Finally an Update!

This blog is long overdue and so much to share that I’m going to make it mainly a photo blog.  We had many activities scheduled in April. A road trip to St. George, Utah & San Diego, our family participation in the Sutter’s Fort Environmental Living Program and my 8 month appointment at Stanford among them.  We have more adventures beginning this Friday so I wanted to make sure and get this blog up before we leave and I’d have more to share 😊

April:  Using a timeshare that was going to expire-the four of us traveled to St. George Utah.  Highlights to the trip:  Visiting a less-traveled area of the Grand Canyon; an ATV tour outside of Zion National Park,  and according to Scott-watching me hike and walk all over the place without stopping.  “I think you have more energy now that you had even before you got sick.” We also stopped in for a visit in San Diego to spend Easter with family and pick up the last of our kitchen cabinets.

The bottom of the sign says it best!

Road Tripping Again!

We've reached our destination

First hike

  

We made it to the top!

I did too!

Snow fight on the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Save me!

No Save me!

Let's get this adventure started!

Can I drive Dad?

I'm bigger than mom...can I drive?

This is fun!

Statues

More hiking

 

Briefly checking out Hoover Dam-Note to self: Don't visit during Spring Break

My niece Amelia's first Easter

When we returned home, Scott and I headed to Stanford for my 8 month appointment that had been rescheduled.  All went well and I gave my “thank you” letter to my transplant coordinator.  My limited understanding is that she will pass it on to the donor’s coordinator who will then contact the family to see if they would like to receive it.  From that point it will be sent to them or held until they make contact with their coordinator to receive it.

After our return from Stanford, the next day to be exact, the kids and I participated in an event at Sierra Donor Services.  We placed windmills in honor of the organ donors who'd gifted life to those in the region in 2016.  I even made it on the news!

We barely had time to relax before we jumped in to our Sutter’s Fort Characters once again for our 2^nd Sacramento Area Homeschoolers Environmental Living Program.  This year, we signed on as a helper family and the 5 of us time traveled once again to 1846:  Scott, Leah, Nolan, Chris (Mema) and myself.  We each had different tasks this year.  Leah and Chris were going to show the children how to make corn husk dolls, Scott and Nolan were teaching/helping make sausage for the participant children’s breakfast the following morning, and I was helping quilt the patches the children had turned in earlier in the year.  The weather was perfect, we all were healthy (mostly) and for the most part it turned out great.  

Only down side to the entire event was the following morning.  Scott and the kids had spent the night at the fort but Scott had spent over six hours with a nosebleed that wouldn’t stop.  So Chris and I drove back down to Sutter’s Fort at 7:15 am.  Chris drove Scott’s truck and the kids home, and Scott and I walked across the street to Sutter General’s ER.  After a few hours of waiting, examining, insertion of a “rhino-rocket”, labs, and more waiting we were released to head home.  The sinus pressure was too intense for Scott the first day, so he spent it in bed and was pretty much down for the 48 hours.  When it was finally removed he said it was instant relief.  Our best guess for the lengthy nose bleed was the Scott was just getting over a cold and the dust and smoke, in addition to being dehydrated, had caused the nose bleed.   Leah’s all ready to jump in and do it again.  Dad-not so much, but I’m sure over time, he’ll rejoin her enthusiasm.

May:  The kids finished their school year with Western Lights Co-op with many fun activities during class. One being a Medieval Feast in history class and an open house for the parents who didn't teach on campus each week. This is typically the dads and other family members, but for our family it was mom who was off campus and dad who taught.  Scott was the only male teacher on campus.  Some of their work was on display from their classes and Leah even participated in a skit for her history class.  I was able to meet some of the teachers I had not met before, as well as the friends Leah and Nolan spoke about all year.  

Leah's Costume for Feast & Skit

Medieval Feast-History Class 

We also butchered our homegrown beef for the year with all of us helping in one way or another.  I think this is the first year I didn't cut any meat-Leah took my place and Nolan and I were in charge of packaging, labeling, and weighing.  I've spared you from those photos-you can thank me later :)

The kids got involved this year with butchering.  (Yes-more than drawing pictures in the meat cutting room)

Two days later, I whisked Scott away for his birthday to a B&B in Half-Moon Bay.  It was more of a combo birthday, as a Gift Certificate was given to me for my birthday. But you may recall I spent my birthday at Stanford for pneumonia and then had a 6 week recovery period.

Room with a view!

June: We began June with prepping and hosting our annual abalone party.  Since our house/yard is in disarray because of the renovation right now, we hosted it at Chris & Ren’s house.  The kids and Scott helped to get their yard and deck ready for the party. It was great to catch up with everyone and we had a lot of fun.  Chris said her favorite part was seeing me “running around” being able to be hostess and help out so much.  It’s good to be back!

More adventures to come!

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-think about such things."  Philippians 4:4-8