My CT scan came back showing a narrowing in my trachea- which is good news considering all the things that could have been wrong! My doctor called me the day before I was to meet with him and told me he made an appointment with a Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist for me. I needed to have a scope done to show what was causing the narrowing and so he sent me to a specialist that would make the scope as easy as possible. The scope went well and immediately it showed the problem. I have what is called tracheal stenosis- which is scar tissue in my trachea. I was only getting about 10% of the air I was supposed to be getting. There was so much scar tissue that my trachea opening is only the size of a straw. No wonder I've been so tired and out of breath! It's easy to fix but can be an ongoing problem if we don't figure out what's caused it. They did some blood work and then when I have my outpatient surgery on Wednesday, he'll take some biopsies. I hope we can figure it out because I don't want to continue to pay so many medical bills. I figure this will cost me about $3,000.00 out of pocket... and I had just finished paying all my medical bills for my previous surgery! UGHHH!!! I won't complain though, because truly considering all the things that could have caused my breathing issues- this is an easy one to fix! I am also very thankful that my team of doctors worked together to get me my prognosis so quickly. I've been researching my condition online and many people go years trying to figure out what is wrong! I have a great surgeon and look forward to Wednesday's surgery. The surgery will be at Duke and only takes about an hour. I'll need a day or two of rest and I should be good to go! I'll be a little hoarse and my throat will hurt but I will be able to breathe!!!! The problem with the surgery is that anytime there is surgery scar tissue grows... well that's what has caused my problem... and so that's why it's a never ending circle unless you figure out the underlying reason. Fingers crossed that they can figure it out!
The weirdest symptom occured on Friday when we were picking Brennan up from camp. Suddenly my eyes became very blurry and I spent the evening like I was living in a cloud. I could make out outlines of things and could get around well enough, but I couldn't see any details. It was truly freaky. It lasted about two hours and then my left eye got better. By morning my right eye was normal but both eyes were super sensitive and wouldn't focus very well. By Saturday afternoon everything was back to normal. Weird!!!! I was wondering if maybe it had to do with me going off my steroids- maybe my system was out of whack because of it. It truly made me appreciate my great eyesight on a normal day!
I'm hoping to feel well enough to start the drive to Wisconsin by Friday or Saturday. We can't wait to get started! Looking forward to our first stop in Aurora, IL, with Leah and her family. Then we'll head to Madison... so many people and family members to see! We are so excited!
I just have to comment on how much I miss Jan too! I am writing my blog as more of a diary for myself these days but I miss my number one fan who never missed a post! I hope you are able to read them in heaven Jan! We love and miss you!!!! Kate said a prayer the other day for you and Brennan has been sharing stories about you with Kate. Thank you for always being so wonderful, loving, kind, and sweet! We love you so much!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
More Camp Days
On Sunday we drove Brennan to Camp Chestnut Ridge for his first overnight camp experience. We were so proud of him for his positive outlook and excitement about camp, even though he didn't know anyone! We registered him and took him to his cabin- Oak Cabin. He was excited to get the top bunk and started getting to know the other nine campers he'd share the cabin with for the week. We said our goodbyes and headed back to Raleigh praying that camp would be a great experience for our sweet boy! I remember my camp experiences as some of the best times in my life. I also remember how much stronger camp made my faith journey and how much more confident it made me. I prayed that the same would be true for Brennan! I think we were more nervous than Brennan was!
We took Kate to her first night of Vacation Bible School at a church up the road and she was so brave too! She gave us a kiss and told us she'd be okay. She imitated her brother and wanted to be as grown up as him. It was very sweet! Off we went... and our house seemed so quiet without either child! I really wasn't sure what to do .... and so Dave and I just watched a movie together. It was great to just sit and relax and not have to take care of anyone for a few hours.
Kate's Vacation Bible School went from 6:00- 8:30 PM Sunday through Thursday. She LOVED it and they loved her! They were so happy to have her as part of their church for the week! On Monday she went with me to The Raleigh School. I had to teach a Lego Camp to 15 six and seven year old boys and one sweet (and brave) little girl. Kate went to Treasure Camp at the preschool. She was very excited to pack her lunch each day and had a great time. My Lego Camp was fun to teach as well and the kids were so adorable! With Kate in camp from 9:00- 1:00 each day and then camp again at night- the week went really fast! Of course stick a physical therapy appointment in there for Kate as well as a doctor visit for me, and a Vacation Bible School program Thursday night and before we knew it, it was time to pick Brennan up from camp. We couldn't wait to get him and hear all about the week!
Throughout the week we looked for pictures of Brennan on Camp Chestnut Ridge's Facebook page as well as their photo page. We saw a few pictures of Brennan on Tuesday and could tell he was having a great time! We were so excited for him. He gave us the "secret symbol" in one picture that said "camp is GREAT!". We love that he used our secret symbol to convey that to us! We were also thankful that we could e-mail him each day! He said he got the most mail of everyone!
We arrived at his camp at 6:00 PM and drove back to his cabin. He was hanging out front with his friends and they were hugging each other and laughing. His camp counselors said what a great week they had too! We went to eat dinner with everyone and loved the food! After dinner some of the camp kids went to the front of the room to sing some of the camp songs and Brennan immediately joined them! We were shocked! Brennan hates being in front of any group and doesn't like singing... well here he was singing at the top of his lungs, doing all of the actions, smiling a huge smile, and having a great time! I was so happy to see him like this that it literally brought tears to my eyes! I am not usually an emotional person (especially in public) yet here I was wiping a few tears away!
On the hour ride home Brennan talked nonstop about all the fun he had and he continued talking clear until bedtime! Brennan barely shares much with us but told us so much on Friday. Some of the sweetest comments were that he shared a concern that his grandma had died and how good everyone made him feel, that he was a little homesick the first night and his counselor gave him (Brennan) his moose to sleep with to make him feel better, and that Claire (one of the counselors) thought Brennan had the best hair and kept playing with it all week. I could tell how special Claire made Brennan feel. It truly was a magical week for Brennan and was everything I had prayed it would be. We wanted Brennan to become more confident, more responsible, and walk closer to God- and all of our wishes came true! We will always be thankful for the campership assistance program and our church that made camp possible for Brennan! Camp Chestnut Ridge has given over $17,000.00 in funds to help kids with financial difficulties to attend camp. They said they have never turned a child away! What a great program- I truly hope to pay it forward someday and help make camp a possibility for many children in years to come. And our church paid the rest of the fees for us without even a moment's hesitation. Our church understands how magical camp is and wanted the same for Brennan. Once again we have been blessed and our prayers have been answered!
The day after camp, Brennan's fun summer continued when he went to Wet and Wild with a friend for the day. What a great summer so far!
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| He got the top bunk! This is his secret symbol for saying camp is great! |
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| He even has his friends doing the secret symbol! I love my kid! |
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| Kate was so excited about her camp experiences too! |
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| Here is Brennan's cabin on the first night. |
Kate's Vacation Bible School went from 6:00- 8:30 PM Sunday through Thursday. She LOVED it and they loved her! They were so happy to have her as part of their church for the week! On Monday she went with me to The Raleigh School. I had to teach a Lego Camp to 15 six and seven year old boys and one sweet (and brave) little girl. Kate went to Treasure Camp at the preschool. She was very excited to pack her lunch each day and had a great time. My Lego Camp was fun to teach as well and the kids were so adorable! With Kate in camp from 9:00- 1:00 each day and then camp again at night- the week went really fast! Of course stick a physical therapy appointment in there for Kate as well as a doctor visit for me, and a Vacation Bible School program Thursday night and before we knew it, it was time to pick Brennan up from camp. We couldn't wait to get him and hear all about the week!
Throughout the week we looked for pictures of Brennan on Camp Chestnut Ridge's Facebook page as well as their photo page. We saw a few pictures of Brennan on Tuesday and could tell he was having a great time! We were so excited for him. He gave us the "secret symbol" in one picture that said "camp is GREAT!". We love that he used our secret symbol to convey that to us! We were also thankful that we could e-mail him each day! He said he got the most mail of everyone!
We arrived at his camp at 6:00 PM and drove back to his cabin. He was hanging out front with his friends and they were hugging each other and laughing. His camp counselors said what a great week they had too! We went to eat dinner with everyone and loved the food! After dinner some of the camp kids went to the front of the room to sing some of the camp songs and Brennan immediately joined them! We were shocked! Brennan hates being in front of any group and doesn't like singing... well here he was singing at the top of his lungs, doing all of the actions, smiling a huge smile, and having a great time! I was so happy to see him like this that it literally brought tears to my eyes! I am not usually an emotional person (especially in public) yet here I was wiping a few tears away!
On the hour ride home Brennan talked nonstop about all the fun he had and he continued talking clear until bedtime! Brennan barely shares much with us but told us so much on Friday. Some of the sweetest comments were that he shared a concern that his grandma had died and how good everyone made him feel, that he was a little homesick the first night and his counselor gave him (Brennan) his moose to sleep with to make him feel better, and that Claire (one of the counselors) thought Brennan had the best hair and kept playing with it all week. I could tell how special Claire made Brennan feel. It truly was a magical week for Brennan and was everything I had prayed it would be. We wanted Brennan to become more confident, more responsible, and walk closer to God- and all of our wishes came true! We will always be thankful for the campership assistance program and our church that made camp possible for Brennan! Camp Chestnut Ridge has given over $17,000.00 in funds to help kids with financial difficulties to attend camp. They said they have never turned a child away! What a great program- I truly hope to pay it forward someday and help make camp a possibility for many children in years to come. And our church paid the rest of the fees for us without even a moment's hesitation. Our church understands how magical camp is and wanted the same for Brennan. Once again we have been blessed and our prayers have been answered!
The day after camp, Brennan's fun summer continued when he went to Wet and Wild with a friend for the day. What a great summer so far!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Camp Days!
Brennan started his summer vacation by going with a friend to Great Wolf Lodge for a night. They enjoyed two days at the waterpark and it was a great kick off to Brennan's summer!
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| These guys have been buddies since they were four years old! So sweet together! |
Kate attended Open Door Tae Kwon Do Camp June 11- 15th from 9:00- 11:30 AM everyday! This was such a fun camp! Julie also took her kids, so Kate was happy to hang with her friends! Julie also brought Kate home for me each day saving me 40 minutes in the car (roundtrip). Thanks Julie! We are going to see a "showcase" tomorrow of all the things Kate has learned... and I heard she even gets to break a board! How fun!
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| Kate, Aleah, and Ethan |
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| Kate loved being able to help Aaron during camp! He would come in and ask for Kate! |
On Tuesday Kate had PT and was exhausted afterwards! I spent most of the day organizing the attic and Brennan enjoyed a lazy day!
Wednesday I had a doctor's appointment with a pulmonary specialist. I have been out of breath and wheezing for awhile and the regular doctors haven't been able to figure it out. I've had a chest x-ray, blood work, a week of steroids, and an inhaler- it all helped a little but not enough. At the doctor's appointment on Wednesday I had a breathing test- kinda cool! They are treating me with more steroids (oral and an inhaler) for a week and then I have to go back. According to my breathing test results, though, my doctor doesn't think it's asthma. He tends to think there is a blockage of some sort. I'll have a CT scan done on Monday to see if they can see the blockage. More bills to pay... oh well! I am very impressed with my doctors so far and look forward to not running out of breath so often!
Thursday Brennan had a friend over and so we all went fishing when Kate returned from camp. The boys also went fishing by the tunnel near our house and built a squirrel trap. I love their creativity! His friend ended up staying until 8:00 PM!
And today we are going to my school so I can get ready for the camp I am teaching next week. We'll also watch the drama camp play and then go to a friend's house for a pool party get together. I love summer!!!!!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Happy Family Day!
On June 7th it was amazing to think about our last year together! It's hard to believe that Kate has been in our family for a year already! What a year it has been!!!!
At times it was a lot harder than I ever imagined it would be... but at other times it was the most amazing experience ever! If I could do things over, I'd make sure Dave and I got out alone A LOT more often! I think that would have helped me to have more patience. Some days I would go from my 22 cute (but needy) second graders straight home to my own two amazing (but needy) children. I was so busy trying to take care of everyone else that I didn't have any time or energy to take care of myself or my relationship with Dave. The good news is that we survived it all and we all still like each other. LOL! The other good news is that summer is here!!!! I have nine weeks off to just focus on my family! I am so excited!
We have all grown this past year in so many ways. Brennan is much more accustomed to having a little sister. The other day he came home from his friend's house and commented that his friend and their sibling fight a lot more than Kate and him! He even went so far to say that Kate was actually a pretty good sister! He will share drinks with her now, wants to sleep in the same room with her, and is okay if he finds me or Dave snuggling with her. He used to not share any drinks (germs) and got mad and would walk off if we were snuggling with her. Now he just plops down next to us and yells, "Family Hug!" I asked him a month or so ago if he liked Kate and he immediately commented, "Duh mom! I love her! She's family." I still wish it would have been love at first sight like I had imagined it would be, but it's getting there!
Kate speaks perfect English now and understands that this is her family! She knows that if we go away for a little bit, that we'll always come back. It's nice to be able to go to the grocery store alone without leaving a screaming Kate at the door. Now I can say I'm running out for a bit and she runs over to give me a kiss and continues playing. She still cries but it is less and less often and not nearly as dramatic! Our house is much quieter and calmer these days!
I look forward to the next year! I breathe a sigh of relief that we all survived this last year! It really was one of the toughest years of my life in many ways... but during this year I had some of the most amazing, memorable days as well! I wish it could have been easier, but I do believe that we'll all be more empathetic people because of our experiences! Maybe we all grew closer together too! I hope they look back at our last year and have many laughs in years to come! We would have been a good reality TV show!
I ask for forgiveness from my friends and family if during my stressful days I let you down... being with Jan's friends at her funeral reminded me that true friends forgive and forget! Thank you to all my true friends! I have been blessed with all of you! Family is stuck with us no matter what, but Dave and I are lucky to have such great families! We love you guys!
We have been blessed with our two amazing children! I look forward to the next chapter in our lives!
At times it was a lot harder than I ever imagined it would be... but at other times it was the most amazing experience ever! If I could do things over, I'd make sure Dave and I got out alone A LOT more often! I think that would have helped me to have more patience. Some days I would go from my 22 cute (but needy) second graders straight home to my own two amazing (but needy) children. I was so busy trying to take care of everyone else that I didn't have any time or energy to take care of myself or my relationship with Dave. The good news is that we survived it all and we all still like each other. LOL! The other good news is that summer is here!!!! I have nine weeks off to just focus on my family! I am so excited!
We have all grown this past year in so many ways. Brennan is much more accustomed to having a little sister. The other day he came home from his friend's house and commented that his friend and their sibling fight a lot more than Kate and him! He even went so far to say that Kate was actually a pretty good sister! He will share drinks with her now, wants to sleep in the same room with her, and is okay if he finds me or Dave snuggling with her. He used to not share any drinks (germs) and got mad and would walk off if we were snuggling with her. Now he just plops down next to us and yells, "Family Hug!" I asked him a month or so ago if he liked Kate and he immediately commented, "Duh mom! I love her! She's family." I still wish it would have been love at first sight like I had imagined it would be, but it's getting there!
Kate speaks perfect English now and understands that this is her family! She knows that if we go away for a little bit, that we'll always come back. It's nice to be able to go to the grocery store alone without leaving a screaming Kate at the door. Now I can say I'm running out for a bit and she runs over to give me a kiss and continues playing. She still cries but it is less and less often and not nearly as dramatic! Our house is much quieter and calmer these days!
I look forward to the next year! I breathe a sigh of relief that we all survived this last year! It really was one of the toughest years of my life in many ways... but during this year I had some of the most amazing, memorable days as well! I wish it could have been easier, but I do believe that we'll all be more empathetic people because of our experiences! Maybe we all grew closer together too! I hope they look back at our last year and have many laughs in years to come! We would have been a good reality TV show!
I ask for forgiveness from my friends and family if during my stressful days I let you down... being with Jan's friends at her funeral reminded me that true friends forgive and forget! Thank you to all my true friends! I have been blessed with all of you! Family is stuck with us no matter what, but Dave and I are lucky to have such great families! We love you guys!
We have been blessed with our two amazing children! I look forward to the next chapter in our lives!
Catching-Up...
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| In front of the lake at Camp Chestnut Ridge during their open house. |
I had applied for a camp scholarship for Brennan to attend Camp Chestnut Ridge. If we were granted this scholarship they would pay up to $200.00 of the fees that would be matched by our church. I was hoping they would give me $50.00 and the church would match that. Somehow I would still need to come up with what I thought would be $350.00 or so...
I picked this camp for his first overnight experience because it was only five nights and they had a program called Kid vs. Wild. If you know Brennan, you know he loves survival skills, fishing, hunting, etc. Dave and I have many reasons for wanting to send Brennan to camp this summer because we both know how camp helped us grow as people when we were his age as well as in our faith journey. The camp is sponsored by the Methodist Church and part of the scholarship application was to get a letter of recommendation from your church pastor. I sent an e-mail to Jay Minnick and included the letter of why I wanted Brennan to attend this camp. He immediately replied back and said what a great letter I wrote! He agreed that camp would be perfect for Brennan and continued to say that the church would cover the cost of whatever the scholarship did not cover! Camp would be completely paid for!!!! Wow! We are blessed and now I pray that camp is a great experience for Brennan. He will be attending the week of June 17th. Not sure what we'll do without our sweet boy for five nights!
We took Brennan to an open house at camp in late April. We all had fun boating, fishing, taking a hay ride, doing crafts, eating, and making S'mores. Brennan started getting excited!
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| Kate can't wait until she's old enough to go to camp! If she had her choice, she'd be going this year alongside her brother! |
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| Zamboni loves his new bed. Our 15 year old "grandpa dog" is more and more like a raccoon everyday. His only thoughts revolve around food and sleeping! |
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| Kate is ready for kindergarten! She had a great time visiting her school that she will attend in August! |
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| This is one of Kate's favorite dresses. She calls it her "summer dress" and wears it at least once a week. She really is a princess in training! |
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| This picture is blurry but we are at a Cinco de Mayo party at our friends' house. Brennan decided to go to another friends' house instead but Kate went with me and had a great time on the huge slip and slide that they had rented for the evening! It was such a fun night! |
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| Brennan on the tennis courts. |
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| Kate was so excited for her sleepover at Julie's! Julie had thirteen kids overnight to celebrate her son's birthday. She is a brave lady! Kate had a blast! |
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| Brennan is enjoying his games of tennis with Dave. They have gone a few times so far. |
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| Kate's preschool couldn't have been more perfect for her this year! We will forever be grateful that we found Julie! She is AMAZING!!!! Of course having Erika watch Kate on Fridays was perfect too! |
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| Kate and her future "husband". Kate was sad to find out that I was already married and so said she'd marry Aron instead. She's a "cougar" cuz Aron is only three! |
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| Kate had been waiting for baby Jordan (Julie's sister's baby) to be awake so she could hole him. They both look so happy! |
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| This is a princess, bike riding, ball playing Kate. She is often running around in her princess dresses. |
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| Brennan participated in the first ever Raleigh School Team for Science Olympiad. He worked with a friend and entered the "All Charged Up" competition (magnets and electricity)... and they won GOLD! He was very proud wearing his gold medal! Overall TRS did an amazing job this year!!!! |
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| This is the turtle that lives in Julie's garden. We love Julie and felt sad that Kate's preschool year was coming to an end. Kate's last day was June 7th. |
Monday, May 14, 2012
We love and miss you already Jan!
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| Janet Ranheim 78 years old Mother, Wife, Aunt, Grandmother, Friend We love and miss her so much! |
Yesterday Heaven got a really special lady! We wished we could have had her with us for longer, but we're happy because we know she's in heaven and has no more aches or pains.
She declined rapidly after my last post. Dave kept us informed and on Thursday, May 10th, Dave and his family made the difficult decision to remove all life support and make her as comfortable as possible. The kids, dog, and I packed the car and starting driving to Minnesota. We made it about eight hours the first night driving 7:15 PM until about 3:00 AM. When we were ready to stop we went to the first hotel we found- the weird thing was it was the same one we had stopped at in December. Apparently my car is starting to know the way. The next day we traveled the rest of the way to Madison, WI, and my sister and husband took the kids out to dinner and fishing so I could get a nap. We stayed the night and the next day drove the rest of the way to MN. We met Dave and his dad (Ted) at the hospital and Jan was doing well enough that the kids could see her. Brennan really wanted to see her and be able to say goodbye. Kate just went straight to grandpa and stayed in his arms. They only stayed a few minutes and then Dave's sister (Kris) came to get the kids and take them to her house. Dave and I stayed with Jan a few hours. It was so nice to be able to see her and say goodbye. She looked comfortable and was in a deep sleep.
We all went to Kris and John's house for dinner. We shared stories and enjoyed each others company. Dave's brothers (Craig and Paul) were also there. Ted left early to go back up to the hospital and then Paul and Craig met at the hospital as well. We left Brennan for a sleepover with his cousin Erik and took Ingrid and Kate back to the house so Ingrid could watch Kate while we went back to the hospital. Kris, Dave, and I spent a few hours with Jan as well. Dave's family had been doing this for almost three weeks! They really surrounded Jan with constant company and love! It felt good that I could visit as well!
Ted went back up on Mother's Day and sat most of the day with Craig. Jan finally gave up her fight at 3:25 PM. Her last words had been a few days before when one of the nurse's pointed to Ted and had asked who he was. She responded, "That's my best friend." They had been married for over fifty years and her best friend was by her side the entire time! She left this world and entered heaven very peacefully. Ted said that it was very fitting that Jan passed away on Mother's Day. What she treasured the most was being a mother and grandmother!
As I write this post, I have tears running down my face. Jan was my biggest fan of this blog. She checked to see if there were any updates constantly! I had known Jan for 18 years and in all that time she was supportive, loving, and kind. She loved our adoption journeys with both Kate and Brennan and thought they were a great fit with the Ranheim clan. She was such a caring grandma and just enjoyed her time with the grandkids. She made each one feel special and appreciated. She'd plop them on her counter when they were little and have them help with the cooking or baking or maybe just to chat. She will be missed so much!
I can't imagine how Dave is feeling! I am so happy that he was here for the last two weeks! In his words, "Jan was the best mother ever." Ted and I both said she made being a parent look easy. She certainly raised four amazing kids that surrounded her with their love always and especially at the end of her earthly life.
Kate said a prayer to grandma last night and when we got back to their house she ran and sat with grandpa. I'm not sure what they talked about but grandpa had his hands on Kate's head and they looked so sweet together. Brennan was crushed when I initially told him before we left to drive to MN and cried for a long time. Family is so important to him and he was so sad. He broke my heart. Being with his cousins has helped so far, because they all know grandma is in a better place.
Ted and his kids (Dave, Paul, Kris, and Craig) gathered Sunday night to make some plans. While they gathered the kids and I went to one of grandma's favorite restaurants. They had talked about talking at grandma's funeral, but I'm not sure that will happen. They were so sweet making plans though. They all seem to have a good understanding and realize how lucky they were to have grandma in their lives.
We love you so much Jan! We will miss you forever but your memories will always be with us! Thank you for touching our lives and making us better people!
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June 10, 2012
Jan's funeral was beautiful! Pastor Paul at Normandale Lutheran Church did an amazing job and everything was beautiful and perfect! Over 200 people came to the visitation which was at the church Wednesday night and the funeral on Thursday. Jan's friends are so amazing! It truly was touching to be able to see so many people who loved Jan so much! Some of her friends go back over 40 years! They stood by each other through thick and thin and have so many stories to share! They are a true inspiration to us all! Her best friend since they were eleven years old, Lee Linhares, passed away the morning of Jan's funeral. It was special to think of Jan waiting by Heaven's gate to greet her best friend!
Dave drove back with us to Raleigh. We left Friday morning and got home Saturday night. I only had to drive about three hours on the way home. It was so nice having Dave at home with us again!
Dave and his family are doing alright. Ted has a lot of support and people keeping him busy. Everyone has such amazing faith and belief that Jan is in a Wonderful Place. They are at peace knowing that they did everything they could do for their sweet mom and wife. She didn't want to ever have to be in a nursing home and God heard her prayers.
Like Julie always said to Kate during the time Jan was sick, "God has a plan." We thank God that His plan allowed all of us to say our goodbyes and that Jan had quality of life up to the time she got sick. That's exactly what she would have wanted.
We love and miss you so much Jan! Our prayer to you is to believe that we will all take care of each other! We'll miss your guidance, but you taught us well!
xoxoxo
Here's Kate with Lee in the summer of 2011. Lee is the one that gave Kate her special doll.  |
| Jan would have loved the flower arrangements! She also would have approved of the picture of her! She had told Ted that for once she looked better than him in the church picture. :-) |
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| The church sponsored a luncheon after the funeral. It was SynntendeMai which is Norway's Independence Day. Jan would have LOVED that! Notice all the Norwegian flags and special dessert! |
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| The kids wrote this on the board going into the basement/storage area. Her grandkids loved her soooo much! |
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| Some of Dave's friends that remember so many occasions with Jan. Some of their favorites were her fresh baked cookies that she always had available when they were in high school. |
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| Here we are in front of her favorite Mexican Restaurant. Kate, Ingrid, Brennan, Erik. |
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| On our drive home we stopped in Madison for lunch. Wendy, Norman, and Dan met us at the restaurant. It was a nice break! |
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Prayers needed
Prayers are needed for Dave's mom as well as my mom.
Dave's mom has been in the hospital for twelve days because of three small strokes and now pnemonia. Dave flew up to be there with family and to help as much as possible. The kids and I wish we could go too but we'd have to drive about 21 hours to get there... we're happy to do it, but as long as she remains stable we'll wait. Jan (Dave's mom) is a "fighter" and wants to continue fighting, and so we pray that God gives her the strength and patience that it will take to recover. Jan is truly one of the best people around- in fact I fell in love with Dave's family almost before I fell in love with Dave. She has always been supportive, kind, patient, loving, exciting, and fun to be with. She has the best stories, and we can't wait to share more memories with her this summer!
My mom fell while painting some cupboards in her house and broke a vertebrae in her lower back. She spent three nights in the hospital and is now resting at home. She needs to rest for six weeks and then they will see about further surgery. My mom does not like to be still for long... but she is patiently counting down the days so far! We hope and pray that she will be a good patient and give her back time to heal properly! We can't wait to see her this summer as well and pamper her a little, since we can't be there right now.
Both of our moms were in the hospital at the same time... it was so hard to be so far away!!! They are both in our prayers! Of course we have to be thankful that Dave and I have both been blessed with such wonderful moms, and that we've been able to have them in our lives all of this time! I have many friends whose moms went to heaven already.
Dave's mom has been in the hospital for twelve days because of three small strokes and now pnemonia. Dave flew up to be there with family and to help as much as possible. The kids and I wish we could go too but we'd have to drive about 21 hours to get there... we're happy to do it, but as long as she remains stable we'll wait. Jan (Dave's mom) is a "fighter" and wants to continue fighting, and so we pray that God gives her the strength and patience that it will take to recover. Jan is truly one of the best people around- in fact I fell in love with Dave's family almost before I fell in love with Dave. She has always been supportive, kind, patient, loving, exciting, and fun to be with. She has the best stories, and we can't wait to share more memories with her this summer!
My mom fell while painting some cupboards in her house and broke a vertebrae in her lower back. She spent three nights in the hospital and is now resting at home. She needs to rest for six weeks and then they will see about further surgery. My mom does not like to be still for long... but she is patiently counting down the days so far! We hope and pray that she will be a good patient and give her back time to heal properly! We can't wait to see her this summer as well and pamper her a little, since we can't be there right now.
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| Ted and Jan- Dave's parents summer 2011 |
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| Penny- my mom summer 2011 |
Both of our moms were in the hospital at the same time... it was so hard to be so far away!!! They are both in our prayers! Of course we have to be thankful that Dave and I have both been blessed with such wonderful moms, and that we've been able to have them in our lives all of this time! I have many friends whose moms went to heaven already.
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