Well, I'm assuming since you're reading this, it means we've all made it through another week! Cheers to us all!!!
Friday was a long day of flying for Karl, and a long day of Garin for me. Children instinctively know just what it is that they shouldn't touch, and those are the very things they are drawn to. I must have taken him away from the stereo 30 times today, at least. He loves to turn knobs, change channels, change speaker settings, and (my personal favorite) crank the volume to ear-shredding levels. Of course, every effort to deter him brought smiles, giggles and a mad dash back to the stereo. But the biggest excitement was the inevitable discovery of that nifty little splashing toy, the toilet. We had a frenzied, but lengthy, handwashing session afterward, and I put toilet locks back on the shopping list. We couldn't find any at the three stores we tried last month, so we put it off.
I know I should be complaining about how exhausting it is, especially at my age, to keep up with a busy baby, and sometimes I do, but mostly I just want to laugh and kiss and squeeze and tickle and cry tears of joy. It's funny how the hardships of life can change one's perspective on what's important. I'm much less inclined than I once was to get so caught up in my own agenda that I forget to look at life from his vantage point. For this wisdom that comes with age and maturity, I am exceedingly grateful to God.....the gray hairs, wrinkles and slowing metabolism I could do without!
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will tell you that my spare moments today were filled with the craft show. It feels good to be getting so close to the event itself after months and months of preparation.
Karl has Habitat for Humanity tomorrow. I'm taking a break from the craft show to focus on cleaning my house well and spending some well earned time doing whatever strikes my fancy.
Happy weekend to you all!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Blog Comments
My mom-in-law brought it to my attention that you guys who aren't bloggers yourselves weren't able to leave comments without creating your own blog. I have fixed that setting, so you should all be able to leave comments should you wish to do so!
Miscellaneous stuff
Busy day today...busy week! Things are really coming along with the craft show....fast and furiously. That's what my life is revolving around these days, and I doubt you all want the details, so I'll move on.
As some of you know, Matt had set a short-term goal of completing a race in under 25 minutes. I neglected to mention yesterday that he ran a 24:43 race on Tuesday. There is a county-wide race this afternoon, so I'm hoping we'll have good news to report!
Garin has, out of the kindness of his heart, passed his cold along to me. I have decided to look at this as a good thing. Since he is still breastfeeding, I can pass my little germ-fighters along to him.
Karl's busy at work, tying up loose ends in the office, so he can concentrate on flying for a while. He has met all the requirements for his Aircraft Commander upgrade, so he has three local flights which he needs to do this week and next. He'll be flying a lot of missions starting at the end of this month. The plan is to make AC in December and be able to start his Instructor Pilot upgrade.
It's a gorgeous day, and I still have lots to do! But first I'll add a photo of my little climber.
As some of you know, Matt had set a short-term goal of completing a race in under 25 minutes. I neglected to mention yesterday that he ran a 24:43 race on Tuesday. There is a county-wide race this afternoon, so I'm hoping we'll have good news to report!
Garin has, out of the kindness of his heart, passed his cold along to me. I have decided to look at this as a good thing. Since he is still breastfeeding, I can pass my little germ-fighters along to him.
Karl's busy at work, tying up loose ends in the office, so he can concentrate on flying for a while. He has met all the requirements for his Aircraft Commander upgrade, so he has three local flights which he needs to do this week and next. He'll be flying a lot of missions starting at the end of this month. The plan is to make AC in December and be able to start his Instructor Pilot upgrade.
It's a gorgeous day, and I still have lots to do! But first I'll add a photo of my little climber.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
Boy, what a great rainy day! It's just a bit chilly (mid-60's) and would be the perfect afternoon to simmer autumn's first pot of chili if I wasn't so busy trying to tie up loose ends for the craft show this afternoon. I can be certain, though, that there will be plenty of other perfect chili evenings to follow. We'll do it next time.
Garin has added a yucky cough to his repertoire of cold-induced body noises. The poor child can't catch a break this month. At least the fever has stayed away for three days now.
Karl had some things he could do from home, so he came back and stayed while I went to my bowling league. I had a great time as always, but my bowling today could best be described as inconsistent. My games ranged in score from 82 to 116 before my handicap was added. I think that is the worst game I've ever bowled!
I spent yesterday evening at a lovely squadron spouses' social. We stuffed Halloween goody bags for a local orphanage. Of course we all brought a ton of candy and treats, but I wish we could give those kids what they really want: forever homes. Maybe if we each just took one home with us....
This afternoon I got a phone call. I left the living room for less than two minutes to write down a phone number, and by the time I went back, I found Garin almost at the top of the stairs. We have got to get another gate for the bottom of the stairs! He's so fast now. And have I mentioned how precious he is? What is it about the word "No" that makes children smile and giggle??? Matt thought it was the funniest word in the world, and I might as well have said, "I double-dog dare you!" Garin gets that same look on his face and seems to have the same determination to find out if I really mean it. Of course, he's too young to fully understand or to have consequences, but it's time to start learning about boundaries, I suppose.
Garin has added a yucky cough to his repertoire of cold-induced body noises. The poor child can't catch a break this month. At least the fever has stayed away for three days now.
Karl had some things he could do from home, so he came back and stayed while I went to my bowling league. I had a great time as always, but my bowling today could best be described as inconsistent. My games ranged in score from 82 to 116 before my handicap was added. I think that is the worst game I've ever bowled!
I spent yesterday evening at a lovely squadron spouses' social. We stuffed Halloween goody bags for a local orphanage. Of course we all brought a ton of candy and treats, but I wish we could give those kids what they really want: forever homes. Maybe if we each just took one home with us....
This afternoon I got a phone call. I left the living room for less than two minutes to write down a phone number, and by the time I went back, I found Garin almost at the top of the stairs. We have got to get another gate for the bottom of the stairs! He's so fast now. And have I mentioned how precious he is? What is it about the word "No" that makes children smile and giggle??? Matt thought it was the funniest word in the world, and I might as well have said, "I double-dog dare you!" Garin gets that same look on his face and seems to have the same determination to find out if I really mean it. Of course, he's too young to fully understand or to have consequences, but it's time to start learning about boundaries, I suppose.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
LOOK MA....NO BIB!!!
Had a fabulously messy lunch today: biter biscuits and banana along with the boring jar food. I am gagging less on the solid food today and managed to keep everything down! Progress!!! Mom took me straight to the tub when lunch was over.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
There is no better doctor than Dr. Pepper!
Papaw was released from the hospital late yesterday and returned to Daisy's house by ambulance. Dear, sweet, qualified-for-sainthood Nurse Daisy and her equally exceptional husband take care of three elderly patients in their home better than any nursing home in existence. Our family was blessed to find them and is continually blessed each day that Papaw stays there. Daisy brought Papaw's personality back with one statement: "I'll bet you are ready for a Diet Dr. Pepper!" (Or something to that effect...I wasn't present, so this is a recycled story.) He has dined finely on coffee, grape juice, hot cereal and homemade chicken noodle soup. His sense of humor has returned, and he has found his voice again. There are bedsores to heal (Perhaps I should have said that Daisy is better than a hospital as well.), and Papaw is still in danger of not being able to swallow and choking. He still has cancer. But he is happy today, and that is the best news of all!
Garin is sick again. He's at that age where they catch everything. He was puny all day yesterday, and he woke me up around 3 am with a fever. I was supposed to sing this morning but had to cancel. He seems to feel better tonight, but he's still battling the fever. I'd forgotten how fully and completely children rule the lives of their parents. It is highly inconvenient and often frustrating, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I will embrace it as a blessing because we have him. After the miscarriage, I am more aware than ever that there are no guarantees in life. Wanting children doesn't mean that one will be able to have them. I knew that my chances were compromised by the Lupus Anticoagulant (a 50% chance of miscarriage or prematurity), but Garin was easy....okay, the pregnancy was hard on me, and I was sick the whole time, but it was a healthy pregnancy nonetheless. The gift of another child far outweighs any inconvenience.
The air show is over, and we survived. I waited way too long for the shuttle and dressed much too warmly today (because I nearly froze yesterday), but I still had a great time. My new hero is a lovely young woman named Nicole who is the first female member of the Thunderbirds...... WOW!!! I know her parents must be proud......and terrified. This does not in anyway detract from the incredible talent and skill of the men on the team, but Nicole is inspiring not only to little girls who will see by her example that it is true when their parents tell them that they can do anything they want to do in life, but also to grown women who still need to be reminded.
There were many thousands of people at the air show. When we see and hear so much about protests and opposition to our military men and women, it touches this military wife deeply to stand on a chair and look over the sea of people as far as the eye can see, wearing their red, white and blue and cheering, and feeling their support and love of my husband and his brothers and sisters in arms. Regardless of what the media tries to tell us, we do not stand alone.
The Cardinals are playing, and I need to get back to the game! PRIORITIES!!!! Tonight's the night that they finish off San Diego. Don't want to miss it!
LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!
Garin is sick again. He's at that age where they catch everything. He was puny all day yesterday, and he woke me up around 3 am with a fever. I was supposed to sing this morning but had to cancel. He seems to feel better tonight, but he's still battling the fever. I'd forgotten how fully and completely children rule the lives of their parents. It is highly inconvenient and often frustrating, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I will embrace it as a blessing because we have him. After the miscarriage, I am more aware than ever that there are no guarantees in life. Wanting children doesn't mean that one will be able to have them. I knew that my chances were compromised by the Lupus Anticoagulant (a 50% chance of miscarriage or prematurity), but Garin was easy....okay, the pregnancy was hard on me, and I was sick the whole time, but it was a healthy pregnancy nonetheless. The gift of another child far outweighs any inconvenience.
The air show is over, and we survived. I waited way too long for the shuttle and dressed much too warmly today (because I nearly froze yesterday), but I still had a great time. My new hero is a lovely young woman named Nicole who is the first female member of the Thunderbirds...... WOW!!! I know her parents must be proud......and terrified. This does not in anyway detract from the incredible talent and skill of the men on the team, but Nicole is inspiring not only to little girls who will see by her example that it is true when their parents tell them that they can do anything they want to do in life, but also to grown women who still need to be reminded.
There were many thousands of people at the air show. When we see and hear so much about protests and opposition to our military men and women, it touches this military wife deeply to stand on a chair and look over the sea of people as far as the eye can see, wearing their red, white and blue and cheering, and feeling their support and love of my husband and his brothers and sisters in arms. Regardless of what the media tries to tell us, we do not stand alone.
The Cardinals are playing, and I need to get back to the game! PRIORITIES!!!! Tonight's the night that they finish off San Diego. Don't want to miss it!
LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Not much to say today...
It's been a cold, rainy day, and Garin and I haven't left the house. There was plenty to do around here, and he and I had a great time playing together. He decided to stand by the bathtub and pull back the curtain this morning while I was showering and played in the spray. When I was done, I ran a bath for him, and I couldn't get his clothes off fast enough to suit him. He splashed around and enjoyed a nice, long bath while I fixed my hair and put makeup on.
Last night, Papaw pulled out the feeding tube they had put in his nose. Today, they told him he needed a stomach feeding tube, and as we expected, he refused it. The hospital is, therefore, refusing to feed him. I guess it's a liability thing. Dad is bringing food in for him until they release him tomorrow. Then he'll go back home under Hospice care, where they will try to feed him as best they can, realizing that he may choke on his food and may not survive it. This is how he desires to live out what time he has left and prefers it to the stomach tube, so he will do so with the support and respect of the family. It is hard to imagine what is to come, but I pray that God will pour out His peace and grace as Papaw enters the final chapters of his earthly life. I have to say that every bite of food I put in my mouth today reminded me of Papaw. We take eating for granted; we take having enough food for granted. Then I begin to think of those, especially children, who go hungry every day - not because of illness but because they have no food. Maybe if we thought about eating more as a privilege than as entertainment, we would be healthier, happier people.
The DAFB Open House starts tomorrow. They're expecting over 100,000 people! It's crazy to imagine what the next couple of days will be like here. Our neighborhood is usually rather quiet, except for the old-fashioned neighborly chats on the street and the children playing and running around. That is without a doubt the number one advantage of living on base. It is a close-knit community where people go for evening walks and stop and visit with each other. Kids play all over the neighborhood with no fear because parents know they will be safe. We know each other and help each other the way neighbors used to when we were kids. I'll be proud this weekend, though, to show off our base and proud to stand beside my smartly uniformed husband as we work and play at the air show!
Blessings to you all! Have a great weekend!!!
Last night, Papaw pulled out the feeding tube they had put in his nose. Today, they told him he needed a stomach feeding tube, and as we expected, he refused it. The hospital is, therefore, refusing to feed him. I guess it's a liability thing. Dad is bringing food in for him until they release him tomorrow. Then he'll go back home under Hospice care, where they will try to feed him as best they can, realizing that he may choke on his food and may not survive it. This is how he desires to live out what time he has left and prefers it to the stomach tube, so he will do so with the support and respect of the family. It is hard to imagine what is to come, but I pray that God will pour out His peace and grace as Papaw enters the final chapters of his earthly life. I have to say that every bite of food I put in my mouth today reminded me of Papaw. We take eating for granted; we take having enough food for granted. Then I begin to think of those, especially children, who go hungry every day - not because of illness but because they have no food. Maybe if we thought about eating more as a privilege than as entertainment, we would be healthier, happier people.
The DAFB Open House starts tomorrow. They're expecting over 100,000 people! It's crazy to imagine what the next couple of days will be like here. Our neighborhood is usually rather quiet, except for the old-fashioned neighborly chats on the street and the children playing and running around. That is without a doubt the number one advantage of living on base. It is a close-knit community where people go for evening walks and stop and visit with each other. Kids play all over the neighborhood with no fear because parents know they will be safe. We know each other and help each other the way neighbors used to when we were kids. I'll be proud this weekend, though, to show off our base and proud to stand beside my smartly uniformed husband as we work and play at the air show!
Blessings to you all! Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Papaw is not doing well.
Last night, he choked badly on his dinner. They did a swallow test and told Dad that he was not to feed Papaw anything until he talked to the doctor. This morning, they told him that Papaw failed the swallow test. Because of the supranuclear palsy, which is a neurological disease similar to Parkinson's or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), it appears that the nerves to the swallowing muscles aren't working anymore. He will probably never eat again. They are talking about putting a feeding tube into his stomach, but he has lost his will to live. There is the possibility that he may refuse it. I can't blame him. He's tired, and He's ready to go Home. I talked to him this afternoon and told him that we love him and are praying for him. I told him that I know God will take care of him, but that it must be hard for him just the same. He started crying the way he does when he talks about Memaw, who passed away a few years ago. I and the rest of the family believe that he is ready to be with her again...to leave this world of struggle and pain and gain his eternal inheritance of joy and peace with his Father. It is so hard to see someone you love suffering. Please keep him and our family in your prayers.
The Show Must Go On...
God bless Tammy! Our Wing Commander's wife was kind enough to take over the publicity for the craft show, and she's doing a phenomenal job. We had an OSC Board meeting this morning, then she, Carla and Shauna came over and had lunch, and we worked on final preparations. Things are going amazingly smoothly at this point, considering all the hurdles we've encountered.
On a funny side note, Tammy says we'll have to fix Matt up with her daughter, who's also 14. I don't know if she's serious, but I know Matt would like to know someone his age here on base that he could do stuff with.
Garin's flirtatiousness is becoming outrageous!!! He's got the looks and the grins down, and he loves the ladies. I don't know where he gets that! ;o) He is just getting so cute and so fun. He spends most of his awake time standing and trying to climb anything in sight. Toys are boring because he has to sit down to play with them. Did I mention yesterday that Tooth #6 has arrived? That's three new ones in just over a week. Slobbering has decreased, but who knows if that will last for long?
I found an easy, easy recipe yesterday in one of my cookbooks that I made for dessert today. You slice a frozen pound cake (while still frozen) into several layers. Spread raspberry jam between the layers. Melt 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave and stir in 1 cup sour cream, 1 tsp. vanilla and 2 tsp. of raspberry liquer (which I didn't have, so I used amaretto). Use this to frost the cake and refrigerate. It was quick, simple and yummy.
The base is having an air show this weekend, so this place will be a zoo! There are all sorts of great flying demonstrations and static displays. I'm volunteering to help both days, but there is a shuttle from housing over to the show. At least I won't have to fight traffic! It is neat when the public can come and see what is happening right down the street from them. I remember going to the Air Show at Scott AFB before I was married to the military; it's very exciting when you don't see it all the time. I actually have not been inside a C-5 since two days before Matt was born (over 14 years ago!) at the Scott AFB show. I've only been inside the simulator here. I'm looking forward to touring the real jet again and seeing where my husband spends so much of his time!
We are, unfortunately, missing a great worship conference with the praise team next week. I don't have a babysitter, and Karl can't take leave. It would be too hard for me to go alone and try to keep up with Garin the whole time. He's so busy now. I know that God has a plan that I don't understand. We have prayed for this to work out, but it didn't, so I know there is a reason. I will be able to stay plenty busy here, but I hope it doesn't affect our ability to serve in worship.
It's cloudy and cool today and supposed to stay that way. I guess yesterday was probably our last really warm day this year. I'm very ready for fall, but I wish we could skip straight from there to spring! Of course, winter affords us that wonderful rest that we need and can't seem to get in the summer....time to read, sew, knit, crochet...time to snuggle up with the family and a good movie....time to clear out the closets of stuff that should have been given away a long time ago!
I hope you all have a wonderful, happy day and a great weekend ahead!
On a funny side note, Tammy says we'll have to fix Matt up with her daughter, who's also 14. I don't know if she's serious, but I know Matt would like to know someone his age here on base that he could do stuff with.
Garin's flirtatiousness is becoming outrageous!!! He's got the looks and the grins down, and he loves the ladies. I don't know where he gets that! ;o) He is just getting so cute and so fun. He spends most of his awake time standing and trying to climb anything in sight. Toys are boring because he has to sit down to play with them. Did I mention yesterday that Tooth #6 has arrived? That's three new ones in just over a week. Slobbering has decreased, but who knows if that will last for long?
I found an easy, easy recipe yesterday in one of my cookbooks that I made for dessert today. You slice a frozen pound cake (while still frozen) into several layers. Spread raspberry jam between the layers. Melt 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave and stir in 1 cup sour cream, 1 tsp. vanilla and 2 tsp. of raspberry liquer (which I didn't have, so I used amaretto). Use this to frost the cake and refrigerate. It was quick, simple and yummy.
The base is having an air show this weekend, so this place will be a zoo! There are all sorts of great flying demonstrations and static displays. I'm volunteering to help both days, but there is a shuttle from housing over to the show. At least I won't have to fight traffic! It is neat when the public can come and see what is happening right down the street from them. I remember going to the Air Show at Scott AFB before I was married to the military; it's very exciting when you don't see it all the time. I actually have not been inside a C-5 since two days before Matt was born (over 14 years ago!) at the Scott AFB show. I've only been inside the simulator here. I'm looking forward to touring the real jet again and seeing where my husband spends so much of his time!
We are, unfortunately, missing a great worship conference with the praise team next week. I don't have a babysitter, and Karl can't take leave. It would be too hard for me to go alone and try to keep up with Garin the whole time. He's so busy now. I know that God has a plan that I don't understand. We have prayed for this to work out, but it didn't, so I know there is a reason. I will be able to stay plenty busy here, but I hope it doesn't affect our ability to serve in worship.
It's cloudy and cool today and supposed to stay that way. I guess yesterday was probably our last really warm day this year. I'm very ready for fall, but I wish we could skip straight from there to spring! Of course, winter affords us that wonderful rest that we need and can't seem to get in the summer....time to read, sew, knit, crochet...time to snuggle up with the family and a good movie....time to clear out the closets of stuff that should have been given away a long time ago!
I hope you all have a wonderful, happy day and a great weekend ahead!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
We had a good day today!
We slept until 8 am, which is a miracle in itself. Garin is a very early riser, but he was so exhausted from our trip that he slept late this morning. He didn't sleep well at all on our visit to IL (consequently, neither did we). He is clearly a homebody like his Mama! His mood has improved dramatically since our return.
Matt had a big race today, but the temps were in the mid-90's there, and the kids all had a hard time. Matt's time, as well as the times of all of his teammates, were slower than usual. There were some kids from other teams who ended up in the hospital, and Maddie (of whom some of you have heard) had to drop out because her blood sugar went through the roof (484, I believe Matt said). He was disappointed that he wasn't able to do better, speed-wise, but he did place higher than he has before. Last night, I got to help him with his Algebra II homework! Of course, it was over the phone, so I had to get a sheet of scratch paper (sorry, Dad, couldn't resist). It was nice to be useful to Matt AND practice my math!!!
Karl had the day off and got some things done around here. He's starting work on his Master's degree next week and had some things he needed to do in preparation. He is such a sweetheart! I was listening to Terri Clark's song, "She Didn't Have Time," today on the radio and thinking how much it applied to me in different phases of my life. When I take time to think about the miracle of how my life has changed, it gets me all choked up. It's not every man that can genuinely love another man's child like his own and give so much of himself.
I went to Karen's today to do a photo shoot for her website. She had a photographer there to get some pictures of her products (mostly ring slings) in use, so Garin and I will soon be "famous" models! It was good to spend some time with her and Isabella. Seems like we're always trying to get together, but half the time something gets in the way. We're hoping to go to the park Friday morning if the weather cooperates.
Bowling tomorrow! Better get my rest, so I'll be strong and up for the challenge! ;o)
Matt had a big race today, but the temps were in the mid-90's there, and the kids all had a hard time. Matt's time, as well as the times of all of his teammates, were slower than usual. There were some kids from other teams who ended up in the hospital, and Maddie (of whom some of you have heard) had to drop out because her blood sugar went through the roof (484, I believe Matt said). He was disappointed that he wasn't able to do better, speed-wise, but he did place higher than he has before. Last night, I got to help him with his Algebra II homework! Of course, it was over the phone, so I had to get a sheet of scratch paper (sorry, Dad, couldn't resist). It was nice to be useful to Matt AND practice my math!!!
Karl had the day off and got some things done around here. He's starting work on his Master's degree next week and had some things he needed to do in preparation. He is such a sweetheart! I was listening to Terri Clark's song, "She Didn't Have Time," today on the radio and thinking how much it applied to me in different phases of my life. When I take time to think about the miracle of how my life has changed, it gets me all choked up. It's not every man that can genuinely love another man's child like his own and give so much of himself.
I went to Karen's today to do a photo shoot for her website. She had a photographer there to get some pictures of her products (mostly ring slings) in use, so Garin and I will soon be "famous" models! It was good to spend some time with her and Isabella. Seems like we're always trying to get together, but half the time something gets in the way. We're hoping to go to the park Friday morning if the weather cooperates.
Bowling tomorrow! Better get my rest, so I'll be strong and up for the challenge! ;o)
This crazy, beautiful life....
I'll start with the story and follow it with pictures.
It was an absolutely wonderful weekend with Matt and with old friends whom we dearly miss!!! We arrived Wednesday, got the Sonic meals we've been craving for quite some time and are completely off our diet, and picked Matt up from school. We had dinner at church and got the chance to catch up with a lot of folks, and I stayed for praise band rehearsal (fun!). Karl was in different praise band when we were in IL, and there have been some big changes there, so he hasn't gone back. It's a shame because I know he'd love to get back with that group too. But I digress....
Thursday was Matt's cross-country meet in Chester, IL. It was a beautiful but chilly day, and we hung out with Amanda all day. Mary came over and brought her two little angels: Katherine (17 mos.) and Sarah (2 mos.). It was nice to spend some time with them. Then we went to watch Matt run! He improved his time by 45 seconds, and we were so proud to cheer him on at the finish! The team is a great group of about 20 kids. They are so encouraging and supportive of each other; any competitiveness seems to be very good-natured. Of course, in cross country, your real competition is with yourself. Amanda's husband, Brian, coaches cross country at another local high school. His team's shirts last year said, " Our sport is your sport's punishment." How true! As Matt pointed out, these young people aren't running because it will make them popular as some sports will. They are running because they love the sport, and they are a down-to-earth, dedicated and hard-working group. After the races, some of them met at Mariachi's for a late dinner. We went along and sat at another table; we didn't want to cramp his style, you know. The waiter brought out hats and a dessert for one girl who was celebrating her 18th birthday. It was fun to watch them goofing off and good to see Matt right in the middle of it all. I still have a hard time recognizing him as a teenager rather than a child sometimes, but that night, he was definitely a young man. Karl bought everyone's dinner. I was surprised when he told the waiter he'd take care of the bill, but when I asked, Karl said it was because he doesn't have enough chances to spoil Matt, and he wants to take any chance he can. It was a wonderful night.
Friday was pretty laid back. I did paint the baby's room for Amanda and Brian. Brian hates painting and Amanda isn't supposed to "in her condition." That was about it, I think.
Saturday, we did some running around and visited our former neighbors, Steve and Peggy and Rose (whose dear husband, Milton, passed away this summer). It was so nice to see them! Saturday night was a chili dinner with lots and lots of old friends!!! We saw Becky and Jonathon, Emily Z, the Nees, the Kassebaums, Amy S....I know I'm forgetting someone...and we enjoyed plenty of laughter and food.
Sunday was church, lunch with Amanda, Brian, Dave B, Becky & Jonathon at 54th Street Grill (YUMMY!!!), dinner with Chris and Rachel D. at St. Louis Bread Co. (boy, I've missed that place), and pool and Rams football at Bethany & Brandon's. Another great day!
Yesterday was tough. The goodbyes are so hard with Matt. We all held it together this time... until we were apart. I am so very proud of him, and I miss him so much. I just keep praying that the AF will see fit to send us back to Scott AFB to see him through high school graduation. Our plane was delayed by an hour and a half, so we got home extra late last night. I have things I have to do today, so I need to hit the ground running, but I really need a couple of days to recoup, do laundry and clean house!
My Papaw R is not doing well. A couple of days after his surgery, his blood pressure dropped terribly low, and his heart rate and temperature went up. After a day in intensive care, he's been moved to intermediate care and will be in the hospital for several days, receiving IV antibiotics to fight an unknown infection. He will also have another procedure to put stints in his kidneys/bladder. He is talking some but is very confused and disoriented, and he keeps pulling his IV out.
It's a pretty day here, and I have a lot of catching up to do, so I'd better run. I'll post some pictures first though!
I'll start with the story and follow it with pictures.
It was an absolutely wonderful weekend with Matt and with old friends whom we dearly miss!!! We arrived Wednesday, got the Sonic meals we've been craving for quite some time and are completely off our diet, and picked Matt up from school. We had dinner at church and got the chance to catch up with a lot of folks, and I stayed for praise band rehearsal (fun!). Karl was in different praise band when we were in IL, and there have been some big changes there, so he hasn't gone back. It's a shame because I know he'd love to get back with that group too. But I digress....
Thursday was Matt's cross-country meet in Chester, IL. It was a beautiful but chilly day, and we hung out with Amanda all day. Mary came over and brought her two little angels: Katherine (17 mos.) and Sarah (2 mos.). It was nice to spend some time with them. Then we went to watch Matt run! He improved his time by 45 seconds, and we were so proud to cheer him on at the finish! The team is a great group of about 20 kids. They are so encouraging and supportive of each other; any competitiveness seems to be very good-natured. Of course, in cross country, your real competition is with yourself. Amanda's husband, Brian, coaches cross country at another local high school. His team's shirts last year said, " Our sport is your sport's punishment." How true! As Matt pointed out, these young people aren't running because it will make them popular as some sports will. They are running because they love the sport, and they are a down-to-earth, dedicated and hard-working group. After the races, some of them met at Mariachi's for a late dinner. We went along and sat at another table; we didn't want to cramp his style, you know. The waiter brought out hats and a dessert for one girl who was celebrating her 18th birthday. It was fun to watch them goofing off and good to see Matt right in the middle of it all. I still have a hard time recognizing him as a teenager rather than a child sometimes, but that night, he was definitely a young man. Karl bought everyone's dinner. I was surprised when he told the waiter he'd take care of the bill, but when I asked, Karl said it was because he doesn't have enough chances to spoil Matt, and he wants to take any chance he can. It was a wonderful night.
Friday was pretty laid back. I did paint the baby's room for Amanda and Brian. Brian hates painting and Amanda isn't supposed to "in her condition." That was about it, I think.
Saturday, we did some running around and visited our former neighbors, Steve and Peggy and Rose (whose dear husband, Milton, passed away this summer). It was so nice to see them! Saturday night was a chili dinner with lots and lots of old friends!!! We saw Becky and Jonathon, Emily Z, the Nees, the Kassebaums, Amy S....I know I'm forgetting someone...and we enjoyed plenty of laughter and food.
Sunday was church, lunch with Amanda, Brian, Dave B, Becky & Jonathon at 54th Street Grill (YUMMY!!!), dinner with Chris and Rachel D. at St. Louis Bread Co. (boy, I've missed that place), and pool and Rams football at Bethany & Brandon's. Another great day!
Yesterday was tough. The goodbyes are so hard with Matt. We all held it together this time... until we were apart. I am so very proud of him, and I miss him so much. I just keep praying that the AF will see fit to send us back to Scott AFB to see him through high school graduation. Our plane was delayed by an hour and a half, so we got home extra late last night. I have things I have to do today, so I need to hit the ground running, but I really need a couple of days to recoup, do laundry and clean house!
My Papaw R is not doing well. A couple of days after his surgery, his blood pressure dropped terribly low, and his heart rate and temperature went up. After a day in intensive care, he's been moved to intermediate care and will be in the hospital for several days, receiving IV antibiotics to fight an unknown infection. He will also have another procedure to put stints in his kidneys/bladder. He is talking some but is very confused and disoriented, and he keeps pulling his IV out.
It's a pretty day here, and I have a lot of catching up to do, so I'd better run. I'll post some pictures first though!
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