July 2008

My posts are few and far between so will try to give a quick update this morning. Summer is going way too fast and will soon be over. July started out with activites for the 4th, our county fair, and some little trips. Dan went to Canada with the guys fishing. They backpacked about 2 miles into a cabin, which they shared with the bears!! I went with 5 other ladies to Lake Superior where we went to several state parks, hiked, and shopped. Oh, I also ran my first 5K with Danelle, Angela and Travis. I actually thought it was fun!!

During all this time, I wasn't feeling well and was trying to ignore my symptoms but when my left side started feeling numb and going down my arm, Dan finally got me to go to the ER. I was in the hospital a week, went through many tests before they found out that the outer wall of the left carotid artery was torn, which caused much pain, and the artery itself was shrinking. There wasn't much blood flow going through to the left side. Luckily, the right side was pumping blood over to the left side of my brain. To make a long story short, I had 3 stents put into the left carotid artery and am finally starting to get my strength back.

I cancelled my MT trip as I just wasn't feeling ready to travel so far. It was hard to think about missing the family reunion but felt it was best. The kids all flew out so they could be at the reunion.

June 2008

Canada Fishing Crew

Lunch on the island. Can you tell it was cold??

Let me back up and try to summarize June!! We were happy to finish up another school year. Getting ready to go to Canada on our fishing trip was a challenge as we had hay to finish making. We ended up with 3 major storms the day we were planning to finish chopping hay that was already down - and had already gotten rained on. Weather forecast for the whole week was rain, so decided to leave anyway and deal with hay problems when we come back. Some of the hay just had to get chopped back on the ground. Perhaps you've heard about the flooding we had in this area. The biggest challenge was trying to make hay in the field that had been under water. It was a muddy, wet mess - which made it easy to plug the chopper!! I tried to quit several times but my husband wouldn't let me. I was reminded again of how patient my husband really is!! Hopefully the next round of haying goes better.

It was cold and rainy in Canada and the fish were not biting as good as usual. But we had plenty of fish to eat everyday and brought back what we could. It was relaxing, read several books, played games, enjoyed good company and food!!

We went to the firework display in Madison this week end and hard to believe how cold it was. We actually had to wear coats and be wrapped up in blankets!! It really hasn't seemed like summer as it hasn't been that hot.

Travis has been picking strawberries and will finish this week. He is liking it and brings me home a pail everyday. He is playing baseball so has a couple games a week. Angela is working at the campground down the road from us.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer!!

New Boat

We are headed to Canada Saturday for a week of fishing. We got our new boat just in time - a 2003 Prince Craft fish and ski with a 115 HP Mercury motor. Now, we are hoping for good weather. We are in our last week of school. Dan is busy trying to get the hay chopped. Had a good day of chopping today. Michael cut more hay and now it is raining tonight. Not what we need right now!!!

Happy Graduation, Michael!

Michael graduated Saturday and received his associates degree in diesel equipment technology. He is currently in Mexico "relaxing" for a week before starting full time employment for the trucking company he has worked for while attending school. Two other boys went to Mexico with him.

Happy Mothers Day!!

Thinking of all the mothers and just want to wish you all a Happy Day!! I enjoy reading the news of all you young mothers and seeing pictures of your families. Just remember how special you are!! I am especially thinking of those who may be experiencing the first Mother's Day without a mother this year. I think this is the time of year I still miss my mother the most. Many times I still wish I could tell her something or ask her a question. We never have our mothers long enough. Aunt Ruth gave Angela and Travis a "mothers" booklet I gave my mom so they could give it back to me. It is very special and I always try to read through it on this day. Several quotes:

"You taught by example, I learned by love." "I am who I am because of who you are." "Now that I have children, I understand the depth of your love." "You gave me your most precious gift: time and attention."

Your children are little for such a short time. Treasure these moments. As they get older, there are more moments to treasure.

Happy Mothers Day!!

Spring - I think!!

Yes, it has been beautiful and we are enjoying warm weather and all the other benefits of Spring!! Travis is working on the lawn mower so he can start mowing lawn this week. He has also started playing baseball so that requires some practicing. Angela had her first competition in gymnastics last week. She received a 3rd place medal in vault and received a medal and flowers for being the "most dedicated". She really likes gymnastics and she is always going around the house or outside doing her routines!! They only have 1 competition in middle school. Next year will be more and sounds like she wants to keep up with it. I am once again enjoying leisurely mornings before going to work. Jesus has taken over my job milking cows so I no longer have to go out. It is great!! Dan is busy getting ready for the field work to begin. He and Jesus have become good friends!!! You do remember that Jesus is the Mexican!! Michael is kind of stressing with the last 3 weeks of school but he will make it. He graduates May 17 with an associates degree in diesel mechanics. He and 2 other boys are then going to Puerta Vallarta for a week before entering the real work world. He has had a very busy year with school and work. He and his friends are busy getting the house at the other farm ready to live in. He is anxious for that next step in his life. He thinks he shouldn't be 20 years old and living at home with mom and dad!! Doesn't bother me - but.... I won't report on Danelle since she has her own blog.

Snow, Rain, Cold - BRRRRR

Thought you might like to know that, yes, we have had snow again!!! Tuesday night we got 2 inches and it stayed on the ground for a day. In fact, the snowplow even went by on our road the next morning. Today is very windy, rainy and cold. Hopefully this is one final "cold" before Spring!!

We did have 2 very good days of Special Meetings and the privilege of worker company and visits. We heard so much about our relationship with God. No relationship ever stays the same. Either it will be fed and increase or it will starve and die. We are doing one or the other in our relationship with God. Definately makes one look at our own relationship with God.

We started a new Mexican hired man tonight. He seems like such a nice man so am hoping it all works out. He speaks some English and understands more than he can speak. So, I taught kids all day and now had to teach "Mexican" tonight!! Oh, his name is Jesus. So, we now have Jesus on our farm!!