Warmer weather has slowly returned this week and the landscape is showing signs of recovery from the freeze that hit two weeks ago. I think, given a little time, our trees will grow out new leaves, but they will be really susceptible to another stressful event (like drought) this year. I saw on a locally produced gardening show (WNPT's Volunteer Gardner) that the freeze we got this year was a once in a lifetime event. The last late freeze of this severity on record happened in 1881.
AN UPDATE ON MOM. Mom is doing pretty well. She is still sore. The issue of concern has been some persistent residual bleeding. She saw her doctor last Monday. He was concerned by the bleeding as well but wanted her to monitor it through the week and return on Friday. On the return trip he put packing in the area where the surgery was performed. This did not work as work as planned and I took Mom to the ER that night. They kept her overnight for closer observation and she came home Saturday afternoon. We are hoping this is something that just needs time to heal instead of a return trip to the operating room. At least she had good meals at the hospital! As an added treat during Mom’s recovery, Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob arrived Thursday.
BEN IS BAPTIZED. Ben’s baptism was yesterday morning. He has been excited about it all week. While getting ready for church he wondered aloud, “How do you think I’ll feel?” Then answering his own question, he said with a mischievous grin, “I know, WET!” We have some precious photos.
JENNA TURNS NINE! Jenna’s ninth birthday was Wednesday. Due to the schedule, we waited until this weekend to celebrate. Jenna’s Uncle Will chastised Vicki for not having a cake on the day, but she was serenaded with Happy Birthday several different times. (Vicki promised to do better in the future.)
Jenna had a slumber party Friday night. Maegan Garst, Mackenzie Barrow and Macy Burysek were picked up at school and brought to our house for an evening of fun and excitement. Ben got to see the girls on the way home from school but poor Nate was completely left out. He kept wanting to meet Jenna’s friends but the closest he got was shouting “HEY JENNA’S GIRLS!” from Pauline’s deck as they were playing in our yard.
While I was taking Mom to the ER Vicki took this gaggle of girls to Kids Party Jumps in Hendersonville. They grabbed pizza on the way home and spent the rest of the evening doing “girl stuff” here at the house. The next morning Vicki made breakfast for all of them before sending them on their way. Vicki was surprised that nine year old girls can chow down as much as any boy.
Saturday night Pauline hosted a birthday dinner for Jenna. Mom, Aunt Mar, Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob all came over.
FIRST PLACE! Jenna was pleasantly surprised to take first place for her computer art in the county art contest. She has a blue ribbon for her underwater scene.
SOCCER SEASON IS UNDER WAY. I took the boys to their games Saturday morning (Jenna’s slumber party was not quite over). Ben played first and he did really well, even scoring the first goal for his team! He seems to have a better grasp of how the game works this year. You can tell he understands his position and tries to play it rather than just following the pack of kids chasing the ball. Nate is playing soccer for the first time this year. He got his foot on the ball and moved it a few times but has a lot to learn about playing the game.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY. So I’m walking by the bathroom and I hear Nate grunting. Opening the door to see if he’s okay, I find him trying to pull his pants off (it’s bedtime). I ask if he needs help. “No,” he replies, “I got it all under control.”
ADOPTION UPDATE. For those of you keeping Brent, Cindy and Tyler in their prayers, here’s the latest news:
We had our meeting with Ty's birthfather [Thursday]. His mother and stepfather were there as well. We didn't know they were coming, but luckily, it didn't throw us off-balance too much.
He was very nice and courteous. He asked several good questions as well as did his parents. Overall, we feel the meeting went well. We were all nervous at first (especially him it seemed), but we all relaxed after a while.
He is still processing everything and wants to do the right thing by Ty. So, we really don't know when we'll know more. He still wants to pursue a paternity test just for peace of mind and so there is no doubt.
May I say THANK YOU once more for your continued prayers. This is not a journey to walk alone, and we are blessed to have you all.
And we appreciate your prayers on their behalf as well.
Joe
