Afternoon with Grandma Dorothy

Grandma Dorothy met us at the pool and then we headed to her house for a BBQ! Ella had so much fun picking tomatoes!
She went crazy when we arrived at the pool -- by far her favorite summer activity!

There's nothing like fresh-picked, homegrown tomatoes! They were in her mouth before we could stop her!

Sibling Rivalry

Crystal Update

She still needs prayers. The pain and nausea are horrible! They tried to stop her pain meds, but she had to get back on them (I assume the IV meds -- I didn't ask specifics)! I talked to her today and she sounds great for all she has been through. She is hoping to be discharged soon, but I think it will be a few more days. The pain from the smaller 2 incisions is quite bad. They have her up and walking six times a day and she sounds tired.


Upon discharge she is staying in Rochester in an apartment near the hospital. Home is too far away.


It sounds like Martha is doing great --- kidney recipient! Such wonderful news!


Prayers are her only request! Ella sent her an Elmo balloon and I think it made her heart smile. The florist assumed it was a child and I said, "No, but someone who loves a child who loves Elmo"!

Firehouse subs

Joe's new favorite lunch place

Happy Song

TGIF!

It's been a long week....I'm ready for a real Friday!

Fun afternoon

Ella got to open these awesome bracelets her friend Lauren sent her. They are the latest craze and they were kind enough to include Ella! She LOVES them. I only let her have one bag and I'm saving the rest for our next plane trip!

Joe bought this pool and we set it up tonight. It's going to take some time for the water to warm up and I think the slide will quickly be vetoed.....too much of a falling risk right now.

Crystal Update

Steve called me perfectly as I was walking out of work! Crystal had a rough time with pain and nausea when she woke up from surgery and spent the afternoon in recovery, but had just gotten to her room.

Everything went perfectly!

Keep praying for Crystal and Martha, please!

I still just get tearful thinking of all the joy she has provided Martha and her family. Selflessness at it's best!

God is great!

Crystal update

I don't have firsthand information, but I've heard wonderful news!  Crystal's surgery went well and the kidney made urine instantly when attached.  God is great!

Crystal Update

Surgery is at 7:30AM CST. Please say a prayer!

I was tearful talking to Steve tonight!

CRIME TRACKER: Too many criminals, not enough cops. A Utah company claims to have an answer.

CRIME TRACKER: Too many criminals, not enough cops. A Utah company claims to have an answer.

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Happy, Happy Birthday to Lisa at Bruner Circus! There was nothing on her blog indicating her birthday, so I had to wish her happy birthday here!

Where's the Garlic?

I just made guacamole.....but it doesn't have any garlic in it! The garlic is always on the top shelf of my refrigerator door....nope, not tonight! Where does a glass jar of garlic go?

The guac is good, but I know it doesn't have garlic, so I miss it....

Waiting for Joe to get home from work to indulge in the guacamole! Wish I had a margarita and friends stopping by!

Ragbrai

I sure wish I was in Charles City today! I have never been "home" for Ragbrai! Have fun bikers and be safe! I have at least one friend riding. My Mom has a full house tonight of bikers.

It's on my bucket list!

Prayers, Please!

My dear Aunt Crystal is donating a kidney to a friend on Thursday. She has been a wonderful role model for me in so many ways! She is a strong and proud Christian and always listens to her heart. I think of her as very giving and now she is giving the ultimate gift -- a new kidney and life of freedom and wellness!

I am instantly tearful when even thinking of the kindness and generosity of any organ donation and this is hitting so close to home!

She arrived in Rochester this evening and begins the process tomorrow. Surgery is on Thursday and please, please, please pray for Crystal and her friend! We love you!

I am so thankful she shared her last weekend of summer with us and we are very blessed to have her in our lives!

Missouri Day 3

Ella loved the space she had in their house...she did lap after lap!

She can drive her babies with her eyes closed while giggling. She's hilarious!

Crystal is a Grandma in Training (GIT), she used her empty cream containers and filled with water to give us all a little extra time to eat in peace! Go Crystal!

The gang! Crystal, Raz, Julie, Ross, Diane, Ella, Joe and Laurie (photo courtesy of Julie's Mom)

Ella and Nana (check out that cool new necklace). Julie sells Lia Sophia and we stocked up on the clearance section!

Raz was back to play! Ella quickly lost her bow. We think he thought she was another puppy!

So sweet!

Ross and Raz!

Ella was on the go inside and out! They have a beautiful backyard that Ross landscaped!

Books, books, and books!

A huge thanks to Ross and Julie for hosting us. We had a fabulous time! Ella slept with Nana, so Joe and I had 2 nights of monitor-free sleep! Thanks and we'll be back!

Missouri Trip Day 2

Beautiful Raz!

Breakfast is always better when you have accessories!

Waiting to ride the Huna!

The cheering section!

Ross and Joe did awesome!

Surfer in training!

She would have floated the entire day away. She just walked up, grabbed your hands, and pulled her legs up! This girl will swim soon!
The rodeo was fun!

It was a fun day! I didn't even really notice the humidity.