A Late Night, A New Baby, and Complimentary Hot Dogs....

This past Thursday evening, my friend, Tammy, and her little boy, Jesse, came down to visit us from Winnipeg (Manitoba). Tammy and I met during our freshmen year of college at Bethel College. We've been good friends ever since.

Her flight was supposed to arrive at 7:33 P.M. in Wichita. Due to storms in Denver, her flight was delayed and eventually cancelled. Yep, she was stuck in Denver with a seven month old infant.

Fortunately, an extremely efficient and helpful United Airlines employee helped her and some other people. This employee was able to get her on a very late (also delayed) flight into Wichita.

So, I got the privilege of leaving for the airport at 12:15 A.M. Friday to pick them up. Nope, I don't think I've ever picked anybody up at the airport this late.

For those of you blog readers who aren't from Wichita, you are assuming correctly if you are assuming that Wichita does not have a big airport. Needless to say, this flight was definitely the last flight in. Here's a lovely photo of the monitor that showed her cancelled flight as well as the late delayed flight.



I sat and waited for a bit. Finally, at this time....



(that's 1:26 A.M. if you can't see it in the photo), the first passenger off of the flight came down the terminal. Because Tammy was flying with a sleeping infant, she was the LAST one down the ramp.

I was VERY excited to finally see her (we hadn't seen each other in a year and a half and she'd never seen Luke and I'd never seen her youngest son, Jesse).



More on her visit in a future post....

Also, this past Thursday (June 25), our friends Jon and Alissa (also friends of Tammy) had their first child, a son, named Ian Michael. Little Ian weighed 7 lb. 4 oz. and was 19 inches long. Fortunately, Alissa and Ian are doing fine. Ian was breech with the foot almost coming out (Alissa was in labor and was ready to push when this was discovered). So, a VERY QUICK emergency C-Section was performed in the middle of the night.

Tammy and I went and visited Jon, Alissa, and Ian this past weekend. Here's a photo of little Ian on his dad's chest. How PRECIOUS!!!!



Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

On Friday (I hope this post isn't too confusing with days), Tammy and Jesse had lunch with a couple they knew. During that time, Marc, Luke, and I went and ate in Military Park here in town. It was First Bank's "Customer Appreciation Day." We actually don't bank there, but the event was open to the community.

They had complimentary hot dogs, chips, and of course Pepsi. (Why do you think Marc wanted to go?)

It was a nice and toasty 100 degrees, but we didn't stay too long. I really didn't want Luke to overheat or sunburn. I too didn't want to get too hot or sunburn.



First, we picked up the hot dogs and potato chips. Thanks to those who served this meal in the SCORCHING heat.



After Luke and I got to a table, Marc went and visited his favorite spot -- the Pepsi wagon as he affectionately calls it. Fortunately, he did remember to pick me up a Diet Pepsi.



While we were eating, Luke just hung out in the stroller with his sippy cup. We did our best to keep him hydrated properly. He was also wearing his cute "little boy hat" to hopefully avoid burning his fair-skinned scalp.



While we were eating, we noticed some people we knew in the crowd.



Fortunately, Lindsay, Debby, and Sheryl came over for a visit at our table. We all talked about none other than -- you guessed it, the HEAT as well as some other fun topics. It was fun talking to you guys :)



There was also a Moon Walk for the kids....



And, sno-cones were available as well. We didn't get the sno-cones. We weren't sure we could've eaten them fast enough. Perhaps next year, when Luke's a bit older, he will be able to enjoy some of these things for kids.



We will hopefully definitely be taking part of this event again next year. Maybe it won't be 100 degrees. We can only hope.

Some of you might be asking, "Why was Marc available to go to this event during the week." Well, he works for Cessna in Wichita. All Cessna employees have a required furlough this summer as well as some other furlough weeks before the end of the year. So, he was home on furlough this past week.

Marc himself wanted me to post this photo. It's what he did on his furlough -- ate Nachos and drank Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi, of course. Yep, Marc took this photo himself.



But, just so you all do know -- Marc did accomplish quite a bit during his week of furlough. He did quite a bit of yard work as well as some cleaning inside our house. He also stayed with Luke a couple of days when I was working.

Father's Day....

This post is a bit belated, but it's so important, nonetheless....

Marc called this Father's Day his first Father's Day "Ex-Utero." In other words, on Father's Day last year, Luke was still comfortably growing inside of my uterus.

One of the main things he wanted for Father's Day was for me to NOT make the bed. There's a story here. I prefer the bed made, and most days, I make it (occasionally, it just doesn't happen). However, Marc prefers to get into a bed at night that is messy from the night before. He doesn't like it when I've made it all nice and neat. He doesn't find it as comfortable.

So, since it was Father's Day, I obliged. Secretly, I didn't mind as I really don't enjoy making the bed. I just think it looks neater for the house, and also, I do like the feeling at night of a made bed.



Marc also wanted, as a gift for Father's Day, to run in a race. I thought that was a bit odd since he runs in races anyways. I'm not sure which race coming up is his official Father's Day gift, but he does have some triathlons he's doing this summer. Don't worry -- I'll keep you posted via this blog.

Without Marc knowing it, however, Luke and I made a gift for him -- this idea is compliments of "Pampering Beki" (blog link on the left side of this blog).

Marc LOVED it.



Here are the photos up close, in case you couldn't see from the final project.



(the jogging stroller is the "key" in this next one -- if you know Marc well)





Now to our Father's Day activites -- In the morning, we went to church. After church and lunch, we all three took naps. Horray for naps!

Then, Luke and Marc did some crawling around the house together.



Then, we all three went swimming in Luke's new baby pool in our backyard. I didn't get a photo of us in the pool, but I got a cute photo of Luke right before we went outside. He's modeling his new "Hawaiian" style swim trunks, while chewing on a bottle cap. And no, please don't turn us in for child neglect. We normally don't leave him sitting on top of his changing table by himself.



For supper, Marc requested (and this too won't surprise you if you know Marc) Pepperoni Lovers' Pizza from Pizza Hut, cheese breadsticks, and of course, Pepsi.

My parents joined us for supper, and my mom baked a WONDERFUL German Chocolate Cake -- at the request of my father. Our friend Collin and daughter Ava joined us as well. Andrea (Collin's wife and Ava's mom) was out of town. So, their Father's Day was with us (I hope you don't think we're too weird, Collin). In case you're wondering, we also had a couple other flavors of pizza to appease the rest of us.

Shame on me for not getting too many photos of dinner with everybody. However, I did get this one of Collin and Marc at the table, digesting their pizza.



Ava certainly entertained Luke, as always. I'm not sure what she was doing here, but I'm sure Luke was laughing at her. Those two definitely have their own language.



Luke just watched her, nearly the whole evening.



So, Happy Father's Day Marc (again). I hope you felt honored that day.

Also, Happy Father's Day to both of our dads.

Here's my dad, holding Luke at the hospital, probably about two hours or so after he was born.



And, here's Marc's dad, also holding Luke about 10 or so hours after he was born.



I realize some people in this world don't have earthly dads around to wish a "Happy Father's Day." Fortunately, all of us have the PERFECT Father, right up in heaven. Our heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and is around all of the time, day and night. He's the perfect example for our earthly fathers.

I came across this verse recently, and I think it's only appropriate for this post.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Earthly dads are so very important in their childrens' lives. They have HUGE duties as fathers. I'm so very thankful that Luke has Marc as his earthly dad. God made Marc Luke's dad because He knew Marc was the best earthly dad for Luke. I'm so incredibly thankful that Luke has Marc as his dad. I hope I express that to Marc often.

I will end with this important verse.

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

Relay for Life....

For this next post (of several posts in my mind), I'm going to admit something I'm embarrassed about. I'm embarrassed that, until this last Friday evening (June 19), I didn't really ever bother to find out more about American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. My sister-in-law, Amber, has participated in her local Relay for Life for years. I just never realized fully what it was all about.

From 7:00 P.M. Friday evening until around 4:00 A.M. Saturday morning (it was supposed to go until 7:00 A.M., but rain stopped the event early), quite a few dedicated walkers stayed up the night to walk to help the fight against cancer. These walkers included cancer survivors, family members of cancer victims, friends of cancer victims, etc....

Before walking, each participant did some fundraising to go to the American Cancer Society.

Meet our friend Lisa....



We've known Lisa and her wonderful husband Mark for awhile now. They've been with us in our Community Life Group through church for the past three years. Last fall, Lisa was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Since then, she has undergone several surgeries, numerous scans and blood work, and chemo treatments.

Several weeks ago, just as her chemo treatments had ended, she had a follow-up PET Scan to determine the next course of action in her treatment plan. The scan showed some "reactivity" in her neck. To make a long story short, Lisa and Mark are soon headed up to Rochester, MN, for an appointment at the Mayo Clinic to get a second opinion on her treatment options.

Here's where my personal embarrassment continues. My grandfathers both had colon cancer; however, in both cases, it was treatable. Marc's mom had breast cancer. It too was found early and was treatable. Other than that, I hadn't really been affected by cancer. I'm embarrassed, yet thankful, to say that I was a little naive to cancer. That is until now -- watching what Lisa and Mark have gone through for Lisa's treatment has opened my eyes. Lisa is amazing and continues to persevere. Lisa and Mark have put their faith in God. They know that God's ultimate plan will shine through this ordeal.

So, this past Friday night, Lisa and I went and hung out at the event -- at least for a little while.

Here's the entrance. Both of us were amazed at just how big the event really was.



One of the first things we saw was the "Caregiver Garden." This garden is where cancer survivors can honor their caregivers. That first photo of Lisa (earlier in this post) was of her honoring Mark, her husband, as her caregiver.



Now, admittedly, what first pulled us to this event was to support our friends, Seth and Sarah H. Seth and Sarah are also in our Community Life Group. Sarah was on a team called the "South Breeze Sockhoppers." This team was formed at the school she teaches at. Seth was there as a participant and as a supportive husband. Also on the team were friends Bart, Torri, and Shannon K. Here's a photo of their team's tent and resting/relaxing area.



As you can see, he was also there for the food that the team members provided :) Seth -- I'm fairly sure you've fully convinced my husband to do this next year -- food always does it.



Lisa, Seth, Sarah and I did walk around the track together a few times. Around the track were all of the luminaries. The luminaries were all in honor of cancer survivors or in memory of those who lost their battles to cancer. The luminaries were decorated by team members. Dollars raised "purchased" the luminaries.

Here are some luminaries in honor of Lisa -- I wasn't able to get them all photographed.





Also, luminaries were decorated in honor of sweet little Cora Paige McClenahan, the little girl of our friends, Joel and Jess, who lost her short battle with cancer back in February. Here is one of the luminaries for her. Again, I didn't get them all photographed.



Here's a photo of Seth, Sarah, Lisa, and I after walking the track. It was an EXTREMELY hot and humid evening, and my red cheeks should be a testimony to that.



Around 10:00 in the evening was the ceremony for the "Lighting of the Luminaries." This is where the luminaries were officially lit, and the track lights were turned off. Some bagpipe players walked around the track during this time. They're in this photo, but you do have to look carefully to notice them among all of the other people. Just trust me on this one.



Then, each name of those honored and remembered were on the screen one by one. Unfortunately, my photo with Lisa's name didn't turn out. But, here are some more to honor.



Overall, it was a GREAT event, and I encourage everybody to get involved in some way next year -- even if it's supporting a participant. I realize that not everybody is able to walk a track all night :)

I'm so glad that Lisa and I took the time to go. Thanks Seth & Sarah as well as the rest of your team and others for walking for such a great cause.

The last photo I want to post is this....



If you can't read it, it says "Hope." This was shining on the water tower during the "Lighting of the Luminaries" ceremony.

While looking at the water tower, I was reminded that we can't put our hope in earthly things. Only God will determine whether or not a cure for cancer will be found. I was reminded of sooooo many important verses about that. Here's the one I will share for this post. It's from the book of Hebrews.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:11-12

Isn't that so true? We're being diligent and persevering through everything here on earth (including cancer) to ultimately end up in heaven -- if we choose to repent and put our trust in Jesus Christ.

Eleven Months....

So, I'm a bit behind blogging. I actually have several posts in mind that I would like to make. But, I will make them one at a time.

Here goes the first one in my mind.

Sunday (Father's Day), Luke was 11 months old. Yep, the first year is almost over. While it's sooooo fun to see him learn new things and I so badly want to see him do more, I'm also sad that the first year is almost over. It's gone SOOOOO fast, and I know time will only seem faster as he gets older. Everybody tells me that.

We did take his usual photo in the chair. Here are some comparison months....

At one month....



At three months....



At five months....Boy, what a chunk!



At seven months....One of my favorites....



At nine months....



And, drumroll please....at eleven months (this past Sunday)....

Neighbors....

We live on a small cul-de-sac with only eight houses. It's somewhat secluded, and so, there's not too much traffic -- which will be great once Luke is running around and wanting to go on the street (even when he's not supposed to). Luke will someday have an awesome place to ride his tricycle and bike.

We know all of our neighbors, and they're all wonderful people! We sometimes get together for dinner. They're always willing to help when needed.

Before Luke was born, the neighborhood ladies all pooled together to throw me a little baby shower. They purchased us the baby swing which was VERY helpful when Luke was a tiny infant. A couple of the ladies have babysat for us.

I could go on and on.....

Anyways, this past Monday evening, we had a rather large thunderstorm go through this town of our's. After things had settled down a bit, I was in our laundry room, folding some laundry. It's near the east side of the house, and all at once, I heard a chainsaw going at our neighbors' house to the east. I told Marc, and he went outside to see what was going on.

He didn't come back in right away and Luke was sleeping (as he did through the storm), and so, I went outside. It was still slightly raining at that time.

I soon noticed Marc with work gloves. Our neighbors' tree (a large tree, I might add) had fallen across their driveway and into the street, blocking any traffic. Several were outside, including Marc, helping to clean it up.

What a "neighbor adventure!" Here are some photos. I can't take credit for them as Joan, our neighbor, took them.

In this first photo, all are watching Richard use the chainsaw. I think they were waiting on some direction.



Then, the moving of branches took place....





Finally, it was all moved off of the street and out of their driveway. The next day, the city came and picked it all up :)

Here's a final photo after the clean-up was completed.



It's always fun to do things like this with great neighbors -- helping each other.

Fellowship....

Late this afternoon and this evening, we were out at a "camp" about 45 minutes from home. This "camp" belongs to a brother of our friend, Sarah W.

We were there with other couples and children. The women "part" of these couples were the ladies that I was with each Thursday morning this past school year for a Bible Study.

Dave was the "grill man." He grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. We also had potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, and HOMEMADE ice cream with brownies and other toppings :) YUMMMMMM......

First, a few photos of the place -- I really didn't get too many photos, unfortunately.

Here's the wonderful pond that was available. A few got in the pond and said that the water actually wasn't too cold (it wasn't real warm today for a Kansas June). Our family elected to stay out. We thought it would be too cool. Therefore, we didn't even take swim attire with us.



While Dave was grilling, most of us merely hung out. There were nice rocking chairs on the front porch of the "community building." Here's Tami (on the far left), Marc, Luke, and Joel.



Inside, Sarah W., Debby, and Kendall were preparing drinks as well as condiments for burgers and hot dogs. This photo happens to be of Sarah W. and Debby.





After eating the yummy food, we all spent time sharing what was happening in our Community Life Groups. We then spent some time in prayer.

Then, the guys all decided to get "physical" (to quote Dave Weber). In other words, they went outside for "outdoor" games. They started out by playing "Cornhole." Sorry, I didn't get photos here.

Next, they hit the basketball court.



The girls -- well, you might have guessed it. Most of us hung outside with some of the kids -- talking. That's something I always LOVE -- fellowshipping with other Christian women.

Here's a photo of Tami and Lori.



After awhile, kids were getting tired. Luke was no exception. We always know when he's tired -- his thumb goes right in his mouth.



Luke did a FANTASTIC job this evening -- especially when it got way past his bedtime. He did get very dirty. While he was outside, he was always held. But, he did crawl around on the "community building" floor. I think he was more dirty than he's ever been so far. But, isn't that what little boys do? They get dirty!



Thanks Dave and Sarah for the use of this place. It was a lot of fun. The bonus was that it didn't rain. The forecast was calling for severe weather, and fortunately, it all stayed away from here.