The short take...

We're enjoying a crazy summer (already), before Kate starts Kindergarten (ALREADY!!?) this fall. Our kids are so much fun, and we are SO blessed!

If you want to browse our pictures, you can do so at our new Google Picasa album).

February 25, 2008

This update has been longer in coming than it should have, because it's a tough one. The evening of the 19th we got Honey's PET scan results - her espohagous wasn't responding to any treatments because it's malignant cancer. So within a few days she was released to go home under hospice and medicine to keep her as comfortable as possible. Theoretically, as long as she can keep eating, she'll stay in about the state she's at right now, but eating is painful with that cancer in her throat. But, true to her personality, she's keeping a smile on her face, and a joke on her tongue despite being pretty tired a lot of the time. She is even actually being able to eat more recently than she had been able to - last night's dinner included mashed potatos!

Lots of the family have come in independantly over the last week or so, and she loves seeing everyone. We're all sad, but recognizing many blessings that have been given even through this process. Somehow it's easier having an answer at last - and wonderful that we didn't lose her suddenly, allowing everyone to talk to her again and come see her if they are able. There are a lot of people that have gone before her that she's looking forward to being reunited with - especially her father, whom she never met, and though the process is painful and scary, she seems to be very much at peace with the situation, with no fear.

Thank you all for your prayers, and we ask again that they continue for her comfort, and above all, the glory of God. She has blessed her whole family her entire life, and her reward is coming. May our lives be as full and faithful as hers.

February 19, 2008

We heard from Daniel this afternoon that he graduated his IFS (Initial Flight Screening) program!! His last solo checkflight was this afternoon, and apparently his instructors were smart enough to realize that he's AWESOME! Congratulations, Daniel! So now it's back off to the base he's stationed at, waiting to get moved to the base he'll get his formal pilot training at (that'll happen in May). He's hoping to finish up the hours he needs to get his Pilot's license in the meantime, as well.

Kate has come through her first sickness - she got a cold over the weekend. It just breaks your heart - you can tell her nose is raw from wiping, we hear her wake herself up coughing, and her eyes are so tired from not getting full sleeps, but she's got a lot of attitude - she keeps trying to play and flashes little grins in spite of it all.

Speaking of health stuff, Honey was re-admitted to the hospital last week, and is alternating between very tough days, spirit-wise and reasonably OK days. She's got a tough spirit, and she's doing great, going for walks and all, but it's hard - the doctors just can't figure out what's wrong that her esophagus didn't heal with her ulcer. Lori and Cielo flew in for the weekend, along with Karen and Daun, and I think that buoyed her spirits. She went in for a PET scan today, so now we're just waiting for the results. We'd really appreciate your continued prayers.

February 13, 2008

Please continue to keep Honey (my grandma) in your prayers - she was admitted to the hospital for the third time last night - they just felt the rehab center wasn't able to really give her the care she needs. But there's a lot of disappointment and frustration with this development for everyone, understandably.

As for us, we're doing well, keeping VERY busy. Our biggest challenge is making sure that the urgent stuff isn't forcing the important stuff aside. The weather is to the point we can start taking walks in the woods again however, which we did on Monday, and it was wonderful!

Kate is just doing great - she's up on all fours frequently now, rocking back and forth, and very confused as to why she keeps pushing herself backwards! But she's rolling over, turning around and manages little scoots, so she can usually eventually get to something that's not too far out of her reach. She had her 6-month checkup last week; she still doesn't like shots (weird, huh?), but she handled them really well this time - she calmed down pretty quickly when they were over. She's up to 17-1/2 pounds now! The doctor told us that as soon as she hits a year, turn her car seat around, even if she hasn't seen us yet; she's quite confident that she'll be easily 20 pounds by then! She started on fruits last night, and we finally found something edible that she's not a huge fan of; pears! She ate them, but she'd still prefer her green beans! She's still got two teeth, still the very happy (and OH-SO-CUTE) baby that you see in her pictures, and still loved more every day by us!

Oh, and lest you think we forgot, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANIEL!!!

February 05, 2008


Super Tuesday, indeed! Here we go...what a weird, indecisive race this year! Oh well. Well, we did our duty today - everyone make sure you get out and vote too when it's your turn!

Oh, and stay tuned right here - a Valentine's theme is forthcoming to our homepage!

February 03, 2008

Yay for pictures! Here are our pictures of Kate from January! Enjoy :-)

February 01, 2008

Woo-hoo! We talked to Daniel last night, and he got to tell us all about his first solo flight! We're so jealous happy for him! :-)

Last weekend went great, except that Grandpa was sick, so we didn't end up staying with them at all, and only saw Grandma for breakfast. We really missed seeing them, but we'll make another trip soon and see them then! This weekend we don't have many plans, except watching the Superbowl over at our friends' house. Mostly we'll just be relaxing and enjoying being at home, doing weekend chores, and whatnot. And, of course, posting some of Kate's January pictures for you. Have a great weekend!