Way to go STEVE

Since the beginning of January Steve was chosen out of hundreds of applications to participate in our county's biggest loser contest. Anyone who works for the county-teachers, govt. workers, or like him board of education workers can apply to enter the contest. 12 applications were chosen. It was a really intense program. He gave it all he had and WON the contest. We are so proud of him.

Hiking/backpacking trip

Blake and Andrew left Wednesday morning for a four day adventure with my brother (uncle A) and his scout group! Our boys have both been to traditional scout camps but nothing near this nature. We were all excited for the experience and grateful to Uncle A for adding them to his already full load of boys. They carry everything on their backs for 4 days-that is their food, shelter, clothing anything. Over the course of the time they will hike in, set up camp, and sleep-get up, take down camp, and hike some more to the next destination-set up for the next night of sleep. Today they are hiking 7 miles. I am sure this is a huge rude awakening for them-no mess hall to eat, no tent already set up, they do all the work. I am excited to hear about their adventure. I have to say though I cringe at night when I hear the thunder. Last night according to the news they got 5 inches of rain in 15 minutes! (maybe the news is wrong!)

Packing up

Everything they will have for four days-food, shelter, clothing, first aid etc.

Ready to go! (notice blake has a book!)

These are pictures of my two of my brother's previous camp outs...repelling down and mountain and going into a cave with nothing but a knapsacks, 1 water canteen and a live chicken! So as you can see my boys are in for a treat! I know they are having fun! The less I know about the adventure stuff the better I'll be!

Back to the hospital again!

A couple of times a year my dear ole' Dad gives us a good scare. This past Friday it happened again. For the past 12 years he has been in and out of this hospital with heart trouble. He had open heart surgery when Andrew was 1 and he is now 13! I remember so vividly that day juggling my two little boys around the hospital waiting for the word. Since that time this has become my folks vacation spot! He has good times and bad times! I decided this needed to be in my blog for the memory since we spend so much time there. He was a good sport about it-but he always is a good sport about everything!The 4th floor is for heart trouble! I know he's been in this room before too!Nice red warm socks to keep his feet toasty!Chips of ice!IV'sNeedles and wiresNana taking care of himAnd here he is so much better than last week!This is where my mom stays-a neat little place she calls home that is attached to the hospital.Always making her laugh and thinking of others even when he feels rotten!

Last Friday he was sitting on the couch and just feel over! My mom said she really thought she lost him this time. This has happened before at Wal-Mart and another time fishing with his buddies and other occasions. My mom tried to slap him back awake and his defibrillator shocked him. When he woke up she said his big blue eyes were looking at her and he wondered what in the world she was slapping him!

He was transported to St. Thomas by ambulance again. He is much much better now and hopefully will get home by the weekend.

He is truly like a cat with nine lives or he could be compared to the saying "takes a lickin and keeps on tickin" I wish I had recorded each time this has happened. It is gives me peace to know he's out of the hot water and his way to recovery again. He is an amazing person (even if he flirts with the nurses!) As I watch his body wearing down he keeps fighting on. I know he is in pain most all of the time and I hate to see him that way but in between the pain he still finds the strength to be an amazing Papa and Dad. He gives me strength, encouraging words and always knows what to say and just when to say it. He is a constant strength to all of us. He has been through more than any human I know. He lost his mother at a very young age (she was struck by lightening) He was raised by many different people learned to take care of himself at a very young age. He even lived in the school once! He worked his way through high school where he met my mother, he went to the army then to college after my brother and I were born and on to get a master's degree despite of his life. He is the hardest worker I have ever met. His life is a constant example of righteous living mixed with fun! He is always a joy to be with in all situations. I wonder how I got so lucky and was blessed to have him.

Banquets, graduations, recitals

Recital time! Leah Beth and Caroline are in a yearly dance recital. It is so much fun. A good excuse to wear make-up and get all dressed up. This year Nana, Grandma, Aunt Brandi, Rachel, Ms. Melinda, Rhonda, Faith, Steve and I got to go! Caroline got to be in 1 of the big shows this year. She has long waited and can't wait to be in all three big shows!

Blake had his 8th grade graduation. Wrestling end of the year banquet. Blake landed the most improved trophy. We were so excited for him. He really deserved it. He worked so hard this year and show some major work ethic. Hope that work ethic continues to stay around as he starts to smells the two fumes (perfume and gasoline!)