Grandpa Bob

Mike's dad passed away early this morning peacefully with his dear wife with him. He was an amazing dad and grandpa! He was very tender hearted and generous. He loved people and people loved him. He loved telling jokes and stories. He loved genealogy and sharing family history facts with us. For the last 3 years they have lived just 2 blocks down the street from us. We told the kids last night how lucky they were to have been able to spend so much time with Grandpa, what a blessing in their lives. We love you Bob, you will be greatly missed! Thanks for your example of love and kindness.

Bob enjoyed photography, mostly he took beautiful landscape pictures.

Christmas was his favorite time of year, notice the fun suspenders. He also had a number of Christmas socks. This is from Christmas 2007 since he missed it this year. He always hands out the gifts but usually lets the younger kids help.

This picture is from fall of 2004, we were all in CA for his mom's funeral. I love the big smile on his face and Noah's. He was always so much fun!

Wyatt, Jenna, & Mara still smiling after 3 days together.

The fish at the Bass Pro Shop. Jenna was amazed at this place.

Sweet Charley, isn't she beautiful!

Two of my most favorite people!

My favorite cactus, the teddy bear cactus. Doesn't it look soft and fuzzy!

This hawk was right outside Rachel's yard, awesome!

A Crazy Week...

That is the only way I can think to describe the last week. It seems more like a few weeks has passed so much has happened.
First, my first day of nursing school. There is only one word to describe my feelings that day: overwhelmed!
Second: my fast, fun friend getaway. Katie (& Jenna) picked me up from school and we drove to Las Vegas. We stayed the night with my sister Sara and left Jenna with her. Saturday morning we headed to Tuscon to visit Rachel and meet baby Charley. It was beautiful weather, clear blue skies and about 80 degrees. We had so much fun jsut catching up and cuddling with Charley and enjoying the sun! We left Monday afternoon and stayed in Vegas again that night. Tuesday morning Sara's kids wanted to take Jenna to see the Bass Pro Shop and then we went to see Katie's dad at his Vegas office and headed home. Home to cold and yucky air. Oh, well it was a great weekend!
Third: catching up on laundry and homework. I think these are 2 things that seem like they will never end!
Fourth: LOST season premier!!!!!!!!!!!
Fifth: family meeting with the dr's to update us all on my father-in-law. That happened this morning and was both good and sad. They are prediciting 2 more weeks at the hospital and then 2-4 months at a skilled nursing facility. What? yeah we were a little shocked at the time line. They will continue to watch his fingers and toes/feet to determine how much will have to be removed. For sure he will be losing fingertips and probably part of his feet or possible legs. I think the hardest thing to hear today was that his confusion (which seems to come and go) is most likely permanent. The lack of oxygen to his extremeties has affected his brain as well. I am grateful that he knows who we all are and remembers his great stories and jokes, but it is sad to think he may never be exactly the same. One great thing today was that I was able to feed him his first meal in 5 weeks. He finally passed his swallow test (at least mostly) and can now have soft foods and thick liquids. He was so excited! I was able to feed him and sit and talk with him one on one for some time. It was great!

So that is my week in a nutshell. I will post some pics of the trip and then off to do more homework...I am hoping I don't feel so overwhelmed after classes tomorrow.

It All Begins...

Tomorrow is my first day of nursing school. I am so excited and extremely anxious! I know this is where I am suppose to be in my life right now and am looking forward to learning all sorts of new things, but...

But, what is the next 2 years going to bring!?!?!

I know it is going to be hard. I know it is going to be very time consuming. I know I will miss out on some things. I know I will be stressed. I know I will be ignoring my family more than I should. I know I will have to depend on others more than I like. I know my whole life is going to change. I know that I will learn. I know that I will do my best. I know that I can do it. I know that it will all be worth it!

A Much Needed Haircut...

>Mike's dad has been in the hospital for just over 4 weeks now and they have been giving him a good shave almost everyday but his hair has gotten so long. So today my sister in laws friend came and played barber.

What a difference! He looked so much better and healthier after, its amazing what a difference just a good haircut can make.

My Future Vet...

The other day Jenna & I were at the pet store by crickets for the toads and just like everytime we go Jenna has to check out all the puppies and all the birds and all the fish and all the reptiles and you get my point. This day one of the employees was holding a couple of the puppies so Jenna really got to love them. She said that girl has the best job because she can play with the animals. We talked about Dr's who take care of animals and she informed me that is what she wants to be when she grows up.
Today I looked outside to check on her while she was playing with the dogs and this is what I saw. I think she will make a great vet!

Good News

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Mike's dad was finally moved out of the ICU today! The kids were so excited! They have been asking everyday, "Have they moved Grandpa to a new room yet?" It has been almost a month since they kids have seen him. It has been rough on them since they are use to seeing him almost everyday. He is looking good and seems to be improving a little each day.

Mike seems to be getting use to hospitals...

The boys and Jenna were so excited to see that the helicopter landing pad was right down from Grandpa's room. They kept watching and waiting for lifeflight to come and land. They left the room and of course life flight came. They were so bummed they missed it.

First Day of a New Year...

I haven't made any official resolutions. I am glad 2008 is behind us. I am looking forward to a better 2009. That is all I have in the way of deep thoughts right now to share...sorry not much.

Anyway, yesterday I was able to go see Mike's dad for the first time in a few days and he looks sooooooo much better. He is awake and off most his meds. He is still intubated but they are hoping to take the tube out today or tomorrow. It was awesome to see him smile and the recognition is his eyes. When I got home this is the sunset I saw from our house. Things are looking up.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We spent New Year's Eve at Mike's sisters playing Wii. The kids had a blast making a mess and lots of noise at midnight. I think this is the first time they have really all been up at midnight.