Surprise!!

Several weeks ago, well, almost two months ago, Rach mentioned that her roommate would be gone for a month! It happened to coincide with school being out for her also. We thought it would be the perfect time for me to visit (no hotel fees, more time together). I had planned on coming two weeks ago, but then an unexpected trip to Hawaii came up and that won out! Then Pat wanted me to go during July 4th, but I just couldn't leave him and my mom alone during that time. So, today was decided upon. I decided not to tell Amy in order to surprise them, and I didn't want to stress her out. The plan was that I'd drive to Medford after attending church, spend the night there, and finish driving up to Amy's and Rachel's in the morning. When I was nearly to Medford I stopped, got out of the car, and walked around. My knee was holding up pretty well, I wasn't tired, and I'd save about $100! I canceled my reservation and went onward! Three hours later I knocked on Brad and Amy's door (Rach was there already). A very surprised Amy answered the door! She had hoped that Pat had come as well, but he couldn't get away. (His next trip is to meet Miss Maci; mine too!) The boys had just gone to bed, I thought they were sleeping, but they weren't! So they were surprised too! Gavin kept saying, "I'm so excited!" When Brad came downstairs he was shocked, and James said, "Look! Mommy found Nana!" Sooo cute! Yep, I'm grateful the drive went well, I could surprise them, that I get to spend more time than usual with Rach...and, that Maci is doing so well now! Such great news!!

Maci Jane

We were able to meet our granddaughter, Maci, last night, via video chat. She is adorable! She really liked to move her hands and fingers a lot, and she stuck her tongue out just enough to be cute. When she was born she had a bit of a respiratory problem so they put her in NICU. After we saw her last night they checked her again, again she was having minor problems, so off to NICU she went, for the remainder of her time in the hospital. Fortunately her tests came back showing that nothing was seriously wrong. She has a little fluid on her lungs, but that should clear up soon. Prayers for her were definitely answered, and for that I am very, very grateful.

All is well!

There are moments in life where you can pause, sigh, and feel at peace. This morning was such an event as that. Our granddaughter was born at 5:18 AM (MST), she came into this world weighing 9 lbs. 11 oz, and she is 20 inches long. What a little chunk!

We are so grateful our newest little miss is doing well, and that Linzi is also. We were a little worried for a while, so grateful that was for naught!

Congratulations Sam, Linzi, Rylee, Sadie and Chloe! You girls have a new baby sister! Yay!!!!

The United States of America

Today, along with many others, I am counting the blessings of being an American. I am grateful to have been born in this great country. I am so very grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy. I am also very grateful to those who have sacrificed for us to maintain this freedom... whether it be their lives, their time, or a family member's absence. I am grateful to our founding fathers, for the steadfastness they had in creating this great country. I am grateful for the Constitution - for the rights and privileges given to us in that amazing document. I believe it was inspired of God; and that each and every one of those men were put here at that time for that purpose. I am grateful that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the freedoms that I have always enjoyed and appreciated. I am proud to be an American; and very grateful.

Concerned Doctors

Linzi is due next week, on the 10th. My mom, Amy, myself, and the rest of our family have been concerned for her welfare. She has been dilated to a six for a few days, but nothing is happening. Linzi has FAST deliveries... really fast. Scary fast. Gratefully, her Doctor is completely aware of what is going on with her, and she goes in frequently for ultrasounds, and a check up. On another (related) note, thank goodness for prayer and Priesthood blessings. They sure can calm a worried soul.

Help!

Okay, so the past few years I've been able to do less and less around here. My knee is not doing well, and the doc says I will need knee replacement surgery - but not for three to ten years. (Thank you, Kaiser)

Cleanliness is something that makes me happy. I even love to clean, but again, haven't been able to do the deep cleaning that I like to have done. Recently we had a young woman in our ward (eons ago, I was her YW president) returned from her mission to Brazil. She is returning to BYU in the fall (mid-August), and needs to earn some moolah for school. So, I've hired her to come and scrub my kitchen and entry floors; and to clean my blinds (which isn't that difficult, but it's something). I've only hired one person before, ever, to clean my home, and that was when we were getting ready to sell our home in Ripon. Other than that, I did the whole slave labor things with our kids! ;) (not really, they were paid!)

So, I am grateful to Cassandra for coming over today and helping me to get our home just the way I like it...clean!

Janome

Before you think that is a play on words allow me to explain that Janome is the brand of sewing machine I have. Today I have put it to good use, sewing two baby rag quilts for our upcoming grandchild (that should be here soon!) (We don't know the baby's gender so I'm covering my bases!) I love my sewing machine! It is user friendly, and works great! I am grateful for the ease of sewing that it has brought to my life. :)