Santa Makes one Last 2009 Stop!

Santa knew we were having a late Christmas celebration with our family so he postponed his return to the North Pole and waited a couple extra days before trimming his beard. There were two very
excited grandchildren and one who didn't know what to think!

Conner was looking out the window when Santa arrived. He was so excited he didn't know what to say. Santa was hardly in the door before Conner jumped in his arms!

Kasey wasn't quite as sure as Conner, she was more reserved but Santa won out and received a hug from her also. Especially when he brought her a princess bag with a bracelet inside!


Tatum didn't know what to make of this interesting looking person!





After taking pictures of the grandkids with Santa--He asked if he could take a family picture of us. So--Here is our family. Herb and I with Conner, Chad and Katie's son, on my lap. Todd is on the floor with his wife, Marie next to my mom. Kasey, sitting on great grandma's lap, is their daughter. Chad is on the end with his wife, Katie holding Tatum.

Now, I hope to spend some time at my sewing machine finishing some unfinished projects before vacation is over!


Could anyone tell my what I have to do to allow replies on my comment? Thanks!!!
Enjoy the week!
Linda

Good Morning-Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas,
Good Morning--Christmas came even though I am not prepared. However, last night as I sat at the Christmas Eve service with our sons, daughters-in-law and love, our three grandchildren, and Herb at my side, I realized that we have all we need. Following service we all went to my mother's for a light dinner where we laughed and enjoyed each other.

My gifts this Christmas include:
* the doctors were able to remove from the penny from Conner's esophagus
*the doctors are going to repair Herb's heart and he will finally feel better
*I have friends I can count on to listen-Thanks Sis!
*My sons and their families live close to us so we are able to a part of the kids growing up.


Today Todd, Marie and Kasey have left home to spend Christmas and the next few days with her family near Albert Lea, MN. I am praying for their trip with the road conditions. Chad, Katie, Conner, and Tatum are spending Christmas with her family at Hayward , WI. I realize that when you have sons--they spend the holiday with the girl's families. So today--Herb and I are spending a low key day. I will be working on a few projects I need to finish before everyone comes here on Sunday for our day of eating, celebrating, and opening gifts!

Have a very special day!
Linda

One Penny = 2 hour trip to Children's Hospital

Last night around 7:30 daughter-in-law, Katie called. She said 3 year old Conner had swallowed a penny and was asking what we thought they should do. She said he was crying because his chest hurt. I suggested they call the ER and ask for the doctor's opinion. I left shortly for the 10 minute drive to their home to stay with Tatum. He had an x-ray that showed it was lodged in the esophagus. The ER doctor spoke with Children's Hospital in St. Paul for suggestions. They were sent home with instructions to have him drink plenty of fluids to try to flush it down then to return this morning for another x-ray to see if it had moved. It hadn't changed positions at all. So late morning they headed to the cities to the hospital. We received a text message a few moments ago that the Dr. came out to see them bringing the penny. He said it all went well and they would be able to see Conner shortly. Praise the Lord! It could have been much worse! We are now waiting word as to when they will be home. If it is not too late I hope to run down just to give him a hug and a kiss!

6:00 Update--Just talked with Chad--Conner is still in the recovery room. He is on his third popsicle.
The nurse should be in shortly to remove the IV and then they will be on their way home!  PTL!!!!

We're Home with a PLAN!

We are home from meeting with the cardiologist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital. It has been decided that Herb will have surgery in January on the mitral valve. The best scenario
would be that when they are able to look at the heart they maybe able to repair the valve. If that is not possible it will be a tissue (pig) valve or a mechanical valve. Each had pros and cons. We are at an outstanding facility with a outstanding surgeon. When we told Dar the name of Herb's surgeon. Her response was "Oh my!" Dr. Kshettry is world renowned -the top surgeon at the institute. We are both totally comfortable with this decision and the doctors! Praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayer support!

Now that we have a plan in place I am able to prepare for Christmas! The tree goes up tomorrow!

"Sew Hearts Gramma"

Two year old Kasey spent Friday with me instead of going to daycare. I had put all my sewing things away when preparing for everyone coming for Thanksgiving. (My dining room table doubles has my sewing table). Last summer she watched as I sewed the baby quilt for her new cousin, Tatum. I posted pictures in July of her climbing onto the chair and "sewing". Each time she comes she wants to sew hearts, stars, and now we added bells. She pushes my hands away to place her two fingers on the fabric to guide it along. I tried to have her look at me to take a picture to use on our Christmas letter. Her response was, "No Cheese Gramma!" In Kasey talk that means she won't smile or look at you! When she is finished she looks at her sewing and says, "I did it!"


Another picture from Kasey's birthday celebration last Saturday night. Her gift from her mommy and daddy was a trike. Of course, it came in a box. So Kasey and her cousin, Conner, were right there giving plenty of help and direction to her daddy, our son Todd, on how to put it together and what parts came next!

New Grand Baby!! It's a girl.

No pictures yet--Katie (daughter-in-law) called this morning at 10:15. She said she had just called Chad to come home from work. She said, "I think we will have a baby today-could you come to pick up Conner? No hurry." Well- I left immediately and was there in about 15 minutes. Chad arrived home.
At 12:05 we received a text from Chad stating, " Left home at 11:00, arrived at hospital 11:25, baby arrived at 11:50. Interesting ride from home to hospital.) We were able to talk to him for a second-She weighs 7 lbs 5 oz and 20 inches long.
We will head down later today and return with pictures!!!!!

Conner is a staying with Grandma and Papa playing with the new wooden train set he found on Grandma's stairs!

Making New Memories and Remembering Old!

I've learned from reading blogs that it may be a place to express excitement, challenges, accomplishments, and emotions. So here goes!

We were invited by son,
Todd, to accompany them (Todd, Marie and Princess Kasey) to visit the Minnesota Zoo near Apple Valley, MN. We met Marie's mom and dad, her sister and brother there for a day of exploring the zoo with a 19 month old. Seeing it through her eyes was the best. At this zoo you are able to get up and personal to many animals and fish while observing them in their own environment.

It was a perfect day! The little princess fell asleep on the way to the car.


Remembering an old memory:
Today would be our oldest son's 32 nd birthday. He celebrated
4 birthdays with us and today was his 28th birthday in heaven.
We knew that Todd and Marie didn't remember that it was
Travis's birthday today. So-while it was wonderful spending
the day with them. For today--my heart is breaking with the
memory of the joy we felt 32 years ago when Travis was our
first baby! So this mom shed a few tears in the shower this
morning and will go for a walk after this blog entry and let some more tears out. Then dry my tears and move on to return to 2009 and will be thankful for the 4 years 3 months he was part of our lives. I thank the Lord for our two other sons, our wonderful daughters-in-law, and our two precious grandchildren!!
Remembering: "The will of God will not lead you were the Grace of God cannot keep you."

We Said, "I Do." June 15, 1974

"We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters


We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes we've just begun.

Before the rising sun we fly,
So many roads to choose
We start out walking
And learn to run.And yes! We've just begun.

Sharin' horizons that are new to us,
Watchin' the signs along the way,
Talkin' it over just the two of us,
Workin' together day to day, together.

And when the evening comes we smile,
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow,
And yes! We've just begun.

35 years! DH and I have been through much in these 35 years. Births, death, droughts, sports, graduations, return to college, weddings, and now grandkids--- our commitment to each other even when we may not have liked each other very much!!! : ) Thinking of the Carpenters Song that my good friend and "sister" Jane sang at our Wedding--Maybe it is a good thing we all start out with a "Kiss for luck and we're on our way."

Now another change is life as we begin life without dairy cows. There is still enough to do with crops and beef cattle, and don't forget I'm still a teacher.--But with our "Kiss for Luck" we are on our way!

Nana's Princess

Spending four days with my princess has been the perfect way to unwind from the school year! Watching an 18 month old and how she sees her world is priceless!
"Just how far will this sock stretch before it comes off!"

We read "Animal Babies","Brown Bear," Guess How Much I Love You" and several other favorites of Kasey and Nana's. We sang "Wheels on the Bus and the Alphabet Song", took lunch to Papa in the field, and watched Winnie the Pooh!

Mystery Quilt! Here I come!!!! My question is--Since I am a new quilter I don't have an extensive stash supply to select from. I am going to need to purchase some/ most of the fabric for the quilt. Should I purchase fabric that is coordinated or select mix and match fabrics for the "scrappy" look? Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

I have the top of Fane's birthday quilt together. and hope to start on the quilting yet tonight. I am gaining more confidence with each project. Yahoo!!

2nd Day of Summer Vacation!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

It is the second day of vacation! WooHoo! I worked to finish all IEP's, quarterly goals reports, and report cards so I would be able to help Julie finish cleaning our room. We finished everything and I was able to walk out the door at 1:30 when Mr. Werner checked out my paperwork and classroom.

Monday through Thursday I am thrilled to have Kasey here with us. Her day care provider takes a week of vacation when school is out. This summer I will have her on Tuesdays- For a special grandma and Kasey day!

Yesterday--I had both Kasey and Conner during the afternoon.

These "Linda's Lines and Loves" may appear to wander-as I share the things I love!