nothing of anything valuable comes from it. I need God for all things.

I have two other blogs available to read. One is called Corbran Family(corbranfamily.blogspot.com) and it was started after our house burned down. It's sort of a history of how our lives were changed from the moment - and it includes pictures of the house fire and then of the rebuilding. Our lives were changed - mostly though - our lives became stronger in Christ. Without Him, we are nothing.

The other blog is called Around Robin Hood's Barn (suecorbran.blogspot.com) and it is a collection of stories from my childhood. The title itself is from my mom and dad. Everytime we got in the car to take a drive -they would say, "we're taking a ride around Robin Hood's barn". It was no where in particular - just around. It was down winding roads - some dirt, some paved. It was anytime during the year - winter, spring, summer or fall. It was just fun. Dad would point out the different birds or other wildlife. I learned about the different kinds of hawks during those rides.

Now this new blog will share whatever I want. Some things might be from children's ministry, while others might be about my beautiful grandchildren who live in Knoxville, TN. I am truly blessed with family.

My husband Barry and I are blessed with six kids. Alicia, Heather and Jennifer are offspring of Barry and Malinda (she died in 2004 from a brain tumor). Amy, Michael and Sarah are offspring of myself and Milt Kochenash (who lives in Georgia - we divorced in 1997).

Here's a brief description of our kids:
Alicia (23) and her husband Joel (25) live in Cambridge Springs, PA - about 3 miles down the road. Alicia works as a CNA and part time as a school janitor. Her husband is a volunteer fireman, EMT and a subcontractor. He's also looking for another line of work.

Heather (almost 21) lives on her own in Meadville, PA and works there as a daycare provider.

Jennifer (15) is a sophomore at Cambridge Springs High School. She's a cheerleader for the wrestling team and is active in the church youth group and teaches in children's ministry.

Amy (27) and Larry (28) live in Knoxville, TN. Larry is the Financial Aid Director at Johnson Bible College. Amy is a stay at home mom taking two classes a semester, homeschooling two kids and teaches at the homeschool co-op. Amy and Larry have four children - Natalie (8), Alyssa (almost 6), Lauren (3 1/2) and Noah (3 months old).

Mike (25) and Cara (26) live in Buffalo, NY. Cara is working on her PhD at the Univ of B while working for the Canadian Consolate. Mike has applied to several school to do his PhD work while working for Citibank. Mike is also an adjunct professor at Malone Univ in Canton, OH for the Spring semester.

Sarah (20) and Justin (23) live in Canton, OH. Justin graduated from Trinity Christian College in Dec. '10 and Sarah plans to graduate from Malone Univ in Canton in Dec '11. Since they just moved, they are both unemployed at this time. (Sarah will be FT at the univ. starting next week).

Barry is a sales consultant for Seaway Windows. He appears to be retired at this time - since business has slowed down tremendously since October. This has given him time to do a few more things around the house. But more importantly, this has given him a chance to relax and enjoy the house and enjoy life. For the past 19 months Barry was working on the house part time while working FT with either his home improvement business or with Seaway Windows. This is a much deserved break for him.

And I am getting geared up for a new season of children's ministry at church. Our Sunday night programming will start up again on the 9th with an ice cream eating contest. Then the following week - we'll jam with some music, work on crafts for area nursing homes and then divide up into the three age groups: 2 yr - K (will do Cubby Bears); 1st & 2nd graders (God's Amazing Animals) and 3rd - 5th grade (Superstart Curriculum). I'll also look for a couple songs for the kids to sing at area nursing homes. We had planned to sing at 2 of them in December but one was quarantined because of the flu and the other we canceled because of the snow (12+ inches).

I'm also helping with a new program in the community called Strengthening Families Program. It is geared for families of 10-14 yr olds. I will be facilitating the youth and family classes. These are mostly games and projects. Our church has been asked to donate the desserts each week - so next week, I'll be making 4 dozen cupcakes!

Well, this blog will be fun. I love to write and tend to go on and on and on. Hopefully, you - the reader, will enjoy the blog, too. I hope so.

Remember - God is with you, always.

Love in Christ, Sue