Hey! Long time no chat. :) It would seem that I'm enjoying my freedom from being a business owner so much, that I am spending more time outdoors and with my family than on the computer. I think that's actually alright, except for that I miss keeping up with everyone. I anticipate being more of a blogging "regular" this fall when the weather is too undesirable to be outside.
Anyway, so I was really excited to post about our fantastic California vacation, but I need to sort through photos so I have some ready to post along with the the story. Just haven't made the time to do that yet. I do need to get through all the pix though soon, otherwise I can't print some for scrap booking - and that sounds FUN! Since the business has officially moved out of my work space here in the basement... it has been turned into a hobby room. I LOVE it! All the scrapbooking and sewing stuff is down here for me, Ciara has her art supplies all stored on the shelves down here... it just looks good! Brandon stained the beautiful photo clock that he made for his dad in woodshop. It was nice that he had a place to come lay out newspapers and work without worrying about ruining something in our living space. I'm really looking forward to the time spent in this room... especially this winter when I make the rag patchwork quilt for my bedroom. It's gonna be so pretty. I love anything that looks raggy or beat up - shabby, distressed, etc. A lot of people don't understand that decorating style, but I just really appreciate the character in these types of items.
This last week was a little tough. After being on vacation and trying to play catch up with laundry and all... I got a call from my Mom last wednesday saying that my Dad was in the Emergency trauma room. He had been electrocuted at work! So scary! Dad and hubby informed me that electrocution =death, but Webster's dictionary defines electrocution as "electrical current passing through your body causing unintentional harm or even death." Whether you call it shock or electrocution - Dad took a 277 amp hit. He was on top of a ladder working on something in the ceiling tile at work (coincidentally he works at the hospital) when this happened and he fell back into the wall and cut himself and gouged his arm pretty good. He actually crawled down the ladder and noticed his arm was bleeding. About that time a co-worker noticed it too and went to get some papertowels - that's when dad collapsed unconscious. Apparently they had a farkle of medical staff surrounding him. They actually called code blue. How scary is that!!? When the emergency team arrived he had already began breathing again. Thank you LORD! They got him into trauma and ran tests, which all looked good. He was incredibly confused and didn't remember anything that had happened. Being in E.R. with him and seeing him like that reminded me how much I still need my dad. It was really hard. Well I believe that God works miracles because wonder of wonders my dad was admitted to the hospital but not kept overnight. (he was insisting he go home) Once they gave him oxygen his mind seemed to clear up. He had a lot of aches and pains, but other than that he was doing alright. Once home, now a week later, he still has a lot of dizziness. Not sure when that will subside. The concern is that he could still have heart or kidney problems, or permanent muscle damage. Dad is really super stubborn and insists on doing what he wants to do and not take it easy, including working outside in 103 degree weather. GRR. He makes me crazy sometimes... but he's' my dad and I love him and believe that God must have something really amazing in store for him since he pulled him through such a dangerous situation. Just praying that he will eventually understand how serious this was, he thinks it's no big deal. Go figure!
What else is going on? Well... Luke left tuesday morning for a business trip to Kansas City and when I went out to do morning animal chores, discovered that one of our precious new baby kitties had died overnite. I loathe having to deal with such things... but husband wasn't here so...
We are car shopping for Ciara. She'll turn 18 on August 2nd and will be looking to purchase then. I think we will make a trip to Wichita for some fun and car shopping.
Brandon hasn't been using sunscreen when he swims and is outdoors for a long time and got his 3rd burn reaction on his nose - so wound up on oral steroids to clear it up. Seems to be doing better - needless to say... he is now using sunscreen. ;)
My hunt for part time work continues. Blech! The truth is I love being home... but due to surrounding circumstances, this is what's necessary. I am weary of this process though, as it's been going on since April. Please pray for me that God will provide just the right thing... whatever that is - I'm ready for it.
Preparing for a trip to Nebraska the weekend of July 24th for the 2nd annual "Brothers Reunion". This is where all the brothers and their families gather with the parents to just enjoy being a family. Isn't that great? We take turns providing the meals and doing activities with the kiddos. Last year those activities included water balloon fights, campfire sing along, scavenger hunt, bubbles, (what else am I forgetting?). :) With one brother in Nebraska, one in western Kansas and the other in Wyoming... this is a much enjoyed time of family fun. I believe there are 24 of us when we get together, soon to be 25 with another baby due to arrive in September. :)
Beginning to think school already. Geesh... how the summer does fly by. Enrollment for Brandon is August 10th and 11th - classes begin on the 20th. Ciara's classes at FHSU begin on the 24th. We are now haggling over all the financial stuff. It's so frustrating and confusing, but I bet I'll know what to do next year!
Well, that's pretty much it. I made strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and home made strawberry cheesecake iceream for my Mom's 60th birthday party here on July 7th. Invited all her brothers and sisters from the area over and we had a fun time. I know what you're thinking... strawberry cheesecake icecream, that sounds delicious! Yup... it was, so here's the recipe for you!
