Handicapped Trip

Ken and I had a very busy week planned last week. We were going to go to Iowa and attend Kristi's graduation from Dordt, Kenny and Erin's wedding reception in Orange City, visit with Steve and Alyona in Milwaukee and celebrate Jenny and Andrew's birthdays in Illinois. I was looking forward to an "action--packed" week of "go-G0-GO"!
Tuesday night, at around 9:20 my cell phone rang and I ran to answer it. I missed the top step of the stairs and tumbled down - not so gracefully, I might add, and ended up on the landing with my foot tucked up in a weird way. We ended up in emergency where they said the x-rays were inconclusive, but that I probably tore some ligaments in my ankle.
Loaded down with pain pills, ace bandages, ankle braces and crutches, we decided to go ahead on the trip since graduation and wedding receptions were not exactly "do-over" events. I discovered a whole new way of traveling. Anybody who has ever traveled with me, knows I do not like to sit still and I always want to keep busy. That was not possible and I have never been so sedimentary as on this trip. I much prefer to push the wheelchair than be in it! Needless to say, I felt like a very senior citizen! Despite everything though, we managed to do most of what we had planned.
We went to the graduation reception at Dordt, but did not make the ceremony since it was too hard to get around there on crutches. Instead, we were able to give Danny the tickets for the ceremony and very glad he could watch Kristi "walk". It was nice to see Kristi's family and enjoy her excitement. We also attended the wedding reception. Ken parked me at a table and took away my crutches, so I remained sitting at the same table for three hours. I got to meet some interesting friends of Erin's family and enjoyed our conversations very much! Saturday we went to Milwaukee. We went out to eat with Steve and Alyona and in the restaurant there were steps to climb. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I fell again! I'm not very good with crutches. Fortunately, only my pride was hurt this time!! Sunday morning we had the pleasure of going to church with Steve and Alyona and then she made us a very delicious brunch. It was very nice to be able to sit and talk with them and catch up on their lives. Then we headed to Chicago. Late Sunday afternoon the Lumkes family got together at Jay and Melanie's house for a birthday party. I always enjoy Jay's family. We had a nice visit and the kids were SO CUTE. Andrew is walking all over and Jenny has such an imagination! Sunday night and Monday were spent "hanging out" at Melanie's and playing cards. We cut one day off our proposed trip because of my limited mobility, but otherwise did pretty much what we had planned.
When we got home, there was a message from the doctor. It seems that after reading the x-rays, the radiologist decided that my ankle has a slight fracture. It might take a while before I'm walking through the fields again...................GR.r.r.rrrrrrrrrrrr!

Kenny's wedding

Last weekend Kenny married Erin Kuiken. We are so happy for them both! The weather was perfect for the wedding; the place was gorgeous; the ceremony was God-honoring. It was so much fun to have the whole family together again, it was the first time in over a year! We took advantage of the rare event to have our family picture taken. Hopefully I will have some to post soon! It was enjoyable to watch the little grandkids enjoy each other. They could not have been better!
It is wonderful to know that all of our kids have found their life partners. Once again I am reminded that GOD IS GOOD!

Easter Sunday

What a wonderful Easter Sunday we had! We left for church early because the choir had to practice for its anthem and the children were singing . While I was waiting for the service to start, I read through some of the notes I had taken during past Easter sermons, preparing my heart for the worship that followed. I came across this quote from one of Rev. Headley's sermons: "Despite the attempt by Jesus' enemies to keep Him in the grave- the seal, the stone and the guards had as much chance of succeeding as a gossamer spiderweb being used to contain a ferocious dinosaur." Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory? What a blessing to know that the grave is empty for all who believe in the risen Lord! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Following the service, our "local" kids and grandkids came for lunch, along with my folks, some of Thelene's family, and most of Bev's family. We had about 31 people (plus 4 newborns) and we managed to "squeak" the Easter egg hunt in, despite the cold weather and threatening skies. We finished about ten minutes before the storm let loose! It was fun to see the kids run around the yard, finding the treasures. After everyone left, I also got to talk to Melanie and Steve, so it was a SUPER DAY!
As our March Madness game nears an end, it is obvious that busy Shelly will be the winner of the Olive Garden gift card. If anyone needs a night out, it's her! Despite the taunting by some of my boys about not doing well the year I'm not keeping score, I will feel vindicated if Duke wins. That should catapult me up the standings, at least above Tom! However, Danny will take second place (the In n' Out card) and Kristi, sadly, gets the last place McDonald's gift card. It's been unpredictable, but fun.
The next big event in our lives is Kenny and Erin's wedding! WOO-HOO! We are looking forward to the event, but also to the blessing of having her join our family.
Ken and I feel very blessed!

March Madness

After a couple of months of excitement - weddings, babies, showers, etc. - this month is pretty laid back. We are looking forward to Kenny and Erin's wedding next month, and then hopefully a trip to the mid-west, but in the meantime, things seemed to have slowed down a bit. The weather is warming up and the beauty of springtime in the Escalon area is always enjoyable.
I don't know if I have ever mentioned this on my blog, but I have nine very darling grandchildren!
As usual for our family, March means NCAA fun- March Madness. Last year Kristi played for the first time with our family; we are hoping that Alyona and Erin join us this year. Since the prizes are gift certificates to restaurants, and no entry fee for family members, I'm hoping that we get 100% participation again. One change this year: I discovered that I could set up the game on line and not have to do all the listing, tabulating, etc. myself. Who said technology is a bad thing?!