tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26596070985672522132024-03-02T19:47:23.092-06:00Faith's Mom's BlogCari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.comBlogger328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-44651120606493068052023-12-30T14:42:00.008-06:002023-12-30T17:44:27.848-06:00A Blessed Christmas Season <p>Some people start their Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving. Not us! We actually wait until about the second week of December, when we go to the Nutcracker, put on by <a href="https://northernplainsdance.org/" target="_blank">Northern Plains Dance</a>. (Plus, this year, both of us were still recovering from covid in November!) Every year, Faith loves to see her friends perform onstage and visit with them afterward. We have been going to this performance since 2017, and it never ceases to amaze us! It's been so fun to watch the growth of her ballet friends as they take on more challenging parts each year. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vInGlEVLp4sGII_5W9V2frBEld4FRWhrNTTbYOWdcrIdQWCG8UM3yklxuAqiRPNToA8fYhf3WuWq3bhlRNmjN4WeOAKUmuHvCB2WoCKXf5Jr4GiTn_7johyzW5AeqlPaApNzu-Ko-QUH34Jdd4grnRVeTbU9TMATI2YgGf18XW0tqbDkCp4-9VeElf0/s2987/20231209_161759.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="2347" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vInGlEVLp4sGII_5W9V2frBEld4FRWhrNTTbYOWdcrIdQWCG8UM3yklxuAqiRPNToA8fYhf3WuWq3bhlRNmjN4WeOAKUmuHvCB2WoCKXf5Jr4GiTn_7johyzW5AeqlPaApNzu-Ko-QUH34Jdd4grnRVeTbU9TMATI2YgGf18XW0tqbDkCp4-9VeElf0/w502-h640/20231209_161759.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Nutcracker for the 6th year in a row! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>One new thing that I was able to do this year was go to the Lorie Line Christmas Concert. She has been coming to Bismarck for 30 years and I have always wanted to go, but it has never worked out. This year I was going to try to go with my parents, but then decided not to, as by the time I was going to get tickets, it looked nearly sold out. But then a friend of mine asked if I could help transport her grandma (who uses a wheelchair) in our van to the concert. In exchange for helping, she bought me a ticket to the concert! </p><p>I was just expecting to sit there and listen to <a href="https://www.lorieline.com/" target="_blank">Lorie Line</a> play the piano, but it was so much more! She and her husband both interacted with the audience quite a bit and at one point, she even took requests. As people shouted out their favorite songs, she wrote them down and then came up with a medley that included several of the songs! The featured vocalist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUiTqYucgqA" target="_blank">(Jimmy Finch</a>) was a professional opera singer. He even sang my favorite Christmas carol, "O Holy Night". I just might have to make this event a tradition as well! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVd4pfkzL2FWgQE5qrdmnuZCedbfHHNeadWYQ1LIglZjN6A0IYYTvx1iOSM8WthRI5x8ecl_kviVprYJ7xMPEPDFYUXwUTn64UHAR2snx-CWOLfQb6029I6RiGF381l427mGPm0ihkfV5XUcFuRpiJq3mjb9EOW1vfYRmYwyNnLszvvqRol6qtgQWQ9E/s4000/20231221_194428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVd4pfkzL2FWgQE5qrdmnuZCedbfHHNeadWYQ1LIglZjN6A0IYYTvx1iOSM8WthRI5x8ecl_kviVprYJ7xMPEPDFYUXwUTn64UHAR2snx-CWOLfQb6029I6RiGF381l427mGPm0ihkfV5XUcFuRpiJq3mjb9EOW1vfYRmYwyNnLszvvqRol6qtgQWQ9E/w640-h480/20231221_194428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorie Line Christmas concert - such a wonderful experience! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV8ROJ4qY7cM1roocGjdCzQkML0Z9bfom8dhlEdPhkGTx-tbrpI_Owl96KQ6z9hV1z7K5WmC2l7vu2zLTeWoUqdWR5ustMdhZhjrAU-0ajmfNLxmXUORQDQLtgxOIFJsEZec12_UnHzEdZGhOJnaxtipPFC-ZFWVTXbxXkemwsGskaogPxo3jsnZ7ESU/s1635/20231222_103445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="1562" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV8ROJ4qY7cM1roocGjdCzQkML0Z9bfom8dhlEdPhkGTx-tbrpI_Owl96KQ6z9hV1z7K5WmC2l7vu2zLTeWoUqdWR5ustMdhZhjrAU-0ajmfNLxmXUORQDQLtgxOIFJsEZec12_UnHzEdZGhOJnaxtipPFC-ZFWVTXbxXkemwsGskaogPxo3jsnZ7ESU/w612-h640/20231222_103445.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>On Saturday, the 23rd, Faith's dad came for a visit. She had a nice time hanging out with him and got to open a few gifts. On Christmas Eve, Faith and I went to church in the morning and then the candlelight service in the evening. My sisters met us there, which I was very surprised and happy about! It was a nice service and afterward, Faith and I drove around and looked at Christmas lights. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyyN0r6bEdGkU2GZv2NjiZDE7CDJjp12hPm06dNFxdqtDSvOI1dnsKeuBVr-I_f06GuICuBIg_LBVOdyj33ovymrnz0KXcgPQNNAZA878Dyhrjkz7G6BI5GUV4vngZEqmXa1lGIFPhorBIDiXt3i212TI_bGlw6PwdLirD2EWkBJykJzz-nZ4YnzStOw/s4000/20231224_152747.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyyN0r6bEdGkU2GZv2NjiZDE7CDJjp12hPm06dNFxdqtDSvOI1dnsKeuBVr-I_f06GuICuBIg_LBVOdyj33ovymrnz0KXcgPQNNAZA878Dyhrjkz7G6BI5GUV4vngZEqmXa1lGIFPhorBIDiXt3i212TI_bGlw6PwdLirD2EWkBJykJzz-nZ4YnzStOw/w480-h640/20231224_152747.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening some gifts. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCW7PkSTr-LwocaI2jPsltvrMwPvm1xOiHQ2m-OTgOahCVQnA6aVZO_NFigl_w6buyo1GERIwZt78harQep21dnHfrbA3wsSsrJJzLPBcD5sMDZiRWcHfkGnz9HBu6f7UiFytg0mfwbeAx00Uq2Dlg0fsl9-_VltYN6tPkCU0wUeJKKuAo0KBHqUtY0qg/s1440/FB_IMG_1703475976512.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCW7PkSTr-LwocaI2jPsltvrMwPvm1xOiHQ2m-OTgOahCVQnA6aVZO_NFigl_w6buyo1GERIwZt78harQep21dnHfrbA3wsSsrJJzLPBcD5sMDZiRWcHfkGnz9HBu6f7UiFytg0mfwbeAx00Uq2Dlg0fsl9-_VltYN6tPkCU0wUeJKKuAo0KBHqUtY0qg/w480-h640/FB_IMG_1703475976512.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At church for the Christmas Eve service. Photo credit: Tesa Graff <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5AEXxdFScQwnpgZGyrW_o8fQqRaAvRb_17YwjDkabczXYob5LXhhyNhrI00prmxWc8BRy9yqEAI7X5Ohw45FckEVzlkQ-c9BDYZzpKw5KO_DrHk2RsLmubdLHuXCOTacRAeOchG90KyIYVrf0vbxwA9gGqWKVKslnWYu_-0oMik5DF9dhNvwzKjPWBU/s4000/20231221_210213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5AEXxdFScQwnpgZGyrW_o8fQqRaAvRb_17YwjDkabczXYob5LXhhyNhrI00prmxWc8BRy9yqEAI7X5Ohw45FckEVzlkQ-c9BDYZzpKw5KO_DrHk2RsLmubdLHuXCOTacRAeOchG90KyIYVrf0vbxwA9gGqWKVKslnWYu_-0oMik5DF9dhNvwzKjPWBU/w640-h480/20231221_210213.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out some of the Christmas lights! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The next day, Faith did a video chat with her Auntie Joh in Canada and got to see her two kitties. Finally, it was time for the big event at Grandma and Grandpa's. There was lots of food, fun, and laughter. <p>Along with all the people, there was also a dog named Josie (who came with her family from Nebraska) and the Grinch. My brother and his family from South Dakota had also traveled to Bismarck. After a lively gift exchange game, Faith was tuckered out, so we ventured home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJQyxZOgLxCu_POhZfK85qzzz5Emn6qc2HVfuuORsfQYU87WMfAzH9laz1n6N-zQYcrHM2Pl0gwd2pK7i6mGbcCik0X624ToFrnv_5_jCEyUBKFs_rroNm0DYX5EfLJ_0HDswwu0Zxu7z05wr6enkMN9FOqub2ulKcRPjRYbWsJ6o4OrYa1je7N5769g/s2048/GiftExchangeGame.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJQyxZOgLxCu_POhZfK85qzzz5Emn6qc2HVfuuORsfQYU87WMfAzH9laz1n6N-zQYcrHM2Pl0gwd2pK7i6mGbcCik0X624ToFrnv_5_jCEyUBKFs_rroNm0DYX5EfLJ_0HDswwu0Zxu7z05wr6enkMN9FOqub2ulKcRPjRYbWsJ6o4OrYa1je7N5769g/w640-h480/GiftExchangeGame.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift exchange game. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY8mY35V163-aqAL7VjRI-yMB_cKuRzSSeT8-vyY16wSFhB6MJ96oN_ZxFY8WN97Jm9h-ipQEXwrEMyFTnER-aOzpxBjad3i5ahQkE60yLbIPuuIBC63JZEjx_hnoMc4SdTdKTUuHSNnSKMkedliYNMf6Au8DJIWnc4l7eRqAXuI4nClBlav3yEz-aVw/s4000/20231225_180230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY8mY35V163-aqAL7VjRI-yMB_cKuRzSSeT8-vyY16wSFhB6MJ96oN_ZxFY8WN97Jm9h-ipQEXwrEMyFTnER-aOzpxBjad3i5ahQkE60yLbIPuuIBC63JZEjx_hnoMc4SdTdKTUuHSNnSKMkedliYNMf6Au8DJIWnc4l7eRqAXuI4nClBlav3yEz-aVw/w640-h480/20231225_180230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's aunties, Tesa and Dawn helping her during the gift exchange game. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigi04KSsHuaYItjLJQ4Nk25E3GU6oCXQtC70WL9iE7hHtQZTc5_sN0Kd7ThVvRkW1hBLEN_L_qBj840ArqZqrWeepYtthbjuYAGsKSZPlAj_RpEJR4hgVhgzvDjRENtSKjs3zDhyphenhyphenXUOZ_vszJbu5PFo-KUDk3XJ-GMINScvx-eWjx-z_n_WWizrrlzw0/s4000/20231225_185255.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigi04KSsHuaYItjLJQ4Nk25E3GU6oCXQtC70WL9iE7hHtQZTc5_sN0Kd7ThVvRkW1hBLEN_L_qBj840ArqZqrWeepYtthbjuYAGsKSZPlAj_RpEJR4hgVhgzvDjRENtSKjs3zDhyphenhyphenXUOZ_vszJbu5PFo-KUDk3XJ-GMINScvx-eWjx-z_n_WWizrrlzw0/w640-h480/20231225_185255.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with Grandma, Grandpa, her cousins, and Josie the dog. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhS4rWZSonbpT8UbvXpKxzQVWTdSbZBYi1FIqzvXfh3YnciKG2yiQ1Jf8roXRbFKS3yAPGk31a51nfcM3jAH0aZ4NXb010r5Ji3KCfxYn1v7n_vCH8NDKOIBOu7STHup9gQOc3Xq7qjMDpze4IV6Kdzm54tCWbddaICZuhpELOSmdK9_yZWyUnTb0w6U/s2048/MomDadKids.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhS4rWZSonbpT8UbvXpKxzQVWTdSbZBYi1FIqzvXfh3YnciKG2yiQ1Jf8roXRbFKS3yAPGk31a51nfcM3jAH0aZ4NXb010r5Ji3KCfxYn1v7n_vCH8NDKOIBOu7STHup9gQOc3Xq7qjMDpze4IV6Kdzm54tCWbddaICZuhpELOSmdK9_yZWyUnTb0w6U/w480-h640/MomDadKids.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one will ever know what it took to get that Christmas tree placed there for family photos! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgVGVOEph4EbUkp4SmCyxHxl0_M2hlIR1HeGKJGvh9ZbFZxVDyIp6Z2OQmo6ZoKgPDMyD2AZXE3ZTM6D2EtYLDIE3yCGQM2Vlt0v_ondQDCCtiJxpCI45TlL-endwvgH3Sh5eRwzXfdEktXHOynwErOmjUDBElufvQm76yu99BojQ18oeNQZicfDIvjs/s960/FaithGrinchDawn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgVGVOEph4EbUkp4SmCyxHxl0_M2hlIR1HeGKJGvh9ZbFZxVDyIp6Z2OQmo6ZoKgPDMyD2AZXE3ZTM6D2EtYLDIE3yCGQM2Vlt0v_ondQDCCtiJxpCI45TlL-endwvgH3Sh5eRwzXfdEktXHOynwErOmjUDBElufvQm76yu99BojQ18oeNQZicfDIvjs/w480-h640/FaithGrinchDawn.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn and Faith taking a break from all the chaos and then the Grinch shows up. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Another thing we have been blessed with this Christmas season is the nice weather. It hasn't been near as cold or snowy like last year. In fact, we have hardly gotten any snow at all and the temps in December have been well above freezing. That all changed overnight when half of the state got hit with a major <a href="https://www.kfyrtv.com/video/2023/12/27/ice-storm-recap-with-skyspy-photos/" target="_blank">ice storm</a>! We began getting freezing rain overnight and by the time Tuesday morning rolled around, the streets and sidewalks had become a skating rink. Needless to say, Faith did not make it to therapy or her day program! </p><p>That evening, I received a text from my mom asking for prayer for my brother-in-law who had slipped on the ice at their place and cracked his head open. I started praying right away. Thankfully, despite the ice-covered streets, my brother and his wife were able to get him to the ER in record time (good thing they have a brand-new truck with 4WD). My brother-in-law ended up needing stitches and got a concussion, but we are all so thankful that it wasn't worse. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCWvogIcsZp0x1dXzhGhFoikPZ7SEB_QBR3fGfSuQNpFFgASmzDqS7yYUi_zYMHYeL3tI8sF8nholJDdo-hrMTydbaFIydIxXZVWnN75LwKdmguqFqKjCjPNXA8BgaXc3A-7H53xDdk3pHser3M4mDoMLHzvRyu_a41uF6donzaM9D5WNKXWm9dDhSdc/s4000/20231226_170534.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCWvogIcsZp0x1dXzhGhFoikPZ7SEB_QBR3fGfSuQNpFFgASmzDqS7yYUi_zYMHYeL3tI8sF8nholJDdo-hrMTydbaFIydIxXZVWnN75LwKdmguqFqKjCjPNXA8BgaXc3A-7H53xDdk3pHser3M4mDoMLHzvRyu_a41uF6donzaM9D5WNKXWm9dDhSdc/w480-h640/20231226_170534.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how shiny the ice made our street! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next day, the sun came out in full force and the temperatures reached above freezing, which helped to begin the thawing process. By the time I took Faith to her day program, the no travel advisory had been lifted and things had improved immensely. Another thing to be thankful for was that our power didn't go out, which happened to many people in the southeast part of the state. </p><p>On Friday after taking Faith to her day program, I met my sister, her husband, and one of their sons, along with my parents, for lunch at the Pizza Ranch. That evening, my sister and her boys came over for one final visit, during which we played a fun game of, "Do You Really Know Your Family?" Faith had a blast hanging out with her cousins. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel_ivS64QGJ7oF4XKh_f7PpttYwpa-Jp4B0A8Sx6zKTnhKngAqhiv41YVZYqImcA8QK6tArOT_wrAmKSWiuc9Gy1T72cz13EReejywMdiqvnT_h60fm1boExFsXHfU_aaI9S8PAoDPGIr8Q-JeXc66bb4ep30rJ7VtwivXmCN6HDkwwNN1XKu6R88AuQ/s4000/FaithGraffs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel_ivS64QGJ7oF4XKh_f7PpttYwpa-Jp4B0A8Sx6zKTnhKngAqhiv41YVZYqImcA8QK6tArOT_wrAmKSWiuc9Gy1T72cz13EReejywMdiqvnT_h60fm1boExFsXHfU_aaI9S8PAoDPGIr8Q-JeXc66bb4ep30rJ7VtwivXmCN6HDkwwNN1XKu6R88AuQ/w640-h480/FaithGraffs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her auntie and cousins. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>While it's fun to partake in so many events, do the decorating, eat the goodies, exchange gifts, and be with family, let us not forget the true reason for the season. God came to us in such a humble way, through a baby named Jesus born in a stable, and then died on a cross 33 years later so that our sins could be forgiven. </p><p>Not only that, but those who believe in Him are <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A13-14&version=NIV" target="_blank">sealed by the Holy Spirit</a>, have full assurance of salvation, and will live with Him for eternity, which is much more than we could ever deserve! This is why we celebrate Christmas - He truly is the Reason for the Season! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvpSKGOo3jyTpMd9gV3W7Ze58BnkOdYBh1otffa9Quj5Aem_CsUG8BSbur-lqBCW8DEDuRi5XESbXZa7-RME6zMfvDjKM23GcQmFhsHKqOe7zLlq7s8gBpiMvXXFsopIRap7fh1c8_i-M-VK7LS6OYGOkIGPi6QMLSCpyRd2XyH0WXiDHQ2QMYAtlDX4/s1000/SOF_Isaiah-9-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1000" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvpSKGOo3jyTpMd9gV3W7Ze58BnkOdYBh1otffa9Quj5Aem_CsUG8BSbur-lqBCW8DEDuRi5XESbXZa7-RME6zMfvDjKM23GcQmFhsHKqOe7zLlq7s8gBpiMvXXFsopIRap7fh1c8_i-M-VK7LS6OYGOkIGPi6QMLSCpyRd2XyH0WXiDHQ2QMYAtlDX4/w640-h504/SOF_Isaiah-9-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTOfSr4xtqc_oTDEM7A9XBqJh2kpX8ua7LWaBGgg8Py0v0z0F3RRjU3J6acN9XYtA22DGt5_GrCHCrMa37HtPD7pML6bkLLksPRnZbFqL7wTcWlnxKPHdB_OXOsRIxmOF_oAwd_EF1rF5UWOUS9hCmUPIHMmxuaIx37CwNZ8GjHcLHlxQjeA-JMtZgiw/s1800/FamilyCard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTOfSr4xtqc_oTDEM7A9XBqJh2kpX8ua7LWaBGgg8Py0v0z0F3RRjU3J6acN9XYtA22DGt5_GrCHCrMa37HtPD7pML6bkLLksPRnZbFqL7wTcWlnxKPHdB_OXOsRIxmOF_oAwd_EF1rF5UWOUS9hCmUPIHMmxuaIx37CwNZ8GjHcLHlxQjeA-JMtZgiw/w626-h640/FamilyCard.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours! (Photo credit: Amber Lawlar) </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-17981781993467833442023-10-29T19:31:00.000-05:002023-10-29T19:31:24.050-05:00No Longer a Teenager<p>Last week on the 25th, Faith celebrated her 20th birthday, which means she is no longer a teenager! That morning as we drove to her day program, she asked, "Mom how did I get to be 20 so fast?" In some ways, the time has crawled by, but in other ways, it has gone so incredibly fast. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsLSqpdpqo9s5e_9z_pfWJ-kxeExWUjrxgFb2dmYbmoqGh-RSTSAnDElysu655eD9-dhClPgYJG4SbJBy-ihraomn__Y0uYDwWRENB4qdf4OKzzy9JhtSInFY_hnPqymDiRPSseZ5_ybi1IthKy43oyAgh9K_zoTdncE-5AA8z508jAultE3T9KfDM8U/s2870/BD20Ballon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="2134" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsLSqpdpqo9s5e_9z_pfWJ-kxeExWUjrxgFb2dmYbmoqGh-RSTSAnDElysu655eD9-dhClPgYJG4SbJBy-ihraomn__Y0uYDwWRENB4qdf4OKzzy9JhtSInFY_hnPqymDiRPSseZ5_ybi1IthKy43oyAgh9K_zoTdncE-5AA8z508jAultE3T9KfDM8U/w476-h640/BD20Ballon2.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith turns 20! </td></tr></tbody></table>When it came to planning something for her birthday, she told me she didn't want a party. I knew though, that as soon as I didn't plan one, she would change her mind. And that's exactly what happened! A few days before her birthday she was asking me who is coming to her party. I was like, "What party?" <p>I had decided to just have a small gathering at our apartment. I'm glad I didn't opt for a bigger one at a larger venue, mainly because of the weather. Up until last Wednesday, we had been having the most beautiful fall ever. The colorful leaves were still on the trees and the grass was still green. We had gone to the pumpkin patch on October 19th and it was 70 degrees!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT8XPk_HtfdT-sQgLuZmUIen7FOVPWeOSMAYL_I7dLyBRaHzVflAmclptCac8iwn0nMb4LcWGt2eqZxwC_H6CRzxz6_hA08MaTQneP4h2DRK4OCEwGQ52BggF9vMGd9hIhI8nafmjOpZ-O6iMYcH0_JEWwlCuWkQ8zFtO17M6nGG18IAPqKgC4EXdSfs/s4000/PPWindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT8XPk_HtfdT-sQgLuZmUIen7FOVPWeOSMAYL_I7dLyBRaHzVflAmclptCac8iwn0nMb4LcWGt2eqZxwC_H6CRzxz6_hA08MaTQneP4h2DRK4OCEwGQ52BggF9vMGd9hIhI8nafmjOpZ-O6iMYcH0_JEWwlCuWkQ8zFtO17M6nGG18IAPqKgC4EXdSfs/w640-h480/PPWindow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun at the pumpkin patch the week before! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMUT2GlEi669pALoLMyzP5OAYAlUgTOs1ljoxFB6IHoIf2qpPsnbw0b_IYPGz-_hJUMqvvQtoMSibUafIS29LmfsihAFSCQovfdh0G4EX4Yxc_zBzolD4F2kxKBFfIEYEOmA_OMUDNJM2md88CUcadDQrOFB3fBmFKN4c6Ov28bA4-mrVBF0khCzlSWM/s3000/PPFaithHorse3_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="3000" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMUT2GlEi669pALoLMyzP5OAYAlUgTOs1ljoxFB6IHoIf2qpPsnbw0b_IYPGz-_hJUMqvvQtoMSibUafIS29LmfsihAFSCQovfdh0G4EX4Yxc_zBzolD4F2kxKBFfIEYEOmA_OMUDNJM2md88CUcadDQrOFB3fBmFKN4c6Ov28bA4-mrVBF0khCzlSWM/w640-h592/PPFaithHorse3_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith makes a new friend.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Her dad came to visit her on the 21st and he had remarked what a beautiful drive it had been. But on Wednesday, fall had come to a sudden halt. The temperature dropped into the 40s and it began to rain. The next day, that rain turned to snow. We had squeaked in her birthday party just in time! </p><p>Along with the party, she celebrated by taking her birthday balloons with her to her day program. Due to some of the dietary restrictions of some of her peers, she couldn't take cupcakes. Instead, she handed out glo-stick bracelets to some of her friends. She saved the cupcakes for her friends at therapy the next day. Some of her friends sent birthday greetings in the form of video messages and voicemails, which she loved! She also had a lovely visit over the phone from her grandparents in Canada.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XOpvH12xnHbvxzbL36X4msm2InNnBtWSFC_godrdHJRATbqk9CBbHVaaL5wBuNL-qSq-lmGJWuaRi8giqKsOvD0RmSFZ7_Esae5sJl6EG-NzhIXfVV5fwARFsWLcdwKXj0hCc9LDcE-zo1u-Fpvxk_cZCb2obsCzcg9W7cdCtENSG9bcO5faKdQrR5A/s4000/BDKylieDawnF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XOpvH12xnHbvxzbL36X4msm2InNnBtWSFC_godrdHJRATbqk9CBbHVaaL5wBuNL-qSq-lmGJWuaRi8giqKsOvD0RmSFZ7_Esae5sJl6EG-NzhIXfVV5fwARFsWLcdwKXj0hCc9LDcE-zo1u-Fpvxk_cZCb2obsCzcg9W7cdCtENSG9bcO5faKdQrR5A/w640-h480/BDKylieDawnF.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to party! </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheffoy8KFO112jSv-nqj_zpUewPF-1bLI6EB16sWixaPBRbBNIFlYpToHbU19_zWfNMlL0GZxR4wW0Dg0mtM0GM1nVqu7V1P6Rs-5qJWYEGi0R1shpjS0FQw0FN7okf_OomuoOuzN8phXE9ffGX3foHDsp0VREjPGGxBdgZDypH299WDX-Lh-9wkUjasE/s4000/BDCakeKylie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheffoy8KFO112jSv-nqj_zpUewPF-1bLI6EB16sWixaPBRbBNIFlYpToHbU19_zWfNMlL0GZxR4wW0Dg0mtM0GM1nVqu7V1P6Rs-5qJWYEGi0R1shpjS0FQw0FN7okf_OomuoOuzN8phXE9ffGX3foHDsp0VREjPGGxBdgZDypH299WDX-Lh-9wkUjasE/w480-h640/BDCakeKylie.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday cake! </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVpkKQEYVpjpRPLKo_PAtgF9uC4yH0bDd3QZfffWaOTBqM36rg0XlH9A90vwpwYYIHaBXDkyISczL4tPTCBzg4SHqNbfWG4TI4myY0EQ74bhjTeo91RKKvOvy9FrcoRq3Yu_wcpWn0wtKR9tGmj4dq1rF1F5lA8UTX8PAEfrWpf7SX_tXvRb0q5gRY_8/s3000/BDChrisMom_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="3000" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVpkKQEYVpjpRPLKo_PAtgF9uC4yH0bDd3QZfffWaOTBqM36rg0XlH9A90vwpwYYIHaBXDkyISczL4tPTCBzg4SHqNbfWG4TI4myY0EQ74bhjTeo91RKKvOvy9FrcoRq3Yu_wcpWn0wtKR9tGmj4dq1rF1F5lA8UTX8PAEfrWpf7SX_tXvRb0q5gRY_8/w640-h630/BDChrisMom_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for the helpers! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnP2USGmc8MGtZgdOv_eL2LO6oPu1FJ9t0jllUdLxFpNY73tYzLylYcJ2SOI6TqFs9SQN-ulFcrfHC-1SvRugvhAxbeokRa1YcbwtdQa-QOawkosZRR_vyqggSqtanNdUnGHiWzGR7KzON7lWW4DFSzaJI6cpk5Z-R262hlWGBwWRGqG722m_vlzuyEs/s2702/BDFaithFam_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2702" data-original-width="2135" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnP2USGmc8MGtZgdOv_eL2LO6oPu1FJ9t0jllUdLxFpNY73tYzLylYcJ2SOI6TqFs9SQN-ulFcrfHC-1SvRugvhAxbeokRa1YcbwtdQa-QOawkosZRR_vyqggSqtanNdUnGHiWzGR7KzON7lWW4DFSzaJI6cpk5Z-R262hlWGBwWRGqG722m_vlzuyEs/w506-h640/BDFaithFam_crop.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with family! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ5Rh-ZRnP-Nk7Ot-MJWfeZG9HIGF8Whc1ia1plOELhnVQdJePDZaOz9OhvOAkJASO7B2VhcelKdNulzfPPmCiHuHpDgtvWxJJUeOeUgNQ0bFAy6LHiKgozR_Bh1RpdojOBgjZcSzyTd9J_pUnVw3HUG73T-MIU85KXGDeIwhZ93LxamOFsb2FhiFCAY/s4000/BDayMeFaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ5Rh-ZRnP-Nk7Ot-MJWfeZG9HIGF8Whc1ia1plOELhnVQdJePDZaOz9OhvOAkJASO7B2VhcelKdNulzfPPmCiHuHpDgtvWxJJUeOeUgNQ0bFAy6LHiKgozR_Bh1RpdojOBgjZcSzyTd9J_pUnVw3HUG73T-MIU85KXGDeIwhZ93LxamOFsb2FhiFCAY/w480-h640/BDayMeFaith.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm so glad she had such a great day! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>She had a great time at her party, eating cake, singing songs, and having lots of laughs. One of my favorite parts was just sitting back and relaxing while one guest read her birthday cards, another helped her open presents, and another folded all the tissue paper and neatly put her presents in a pile. Faith had also designated a cake cutter, so I didn't have to do that either! </p><p>I continue to be so grateful for those who blessed her with wonderful gifts like clothes, money, wall hangings, flowers, games, a squishmallow, and other fun things. I'm so glad her 20th birthday was such a success, not to mention safe from the winter weather! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B2gQP89CDB9HgoNs5MZ143_lyjKzWsVAUCtxmM7mkRukl4rpxkNycTnUbwAwNzuCDwlcfpTIAKpYo12Nd-mh6Qhb8PFupl_vSQ7_LhfYD9QhCWXRufNHF1jGLtl4_5p3eBJJQh-HM1E43yIA3Vqy5xEy7nIQ1R5nsQjQqSMh6LIpP61wQezw1MxlFiY/s4000/BDPajamas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B2gQP89CDB9HgoNs5MZ143_lyjKzWsVAUCtxmM7mkRukl4rpxkNycTnUbwAwNzuCDwlcfpTIAKpYo12Nd-mh6Qhb8PFupl_vSQ7_LhfYD9QhCWXRufNHF1jGLtl4_5p3eBJJQh-HM1E43yIA3Vqy5xEy7nIQ1R5nsQjQqSMh6LIpP61wQezw1MxlFiY/w480-h640/BDPajamas.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for bed after a fun but exhausting day! </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98hOLoPuHyp3wOOSnpldjwuinxgosV3GTiYBV4tfLdorOjYw2p3ZZjVDKSfudA5sVIsz3-SG5mUBGoiOsOPJ1r1pFg1iVAZwHopXW3k61bwTHgPojPxGdAIhZsENClXbIHpATAtYe30g7IB3884y_gAst0W2otg8ZbhyphenhyphenpeOdc7y3MVi99k0KJtGfmTB4/s4000/ParkLotSnow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98hOLoPuHyp3wOOSnpldjwuinxgosV3GTiYBV4tfLdorOjYw2p3ZZjVDKSfudA5sVIsz3-SG5mUBGoiOsOPJ1r1pFg1iVAZwHopXW3k61bwTHgPojPxGdAIhZsENClXbIHpATAtYe30g7IB3884y_gAst0W2otg8ZbhyphenhyphenpeOdc7y3MVi99k0KJtGfmTB4/w640-h480/ParkLotSnow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ended up getting 8.5 inches of snow and sadly it will stick around as it's supposed to stay cold for a while. I swear we just had winter! </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-12646463039615972562023-10-11T17:31:00.002-05:002023-10-11T18:02:20.961-05:00Quick Trip with the Parents to Pembina Gorge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRTOpuDE4B9bSniIwf6LEBPd7MiXo7ypLt4qLMKKQHeC_no_yXnmr_MX-270_ahQ1ISB9ZXaTc0VjGJBibTAkIasUiGa8va3NMI3uuBJzHzZwmLN2WYcJo2mxKjZzPmAaEge6N9ajmjjY6AUfDHWELMLxygzclPH1CJlhrCBr_T8v2ArzYYmJYBUbLPk/s4000/TripPembinaGorgeSign.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRTOpuDE4B9bSniIwf6LEBPd7MiXo7ypLt4qLMKKQHeC_no_yXnmr_MX-270_ahQ1ISB9ZXaTc0VjGJBibTAkIasUiGa8va3NMI3uuBJzHzZwmLN2WYcJo2mxKjZzPmAaEge6N9ajmjjY6AUfDHWELMLxygzclPH1CJlhrCBr_T8v2ArzYYmJYBUbLPk/w300-h400/TripPembinaGorgeSign.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>When my dad told me he'd like to see Pembina Gorge sometime, I told him I had never heard of it. (I don't feel bad as I know many other North Dakotans who hadn't heard of it either!) In order to help make his dream a reality, I tried to schedule a weekend that my caregivers could come here to look after Faith. We settled on the first weekend in October. My mom decided to come as well. She said it would be the only nonmedical trip the three of us had taken together! We all hoped the fall foliage would be out in full force that weekend! <div><div><br /></div><div>In preparing to go, I had typed up 3 pages of instructions for Faith's caregivers, one of whom was a loyal respite care provider who has been with us for over 3 years and also my sister. Both of them are very experienced and resourceful, but I printed out the instructions, nonetheless. Faith has been trying a new kind of food so that was a bit of an adjustment for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>After dropping Faith off at her day program in the middle of a wind advisory, I met my parents in the parking lot, and we set off for our little trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first stop was Jamestown, where we felt like we had entered the Twighlight Zone. Mom and Dad's phones were acting up, plus I had never experienced placing my order on the big screen inside a McD's before, so that was new. We noticed a lot of the elderly people needed help with the digital menu, but it was a breeze for the youngsters. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm9pIEZ1LvYfVp7Hu4OL5u8DfHL76W_dpgsmC0SozFwG0eFkMvgvygOQSzVOqMukZIf1ZONpSHJTCVj17RfbkzXU8v28AKhRWHbqOc6fyWofvvGKfENzpxVqag_kAJbniRpxMCNhr5pK6NW4qcOIcNSZnXooTNZ7RxH8im9nk4a6AkCFw4phlbJVwVPA/s3000/TripMeDad.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2861" data-original-width="3000" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm9pIEZ1LvYfVp7Hu4OL5u8DfHL76W_dpgsmC0SozFwG0eFkMvgvygOQSzVOqMukZIf1ZONpSHJTCVj17RfbkzXU8v28AKhRWHbqOc6fyWofvvGKfENzpxVqag_kAJbniRpxMCNhr5pK6NW4qcOIcNSZnXooTNZ7RxH8im9nk4a6AkCFw4phlbJVwVPA/w400-h381/TripMeDad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad and I at McD's in Jamestown aka the Twilight Zone!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>None of us had really ever been to the little towns in the Northeast part of the state before, so it was fun to see some of the towns, realizing that the Watford City Wolves had played many of their teams in football and basketball. I got a kick out of Hoople - Tater Town, USA! </div><div><br /></div><div>In Larimore, we saw some huge, very bizarre buildings with no signs or windows, just one large overhead door and an American flag out front. Dad figured they were storage shops for potato equipment. (If anyone knows, please let us know!) </div><div><br /></div><div>Then as we attempted to find a gas station in Finley, I realized I had missed a call from my sister. I quickly called her back and she said the key fob I had given her for the van was not working. It seemed the batteries had died. She needed to go to Mandan to pick Faith up from her day program. She almost panicked but then realized the fob had to have a key in it somewhere, which she managed to find, and all was well. She just wouldn't be able to use the fob to open the doors or let down the ramp. Thankfully, she could still use the buttons inside the van for all that. </div><div><br /></div><div>After finding a gas station, we headed to Cavalier where we would be staying the night. On our way to the hotel, I spotted what looked like Jason from Halloween and ET riding a bicycle in front of a haybale. Rather odd, I thought. But as we found our way to the only open restaurant in town, we saw many more decorated hay bales. Maybe it was some sort of fall contest or something for homecoming? </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHfbU83_smZZYnSG-2egmkXAbUYx6g5n7kVHL9ow9cJEVgJ9skzKvoiMKcz7FAaDlX1ANWNVG5z3-9dQ7R4QicW9JuYa96E9YQNLOVpkD1LfPvWv1EQW9L4g9pVQNOC4PCCntr8rFrHj62BVYGKEFjb9uBSHRb2HISNkTIt697W-T2hVvmW0t6jnNQlI/s4000/TripETHaybale.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHfbU83_smZZYnSG-2egmkXAbUYx6g5n7kVHL9ow9cJEVgJ9skzKvoiMKcz7FAaDlX1ANWNVG5z3-9dQ7R4QicW9JuYa96E9YQNLOVpkD1LfPvWv1EQW9L4g9pVQNOC4PCCntr8rFrHj62BVYGKEFjb9uBSHRb2HISNkTIt697W-T2hVvmW0t6jnNQlI/w640-h480/TripETHaybale.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strange sighting near our motel in Cavalier. </td></tr></tbody></table><div>After a great meal in a wonderful small-town restaurant called Thompson's Cafe, we headed back to our motel. I did a video chat with Faith, who was doing great with Auntie Dawn. They even went to the library together (which is something Faith and I normally do every Friday). I was super proud of her for being willing to change up her routine and having Dawn take her to the library instead of me. Now all Dawn had to do was get through the entire page of Faith's good night routine! As for me, I was super excited to be able to go to bed at 10:30! </div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, Dad and I had the continental breakfast of cereal, toast, and coffee. When we went to get Mom (who doesn't eat breakfast) she informed us of the heartbreaking news that Israel was under attack. It was unbelievable, however the first words out of my mouth were, "<a href="https://redeemingmoments.com/2023/07/31/will-you-be-left-behind/" target="_blank"><b>The Rapture</b></a> is going to happen soon!" As awful as the situation is, God's plan will come to fruition for Israel and all of humanity! </div><div><br /></div><div>It didn't talk long to reach the small but beautiful town of Walhalla, which happens to be the "Moose Capital of North Dakota." Without even knowing that, Dad was so sure we were going to see a moose! After not being really sure of where to go, we finally headed in the right direction toward Pembina Gorge. For miles, all we had seen was flat farmland, so it was a bit awe-inspiring to suddenly come upon the stark contrast of the Pembina Gorge. It was a beautiful sight, but we were a little disappointed to miss the peak fall foliage. A lot of the leaves had blown off as it had been very windy in the days leading up to our trip. We did notice, however, that North Dakota was unusually green for this time of year! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccgmNjviJ2xDiVrplGw6gcsSGG9P-c7t0Xkat4fLFtYmoeBbWGD47kw5rgfi6qZikGjvQXbOJsB3tcnp7IyLgKtr-RzN6RkW-2GKLxL7i-6UR5DI1RDo1oius-9gKXhPFX9zU8Qjvdn-lo3-p3AQtdwRaLBPcIrykTnZUVYnRyCgANylAmsqzND0ptGo/s4000/TripHorsebackRiders.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccgmNjviJ2xDiVrplGw6gcsSGG9P-c7t0Xkat4fLFtYmoeBbWGD47kw5rgfi6qZikGjvQXbOJsB3tcnp7IyLgKtr-RzN6RkW-2GKLxL7i-6UR5DI1RDo1oius-9gKXhPFX9zU8Qjvdn-lo3-p3AQtdwRaLBPcIrykTnZUVYnRyCgANylAmsqzND0ptGo/w640-h480/TripHorsebackRiders.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseback riders on the flat land behind us. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H1GWx-l0D_KqDxoopKZaovH2LjqRYtqadyc2rvO-IOeQc4St5nqOSaYUXZDKsY-NYX8gxW05xH5ROqVaozcYI6edMpQrBuVp2wwEfsvuYc1-MXYHzahzVvx1l5nAq4kXtlLUs6FDvwbL_6ajKIR8AHpP8tDFzED0QOxbEfqQ_0PeiX72s_oWc95SBB4/s4000/TripPembinaGorge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H1GWx-l0D_KqDxoopKZaovH2LjqRYtqadyc2rvO-IOeQc4St5nqOSaYUXZDKsY-NYX8gxW05xH5ROqVaozcYI6edMpQrBuVp2wwEfsvuYc1-MXYHzahzVvx1l5nAq4kXtlLUs6FDvwbL_6ajKIR8AHpP8tDFzED0QOxbEfqQ_0PeiX72s_oWc95SBB4/w640-h480/TripPembinaGorge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hills and trees for miles in front of us.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Dad and I convinced Mom to take a road and drive down into the gorge. We found out there were several trails that people could walk on, as well as explore by horse or ATV. We also found out that it was much too cold for that. I think it was just over 40 degrees, cloudy, and windy when we were there. Thank goodness I had brought my winter coat! </div><div><br /></div><div>After exploring for a bit, we went on a little dirt road alongside some tall-standing corn where a white-tail deer came briefly out of hiding. It was the only wildlife we had seen up to that point. We eventually found our way to an incredible view called Tetrault Overlook. It was even more spectacular than the gorge, as we could also see the Pembina River. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cZhPxJIB3o_P9hA8IgCoDCLZAYcXPDq6HrHb0VYcxfWYwVCDD7O0QyhyphenhyphenzI37DNIu6GVbOinDrZHUu_BA6QpMvOHPZQFDXjeHkxi__UuKWVIGCmBvgT4hBZNuSgqW-AEBLAiIrD5pUrtNS9FMyQbT1WNSIx6YbVYGx0GNuN7_gVL8ydAECbszIliVSyo/s4000/TripSteepGorge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cZhPxJIB3o_P9hA8IgCoDCLZAYcXPDq6HrHb0VYcxfWYwVCDD7O0QyhyphenhyphenzI37DNIu6GVbOinDrZHUu_BA6QpMvOHPZQFDXjeHkxi__UuKWVIGCmBvgT4hBZNuSgqW-AEBLAiIrD5pUrtNS9FMyQbT1WNSIx6YbVYGx0GNuN7_gVL8ydAECbszIliVSyo/w640-h480/TripSteepGorge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down into Pembina Gorge. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGEj617dh29A1NuVC7yZ_z2jrvMtOP1jW15-DmXRJWSeavXe_hrVbpc_VwqvRNdKDnPNVII_qnlRHVpBJNsxIyD30gY7ekzdQzdKvzVLDt2J_mYkinyURWieIscnFHe9MqdvINyMW3L3VgnFI0p3z0eIDcD6fKuR9nMWQrhDE-kDb4z58V-LGAXx-8zM/s4000/TripDadBinoculars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGEj617dh29A1NuVC7yZ_z2jrvMtOP1jW15-DmXRJWSeavXe_hrVbpc_VwqvRNdKDnPNVII_qnlRHVpBJNsxIyD30gY7ekzdQzdKvzVLDt2J_mYkinyURWieIscnFHe9MqdvINyMW3L3VgnFI0p3z0eIDcD6fKuR9nMWQrhDE-kDb4z58V-LGAXx-8zM/w640-h480/TripDadBinoculars.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad looking for moose! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENInbdDaAy67LoLpSFuMM3MY5bLoQo7KdARpfuHPqV6uVlcflMHq2w-jjtlZC2H7OylUQBw0WlpK9aBcF0wqIQdDCLKZ5ecfyHM2YBhJJX5gA-xHIvoQkB_Qpajbw-f4YVKRitzRRAAWNv2h4VreQont2XHdqj_FqAdvunGyYKqvkPi0Sl_gmE8xXle0/s4000/TripOverlookRiver.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENInbdDaAy67LoLpSFuMM3MY5bLoQo7KdARpfuHPqV6uVlcflMHq2w-jjtlZC2H7OylUQBw0WlpK9aBcF0wqIQdDCLKZ5ecfyHM2YBhJJX5gA-xHIvoQkB_Qpajbw-f4YVKRitzRRAAWNv2h4VreQont2XHdqj_FqAdvunGyYKqvkPi0Sl_gmE8xXle0/w480-h640/TripOverlookRiver.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tetrault Overlook and the Pembina River</td></tr></tbody></table><div>We then decided to backtrack a bit and head to <a href="https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/icelandic-state-park" target="_blank"><b>Icelandic State Park</b></a>. We didn't have a lot of time, so we didn't drive through the park, but we did check out the Pioneer Heritage Center, where we learned about the homesteading history of that part of the state. </div><div><br /></div><div>None of us had known that Pembina was home to the state's first General Land Office, which was established in 1870. We had also never heard of the <a href="https://www.ndstudies.gov/gr8/content/unit-iii-waves-development-1861-1920/lesson-2-making-living/topic-4-federal-legislation/section-3-timber-culture-act" target="_blank"><b>Timber Culture Act</b></a>, which encouraged homesteaders to plant trees. As you can imagine, it was hard to do in North Dakota! Despite their best efforts, North Dakota remains the state with the least number of tees! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJvmPaDSPowFzE6P4fK3xmJFPgseDpE2GEFxKDMfWj3M6LomcSNi5OHBxN3HS9EIRA1qmFODBi-0A2-UaQVwnFpv_5GkKMhreQ-_GmOXVM44UgQAQ2dyg0wDGUrTGWiuev1ktufiiRoPyCTI_LL_MCMfBKhGi3Gy-VJKo9YGPm_WzzGPA8lek8sKU9LY/s4000/TripIcelandicStatePark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJvmPaDSPowFzE6P4fK3xmJFPgseDpE2GEFxKDMfWj3M6LomcSNi5OHBxN3HS9EIRA1qmFODBi-0A2-UaQVwnFpv_5GkKMhreQ-_GmOXVM44UgQAQ2dyg0wDGUrTGWiuev1ktufiiRoPyCTI_LL_MCMfBKhGi3Gy-VJKo9YGPm_WzzGPA8lek8sKU9LY/w640-h480/TripIcelandicStatePark.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icelandic State Park - we were very close to Canada!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo4cLYzLgU5LG9V-_tbBZfu7c2cHwFm1jaGHUN_yjd5l38HqcuxJCGUQPCRlLOobSrU_7lwRT72pa5N8oNkSKuZpiB6yCDbfNjKJpI8yjeukltbx-TYjQhv_FE7lN-POM6mqxMBM-3F0yMqyPabDy8Is_tpveFOTl1LEgmdifDeKTykpn5GquY500DuQ/s4000/TripHomesteaderPoem.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo4cLYzLgU5LG9V-_tbBZfu7c2cHwFm1jaGHUN_yjd5l38HqcuxJCGUQPCRlLOobSrU_7lwRT72pa5N8oNkSKuZpiB6yCDbfNjKJpI8yjeukltbx-TYjQhv_FE7lN-POM6mqxMBM-3F0yMqyPabDy8Is_tpveFOTl1LEgmdifDeKTykpn5GquY500DuQ/w480-h640/TripHomesteaderPoem.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homesteaders Poem </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Finally, we ventured to Langdon, where we stopped at the Dairy Queen for lunch. As we headed south on Highway 1 toward the Interstate, our adventures included almost hitting a big deer that decided to sprint across the road to join his friends and sighting a strange pyramid-shaped building near Nekoma. Turns out the<b><u> </u><a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pyramid-north-dakota" target="_blank">Great Pyramid </a></b>was built in the 1960s to follow missiles from Russia and then shot down over Canada! Crazy, right? North Dakota certainly is full of history, mystery, and beauty! </div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up making it home just as the sun was starting to set. When we pulled into the parking lot, I saw Faith sitting in front of the window. When she saw me get out of the vehicle, she got so excited that I heard her from outside! It was a fun-filled tip and lots of memories were made but it was good to be home. Oh, and Dad never did see his moose! </div>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-56510636077255231222023-08-01T00:00:00.006-05:002023-08-01T00:00:52.354-05:00A Wonderful Weekend Getaway <p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This past weekend, Faith and I
both got to experience the </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2659607098567252213/5651063607725523122" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Medora Musical</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> together - for the first time ever!
We went with my dad and sister. The singing and dancing definitely met our
expectations. After the National Anthem, some of the first songs they sang
included, "Let's Hear it for the Boy" and "Dancing on the
Ceiling." Both songs were a great and energetic way to start the show. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Faith was super excited, nearly dancing out of her chair! One reason she could
hardly contain her excitement was that a few of the performers (Adam and
Taylor) go to our church! The storytelling in between the musical numbers
described how the little "cow town" of Medora came to be, as well as
the influence that Theodore Roosevelt had in North Dakota. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWe-Aq1pjuQf_TQWyYJ2Sj_gYtMKV2S9c0SdH1RovFXTA7qT350x1xF4bMh8xHQlA0-TWx3J3vDrzDaJio8X517XZxl8LN0bKeBacooKKaxei5IGYCrS5r2oe10chZ5TaQT3F7_1LWJkMIMlxSYXCfVztDY6Tqrl44s0Ykl_nxVcMfCKOS5pEwttfIZY/s4000/4StageSingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWe-Aq1pjuQf_TQWyYJ2Sj_gYtMKV2S9c0SdH1RovFXTA7qT350x1xF4bMh8xHQlA0-TWx3J3vDrzDaJio8X517XZxl8LN0bKeBacooKKaxei5IGYCrS5r2oe10chZ5TaQT3F7_1LWJkMIMlxSYXCfVztDY6Tqrl44s0Ykl_nxVcMfCKOS5pEwttfIZY/w640-h480/4StageSingers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our seats!</td></tr></tbody></table></p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdQKQdQezHJlYDmelqwbbkpdOOUtVPcegOkCGnludYmp0VlFM7TN0nAMquE7F9xGeT_P8EuaLvTSCVvjLz_5gSq99PBHHCwZD1vpSVAaYnpvXw8YvPL6MNEF9eE8JlxMP-2CbCH4orDuNRju7uVpaBFUZqjRJEhp_iv3sONw2Yj6LYWVRsgtHWNXfSUA/s3274/7StageSingersTL_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1971" data-original-width="3274" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdQKQdQezHJlYDmelqwbbkpdOOUtVPcegOkCGnludYmp0VlFM7TN0nAMquE7F9xGeT_P8EuaLvTSCVvjLz_5gSq99PBHHCwZD1vpSVAaYnpvXw8YvPL6MNEF9eE8JlxMP-2CbCH4orDuNRju7uVpaBFUZqjRJEhp_iv3sONw2Yj6LYWVRsgtHWNXfSUA/w640-h386/7StageSingersTL_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the performers. </td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsDvoc5WrAQTyKH7lDl4bAYU9_xRPp-vfe97uwKk0iTmXlk55wHWlIQ-FablqkV-YREpk7po04F0ZIicSRg-EXGUbe2mW9IGl2pRdyJrvpWlUxInVuwQExZoC-RtAL1YdYDp470Amok70r4_TT1x5MiFokoBq07tXNfljA6KDAEm5bZeLkPCJDwH6BWI/s4000/DawnDadSeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsDvoc5WrAQTyKH7lDl4bAYU9_xRPp-vfe97uwKk0iTmXlk55wHWlIQ-FablqkV-YREpk7po04F0ZIicSRg-EXGUbe2mW9IGl2pRdyJrvpWlUxInVuwQExZoC-RtAL1YdYDp470Amok70r4_TT1x5MiFokoBq07tXNfljA6KDAEm5bZeLkPCJDwH6BWI/w480-h640/DawnDadSeats.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auntie Dawn and Grandpa</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">During the song, "Paint Your
Dreams Across the Sky" by Dolly Parton, the cast invited the children to
join them onstage. I wasn't expecting one of the cast members to come up and
stand by Faith to sing. It was super sweet, but unfortunately, I didn't get a
picture. They also sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," along with a
medley of gospel songs. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There were country songs and funny songs, too, that got
the crowd laughing and clapping along. One that I remember was "40 Cups of
Coffee." The entertainment also included a trick roping cowboy and another
one yodeling. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/brpry2NzF6w" width="320" youtube-src-id="brpry2NzF6w"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We were thoroughly enjoying the
show when I noticed a shift in the weather. It had been bright and sunny upon
arrival, but it had changed to cloudy and windy. Just as they were about to get
into the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, one of the ushers came over to us and
said they were going to call the show in five minutes if we wanted to get ahead
of the crowd to the elevators. I thought it was very kind of him to give us a
heads up, but I was also very disappointed. </span></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVbg5aakrYZcw9Wpw6UnLlAggneMFClzlv1KYBuPiNVjEAbGMq6nXXotebwjMAcUsA-raUtJlSbdGxY29Pto1RcJ-Hys_lQhCotcGQxz-I-iGEFK7hdf2So8o6GPtd1vxhw5ym3d4tLdpq4Uc0UCdyPWTCLrDxBw1MOm6pO9KDa-udY5kokCH8FLsaDI/s1518/9StageLumber_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1518" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVbg5aakrYZcw9Wpw6UnLlAggneMFClzlv1KYBuPiNVjEAbGMq6nXXotebwjMAcUsA-raUtJlSbdGxY29Pto1RcJ-Hys_lQhCotcGQxz-I-iGEFK7hdf2So8o6GPtd1vxhw5ym3d4tLdpq4Uc0UCdyPWTCLrDxBw1MOm6pO9KDa-udY5kokCH8FLsaDI/w640-h506/9StageLumber_crop.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sadly, we didn't get to see much of the lumberjack show.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got up to the parking
lot, my sister Dawn pushed Faith as fast as she could to the van and just as
they got there, it began to rain. Just after the four of us piled inside the van,
it began to downpour. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since we were just sitting there, I got a feeding going
for Faith. After the traffic cleared, we sadly made our way to Dickinson. All
was not lost, though, as there were some gorgeous rainbows in the sky. I have
never seen so many of them in such a short time span! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB37-_EwG2pfYQZP82bOpSVroA4ndVHPpCx0kJY2J6upS40ZOpqRv_I5iLWbVTzCTlp-PaB76lBrgKNt-dSOBIZqMdMMtZmit1cXuCunnnoh59QaGPfGmGT6k367YMn6yNKgmkXw4W56kuxG5lpN5gtTXgT9S-jAAEmI1SGDTiHwVk1beJKfp1YBgge5s/s4000/13Clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB37-_EwG2pfYQZP82bOpSVroA4ndVHPpCx0kJY2J6upS40ZOpqRv_I5iLWbVTzCTlp-PaB76lBrgKNt-dSOBIZqMdMMtZmit1cXuCunnnoh59QaGPfGmGT6k367YMn6yNKgmkXw4W56kuxG5lpN5gtTXgT9S-jAAEmI1SGDTiHwVk1beJKfp1YBgge5s/w640-h480/13Clouds.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bad weather heading straight for us.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh128sOjO2NdYI7JtIFM_A0PnRE3ibtxnywxkUYQXePuTBAdby8Gfbf1JZaYxAxl6ZlVxiti0xvmxc-vbabm0uIt81XXiOXlMeK3lv8Izir4wmBUlxuFAfLw1fdGYaDC3JKCXnzRvgGI40fpdAmgMDaLsyzpgWfHijf-3wDmSDC7RIHtpgRYfMeVvFp-sQ/s4000/14Rain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh128sOjO2NdYI7JtIFM_A0PnRE3ibtxnywxkUYQXePuTBAdby8Gfbf1JZaYxAxl6ZlVxiti0xvmxc-vbabm0uIt81XXiOXlMeK3lv8Izir4wmBUlxuFAfLw1fdGYaDC3JKCXnzRvgGI40fpdAmgMDaLsyzpgWfHijf-3wDmSDC7RIHtpgRYfMeVvFp-sQ/w640-h480/14Rain2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The rain was coming down hard!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d5O5gMYuxrs" width="320" youtube-src-id="d5O5gMYuxrs"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Videos by Michael Lawlar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pfJwWwNK_Z8" width="320" youtube-src-id="pfJwWwNK_Z8"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xrkMbhjYcR8GdziBDSldcin9DwILtkzwxNyierQ9R4RHoXGHZfLNywczx6RZNgbJa1W36H_TUH_lOJkkSbm1-wfxKa77N3Y0G4djy6F1AKJ2gHs6Da0bhL0rPJw3u62GvYHN3RUqXDR0g7ULb97rX2sex6mMrNe1lYDIy2UWL4TNsccb2qsUl2mHS04/s2048/RainbowAfterward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xrkMbhjYcR8GdziBDSldcin9DwILtkzwxNyierQ9R4RHoXGHZfLNywczx6RZNgbJa1W36H_TUH_lOJkkSbm1-wfxKa77N3Y0G4djy6F1AKJ2gHs6Da0bhL0rPJw3u62GvYHN3RUqXDR0g7ULb97rX2sex6mMrNe1lYDIy2UWL4TNsccb2qsUl2mHS04/w640-h480/RainbowAfterward.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Beautiful double rainbow heading from Medora to Dickinson (photo by Dawn Lawlar)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After getting to Dickinson, we
found a place to eat. It was called "Sanford's" and when we pulled
into the parking lot, Dawn and I realized it was the same restaurant we had
eaten at when we had traveled to Watford City about 3 years ago. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After supper,
we made our way back to the hotel and started Faith's evening routine. It had
been quite a day. I was so proud of Faith for how she was handling the
traveling and the disappointment with the musical ending early. </span></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57EhK5ax7Oz4QMBls_aoaPoiipe8G2g2rchqtvW_YFVbxawat_rS42my_OWqBdzP5ROGT-GLstm6wOwwLQIsvgrxMw55UGBuDylWO894TJyL7FxqWvv6uICgNw-S8y99m4NRnAUepEFta1hwNyJ171DIwSVdRDYy6pD5bOezD5Gzwky7bRU9Lg148G2Q/s4000/Supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57EhK5ax7Oz4QMBls_aoaPoiipe8G2g2rchqtvW_YFVbxawat_rS42my_OWqBdzP5ROGT-GLstm6wOwwLQIsvgrxMw55UGBuDylWO894TJyL7FxqWvv6uICgNw-S8y99m4NRnAUepEFta1hwNyJ171DIwSVdRDYy6pD5bOezD5Gzwky7bRU9Lg148G2Q/w640-h480/Supper.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Waiting patiently for her chocolate milkshake!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6NbqgKfyLGsjNaGfXOD_kE3CCHsEgNvQqnKh9tV_iOLwBKjjpCxhtzEZh6V-7MUSN9saryOa1IelECB-iEXEs-sfIRyUTNKb8cD7yzkQiDQcZCzpxfNg7Se_5BHXAJm6veOf59-uQKo22kW6iTzBgKxXjCDyXNjUOImakcNg9QpMz3-g8Gqk5PcIYWI/s4000/SupperMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6NbqgKfyLGsjNaGfXOD_kE3CCHsEgNvQqnKh9tV_iOLwBKjjpCxhtzEZh6V-7MUSN9saryOa1IelECB-iEXEs-sfIRyUTNKb8cD7yzkQiDQcZCzpxfNg7Se_5BHXAJm6veOf59-uQKo22kW6iTzBgKxXjCDyXNjUOImakcNg9QpMz3-g8Gqk5PcIYWI/w480-h640/SupperMe.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Being udderly silly!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The next day after checking out,
we set out for our next adventure: a visit to the </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2659607098567252213/5651063607725523122" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dickinson Museum Center </span></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">where they had the Badlands Dinosaur
Museum. Faith loves dinosaurs and she couldn't wait to get a new shirt for
T-Rex Thursday at her day program. It was fun to look at the bones and try to
imagine what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth. There were also
numerous displays of minerals from all over the world, some of which were
fluorescent. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We also explored the Joachim
Regional History Museum and Dad even asked if they could open up the Pioneer
Machinery Hall, which they sometimes don't do on Sundays depending on how busy
it is. Faith was a little bored with some of the history stuff, so she and Dawn
ventured to the gift shop where she helped her auntie pick out stuffed dinosaur
toys for her grandkids. After all that, we hit up the A&W/KFC and made our
way back to Bismarck. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQZD7oUoGdoHikRztiqRICK7mMoPx4B_LlgEjuCwJrFWVfN69shSyF8kbd4GfMtLiQyhtzwmmmdGH5PiThxxWwckLw51y8eHgDNkszSd1DpeuC5hT9VSY8A9FEfuEUF6eFLv7H-c5Ne9Ks8wsspLLsH4V3TjqQcmqRxb7H25uHpmo2c1Wedr1xV5vGNw/s4000/Dinosaurs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQZD7oUoGdoHikRztiqRICK7mMoPx4B_LlgEjuCwJrFWVfN69shSyF8kbd4GfMtLiQyhtzwmmmdGH5PiThxxWwckLw51y8eHgDNkszSd1DpeuC5hT9VSY8A9FEfuEUF6eFLv7H-c5Ne9Ks8wsspLLsH4V3TjqQcmqRxb7H25uHpmo2c1Wedr1xV5vGNw/w640-h480/Dinosaurs2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dinosaurs and fossils galore!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I5xttsL9A3QPgy7X6Z5UVGPjhxaiU3DqJNqPC7pnHNv5dklIpWbQ5O4G8lVOjA121Qc5SLOoZudyaNuv1b-JB4zJ-QuxZzubfCYKx1h6CX1U8EvkYn_xWwqh-Jk1vyVtsyM66grewsqvxqo6Ti3u08-QSyXYKhh6fw10Y1fkOC1sjZsWYX58uXbEPjc/s4000/DawnFaithScary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I5xttsL9A3QPgy7X6Z5UVGPjhxaiU3DqJNqPC7pnHNv5dklIpWbQ5O4G8lVOjA121Qc5SLOoZudyaNuv1b-JB4zJ-QuxZzubfCYKx1h6CX1U8EvkYn_xWwqh-Jk1vyVtsyM66grewsqvxqo6Ti3u08-QSyXYKhh6fw10Y1fkOC1sjZsWYX58uXbEPjc/w640-h480/DawnFaithScary.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Faith didn't look too scared!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixidARqijylrRg5gn8Dm-LF9ST1UZymNh21lHpIN6V9SVdP_X03dsQ4ylr_b_kl70jq2UrOMxZgaBXfGjK2B-6YlFLBiconDvsYl5da28mRJ-YFLgLsqEYTKHse2aOkmHXQxdyoxmIUSGyAdOhi_Pwy07lls77dXAiQJtw6FlN7Qx43uBoZDKM2QQTlcA/s4000/NeonFossils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixidARqijylrRg5gn8Dm-LF9ST1UZymNh21lHpIN6V9SVdP_X03dsQ4ylr_b_kl70jq2UrOMxZgaBXfGjK2B-6YlFLBiconDvsYl5da28mRJ-YFLgLsqEYTKHse2aOkmHXQxdyoxmIUSGyAdOhi_Pwy07lls77dXAiQJtw6FlN7Qx43uBoZDKM2QQTlcA/w480-h640/NeonFossils.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Faith checking out the cool fluorescent fossils. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn1o5GCrkRqbGeRkRllzynn1HuMarZGm-Icz6SwxaM8lxhPZfTgvCrN71kiKdE6L7gGUdUYFHc4TAKGOl4r5_ePAniOPZdTcMaZMqxa8R3y92pvyby4-GKXIBFYzjFxmZBvkM6IIo_trrI3vXMhbiVipzQ6kydVLe_-9EBho84pWUDEJk9o-fFFu437M/s4000/MeFaithWagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn1o5GCrkRqbGeRkRllzynn1HuMarZGm-Icz6SwxaM8lxhPZfTgvCrN71kiKdE6L7gGUdUYFHc4TAKGOl4r5_ePAniOPZdTcMaZMqxa8R3y92pvyby4-GKXIBFYzjFxmZBvkM6IIo_trrI3vXMhbiVipzQ6kydVLe_-9EBho84pWUDEJk9o-fFFu437M/w480-h640/MeFaithWagon.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inside the machinery hall. I told Faith this is what Laura from Little House travelled in. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvyTi24RAj1zwOkaGVhQ92wF1mVnvGL4SQeTFBCpv9OaUWoPA4w_zQhSqyin8Jb0E64YRKFtuzN5MnAc2gis4krGwQHNgx3aw_2Luu3Q9Jy4cuPg77lpwxjEZzqOMRiIXuUmaaG4Nq1fdfG0yC7CzjG_777VKkQpanWLtePmGVnM9sD80t_JoFYI4WkQ/s4000/GrandpaTractor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvyTi24RAj1zwOkaGVhQ92wF1mVnvGL4SQeTFBCpv9OaUWoPA4w_zQhSqyin8Jb0E64YRKFtuzN5MnAc2gis4krGwQHNgx3aw_2Luu3Q9Jy4cuPg77lpwxjEZzqOMRiIXuUmaaG4Nq1fdfG0yC7CzjG_777VKkQpanWLtePmGVnM9sD80t_JoFYI4WkQ/w640-h480/GrandpaTractor2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Grandpa was super impressed with this old tractor. </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Getting Faith to the Medora
Musical was something I have been wanting to do for a long time and with the
improved accessibility at the venue, along with help from my sister, we were
able to make it happen! I was also very thankful that Faith's grandpa could
accompany us. I was so happy to be driving to western North Dakota, as that
will always be home to me. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The end of July was a great time to head west as
golden round bales dotted the landscape and the corn, sunflower, and wheat
crops were flourishing. The Badlands looked so beautiful, and we even passed by
a large herd of bison. It truly was a wonderful weekend getaway! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VJ6oB2wxkJ0euXyrC3ZxF2TQm7uJeNUXt0yCV0jllQbVJ3qKOb68uaa1xhvqYymwrbDCCbXdKHQGhyG8fOMr_NAZ6NFKZbMpY1Tw3X5yeXRlrCnifSyLp90HAGUr2mOABt-rv2Ncgww--ut5efG1R24b73bmgi82NNPuCw0DtawW4lTMT1O6FdkM_gw/s4000/ArrivalScene2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VJ6oB2wxkJ0euXyrC3ZxF2TQm7uJeNUXt0yCV0jllQbVJ3qKOb68uaa1xhvqYymwrbDCCbXdKHQGhyG8fOMr_NAZ6NFKZbMpY1Tw3X5yeXRlrCnifSyLp90HAGUr2mOABt-rv2Ncgww--ut5efG1R24b73bmgi82NNPuCw0DtawW4lTMT1O6FdkM_gw/w640-h480/ArrivalScene2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The beauty of the Badlands </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-55951364322210943292023-07-06T14:02:00.003-05:002023-07-06T21:50:37.721-05:00Faith's Fun-Filled 4th <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Faith and I had the best 4th of July ever! We started the day bright and early to go to the parade in Mandan. We haven't been there for many years, so I was surprised that she wanted to go. I think maybe it was because she heard everyone at her day program talking about it and making their own plans. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GzVKSe6HfZJLcDbdr08LwvNQpkZg0pCaHhyckDIVi-SjWdsYI8wg6GTYt_OUjw3IJBs6SHkJYOkfr7m4vbraFevQahmArouqFgL4AjVTPORiEn0U0T-ZH8gURDrOBtEibT3jKUk8fs462MNy-BHrfOWf49Slnz9jHAv6zXIPkliG8Z5zWvSzw1i12iE/s4000/4thMeFaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GzVKSe6HfZJLcDbdr08LwvNQpkZg0pCaHhyckDIVi-SjWdsYI8wg6GTYt_OUjw3IJBs6SHkJYOkfr7m4vbraFevQahmArouqFgL4AjVTPORiEn0U0T-ZH8gURDrOBtEibT3jKUk8fs462MNy-BHrfOWf49Slnz9jHAv6zXIPkliG8Z5zWvSzw1i12iE/w480-h640/4thMeFaith.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><p>Faith's grandpa went along with us, as well as her auntie Dawn (my youngest sister). Thanks to Dawn's connections with people who live in Mandan, we were able to park the van at her friend's house and then he drove us down to Main Street. Then, thanks to another friend of hers, we were able to enjoy the parade underneath a canopy right in the front row. I could not be more grateful to her friends for making it such so convenient for us!</p><p>One reason I was glad not to go to the parade in the past, was all the planning, parking, and walking it takes, not to mention sitting in the sun for almost 3 hours! Someone might wonder why it takes all that just to go to a parade. Mandan has been hosting this parade for 144 years and between 20,000 and 25,000 people come to it. Because of the crowds, parking is a major issue, and gets a little trickier for accessible vehicles because you can't just put the ramp down anywhere! But thankfully, Dawn had it all planned out and everything went very smoothly. In the end, Faith had a great time, and of course she and Grandpa made friends with those sitting around us. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaXbJjp8iWwiVLSX0Aa2zVPON1sIIuaT5sYXA-5t75C6xl1FsCPTeOszATfP40vXSoeHom2Z9SCnFQQ1rHunFtYCeNSQak64nL1fDuvaFeB42f3VQILBSOO-Bh_pLQNtYs3vJTcQXT1Lsgg9N8yroREBOa9zkMb1uVpIiH3DsHfYf1POR27w_v2ZSLTQ/s4000/4thFlags.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaXbJjp8iWwiVLSX0Aa2zVPON1sIIuaT5sYXA-5t75C6xl1FsCPTeOszATfP40vXSoeHom2Z9SCnFQQ1rHunFtYCeNSQak64nL1fDuvaFeB42f3VQILBSOO-Bh_pLQNtYs3vJTcQXT1Lsgg9N8yroREBOa9zkMb1uVpIiH3DsHfYf1POR27w_v2ZSLTQ/w640-h480/4thFlags.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After waiting for over an hour, the parade finally gets to us on Main Street! </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX0-G5ZiDFdmDVuVzoTZw5zV6T5FmCXrk254mBzWborEb1ig42TOw2epi1UNN657__-Rf94gmLAh_c96UxGQsLA5jevGrwS51yUs_B_2EfqvkddMk6eFjamsksSbwkVJ7wIV3q1MbPkbDYAq7bBKakyGUr-pMVd0MgwpN0UXdVM83XFpdXb-v9AF0CqM/s4000/4thHorses2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX0-G5ZiDFdmDVuVzoTZw5zV6T5FmCXrk254mBzWborEb1ig42TOw2epi1UNN657__-Rf94gmLAh_c96UxGQsLA5jevGrwS51yUs_B_2EfqvkddMk6eFjamsksSbwkVJ7wIV3q1MbPkbDYAq7bBKakyGUr-pMVd0MgwpN0UXdVM83XFpdXb-v9AF0CqM/w640-h480/4thHorses2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite parts was seeing all the horses!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqVrHPyuap3pw7rnuFRSPlm0C5eZTTxMQOEkFKe0afYU6j1UwtuhOtHm2p5P2T81xpQ2hL-bg8mObhZe-XfGBYtqCfXK5Kqk1cWcpj2r33xUsU8wbPpRbAoEXRhwFIb5TH0wSGXP92kSUKWw3mDgQGxnVjOLfoMtEKEq1U8-_g2RRScYwdgI09_cDmUA/s4000/4thAttenders.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqVrHPyuap3pw7rnuFRSPlm0C5eZTTxMQOEkFKe0afYU6j1UwtuhOtHm2p5P2T81xpQ2hL-bg8mObhZe-XfGBYtqCfXK5Kqk1cWcpj2r33xUsU8wbPpRbAoEXRhwFIb5TH0wSGXP92kSUKWw3mDgQGxnVjOLfoMtEKEq1U8-_g2RRScYwdgI09_cDmUA/w480-h640/4thAttenders.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a fun time with Grandpa and Auntie Dawn! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After getting home, Faith needed a feeding and a bit of rest before going to our next event, a barbecue at Grandma and Grandpa's. There were hot dogs, burgers, chips, pasta salads, and of course plenty of desserts! My niece and her family were there as well and had fun lighting off little fireworks. Not even the rain could deter them. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGAwVadWMd9rHYKzIcgoVv4n9jpFZlZyk3KYaRqqu4q3H-aFZkHEP3WdQ5Wf4tIY80V85EUhHvKqIxrkT5qjMP9ZB8IicEPHzvRNf26OnOn_HUPKsbiAb2vARJGCQF6ELx4hOaCYsiG2Et-zijdRNQyyujQ-DuZAWNXgK1SM21hrkiI65-t2Pw19Rktc/s4000/4thBBQ.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGAwVadWMd9rHYKzIcgoVv4n9jpFZlZyk3KYaRqqu4q3H-aFZkHEP3WdQ5Wf4tIY80V85EUhHvKqIxrkT5qjMP9ZB8IicEPHzvRNf26OnOn_HUPKsbiAb2vARJGCQF6ELx4hOaCYsiG2Et-zijdRNQyyujQ-DuZAWNXgK1SM21hrkiI65-t2Pw19Rktc/w640-h480/4thBBQ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the cooler weather on the front porch at Grandma and Grandpa's. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Weatherwise, it was an unusual 4th of July because it was so cool outside. I was thankful for this, as a couple of years ago it was 107 degrees in July. However, it was also a little too cool, especially for sitting outside on the Capital grounds to watch a concert and fireworks. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the past, I wheeled Faith out to the sidewalk where we could watch the fireworks from a distance. However, in our new place, it wasn't really possible to do that. So, I asked if she wanted to just go to the capital instead. Not only was there a fireworks display, but there was also a free concert put on by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra (BMSO). This was the main reason Faith was so excited to go, because one of our friends from church was playing in the symphony. </div><div><br /></div><div>After going back home for her final feeding of the day, we got ready to go to the fireworks event. I opened the closet and debated what to bring along. I grabbed a couple of sweatshirts and fuzzy blankets. I would soon find out I wished I had grabbed our winter gear instead! Not only was it barely 60 degrees, but the wind was blowing a bit, too. Plus, the clouds were hiding the sun. But at least there were no mosquitoes! </div><div><br /></div><div>My sister came along with us again and we were glad to find an accessible parking spot fairly quickly. After running into some old friends of ours and finding a place to park Faith's chair and our lawn chairs, we hunkered down to enjoy the concert. Everyone around us was bundled up (except for some of the kids, who the cold didn't seem to bother at all!) Faith didn't seem bothered by it either, but she did have the warmest fuzzy blanket! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OsvUIMrYZrMk9hLZ6uyuiRmPbZB0MB9jCyuGpdwcAKnVn7126hHhSTCZK_U8Qd2GdPa62XGxgfEJtXnasT5gnUW4vEyXn5bOOx-Occ0_Fe4tTOkvKFG0DHxFsgaRnVN3i2TWVq0xiOgeSXV4P2TbGtps3mn8jJqT4_T8ICOml1wM_0JSBMm94TpSC6Y/s4000/4thConcert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OsvUIMrYZrMk9hLZ6uyuiRmPbZB0MB9jCyuGpdwcAKnVn7126hHhSTCZK_U8Qd2GdPa62XGxgfEJtXnasT5gnUW4vEyXn5bOOx-Occ0_Fe4tTOkvKFG0DHxFsgaRnVN3i2TWVq0xiOgeSXV4P2TbGtps3mn8jJqT4_T8ICOml1wM_0JSBMm94TpSC6Y/w640-h480/4thConcert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the concert to start! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthldhNShFO6GSYJ_N3vG_qat0zIzaNbhQNaMcbsK7Q26qDPcNrOeu7z0TEbUE1lxYKxHo4SWJSEArmc9_BLVM63RPun-XCvqWKPAP2ZIB0UcGcq9_gnN5m7zw4I2DBC6HLYlKpaoYJ53NsVzTiqLlky_O3-t-B9_64wnfTfhH_B9iP-LEVr31fpLCv6s/s4000/4thSymphony2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthldhNShFO6GSYJ_N3vG_qat0zIzaNbhQNaMcbsK7Q26qDPcNrOeu7z0TEbUE1lxYKxHo4SWJSEArmc9_BLVM63RPun-XCvqWKPAP2ZIB0UcGcq9_gnN5m7zw4I2DBC6HLYlKpaoYJ53NsVzTiqLlky_O3-t-B9_64wnfTfhH_B9iP-LEVr31fpLCv6s/w640-h480/4thSymphony2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra gets ready to perform.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCI3daqVaD35sYe8VkWC4KFePJ2W3t0taGyqcWAaygDmfdrAToVE6ojkb-1SqVNf1j_srUz5eCECeWM3X0TmgOfr6_GKM0FgTVnVKTJdXGJtdRTMFkHzZP7k8Lv8cWS6dD17L2a8MonHCMQT_9oi4q7VRG05zvbrBOFzJlTF-i9yVpfp9Qn2hqdr0RWo/s4000/4thSymphony.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCI3daqVaD35sYe8VkWC4KFePJ2W3t0taGyqcWAaygDmfdrAToVE6ojkb-1SqVNf1j_srUz5eCECeWM3X0TmgOfr6_GKM0FgTVnVKTJdXGJtdRTMFkHzZP7k8Lv8cWS6dD17L2a8MonHCMQT_9oi4q7VRG05zvbrBOFzJlTF-i9yVpfp9Qn2hqdr0RWo/w480-h640/4thSymphony.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun peaked out for just a little bit!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Despite being chilly, it was a really nice event. The symphony was fantastic and together with a few singers, performed some really cool music, such as <i>Purple Rain</i> and <i>Let's Go Crazy</i> by Prince, a few songs by the Eagles, and <i>Islands in the Stream</i>. There were also a few songs that celebrated North Dakota and many patriotic numbers as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>The symphony also played a United States Armed Forces medley and had members of the audience stand when they heard their official service song. I thought that was really neat! When the military members stood during their song, the rest of the audience applauded them. A few of my favorite songs the symphony played were <i>Battle Hymn of the Republic</i> and <i>God Bless the USA</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it got dark (which doesn't happen until about 10:15 in North Dakota during the summer) and they were able to do the fireworks display. It really was a wonderful event and I look forward to going again next year. Hopefully it will be a bit warmer, though! </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTIvNfh93m3wzzl5KzJsBRUWnJWjwi0MqsCJQzxusb8bnL_czbVVMS7zqnOckZvoUSTz3a8DAR5AZ6KOq_ww5UrZyG9CTGUyteAt0i2aTh6RWLAXTaovVd_ZrELNp4hLs821MpZwsfDDbcMWQQxan0TbmfKsK8WARaHjOqI3wLNyHE9YCoj1O0WrPL-o/s4000/4thFireworks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTIvNfh93m3wzzl5KzJsBRUWnJWjwi0MqsCJQzxusb8bnL_czbVVMS7zqnOckZvoUSTz3a8DAR5AZ6KOq_ww5UrZyG9CTGUyteAt0i2aTh6RWLAXTaovVd_ZrELNp4hLs821MpZwsfDDbcMWQQxan0TbmfKsK8WARaHjOqI3wLNyHE9YCoj1O0WrPL-o/w480-h640/4thFireworks.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith was so happy to see the fireworks! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Md3vWcknXg" width="320" youtube-src-id="7Md3vWcknXg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All in all, it was a wonderful day to celebrate our country's birthday and remember how blessed we are to enjoy the freedoms that we have! </b></div></div>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-82838333151224779302023-05-07T19:52:00.001-05:002023-05-07T19:52:36.220-05:00Dance, Dance, Dance! <p>Faith loves going to plays, musicals, ballet performances, and other events in which her friends perform. When she was younger, I thought attending these things would be too overwhelming for her as she has a strong startle reflex. Usually, it's loud sudden noises that trigger a strong startle response. I figured out though, that as long as the noise is constant, and she knows what to expect, she actually does very well. When I found out that <a href="https://www.dreamsinmotioninc.com/" target="_blank">Dreams in Motion</a> was doing wheelchair dance again this year, I figured she would want to do it. When I asked, she enthusiastically said, "YES!" </p><p>She was so excited to go to her first practice. She told everyone she saw that she was going to be in a dance performance! During practice, we found out the theme was <i>Encanto</i> (which we have never seen). They were going to be dancing to a medley of songs from the movie. There were about a dozen participants, some with manual wheelchairs and others with powerchairs. </p><p>During practice, each of them was paired with a volunteer who helped them move and do the dance moves. Faith even had a little solo part in which she had to carry a coffee cup to the dance instructor and hand it to her when she said, "And that's why coffee's for grownups!" </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1m_pMF3zALBbRKr3IxW99Chhtyl8otGnCk4f_Q4xniJjjNhxcsckJhAFCcvgvam2cy-fR2uRIHWhLkkJqde6LHiCCWqYw7mg-L5qOWOoU4mYoAEvAUTdaz11VRcopwrxPHQShb2yYx_jLbeuGI7dxEAi5XxdbC9n9P-VXrk2ydxDjXGl7akeXl5L/s1803/AllSmiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1803" data-original-width="1118" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1m_pMF3zALBbRKr3IxW99Chhtyl8otGnCk4f_Q4xniJjjNhxcsckJhAFCcvgvam2cy-fR2uRIHWhLkkJqde6LHiCCWqYw7mg-L5qOWOoU4mYoAEvAUTdaz11VRcopwrxPHQShb2yYx_jLbeuGI7dxEAi5XxdbC9n9P-VXrk2ydxDjXGl7akeXl5L/w397-h640/AllSmiles.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith was all smiles during her first dance practice! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The following week, Faith had dress rehearsals in which they received their costumes. Each participant and volunteer got to wear a little tiny sombrero along with a colorful poncho. They also practiced with the props that were a part of the performance. </p><p>It was great seeing everyone have so much fun together. Faith knew a few of the participants from past Dreams and Motion events (such as <a href="https://faithsmomsblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/faith-soccer-star.html" target="_blank">wheelchair soccer</a> and track and field). She also knew some of them from where she goes to therapy and her day program. A few other moms remarked how comical she was. She certainly does love to make people laugh! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5y1IlPn-LuapHSkttwDUhpINNaN9x4BPAUaE1cb-mLVCiSMgz4YKK6EexcFC9MaYHBbXA84F9iV8xM2WM9_MOOoH6Gru5uoCSypMMtbVhufXNyTpjiUwa8twDfrZQxie4FwIGgdm2qqez5b9-_LNJ9YGxMLYUysaLPD-9Giy7gLnSt7673qYUKiI/s2705/DressRehearsal2_LacyCrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2279" data-original-width="2705" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5y1IlPn-LuapHSkttwDUhpINNaN9x4BPAUaE1cb-mLVCiSMgz4YKK6EexcFC9MaYHBbXA84F9iV8xM2WM9_MOOoH6Gru5uoCSypMMtbVhufXNyTpjiUwa8twDfrZQxie4FwIGgdm2qqez5b9-_LNJ9YGxMLYUysaLPD-9Giy7gLnSt7673qYUKiI/w640-h540/DressRehearsal2_LacyCrop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith laughing at Coach Lacey. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOw2inHTuYANPwUthY0PbF5PkNhVpor47by-_qQ-zkH5HCtYZNxuqCwl2f5S2nF0hEl681HAFBPcvsFBcxdNknh-DuONqWaaafM9eeioynFr8umuzZtaxuVleVCSN-sVYDL0N3YM3J4HnfTa4d7MREaUehoR0nhBcGUpn4R0ZaqxSG1MnPN96bm0S/s2191/DressRehearsal_Liz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2066" data-original-width="2191" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOw2inHTuYANPwUthY0PbF5PkNhVpor47by-_qQ-zkH5HCtYZNxuqCwl2f5S2nF0hEl681HAFBPcvsFBcxdNknh-DuONqWaaafM9eeioynFr8umuzZtaxuVleVCSN-sVYDL0N3YM3J4HnfTa4d7MREaUehoR0nhBcGUpn4R0ZaqxSG1MnPN96bm0S/w640-h604/DressRehearsal_Liz.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her super fun partner, Liz! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqn-3Y-dWsNC4IMNKZOncORT4_Y-QZWdJ4x_Jcm81AFYW_8vrRczjvB37vxU_EdPCIupVhvYVN25-dvMSolWpj442zUxnuly2jpNtxk9MLV07ZYoCYQqYk38ktln9Tw57i_vGXWkn8qf5wsTTOFzxe8MvLet2kkesd5Q66z4yu_eOn3dk6Macj2yW/s2065/DressRehearsalCoffeeCup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2065" data-original-width="1563" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqn-3Y-dWsNC4IMNKZOncORT4_Y-QZWdJ4x_Jcm81AFYW_8vrRczjvB37vxU_EdPCIupVhvYVN25-dvMSolWpj442zUxnuly2jpNtxk9MLV07ZYoCYQqYk38ktln9Tw57i_vGXWkn8qf5wsTTOFzxe8MvLet2kkesd5Q66z4yu_eOn3dk6Macj2yW/w484-h640/DressRehearsalCoffeeCup.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing her coffee cup part. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The actual performance was held at Shiloh Christian School and hosted by Just for Kix, which is a dance company in Bismarck. There were 3 performances, and the wheelchair dance group would be participating in 2 of them. The first performance was at 10:00, which meant we needed to be there at 9:30. Thankfully, the school was less than 5 minutes away from where we lived. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were told that the show would be standing room only, so I was expecting mass chaos upon arrival. Even though we arrived 30 minutes before the show started, the parking lot was already full. I wasn't sure how I was going to get Faith unloaded on my own and then park. (Of course, all the handicap spots were taken!) I was thinking I could text my parents, who I knew were probably already inside, and ask for their help. Then, I looked and saw a good friend walking through the parking lot with her granddaughter. I honked and asked if she could take Faith inside and wait with her while I parked. Talk about God's perfect timing! </div><div><br /></div><div>Inside, we found our group and just hung out until it was their turn. There were about 9 or 10 teams before them. Finally, I let Faith's partner take over and went to find a spot to record their performance. They all did so great! Even when one of the props kept falling over, they just rolled with it and didn't let it phase them. Faith wasn't nervous or scared or anything - I was so proud of her and everyone else! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi284RRTi6FW1GdshZ1UxyBoC4yC1cbVhrkBLtAFLcrO848tSQN8SDIzVeMmZzl_9LscVHBcdbVNPfOrIaxvUosCW7jSP_lEIRgWdn8j1FkEWqJR5raZ8g1mdhNMLSClQiZGv966wPHiEaPgfvdCbCsXiZn75pOZJpmpx4W3bJd8C6bB9GaNgybcplM/s4000/Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi284RRTi6FW1GdshZ1UxyBoC4yC1cbVhrkBLtAFLcrO848tSQN8SDIzVeMmZzl_9LscVHBcdbVNPfOrIaxvUosCW7jSP_lEIRgWdn8j1FkEWqJR5raZ8g1mdhNMLSClQiZGv966wPHiEaPgfvdCbCsXiZn75pOZJpmpx4W3bJd8C6bB9GaNgybcplM/w640-h480/Entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they come! Faith didn't even seem phased by the packed gym. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ebXZXZR41dY" width="320" youtube-src-id="ebXZXZR41dY"></iframe></div><br /><div>When they finished, I heard a thunderous round of applause and then everyone began to stand! My eyes instantly filled with tears. I really felt like these wheelchair dancers had inspired everyone in the audience, including the other dancers. Afterward, I hurried to the lobby, found Faith and told her that she did it and I was so proud of her! All of the performers were super excited and some of the moms had tears in their eyes, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since we had a few hours before the next performance, I debated on going back home for a bit. I decided against it, though as I didn't want to have to deal with parking again. My parents came into the lobby and told Faith what a great job she and everyone else had done. I told them I wasn't prepared for it to be such an emotional experience. Mom said there were even people in the stands crying. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQNs0JFqnEddJrkm0f3uz1gS_b42yA-MyPKftyD-Qxu5tW4vQO7s8l5OPhdHtbCmu4ucxPZqhXbnbIrZmZvNRH1t3zlRJRyaQn8W2AcTGk-WIoBCec-T4a1SMmF5JmjykgnPuOFG4AQLL2Ax1FTsOLeEJjM_UN_mKpX_Fof9Mzock9ERQ9TuSsPaj/s2943/FaithG&G_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2681" data-original-width="2943" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQNs0JFqnEddJrkm0f3uz1gS_b42yA-MyPKftyD-Qxu5tW4vQO7s8l5OPhdHtbCmu4ucxPZqhXbnbIrZmZvNRH1t3zlRJRyaQn8W2AcTGk-WIoBCec-T4a1SMmF5JmjykgnPuOFG4AQLL2Ax1FTsOLeEJjM_UN_mKpX_Fof9Mzock9ERQ9TuSsPaj/w640-h584/FaithG&G_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad Grandpa and Grandma could make it to the performance!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpr7jG5OGn2fK0chTVhAOIOBOBgmg7rCV1FMDvOWD_8CQPBkHW6_r63BajSVp7ipYB0XMzPwDQkjb9VZFuVIqePlF8Y-jPrfdSKIK-JTkx3acO_Prs51PPGSdWGtdPWCmXo2nMdT1hATdJIQFIrAXyFKARAefM25v4kDMMG2QjnNJy5LyU6AqffGG/s2866/FaithMe_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2866" data-original-width="2866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpr7jG5OGn2fK0chTVhAOIOBOBgmg7rCV1FMDvOWD_8CQPBkHW6_r63BajSVp7ipYB0XMzPwDQkjb9VZFuVIqePlF8Y-jPrfdSKIK-JTkx3acO_Prs51PPGSdWGtdPWCmXo2nMdT1hATdJIQFIrAXyFKARAefM25v4kDMMG2QjnNJy5LyU6AqffGG/w640-h640/FaithMe_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my dancer! </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>During the break, Faith ate a bag of animal crackers and I grabbed a hot dog. We had a nice time just visiting with other parents and their kids. At one point, I took Faith into the bathroom to give her some water through her g-tube. There were some other dancers in there and Faith tried to strike up a conversation with them. She really isn't afraid to talk to anyone! Out in the lobby, she continued to compliment the other dancers on their hair and their costumes. We were sitting right next to the table where people came in and paid and she tried to talk to almost everyone there, too. I told her she really didn't have to talk to everyone! (She gets it from her Grandpa!) </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it was time for performance number 2 and they did just as well with another standing ovation. Afterward, the group took some pictures, handed out certificates, and then Faith was ready to head home. It had been an exciting day and she was ready to just relax! All in all, it was a great experience and she already can't wait to do it again next year! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFbjLAQkInipkrivY5BdWDbrlasRZ4Jaqwefq2IPTdalXqoVM_vRLj8mnc3tzNcaVMLLITx1iSRSzaol1j0GwGjBietVvWhFbLxNmrBeBYcaQ_HdDZhIpZpjRULHD4b9UB-oR1NhZlwVFChxQJgW3HpNITa4E7k-9iay9PpF9AAapwwin8COULQnz/s2026/FaithCertificate_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="1938" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFbjLAQkInipkrivY5BdWDbrlasRZ4Jaqwefq2IPTdalXqoVM_vRLj8mnc3tzNcaVMLLITx1iSRSzaol1j0GwGjBietVvWhFbLxNmrBeBYcaQ_HdDZhIpZpjRULHD4b9UB-oR1NhZlwVFChxQJgW3HpNITa4E7k-9iay9PpF9AAapwwin8COULQnz/w612-h640/FaithCertificate_Crop.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Lacey handing Faith her certificate. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YxZ-193kcdBJevV9cnJKqTE5ywP6qyNzxb2p5_ByT3c3Bw2kStRKDZuHpesRV9_QUIFGoVnogdOUcwO6gODKU9DRKfWqAb5gdqdDcpq6fNRloKHg0R1ybaQGjS3XDWqKqKGHbWlNtnTlLv-bK0tR0kPV23gw_4O2pTBI9zY4hV0lDkB4H_VBUdRQ/s4000/CertrificateFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YxZ-193kcdBJevV9cnJKqTE5ywP6qyNzxb2p5_ByT3c3Bw2kStRKDZuHpesRV9_QUIFGoVnogdOUcwO6gODKU9DRKfWqAb5gdqdDcpq6fNRloKHg0R1ybaQGjS3XDWqKqKGHbWlNtnTlLv-bK0tR0kPV23gw_4O2pTBI9zY4hV0lDkB4H_VBUdRQ/w480-h640/CertrificateFlowers.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's certificate and flowers from Grandma! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-41964722326635971012023-01-28T17:46:00.000-06:002023-02-16T15:29:14.430-06:00Faith's First Extended Hospital Stay <p>It's hard to believe that Faith is 19 years old and has never had a major illness or extended hospital stay since she was in the NICU. The only other time she had to stay in the hospital was when she had her g-tube placed when she was two years old. That is, until now. And to think it all started with her having a simple outpatient procedure that had nothing to do with the reason she was hospitalized. </p><p><b>Day 1: Thursday - the Procedure </b></p><p>Faith and I got up extremely early as she had to be at the clinic for her outpatient procedure. The procedure was a lumbar puncture in order to do a test dose of medication called baclofen, which would help reduce high muscle tone and spasticity. If the results were good, and it helped her muscles relax, we would have the option (in the future) of inserting a baclofen pump so that she could receive the medication continuously via a catheter in her spine. </p><p>I stressed the importance of giving her anti-nausea medication before the procedure because I know how anesthesia affects her. The procedure was very quick and after she woke up, she was happy and relaxed. Her physical therapist came to see her and seemed impressed with the results. The physician who ordered the test also came to check on her, and he was happy with the results, too. I was relieved, because she seemed to have sailed through this without any major complications. She had to lie on her back for about 6 hours before she could sit up. For Faith, this is not an easy thing to do as she much prefers to sit up in her chair. However, they were able to sit her up in bed a bit to help her drink some water, juice, and eat some belvita bites. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeW-FuAMeNehHX332LdpWVrMirf4YsxEQA5LjhqkIDm1moXzdStm9gcL4IxFajlGwVz9FGyTx0i1LVOU0KeXVYXo3NEP54ooWoQ0eAQCf-6aZcVLVf_pZWyeCqhSPbNPtt0sUoJGraucnW7Huurf_UuFDX2ZH3ekoQrA8xTiKFZgz_uKREbKJcbbo/s1025/FaithAfterProcedure_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="841" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeW-FuAMeNehHX332LdpWVrMirf4YsxEQA5LjhqkIDm1moXzdStm9gcL4IxFajlGwVz9FGyTx0i1LVOU0KeXVYXo3NEP54ooWoQ0eAQCf-6aZcVLVf_pZWyeCqhSPbNPtt0sUoJGraucnW7Huurf_UuFDX2ZH3ekoQrA8xTiKFZgz_uKREbKJcbbo/w526-h640/FaithAfterProcedure_Crop.jpg" width="526" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith sits up about 6 hours after her procedure and seems totally fine. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Finally, she was able to sit up in her chair and looked happy and relaxed. About 45 minutes later, though she began to doze off and looked a little pale. She began to retch and try to throw up. After a little bit, she said she wanted to lay back down. The nurse and I were both confused by this because she couldn't lay down while throwing up, plus, she never asks to lay down. Even in the past when her tummy was upset, she wanted to be sitting up. She also began crying that she wanted to go home. I told the nurse we would be okay to go home because I figured the anesthesia was upsetting her tummy. She gave her a dose of anti-nausea medicine, which seemed to help. </p><p>At home that evening, she wanted to go to bed right away, which isn't like her at all. I sat with her on the edge of the bed and all she could say was, "Mom could you please pray for me." Eventually she began to fall asleep, but then was up every couple of hours throwing up. </p><p><b>Day 2: Friday - First Trip to the ER </b></p><p>After not sleeping well, Faith wanted to try to sit up in her chair, so I put her in it, but it seemed to make her feel worse. I asked if her head hurt, but she didn't really say. I called the department where she had the procedure and told them Faith had a rough night with lots of nausea and vomiting and that she seemed worse sitting up in her chair. The nurse practitioner said she might be having a reaction to the baclofen and told me to call the doctor who had ordered the test. </p><p>I called him and he said he doubted it was the baclofen because it shouldn't be in her system anymore. I told him I was concerned about dehydration, and he confirmed that I should take her to the ER. She managed to be able to sit in her chair for the drive there. At that point, she was throwing up bile. As I drove, I felt completely helpless as she continued to throw up all over herself in the van. </p><p>Finally at the ER, I checked her in, and we had to wait about an hour before going back. In the waiting room, I felt so bad for her, it was all I could do to keep from crying. She looked so pale. They eventually called us back and took her vitals. Since her vitals were fine, we had to go back to the waiting room and wait for something to open up. We sat there with 3 other families and a guy who was groaning in pain from a kidney stone. It was miserable. I just prayed silently that a room would open and also prayed for all the other people in the waiting room that they would get the help they needed. </p><p>When they called Faith's name, I felt a little guilty for taking her back before kidney stone guy. He had resorted to yelling at the receptionist that he was in pain and needed to be seen NOW! But my Mama Bear instincts were in high gear, and I quickly wheeled her back. They put in an IV and started her on fluids and anti-nausea medication. After a couple of hours, she seemed to be feeling better. They took some labs as well. They also said if she continued to vomit, they could do a CT scan to make sure nothing was going on in her digestive tract. </p><p>After a while she began asking for juice. She also ate a few small bites of a cracker. We had been there for about 5 hours, and she began crying because she just wanted to go back home. I didn't think we would need the CT scan, so we went back home. I realized that we didn't have any apple juice at home and I really didn't want to stop to get any. As soon as we got home, I texted my mom and asked if she could bring over some juice and also some food for me. All I had eaten since Thursday morning was 2 bowls of cereal and a bowl of oatmeal. </p><p>Thank goodness for the apple juice because that is the only thing Faith wanted to eat or drink. All through the night she kept waking up asking for more juice. I really thought the worst was behind us. </p><p><b>Day 3: Saturday - Ambulance Ride to the ER </b></p><p>Faith woke up happy and said, "I feel so much better!" Her face had more color to it, and she was actually smiling. I felt so relieved. I asked if she wanted to get in her chair and go watch TV, which is something she hadn't really done since Thursday. She was excited to do that, so I got her in her chair and wheeled her to the living room. </p><p>Right after I turned on the light she said, I think I need to go back to bed. I thought maybe she was just feeling too weak to sit up. She hadn't eaten anything since Wednesday before the procedure. I put her back in bed and asked if she wanted to try some food in her tummy. I diluted some of her blended food and put it in her tummy. She kept it down. I also gave her water, plus she kept asking for sips of juice. </p><p>Late that morning respite care arrived so I could take a much-needed nap. I filled her in on everything that had been going on and we talked about the possibility of Faith having a spinal headache or a migraine. Before laying down, I gave Faith a little bit more diluted food. Faith then asked to sit up, so her respite care provider sat up with her on the edge of the bed, and she began throwing up all over again. </p><p>I knew Faith would be OK with Chris, so I went to lay down for a bit but didn't really sleep as I kept wondering what could be going on. After Chris left, Faith still didn't feel the best, so I called the doctor who had ordered the initial test (he had given me his cell phone number and told him to call if she wasn't getting better). I told him she seemed to get worse when she sat up. He said she may have had a little bit of spinal fluid leak and told me to just keep her laying down for a couple of days and that the fluid should build back up on its own. He asked if the injection site was swollen or red or anything, and I told him it looked good. He just said to keep any eye on her. </p><p>Faith had fallen asleep and I went into the living room and just began to cry. I felt so awful for what she was going through. I was also getting very scared for her because she was so sick. I really didn't know what to do. I didn't think I should keep her home, but I didn't how to get her back to the ER if she was having trouble sitting in her chair. All I could do was pray and ask for guidance. I also sent out some texts and asked members of our church family to pray for her. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPnn7itHuD1J_j6lbHvSKVhBRJy87j0gOQsk8OBJE3gYVnmiEF7et3_Ac_9kLpkMroLn4qfEI9D1E2PkgEaCrkcX9JxcCM4mH08l3sqdclSfE3TdOxUgqKfyMM5wKwWcPh2h4q8q8Jf4CkPPZ1ppREmyNnJbRcjAZIlH14WUTIk-e9FDX3_kAuB2q/s960/FearNotMemeJPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPnn7itHuD1J_j6lbHvSKVhBRJy87j0gOQsk8OBJE3gYVnmiEF7et3_Ac_9kLpkMroLn4qfEI9D1E2PkgEaCrkcX9JxcCM4mH08l3sqdclSfE3TdOxUgqKfyMM5wKwWcPh2h4q8q8Jf4CkPPZ1ppREmyNnJbRcjAZIlH14WUTIk-e9FDX3_kAuB2q/w640-h640/FearNotMemeJPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister-in-law sent me this scripture, right when I needed it the most! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I went in to check on Faith, I thought she felt really warm and took her temperature. It was 101.3! She woke up and I told her I needed to take her back to the ER. I asked her if she could try to sit in her chair just one more time. She agreed to try it but as soon as she sat down, she wanted to get back out. I had no choice but to call 911. I told her she was going to go for a ride in the ambulance. I reminded her about the episode where <a href="https://misterrogers.org/episodes/a-visit-with-a-paramedic/" target="_blank">Mr. Rogers</a> showed his television friends the ambulance and what a paramedic was like. </p><p>As we waited, I scurried through the apartment trying to pack up what I thought I might need. The ambulance guys arrived and Faith asked them for high-fives. They were great with her! After about a 10-minute ride, we arrived at the hospital and this time, she received immediate care. The doctor was in the room right away ordering every lab under the sun. </p><p>They put in another IV (Faith's 3rd in three days) and got her going on fluids and anti-nausea medication. Her vitals were not so great as her blood pressure was really low and heart rate unusually high. They drew lots of blood for the lab work, like 7 vials of it. The other test they wanted to do was a urine sample, which Faith had never had before. It took three tries to get a catheter in her to draw out some urine. Thank goodness for the music of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuLrrsac950&list=PLRK41WIsf_ASkAs4HzWwouyonXxqZ7icQ" target="_blank">Michael W. Smith</a>, which I played for Faith on my phone to distract her. </p><p>They also wanted her to do the CT scan, which she handled like a pro. When we got back to the room, she was feeling better and kept asking for juice. They couldn't give her anything, though, until after the results of the CT scan. Finally, the test results began coming back and the urine sample showed a uterine tract infection (UTI). There were no abnormalities on the CT scan. The doctor said they would begin treating her for the UTI but he also wanted to do an MRI to ensure there was no complications from the lumbar puncture. He also wanted to admit her to the hospital. Thankfully, her vitals had stabilized, and they had a room open on the peds unit. </p><p><b>Day 4: Sunday - Admitted to Hospital </b></p><p>It was about 2:30 in the morning when we finally got up to a room. Thankfully I had grabbed my glasses and contact lens case, so I could at least take them out and still see! Faith was super tired but could not sleep. I tried my best to get comfortable in the reclining chair and as soon as I would get somewhat comfortable, Faith needed me for something. That first night I didn't really ask for help getting her changed or trying to get her in a more comfortable position. There were a few times she asked to sit up in bed, so I sat her on the edge with me but then she wanted to lay right back down. I was just so used to looking after her that it didn't really register I could get the nurse to do these things for me! Faith really wanted me to lie right next to her in bed, which is the only time both of us got a few hours of sleep. Of course, the nurse was in early to draw labs so we didn't sleep for long. </p><p>That morning I thought about how crazy it was that they found she had a UTI. At home, there were no symptoms of that at all. The only thing that may have indicated she had one was the night before she kept asking to be changed even though she wasn't going to the bathroom because she was so dehydrated. I thought maybe she was sore in her back where they did the procedure, and she didn't know how to verbalize that. I wondered if she had never had the lumbar puncture if the UTI wouldn't have been caught until it had gotten much worse. </p><p>All that day Faith was very quiet and not feeling well at all. We did have some visitors and even though she didn't feel like talking, Faith was still happy for the company. She also wanted to make some phone calls. She wasn't very talkative, but she just wanted to do something to pass the time. She didn't want to watch TV or her tablet. She was also very restless and kept trying to move around to get comfortable. I knew her back was sore from laying so much, and I asked if they could give her something for that, which they did. </p><p>That night, Mom came to stay with Faith while I went home to get some much-needed sleep. Faith wasn't too happy about this, but I knew she would be okay with Mom getting the nurses if she needed them. On the way out, I explained to the overnight nurse that I was leaving for the night. I asked if she would be okay doing Faith's meds without me through her g-tube and about changing Faith and repositioning her. She just looked at me like, "Uh yeah, that is my job!" </p><p>It felt so weird being in the apartment at night without Faith. I went into her room and realized she had thrown up all over her sheets and they were in the wash, so I did some laundry and made her bed. I sat in the living room and prayed and read Psalm 139. I knew that God had made Faith and that He knew exactly what was going on with her. I simply needed to trust in His plan. </p><p><b>Day 5: Monday - One More Test </b></p><p>On Monday I woke up and got back to the hospital as quickly as I could. It's a good thing, too because they were just getting Faith ready for her MRI. I found out I could not go into the room with her because of my pacemaker. Since Mom was still there, she said she could go in. They gave Faith some Ativan to keep her relaxed and she got to listen to music during the test. Faith stayed calm and did great! </p><p>After Mom left to get some much-needed sleep (and a visit with the chiropractor after sleeping in that chair), I sat with Faith and just waited around for the test results. I noticed she wasn't at restless and she actually took a nice long nap. I was trying to keep friends and family updated so I spent that time texting and sending messages. I also put out a message on the parents of kids with special needs Facebook group asking if anyone's wheelchair-bound daughter ever felt pain sitting up because of a UTI. I received a few responses. One mom said her daughter needs to be in a tilted position if she has a UTI as she is uncomfortable when sitting upright. Later that evening we talked to some of our Inspire friends over the phone and it was the first tiny smile I had seen from Faith in a couple of days. </p><p>The doctor came in and told me the MRI showed no abnormalities. I asked about a spinal headache, and she said if Faith had one, she would have a severe headache. I told her we don't know that she doesn't. I explained that Faith isn't really able to verbalize where she is feeling pain or what kind of pain she is in. The doctor just said that we know she has a UTI so let's treat her for that, first. </p><p>That day they also wanted to get some liquids into her. Part of the reason she was nauseous was that her tummy was completely empty. First, they put some clear Ensure through her tube to make sure she could keep that down. They then wanted to proceed with some commercial formula. They knew I did a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuLrrsac950&list=PLRK41WIsf_ASkAs4HzWwouyonXxqZ7icQ" target="_blank">blenderized diet</a> at home for Faith, but they said it was against hospital policy to bring any blended food in for her as they didn't know the exact content of the food. I was like, well I could tell you exactly what I put in there and how much, but they still wouldn't go for it. I decided it was one battle I didn't want to fight. I figured it's not like it would be very much and for very long (hopefully!) </p><p>That evening they gave her one ounce of Jevity. It is super rich, and her tummy was rumbling after they gave it to her. They were also checking her blood sugar and after getting just one ounce of the commercial formula her blood sugar was 196! Faith had seen the color of the formula in the bag (it was cream-colored as opposed to the green stuff at home). After it finished, she said, "Now I know what a milkshake tastes like!" </p><p>I told them they needed to dilute it quite a bit or else she wasn't going to tolerate it. Thankfully, though she kept it down. She was also able to get off the anti-nausea medication. Later that day, they gave her a diluted feeding, and another one overnight. </p><p><b>Day 6: Tuesday - Finally Feeling Better </b></p><p>Faith and I woke up around 7 after getting a pretty good night of sleep. One thing I needed to do that day was go over to the Heart and Lung Clinic for my pacemaker appointment. Faith said she would be okay with the nurses for a couple of hours. She knew to call for them if she needed help. But I also knew she would call for them just to have something to do! Sure enough, the second I walked out the door, I heard her call, "Nurse! Nuuuuurse!" </p><p>My appointment went okay. I have about 18 months before I need to get my <a href="https://faithsmomsblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/one-year-ago-my-trip-to-mayo.html" target="_blank">pacemaker battery</a> replaced. I just got it replaced in June 2021, so it didn't last that long, even with the new lead they put in. I saw my pacemaker doctor from Mayo and he said when I get it replaced, there might be some more options available with different features to help make the next one last a little bit longer. I hope so!</p><p>Back to Faith...she was fine when I got back. Unfortunately, the nurse didn't know how to find <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=214Nj779PjE" target="_blank">Truth Fellowship Live</a> on her tablet (which is the only thing she wanted to watch during most of her stay). The only other little hiccup was that they hadn't secured the extension to her Mic-key button, so the feeding leaked onto her shirt. When they went to change her clothes, she asked, "Do you have any tie-dye shirts here?" </p><p>I could tell she was feeling so much better. Even the nurses were commenting on how much better she looked than yesterday. They thought sleep and some calories helped to perk her up. I also attributed the sudden turnaround to the hundreds of people who were praying for her. I was still nervous though about how she would do sitting in her chair. </p><p>That evening, the nurses transferred her from her bed to her chair. She sat there for a few seconds and then got a big smile on her face. "Finally!" she said. I had her chair tilted back and after about 20 minutes I put it upright. I asked how she felt and she said, "It's a miracle!"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7i9O8pe_RUcMrabSX5OdvvDz4gD56FgbGs5dPuHbcB5Jvu9pHmgwv_2HRlz8-_yK7oucIGHiPHPeFKaJTfOG6Iqt3Q5Qfp1QewfcyrnQMdW_D79uG8Gi4FtU7KYVQ5BI4cx3fH5bQdoC_dvBXWGgHRyRDNonw0t-9HhEaBipUz4Nug1pcabk-5et/s988/FaithSitUpHospital_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="696" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7i9O8pe_RUcMrabSX5OdvvDz4gD56FgbGs5dPuHbcB5Jvu9pHmgwv_2HRlz8-_yK7oucIGHiPHPeFKaJTfOG6Iqt3Q5Qfp1QewfcyrnQMdW_D79uG8Gi4FtU7KYVQ5BI4cx3fH5bQdoC_dvBXWGgHRyRDNonw0t-9HhEaBipUz4Nug1pcabk-5et/w450-h640/FaithSitUpHospital_crop.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith is finally able to comfortably sit up in her chair! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>She ended up sitting in her chair for 3 hours! An anesthesiologist had come in to talk to me about the possibility of her having a spinal headache and he said she might have had one, but they sometimes resolve on their own. He said he would not have recommended the blood patch procedure on her, considering all that she had just gone through. He said he would only do it as an absolute last resort if she continued to have trouble. </p><p>After that Faith kept asking when she could go home. We all told her that if things continued to go well, she could go home the next day! </p><p><b>Day 7: Wednesday - HOME! </b></p><p>Faith and I both ended up sleeping until 10:00 a.m.! They no longer did morning labs because her potassium levels had gone up to normal. The only things she was getting was feedings and antibiotics for the UTI. Unfortunately, she lost her IV twice during her time in the hospital and the night before it had started to come out, so they had to put it in her leg. She had one more dose of antibiotics to get through the IV before they could take it out. </p><p>They also wanted to do 2 full-strength Jevity feedings and see the doctor. Faith was pretty impatient for the doctor to arrive...she was so ready to get out! The first thing she asked when she saw him was, "When can I go back to work?" He didn't realize that "work" was her day program. He told her she should probably stay home and rest for a couple of days. </p><p>After all that, we started getting ready to go home. Just as we are packing up, we got a surprise visitor - Uncle Todd! She was soooooo happy to see him. A little while later Mom came in as I had asked for her and Dad's help to get Faith home. Somehow, we had accumulated several bags full of stuff that we had to get back home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat7vU7umUujVtXq_BAprzPq57wOpwIU_nDRgPuFcy_oGb9A9kre5Er4YCNyTnwdt_SdLDJ8NrrVWCqX3V-dKyxm-0JzCPH2yOMsqIkN06TCTMtVKpIaeyYDtUklgIehM0_PB5Pg1f_eBPWiY10SiA0cEYZBicSrkD7j4YffbJPuziQX6Vr7Ktf1GJ/s1280/FaithTodd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat7vU7umUujVtXq_BAprzPq57wOpwIU_nDRgPuFcy_oGb9A9kre5Er4YCNyTnwdt_SdLDJ8NrrVWCqX3V-dKyxm-0JzCPH2yOMsqIkN06TCTMtVKpIaeyYDtUklgIehM0_PB5Pg1f_eBPWiY10SiA0cEYZBicSrkD7j4YffbJPuziQX6Vr7Ktf1GJ/w480-h640/FaithTodd.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith is ready to bust outta here, with help from her uncle! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>My dad went with Faith and I to the pharmacy so she could stay in the van while I went to pick up her antibiotic, which she would need to take for the next 3 days. Then it was homeward bound. She was so happy to see Albert (her fish) and her room. It had all been quite the ordeal and we were both happy and relieved to be home. </p><p>We are so thankful for the wonderful care she received while in the hospital at St. Alexius. The nurses were amazing - from the ones in the ER (like Emma who Faith said reminded her of Auntie Amber), to the ones on the pediatric floor - Brittany, Jessica, Janelle, Pam, Cheryl, and Melissa. They were all angels and I never want to forget them. I am also thankful for all the prayers and help from my parents, especially my mom for staying over one night and for being willing to help wherever needed. It also helped to get visitors to pass the time. </p><p>One final thought is that I'm pretty sure the baclofen did not cause anything. When I talked to the health coach from the hospital over the phone, she said she had a UTI once and didn't feel well at all and just wanted to stay home in bed. She said the anesthesia probably exacerbated the nausea and vomiting since it went through the kidneys. I think everything just happened at the same time, so it was hard at first to pinpoint the exact problem. I'm not in a hurry though to do anything medical related for a while, and I don't think Faith is either! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic9teTsVIoZzd3xYiWZXi7lCTwWy-gJOV6v31R-lZPqqgc2bjzFkRs4-6r_jeNTjnRIRWp8aPw95JamXn1JRxPJEsDbXKxqtnrWGYlQtjWIV1TWNAIiRL2i0WwfLvmrWIhhlpC4k-XxplHGicv7if5yBHw9NOl4oXP254etk38rlqqnkaHgxbzgHU/s1280/FaithFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic9teTsVIoZzd3xYiWZXi7lCTwWy-gJOV6v31R-lZPqqgc2bjzFkRs4-6r_jeNTjnRIRWp8aPw95JamXn1JRxPJEsDbXKxqtnrWGYlQtjWIV1TWNAIiRL2i0WwfLvmrWIhhlpC4k-XxplHGicv7if5yBHw9NOl4oXP254etk38rlqqnkaHgxbzgHU/w480-h640/FaithFlowers.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the gifts Faith received. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvde_yNmkVWNiWFsH_zCbHoMSfvWydt5RhT6gMO-Z2-9o5M5besU17zzRGvynrfYx1aCSPg305tUlxnhA_QLBniuLbBsI14Wxj0iJlp124-BdCKkl15LXFqdkSmFJbRfpUaIYGGUtNhCxaCTbzfYnhghpsV1Arg66rfv7IX1OeJjZpJ9M_7_T05C6n/s960/HealingPowerMeme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvde_yNmkVWNiWFsH_zCbHoMSfvWydt5RhT6gMO-Z2-9o5M5besU17zzRGvynrfYx1aCSPg305tUlxnhA_QLBniuLbBsI14Wxj0iJlp124-BdCKkl15LXFqdkSmFJbRfpUaIYGGUtNhCxaCTbzfYnhghpsV1Arg66rfv7IX1OeJjZpJ9M_7_T05C6n/w426-h640/HealingPowerMeme.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-55263638585704460862022-10-30T23:05:00.003-05:002022-10-30T23:23:46.975-05:00Faith's Fun Birthday Week <p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_qIfzoI9IZwHV0psFtDXOY3yxGu8NcrxQUqveX8Su4INPpvmGF0hK9B0Or3QP2lV-oRhYc7RTMpBZU5A-lKV3jKMwq8Z237cI-G5u3LSOEU_x4BAHHOnszuHkM9wYIEjJ8gyr9P32ULRok1_G5sCylMJSyboGUCNGYfkZ1zRU8xp27oUu5zL7Pps/s4000/BirthdayMeFaith.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"></a>Yes, it's true that Faith has been celebrating her birthday ever since last week! I mean, a girl only turns 19 once, right? And this is the last official year of her being a teenager! Last Tuesday when she woke up she said, "I can't believe I'm 19 already!" She was super excited because not only was it her birthday but it was Tie-Dye Tuesday at her day program and she was bringing cupcakes to all her friends there! </div><p></p><p>During the drive to Mandan, she asked if she was going to get any flowers for her birthday. I kept telling her I really didn't know. (She is still upset with me for throwing out the flowers that her cousins had gotten her in May for her graduation.) </p><p>I wasn't planning on getting her flowers, but I was pretty sure she would get at least one bouquet. She had a blast at her day program and on the way home she said she couldn't wait to see the apartment (she knew I was going to put up decorations for her.) </p><p>She was so excited to come through the door and not only see birthday decorations but one beautiful bouquet of flowers from her respite care provider. (Plus her grandparents had brought another bouquet!) As we waited for our birthday party guests to arrive, she had fun watching and listening to birthday messages that friends and family had made for her. During her party, we opened gifts, ate some chili, and had cupcakes and ice cream. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjqVG9oINHgD7KAKRK7XRdOfdeahdP0VFtZ1-GFWWVYg7oGN43XNPmm9wbLa_vY58dIzvstd7tcIwT8ZFdqswH3u41dFbtXuML6bjhB0IZHKLpXPZgRt2WLfAMhTHdzBCo28l8BrVL9dzN7S3Jb5xsgjxM9Y-qv6VVRhjgt_iEHrussxpKg2moi5m/s4000/BirthdayMeFaith.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjqVG9oINHgD7KAKRK7XRdOfdeahdP0VFtZ1-GFWWVYg7oGN43XNPmm9wbLa_vY58dIzvstd7tcIwT8ZFdqswH3u41dFbtXuML6bjhB0IZHKLpXPZgRt2WLfAMhTHdzBCo28l8BrVL9dzN7S3Jb5xsgjxM9Y-qv6VVRhjgt_iEHrussxpKg2moi5m/w480-h640/BirthdayMeFaith.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the birthday girl!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58n_cMpP7WUDiPNthrtAsGMiFCOhg6zsllYUr4vXG0TQKreVHH-eDORzr6pV3ciOWrIJSnmHoTivpq9j0PTZYbpx8UAgiXgevVsNDl0UDJijRDspwUlNWHhLCn0XARr06MMpGBBx_LaGe5M_YivBqhILElOKC2IB4Y7U34QUgkPE1B6Fvzu7aabS7/s4000/FaithG&G.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58n_cMpP7WUDiPNthrtAsGMiFCOhg6zsllYUr4vXG0TQKreVHH-eDORzr6pV3ciOWrIJSnmHoTivpq9j0PTZYbpx8UAgiXgevVsNDl0UDJijRDspwUlNWHhLCn0XARr06MMpGBBx_LaGe5M_YivBqhILElOKC2IB4Y7U34QUgkPE1B6Fvzu7aabS7/w480-h640/FaithG&G.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with Grandpa and Grandma<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq5eCjKfMLYgDH0u_-M_cIBcbj_TkA5EtBjnSmtRNv0SA3E70cIo7rtIA0ytXRTZMDZaJMp9jUcQQl7IV-8SdiMqWD8yRL6VfJXFgCB8ryNCf5liE9WUkD6vLbMyZeuwOdpaCsxZ8edPn1Gm0SKDdAxF2Sj--mgpWFHlAmJxBePWeEUvgOzlLwzjk/s3000/GroupPhoto.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq5eCjKfMLYgDH0u_-M_cIBcbj_TkA5EtBjnSmtRNv0SA3E70cIo7rtIA0ytXRTZMDZaJMp9jUcQQl7IV-8SdiMqWD8yRL6VfJXFgCB8ryNCf5liE9WUkD6vLbMyZeuwOdpaCsxZ8edPn1Gm0SKDdAxF2Sj--mgpWFHlAmJxBePWeEUvgOzlLwzjk/w480-h640/GroupPhoto.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn barely made it in the group shot!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDxED4_MrA-UfYH21ZooaLWtwMmuR9ZzowZnZPHWonNoAngP0T140M-pp2kwWPm7RirUSW7Lv7aBupPX-apsNYVtLia5c6GDkEm25nd4TNOVAXBtuBY2XijLUj6xZQzM4a2jR68W_KVdBHO4AT_xLnHxRi794aEz-fQgQtwOlUHtz-rzgQB8MBA-j/s4000/TRexThurs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDxED4_MrA-UfYH21ZooaLWtwMmuR9ZzowZnZPHWonNoAngP0T140M-pp2kwWPm7RirUSW7Lv7aBupPX-apsNYVtLia5c6GDkEm25nd4TNOVAXBtuBY2XijLUj6xZQzM4a2jR68W_KVdBHO4AT_xLnHxRi794aEz-fQgQtwOlUHtz-rzgQB8MBA-j/w480-h640/TRexThurs.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect shirt for T-Rex Thursday!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisntbduxkqq0_XJH0SNrk4CNUqTzpoeaSQp0QLsytDH64T1ku7w5P3ARXuAbOXOfMcytb4jxSSi_Ho1t9ZAEWmqxkLEGdDiPvW1l62Rm5AcrvOc-pH5xfN0RPx0CT_DWJlEvRTDwRtr1E2cxT_2Cv46SYqmFMleubJPRIXht5Xyt0C6nuKQgOyc0a5/s4000/FaithsHair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisntbduxkqq0_XJH0SNrk4CNUqTzpoeaSQp0QLsytDH64T1ku7w5P3ARXuAbOXOfMcytb4jxSSi_Ho1t9ZAEWmqxkLEGdDiPvW1l62Rm5AcrvOc-pH5xfN0RPx0CT_DWJlEvRTDwRtr1E2cxT_2Cv46SYqmFMleubJPRIXht5Xyt0C6nuKQgOyc0a5/w640-h480/FaithsHair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Faith's staff at her day program even did her hair for her! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT13u_xkcTTXcyP6kqv1svZ2A6_eTbeqe9dJrkGHphbjlbOTBVeR2pAimYqi55JZhgFjkKvIXOKkpQYI1tpGtryVhDxpJ768E7aGr2J3HmLtavChUeKRgeIJrruJs5-GuQISYsZImygw0ImS2vyn62TyPXlQJY4_F-4-J-x5hv0BiCU80E0GkNfX8/s4000/FaithBirthday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT13u_xkcTTXcyP6kqv1svZ2A6_eTbeqe9dJrkGHphbjlbOTBVeR2pAimYqi55JZhgFjkKvIXOKkpQYI1tpGtryVhDxpJ768E7aGr2J3HmLtavChUeKRgeIJrruJs5-GuQISYsZImygw0ImS2vyn62TyPXlQJY4_F-4-J-x5hv0BiCU80E0GkNfX8/w480-h640/FaithBirthday.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her gifts and cards.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As you can see in the pictures, one of her gifts was a t-shirt with a <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn UiGGAb" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Tyrannosaurus Rex</span></span> on it. On Thursday at her day program, they have T-Rex Thursday where the staff and participants can wear things with this kind of dinosaur on it. She only has one T-Rex shirt, so I found a few more for her on Amazon. When I explained to everyone why she needed more T-Rex shirts, my sister got so excited. She had helped to come up with that day when she worked there years ago! She was so happy to know they were still doing it! <br /><p></p><p></p><p>The next day we went to therapy, where she has 3 sessions two days a week. She has occupational therapy, physical therapy, and we just started speech therapy. There is also a day where she has physical therapy before she goes to her day program. Not only did we deliver cupcakes to all the therapists at <a href="https://www.mandankids.com/" target="_blank">Kids in Motion</a>, but she also got to get in on their wacky Wednesday by taking a group shot with them. Even though she only works with three of them, she loves seeing all the therapists (and admin assistants) and getting to socialize with them. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjOxhmU1HKPRtMmazfCPz5Gi6LQGIb-BAYsF9VaCzlE0D9PlJiryxNy8VmgZRAYtc8jTat8_sWF31J2zSKBQ-723mdb8YotYjZDCRGeCYeEfz8VshT_i9PLoNfPuQwd60hxDHQGVYdi7pjotTTYoXZVH1lI0rpJffsvuhEsBpcx2biqf7ous2XswE/s4000/FaithTherapy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjOxhmU1HKPRtMmazfCPz5Gi6LQGIb-BAYsF9VaCzlE0D9PlJiryxNy8VmgZRAYtc8jTat8_sWF31J2zSKBQ-723mdb8YotYjZDCRGeCYeEfz8VshT_i9PLoNfPuQwd60hxDHQGVYdi7pjotTTYoXZVH1lI0rpJffsvuhEsBpcx2biqf7ous2XswE/w640-h480/FaithTherapy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They may be wacky but they are pretty amazing!! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> Earlier in the week I had asked Faith if she wanted to go on a trip for her birthday. She had been asking to go on a trip over the summer but it just didn't work out. She was excited and asked where we were going. I told her we could go to Fargo and go to a Bison game! The only thing is at that time I didn't actually have tickets, because as I learned that reserved accessible seats were kind of hard to get. Thankfully, I was able to call the day before the game when they said more seats would be opening up. I got 2 tickets for us and 2 more for our helpers - my sister and great niece! </p><p>Despite having a moment of high anxiety about the trip the evening before, she was raring to go the morning of the trip! We managed to get the van loaded up and then just cruised over to my sister's to pick her and Gracie. We made it to Valley City before stopping and still had plenty of time to get to the game, or so I thought. </p><p>We arrived around 1:30 - just 30 minutes after the doors had opened and all the accessible parking spots were already filled! We managed to find a spot that wasn't too far away. I sort of parked in the middle of two spots so that we still had room to let the ramp down. I figured someone would be mad for taking up an extra parking spot, but there wasn't much I could do. Like my sister said, they need way more accessible spots! </p><p>After unloading, we made our way to the FARGODOME but I had to run back and get Faith's food, which I had put in the back so it would stay cold. After we got inside, we needed to go upstairs where the family rooms were so I could get Faith changed and her feeding going. (Way to go <a href="https://www.fargodome.com/plan-your-visit/guest-services" target="_blank">FARGODOME</a> for having 3 private bathrooms with adult-size changing tables!) </p><p>After all of that, we ended up missing the very beginning of the game where the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ir7QBDonY" target="_blank">players come onto the field</a>. It's probably good that we missed it though, cause it was super loud! They play "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC, plus they turn off the lights, have flashing green and gold lights, and several loud booms. I think that might have been too much for Faith! </p><p>We found our seats just after the first quarter started. It's funny because when I watch football on TV, Faith could care less, but she really liked the whole live experience! We were sitting near some of the opposing team's fans (Illinois State Redbirds) so when they cheered, she would cheer. I had to try to help her know when to cheer. She got the hang of yelling "first down," and loved the frenzy of when we scored. (She could have done without the two loud booms after each touchdown). </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYR0DOdOoBMG3StuyA7jULBijpIEbF832-DSRFbXDrMR2m9nTsR4IqI3y5YF0a_em1o3_Zr7ujVfFUCE8EIrZmiwFQTPT5mzhaceQa74krNynZZRUcGA_PV3QXVdl0Vb0pCLGkNGyjFRcME83zpL6I6crbZD35_qVXTLGZbv5XZmQzWkxxKz7Os3D/s701/MeFaithGame.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYR0DOdOoBMG3StuyA7jULBijpIEbF832-DSRFbXDrMR2m9nTsR4IqI3y5YF0a_em1o3_Zr7ujVfFUCE8EIrZmiwFQTPT5mzhaceQa74krNynZZRUcGA_PV3QXVdl0Vb0pCLGkNGyjFRcME83zpL6I6crbZD35_qVXTLGZbv5XZmQzWkxxKz7Os3D/w480-h640/MeFaithGame.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had great seats!! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PrcVqRikXqEtJuS4bXQVyIYoboHaukKrfkbrxyEcHqXsxwFwc4L2Pch_ugruJOJZX5yRjDRsQuNNzii5tznfWbZ_saFfn5v00uiG8jPyuTjwQii37czGAS4FoOL-noRo09kD3SRlyW0v5DbFyKpuqykoGuAFEWHa0DWecCciZ0jHBhGjuE34B8W6/s4000/DawnGracie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PrcVqRikXqEtJuS4bXQVyIYoboHaukKrfkbrxyEcHqXsxwFwc4L2Pch_ugruJOJZX5yRjDRsQuNNzii5tznfWbZ_saFfn5v00uiG8jPyuTjwQii37czGAS4FoOL-noRo09kD3SRlyW0v5DbFyKpuqykoGuAFEWHa0DWecCciZ0jHBhGjuE34B8W6/w480-h640/DawnGracie.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right behind us!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtYSUk8LvPB4NwnphBBxzQ0B0ExWt2KSKgbMoXgItjFvBW8EysKjelPdVxO2JbD9tV9dhbgy4WGXG7L6g9D2zLKVrFh3WGKFTImDAggPXFgVPwfcv-tudMZ8offXIQqNBiDZDZwK8ltdDCr-6Sxv_ALPBXcBZ9d47MwDdi90l6INEJAPgrIQlzGnD/s4000/FirstTimersGame.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtYSUk8LvPB4NwnphBBxzQ0B0ExWt2KSKgbMoXgItjFvBW8EysKjelPdVxO2JbD9tV9dhbgy4WGXG7L6g9D2zLKVrFh3WGKFTImDAggPXFgVPwfcv-tudMZ8offXIQqNBiDZDZwK8ltdDCr-6Sxv_ALPBXcBZ9d47MwDdi90l6INEJAPgrIQlzGnD/w480-h640/FirstTimersGame.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These 3 had never been to a Bison game before! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rjoIjeU_VDKWQ19Tl_2HWUHcg-doahsY3dt7Qf9N0VuVpOohUC6mXyae2C2c7d0nR1j79WJP4FcTbGaXzqJlMbLOOt2px1x7j04hROTcIHKPPkBHh5JygLvGgLETrWv2zM4xBUhFjIdiu135UyyzXce9_QzjCEjxQFEuNywHQwyWSVdpYZIxVXde/s3648/MeFaithSelf2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rjoIjeU_VDKWQ19Tl_2HWUHcg-doahsY3dt7Qf9N0VuVpOohUC6mXyae2C2c7d0nR1j79WJP4FcTbGaXzqJlMbLOOt2px1x7j04hROTcIHKPPkBHh5JygLvGgLETrWv2zM4xBUhFjIdiu135UyyzXce9_QzjCEjxQFEuNywHQwyWSVdpYZIxVXde/w480-h640/MeFaithSelf2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much fun! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-M6eYDqTiY" width="320" youtube-src-id="K-M6eYDqTiY"></iframe></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dodxYnqiqrw" width="320" youtube-src-id="dodxYnqiqrw"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>We ended up leaving right before the end of the 4th quarter because I knew she was getting tired. Plus, I kinda wanted to get ahead of all the traffic. (NDSU won by the way!) On our way to the hotel, the directions on my phone took us this really weird route where we were going through all these neighborhoods and side streets, but we eventually found our way to our hotel. (I wanted connecting rooms and the only hotel that had them available when I called was one in way southwest Fargo). </p><p></p><p></p><p>I was thankful my sister could come along because I needed her to help me lift Faith in and out of her chair. I would never be able to travel alone with Faith on a long trip or do an overnight by myself because I simply can't lift her. <br /></p><p>On Sunday after getting lost again, my sister was able to get the Popeye's chicken sandwich she was craving (she got me one too and it was really good!) All in all it was a great trip and I'm glad to know it's totally doable. Also, Faith had so much fun she wants to go again sometime! I'm proud of Faith for being such a great traveler and for doing so well with her 5-year old second cousin. <br /></p><p>And now that her birthday is over, I think we are both looking forward to having a routine week! <br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-30896884859752828352022-08-01T15:05:00.000-05:002022-08-01T15:05:32.181-05:003 Big Events All In One Week<p>Here it is the first day of August and one thing is certain: last month was a busy one! Both Faith and I had some important appointments, plus she had her 6-month evaluation for her day program. It's so hard to believe she's been there for half a year already. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06nKV5VpSYBhqzjyZeiYRHQcbkKT68lxlupEnmYEj3bG_M7YDYwZdgdnXQpIcyvozC61nBH8nFP8Vr-OTu95lhmBZqK0-f8GdbA0j-8eiRso_Z4seGl7WrdZKCr1Gp0mU56yHXxXNZ8M1G8NOnaxCeOcrEpYpb4J_6gqj69XnyRiOU2_yLRpurgDc/s480/FaithAtSockHop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06nKV5VpSYBhqzjyZeiYRHQcbkKT68lxlupEnmYEj3bG_M7YDYwZdgdnXQpIcyvozC61nBH8nFP8Vr-OTu95lhmBZqK0-f8GdbA0j-8eiRso_Z4seGl7WrdZKCr1Gp0mU56yHXxXNZ8M1G8NOnaxCeOcrEpYpb4J_6gqj69XnyRiOU2_yLRpurgDc/w480-h640/FaithAtSockHop.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith at the Sock Hop at her day program<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>The Day Program is one of her favorite things in the world. She loves going and I'm so glad they love having her there. She
is a bright light and full of joy wherever she goes. She is also full of
encouragement, which I believe is one of her God-given gifts! But besides going to her day program and therapy, Faith had some other major events - all of which take place the last week in July!<br /></p><p><b>Big Event #1: Our First Baseball Game</b><br /></p><p>The first was attending our first-ever Bismarck Larks baseball game. We didn't just attend, though. We both got to go on the field where she placed the ball on the mound and then announced into a microphone, "Play Ball!" This opportunity came about through <a href="https://www.mandankids.com/" target="_blank">Kids in Motion</a>, where Faith goes to therapy twice a week. They had asked if she wanted to take part and she exclaimed, "Yes!" </p><p>My contact person from the Larks told me I would get 4 free tickets in accessible seating. It ended up working out so that my sister, her husband, and one of their sons (who plays baseball) were going to be coming up from Nebraska so they were able go to the game with us! </p><p>At the ballpark, while making our way to the entrance, I was totally surprised when a Larks fan saw Faith and took off his jersey and gave it to her! I couldn't believe his kindness and generosity! We then found our contact guy, found my sister and her family, and then went onto the field near third base by the team's dugout to get our directions on what to do. </p><p>Faith had to go to the pitcher's mound, deliver the baseball, and then go back to our spot by the dugout while they sang the National Anthem and made team introductions. After that, I had to wheel her back to field. The guy with the microphone explained to her that he was going to count down from 3 and then she was could yell, "Play Ball." She was so excited though, that she didn't wait until the countdown was done! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHwQOW6GmlQ42xzrAS11b042WY8JgNQHek3CWRxMm1KV7dd7s0XVHOQIFtrcwFyrKhbaLwo2NWo1eY9KpvTRU7x5tSIFMo1oYAzEVIoUnZ1fVuNSa4PMeMhT0xCxRYNJ7IbzZHIdOGBWhqGiGkBZqdwWR2p2knAS-zwuZKroxu3E6VHqUlOmHBaBz/s4000/20220727_182227.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHwQOW6GmlQ42xzrAS11b042WY8JgNQHek3CWRxMm1KV7dd7s0XVHOQIFtrcwFyrKhbaLwo2NWo1eY9KpvTRU7x5tSIFMo1oYAzEVIoUnZ1fVuNSa4PMeMhT0xCxRYNJ7IbzZHIdOGBWhqGiGkBZqdwWR2p2knAS-zwuZKroxu3E6VHqUlOmHBaBz/w480-h640/20220727_182227.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with the Graffs on the field before the game. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4uh5mXyVwi7rvRL13i-o7eErtoac8Be8y-Ly7zv3L1ADYzE3UHMuMZ8bvIwNguprTnLRicvZup1kOMCheKR48nnHxKed68uw-SzgIvdl3PryuZ0w-DVe7lT5eUtVs14lmWOJ63zfAtrThjS_AeGXTonm4IsM1XuH-XL-xzN8gicJrho3qooKobMi/s1521/BallOnMound_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1521" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4uh5mXyVwi7rvRL13i-o7eErtoac8Be8y-Ly7zv3L1ADYzE3UHMuMZ8bvIwNguprTnLRicvZup1kOMCheKR48nnHxKed68uw-SzgIvdl3PryuZ0w-DVe7lT5eUtVs14lmWOJ63zfAtrThjS_AeGXTonm4IsM1XuH-XL-xzN8gicJrho3qooKobMi/w640-h538/BallOnMound_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith got to put the ball on the mound!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t9wMAbSOr6k" width="320" youtube-src-id="t9wMAbSOr6k"></iframe></div><p>Afterwards, we made our way to our seats. We had never gone to a
baseball game together and I honestly didn't think she'd make it through
all 9 innings. She totally surprised me by maintaining her enthusiasm
until the very end! It helped that the Larks were winning and there
was a lot of music, dancing, and cheering. Plus, the Larks mascots came by quite often, giving her a high-five every time. <br /></p><p>I have to say I was totally impressed with every aspect of the <a href="https://northwoodsleague.com/bismarck-larks/" target="_blank">Larks organization</a>. Not only was the accessible seating in a good spot, but everything was completely accessible. Even the little gift shop had a temporary ramp placed over the door's threshold so I could roll Faith in there. Besides Faith, there was another little girl with special needs who, with the help of her sister, got to make her way around the entire baseball diamond in between innings. I really liked their show of support for the special needs community. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUoRxeYLPw5aZgDk6l0mZgdVXTL2knlPb0bl2v-MuPq4q6kWwVB5x65A9SR0Q-LC0WVK4FQd_uVr0C5pLyNwy6f5TxJvUoE63wI2o1dxUqMiVBa0biKf-ovxOe1aVWk4Kw77Si7czWImp7LXs8kTbe-MyavnZFwmT1jUKtafS76mQEAlOCWnpmf6J/s3648/20220727_193109.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUoRxeYLPw5aZgDk6l0mZgdVXTL2knlPb0bl2v-MuPq4q6kWwVB5x65A9SR0Q-LC0WVK4FQd_uVr0C5pLyNwy6f5TxJvUoE63wI2o1dxUqMiVBa0biKf-ovxOe1aVWk4Kw77Si7czWImp7LXs8kTbe-MyavnZFwmT1jUKtafS76mQEAlOCWnpmf6J/w640-h480/20220727_193109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a ball! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgWv878QrwowM0rxAwW19w3kuBXh9oolJg1RzHqNz9NuXVpXulO1X7W1kFYJwHiD1NPEggiuSq7UDASuFQzWaLEZo68OMoviXlrDXKN-3wryU7Rl3vQ0p4bh9hzlU9jJSPVIBztAQ2SONSwQJoxrydychLdxNAdUKZ8aPBxYsu6OHidMs0jOTKRTg/s3329/FaithMascot_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3329" data-original-width="2983" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgWv878QrwowM0rxAwW19w3kuBXh9oolJg1RzHqNz9NuXVpXulO1X7W1kFYJwHiD1NPEggiuSq7UDASuFQzWaLEZo68OMoviXlrDXKN-3wryU7Rl3vQ0p4bh9hzlU9jJSPVIBztAQ2SONSwQJoxrydychLdxNAdUKZ8aPBxYsu6OHidMs0jOTKRTg/w574-h640/FaithMascot_Crop.jpg" width="574" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith loved Merrifeather Lewis!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg-vf0tKAgnMivtUW7xKgBGgrzECjwrxAgay_NcnjUODvj2xmdjzWBkIBtu4-0bxU4_M9JsGvut4bzqnWqcyI3ytXb9xGhnNiZSQCSlFZ1utxF_Dzwfzx944YuGwmrMUVK1KjWZ5jr3DLbGfjwG54gOJjK9iDKTCggNYu3iEOCLhT4to08aXCOyhS/s3289/FaithPresonJerseys_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3289" data-original-width="2911" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg-vf0tKAgnMivtUW7xKgBGgrzECjwrxAgay_NcnjUODvj2xmdjzWBkIBtu4-0bxU4_M9JsGvut4bzqnWqcyI3ytXb9xGhnNiZSQCSlFZ1utxF_Dzwfzx944YuGwmrMUVK1KjWZ5jr3DLbGfjwG54gOJjK9iDKTCggNYu3iEOCLhT4to08aXCOyhS/w566-h640/FaithPresonJerseys_Crop.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith and Preston in their "22" Larks Jerseys. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfJ9sihWZb1SH_78TQGbyAMV6P7K1UDD6f_ZJEvUpARymgLdKODZyqz2Em8IZkgvCiIVIDUKosisWNXj9zSMCBDPFHoTFCOABKxmZvJtoe0veh0PY8J5irdyAR1VAw0xQetF0OJywNwRF3eHTZfgQLWbVWgPfxxdIJKwXisnsfImfuesHiIQ4yNJ5/s2048/PrestonAutograph.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfJ9sihWZb1SH_78TQGbyAMV6P7K1UDD6f_ZJEvUpARymgLdKODZyqz2Em8IZkgvCiIVIDUKosisWNXj9zSMCBDPFHoTFCOABKxmZvJtoe0veh0PY8J5irdyAR1VAw0xQetF0OJywNwRF3eHTZfgQLWbVWgPfxxdIJKwXisnsfImfuesHiIQ4yNJ5/w480-h640/PrestonAutograph.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preston getting an autograph. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>After the game the entire team stuck around to give autographs. Faith got one autograph while her cousin went all out and had every player autograph the jersey he had tried so hard to win! It was a really fun evening and the weather was perfect at just 78 degrees. Right after the game, we headed home and got ready for the next day. </p><p><b>Big Event #2: Botox Injections at the Hospital </b></p><p>Despite needing to be at the hospital at 8:30 a.m., Faith wasn't actually in the operating room until 10:30. One part of the delay was getting the right size sling for the lift to transfer her from her chair to the hospital bed. As they were getting her into the sling and then getting her hospital gown on, it was all I could do to jump in and do it for them. I had to remind myself that this was their job! </p><p>Faith has had Botox in the past but it didn't seem to last very long for her. Also, at that time, she wasn't put under for it, so it ended up being a very traumatic experience every time she did it. I just wasn't sure it was worth putting her through all that trauma and then not gaining very much from it. </p><p>Her physical therapist, however, strongly recommended that we try it
again to see how she responded. It was her hope that she would be able
to tolerate her foot orthotics for longer periods of time. Plus, it
would allow them to work more with her legs in order to increase
strength and range of motion. I was hoping it would also help her be
more comfortable in general. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vbkZQDAyrH4eD7bM7G_qqxCGU75q3akK9TF2EN7k7jusmAffiSRyAbMVu2AOLi5dLmsOmg53InOqMYUlon7vrTs5kiraYKnyn6rFFcLsEBx3Y4tyttdfQfxa34AGDzUsjRAXTNZrlLvUgjOqLdKqwpyjGxtO50wiqncRQ7Y5MfejSm7L-DOhK6YR/s4000/20220614_113346.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vbkZQDAyrH4eD7bM7G_qqxCGU75q3akK9TF2EN7k7jusmAffiSRyAbMVu2AOLi5dLmsOmg53InOqMYUlon7vrTs5kiraYKnyn6rFFcLsEBx3Y4tyttdfQfxa34AGDzUsjRAXTNZrlLvUgjOqLdKqwpyjGxtO50wiqncRQ7Y5MfejSm7L-DOhK6YR/w640-h480/20220614_113346.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith at Kids In Motion with some of her OT/PT team<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUmjD35s5WmZSxwt0mR3ILgEviw_cUeKWeAcsBn15886MvQUUMhow_XTjJ14KVOjIhgz8Rh9PRyiVxHA11GtZ9KnxxeQAwjeJa9soU4yOPwx1GjTwwcvFA_0ZJWPa77AgQ3FvD8TULvZTtikqMiSCnKHykCNWTlvzI21ElXZPufOQE_9NAVh9BqUs/s2859/FaithWithNurses.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2617" data-original-width="2859" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUmjD35s5WmZSxwt0mR3ILgEviw_cUeKWeAcsBn15886MvQUUMhow_XTjJ14KVOjIhgz8Rh9PRyiVxHA11GtZ9KnxxeQAwjeJa9soU4yOPwx1GjTwwcvFA_0ZJWPa77AgQ3FvD8TULvZTtikqMiSCnKHykCNWTlvzI21ElXZPufOQE_9NAVh9BqUs/w640-h586/FaithWithNurses.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her favorite nurses for her History and Physical the week before her procedure<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> The procedure itself took just over an hour. When I went to the recovery I could tell she didn't feel well and asked the nurse if she had thrown up. She said she did a little bit but they were able to suction it out of her mouth. I was a little surprised she got sick, especially considering how well she had done last summer when she went under for her dental work. But I also knew that considering where she was in her monthly cycle, it was normal for her to experience some nausea around this time of the month. </p><p>It took her a while to fully wake up. They kept her there a little longer just because of her nausea plus her blood pressure was a little low. Finally, though she was able to go back to her room. Things looked promising when she ate some graham crackers and drank some juice. After checking her vitals three more times, they said she could get discharged. This time there was just one nurse and she was pretty busy so I said I could get her dressed. </p><p>We got home around 2 in the afternoon. I tried to do a very watered down feeding at a slow rate to see how she did. She immediately became nauseous again. She told me she wanted to get out of her chair and sit with me on her bed. </p><p>I think part of the issue was that she was feeling sore where they had done the four injections. I tried to talk her into laying down with me, but she refused, most likely because her tummy was upset. So we sat on the bed together for over an hour. I just sat in the most comfortable position I could and rocked her in my arms. She even fell asleep for about 10 minutes. </p><p>She eventually seemed better and wanted to sit back in her chair. I gave her water through her tube and had her drink some juice from a straw. Later that evening, she asked for a feeding and I knew she was past the worst of it. Before going to bed, she asked if she was going to her day program tomorrow, and I told her she could. The doctor had told her she could back into her normal routine the next day. </p><p>After sleeping for 10 hours, I was surprised when she woke up and didn't want to go to her day program. She said, "I just don't want to chance it." I knew she was afraid she was going to throw up again so I told her if she's not up to it then she could stay home. We just laid low all day and didn't do too much because the next day we had a very special dinner to attend.<br /></p><p><b>Big Event #3: Grandpa and Grandma's Belated Anniversary Dinner </b></p><p>My parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary was actually on June 3rd, which was just 2 days after my dad had partial knee replacement surgery. Thankfully, he did very well with the surgery but it meant he would need to spend a majority of the summer doing physical therapy and recovering. </p><p>My sisters and I thought maybe we could do something at the end of summer or in the fall. But it turned out that most of the family would be here the last weekend in July so we figured we should try to do something then. We kept it a secret until just a few days prior. They were both very surprised and appreciated the effort we had put forth. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl1ROybPpcgMVlQ2aCpQ4PWdb7nnVXE60ElY1DVzeHAxgnOWMuGJi3lL1mMYu_ktEibKnv82nrA8A_041lGaY_6mXGoEL54c5g2s7oyBfi8IMCGdiVAnd1BhXsot1zSDy2ODh7zLlxZiaRXHGkfj5MTEIfBlMYpKa5IF6O_r6YOSmqYXsIlfsp1PS/s4000/20220730_195314.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl1ROybPpcgMVlQ2aCpQ4PWdb7nnVXE60ElY1DVzeHAxgnOWMuGJi3lL1mMYu_ktEibKnv82nrA8A_041lGaY_6mXGoEL54c5g2s7oyBfi8IMCGdiVAnd1BhXsot1zSDy2ODh7zLlxZiaRXHGkfj5MTEIfBlMYpKa5IF6O_r6YOSmqYXsIlfsp1PS/w640-h480/20220730_195314.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Grandpa celebrating 50 years of marriage! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5pn1a5KOoPWMvqXAp3VUT6FqHVh-8fbOHVPfe-kiOXqh4VskoV846c9mCXHHC7uqc4xdsnpf6eWxeW_bUfd0_hZ73jRX4DX81a9eXmPOsZN8iPwNxuLf6RBcFnxXUN-leIpLkXeS-jIczypfjles8gfw4-Gvp5VVYEqsPyFt7TZjbQB22pOy3Tot/s1296/LawlarGroup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1296" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5pn1a5KOoPWMvqXAp3VUT6FqHVh-8fbOHVPfe-kiOXqh4VskoV846c9mCXHHC7uqc4xdsnpf6eWxeW_bUfd0_hZ73jRX4DX81a9eXmPOsZN8iPwNxuLf6RBcFnxXUN-leIpLkXeS-jIczypfjles8gfw4-Gvp5VVYEqsPyFt7TZjbQB22pOy3Tot/w640-h478/LawlarGroup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many family members were able to celebrate with them. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkYKqvU-2sQV1DoSAey7zrddV1jlwdW_0n5Lv_NJRhTHH2d5Pw82GmjbCtT-2-HUnB6-49UGhY9ZXul_-fS5Xe5IRq7xRR2Z4y7hw1VRQDVpN__J6c4iOK4lSGQpMGszAQkJUcvO8_cKJ4kp2exfHpVJjpoCR4N6yXGC1jVRQ-R85ZtPbfbQiEI_5/s4000/20220730_192046.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkYKqvU-2sQV1DoSAey7zrddV1jlwdW_0n5Lv_NJRhTHH2d5Pw82GmjbCtT-2-HUnB6-49UGhY9ZXul_-fS5Xe5IRq7xRR2Z4y7hw1VRQDVpN__J6c4iOK4lSGQpMGszAQkJUcvO8_cKJ4kp2exfHpVJjpoCR4N6yXGC1jVRQ-R85ZtPbfbQiEI_5/w640-h480/20220730_192046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with Grandma, Grandpa, and some of her cousins.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0Q3PS79fAogep6lMRUmMHQFWgRf05hCrT3JJO8NuRqYdS1i5MUfJKe9Jz5jkTlY5LWWls6shk-uKd8lO06DRojEBijoZkbJ14hQ3UTEHJTBYuQnraiDcITryrFTSXBgm3droQ-UIGJAsvsCtAm9PhbV3qNEhYktn4YYG11QwVByVGcDja8TFxZ_G/s2899/MeFaithatDinner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2477" data-original-width="2899" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0Q3PS79fAogep6lMRUmMHQFWgRf05hCrT3JJO8NuRqYdS1i5MUfJKe9Jz5jkTlY5LWWls6shk-uKd8lO06DRojEBijoZkbJ14hQ3UTEHJTBYuQnraiDcITryrFTSXBgm3droQ-UIGJAsvsCtAm9PhbV3qNEhYktn4YYG11QwVByVGcDja8TFxZ_G/w640-h546/MeFaithatDinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both of us had such a nice time!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbwf_jNf70GqBs5NmcyoXMx4J3u6V9r2pOPSvHacIz9Sq86hmyX8OwterXl0AR0JxiCCN09Xpne9rITUBP95IThRfkCpvjS5vi_4YvqVWWnAeF0iOrXsDDSqdDKvNGK-RAlzdacG3zdz5_M3fO91o4WIWpvWED0hwpWWdSTjtxX9Hiiejr16kFiNa/s4000/20220730_191142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbwf_jNf70GqBs5NmcyoXMx4J3u6V9r2pOPSvHacIz9Sq86hmyX8OwterXl0AR0JxiCCN09Xpne9rITUBP95IThRfkCpvjS5vi_4YvqVWWnAeF0iOrXsDDSqdDKvNGK-RAlzdacG3zdz5_M3fO91o4WIWpvWED0hwpWWdSTjtxX9Hiiejr16kFiNa/w640-h480/20220730_191142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Faith's favorite girls in the world! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpDzD0XU1yaXXL6MCROeyiQlDcc92yC4BzDQAnUayFsJU7Akw9OTwfkxKkXhtHMyXfAtIdBUJTarDk3TLnZZj-3F7_Lk_4-PLwSJrKBYIVoCU_yZ5hh3K0C43Ae-vfGu8dyZWTfEgYBpdYuB-cFTpwxXYl7cXdDVam7b-76nbgnWFQsmJhVHB2rR3/s1300/IMG_20220731_150740.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1300" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpDzD0XU1yaXXL6MCROeyiQlDcc92yC4BzDQAnUayFsJU7Akw9OTwfkxKkXhtHMyXfAtIdBUJTarDk3TLnZZj-3F7_Lk_4-PLwSJrKBYIVoCU_yZ5hh3K0C43Ae-vfGu8dyZWTfEgYBpdYuB-cFTpwxXYl7cXdDVam7b-76nbgnWFQsmJhVHB2rR3/w640-h576/IMG_20220731_150740.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And her uncle, too, of course!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMIDyelU3vg808Oge_OJTIBKm2_0_4GKAJCAiMNDs08mEQM4IU9X1qwdmfleqYG20Xb3lbnFiPylAH8AsfzvnM7E3rhy1coW5fA34DH8O2G_RDfVAzOJImt85acxySIYAICwQBLeuMpuMQN-KlAoN8XWLpovAhx9z4DPD72MzdTWF6_7BxPxECHC/s4000/20220730_195011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMIDyelU3vg808Oge_OJTIBKm2_0_4GKAJCAiMNDs08mEQM4IU9X1qwdmfleqYG20Xb3lbnFiPylAH8AsfzvnM7E3rhy1coW5fA34DH8O2G_RDfVAzOJImt85acxySIYAICwQBLeuMpuMQN-KlAoN8XWLpovAhx9z4DPD72MzdTWF6_7BxPxECHC/w640-h480/20220730_195011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith and Grace (our amazing waitress who is also Grandma's favorite barista!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Faith's goals for the evening were to deliver Grandma and Grandpa's gift and get as many hugs from her cousins, aunts, and uncles as possible (see video below). As an added bonus, her Auntie Dawn gave her some monster cookies she had made just for her. <br /></p><p>After all of that activity, she was still ready for church the next day. Shortly after getting home from her church, her aunt and cousins stopped over to say goodbye on their way back to South Dakota. And finally, our busy week had come to a close. I think we're both ready to get back to our regular routine and not have anymore major events for a while!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MXjx5P-ZB-U" width="320" youtube-src-id="MXjx5P-ZB-U"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>We hope everyone has a great rest of the summer!</b><br /></p><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-6346163644573255832022-06-30T21:38:00.002-05:002022-06-30T21:38:54.686-05:00One Year Ago: My Trip to Mayo <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eAzq17B462UIMrtC6C_aEJ_OFm2evFM1OwldFJVwGvZwzL2ZZjWMYXwyEj_BCNKz4u0aN6niPXS6YUZTf7Z06M4KwSqCTrr2PVM88faLF312CiBA3a6hTyQV9ZM1NaPDFQ9VgeZP4snL-YcHzP_TOoXa09UU6l_DlbBmMosvB54bySz1GyJV1q8R/s1280/HolterMonitor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eAzq17B462UIMrtC6C_aEJ_OFm2evFM1OwldFJVwGvZwzL2ZZjWMYXwyEj_BCNKz4u0aN6niPXS6YUZTf7Z06M4KwSqCTrr2PVM88faLF312CiBA3a6hTyQV9ZM1NaPDFQ9VgeZP4snL-YcHzP_TOoXa09UU6l_DlbBmMosvB54bySz1GyJV1q8R/w240-h320/HolterMonitor.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Today I thought it was quite fitting that on my one year anniversary of my new pacemaker, I was wearing a 24-hour Holter monitor! It's not because I'm having any issues with my pacemaker. Instead, I'm just preparing for my upcoming cardiology appointment next month. <p></p><p>Thankfully, my cardiologist from Mayo comes here to Bismarck, so I don't have to make the 1,000-mile round trip again! By the way, isn't amazing how small these Holter monitors are nowadays? I remember having to wear much larger ones that could not be hidden very easily, plus it was hard to sleep being attached to a big clunky machine. Last night, I hardly even knew this little one was there! <br /></p><p>I got my original pacemaker in August of 1999 but because the lead was getting old, my cardiology team wanted me to get a new one. It was last year on this day that I was recovering from the procedure. It still bends my mind how God took care of every single detail and that I had found enough people to look after Faith for the five days (and four nights) that I was gone. <br /></p><p>I am still incredibly grateful for all those who stepped up to look
after her. I'm also thankful my sister was able to take me there. Faith
still talks about it like it just recently happened. She often mentions
that her aunt and little cousin stayed with her a couple of nights and
how patient she had to be. </p><p>She also talks about how our friend Mandi looked after her, and she even had her kids and husband come over to visit.
I don't know what I would have done without her as she came every
morning to relieve the overnight staff and get Faith out of bed. She
even sent me a picture of Faith every day! <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgShIXoHBymBZyWPfUWpKvPIrb-Z5cJixXRGDX85AgxR6OaF9VbkDcxTnxV_9vsD4ZHScKAbnjBLv5r7R5hV-yspPAPB7MkdZDQAhoFtqS9uzqXGYbahkLdRiQu1FE4gfVouIIPlPij06roxP-c8TfD2ypF_CqC-QLcUu4k9FxGjTNkcf5mDFZyK66/s1374/1627750740079~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1097" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgShIXoHBymBZyWPfUWpKvPIrb-Z5cJixXRGDX85AgxR6OaF9VbkDcxTnxV_9vsD4ZHScKAbnjBLv5r7R5hV-yspPAPB7MkdZDQAhoFtqS9uzqXGYbahkLdRiQu1FE4gfVouIIPlPij06roxP-c8TfD2ypF_CqC-QLcUu4k9FxGjTNkcf5mDFZyK66/w510-h640/1627750740079~2.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith had loads of fun while I was gone! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Faith told me when Grandma and Grandpa were here, Grandpa did his
crossword puzzle and then took a nap. (It's just funny which details she remembers!) There was also the respite care
staff who stayed over a couple of nights and also a few other friends
who helped out. She will truly never forget it. Most of all though, I
think she is proud of herself for getting through that time and being so
mature. It helped that I got to talk to Faith every day and even did a
couple of video chats with her, which she loved. <br /></p>Even though
it was for a medical procedure, my sister and I made the best of it and
had plenty of laughs along the way. Especially when on the way home our
sister was heading back from a work trip and we managed to catch up to her on
the Interstate, which you can see in the video below!<br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HSt496ENLWq7rR2EP7A1O8TZl-Uxkcotyasav8bSFrdoTf_iHtyl4cMDj4vUsajWKq9dPyvaTIfucFj_6bhPuZUO_FwwWV_Eof9A_PFcXGaBmN3VLKJd7g6QqfvUqnEXbFiJhNF7hKb8kbCvf5ApC4jqxrd780BA3LOhDtqxYaPNMXXlGikbYX6x/s3264/20210627_194636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HSt496ENLWq7rR2EP7A1O8TZl-Uxkcotyasav8bSFrdoTf_iHtyl4cMDj4vUsajWKq9dPyvaTIfucFj_6bhPuZUO_FwwWV_Eof9A_PFcXGaBmN3VLKJd7g6QqfvUqnEXbFiJhNF7hKb8kbCvf5ApC4jqxrd780BA3LOhDtqxYaPNMXXlGikbYX6x/w640-h480/20210627_194636.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The double rainbow we spotted just as we crossed into Minnesota<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZglvjsET0i_fif5Fde58mplwRq35YDXCdnntmLaJY6h9GdH0n7sxudfF1ZN6rqA80ZtxCWVT967MZC3prTYHoL27xd6ANViUdISoc0zk887lPH-GmNwqZqD2PHwX9_15HAQn_pjdO3pZyiBBRmbT-ivZDab8UThT5btp-g5anfO9dEKzq0yxsy-5/s2048/RochesterHotelRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZglvjsET0i_fif5Fde58mplwRq35YDXCdnntmLaJY6h9GdH0n7sxudfF1ZN6rqA80ZtxCWVT967MZC3prTYHoL27xd6ANViUdISoc0zk887lPH-GmNwqZqD2PHwX9_15HAQn_pjdO3pZyiBBRmbT-ivZDab8UThT5btp-g5anfO9dEKzq0yxsy-5/w480-h640/RochesterHotelRoom.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After driving in the dark (and rain) through the Cities, we were very thankful to reach our comfy hotel room. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNph81BhjbXDMZG0co0UgqdSj1iMQ0W3mR7HGJEKJnCH8CQ8348-iVGATglcPw-iMmYbVaJo69qICP5xajf0qH6S_9bpXik-i4ZBf6I2uzOxkxIkLxlQquETDnWpriVznUu3CwHutmctybgQaLzGL5NVZ3OdhFaHq2Zwk-LxKTs1Fh1Uo0Q_NeOft/s2048/HospitalOutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNph81BhjbXDMZG0co0UgqdSj1iMQ0W3mR7HGJEKJnCH8CQ8348-iVGATglcPw-iMmYbVaJo69qICP5xajf0qH6S_9bpXik-i4ZBf6I2uzOxkxIkLxlQquETDnWpriVznUu3CwHutmctybgQaLzGL5NVZ3OdhFaHq2Zwk-LxKTs1Fh1Uo0Q_NeOft/w640-h480/HospitalOutside.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hotel was conveniently located just across the street from where I would be having my procedure. This is also where I had my last open heart surgery in 1999 and my original pacemaker implantation. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQIeDBRbhvnM6BgUn8b4qHiNRvfimnMjOhCZHM5o7DNaD_hE6nwkZt2e_DTM-MOy2OpPwTr7Yvh-9YrBGB4lH8a8Zkzer5qj59Ms8B5QQPfOHFiFrRGaWNqYegTKjFYc4JnIEZpurO-w5ruzwpcV9Su6L_pRvG7VPIyWFLhMx7ZpMyRoEPLs9tv98/s1824/1625766306217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQIeDBRbhvnM6BgUn8b4qHiNRvfimnMjOhCZHM5o7DNaD_hE6nwkZt2e_DTM-MOy2OpPwTr7Yvh-9YrBGB4lH8a8Zkzer5qj59Ms8B5QQPfOHFiFrRGaWNqYegTKjFYc4JnIEZpurO-w5ruzwpcV9Su6L_pRvG7VPIyWFLhMx7ZpMyRoEPLs9tv98/w480-h640/1625766306217.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the shuttle from our hotel to the downtown campus for a day of medical tests. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzQWvsmhUkZEofktUKwDYNuT883hvBDCtvf4GRcCwL8Y7qZnIfuQQJ5U4gJjYSjkvjwI3uyiwufJmZlrCycQ3scfpfSJJinKiswpg7U1lhxFF6UtdQnUmh3Emr9qL2yAssoamLYOmKs0BAjAVV-7T7M3LH3p4SSXgX27rUbHC7aqcS3Lrlwg36AoL/s960/MeAtMayo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzQWvsmhUkZEofktUKwDYNuT883hvBDCtvf4GRcCwL8Y7qZnIfuQQJ5U4gJjYSjkvjwI3uyiwufJmZlrCycQ3scfpfSJJinKiswpg7U1lhxFF6UtdQnUmh3Emr9qL2yAssoamLYOmKs0BAjAVV-7T7M3LH3p4SSXgX27rUbHC7aqcS3Lrlwg36AoL/w480-h640/MeAtMayo.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging around waiting for the last appointment of the day. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TQWQPvPUhphIia50dARf7qqvQesIU4OP-46NFOMYxFQcQtugYf_m8xNDZ_pOCQc3-xKVj_ZFavPAleMcTHWRvbZTAZWIl1nALDxNFpfNNZv5rcHLsjEDLDHBHYYzw85DzqkgnvixnnqkyRQqo42JKlRRGcfHBR9KELu47UaxMvz2YNvGFrIWH-8d/s3264/20210628_171511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TQWQPvPUhphIia50dARf7qqvQesIU4OP-46NFOMYxFQcQtugYf_m8xNDZ_pOCQc3-xKVj_ZFavPAleMcTHWRvbZTAZWIl1nALDxNFpfNNZv5rcHLsjEDLDHBHYYzw85DzqkgnvixnnqkyRQqo42JKlRRGcfHBR9KELu47UaxMvz2YNvGFrIWH-8d/w640-h480/20210628_171511.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister even was able to get some work done! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHED-kvrwkJic6wPNwcDKZ_O8ifzu-oC8Ley_u54o_82JMtz7krPglY-wPrdoujKh9LJo7Fu4S-WqLpQKmkSJpWWtihx3nBNVs0ql4jkWQ9pKyNLIeJAJmVl9DOq2x3Cx9zbRGTcpD7Uv1cpAwWLn6KWQtzDqwMR_qZYYY3bV6tLX_Zqe_zzzM2w5/s3264/20210628_191952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHED-kvrwkJic6wPNwcDKZ_O8ifzu-oC8Ley_u54o_82JMtz7krPglY-wPrdoujKh9LJo7Fu4S-WqLpQKmkSJpWWtihx3nBNVs0ql4jkWQ9pKyNLIeJAJmVl9DOq2x3Cx9zbRGTcpD7Uv1cpAwWLn6KWQtzDqwMR_qZYYY3bV6tLX_Zqe_zzzM2w5/w640-h480/20210628_191952.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a long day, we were able to eat at our favorite restaurant in Rochester! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG75GHxMjnXN83Z0eIKSej5S3qEpWZoD7mPHQ7f6GP1r3ePTjD0j0aDTGyn151pVHN4y6Vm1SZuGUKkv_gGdQ8Quq_Rw2f7YLnFfJ7BZQCX1HooLCzf8MBs30VmvW0bWcAp0CcxJUEftkkAi6scDi9rHUXKLWlBajnP5YCT-o13vYus2zstJXJmqAd/s1944/1625766330196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="1458" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG75GHxMjnXN83Z0eIKSej5S3qEpWZoD7mPHQ7f6GP1r3ePTjD0j0aDTGyn151pVHN4y6Vm1SZuGUKkv_gGdQ8Quq_Rw2f7YLnFfJ7BZQCX1HooLCzf8MBs30VmvW0bWcAp0CcxJUEftkkAi6scDi9rHUXKLWlBajnP5YCT-o13vYus2zstJXJmqAd/w480-h640/1625766330196.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me after my procedure...I was just a tad groggy! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65CGCOh43NZ70Mw81cR-fRnlIj6ueyobECOnRKnED3GKTFg1AFjhnGS_Nf6a1RaSznKGLS-z7bTGUGfk_27VolSjc3cYi5aoPORAfOxbbwB8U5t04e2uF964LtZPHAxI5R6XkzawaGUlZ0A_3_9WrAUpAfaKCNrL6wG2YfcsS2OEKeYyZNeyiM4qf/s2048/MeTesHospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1595" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65CGCOh43NZ70Mw81cR-fRnlIj6ueyobECOnRKnED3GKTFg1AFjhnGS_Nf6a1RaSznKGLS-z7bTGUGfk_27VolSjc3cYi5aoPORAfOxbbwB8U5t04e2uF964LtZPHAxI5R6XkzawaGUlZ0A_3_9WrAUpAfaKCNrL6wG2YfcsS2OEKeYyZNeyiM4qf/w498-h640/MeTesHospital.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grateful that things went so well! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZZe7-RSF6zbOO9KnMZ--CcVhO88F2H_I9ACtvwncOzoOMgzua8eH_nGjZXvQjGhTyrcynhaSeM0r8K__GHAqcxMHKyjR5Umzt_Au3KeR1tPdNDgeytGKcWJDu2ZHctuXhs3q7yzKbTmJ6vGWxHwbI7sMf6iZZfyI9EOLCEaEz1-b2MwcS6VhIP-p/s3264/TesaJeep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZZe7-RSF6zbOO9KnMZ--CcVhO88F2H_I9ACtvwncOzoOMgzua8eH_nGjZXvQjGhTyrcynhaSeM0r8K__GHAqcxMHKyjR5Umzt_Au3KeR1tPdNDgeytGKcWJDu2ZHctuXhs3q7yzKbTmJ6vGWxHwbI7sMf6iZZfyI9EOLCEaEz1-b2MwcS6VhIP-p/w640-h480/TesaJeep.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a night in the hospital and an extra day recovering, we were ready to hit the road again!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxLxTv1YePUD4Ju8UVG6NyO6CkECZT95F_xx383mrsnHjucc1_InuddKPCepKwnK3C23wh0Uup3nQkb0lxgV3PQzIzHtDAxbMwlv8Alz1JnwFN5oZZtvTXBq5X42BMiVT708DgcbKbqY3-W5j9YtHQ2c1n9a4evnQUJoOGa-cOAa0l4mxnyHPxp6Z/s2448/20210701_165135~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1618" data-original-width="2448" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxLxTv1YePUD4Ju8UVG6NyO6CkECZT95F_xx383mrsnHjucc1_InuddKPCepKwnK3C23wh0Uup3nQkb0lxgV3PQzIzHtDAxbMwlv8Alz1JnwFN5oZZtvTXBq5X42BMiVT708DgcbKbqY3-W5j9YtHQ2c1n9a4evnQUJoOGa-cOAa0l4mxnyHPxp6Z/w640-h424/20210701_165135~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is that ahead of us on the Interstate? Let's find out! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PcNgNaLDDT4" width="320" youtube-src-id="PcNgNaLDDT4"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuqEgQrTfASWD1dNL7Fe-gJQoypnCDC5BPT0LwokleD6O6WL5VSyqoflc-5PcDT-q3jAXCfEQ9g05eDvI9Xp6i-gDuiT25WKcaP3k9oV50WDN8tGCfm_N_o9Amym9q-iWCjdjP6ZBcOi8DqajnKEGE500Mh54ynwqvYSIKjFj1EYoD6i9se0714i-/s3264/SIstersB&W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuqEgQrTfASWD1dNL7Fe-gJQoypnCDC5BPT0LwokleD6O6WL5VSyqoflc-5PcDT-q3jAXCfEQ9g05eDvI9Xp6i-gDuiT25WKcaP3k9oV50WDN8tGCfm_N_o9Amym9q-iWCjdjP6ZBcOi8DqajnKEGE500Mh54ynwqvYSIKjFj1EYoD6i9se0714i-/w480-h640/SIstersB&W.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired but happy sisters reunited in Bismarck!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv9ryRYLZ0PLd8J5nK2WFJi_OPP2ak3ZXsaOa7OTciHXNT87NNz58SrFJm108ndKh5R8zP3AO85NPbaZfypIxGhbcO1R6PbP2n88wYTjP6I8kpriO-XU84TVdhQ3iAuDGw2bJiZZZVZM_w2bAXhiUECV0B8eoT7RQML2t6akVb7CXjStlClDxBwUi/s3264/HomeFaithColorAdust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv9ryRYLZ0PLd8J5nK2WFJi_OPP2ak3ZXsaOa7OTciHXNT87NNz58SrFJm108ndKh5R8zP3AO85NPbaZfypIxGhbcO1R6PbP2n88wYTjP6I8kpriO-XU84TVdhQ3iAuDGw2bJiZZZVZM_w2bAXhiUECV0B8eoT7RQML2t6akVb7CXjStlClDxBwUi/w640-h480/HomeFaithColorAdust.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma is there too, and Faith is super excited to have us all there!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Hopefully it will be awhile before I need to go to Mayo again for a medical procedure. If I do though, I know God will provide and Faith will be well looked after! </b><br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-34588198349548374042022-05-30T21:24:00.004-05:002022-05-30T22:59:44.082-05:00Faith's "Best Party Ever!" <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_cg7UxTEU81At9u26nglDFkhd4BrK0RXtu09HY58s8y66v0hbv5awPD-DdXQ0iDXUECXWAzyQZ8KuzuHDFQX-29ciKNq-ap8fEWbOfLwOIx0rf7q7O-_P36_nmOOc6IuAjAWRCZkKr869-WGTU4tgRHlQiELlgQfdREAfgx62-ORqUeUsC2Un-p0/s4000/FaithsTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_cg7UxTEU81At9u26nglDFkhd4BrK0RXtu09HY58s8y66v0hbv5awPD-DdXQ0iDXUECXWAzyQZ8KuzuHDFQX-29ciKNq-ap8fEWbOfLwOIx0rf7q7O-_P36_nmOOc6IuAjAWRCZkKr869-WGTU4tgRHlQiELlgQfdREAfgx62-ORqUeUsC2Un-p0/w320-h240/FaithsTable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I had asked Faith a while back what she wanted to do for a graduation party, she told me, "a day at the park." <p></p><p>I knew it was a little risky planning an outdoor event in North Dakota (even in May). It wasn't all that long ago we still had snow on the ground. Also, it had snowed a tiny bit and the temperatures hovered around freezing just the weekend before. </p><p></p><p>I planned for the park anyway and prayed for perfect weather. I figured if it was cold or rainy we could move the event indoors somewhere. I am so glad we didn't have to do that, though, because the park was a great place to have Faith's graduation open house. I wasn't anticipating, however, just how perfect it was going to be. </p><p>The weather was absolutely perfect without any humidity or more importantly, without any wind. Even when it did rain for a brief spell, it came straight down and we stayed dry underneath the shelter. The cake was the perfect size and was all eaten up (along with the extra dozen cupcakes I had bought). We also had the perfect amount of food. But it was all the guests that had made Faith's day even more perfect. </p><p>Everyone knows how social Faith is, and so she had a blast socializing with everyone. I think she also had fun anticipating who was going to show up next. Some of her friends took her for walks, which is really loved as well. Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are just some of the people who came to share her special day with her. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwSiTqclSs4fn3KABlMzrlDBw1jeBmrgZP7HW_oq-A2RtvN2tYv2nZH7O_6DdeWI93rkmsemm8r74-207pjz1fu7jmqk62ejLo62eZCI3rOhjvf1ZqCEzlqAWjYOofTpNGpW1tF2v4QwmXHKaOVEsX31Bt0mghbtmqDy8AMBbagkMM0YBySb54gQm/s2821/FaithsFamily_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2405" data-original-width="2821" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwSiTqclSs4fn3KABlMzrlDBw1jeBmrgZP7HW_oq-A2RtvN2tYv2nZH7O_6DdeWI93rkmsemm8r74-207pjz1fu7jmqk62ejLo62eZCI3rOhjvf1ZqCEzlqAWjYOofTpNGpW1tF2v4QwmXHKaOVEsX31Bt0mghbtmqDy8AMBbagkMM0YBySb54gQm/w640-h546/FaithsFamily_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for the family members that were able to attend! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6g6OO0-AxMpjoPfBq6pNzfKl8nngvoDi9vFYtPHO6sQgKQW8bkM2jhL-vFxKl-Ueb_Xx6fF2muBxw19t07Py798h-QyB70U8RNBgzqg7fyNFN8KUKDZY-Iq09JdNUqmtGcEMxMgFBOxPGza0DCuUeDfhhedwSH22YzmVWBIy6Ud-svbXC2jwHTJ3/s2048/SistersFaithGracie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6g6OO0-AxMpjoPfBq6pNzfKl8nngvoDi9vFYtPHO6sQgKQW8bkM2jhL-vFxKl-Ueb_Xx6fF2muBxw19t07Py798h-QyB70U8RNBgzqg7fyNFN8KUKDZY-Iq09JdNUqmtGcEMxMgFBOxPGza0DCuUeDfhhedwSH22YzmVWBIy6Ud-svbXC2jwHTJ3/w480-h640/SistersFaithGracie.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with me, my sisters and one of her "little" cousins!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaO3ZwIsir24guBydlXeQFVcrOML_FN-iFLhBnCLEi0ou_9vysRy9YFn0k_FxVMkzPGMG2PQ4kkzKel8tiW5D-rZhafMflAxcd-Lqnxkq2Kd_h5iFG9UYt0bPXhghB8mKzPndRj8cFEBTxI7uFqr4IOGwokECimxSmt1sIH2jAHLONoPBG0CNzO-7T/s2048/FaithIveys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaO3ZwIsir24guBydlXeQFVcrOML_FN-iFLhBnCLEi0ou_9vysRy9YFn0k_FxVMkzPGMG2PQ4kkzKel8tiW5D-rZhafMflAxcd-Lqnxkq2Kd_h5iFG9UYt0bPXhghB8mKzPndRj8cFEBTxI7uFqr4IOGwokECimxSmt1sIH2jAHLONoPBG0CNzO-7T/w640-h480/FaithIveys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with some wonderful friends of ours! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepZUM_RPRZhVO33a0nfJThouyZRTOVnFc-sezwwubxQgvdyplaT7Dk0AQSRGbh-t2bP_ApfCjrTioMuKsQwUaNw-lyY10RpfwxkQY_KFHYf6kWWtqMMz0BbpHEalnPtqGOH9a27HVlRrJjMgpRrB5GLrhkByJ-o3S_jiIlyTToZnMgsn8QfjvCMrq/s4000/FaithHyatts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepZUM_RPRZhVO33a0nfJThouyZRTOVnFc-sezwwubxQgvdyplaT7Dk0AQSRGbh-t2bP_ApfCjrTioMuKsQwUaNw-lyY10RpfwxkQY_KFHYf6kWWtqMMz0BbpHEalnPtqGOH9a27HVlRrJjMgpRrB5GLrhkByJ-o3S_jiIlyTToZnMgsn8QfjvCMrq/w640-h480/FaithHyatts.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's ballet-dancing/Inspire friends! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9IjKg8X3x4Osx4zqHfem6UejZ00YkgYmd82uMRKPHltPstMSJqfuhoGSgsSvbXDdbZU2JsueAurL0qfkTjKrf8UjLUj5C-miq0zoT36SMWoJRzZmWJGNl-t3uI89HdA1eM0JO6btiVZZdE3awmmiUPdaLPNuvKeNi9cywQ-h8D0kb2s9aTxxy1Ps/s4000/FaithWilhelms.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9IjKg8X3x4Osx4zqHfem6UejZ00YkgYmd82uMRKPHltPstMSJqfuhoGSgsSvbXDdbZU2JsueAurL0qfkTjKrf8UjLUj5C-miq0zoT36SMWoJRzZmWJGNl-t3uI89HdA1eM0JO6btiVZZdE3awmmiUPdaLPNuvKeNi9cywQ-h8D0kb2s9aTxxy1Ps/w640-h480/FaithWilhelms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with another wonderful family from Inspire! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHI7phmPb0p_AwZDJN_kqCqauadP31qWmgpU6mlsc7cH9wmYLDc3TV00oBiYdXcwiHk55lCTdf4rKsviU58TmKmwZzfP4MZRHW3M8q2W7sPoBWNqPFjYqXvMvD4uR_nipUZyCn3MQCXZjcBCIGi5TqG7oxQnP4YFHUtd0jYRjV0BExn07yoP6ui-J/s4000/FaithBlairs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHI7phmPb0p_AwZDJN_kqCqauadP31qWmgpU6mlsc7cH9wmYLDc3TV00oBiYdXcwiHk55lCTdf4rKsviU58TmKmwZzfP4MZRHW3M8q2W7sPoBWNqPFjYqXvMvD4uR_nipUZyCn3MQCXZjcBCIGi5TqG7oxQnP4YFHUtd0jYRjV0BExn07yoP6ui-J/w640-h480/FaithBlairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with some of our church family! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wLgP_Ey8ab-rdIaR3epOYTuIEx6v5UvL1zhGItFuOq6BTcFLA4q404yamK4Drg9aioAdqT5u99W171IGhCoXOBO_q7z9Ms4Ge54VObjV9GEgo936wGdvfeEsHe3wyGzZTL79YRfH2-2n3Pfr47bQNxK7b21ET6-PVnR0dKd-MFAN5IkhSphlZBMR/s4000/FaithZCousins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wLgP_Ey8ab-rdIaR3epOYTuIEx6v5UvL1zhGItFuOq6BTcFLA4q404yamK4Drg9aioAdqT5u99W171IGhCoXOBO_q7z9Ms4Ge54VObjV9GEgo936wGdvfeEsHe3wyGzZTL79YRfH2-2n3Pfr47bQNxK7b21ET6-PVnR0dKd-MFAN5IkhSphlZBMR/w640-h480/FaithZCousins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of my cousins joined us, and yes, Brett really did ride his bike! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEEoB9dr6cnUnOhJ0G049R_X7NCcWT7hjgDwu6OysZ8q_TrdI9mEiZD_RQOODfiFpbM8qV4eGE1XTuzUVqSbu_gl3U-b_x6ZHjjfhGCGfVBOahbkYpoJW3DlXTpsvKYgyQQ_JimNE8Xo074EylSYn1pTW1onDIrjW7Z1Z4wXDDg81nsUsoKbHfgtn/s3313/FaithMichelle_crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3313" data-original-width="2353" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEEoB9dr6cnUnOhJ0G049R_X7NCcWT7hjgDwu6OysZ8q_TrdI9mEiZD_RQOODfiFpbM8qV4eGE1XTuzUVqSbu_gl3U-b_x6ZHjjfhGCGfVBOahbkYpoJW3DlXTpsvKYgyQQ_JimNE8Xo074EylSYn1pTW1onDIrjW7Z1Z4wXDDg81nsUsoKbHfgtn/w454-h640/FaithMichelle_crop.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first respite care provider Faith ever had even showed up! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc7j6W2Nt6s_PhY_E6Vq6FoRpUWUQGuix9iXsyXG7DIWFPl7yS_GZbkeNFGcEvx2r1-F36fkg1ougI5bUEXbnP97UrbZScRnKlkF7KmXNpiwvvZzK8UBALinA7GFwqTxp2jB6r8VHTSCioGVCHLZ69c3emRm05TK3PSASjSs_HEXtxIm_s6squJVn/s4000/FaithNasia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc7j6W2Nt6s_PhY_E6Vq6FoRpUWUQGuix9iXsyXG7DIWFPl7yS_GZbkeNFGcEvx2r1-F36fkg1ougI5bUEXbnP97UrbZScRnKlkF7KmXNpiwvvZzK8UBALinA7GFwqTxp2jB6r8VHTSCioGVCHLZ69c3emRm05TK3PSASjSs_HEXtxIm_s6squJVn/w640-h480/FaithNasia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one of her present respite care providers - who I am forever grateful for!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgBhRR4CfeiYS1Ui7YJ2K4ZIs9uJtdDAEcsvRY766Bnom7uq3Odf9CVRbOCuuFnQkVwpr67Lalv1DY_R_8UVu37idqWrxRSutuxGDa9hfiqvMIXwtknY8NSHoCl7H8ixOKInnq4SQfIhfdJkjs76fSDJyHTB4FTmRizJotldm19wUPXF_K6azfA08/s4000/FaithHaley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgBhRR4CfeiYS1Ui7YJ2K4ZIs9uJtdDAEcsvRY766Bnom7uq3Odf9CVRbOCuuFnQkVwpr67Lalv1DY_R_8UVu37idqWrxRSutuxGDa9hfiqvMIXwtknY8NSHoCl7H8ixOKInnq4SQfIhfdJkjs76fSDJyHTB4FTmRizJotldm19wUPXF_K6azfA08/w480-h640/FaithHaley.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith and a good friend with more family in the background.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkIaZLJXECzb1-j0Pumhyks66ps44G8EUpUTDGv1f-6kD741cWrsUgiKfZz-yYhO4HrZjmhWkbfQb2tS0HVQxm0ZaCTaJKlCZvvJaDTJjdJ4jcTJJejkrSskhwn-cwSAt5xapUvwJWmhPJ2Vvl-omJrZaq7_YP0dVOWJ5cVrb9TnXujSK-VnLAgm9/s4000/FaithAshley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkIaZLJXECzb1-j0Pumhyks66ps44G8EUpUTDGv1f-6kD741cWrsUgiKfZz-yYhO4HrZjmhWkbfQb2tS0HVQxm0ZaCTaJKlCZvvJaDTJjdJ4jcTJJejkrSskhwn-cwSAt5xapUvwJWmhPJ2Vvl-omJrZaq7_YP0dVOWJ5cVrb9TnXujSK-VnLAgm9/w480-h640/FaithAshley.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super happy to see one of our former case managers! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2_0zK_Gzi0IynhnbL4BxyQ46BaKqJRgmuEtmQ0nKWumed37unihDEtjhZzc_p8iS8oPUUYIJYIoetalkc-fdQSgRVnw-289DNrp2Q7i3bf9f05RV9YMwb7iFx8zaI6XWYJq6pyJOuRUwTrZvfbriHs_p6X9cAwwMIoYIKbazZTRjLIImqh-CMg1N/s2975/CariMaryCrop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2645" data-original-width="2975" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2_0zK_Gzi0IynhnbL4BxyQ46BaKqJRgmuEtmQ0nKWumed37unihDEtjhZzc_p8iS8oPUUYIJYIoetalkc-fdQSgRVnw-289DNrp2Q7i3bf9f05RV9YMwb7iFx8zaI6XWYJq6pyJOuRUwTrZvfbriHs_p6X9cAwwMIoYIKbazZTRjLIImqh-CMg1N/w640-h570/CariMaryCrop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone was thrilled to see my college roomie and some of her family!!! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6cJbPEFfNkqg40uuWfy1FuEIrgnlbuEYMbz0W-M-lIAzXTTp_JHsf0_ygMd0XTsuewrKC2JgDBv5eBPVcVjsOUB9qvdHwDjwvoH1L2Q62-nkoFpYLYhG_e42RS0OYQo0DDREpyT09BP-oVARVSytgEm-JMs_IfT1BgOG2XM2MYveFXsD8VtpMMYg/s2921/Visiting_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2109" data-original-width="2921" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6cJbPEFfNkqg40uuWfy1FuEIrgnlbuEYMbz0W-M-lIAzXTTp_JHsf0_ygMd0XTsuewrKC2JgDBv5eBPVcVjsOUB9qvdHwDjwvoH1L2Q62-nkoFpYLYhG_e42RS0OYQo0DDREpyT09BP-oVARVSytgEm-JMs_IfT1BgOG2XM2MYveFXsD8VtpMMYg/w640-h462/Visiting_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad everyone had such a nice time eating and visiting! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPb17rtOviaDNsfK53zSZJNnAemU0T8c7g1crqTtCAtOXhz2VTsCnurwNkd_Iep1X3L3zdl4kpCH95idx-vsScnONvbkmx1DLJJI2bniwbL4s2TRVMhYEWDeOwJgCzTcKZeC3QWAnwXi11HxS2-ehePyg_Ge0vqwhjk8PfQyMiti4ktfjLkcYpb0G/s2972/GailTesaCrop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1817" data-original-width="2972" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPb17rtOviaDNsfK53zSZJNnAemU0T8c7g1crqTtCAtOXhz2VTsCnurwNkd_Iep1X3L3zdl4kpCH95idx-vsScnONvbkmx1DLJJI2bniwbL4s2TRVMhYEWDeOwJgCzTcKZeC3QWAnwXi11HxS2-ehePyg_Ge0vqwhjk8PfQyMiti4ktfjLkcYpb0G/w640-h392/GailTesaCrop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful my sister was able to fly in from Nebraska! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS7DUSSb97RStv8q8ZgDUeaNf5m5t7YXTmr7_DqZIMPWotJTbKpkpUHhYH701vVi41xvb-fSOLf3rJ2phirnYWuBPTxMxyyz0Bx-AoA4j4uvCIrkK4-mCNjmvG5uWQ0kG5mdt1y_afOofaX6NVHtOsloKqZd-aGOH-NI_bZ2xwihocC3st-_HA6Sx/s2048/DeanBalloons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS7DUSSb97RStv8q8ZgDUeaNf5m5t7YXTmr7_DqZIMPWotJTbKpkpUHhYH701vVi41xvb-fSOLf3rJ2phirnYWuBPTxMxyyz0Bx-AoA4j4uvCIrkK4-mCNjmvG5uWQ0kG5mdt1y_afOofaX6NVHtOsloKqZd-aGOH-NI_bZ2xwihocC3st-_HA6Sx/w480-h640/DeanBalloons.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My great nephew having fun with balloons!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><b>As Faith said, it was "the best party ever!" I am so grateful for all the love and support she received. People truly blessed her with their presence, cards, and gifts. She also received several cards from those who couldn't make it, as well as some beautiful flowers from my brother and his family in South Dakota who couldn't be there. It really was the perfect day! </b></p><p><br /></p><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-40853979583696527502022-04-19T19:23:00.001-05:002022-04-19T19:26:02.915-05:00Historic Blizzard Keeps Us Stuck Inside All Week <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap2dZ9wOjQmfG21HMJeeliK0BaF10ecJ2TUc-Zw-yehSfAkT9MohKZmaOyN4u1Da_pF5CmigbPn7LI61Me4hugxD96HsjcwT4i9vYEIcV6IN0t1hmxfunlKzcOZ2sxE8qUfY1HxBlkER6RAsRSzMvM2OE1RB0vEpbCYXnSZADlGEu3TlcPwduAcrV/s4000/BlizzWedAftrn.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap2dZ9wOjQmfG21HMJeeliK0BaF10ecJ2TUc-Zw-yehSfAkT9MohKZmaOyN4u1Da_pF5CmigbPn7LI61Me4hugxD96HsjcwT4i9vYEIcV6IN0t1hmxfunlKzcOZ2sxE8qUfY1HxBlkER6RAsRSzMvM2OE1RB0vEpbCYXnSZADlGEu3TlcPwduAcrV/w300-h400/BlizzWedAftrn.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snowy Century Ave. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Last Tuesday at this time, most of North Dakota was getting blasted with a historic blizzard that lasted 3 days. We have experienced blizzards before, but this was probably the worst most people in the state had ever gone through. For me, it brought back memories of the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/bis/severewx04041997" target="_blank">catastrophic blizzard</a> that occurred at the beginning of April in 1997. At that time, I lived in Fargo. <p></p><p>What made that storm so bad is that many parts of the state had already received 100 inches of snow throughout the winter. That wasn't the case this year, as the central and western parts of the state have had severe drought conditions. While most people were thankful for the moisture this blizzard brought, it didn't come without its challenges (especially for the ranchers who were in the midst of calving).</p><p>The good news is, the storm was not unexpected. As a result, people could make preparations in advance. The most I needed to do to prepare was make sure we had plenty of groceries and that Faith had all the supplies she needed to make it through at least a week. I couldn't run those errands, however, because our van was in the shop (it had a leak in the EVAP system). </p><p>My dad came to the rescue and drove me around so I could run my errands. The last stop I made was the grocery store. The store was jam packed and a lot of the shelves were bare. Everyone seemed to be preparing for the Apocalypse instead of a major snow storm! Even though there was no snow yet, schools and businesses were already closing. I knew Faith would not be going to therapy or her day program the next day. She took the news surprisingly well. I have tried to instill in her that there are three things that can cause plans to change: the weather, sickness, and car trouble (or elevator trouble in our case!) </p><p>Sure enough, early Tuesday morning, we were covered in a sea of white and it didn't quit snowing and blowing until Thursday night. Finally on Friday, the snow stopped long enough for people to start digging out with their snow plows, snow blowers, and shovels. My dad used his Bobcat to clear out their yard and on Friday he and my mom were able to pick up my fixed fan. Our parking didn't get clear until late that night so they brought the van here on Saturday. </p><p>Faith had been doing well through most of this, but I could tell her patience was coming to an end. She was also getting anxious because she did not want to miss church on Sunday. And we didn't, despite the fact we had gotten more snow earlier that morning and the wind had picked up. Our once cleared parking lot was once again filled with snow. I wasn't sure I was going to make it out of our parking spot, but I did! (Thanks to the van being backed in and the all-season tires). The roads weren't the best, but we made it safely to church and back. When it was all said and done, Bismarck got over 20 inches of snow, beating the previous record for the snowiest April ever. North of us, Minot got 36 inches of snow. It was definitely an Easter to remember for us and others across the state. <br /></p><p>Faith is a super happy camper today because she got to go back to occupational therapy and her day program. But alas, another storm is on the way. I better start preparing for that one! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXOVMWistu-fYlZw0GtyG3o36jS6pOoAZxrE-n8N9JXpb5LeXNXA-NJrVr2-bXIveMC3cQnT5qlyE-ezGOKz88v42F4nvqxZazmBLM9LhQV1UZ3mqzrNgKPML1SNntBwJeyBnYXG43gH8upUsUAAK8vQ_2T2ylmXYGHyc9OLdhSu0-Z_-5Ds0S6q8/s4000/BlizTuesNight.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXOVMWistu-fYlZw0GtyG3o36jS6pOoAZxrE-n8N9JXpb5LeXNXA-NJrVr2-bXIveMC3cQnT5qlyE-ezGOKz88v42F4nvqxZazmBLM9LhQV1UZ3mqzrNgKPML1SNntBwJeyBnYXG43gH8upUsUAAK8vQ_2T2ylmXYGHyc9OLdhSu0-Z_-5Ds0S6q8/w480-h640/BlizTuesNight.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Century Avenue is eerily quiet on the first night of the blizzard. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx1EIMlq4Yz4_PYD009i3ELnKUaa5IIxVHIJ_hNdES0CwmBl-IsNIAy-8WmlyqboYek-A3rfo593SJeFoYKO9JkIkxf9cD5Ng6FfAzn20_iE4Gut5XG7c-ylsiuI8-aIaECtVUQVt2t_uKhc0hoV0r4l3EWWb1RAubeD_AlrKYFihGzGtQoPAvycC/s4000/BlizzWedParkLt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx1EIMlq4Yz4_PYD009i3ELnKUaa5IIxVHIJ_hNdES0CwmBl-IsNIAy-8WmlyqboYek-A3rfo593SJeFoYKO9JkIkxf9cD5Ng6FfAzn20_iE4Gut5XG7c-ylsiuI8-aIaECtVUQVt2t_uKhc0hoV0r4l3EWWb1RAubeD_AlrKYFihGzGtQoPAvycC/w640-h480/BlizzWedParkLt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our parking lot on Thursday afternoon. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvv8N00IKJAokL2P5od9vOyf7Mv5wn-ONlxKds84UmTPF0SLOiFJvJsTeCzjSaxZ67nIYceRUMCK43g_FvWHjcqmc-8Jo9oypslAEMZ88HO_-YIOeKpib8Y9x6SHNuOdsSbdueGkS0qCUd2Dppmf6cmy0qi80mwemhIRjCxCf1rO8CxvQOAi3DT7cU/s701/DadSnowShoveling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvv8N00IKJAokL2P5od9vOyf7Mv5wn-ONlxKds84UmTPF0SLOiFJvJsTeCzjSaxZ67nIYceRUMCK43g_FvWHjcqmc-8Jo9oypslAEMZ88HO_-YIOeKpib8Y9x6SHNuOdsSbdueGkS0qCUd2Dppmf6cmy0qi80mwemhIRjCxCf1rO8CxvQOAi3DT7cU/w480-h640/DadSnowShoveling.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad trying hard to stay on top of things at his place. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4aen_F_C7pv8mSB-ifRQFa4uENQE3M_Q54OZbhZUPLdYMpEgGXXQbVYiISHmBHBKxkShpaAToExhZlCg32M8uLbhcz8CE_k8coxduQTFvcl2iCGfiv2m83K07_jkDz7WmCv6Rvgjm8bKZHWuoKj5JDWJ0Io6tumv9FAd1FunXuyoyUl0qHdJIZkp/s4000/BlizzSunChrch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4aen_F_C7pv8mSB-ifRQFa4uENQE3M_Q54OZbhZUPLdYMpEgGXXQbVYiISHmBHBKxkShpaAToExhZlCg32M8uLbhcz8CE_k8coxduQTFvcl2iCGfiv2m83K07_jkDz7WmCv6Rvgjm8bKZHWuoKj5JDWJ0Io6tumv9FAd1FunXuyoyUl0qHdJIZkp/w640-h480/BlizzSunChrch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phew! We made it to church on Easter Sunday! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHgdotpXUtOj_HlSNdPUtCIKvnXzadvm86jia_ZV09lAs46Bboen-egNOnbZzaWz-zkkSmtUbjIuWlzrDgvXd2lQH4AB9nKHpfD8dZHfiBZt-cxZoYUTW6Fk1Id88cm7Eq_NDh3sHLrSaWRuZhaojkv_Uu09cJxohzWmhuFLSj_5TDB4E8sAik1pT/s4000/BlizzSunCar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHgdotpXUtOj_HlSNdPUtCIKvnXzadvm86jia_ZV09lAs46Bboen-egNOnbZzaWz-zkkSmtUbjIuWlzrDgvXd2lQH4AB9nKHpfD8dZHfiBZt-cxZoYUTW6Fk1Id88cm7Eq_NDh3sHLrSaWRuZhaojkv_Uu09cJxohzWmhuFLSj_5TDB4E8sAik1pT/w640-h480/BlizzSunCar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A car we passed on the way back home. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U_FW2bdFotCIkV8dNsQbbRiiunZJTAQk2hv-7OBm-KaIINEFib9eWf3cMn9q5BJkwVuACB-kI1rsDRSEnDOHCWSBN3mZpXN_ilAbUjFsUX4IUJmYUKwkz9l5keDl59XVOoSxKX04WlvB0-8lyemHagBhguVmRAO3XGaMhIsSM6qlu13bpJDys8LA/s4000/BlizzSunCaribou.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U_FW2bdFotCIkV8dNsQbbRiiunZJTAQk2hv-7OBm-KaIINEFib9eWf3cMn9q5BJkwVuACB-kI1rsDRSEnDOHCWSBN3mZpXN_ilAbUjFsUX4IUJmYUKwkz9l5keDl59XVOoSxKX04WlvB0-8lyemHagBhguVmRAO3XGaMhIsSM6qlu13bpJDys8LA/w640-h480/BlizzSunCaribou.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blizzard isn't going to stop us from hitting Caribou Coffee - it's back there somewhere! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBOOJD5p_wJDZHFEBUpr-mET9kfFb1B4GF8147ljXkqWkdhcZFZpijcrSVWG7wbMRorLMI9c7y5ojAJ3WgUOk5SLPijrkueNanHpTe7awXr2K7NGCuNQqoth20LAui5JJkYekvFIxpCXtholumGJtD07vCDdk2cifoeocUqPPrX_0eSfJur-t1MPt/s3764/BlizzSunLot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2733" data-original-width="3764" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBOOJD5p_wJDZHFEBUpr-mET9kfFb1B4GF8147ljXkqWkdhcZFZpijcrSVWG7wbMRorLMI9c7y5ojAJ3WgUOk5SLPijrkueNanHpTe7awXr2K7NGCuNQqoth20LAui5JJkYekvFIxpCXtholumGJtD07vCDdk2cifoeocUqPPrX_0eSfJur-t1MPt/w640-h464/BlizzSunLot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming in to our plowed parking lot. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAykKesry3S2VwoflW6DgxoZ5ol0gniLjWbiz1YfsqQA62e-ndK_KgoOsj_AsGCRF_fbwnA12YH7yDQFgCQ-1tSZQBvQ-Wua08mhxWVIQ1b6WDjCR7fwXx35CZBV0KNnOHqSMIhoZyXuh5sp0TXFUcOiRx1fSxy8UDjZiKpHQOHqGnwOtKWQsH4ZX9/s4000/BlizzMonCapBldg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAykKesry3S2VwoflW6DgxoZ5ol0gniLjWbiz1YfsqQA62e-ndK_KgoOsj_AsGCRF_fbwnA12YH7yDQFgCQ-1tSZQBvQ-Wua08mhxWVIQ1b6WDjCR7fwXx35CZBV0KNnOHqSMIhoZyXuh5sp0TXFUcOiRx1fSxy8UDjZiKpHQOHqGnwOtKWQsH4ZX9/w640-h480/BlizzMonCapBldg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bismarck's snowiest April ever! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7irjqhYpuD0kD5h1Y-VE3Ree3wuR9COmaVF0FoewnzZgwiTA8w0khNIMowbE4v_2hB7jIEfGDai48n3qoaDCtJVMQywI-Mf6TAP8kXVI1HiLf05Dp5dp6EN65PFnIUUAOADqJrq9uwxjNCPxKIJbdL5OPXwU2evKro0zShws0CK6xToiqVLATmVLV/s2878/20220417_223835.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="1881" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7irjqhYpuD0kD5h1Y-VE3Ree3wuR9COmaVF0FoewnzZgwiTA8w0khNIMowbE4v_2hB7jIEfGDai48n3qoaDCtJVMQywI-Mf6TAP8kXVI1HiLf05Dp5dp6EN65PFnIUUAOADqJrq9uwxjNCPxKIJbdL5OPXwU2evKro0zShws0CK6xToiqVLATmVLV/w418-h640/20220417_223835.jpg" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith is super happy the blizzard is over!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-83694379259726887772022-04-13T14:53:00.002-05:002022-04-19T17:42:57.756-05:00Our First-Ever Sister Weekend Getaway!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmUHRzZVVXIDj8SMgo-1ybe8ZGdeneT2foznDoUr4Zf4hu9P8zNXg_PcKGjIOzpebn3aZJUMiT40pudTslkVexO1DnrtORqVif1m4i6jKcoVctOoW-SJQQD0zLcL-LLrYxcPdsv_SrFPirlQvkVAwuY2ElEfDDVZJUDHUYAeJWiAkAAEsQYks6Uk0/s1009/Outfits_Crp%5B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmUHRzZVVXIDj8SMgo-1ybe8ZGdeneT2foznDoUr4Zf4hu9P8zNXg_PcKGjIOzpebn3aZJUMiT40pudTslkVexO1DnrtORqVif1m4i6jKcoVctOoW-SJQQD0zLcL-LLrYxcPdsv_SrFPirlQvkVAwuY2ElEfDDVZJUDHUYAeJWiAkAAEsQYks6Uk0/s320/Outfits_Crp%5B.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>Just recently I was able to go away for the weekend - for fun! For the first time in 18 years, I was able to travel to another city, stay overnight, and not have any doctors appointments or procedures. And what made it even better was going with my sisters! <p></p><p>Faith was well-looked after by respite care. She even had a friend come over to visit and her grandparents, too! Of course getting away did not come without a challenge or two. </p><p>The day before leaving, as I was cleaning the entire apartment and getting ready to pack, a staff member at Faith's day program told me her feeding pump was not working. I only had an hour before I had to pick her up so I cruised down to our DME provider and asked if I could get a loaner pump since hers was not working. </p><p>Unfortunately, they no longer carry the type of feeding pump she uses, so I needed to get a whole new system. This required me to learn how to use it and then make sure Faith's respite staff and her day program staff was going to know how to use it. I wrote down lots of instructions, took photos, and made a video. This took up a lot of time, and needless to say I didn't get to bed until well after midnight, without even packing. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cc9h7cxqi_6xP7kunO5nFuahFSaJ8HM6dasEtTCsEa-E6M84sHMp6vu_4vgNCOigRJ_eUU4mgDqbMsM6I1Ne9ErHMyNay_P3Tqqm7xatLcIIumEur2TBdkk4ZztlQe4IVqd2vmG0KUyrejVDuKUKwzpBQ8d-pElMeIFTpe7XlvvORIBCc2yMZppN/s993/RadioStation_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="993" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cc9h7cxqi_6xP7kunO5nFuahFSaJ8HM6dasEtTCsEa-E6M84sHMp6vu_4vgNCOigRJ_eUU4mgDqbMsM6I1Ne9ErHMyNay_P3Tqqm7xatLcIIumEur2TBdkk4ZztlQe4IVqd2vmG0KUyrejVDuKUKwzpBQ8d-pElMeIFTpe7XlvvORIBCc2yMZppN/w200-h181/RadioStation_crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Thankfully everything went smoothly the next morning and I was able to pack and get ready to go. Faith's first caregiver arrived and my sister, Dawn came to pick me up. I jumped into her pickup and we went barreling down the Interstate rockin' out to the Bon Jovi station on Pandora. <p></p><p>We arrived in St. Paul that evening and met up with our sister, Tesa who had flown in from Nebraska. Since Dawn's birthday was right around the corner, we let her choose the restaurant. That evening we took an Uber (my first ever!) who drove us to Hell's Kitchen (Chef Gordon Ramsey's restaurant) in Minneapolis. I must say the fish tacos I had were some of the best I have ever eaten. </p><p>Since we were there for Dawn's birthday they said she would get a free brownie dessert. When the waiter brought out the tiny brownie topped with whip cream and 3 plates and spoons, we about lost it. How in the world was the waiter not embarrassed to serve such a piddly little brownie to three people? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJZF_FS5WVyL6SukyZqK6RMen1aDgMpqkRf9xE2c-Jsx6CvhNUZmWJ9hgMPzrdWyUDuheE-C1pEtfCWuKjFmQGPmvoNY-WUNfFTCyUOVW46vXCi0EiTGh1fclSlUXVD617cN5uug_iS60aili1XRNFdCRTbsEZoB0Ls4w_F4aNeOOxL3QfXwUKkPS/s1957/DawnBrownie_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1929" data-original-width="1957" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJZF_FS5WVyL6SukyZqK6RMen1aDgMpqkRf9xE2c-Jsx6CvhNUZmWJ9hgMPzrdWyUDuheE-C1pEtfCWuKjFmQGPmvoNY-WUNfFTCyUOVW46vXCi0EiTGh1fclSlUXVD617cN5uug_iS60aili1XRNFdCRTbsEZoB0Ls4w_F4aNeOOxL3QfXwUKkPS/w640-h630/DawnBrownie_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>After getting back to the hotel Tesa and I talked Dawn into watching "Top Gun" since she had never seen that movie before. Wouldn't you know that both of them conked out on me while watching! Unfortunately that night I did not sleep the best. I was really missing Faith, although I knew she was just fine with her overnight respite staff. I have also discovered in recent years that firm mattresses at hotels are not good for my back. Needless to say, I was tired when I woke up but excited for our day. </p><p>We started it off by Dawn being brave and doing the driving. After finding Caribou Coffee, we hit the biggest shoe store I have ever seen in my life (DSW). I found a great deal on a comfy pair of tennis shoes. I do plan to start walking when the weather gets nice. (If that ever happens, as right now much of North Dakota is getting slammed by a major blizzard). </p><p>After shoe shopping, we hit Dawn's favorite store, Maurices and then
ventured into other stores Roseville. We found a Chili's
and had lunch there. We made one more shopping stop (where I did a video
chat with Faith and my parents because Mom had texted me saying the TV
wasn't working) and then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the
main event. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq86VpMOtj05ztm3OpRYMRdLVoSyXhqUyMwCYpAA6BPbJ366kOJmmlzOlBH6RN5xKqilV314cNW0qgZ0VAXGwIQE9-rFkGV7KpTKFdrjk3zCc1AhBioJx9GtUOoaWSoQq5cq0iv0kyt-P2InvjzO6h3e_y_KC6MSRDvcMVacecc9EDnRd335pLGwTG/s4000/DrivingCities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq86VpMOtj05ztm3OpRYMRdLVoSyXhqUyMwCYpAA6BPbJ366kOJmmlzOlBH6RN5xKqilV314cNW0qgZ0VAXGwIQE9-rFkGV7KpTKFdrjk3zCc1AhBioJx9GtUOoaWSoQq5cq0iv0kyt-P2InvjzO6h3e_y_KC6MSRDvcMVacecc9EDnRd335pLGwTG/w640-h480/DrivingCities.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSI4mgX1s7TPHt2QPeGwQN9_-FJBT1vzNiiGY-9pNOf9BUogfzR03vuDtDWWI1fydRg0Jx119F5ohy0TSZ3DZ5HOZkwinj1Nuh8SVrIte5KQWFLB1D6WSjY6V5zaMgdSvli-VHEXTblv30kyHxUDogvAcVDbAjVz0b1sC0cGTdQqjr8mj3Lc3zTv9/s2048/MeTesLaugh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSI4mgX1s7TPHt2QPeGwQN9_-FJBT1vzNiiGY-9pNOf9BUogfzR03vuDtDWWI1fydRg0Jx119F5ohy0TSZ3DZ5HOZkwinj1Nuh8SVrIte5KQWFLB1D6WSjY6V5zaMgdSvli-VHEXTblv30kyHxUDogvAcVDbAjVz0b1sC0cGTdQqjr8mj3Lc3zTv9/w640-h480/MeTesLaugh2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EiSFhyBZmfPu0sq4-yxgI_t0JnT0Jxfbx8U2PyT6o3GJB3SiIYcfCqw1HnQzl6ltlpc4OI2jiK6KUdPR6mx0kDJmhS8fvRrqlXnk0LR2WpdgMA_cBko6oynXONoojiyaOX3nJNdMSF0g7W58TEcGiK9d9jjCPYZuzzmYObTC_0IES1FZGRP6TRNG/s778/TesDawnHotel_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="778" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EiSFhyBZmfPu0sq4-yxgI_t0JnT0Jxfbx8U2PyT6o3GJB3SiIYcfCqw1HnQzl6ltlpc4OI2jiK6KUdPR6mx0kDJmhS8fvRrqlXnk0LR2WpdgMA_cBko6oynXONoojiyaOX3nJNdMSF0g7W58TEcGiK9d9jjCPYZuzzmYObTC_0IES1FZGRP6TRNG/w640-h496/TesDawnHotel_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It was cold in rainy in southeastern Minnesota, and even though the Xcel Energy Center was about half a mile from the hotel, we decided to take a shuttle van. My most anxious moment was using the digital tickets from my phone. It was so weird not being able to hand them paper tickets. I guess it's been a long time since I've gone to a concert! Also, the last time I went to a concert with my sisters was New Kids on the Block in 1990. That concert was also in St. Paul but at Harriet Island Regional Park. <br /></p><p>Thankfully, the digital tickets went very smoothly and before we knew it we were sitting in our seats in Section 106 Row 12 listening to the opening band. Bon Jovi usually has local bands open up for the shows, but I do not know the name of the band performing. Bon Jovi hit the stage around 8:30 p.m. singing "Limitless." You can read my <a href="https://discover.hubpages.com/entertainment/Bon-Jovi-Tour-Concert-Review-in-St-Paul-Minnesota" target="_blank">concert review on my HubPage</a>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFQGvyNoEpnyCxobPKVLcv25Nug0bwG7ScevphtsLniN_H11WXvj_JzKC2ttnq4lA93QayCClINf394EZClAWJXsU33JXNw0TJdPV_S0fA-QcIY_6iujLZOI4OL_oKeRbSkPQ_0VAJ2kFRzArfg67CcI2twixX7uNN7EicYcVRknHlYoehaGzO8Mp/s4000/Concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFQGvyNoEpnyCxobPKVLcv25Nug0bwG7ScevphtsLniN_H11WXvj_JzKC2ttnq4lA93QayCClINf394EZClAWJXsU33JXNw0TJdPV_S0fA-QcIY_6iujLZOI4OL_oKeRbSkPQ_0VAJ2kFRzArfg67CcI2twixX7uNN7EicYcVRknHlYoehaGzO8Mp/w640-h480/Concert.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk_FMwhf-HpvTGFoKc9FaBdn02hT83MtiduDrb5pBXzMnDixh-qE0v8QUPEPVxNfGmK4YmKxNIygXMB9PchGOaMWEK1uwMHt7dvdNacRyg00gZefkqP94j1S6sd72c9hSWV5Uh4pR6O5BbV67bfBE19YiPrpgL858R4VbQHdqMdi1xRCpmpv7rVk4/s1080/SistersAtConcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk_FMwhf-HpvTGFoKc9FaBdn02hT83MtiduDrb5pBXzMnDixh-qE0v8QUPEPVxNfGmK4YmKxNIygXMB9PchGOaMWEK1uwMHt7dvdNacRyg00gZefkqP94j1S6sd72c9hSWV5Uh4pR6O5BbV67bfBE19YiPrpgL858R4VbQHdqMdi1xRCpmpv7rVk4/w640-h480/SistersAtConcert.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HCFvraT0Y4" width="320" youtube-src-id="9HCFvraT0Y4"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>We were surprised upon leaving the concert venue that the rain from earlier had turned to heavy, thick snow. After walking a few blocks, we ducked into Tom Reids Hockey Pub to warm up and grab something to eat. The waitress was super nice and filled us in on the <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/11/st-pauls-freedom-house-to-close-may-8/" target="_blank">socioeconomic status</a> of downtown St. Paul. To us, it seemed an interesting blend of the rich and poor. </p><p></p><p>However, neighborhood businesses were not happy about a recent homeless shelter established in the area as it was attracting drugs and prostitution to this part of town. The waitress said she no longer felt safe walking to her car after work and often used an escort. It's sad because we saw a homeless guy making a fire in a barrel just trying to keep warm. What are they supposed to do and where are they supposed to go? After a very late supper, we walked the remaining few blocks in the snow to our hotel. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8WjMwgkQ5dE7-zhZN_qE1dqXs0canJrVs0Ji8JUvsqGbHiEQjKkqDoZhJzsXzw8uooSvDkkncLNO780p54uMYwGGrxoQ-T7OTC39hGZrcqWiGtDh1DyWpqy1jC6nJg_jeQTJC6L9D1Wew4DL1pWmAt4f9TsE4FY085E-6aueBpnDxCzEJ51kZpkM/s4000/WalkingSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8WjMwgkQ5dE7-zhZN_qE1dqXs0canJrVs0Ji8JUvsqGbHiEQjKkqDoZhJzsXzw8uooSvDkkncLNO780p54uMYwGGrxoQ-T7OTC39hGZrcqWiGtDh1DyWpqy1jC6nJg_jeQTJC6L9D1Wew4DL1pWmAt4f9TsE4FY085E-6aueBpnDxCzEJ51kZpkM/w480-h640/WalkingSnow.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiu_KrKuoihOHp6y-YKyvzPdlAxOcbe3JfYvT18CrxylojObmLi9TS8OkWRR7A2eEuNXhGahcsUY-QjldySyo2xmI2T6jmAGY7klcBsLAzJfGf58j1CfLvpClQLtpPL2RXfWK83AIYHOQWmPgki8BGmS7wAoBA0hqmdMZsoA3hrgj4LL_gQH1p3wA/s1920/MNSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiu_KrKuoihOHp6y-YKyvzPdlAxOcbe3JfYvT18CrxylojObmLi9TS8OkWRR7A2eEuNXhGahcsUY-QjldySyo2xmI2T6jmAGY7klcBsLAzJfGf58j1CfLvpClQLtpPL2RXfWK83AIYHOQWmPgki8BGmS7wAoBA0hqmdMZsoA3hrgj4LL_gQH1p3wA/w360-h640/MNSnow.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry Minnesota!! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next day, it was time to rise and shine and get back home. We hugged Tesa goodby at the hotel just before her Uber driver picked her up. About six hours later, Dawn and I arrived back home. It was perfect timing because we rolled into the parking lot just as one of Faith's respite staff was bringing her home from her Day Program, where she happily spent the entire day. </p><p>Needless to say, she was very excited to see me! We spent the rest of the evening filling each other in on our time apart and with me promising it would be a while before I went away again. But all in all, our first-ever sister getaway was a great success and I look forward to the day we can do it again!</p><br /><br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-23782099956725872672022-01-13T00:43:00.004-06:002022-01-13T00:54:23.637-06:00Faith Has Graduated! <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQZca7z3K0JCvFxn5dn8JaJeRLV9rdIGNPwYKfyhlHc5u89mJxF1RasS1njRMsVYLmDb7inMQL8VhJHjgqUnmeA-s0bFCHUNFVM5uC2Y9dkdqo-Fg8zbiSq06xWhjRI6MF5nFK2OssCIeNLDgijUDEgBlSSbIahJgWJ0y6K0D9K5kh6n9EVVaA7ELk=s305" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="305" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQZca7z3K0JCvFxn5dn8JaJeRLV9rdIGNPwYKfyhlHc5u89mJxF1RasS1njRMsVYLmDb7inMQL8VhJHjgqUnmeA-s0bFCHUNFVM5uC2Y9dkdqo-Fg8zbiSq06xWhjRI6MF5nFK2OssCIeNLDgijUDEgBlSSbIahJgWJ0y6K0D9K5kh6n9EVVaA7ELk" width="305" /></a></div>I can't believe I am the mother of a graduate! It seems I have waited a long time for this. At the same time, however, it has come very quickly. I still very vividly remember the days of walking her to school from our apartment building to Centennial Elementary. She had some wonderful teachers there but when she was in 4th grade we decided to homeschool her. <p>There were definitely a lot of positive things about homeschooling. One was that she didn't tire so easily so she could focus more. The other is that she didn't catch everyone's germs so she was sick less often. Another was that I could give her one-on-one attention. Faith's biggest goal was to learn how to read. It took a long time, and although she can only read simple words and very simple sentences, she exceeded expectations </p><p>One major drawback of homeschooling is that she missed being around other kids. It didn't help that she is an only child. When I found out about Inspire Collective, I thought it would be perfect for Faith! Unfortunately, at the time it started Faith had some medical stuff that we needed to resolve. But finally in October 2017, Faith was doing better and we decided to give it a go. </p><p>There were two girls, who were sisters, that she automatically clicked with. Those two girls remain her best friends. She made other really good friends as well. Many of these girls have invited Faith to their birthday parties and they have come to hers. I love that her disability was never a barrier to making new friends in this group! Besides making great friends, she studied history, science, STEM, music, and arts, she has participated in Christmas programs, field trips, and other special courses. We are so thankful to Nicole Elliott, for founding Inspire and also to
Mandi Wilhelm for taking it over. All of the teachers made learning so much fun. Even I learned a lot from them over the
years! </p><p>Because Inspire played such a huge role in Faith's homeschooling education, it seemed appropriate to present her diploma there. I must say, that as I gave the presentation, I was overcome with emotion. I felt so grateful that God had provided everything throughout the years to help us in this endeavor. I was so thankful for my "Inspire family" and their love and support. They truly went out of their way to make the day very special day for Faith. Some of her classmates showered her with cards, special gifts, and even the perfect balloon! I was also thankful my parents could come to the event, even though we all made each other cry! As we rolled out the door when it was all over she yelled, "Yay!! I did it, I graduated!" She was so proud of herself! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFAF5WRmgTeEJkDbEKd88BVv8x2bDATfaRCkS_1Ih15P1eHsk8Guu3bDBuDPAqjnWjFAXOq1CvrP1Y97MVCCCchS1EZ0xcoGbvQc7gVKV-NQeUs9hg9nyw0fVDMKUtPvmmZ68OPXy4aLmtLYoM3z9vvuABSqrUN4jdSzbm_ug2x_zcxIKdJesg3i8C=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="571" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFAF5WRmgTeEJkDbEKd88BVv8x2bDATfaRCkS_1Ih15P1eHsk8Guu3bDBuDPAqjnWjFAXOq1CvrP1Y97MVCCCchS1EZ0xcoGbvQc7gVKV-NQeUs9hg9nyw0fVDMKUtPvmmZ68OPXy4aLmtLYoM3z9vvuABSqrUN4jdSzbm_ug2x_zcxIKdJesg3i8C=w351-h400" width="351" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDVNlfbLWKyGlqAQ22S8NegTXEb0F2fmaMxlhGc7ro1jN7jHJA4ziCcpkFEFmq-VfciVzKayGRjZOt_xo-TfS7rGZGu1t2BmJSZhs2Vx6tn5diAcs0l9g2m-ssZVSRGv-6P8d6HmkMsui-4hcM2uNYeHpZ-6pm1lLJIhcO6_9D0Yg0uzMjSsJscphW=s678" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="534" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDVNlfbLWKyGlqAQ22S8NegTXEb0F2fmaMxlhGc7ro1jN7jHJA4ziCcpkFEFmq-VfciVzKayGRjZOt_xo-TfS7rGZGu1t2BmJSZhs2Vx6tn5diAcs0l9g2m-ssZVSRGv-6P8d6HmkMsui-4hcM2uNYeHpZ-6pm1lLJIhcO6_9D0Yg0uzMjSsJscphW=w315-h400" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8hskdQkDbaZDyjZ_a3CH7iK6O4bEERjniDC0i4peBR3Xwgp_xBuABon9oBqEBfg4He9NZVNHJ-5J84Bum43ssW-JqptYwpuWzNeY5CKbNpdbOlypNR0veL8eWnnHXzrdBtElwGhLGsdmayn4ecqL37Vguvqbq3fb0AO0a1scUhIwhGxf7vc4tuOiM=s586" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8hskdQkDbaZDyjZ_a3CH7iK6O4bEERjniDC0i4peBR3Xwgp_xBuABon9oBqEBfg4He9NZVNHJ-5J84Bum43ssW-JqptYwpuWzNeY5CKbNpdbOlypNR0veL8eWnnHXzrdBtElwGhLGsdmayn4ecqL37Vguvqbq3fb0AO0a1scUhIwhGxf7vc4tuOiM=w321-h400" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/btMvVuFe4v8" width="320" youtube-src-id="btMvVuFe4v8"></iframe></div><p>Since Faith is already 18 and has graduated, the next step will be attending a day services program for adults with disabilities. She is excited about this opportunity. However, she is also feeling a bit anxious. She knows I am going to have to leave her there. Since she was homeschooled, this is going to be new for her. I have never really just dropped her off somewhere and left her there. She has had respite care look after her while I'm gone, but that is in here home, where she feels safe and secure. Even when we go to therapy twice a week, I am there with her. </p><p>It will definitely be different for both of us. I know, though, that this is the right thing to do and that she will probably end up loving it! I'll probably be the one having a hard time with it! </p><p>I am still going to do a graduation open house for her but it won't be until spring. Maybe by then, we will be done with the cold, snow, and sickness that seems to be hitting everyone we know. For now, I'm going to process the reality that my daughter is all done with school and that she is taking the next big step in her journey! </p><p>Keep scrolling to see pictures each year of school! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieWrYJnxSkEj6Xp2Zm4hy0VVKV35wBKQjaCTPCO-JbI_nSV5_dWnGxP1kUr-ylRGoHvJQXiavRyKizR4HIvQIVbWaob7vGTFAS-rtJXQyMGpBSQChnD2zdNevVxaPMGk_jpu5wPThIxPcH4zlAJ94YWJaTB2sn_EKKf9hyQDMYSGnRFZTMcTGRPIeS=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="295" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieWrYJnxSkEj6Xp2Zm4hy0VVKV35wBKQjaCTPCO-JbI_nSV5_dWnGxP1kUr-ylRGoHvJQXiavRyKizR4HIvQIVbWaob7vGTFAS-rtJXQyMGpBSQChnD2zdNevVxaPMGk_jpu5wPThIxPcH4zlAJ94YWJaTB2sn_EKKf9hyQDMYSGnRFZTMcTGRPIeS=w369-h400" width="369" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith starts Kindergarten<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd9inEE7Aw8I25M3-zmE73fSyEypPVKOq2jO7b23vZ-C9CIC0fSgLs0137QDbboigO8CfIDPLrEk69Wqd_SS2TukVo_GvQoBVoQv88OrUEuK1o0XZWmnUyKU0mWbYUWU-Pwak1T_7hO9VUVmc-yYq458tjtbaZbFGmYrOSecyZrY_n5GNKcaDqPCtJ=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd9inEE7Aw8I25M3-zmE73fSyEypPVKOq2jO7b23vZ-C9CIC0fSgLs0137QDbboigO8CfIDPLrEk69Wqd_SS2TukVo_GvQoBVoQv88OrUEuK1o0XZWmnUyKU0mWbYUWU-Pwak1T_7hO9VUVmc-yYq458tjtbaZbFGmYrOSecyZrY_n5GNKcaDqPCtJ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Patch in 1st grade<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM8Gk90_DWv_zbiAS6CkGjyumRKfp_zkDSjQEBQ73ma84tJPrkUp4l3OIbH0KTBFnH7NpDuG_fJvdnsRBYpvuI7p4B-YfUxVMzlo-emyWdIahBDm2EnnK2jPM4svkgYfkTqccpaMOR_hjfQb0p5BnqEEddwnYsOD4n12lovfgM8cyUdyMPoiPugMm2=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM8Gk90_DWv_zbiAS6CkGjyumRKfp_zkDSjQEBQ73ma84tJPrkUp4l3OIbH0KTBFnH7NpDuG_fJvdnsRBYpvuI7p4B-YfUxVMzlo-emyWdIahBDm2EnnK2jPM4svkgYfkTqccpaMOR_hjfQb0p5BnqEEddwnYsOD4n12lovfgM8cyUdyMPoiPugMm2=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet second-grade schoolgirl <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLTlV-8olYQyPj8Vd68mkmjKoyCJ6Aug_Ejt4ruJMHL8SwtSxgWdKRzisdIxGDB1K3Ash7uQLVTGqWE9BnaYt2aaoZbiAtlk6KYfYYJBFYSLgtCm5n6ZSScrB98jP5xzX0TigBZ3NZV9xD03Ix6AMfXfOerfxVkMi9ApstR4Q5rUhCQdLPb3g3C34N=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLTlV-8olYQyPj8Vd68mkmjKoyCJ6Aug_Ejt4ruJMHL8SwtSxgWdKRzisdIxGDB1K3Ash7uQLVTGqWE9BnaYt2aaoZbiAtlk6KYfYYJBFYSLgtCm5n6ZSScrB98jP5xzX0TigBZ3NZV9xD03Ix6AMfXfOerfxVkMi9ApstR4Q5rUhCQdLPb3g3C34N=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pajama Day in 3rd Grade <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQSsZ1XFOaFNM4wK8eygXx5PObYoCeZrh5Ln8Yqgd-sN4WB5uvX25oVqde9kPiTE1f-UhGjZAkUwj-lUM40IKDYAndHpn6ElBQDuEpWV47ZjIgh_pRSPF_jbPK-QqFUQ0JXwrk2oyTcRIsh9CVatD8SnLuAaoRyxSu5PU9zo2Ad2XWpKANP6zvsNSO=s550" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="550" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQSsZ1XFOaFNM4wK8eygXx5PObYoCeZrh5Ln8Yqgd-sN4WB5uvX25oVqde9kPiTE1f-UhGjZAkUwj-lUM40IKDYAndHpn6ElBQDuEpWV47ZjIgh_pRSPF_jbPK-QqFUQ0JXwrk2oyTcRIsh9CVatD8SnLuAaoRyxSu5PU9zo2Ad2XWpKANP6zvsNSO=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's desk in 4th Grade <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAoNWswCt5LAwa6xM9vXFRGpJzWZPFDCFtfw8N60aGR8dSUTw5_JUnVRnSGqj-PY5ijK9iBEOQnS_lmOiSjyqjEIiwCAKoXvkxcWwLoqYg_JkpCi4EPtg3znP9OwheN7sPmN1JToZKRRGt6FhvmFs_KeLnj9gqbbY8UVxPig_QZ0mZ1s04ijHC5AMl=s450" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="450" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAoNWswCt5LAwa6xM9vXFRGpJzWZPFDCFtfw8N60aGR8dSUTw5_JUnVRnSGqj-PY5ijK9iBEOQnS_lmOiSjyqjEIiwCAKoXvkxcWwLoqYg_JkpCi4EPtg3znP9OwheN7sPmN1JToZKRRGt6FhvmFs_KeLnj9gqbbY8UVxPig_QZ0mZ1s04ijHC5AMl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th Grade at the Library <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHBiCpUp7qWkoQLb45oE-4PnMDo0_K1EabY-txoyWtUS3IHmRdh0kJpeVO2nct_9DpbtnNVOFLXEMfXtgvoeCT6tLejriQllW1RcRhJvFKzeJ3S2YX4-QXNvGTjwPE__6apBs6QQ6iOMl2aeMKyTPMFPmvmz6c7C0DS6X_ofFOjDHI7rcNDomMbUqu=s425" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="425" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHBiCpUp7qWkoQLb45oE-4PnMDo0_K1EabY-txoyWtUS3IHmRdh0kJpeVO2nct_9DpbtnNVOFLXEMfXtgvoeCT6tLejriQllW1RcRhJvFKzeJ3S2YX4-QXNvGTjwPE__6apBs6QQ6iOMl2aeMKyTPMFPmvmz6c7C0DS6X_ofFOjDHI7rcNDomMbUqu=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big smiles for 6th Grade <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTW7W0cBw4zHcxIE7hTx6pmCxpySH-8GTJh7YY-1_f0m9ThK1xnIw_rtq74Z5AVvSVJscq1WTpLbMbCdqSGFHqc61LNoYkz5J2aKNhhT1uB1Kt9I_6wETUW9EEppkfe-Q3aOOIIggduYB-uSYIqUFacz2mijgc258aEfFKISK444ykQ2AVSeyvu_Vk=s539" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="539" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTW7W0cBw4zHcxIE7hTx6pmCxpySH-8GTJh7YY-1_f0m9ThK1xnIw_rtq74Z5AVvSVJscq1WTpLbMbCdqSGFHqc61LNoYkz5J2aKNhhT1uB1Kt9I_6wETUW9EEppkfe-Q3aOOIIggduYB-uSYIqUFacz2mijgc258aEfFKISK444ykQ2AVSeyvu_Vk=w400-h360" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th Grade and no glasses necessary!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLcy2SJdi4i6Bla0fVJi-ppvnBhHmEiQVcYjknXrapiVt5xoqTNpCr6Hzpzlc6lbjrzp44I3e-JPGXeCFoKRH32MIABk01IcjTfRgDB2naci5MfUj4B7szFeC6jFLXtZIPEoIKJS-JAMY1ngAVVn2_bSDkLQwJKS0AaT3yqU6PInsjLK8fGvazonUl=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLcy2SJdi4i6Bla0fVJi-ppvnBhHmEiQVcYjknXrapiVt5xoqTNpCr6Hzpzlc6lbjrzp44I3e-JPGXeCFoKRH32MIABk01IcjTfRgDB2naci5MfUj4B7szFeC6jFLXtZIPEoIKJS-JAMY1ngAVVn2_bSDkLQwJKS0AaT3yqU6PInsjLK8fGvazonUl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8th Grade and first time at the Nutcracker Ballet<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMMNXQl6VEGrj9BeXgr9Wt_vp8RVqjd_tnH4BJwc6uDRS4HwHYbGlEYVVYWL2TdXM45BCcDsVG5GBvKtt4fQgig3EaBNFYLMXCzo2QoBEDIFXfECGmnziQCmSTN1C4XePWChxxIt0CNnPtKTOqlo-G3S3dWD2AxtsBITAYoC0iwylpqTrD3Hd8_sJo=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMMNXQl6VEGrj9BeXgr9Wt_vp8RVqjd_tnH4BJwc6uDRS4HwHYbGlEYVVYWL2TdXM45BCcDsVG5GBvKtt4fQgig3EaBNFYLMXCzo2QoBEDIFXfECGmnziQCmSTN1C4XePWChxxIt0CNnPtKTOqlo-G3S3dWD2AxtsBITAYoC0iwylpqTrD3Hd8_sJo=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9th Grade <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPEWr67iTojDXAgoDugahIEDJwMW1FZHYcdKO0QQtSHEZTO9wlCG6r2XHKq4xXfsKqMvHhuDL7Nj2O85BBWxXWxDn5tldnnSLsMFs-3PZe255i514OF_aJlBFjOiJal_9b_Zp83O-_UoaMIVZbU_dVY0fpS_i0M7uEpdWzt_DSxtnWa9rL9L4TrayX=s674" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPEWr67iTojDXAgoDugahIEDJwMW1FZHYcdKO0QQtSHEZTO9wlCG6r2XHKq4xXfsKqMvHhuDL7Nj2O85BBWxXWxDn5tldnnSLsMFs-3PZe255i514OF_aJlBFjOiJal_9b_Zp83O-_UoaMIVZbU_dVY0fpS_i0M7uEpdWzt_DSxtnWa9rL9L4TrayX=w324-h400" width="324" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">History project in 10th grade <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJomimk748kFsM5aQvP0RiNF2w_3TRV5W6g1ostzCioG2Uc43WlD3z0NgxmREOOpm-TZ5UagIiAOdpShdHCg8AYTAyI-0pl-SyvR3w4xOiGlIZ8LLerfu9hbwc5q90NeDrP6dKdkt-pSl5qRRNJEehxt6XE5cPDsR-cWiFEshwTHQhku31U5--tkuI=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJomimk748kFsM5aQvP0RiNF2w_3TRV5W6g1ostzCioG2Uc43WlD3z0NgxmREOOpm-TZ5UagIiAOdpShdHCg8AYTAyI-0pl-SyvR3w4xOiGlIZ8LLerfu9hbwc5q90NeDrP6dKdkt-pSl5qRRNJEehxt6XE5cPDsR-cWiFEshwTHQhku31U5--tkuI=w298-h400" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11th grade getting some fresh fall air</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeKuuhlhh0Mpc2drZ1YVEOXzR2cGm8ppAt5ORWE55dNb21HurK_6SX-bdhnZTj1taM-qbRuGf7CUFq1aghT83o9cz9FFXkFufLz0IrrThDWSdjH7UcO-ZgOPwUUqeZPTAnyUe0S-W4XxAY_L0hZhqUg4vFRCd_HPpqvoEGYNrRZV5CmD443MjhPOsL=s3264" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeKuuhlhh0Mpc2drZ1YVEOXzR2cGm8ppAt5ORWE55dNb21HurK_6SX-bdhnZTj1taM-qbRuGf7CUFq1aghT83o9cz9FFXkFufLz0IrrThDWSdjH7UcO-ZgOPwUUqeZPTAnyUe0S-W4XxAY_L0hZhqUg4vFRCd_HPpqvoEGYNrRZV5CmD443MjhPOsL=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith made it to 12th grade!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-45322726667468296962021-05-16T17:29:00.002-05:002021-05-16T17:42:27.771-05:00Ready for Summer (And Some Rain) <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpodT5Oos-RTRuBeyx93kJEuejx4dH770StH76IGX7jWdvyPjHv5AyzPYwi6oZ-wCB0AwjhSYSpWc5HEPE_2cWBMd5_mmiaSA3ZdY5oKjcAYYgltV7-R_uvC12Z239fbrx6XA2XXPvZV0/s2048/MeFaithSelfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpodT5Oos-RTRuBeyx93kJEuejx4dH770StH76IGX7jWdvyPjHv5AyzPYwi6oZ-wCB0AwjhSYSpWc5HEPE_2cWBMd5_mmiaSA3ZdY5oKjcAYYgltV7-R_uvC12Z239fbrx6XA2XXPvZV0/w640-h480/MeFaithSelfie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Every year in May, Faith and I run into the same problem. It's hard to focus on school this time of the year! I know most families are probably in the same boat. What makes it extra hard for us is that Faith's homeschooling group, Inspire Collective, ends the last week in April. In her mind, Faith is already done with school! This beautiful weather
does not make doing school any easier. However, it is great for doing
some fun activities, like the things we have done this weekend. <br /><p></p><p></p><p>On Fridays, Faith and I usually take a trip to the library. It was during this past Friday that I realized in the evening the Band Day Parade would pass close by the library. </p><p>We have gone in the past and Faith loved the marching bands! This might sound strange considering she gets startled by loud noises, but for some reason, she just loves them! She also really likes parades. It was the perfect evening for one. </p><p>Faith and I enjoyed "dog watching" and seeing all the different kinds of dogs people brought to the parade. I fell a little bit in love by an orange puffball of a Pomeranian that came over to say hi to us. The parade itself was fun, and the marching bands were great. (Like this band in the video, that represented several schools from the southwest corner of the state. Can you guess what song they are playing?) <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f867A5vXYsQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="f867A5vXYsQ"></iframe></div>Besides taking in the parade, we also took in the kindness of others. One lady in front of us made a point to move so Faith could see better. Another lady offered Faith some of the candy that had been thrown her way. One lady that was in the parade came running over to us, said "Hi" to Faith and gave me a hug saying, "God bless you." Faith just looked at me and said, "Why did she say God bless you, it's not even Sunday!" I honestly don't know why she did that, but it did bless me! There was also a five-year-old boy who made friends with Faith and introduced us to his older brother and younger sister. <p></p><p>The next day, Faith was super excited to finally go to the <a href="https://northernplainsdance.org/" target="_blank">Northern Plains Dance</a>
production, "Sleeping Beauty." This has become a tradition for us ever
since the mom of Faith's friends gave us complimentary tickets one year
to "The Nutcracker." We have gone to that production every year since
then and also their spring productions. <br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUSpzPM8pdgZlsKfjvl7221fdItSaW4gBx4F_MfdYbl2SMMSG0Sc10caE4OCTHjQoYA3TvwFhQhgCD0K79GEIpWa-IWX5wYBCe111zPPi4eEDIf_Bgsi_uxS8HzoaJpfQV7AkZ7QFTaw/s2048/20210515_165839.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUSpzPM8pdgZlsKfjvl7221fdItSaW4gBx4F_MfdYbl2SMMSG0Sc10caE4OCTHjQoYA3TvwFhQhgCD0K79GEIpWa-IWX5wYBCe111zPPi4eEDIf_Bgsi_uxS8HzoaJpfQV7AkZ7QFTaw/w480-h640/20210515_165839.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Faith and my great niece<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Last year, the spring production was canceled and we also had to watch "The Nutcracker" via livestream. That was fine, but it's just not the same as being at the Belle Mehus in person! This year, Faith's grandma and cousin came along. It's always special to share these wonderful experiences with others. (When Faith asked where grandpa was, grandma said he was home watering trees). Faith also saw a few of her Inspire friends after the program. <p></p><p>Honestly, we don't usually do so much in one weekend, so I wasn't sure if Faith would be up to going to church the next day. She said she wanted to go, however. I'm so glad we did! We went to a church we had visited last week. When we pulled into the parking lot, where they actually had an open handicap parking spot, there was another van just like ours! Same make, model, and color. (Note to churches: those handicap spots fill up fast, maybe think about adding more!) </p><p>When we rolled into the sanctuary, I was trying to find a place in the back and a lady came over and asked if we wanted to sit with her family. She grabbed me a chair and Faith sat next to her son, who was also in a wheelchair. Turns out, they got their van in the same way we got ours, through a fundraising effort. It was nice to share stories about how God provided for every one of our children's needs! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCXGH9hOS2R35RPQa2GdSsDqHkvMkSqtyiiepl48JMuD22zjhjwnGm14g5sC6JHvv956VTbKX9bo3yW0jw_iJZ88fh-yQ_lPzHdFlAvaeWsNwztgTk3nLAZzySbSuk6wU4zOHlU8gxjY/s979/ToddFaithVan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="979" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCXGH9hOS2R35RPQa2GdSsDqHkvMkSqtyiiepl48JMuD22zjhjwnGm14g5sC6JHvv956VTbKX9bo3yW0jw_iJZ88fh-yQ_lPzHdFlAvaeWsNwztgTk3nLAZzySbSuk6wU4zOHlU8gxjY/w640-h388/ToddFaithVan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still thankful to my brother for helping us get our van (and the paperwork taken care of!) <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> We truly had a blessed weekend. Tomorrow is Monday and Faith heads to occupational therapy (OT), which she does twice a week. I will have to write a separate post about that, because it's been really interesting and helpful for her. We will also try hard to finish our last 10 days of school! <br /></p><p></p><p>It's supposed to be nice all week in our neck of the woods, so hopefully everyone can get out and enjoy the nice weather. Although, if it rains, nobody will complain, as we desperately need it. </p><p><br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-98202239826807612020-11-12T20:17:00.004-06:002020-11-12T21:48:16.239-06:00Faith's New Van<p>Finally, on November 4th, the day the elevator in our building was fixed, I was able to take Faith downstairs so she could check out her new van! It happened to be a beautiful day, close to 80 degrees, which is rare for North Dakota in November. We had respite care that day, so I had her record me getting Faith loaded up for the first time. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWVhChyAp4dsLX5xRio8zz00fnTSQt0GNDUEby8ayK5-70BQZxieUqDsMrbmL-NbItm9S0ffWLmtI3fazS34Me04T_KPwLKb1RFbx07kBVeJkguieXar6ReVyH4556fjLeC-bpfLrSEk/s4608/VanFaithSmile.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWVhChyAp4dsLX5xRio8zz00fnTSQt0GNDUEby8ayK5-70BQZxieUqDsMrbmL-NbItm9S0ffWLmtI3fazS34Me04T_KPwLKb1RFbx07kBVeJkguieXar6ReVyH4556fjLeC-bpfLrSEk/w640-h360/VanFaithSmile.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith is all smiles about her new van! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFplVfKnmug1H2OVDNqaV5xMsnjXGnkJZVJv3BNffrjX4qJgHiTcXUa0J69wTdKu4BE6J54CFN5VJV0faDATfakzQLJzJ4WnElG9FSUFYS0SEMyPtZjikRChrDG_fQFM8f0HHPcfn6V8/s929/VanChairInside_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="929" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFplVfKnmug1H2OVDNqaV5xMsnjXGnkJZVJv3BNffrjX4qJgHiTcXUa0J69wTdKu4BE6J54CFN5VJV0faDATfakzQLJzJ4WnElG9FSUFYS0SEMyPtZjikRChrDG_fQFM8f0HHPcfn6V8/w640-h348/VanChairInside_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith is ready to roll! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After loading her up, the three of us went for a fun drive including a trip through McDonald's so Faith could get a chocolate chip cookie. Faith was having so much fun as we drove around. She kept randomly shouting out things like, "Happy Birthday!" and "Merry Christmas!" (I am looking forward to driving around and looking at Christmas lights with her this year!) I guess she really does think her van is the best gift ever! <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxarTOvHoXOCHvHpyKoqHckLwTJFoA0BCxwswWphx313ylNT8WFQ0lhjUQTzmAYB8F7awa9r9aQpAtrI8CPRZIo9W6jp7LT5ELOZJgU_Ivqb9xZsXTMa0KAjbJimWYdj0ST7_NNnjJ1fE/s4608/VanFaithInside.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxarTOvHoXOCHvHpyKoqHckLwTJFoA0BCxwswWphx313ylNT8WFQ0lhjUQTzmAYB8F7awa9r9aQpAtrI8CPRZIo9W6jp7LT5ELOZJgU_Ivqb9xZsXTMa0KAjbJimWYdj0ST7_NNnjJ1fE/w640-h360/VanFaithInside.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith inside the van. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Earlier this week, we used the van to take her to an appointment with the general surgeon. She wanted to check Faith's stoma for her feeding tube. I'm glad to say we are making progress with getting her skin back to normal. </p><p>We also used the van to take Faith to Inspire Collective, her homeschooling group, which finally started up this month! It is a very small group this year, but we are okay with that. Two of Faith's best friends aren't going this year, so we drove to their house so Faith could see them from a distance. It had been 8 months since we last saw them in person! </p><p>After visiting them, we drove out to her grandparent's place. My great niece said she wanted a van likes Faith's for her 5th birthday! Faith has a few more upcoming appointments this month, and it so nice for me to take her to these appointments by myself. </p><p>This van is such a huge blessing, and makes life so much easier. A few of my favorite features are the heated steering wheel and seats, as well as the remote starter. These features will help us get through out brutal winters! One of Faith's favorite features of the van is that the doors open and
shut all by themselves. Of course we both love the ramp that comes out and goes back in with just a push of a button. One feature I have yet to show her is the DVD player! </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvo8sNFFc_ijthe0hCoo3S_yhsEpIuUnOGGvcm_cc72rZWT9JJW7PFHhpLeeP_-E-Pg2KGTZaUp7Tpscc6xA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxf15on89fn1Y5weTwQD6ENjspasH_7dDBsjZ2raLHnmqoB4z6hpaE2uP4KAxS9BGYMBKlt9evWDd52-dHBCw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I will never take our van for granted and will always be thankful to
those of you who donated to our NewWheelsForFaith fundraiser. There were
also many people who shared the fundraiser on social media and prayed
that this van would become a reality for us. It floors me that people we
have never met also gave to or shared this fundraiser. I will also always be eternally grateful to my brother Todd, and his wife for everything they did to make this happen. We appreciate
you all so much!</p><p>One more thing: for those who are wondering, the
van is a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country with about 49,000 miles. The
conversion is new enough that it is still under warranty. We got the van
from <a href="http://www.cummingsmobility.com/" target="_blank">Cummings Mobility</a>
in Albertville, MN. If anyone needs a new conversion van, I highly
recommend them, as they were very accommodating and gave us a great
deal! <br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-30272674320778184452020-11-01T00:57:00.002-05:002020-11-01T01:07:33.213-05:00October: A Memorable Month and Birthday <p>Oh. My. Goodness. What a month! It's certainly been challenging, but thankfully there were a few bright spots to help us through. At the very end of September, both Faith and I came down with colds. They would not go away! Faith was really stuffed up and seemed pretty miserable. I thought she might have a sinus infection so I took her to the walk-in clinic. Although I didn't think we had COVID, I asked to be tested just to help give me a peace of mind. </p><p></p>They only had the nose swab available. I was nervous about it being traumatizing for Faith. As we waited for the nurse to come back in the examination room with the test, I prayed for Faith that she wouldn't have a tough time. I should have remembered to pray for myself! <p></p><p>I told Faith I would go first so she would know what to expect. When they stuck the swab way up my nose, I nearly started crying. It gave me flashbacks to when the breathing tubes got pulled out of my nose following open heart surgery. It was sort of the same icky, awful feeling. <br /></p><p>Next, it was Faith's turn. The nurse was fully expecting Faith to fight the swab going up her nose. She held Faith's hands while I held her head in place. The lab technician put the swab up Faith's first nostril and I counted to 10. The lab technician did the other nostril, and I counted to 10 again. She didn't try to fight it or anything. She was so brave and didn't even cry! I was very proud of her! I told everyone afterward that she had done better than me. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsNnmolQYVjHreMUGdJz6Di8cbSTVwOhkNoumhUaxws0pFUVNbfyc24bl42avuqSdF_PeRMPUxWZzwkGZzdLMgXehTJYdnFbQlWMFRsGNUSvtnzhaow3Na2iwP7nulfthSta7M_5XXQs/s2048/FaithLeaves2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsNnmolQYVjHreMUGdJz6Di8cbSTVwOhkNoumhUaxws0pFUVNbfyc24bl42avuqSdF_PeRMPUxWZzwkGZzdLMgXehTJYdnFbQlWMFRsGNUSvtnzhaow3Na2iwP7nulfthSta7M_5XXQs/w640-h480/FaithLeaves2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brave girl! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>It took four days for the test results to come back, both of which were negative. Faith did have a sinus infection so she began a round of antibiotics. It took her about six days of being on the meds before she finally started feeling better. </p><p>A couple of weeks after she was finally better, I had to take her in to get the Mic-key button for her feeding tube replaced. When we had tried to put in a new button at home, we found out it was defective. Thankfully we had a second one, but that one was defective as well! We ended up having to put her old one back in. Because of this, the skin around her stoma became very red and sore. When I took her to the surgeon, she told me it wasn't infected, but there was granulation tissue that was beginning to form. She replaced it without any problem and prescribed an ointment for her skin. <br /></p><p>During all of this, I was busy trying to finish raising funds for our new van. I really wanted to raise enough so we could get it for Faith's birthday. Amazingly, we ended up raising about $25,000!!! I am also applying for funds to help cover the conversion cost of the van. I will do a separate post about the van, but long story short, my brother Todd found one for us at <a href="http://www.cummingsmobility.com/" target="_blank">Cummings Mobility</a> and had it delivered to our front door 2 days before Faith's birthday! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6hT6O9UqbSWBZbiFKw9SNcVm2XWyqmCYFA-5jTwHgo4vx8Kr5qs_SIsPH3nZ9Q9e3aY9HsizV_rNZTWsbzfGoFOmLuFGiPJmwOEWSppEYKabNX3XLvRjO9jbKup3rfvBHTegfOP_CI0/s915/MeVan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="915" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6hT6O9UqbSWBZbiFKw9SNcVm2XWyqmCYFA-5jTwHgo4vx8Kr5qs_SIsPH3nZ9Q9e3aY9HsizV_rNZTWsbzfGoFOmLuFGiPJmwOEWSppEYKabNX3XLvRjO9jbKup3rfvBHTegfOP_CI0/w640-h418/MeVan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to all the donations, New Wheels for Faith became a reality! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p>While preparing for the van delivery and Faith's birthday, I found
out Bismarck was supposed to get our first major snow storm. I was
concerned the snow was going to deter our birthday plans. Thank goodness
we only ended up getting about an inch of snow but it did dip down to
about 14 degrees F. <br /><p></p><p>Even though the weather cooperated, the
elevator in our building did not. Two days after I had taken Faith to
get her button replaced, the elevator went out. Needless to say, I was
pretty devastated. Without a working elevator we would not be able to
get Faith downstairs to see her new van when it arrived. We also
wouldn't be driving around to see her family and friends on her birthday. (A pandemic-friendly birthday plan I had come up with). <br /></p><p>The van was still delivered, but instead of being
able to get inside, Faith could only watch out the window when it
arrived in the parking lot. We tried to make the best of things and had a
tiny party in our apartment with cake and ice cream. For her birthday
weekend, she did video chats and phone calls with some of her best
friends and other family members. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbziRmg8SzgUqoeVCpfET9a2AyM0n-ZcWFJi9_y92V_BC3cC1rwO_S3NI_iDb6KfCmKmCHFG74MaB3wKnvKFjJpEoAhHMWiDhblm5h4cMCtqFFYkF8jI_GOKsskdNl-dQkfgMb5LjGPMk/s1737/MeFaithCake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="1737" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbziRmg8SzgUqoeVCpfET9a2AyM0n-ZcWFJi9_y92V_BC3cC1rwO_S3NI_iDb6KfCmKmCHFG74MaB3wKnvKFjJpEoAhHMWiDhblm5h4cMCtqFFYkF8jI_GOKsskdNl-dQkfgMb5LjGPMk/w640-h584/MeFaithCake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 17th Birthday! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7iIp-MyICRtynkNtL8gF5juL31BH-w18q7jk9YxrdoRPmvd2Jued0xFNrqLl-KRPvpk9UtioR6YWsKHGDBS2eW_IsiGoC_7FffCCzjFbr7aSWSV9cwJR2WJLqzeP-86m4I76WqgarA4/s817/FaithG%2526G2_Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="817" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7iIp-MyICRtynkNtL8gF5juL31BH-w18q7jk9YxrdoRPmvd2Jued0xFNrqLl-KRPvpk9UtioR6YWsKHGDBS2eW_IsiGoC_7FffCCzjFbr7aSWSV9cwJR2WJLqzeP-86m4I76WqgarA4/w640-h440/FaithG%2526G2_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with Grandma and Grandpa </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iYoDCio3yH_Y8qsYbXJOu8mlIm1-4c7-tn2dTPQBRde5l6L-v7Pwiv68LA-4X1M6YMFtcVUnFLeKwkFDjUvhD9jTfITrjmI-Dp2NcfKQuSLodHb9_BB11TZZlcfNGpc4X2KQpUpYEg0/s510/MarlaChirpy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="510" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iYoDCio3yH_Y8qsYbXJOu8mlIm1-4c7-tn2dTPQBRde5l6L-v7Pwiv68LA-4X1M6YMFtcVUnFLeKwkFDjUvhD9jTfITrjmI-Dp2NcfKQuSLodHb9_BB11TZZlcfNGpc4X2KQpUpYEg0/w640-h526/MarlaChirpy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's cousin and favorite dog even came to the party! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_w70Nfw3yNI-fqNxnoOUxosM1Bcinfj2S6PY0HoyA7DwYK34_jeluGcddoD-f6re2qZJis55eP6tZhl6SDJxyLwH8ktpArz9poU0DkE7HbGdbD2S3PCnJCOtzk9Gtp82eYzRtTIOEdY/s2048/20201023_112058.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_w70Nfw3yNI-fqNxnoOUxosM1Bcinfj2S6PY0HoyA7DwYK34_jeluGcddoD-f6re2qZJis55eP6tZhl6SDJxyLwH8ktpArz9poU0DkE7HbGdbD2S3PCnJCOtzk9Gtp82eYzRtTIOEdY/w480-h640/20201023_112058.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's beautiful birthday flowers!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We went through the rest of the week with no elevator, and it is not supposed to be fixed until Monday or Tuesday. I have been in contact with our building manager and even the regional property manager. I think they are finally beginning to realize that we are in need of a new elevator! <p></p><p>Despite some of the challenges and disappointments, my heart is filled with gratitude. I am so thankful for our van. I promise to do another blog post as soon as Faith is able to get downstairs and we go for a spin! I'm also thankful to the friends and family who have supported us during this challenging month and also for the many prayers. </p><p>If nothing else, Faith's 17th birthday was definitely a very memorable one! </p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-76013457458136052772020-09-12T22:26:00.001-05:002020-09-14T13:56:06.756-05:00New Wheels For Faith <p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UsdRYXVy57HBSluey2LJFb95vwerhkd1Iw5tQLy6-T1dX_azF4uyGtktbWfyKO93mrNgdACKHoyz0EUJXWPWG68zs_tR6WRKsvvvpAwfdI8t40w80SxVSdLK86iiP7LUoXBAyAmzM7I/s2048/vanfaith.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UsdRYXVy57HBSluey2LJFb95vwerhkd1Iw5tQLy6-T1dX_azF4uyGtktbWfyKO93mrNgdACKHoyz0EUJXWPWG68zs_tR6WRKsvvvpAwfdI8t40w80SxVSdLK86iiP7LUoXBAyAmzM7I/w320-h240/vanfaith.JPG" title="Faith in her "new" van in 2011" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith in her "new" van in 2011<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It was back in August of 2011 that we got our first accessible van. Before that, we had a purple special needs car seat called the <a href="https://faithsmomsblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/goodbye-to-our-special-tomato.html" target="_blank">"Special Tomato."</a> Eventually she got too big for her special tomato and we needed to graduate to an accessible van. We were thankful to have found one in Bismarck for a decent price. While it suited our needs, there were still some concerns. For one, the electrical system was really wonky, which affected the ramp. <p></p><p> Even with the weird electrical system, it got us to where we needed to go. We even had some fun family adventures like driving all the way to Toronto and back, and also to Winnipeg. The van also got us to some of Faith's medical appointments in Minneapolis and Fargo. </p><p>Despite its quirks, the <a href="http://faithsmomsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-van-true-blessing-from-god.html" target="_blank">2006 Dodge Caravan</a> was a good van. Except for when it rained. It seemed the electrical system went super berserk when it rained. One day we were on our way home from a physical therapy appointment in the pouring rain. We were driving down Century Avenue (one of the busiest streets in town) when the van stalled at the light. The van refused to start. Thankfully, a guy in a pick up truck who pushed heavy equipment around for a living, was right behind us. He managed to push our vehicle with his to our apartment. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKuvP7jJJ-wmhauJskrAkpLkQrsayNtjnF1DpQaRVtoUk1mcFdJsrVzN_ocWbZCAwroB4tOvYmNvO3vnTc1aqNynuH2Ha1flRsvdoErLb0KQKup9z_ZLWTT7sVTGCBs3fQYCGqeoPpKA/s2592/FargoFaithVan.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKuvP7jJJ-wmhauJskrAkpLkQrsayNtjnF1DpQaRVtoUk1mcFdJsrVzN_ocWbZCAwroB4tOvYmNvO3vnTc1aqNynuH2Ha1flRsvdoErLb0KQKup9z_ZLWTT7sVTGCBs3fQYCGqeoPpKA/w500-h375/FargoFaithVan.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith on a trip to Fargo a couple of summers ago. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We put thousands of dollars into getting the electrical system fixed, but the only thing that seemed to help was to disconnect the ramp. This made transporting Faith very inconvenient, to say the least. While Faith's dad could still push her chair up into the van, I could not. We muddled through, however. It just meant that I could not really take Faith anywhere by myself. </p><p>Eventually our air conditioning also went out. I thought it might simply need to be recharged but this was not the case. It was going to cost several hundred dollars to fix, so we just went without. When we had a choice, we chose not to take Faith anywhere on really hot days. Then there is the issue with the battery and not starting well in the winter. There are other issues, but I think you get the gist of it. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGCAsnpGBNoOdssi3nfFHPmKOZh9KNygCh8_IieiDddw1KVsk3vZ7O8MYyN5tbqFLwhsccIa_umjNFwUlYJOy1X4pyZ6JlDHdGbp1MOXS5oEM6pShoNJOhT6dqZ210c0DQq55OmelF30/s2048/MeFaithVan2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGCAsnpGBNoOdssi3nfFHPmKOZh9KNygCh8_IieiDddw1KVsk3vZ7O8MYyN5tbqFLwhsccIa_umjNFwUlYJOy1X4pyZ6JlDHdGbp1MOXS5oEM6pShoNJOhT6dqZ210c0DQq55OmelF30/w500-h375/MeFaithVan2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know if Faith's van will make it through another winter! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyA11-KXDpyqX13EYzNpncrpTcfNpf2RnZyQ9HJVp13kgnyXIJ1G4ciFGkQReNZOc-ewxKcYzLGofF12vE_IOaO9A1nd-l5VIrDrJZtDqUYs6CuJF_o3Gjx97R23lQCvsJjFdZDJvZAs/s648/FaithCropGoFundMePic.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyA11-KXDpyqX13EYzNpncrpTcfNpf2RnZyQ9HJVp13kgnyXIJ1G4ciFGkQReNZOc-ewxKcYzLGofF12vE_IOaO9A1nd-l5VIrDrJZtDqUYs6CuJF_o3Gjx97R23lQCvsJjFdZDJvZAs/s320/FaithCropGoFundMePic.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks everyone!" <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As you can see, we have needed a new van for a while now. When I discussed our van issues with my brother Todd a while back, he suggested doing an online fundraiser. I honestly didn't know how I felt about asking other people for help to fund a new van for us, especially with the whole COVID mess going on and it being a hard time financially for many. After thinking about it for a long time, and praying about it, too, I felt we didn't have any other choice. Todd told me to write something up for a GoFundMe and he would take care of the funds, etc. </p><p>When we set our goal of $29,000, Todd was very optimistic about reaching it. I knew my brother was an optimist. I tend to be the opposite (sometimes). I thought it would be nice to reach $10,000. Needless to say, our efforts thus far have far surpassed my hopes and expectations!</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyA11-KXDpyqX13EYzNpncrpTcfNpf2RnZyQ9HJVp13kgnyXIJ1G4ciFGkQReNZOc-ewxKcYzLGofF12vE_IOaO9A1nd-l5VIrDrJZtDqUYs6CuJF_o3Gjx97R23lQCvsJjFdZDJvZAs/s648/FaithCropGoFundMePic.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I know there are many people in need of things right now, which is just one reason I'm so blown away by everyone's generosity! All I can say is THANK YOU!!! <p></p><p> </p><p>For those who have given, shared, or said a prayer, may this proverb ring true in your life: Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25 (ESV) </p><p><b>By the way, at the time of this writing, we are at $16,001 between on and offline donations, as well as 500 shares! We are well on our way to meeting our goal. Also, it would be a dream come true for Faith to have a new van for her 17th birthday, which is at the end of October! </b><br /></p><p>Click <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/newwheelsforfaith?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0B8LGO-Cv1SdLUhqACpgymY9Wbu70IZLkFZDwHeY9zV0d4JR_7KAZs1Fk" target="_blank">here</a> to donate to #NewWheelsForFaith or to share this fundraiser. <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-50858947296081030672019-10-29T21:24:00.000-05:002019-10-29T21:33:59.891-05:00A Cold But Fun Filled October As I'm writing this blog post, it is currently 25 degrees outside. With the windchill, it feels more like 12 degrees. That's cold for October. Even in North Dakota! Winter definitely seems like it's here. Earlier this month we had a historic blizzard that dumped 13 inches of snow on Bismarck and over 2 feet of the white stuff in other parts of the state. As a result, the public schools had their first official snow day. I was ready to give Faith the day off from her lessons at home, but she still wanted to do them! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLwe2tU24EeHJKdYC2EPnIbn-6ZHRwmIe41eJImmmMZPMEgScz7za_bmINXPsrYgXmpWJxjYdo5Isaq1jTLfMMJ0CDwSRKKV4EAvRMY9qkJvBak65BthMnzjpCJi3rRHvx2LYbPizdbs/s1600/M%2526DSnow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLwe2tU24EeHJKdYC2EPnIbn-6ZHRwmIe41eJImmmMZPMEgScz7za_bmINXPsrYgXmpWJxjYdo5Isaq1jTLfMMJ0CDwSRKKV4EAvRMY9qkJvBak65BthMnzjpCJi3rRHvx2LYbPizdbs/s640/M%2526DSnow3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First major snowfall of the year - in October! (Thanks mom for the pic!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63qJEkTZz-1P_ZHMyelunkVCX4sfeSKGg8w6qoYuu2SWTLHueP5EIu8GG1SNESQ8lNhY5Moa5JlW7vMmHWZpUIhZ7zkvHGhk0Efi9H9b8wDYasMBcry3IIdeCyJnhzVTMHVMTctOZHHg/s1600/FaithSchool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63qJEkTZz-1P_ZHMyelunkVCX4sfeSKGg8w6qoYuu2SWTLHueP5EIu8GG1SNESQ8lNhY5Moa5JlW7vMmHWZpUIhZ7zkvHGhk0Efi9H9b8wDYasMBcry3IIdeCyJnhzVTMHVMTctOZHHg/s640/FaithSchool2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It could have been a snow day for Faith but she still wanted to do school!</td></tr>
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It did warm up soon after and all the snow melted but the <a href="https://www.grandforksherald.com/business/agriculture/4719455-Early-snowstorm-presents-huge-challenges-for-North-Dakota-farmers" target="_blank">October blizzard</a> created quite a mess for farmers and ranchers who still had crops in the field and cows in the pasture.<br />
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I was very grateful that we didn't have to go anywhere - for school or for work. I am still freelance writing from home. Recently, I began doing some freelance work for a local company called the <a href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/" target="_blank">National Day Calendar</a>. I currently write their articles for the International days that get observed around the world. It's been a fun change of pace and much more exciting than writing about septic systems and other mundane subjects!<br />
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Besides homeschooling and freelance writing, Faith finally started Inspire Collective again. It's her most favorite activity in the world. She has made some of her best friends through this faith-based homeschooling group.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0IJS9ylzA9D0s3F1plH_IsmHtBtn0uvuMjmx5FuXB46A7ReHTWokB3NCrpcNb5Jax-hofCLdZEWUWUxt9NoWtICMQdrUe93vjAtqjavWajHcZJx_XztDP52jKov_b30j4WKLNMCwgvU/s1600/InspireScience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0IJS9ylzA9D0s3F1plH_IsmHtBtn0uvuMjmx5FuXB46A7ReHTWokB3NCrpcNb5Jax-hofCLdZEWUWUxt9NoWtICMQdrUe93vjAtqjavWajHcZJx_XztDP52jKov_b30j4WKLNMCwgvU/s640/InspireScience.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's class learning about plant cell walls in science. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnHZNCAI2-h75OnEQdeoqiUdZIXu-6Ewk8G2AEKt6QC8W7f3pKgqhbxWN4U9_OdR-VeG0S6-RY1VduQre65MZ5XlagiIXEaNJCUQUg4ekkNr5xmYVKzTDk86hmwz21slzmcgX4g5HrdY/s1600/InspireCars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnHZNCAI2-h75OnEQdeoqiUdZIXu-6Ewk8G2AEKt6QC8W7f3pKgqhbxWN4U9_OdR-VeG0S6-RY1VduQre65MZ5XlagiIXEaNJCUQUg4ekkNr5xmYVKzTDk86hmwz21slzmcgX4g5HrdY/s640/InspireCars2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's class checking the speed of their LEGO cars</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCgkifBFfYXwhD3klzps-htQCv-4TLB3UEqpdsh_xakVPnU3GVmKVkKgKct2HChWZ2GZFzgXd2mI2SwkHMo5KwH7ULHGX5vh2pc3itXznab20Z5nnE1b_L2tYQs3jQO6erQhIsCNr6iY/s1600/InspireLegoCar_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCgkifBFfYXwhD3klzps-htQCv-4TLB3UEqpdsh_xakVPnU3GVmKVkKgKct2HChWZ2GZFzgXd2mI2SwkHMo5KwH7ULHGX5vh2pc3itXznab20Z5nnE1b_L2tYQs3jQO6erQhIsCNr6iY/s200/InspireLegoCar_Crop.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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Faith's LEGO car ended up being the 5th fastest out of 12 cars! I was really thinking her dad should have been there for this event, but Faith and I actually did pretty good!<br />
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Along with enjoying science and STEM, Faith also likes her history class. They are learning about one of my favorite time periods, which is the mid to late 1800's. I am thankful that she watches <i>Little House on the Prairie</i>, which helps with her comprehension of the subject matter.<br />
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This past weekend, we had a momentous occasion in our household as Faith turned 16! We ended up having a party in the lobby of our building with some of her friends and neighbors. Because we had to limit the number of people, my mom came up with the idea of having a 2nd party for just the family, which will be next month.<br />
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Despite the fact we already had plenty of people on our guest list, Faith continued to invite people in our building. One day we were sitting in the lobby and a lady who had recently moved in went to check her mail. Faith said hello to her so she came over to where we were sitting. She told us she is a nursing student. (Faith always makes connections with the care-giver types!). <br />
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Faith ended up inviting her to her party. Not only did Faith's new friend show up, she gave Faith a very nice card with money inside. It was so incredibly sweet. Everyone who came to celebrate with Faith was so kind and generous. She received clothes, nail polish, art activity kits, gift cards, and even homemade cookies! We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VXD86OEVJKVTdN_AUdDIy3qV0ycwAZ_hhF3_vrolErNmwLjLQwdncsMETIXNU6qdko3ianQb0uO3_r4nWng0J9ADiJXxbvHarcEFmkY7681JcvtwUEw3qZQV-Vm8_5AIe1Jr2LOLffs/s1600/FaithJRLea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="523" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VXD86OEVJKVTdN_AUdDIy3qV0ycwAZ_hhF3_vrolErNmwLjLQwdncsMETIXNU6qdko3ianQb0uO3_r4nWng0J9ADiJXxbvHarcEFmkY7681JcvtwUEw3qZQV-Vm8_5AIe1Jr2LOLffs/s640/FaithJRLea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A few of Faith's neighbors even brought their dogs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGB1W6v3nyn3BkVUvVKjepb2Yn-vQ7zaa-HG7XoiRLBmpd-40Ct9mjb6HoKt1qfkqG52wLsSrqNK_gvUgTwUI6AJrw4jnsO5cGxxqtEKXt1tSYuRGzUnUYyFfuHRf9oMHVxLhEMatfnM/s1600/BDRoberts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGB1W6v3nyn3BkVUvVKjepb2Yn-vQ7zaa-HG7XoiRLBmpd-40Ct9mjb6HoKt1qfkqG52wLsSrqNK_gvUgTwUI6AJrw4jnsO5cGxxqtEKXt1tSYuRGzUnUYyFfuHRf9oMHVxLhEMatfnM/s640/BDRoberts.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Faith's favorite families! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and Faith with her beautiful birthday bouquet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRogtIkmd0Elf_f96XWBY8Mg3MXiJp8nZHteMbcISGLI4jWIz6Fi_ljHIwAJ6tugqaOGHOdjGw2PtF_MBZObs-q7fHJJjsApwJdc0ylwIdxWESVdoo8sqy_s5H-qyuC0lqZnPfyRThUfI/s1600/BDGirls2_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="798" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRogtIkmd0Elf_f96XWBY8Mg3MXiJp8nZHteMbcISGLI4jWIz6Fi_ljHIwAJ6tugqaOGHOdjGw2PtF_MBZObs-q7fHJJjsApwJdc0ylwIdxWESVdoo8sqy_s5H-qyuC0lqZnPfyRThUfI/s640/BDGirls2_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her friends. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith blowing out her birthday candles. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3vzkgdmfhPkcM8Jwrj0GZqWQJGUeUzR8nq9o1YF3p7PKXf4l6ojgV6cpW_psv3JDI3vzCl5wZ4_6lI3moVAFxBouK8_f61SlO2tPuRadaCE17VGlObEOb_WJeTgvpmNh3bj8ZXYnuJQ/s1600/BDCandles7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3vzkgdmfhPkcM8Jwrj0GZqWQJGUeUzR8nq9o1YF3p7PKXf4l6ojgV6cpW_psv3JDI3vzCl5wZ4_6lI3moVAFxBouK8_f61SlO2tPuRadaCE17VGlObEOb_WJeTgvpmNh3bj8ZXYnuJQ/s640/BDCandles7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She did it!!! Happy Sweet 16 Faith! </td></tr>
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<br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-35284897935003776082019-02-07T13:26:00.003-06:002022-02-08T20:06:15.602-06:00CHD Awareness Week: My Heart Story (So Far)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHORcGaI3UGU3HFIRvIpeozfhb9FM-unUboNpgkH55any3nb1KE8NEKBpv7okgiUXyjJcd3RpAKAGGRRuu1bWsra6iCBcuyFvhdSbUvNFLj_v0enYrzQ_VEfALwYicxHhoiHjKI-ZL8vg/s1600/MeGrandmaLee.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHORcGaI3UGU3HFIRvIpeozfhb9FM-unUboNpgkH55any3nb1KE8NEKBpv7okgiUXyjJcd3RpAKAGGRRuu1bWsra6iCBcuyFvhdSbUvNFLj_v0enYrzQ_VEfALwYicxHhoiHjKI-ZL8vg/s320/MeGrandmaLee.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Dorothy holding me at 5 months of age</td></tr>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In February, 1974 when my mom took me home from the
hospital, she thought she had a perfectly healthy baby. But when her mom came
for a visit five weeks later to see her granddaughter, she asked why my lips
looked discolored. Grandma Dorothy also noticed I slept a lot, even for a
newborn. Mom assured Grandma she would ask the doctor about it during my
six-week checkup.</span></span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom took me to the same clinic in
Wolf Point, Montana, where I had been born. She and Dad were living in a tiny
town called Luster, where Dad worked as a ranch hand. My regular pediatrician
was unavailable. A young doctor, fresh out of medical school, examined me
instead. Dr. Mattley quickly agreed the bluish tint to my lips was
disconcerting and because of it dubbed me a blue baby. “Her body isn’t getting
enough oxygen, which is why her lips and fingernails are cyanotic,” he said.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He also detected a heart murmur. An
X-ray confirmed a possible heart defect. Following the examination, Dr. Mattley
called the clinic in Great Falls, which employed the closest pediatric
cardiologist in Montana, 300 miles away.</span></span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At the age of three months, I had my
first electrocardiogram. I also had a second set of X-rays. The cardiologist
admitted to my parents that he wasn’t sure what he was seeing. “There’s nothing
we can do at this time. We’ll just have to wait and see. She most likely will
need to have heart surgery someday.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There was no Internet or access to medical information for doing
research. My parents had no other alternative than to believe I would survive
long enough to have surgery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was four months old, my
parents moved back to their hometown in North Dakota. Mom heard about a pediatric
cardiologist in Bismarck and my parents took me there in June. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr. Katrapu had ordered another round
of X-rays, an electrocardiogram, and blood work. “It is possible she has a hole
in her heart,” he told them. “This is common for babies. A simple surgery
should take care of it.” He went on to explain that a diagnostic test called a
heart catheterization would show any anomalies in my heart. “Unfortunately, we
can’t do the test here in Bismarck. The closest place is the University of
Minnesota Hospital in St. Paul.”</span></span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At six months old, I weighed only
twelve pounds. My lips and fingernails were getting more cyanotic by the day. I
slept most of the time. Drinking from my bottle completely wore me out. My
appointment in Minnesota could not come fast enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In August, Mom and Dad loaded up their Ford Galaxy (with no air
conditioning) to make the 600-mile trip to Minneapolis–Saint Paul. They set out
from home on Grandpa Lawlar’s farm twenty miles north of Watford City to a
place completely foreign to them. Dad drove down the highway and then on
the Interstate with Mom sitting on the passenger side and me lying on a blanket
between them, which was completely legal at the time. Not having me restrained
in a car seat made it much easier to feed and change me during the twelve-hour
drive. The biggest city they had ever visited was Fargo, where Dad had gone to
college. They were completely overwhelmed by the size of the Twin Cities but
somehow managed to find the hospital.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My parents met with four different
doctors, including Dr. Bessinger, the pediatric cardiologist. Following the
usual tests, a nurse carefully placed me on a large gurney, making me look much
smaller than I was. In response to the panicked looks on my parents’ faces, the
doctors assured them the routine heart catheterization would take only a couple
of hours. They explained they needed to locate the hole so they could operate
the next day. I had been gone for over three hours when Mom and Dad, stuck in
the waiting room, started to get anxious. Finally, five hours after my parents
had last seen me, Dr. Bessinger gave them the grim news.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He told them I did have a hole in my
heart, but I also had much more going on than originally suspected. An exact
diagnosis could not be determined. The doctor explained to my parents how a
normal heart has four chambers but only three of mine were fully functioning.
He also said I had some blockage to one of the main arteries attached to my
right ventricle. I would need to have a shunt placed between my pulmonary
artery and aorta, allowing more oxygen to flow through my body. Without the
shunt, I would eventually suffocate to death. He warned my parents it would not
be a permanent fix. As I grew older, I would have to get another one placed. My
parents were informed that my particular heart defect was rare and the
prognosis was uncertain. Even with the shunts, I might not live to see my
twenties.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Following my surgery the next day,
the doctor asked a nurse to take my parents to the Intensive Care Unit to see
me. The surgeons had opened me up on the left side of my body. Along with
several IVs, I had a tube down my throat and a big machine near my bed pumping
oxygen into my body. As the machine pumped, they could see my little chest move
up and down. Though tubes, lines, and bandages obscured much of my body, Mom
did notice my lips were not as blue. Dad, completely unprepared for what I
would look like, nearly passed out when he saw me. Fortunately, a nurse
standing close by steadied his wavering body. As they stood over me, nurses
came in to draw blood from my heel every ten minutes.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A couple of days later, the doctors
discharged me from the ICU and moved me to the pediatric floor. Mom and Dad did
not have enough money to stay in the Twin Cities during my entire hospital
stay. They were forced to leave me in the hospital and make the long drive back
home. The only thing connecting them to me was the daily long-distance phone
calls to the nurses. The nurses always reassured my parents if anything ever
changed someone would get in touch with them. Four weeks later, the one phone
call they had been waiting for finally came.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad had just walked inside from
milking cows. “They called and said we could come and get Cari,” Mom told him.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They dropped my brother off at
Grandma and Grandpa’s, just down the road, and drove all night to be reunited
with their baby. When they reached the hospital twelve hours later, they were
relieved to see that I looked like a normal, healthy baby. My pinkish skin plus
the weight I had gained nearly shocked Mom. “It’s hard to believe this is the
same baby,” she quietly remarked to Dad.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They stood there for several minutes
watching me kick my legs around in the crib, marveling at the amount of energy
I had. Within hours I was discharged and Mom and Dad were back on the road
bringing me home.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7jPeda_9a2x1X3BKfknNR89aAOeLOGism4Ipf2cs-PtWJV-cT98y3f5kaTeozTb84TEHD6u_qSK8cqXODe7xh7ZK9DzQ9mEQac9nE3jURD2gLOAcd0ANApwbxBlFiZsqPUYSC-g7UHQ/s1600/MyBDayFaithLaugh_Crop.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="736" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7jPeda_9a2x1X3BKfknNR89aAOeLOGism4Ipf2cs-PtWJV-cT98y3f5kaTeozTb84TEHD6u_qSK8cqXODe7xh7ZK9DzQ9mEQac9nE3jURD2gLOAcd0ANApwbxBlFiZsqPUYSC-g7UHQ/s320/MyBDayFaithLaugh_Crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating my 45th Birthday with my daughter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Four years after my first surgery, I had another one, and then at 10 my Fontan. In between surgeries I had been officially diagnosed with Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). Unfortunately, at that time, the doctors believed that my Fontan cured my heart defect. There just wasn't enough research to tell them otherwise. When I was 19 years old, I was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. I never fully recovered, which is why in 1999 at the age of 25, I needed to undergo my fourth open heart surgery. Three months later, I had a pacemaker implanted. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am beyond grateful for the wonderful medical care I have received through the years, and that despite what doctors said, I was able to have a child. My daughter, Faith is the most wonderful gift the Lord could have ever given me. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">About 5 months after I had my daughter, I needed to go back to the Mayo Clinic to get my pacemaker battery replaced. Because my heart relied so heavily on my pacemaker, the battery didn't last as long as they normally do. This meant I had to get my battery changed about every 4 to 5 years. Eventually, as my original lead began to fail, I needed to get the battery replaced every 2 to 3 years. Finally, in 2021, my cardiology team thought it might be time to put a new lead in. They hoped by doing so, it would increase my battery life. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ViRfSXIdPOqXQUBtVj6cbEXkxoi7OtRy8uqjtTNV0ZmIxyru_k9pojQPBgDRsvArKK9AusLS_ExCZcWMYw9XVS55wjt92HlxvrCGc18UEDKRdpDT-Yl-2bwRbnu5TWzhtLR-Om2IjEc6MdcZEL98An4brFZ_fvBU3XWDDC-bdMHBZYTMWiF4wTwG=s1824" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ViRfSXIdPOqXQUBtVj6cbEXkxoi7OtRy8uqjtTNV0ZmIxyru_k9pojQPBgDRsvArKK9AusLS_ExCZcWMYw9XVS55wjt92HlxvrCGc18UEDKRdpDT-Yl-2bwRbnu5TWzhtLR-Om2IjEc6MdcZEL98An4brFZ_fvBU3XWDDC-bdMHBZYTMWiF4wTwG=s320" width="240" /></a></div>I just had that procedure last June. I was so blessed my sister, Tesa could drive me to Rochester and look after me. I had the support of many family and friends, some of whom took turns looking after Faith while I was away. Even though I had some restrictions following the procedure, it was nothing like getting the original pacemaker! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite how well I'm doing, it's hard to know what the future will bring. There are not that many people with double outlet right ventricle in their late 40's! I only know that I will continue to look after myself the best I can and keep up with all my cardiology appointments. The rest is in God's hands! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By the way, to celebrate Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, I am raising funds for the Adult Congenital Heart Association. I am doing so to raise awareness for the fact that </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">many
adults born with congenital heart defects think their surgeries have
"cured" them. This is not true, however, as most people born with
congenital heart defects will need medical care for the rest of their
life. Other adults with congenital heart defects fall through the cracks
between pediatric and adult care. The ACHA helps adults find
specialized cardiologists that treat adults born with congenital heart
defects. In so doing, this organization improves the quality of life and
helps extend the lives of adults with CHD.</span> </span></span><span style="color: #231f20;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please feel free to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/480714170437091">make a donation</a>!</span></span><br />
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Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-25102258752910878052019-01-02T19:59:00.000-06:002019-01-02T19:59:27.614-06:00My Top 32 Inspirational Memes of 2018 At the beginning of 2018 I had come up with the idea to post an inspirational meme for every day of the year. I called it #365DaysOfInspiration. Part of the reason for doing so was because of all the negativity and bad news that seemed to be flooding Facebook. I figured my inspirational posts could be at least one positive thing people saw each and every day.<br />
<br />
Little did I know at the time how much my Facebook friends would come to appreciate these little nuggets of inspiration. One lady even told me that she wrote every one of them down in a little journal. Another told me these little blips of inspiration kept her going on some of her most difficult days. Many people shared that whatever I had posted for the day was just what they needed. <br />
<br />
After faithfully posting for 365 days, one of my friends said, "Thank you for the 365 inspirational posts. I enjoyed the variety of
quotes, often feeling challenged to think more about it through the day.
I know this took a lot of time and effort. So thank you, Cari, for
enriching our lives in this way!"<br />
<br />
There are a million inspirational memes out there, and in my choosing the perfect ones, I tried to be careful that the message was never contrary to Scripture. Sometimes, the meme was more funny than inspiring, but I figured, we all need to laugh more!<br />
<br />
Some people have asked if I planned on posting inspirational memes again in 2019. While I enjoyed doing it, I decided not to, mainly for the simple reason of trying to spend less time on Facebook. So while you will see more memes from me throughout 2019, it certainly won't be every single day! <br />
<br />
Like a true nerd, I kept track of which of the 365 Days Of Inspiration received the most likes, shares, and comments, etc. Here are the 32 that came out on top!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#32 </b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiQwmqsv1baCl097Kvp2MonMpNb_v9kik3SXec1bv4DIRufC9JVCaVkN6-GydP4yQnCItvX86USvz73iN7zv3CxF8VZBmOIuCIdXnXuIqSqC_yUsEYCtK_rJeSue8Zv5AWy_tr8Uj9Ms/s1600/2018_53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiQwmqsv1baCl097Kvp2MonMpNb_v9kik3SXec1bv4DIRufC9JVCaVkN6-GydP4yQnCItvX86USvz73iN7zv3CxF8VZBmOIuCIdXnXuIqSqC_yUsEYCtK_rJeSue8Zv5AWy_tr8Uj9Ms/s640/2018_53.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#31</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGOdtQtz2_h6vHDA76jOsCCRv3PTBTdAuHNaRydEWGuT5ywISxYgxNdeXbbSmmHzasxbfQmhNQKmwhv1MPwrjb1K1W5Iprdbirp7YLJWz5E4MSQMZ-zVzlStAut6uOXt3-lTCIEji7g8/s1600/2018_69.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGOdtQtz2_h6vHDA76jOsCCRv3PTBTdAuHNaRydEWGuT5ywISxYgxNdeXbbSmmHzasxbfQmhNQKmwhv1MPwrjb1K1W5Iprdbirp7YLJWz5E4MSQMZ-zVzlStAut6uOXt3-lTCIEji7g8/s640/2018_69.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#30</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFMgvicu7Qdi2oR6hAPuVf_EuF0SRhgP9UByFiEQDtP5yVv7fxirUOImTpybavPRmOYw7hSZ7owrF6mk9Tf9wDN3c049K2rfv5IAYG0KA2HYBaGaRwN4SCXCEdh81kvajtwUEhnZjT5E/s1600/2018_93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFMgvicu7Qdi2oR6hAPuVf_EuF0SRhgP9UByFiEQDtP5yVv7fxirUOImTpybavPRmOYw7hSZ7owrF6mk9Tf9wDN3c049K2rfv5IAYG0KA2HYBaGaRwN4SCXCEdh81kvajtwUEhnZjT5E/s640/2018_93.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#29</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOHWZiIcmpoI6FNTwxWoS9a2K1HSwIXA0iO3GuyLpFsR_-g4VsvQIoc3AYdEpK61BPflDErQT8pFK9UdM7duxyvdWj3ToQxuKu05HFcq799pk3ZM7MFiUeIKU293jjzEl_eaW9Av_uYE/s1600/2018_113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOHWZiIcmpoI6FNTwxWoS9a2K1HSwIXA0iO3GuyLpFsR_-g4VsvQIoc3AYdEpK61BPflDErQT8pFK9UdM7duxyvdWj3ToQxuKu05HFcq799pk3ZM7MFiUeIKU293jjzEl_eaW9Av_uYE/s640/2018_113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#28</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk4see1wKniX0ZjBXW_fp2fP6zeFYNNIzMFw9XZ2jYmF5yVHhyphenhyphenuRJ1ejqB4pbfhN6U-uNFMFWoahatAwengA2LGkkPjxmmsjjcOZpffhpjuh5YOCM1aawOaPrc7rnmypcfiNsXwBd7Y8/s1600/2018_179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="299" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk4see1wKniX0ZjBXW_fp2fP6zeFYNNIzMFw9XZ2jYmF5yVHhyphenhyphenuRJ1ejqB4pbfhN6U-uNFMFWoahatAwengA2LGkkPjxmmsjjcOZpffhpjuh5YOCM1aawOaPrc7rnmypcfiNsXwBd7Y8/s640/2018_179.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#27</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAgW6qmeFJJ9goPuMurWpvXK3cy6Inr-ivImN3e_k99VZeRfCGGyQgUI0Z3eWCRS9BmmGzxp5Wvk36el7Ab0hXU99o1VWl72qFk83zu88L1gfzv3f9v0DBB_s_Ctnw3_p8Q8O3pLX_pI/s1600/2018_304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="1440" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAgW6qmeFJJ9goPuMurWpvXK3cy6Inr-ivImN3e_k99VZeRfCGGyQgUI0Z3eWCRS9BmmGzxp5Wvk36el7Ab0hXU99o1VWl72qFk83zu88L1gfzv3f9v0DBB_s_Ctnw3_p8Q8O3pLX_pI/s640/2018_304.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#26</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPaP6aI6u6EAEijQ-vA_PDXx-f1SpH1W5Xn7zjP4sTeeb93EkUHZofv8DFw1RO1wTDPj1SJPqy26WFrd3ox4ceBAQwGTpGqZTOonD4YlaN-FXkKcZ5gWZn9i8Stey6mqFCJu4rnyhVw0/s1600/2018_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPaP6aI6u6EAEijQ-vA_PDXx-f1SpH1W5Xn7zjP4sTeeb93EkUHZofv8DFw1RO1wTDPj1SJPqy26WFrd3ox4ceBAQwGTpGqZTOonD4YlaN-FXkKcZ5gWZn9i8Stey6mqFCJu4rnyhVw0/s640/2018_10.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#25</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyVza_tz2EIEwOzVQj3LaxukR-5QQnFF6Yi41tWBqhttona0TOTCD4XedAjoGoeScOU_URLyFtgRaqwfn-UwMAMaWtKzTVE2OPBWuBg4AO6gkHCRzluEcfJnXbXplUVEABntfgQVpjkQ/s1600/2018_237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyVza_tz2EIEwOzVQj3LaxukR-5QQnFF6Yi41tWBqhttona0TOTCD4XedAjoGoeScOU_URLyFtgRaqwfn-UwMAMaWtKzTVE2OPBWuBg4AO6gkHCRzluEcfJnXbXplUVEABntfgQVpjkQ/s640/2018_237.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#24 </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtWI0rzz7_vqgChkax99Y9EXAFMdcYCBOegU2aK0YgKw7laPLVAfnuilFoE5RtmApELOHXOgUWufrl9zSOVvD_-mwOgafGuIY2DzlUjDW9RBArVBdRcYmmKNH6r-ZBQfFdwsWpxkYxcY/s1600/2018_352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1125" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtWI0rzz7_vqgChkax99Y9EXAFMdcYCBOegU2aK0YgKw7laPLVAfnuilFoE5RtmApELOHXOgUWufrl9zSOVvD_-mwOgafGuIY2DzlUjDW9RBArVBdRcYmmKNH6r-ZBQfFdwsWpxkYxcY/s640/2018_352.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#23</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMkW8PWkO-r_pNfqQyTACseBiMAVA4LiiCsqcA5bKu069zaUfQ8NEBNTWoWuUvjadW3A64otxTOjccZqI07oqV8U0GWezMduYU7TFo5X-aJ1Qe-PO1MlWmaf2qr9b8KjuuAp21U-3Fn8/s1600/2018_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMkW8PWkO-r_pNfqQyTACseBiMAVA4LiiCsqcA5bKu069zaUfQ8NEBNTWoWuUvjadW3A64otxTOjccZqI07oqV8U0GWezMduYU7TFo5X-aJ1Qe-PO1MlWmaf2qr9b8KjuuAp21U-3Fn8/s640/2018_4.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#22</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqhPh6_Bjlp6ea1s7ZHfSS56CwtWu2sedowNQLd2Sr9pyyNYJeSOV04PWDwUkOlvVGU_vXOgbcRE4zYrWFQMIOZiztbB8Xx1MFF5r2PxUfpQLhAx7_yxhgiQPUtqRxpU0XtPofvn6RnI/s1600/2018_284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqhPh6_Bjlp6ea1s7ZHfSS56CwtWu2sedowNQLd2Sr9pyyNYJeSOV04PWDwUkOlvVGU_vXOgbcRE4zYrWFQMIOZiztbB8Xx1MFF5r2PxUfpQLhAx7_yxhgiQPUtqRxpU0XtPofvn6RnI/s640/2018_284.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#21</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0SalgctsWZh0_rY3QD2hGOBz_2Z4fcxp-NrmBf2va9KqrIBqNnLGBPW73P6jm5gFMfTqQWNAKpwSlwSJhgu6OHFmJbqtXm68JgLuJudDqNNBKp0HGqu6WvXsZ0uw0N2T_yLo-1Vwn74/s1600/2018_302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0SalgctsWZh0_rY3QD2hGOBz_2Z4fcxp-NrmBf2va9KqrIBqNnLGBPW73P6jm5gFMfTqQWNAKpwSlwSJhgu6OHFmJbqtXm68JgLuJudDqNNBKp0HGqu6WvXsZ0uw0N2T_yLo-1Vwn74/s640/2018_302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#20</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOATNzn7Fv5ERU_PmMHqCc4b-T0rBcmUdCRtqxiUWJE1_A5t5IwRZQioGZXYELhXEqjAP4QqTrr8m4kWhi7jun74D9X4cSEkq87RHfcZzobjtWwBUJsW2kMZlUYfrdRprePxOYcIBDw6Y/s1600/2018_309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOATNzn7Fv5ERU_PmMHqCc4b-T0rBcmUdCRtqxiUWJE1_A5t5IwRZQioGZXYELhXEqjAP4QqTrr8m4kWhi7jun74D9X4cSEkq87RHfcZzobjtWwBUJsW2kMZlUYfrdRprePxOYcIBDw6Y/s640/2018_309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#19</b></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag4CZR5Uk0e7xkj_raT2rYJnZRu8aAcnoMNIKgIOqttpbl7VecQLT455KM9zJr3DMfvlhEd-nYjrusSHOBnYAFxM70pdQjxNIzOw6TRO-zA5mkLfaA0iL7h8tBst6Cb4xkFeWSg90l2g/s1600/2018_353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag4CZR5Uk0e7xkj_raT2rYJnZRu8aAcnoMNIKgIOqttpbl7VecQLT455KM9zJr3DMfvlhEd-nYjrusSHOBnYAFxM70pdQjxNIzOw6TRO-zA5mkLfaA0iL7h8tBst6Cb4xkFeWSg90l2g/s640/2018_353.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#18</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqWqn2jWyJ-GT8tzqZnVw9TmZ4s53xCey6XiuixrURIzTRDimxRc-ORi0to81JZ8ZHrE0-gxM56UZ7d1dKYxZIguA_sZfZSLQojrnfFUuKF3sGvOkGcfClfvRtTizzdPAUYr_9eUIqIE/s1600/2018_70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqWqn2jWyJ-GT8tzqZnVw9TmZ4s53xCey6XiuixrURIzTRDimxRc-ORi0to81JZ8ZHrE0-gxM56UZ7d1dKYxZIguA_sZfZSLQojrnfFUuKF3sGvOkGcfClfvRtTizzdPAUYr_9eUIqIE/s640/2018_70.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#17</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9rsB2dEdlk9fZw4wbv-RpM-z1WS0vQPyCSx5qKZF4yLEi8t9BW58HDgi1prQo3lLkcfyH2BM-nhH6xAR3IFdz_zQxZ20EotON5rfDZnlB-rkEiPgBCgktPfEJ_Duq_eid7CHclp32VA/s1600/2018_294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="403" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9rsB2dEdlk9fZw4wbv-RpM-z1WS0vQPyCSx5qKZF4yLEi8t9BW58HDgi1prQo3lLkcfyH2BM-nhH6xAR3IFdz_zQxZ20EotON5rfDZnlB-rkEiPgBCgktPfEJ_Duq_eid7CHclp32VA/s640/2018_294.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#16</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQT3v8UdN8xxGIoxTIz7tPKOQwjIgOCdiExLBBlVbPPzubYcUV8pr-IKDfVbYjuZF-snRUiobYi7ftRbjgP-jHdmExYSVjNz-XDzbtjAVkf-Y7jtd61QHs3VL2iQKhNs6pnkFFI0x710/s1600/2018_68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="347" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQT3v8UdN8xxGIoxTIz7tPKOQwjIgOCdiExLBBlVbPPzubYcUV8pr-IKDfVbYjuZF-snRUiobYi7ftRbjgP-jHdmExYSVjNz-XDzbtjAVkf-Y7jtd61QHs3VL2iQKhNs6pnkFFI0x710/s640/2018_68.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#15</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92KD3hmz7BgdUdrxMzr4Erc4V_-SxS7_CYhJo2KR2DchM6OhcnhvGKcxf2YXt_97YQI6nM0m_0RFZ0pHkIHSe_IJzApP63KSDqcbs8lOyOPpyg7Fvv-g9JYWRf4QfxrrWs2nHWmduFJw/s1600/2018_307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="231" height="581" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92KD3hmz7BgdUdrxMzr4Erc4V_-SxS7_CYhJo2KR2DchM6OhcnhvGKcxf2YXt_97YQI6nM0m_0RFZ0pHkIHSe_IJzApP63KSDqcbs8lOyOPpyg7Fvv-g9JYWRf4QfxrrWs2nHWmduFJw/s640/2018_307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#14</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZWD1ZQ4fxd4Ri3-JyPSBQ1KPDSKxpHAeM9JwFX4esWG51tOan1fYWJVVVGi1u6dawD_9ekOaCFyReymQdweR50_-IkRKqy0Wg0a30KrbdNIPZzqwEqTYZWIuad4wortcJcSQFJJxDZY/s1600/2018_320.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZWD1ZQ4fxd4Ri3-JyPSBQ1KPDSKxpHAeM9JwFX4esWG51tOan1fYWJVVVGi1u6dawD_9ekOaCFyReymQdweR50_-IkRKqy0Wg0a30KrbdNIPZzqwEqTYZWIuad4wortcJcSQFJJxDZY/s640/2018_320.jpeg" width="444" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#13</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb2SGAUi8fqPp0CTn4WaolsrMuYMwaTA7VbiNZFh4fIXkwAM-uOlEnfkzKNgHpdsvaX1sSiy2kmoLzedRIH7lYnagGNGiP_IIdMUF0fwrEEdTy-XEemqlUi74zMl_yhzK_ZPtdklx_Xo/s1600/2018_153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb2SGAUi8fqPp0CTn4WaolsrMuYMwaTA7VbiNZFh4fIXkwAM-uOlEnfkzKNgHpdsvaX1sSiy2kmoLzedRIH7lYnagGNGiP_IIdMUF0fwrEEdTy-XEemqlUi74zMl_yhzK_ZPtdklx_Xo/s1600/2018_153.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#12</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYWymmJqzyUGePxBCnE38TbeQn1PgehlKOVY6XajIvgVKmhoiyIai2ruVSKiwq2yHgUk3qSXSKK3t-Wuj9-eJuwp2vJcMUZ37KkiK3M8GoQVPsWNkh0YJSQoUFG6wnJnE3Y6Rx3Rd1fI/s1600/2018_346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYWymmJqzyUGePxBCnE38TbeQn1PgehlKOVY6XajIvgVKmhoiyIai2ruVSKiwq2yHgUk3qSXSKK3t-Wuj9-eJuwp2vJcMUZ37KkiK3M8GoQVPsWNkh0YJSQoUFG6wnJnE3Y6Rx3Rd1fI/s640/2018_346.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#11</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielMqeBECuh6tMZ4N2x3oLcoZKSuG_pKS5er_MSoqlEkS1Ye3bZOC-qbWyc-W5ZLVgB4SOTsiEppAfv7Fn8oapVLQcFyciUGnPy8IMJVVg9pBUT6jqto9wfvy-dZ3hCrxgn4H5hhq-rM8/s1600/2018_258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="558" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielMqeBECuh6tMZ4N2x3oLcoZKSuG_pKS5er_MSoqlEkS1Ye3bZOC-qbWyc-W5ZLVgB4SOTsiEppAfv7Fn8oapVLQcFyciUGnPy8IMJVVg9pBUT6jqto9wfvy-dZ3hCrxgn4H5hhq-rM8/s640/2018_258.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#10</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVQ2x4kfsOOBBNSreaRa7g526AZOluJt2YkVKN6xV1WW-aKdTMe8W6IaHW7xTfA25MA1J27TnV7f57ZQQXuI4Asa2e9sT98w9771XCZvL6To3070OFeXsUGpdrS4Zd8y9bo7jZohqb-Y/s1600/2018_308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVQ2x4kfsOOBBNSreaRa7g526AZOluJt2YkVKN6xV1WW-aKdTMe8W6IaHW7xTfA25MA1J27TnV7f57ZQQXuI4Asa2e9sT98w9771XCZvL6To3070OFeXsUGpdrS4Zd8y9bo7jZohqb-Y/s640/2018_308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#9</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hope you all have a wonderful 2019 and</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>may you be the inspiration and encouragement </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>that others need every day of the year! </b></span></span></div>
Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-25454784118537505632018-12-20T21:32:00.000-06:002018-12-20T21:32:49.700-06:00Our Shining StarI know I have said this many times before, but I can't reiterate how thankful we are for the Inspire homeschooling group that Faith joined. Not only has she made some wonderful friends, her social skills have improved, she has more confidence, and she has learned a lot in science and history. <br />
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Besides all of that, she has gotten to take part in their annual Christmas program, which she absolutely loves. Last year, she played the part of an angel and had a few lines to say. This year, she played the one and only bright shining star. Not only did she get a narration part, for which she had to memorize and say an entire paragraph worth of words, but she got to say the best line of the play, "SO MANY STARS!"<br />
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This year's program, <i>Starry Night, Noisy Night</i>, told the birth of Jesus from the perspective of the animals that were present in the stable that night. There were sheep, chickens, cows, and of course a donkey. There were also shepherds, wise men, and angels. Mary and Joseph were there, too. And so was the star.<br />
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During practice one day, Julie, the music teacher at Inspire, had Faith say the lines, "and so many stars." (The two previous lines are, "So many sights! So many sounds!"). From that moment, Faith wanted that part. Even though the script called for other characters to say it, Julie generously gave her the part. Faith practiced every day - she knew all the songs, not to mention everyone else's lines. I kept telling her she could only say her lines during the program. I also told her that when there was a duet or solo, she couldn't sing their parts, even though she really wanted to.<br />
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At home, she sang the songs beautifully, but during Inspire, she only sang her favorites. At home, she recited all her favorite lines, but at Inspire, she did her best to restrain herself and let the other kids say their parts. I had no idea what would happen during the actual program.<br />
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Besides helping her, I had to come up with a star costume for her. One day while out shopping, I managed to find the perfect star outfit - a midnight blue dress with gold and silver stars, complete with a little gold jacket. I also grabbed a black pair of leggings with gold and silver stars because I honestly didn't think Faith would go for the dress. When it comes to clothes, she usually opts for comfort over style.<br />
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I also grabbed a ton of arts and crafts items in the hopes I would somehow be able to create a star to mount on her chair. I had no idea how to do it. Pinterest was of no help whatsoever. Apparently turning a wheelchair into a star is not really a thing that people do. I bought some tag board, a string of gold garland, lots of glitter, a roll of gold wrapping paper, two strings of LED battery-operated lights, and some really cool sparkly gold duct tape.<br />
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When I got home and told Faith she could either wear the dress or the leggings (with a black shirt that I was somehow going to glue some stars on to), she surprised me by yelling, "The dress!" Little did she know that she had just made my life a little easier. Now, I wouldn't have to worry about the shirt. She wanted to try the dress on right away and we discovered that it fit her perfectly. We also discovered the black leggings looked great underneath, despite the fact they were black and not midnight blue. She wore her outfit to Inspire the Tuesday before the program. I had also strung some lights through the bottom of her chair. Everyone loved her star look. So far so good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgfJSO49PYa1mbDU_yKSTQP30RSGMJvvl3uKA6em34LtLbs5HO9QXCt1lzCWMPXQreAw-QtxwJQZ3cUL1Ui9mr2vnp8aNGaABFuTMxTDPf2oDJjyYLSWbNdXuboGRH8xTKvVv3JUEddo/s1600/Stage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgfJSO49PYa1mbDU_yKSTQP30RSGMJvvl3uKA6em34LtLbs5HO9QXCt1lzCWMPXQreAw-QtxwJQZ3cUL1Ui9mr2vnp8aNGaABFuTMxTDPf2oDJjyYLSWbNdXuboGRH8xTKvVv3JUEddo/s640/Stage.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith on stage with the shepherds, angels, and animals </td></tr>
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The next day we got to work on the actual star. One of my friends had posted a picture of some Star of David cookies she had made for Hanukkah and I noticed the star was basically two triangles. I figured I would go for it. To my utter dismay, I couldn't make an equilateral triangle. It's harder than it seems! My sister-in-law said I should've used a protractor. Yes, I should have, I told her, while trying to remember what in the heck a protractor is. Math was not my strong suit and I had nearly failed high school geometry.<br />
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By this time, Faith was getting quite impatient about this whole star deal. I had to come up with a plan B. I basically used two squares to make the star. The trick was to make sure the star stayed put while resting on the push handle of Faith's chair. Somehow it all came together - the star just had to stay in place during the actual program.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4drpHuE7mPHfzNvLdoPJjQlnRJy6jH0TuVHK4450_mIHzU36LgTMrjku-S_Brem-PF4hfsG5KQpDE3Ps8gotWUjeEfv1jwdg977rdgKZ7uLirWm-3Rswdpcsx7ObqHrP8O55ktWXTes/s1600/FaithFriends2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4drpHuE7mPHfzNvLdoPJjQlnRJy6jH0TuVHK4450_mIHzU36LgTMrjku-S_Brem-PF4hfsG5KQpDE3Ps8gotWUjeEfv1jwdg977rdgKZ7uLirWm-3Rswdpcsx7ObqHrP8O55ktWXTes/s640/FaithFriends2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith and friends</td></tr>
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We had to be at the dress rehearsal at 5:00 p.m. The star looked great, I put lights on the star as well as her chair, and with her star outfit, she looked amazing! The other kids crowded around her telling her how much they loved her star costume. During the rehearsal, she was extremely excited. When it was her turn to be pushed up to the microphone for her narration part, her whole body tightened up, making it hard to enunciate. She said her other line, "So many stars" perfectly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG19UTvEXNXiQN7LtClDt1laupnOL1RVO6yflh85EaWfK6BnicbhluN6gTqhxP9WVL_cmRdQggusYRdXwShqzfQrlGx8hu5If2sZBIwnEv8R3R-OPIQZTfGF2MjKgvWe2leh_IbYDok4/s1600/Program12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG19UTvEXNXiQN7LtClDt1laupnOL1RVO6yflh85EaWfK6BnicbhluN6gTqhxP9WVL_cmRdQggusYRdXwShqzfQrlGx8hu5If2sZBIwnEv8R3R-OPIQZTfGF2MjKgvWe2leh_IbYDok4/s640/Program12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's star all lit up - along with the candles for Silent Night </td></tr>
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By the time the actual program rolled around, she was getting tired. It ended up being a good thing, though, because her body wasn't as tense which enabled her to say her lines loud and clear. She even tried to sing along with her friend, Maddie, with her solo. Maddie just smiled and kept on singing. It ended up being a great program, and even though Faith didn't sing like she did at home, I couldn't have been happier for her. Not only was she our shining star that evening, she is our joyful, sparkly girl all year round!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa4knHaDjqJQAjd3gqLR7csMwHFjY8ozQVC6mw8lyPJ17WT_CKY4rayQq_McBTViMVVH6daa4MnfNXKLhUvFkiQ8ak74rb5KQ6q4z7xBiyN6o5pJ4svMTuxncct9MjeqKghNT1kTF_2U/s1600/ProgramGroup6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa4knHaDjqJQAjd3gqLR7csMwHFjY8ozQVC6mw8lyPJ17WT_CKY4rayQq_McBTViMVVH6daa4MnfNXKLhUvFkiQ8ak74rb5KQ6q4z7xBiyN6o5pJ4svMTuxncct9MjeqKghNT1kTF_2U/s640/ProgramGroup6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire Inspire group</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvBxsE6MrDhuKj9iYq0NSXQ3EO4AfI80xatFo9HKqWu1ns6nzbRgpfx8FJGEMZ4bGeceAFJ1a8jGZUfU83wqKaCkomD-PncLMI2ieeueWiOcoCnbBqDC73ZGlY-3AOzMGmpnnuCbDoE/s1600/FaithGLM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvBxsE6MrDhuKj9iYq0NSXQ3EO4AfI80xatFo9HKqWu1ns6nzbRgpfx8FJGEMZ4bGeceAFJ1a8jGZUfU83wqKaCkomD-PncLMI2ieeueWiOcoCnbBqDC73ZGlY-3AOzMGmpnnuCbDoE/s640/FaithGLM.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her Grandma Deone, baby cousin Marla, and auntie Lisa </td></tr>
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<br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-74636506268344908682018-11-21T18:13:00.001-06:002018-11-21T18:13:10.559-06:00Faith's Thankful List 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ7nLXvG2KASDhbHM8TtBBC1ZqyGg4FXioMm7lVFvSD7pebgeImsKAWR9E414zCwc7TM4XIKjVZSxLN8ijgQ1QEX-zgUITOzo6A6Apb7DFx_RYJn6TZBDv7KD5tccLhmGPpRDFHJYiKo/s1600/FaithCrop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="511" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ7nLXvG2KASDhbHM8TtBBC1ZqyGg4FXioMm7lVFvSD7pebgeImsKAWR9E414zCwc7TM4XIKjVZSxLN8ijgQ1QEX-zgUITOzo6A6Apb7DFx_RYJn6TZBDv7KD5tccLhmGPpRDFHJYiKo/s200/FaithCrop2.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
In the past when Faith and I have done her annual Thankful List, I would write down the items as she told them to me. This year, I thought it would be fun for Faith to be sitting right next to me so I could show her how to do a blog post.<br />
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So here we are again giving Thanks to the Lord for His abundant blessings, which is the whole point of Thanksgiving!<br />
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One reason I like this tradition so well is because since Faith has a feeding tube, it's hard for her to get excited about turkey and all other other food that accompanies this special day.<br />
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This year, Faith says she is especially THANKFUL for the following people and things in her life:<br />
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<b>Good Friends </b><br />
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Faith has made some wonderful friends at a faith-based homeschooling group she attends once a week called Inspire. <br />
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This year, she invited the girls from her class to the park for her birthday. (It was near miraculous that we had a 60-degree day with no wind at the end of October!) She had such a wonderful time. As her parents, Rob and I are beyond grateful she has found some other kids to connect with and who love and appreciate her. There are 2 girls in particular who have become very special to her and she enjoys hanging out with them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUqExpvv3nCC_-4F9DougEHW9-u5VxrXfFbmsC8wNkFLeXCFQp2B25TiHWbxRvqtgRLDRSRMz7fjCN0UvlqEV8x5viM80NgOzufLODaMRDULxbamvItiEvw6aOcW8dxZQEcq-3PTTRTI/s1600/FaithAndGirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUqExpvv3nCC_-4F9DougEHW9-u5VxrXfFbmsC8wNkFLeXCFQp2B25TiHWbxRvqtgRLDRSRMz7fjCN0UvlqEV8x5viM80NgOzufLODaMRDULxbamvItiEvw6aOcW8dxZQEcq-3PTTRTI/s640/FaithAndGirls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith having fun with her friends on her birthday.</td></tr>
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<b>Her New Pet </b><br />
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For her birthday this year, Faith got a Betta fish that she named Raymond. He really is a good pet as she says good morning to him when she comes into the living room for breakfast, feeds him whenever she is getting a feeding, and says good night to him after she has read her good night story and is ready for bed. Raymond has even made a bubble nest in his fish bowl, which is a sign that he is happy and healthy. Even though he is just a fish, Raymond has already become very dear to us. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raymond and the bubble nest he made in his bowl</td></tr>
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<b>Wheel of Fortune </b><br />
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This show continues to be one of Faith's all-time favorite things to watch. She has probably been watching it faithfully for years. Besides watching it, she loves playing it on the PlayStation. One thing that is really fun for her is making her own players, based on people she knows in real life. Her goal is always to win the million dollars, which we have managed to do a handful of times. Here is a photo I took of some characters that we made, which included her Uncle Brock, herself and her dad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith loves making her own characters on the Play Station 2 version of WOF</td></tr>
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<b>Doing School at Home </b><br />
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One of the toughest parts Faith had with going to school is battling her startle reflex all day long, coming home completely exhausted, and then having to do it all over again the next day. Even though I was hesitant about homeschooling, I know this was the right decision for her and us as a family.<br />
One thing I love about it is that on nice days we can get her outside and take mini field trips, which is a great way for her to learn and get some fresh air. One of her new hobbies is collecting rocks, so it's fun to look for those with her. Homeschooling has its advantages in the winter, too so that she doesn't have to go outside in the frigid air, which is never fun in North Dakota.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith learning about trees out by her uncle's property on a nice fall day</td></tr>
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<b>Her Dad </b><br />
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Faith loves her Dad and I'm so grateful for the special and wonderful relationship that they have. Faith especially enjoys it when her Dad reads her stories and is always making up silly songs and dances to make her laugh. She likes that he takes good care of her and always prays with her, for her, and over her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith's dad in one of his favorite spots celebrating Father's Day at Tim Hortons in Grand Forks</td></tr>
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<b>People in our Building</b> - Faith has made some special friends with some of our neighbors (and their family members) in our building and she enjoys getting together with them on a regular basis, including once a month for a potluck and playing games.<br />
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<b>Her Grandparents</b> - Faith is blessed to have all four of her Grandparents in her life. Even though we don't see her Canadian grandparents nearly enough, they are only a phone call away! She also enjoys house sitting for her other grandparents and seeing them whenever she can.<br />
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<b>Barnes & Noble</b> - this has become one of Faith's favorite places to shop and hang out.<br />
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<b>Our Van</b> - Even though it has racked up the miles since getting it in 2011 and the ramp doesn't work as well as it used to, Faith is thankful for a way to get around town!<br />
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<b>Doing activities with her mom</b> - As I mentioned earlier, one of Faith's new hobbies is collecting rocks. For her birthday, she received a rock art kit so that she can paint and decorate her own rocks. I love finding these kinds of activities and enjoy doing them with her!<br />
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<b>Rob and I are very grateful that despite some of the challenges she has faced this past year, Faith is always ready to provide encouragement to those around her. We are truly blessed!</b></div>
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<br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-6842689337196325792018-09-08T15:14:00.001-05:002018-09-09T02:53:45.669-05:00Summer HighlightsSummer. It sure doesn't last long in North Dakota. And since Faith started school earlier this week, I figured it was a great day to reminisce about the summer we had. In June we took a trip to Fargo and somehow ended up at Tim Horton's in Grand Forks. Faith and I figured it was a great way to celebrate Father's Day a little bit early!<br />
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While my brother and his wife were away for a couple of weeks, we went out to their place to check on their dogs for them. Faith loved her new role as dog sitter. She especially enjoyed reading Clifford the Big Red Dog books to them. Besides dog sitting, Faith also enjoyed house sitting her grandparents' house while they were on vacation. <br />
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Unfortunately, Faith wasn't feeling the best over the 4th of July so we didn't make it to the parade this year, or any other fun festivities, although she did get to see the fireworks from our parking lot in our building. Later in the week, we made it up to Grandma and Grandpa's so she could see her cousins from Nebraska and South Dakota.<br />
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During the summer, Faith was able to get together with a few of her friends from the homeschooling group we go to called Inspire. She loves going to the park with them and having them push her chair around the playground. One day, the weather was even perfect for kite flying. During another adventure, she was able to see her friends perform in a play called "The Girl with the Golden Locks" put on by the <a href="https://www.dakotastageltd.com/shade-tree-players/" target="_blank">Shade Tree Players</a>.<br />
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In July I went on the <a href="https://www.lewisandclarkriverboat.com/" target="_blank">Lewis and Clark Riverboat Cruise</a> to help my Aunt Sharon celebrate her 70th birthday. Then in August, my college roomies came to town for their annual teacher's conference. We always have so much fun catching up with one another!<br />
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Between the heat, humidity, and smoke from the wildfires out west, we didn't spend as much time outdoors as we usually do during the summer. Plus, Faith came down with a pretty bad cold in August, which we all three ended up getting.<br />
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We did manage to have one last hurrah at my parents' for another family get together. Not only did Faith get to see all of her "big cousins" but her baby cousins, too. Faith even got to see her grandpa's impressive rock collection that he put around their house. <br />
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If he ever tried to be cool you might say Daddy rocks, but he definitely brings rocks home from work. Faith started her own rock collection earlier this summer when helping Daddy by the gate on the west side.<br />
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We started school the day after Labor Day, which isn't typical in North Dakota but it is kind of nice as the holiday feels like it brings summer to a close. Faith is super excited to see her Inspire friends in less than a month and is already starting to count down the days.<br />
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<b>I hope everyone had a great summer! </b></div>
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<b>We can't wait for fall and all the fun and cooler temperatures that it brings!</b></div>
<br />Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659607098567252213.post-67076700640567147712017-12-31T22:09:00.001-06:002019-02-11T14:33:30.129-06:00A Fun and Festive December<br />
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This December has definitely been a fun and festive one for our family! Normally we don't get too crazy over the holidays, but this year we did a few things that we normally don't do. I have probably mentioned that Faith is in a homeschooling group called Inspire Collective. She has been having so much fun hanging out with other kids and becoming friends with some of the girls in her class. Four of these girls are involved in <a href="http://www.northernplainsdance.org/" target="_blank">Northern Plains Dance</a> and this year we were invited by one of the moms to come and check out their performance of the Nutcracker. <br />
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We had never actually seen the Nutcracker before and the three of us absolutely loved it! The music, the dancing, the acting, and the costumes all made it a really good production. I'm so thankful we were able to experience it. Who knows, it just might be a new tradition for us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHpf-IcPt4BmtzgV2N_PplJzVkrdSM9GlWImSkKjD00WruQMueZdiS0utxudAbChEykir2m5oX_wYgx_pghoZy5nf3vo2nSLE2zgRvGi4jI3fqoxyzOZzxo3WNxCXIfZ8CcXwaSZlolw/s1600/Faith.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHpf-IcPt4BmtzgV2N_PplJzVkrdSM9GlWImSkKjD00WruQMueZdiS0utxudAbChEykir2m5oX_wYgx_pghoZy5nf3vo2nSLE2zgRvGi4jI3fqoxyzOZzxo3WNxCXIfZ8CcXwaSZlolw/s640/Faith.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith waiting for the Nutcracker to begin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh-X1vPut4Qy_cueIanni2bp_tS1Iyy5m8UfNTTEO8ZhBsJA3kLuYTWKJRjQcXz7yr98VHJShIVrORLRLAqMuKiWLAWITaMbtsh997ZAD-hQSN6zFAkzEEkwKJph-HIz5T-nxRpjmJCE/s1600/FaithMe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh-X1vPut4Qy_cueIanni2bp_tS1Iyy5m8UfNTTEO8ZhBsJA3kLuYTWKJRjQcXz7yr98VHJShIVrORLRLAqMuKiWLAWITaMbtsh997ZAD-hQSN6zFAkzEEkwKJph-HIz5T-nxRpjmJCE/s640/FaithMe.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a fun time at the ballet!</td></tr>
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The next weekend we had to get ready for the Inspire Christmas program. The kids did a rendition of a play called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaphX1PA0z0" target="_blank">The Reluctant Innkeeper"</a> and the music teacher was kind enough to add in a part and a few lines just for Faith. She played the angel who said, "Fear not for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all
people. For unto is born this day in Bethlehem, a savior who is Christ
the Lord." Faith put a lot of time and energy into memorizing all the songs and not only her lines, but the lines of everyone else as well! One time after practicing at home, she yelled, "I am the greatest actress in the universe!"<br />
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In the days leading up to the program, she kept asking me if I was going
to be on stage with her and I kept telling her no. Thankfully, one of
her friends got to stand right next to her during the production so she
was chosen to get Faith on the stage and make sure she was in the right
place for her lines. Faith actually seemed very comfortable on stage and
didn't seem nervous or anxious at all. She was mostly excited and had a
lot of fun. <br />
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Faith was glad that her grandma and grandpa, along with her great aunt came to the program. Her grandparents and aunt from Canada were able to watch it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaphX1PA0z0&t=595s" target="_blank">online</a>. Her grandmother said she watched it with "happy tears."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD2RveLsHNYGoC8IBkm6aj6IDX1MDHb-YtP40HiQpwPVnu6TB3Xc2zI3GCgl80rckVnjJYRTAw1sCc6dAEbUuhMBqx3Kpn0gis54SnnUlR6L1KwcuOu-0SDVn-89O-hE-JDiif9FrZfU/s1600/AngelFaithKidsStage_Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="716" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD2RveLsHNYGoC8IBkm6aj6IDX1MDHb-YtP40HiQpwPVnu6TB3Xc2zI3GCgl80rckVnjJYRTAw1sCc6dAEbUuhMBqx3Kpn0gis54SnnUlR6L1KwcuOu-0SDVn-89O-hE-JDiif9FrZfU/s640/AngelFaithKidsStage_Crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Inspire kids on stage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDr5uv4YjzMV1qhGjPTjpYEk_G63h4ZkVGjeGm1CUt1jeBvuFyRoyzij6ECNovdjudXtVNS-kbCCZsj6I4A1-T7Nhc6F1CbvUkVZeygnzt4mu86Zesr_OTr54W0Hvk9g4BrHwSSPs7ag/s1600/AngelFaithTree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDr5uv4YjzMV1qhGjPTjpYEk_G63h4ZkVGjeGm1CUt1jeBvuFyRoyzij6ECNovdjudXtVNS-kbCCZsj6I4A1-T7Nhc6F1CbvUkVZeygnzt4mu86Zesr_OTr54W0Hvk9g4BrHwSSPs7ag/s640/AngelFaithTree.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith in her angel costume</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7Yg0NCRUkeOxUAVZyb1_Nbd1I99z_pMVrNRj9LAE8dn8o3sRXIy9Wa61wtH2s3Z0wp_l-mfr5udDFdSGVqOEdfZRLzo2bXDjPzZQ8ku10OCstV8Jfg7OMabBeOX5njtO5u6-i3goq4c/s1600/FaithGrandparentsProgram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7Yg0NCRUkeOxUAVZyb1_Nbd1I99z_pMVrNRj9LAE8dn8o3sRXIy9Wa61wtH2s3Z0wp_l-mfr5udDFdSGVqOEdfZRLzo2bXDjPzZQ8ku10OCstV8Jfg7OMabBeOX5njtO5u6-i3goq4c/s640/FaithGrandparentsProgram.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith was so glad Grandma and Grandpa came to her program!</td></tr>
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During our time at Inspire this year, I have loved watching Faith grow, mature, and become a little bit more
independent. She has made some good
friends and looks forward to going each and every week, even when she's
really tired or not feeling the best. <br />
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After the program, Faith started a 3-week break from Inspire, which she was pretty sad about. She can't wait to get back to it. I for one am glad for the break however, especially in light of the below zero temperatures and all the windchill warnings that have been in effect. It's a good thing we have had some visitors that have helped to pass the time. One of her favorite visitors was the newest addition to our family!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsvq0zFlNxTB8_QkTu-LhaVHG9iw02ZSXP41fUM0-TlehPVJAh9jTJf8V_l9cEwAwWXuyJv_tRJj64Ex-79HodwQaEvW6gIGAV7O1LxOIyYJTQa-e3swP5yLvdF9mt-c-JgDdd1t7AAY/s1600/DSC02652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsvq0zFlNxTB8_QkTu-LhaVHG9iw02ZSXP41fUM0-TlehPVJAh9jTJf8V_l9cEwAwWXuyJv_tRJj64Ex-79HodwQaEvW6gIGAV7O1LxOIyYJTQa-e3swP5yLvdF9mt-c-JgDdd1t7AAY/s640/DSC02652.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith meeting her newest cousin, Malachi Daniel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGolm4BYUP_5tFVaJgexQFtwSAMJzteYBkGn1hb_tyZ_45wwfn0WU-fEzk3dvCHRehl6BTRwuCbsOLXuU-ev4kigucvyCaJ6pkrasjnj9BSGs-0gOZrVkbw9DhduieW7TKpW9bxMrDuWY/s1600/DSC02642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGolm4BYUP_5tFVaJgexQFtwSAMJzteYBkGn1hb_tyZ_45wwfn0WU-fEzk3dvCHRehl6BTRwuCbsOLXuU-ev4kigucvyCaJ6pkrasjnj9BSGs-0gOZrVkbw9DhduieW7TKpW9bxMrDuWY/s640/DSC02642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob and Marla hanging out - she thought our remote was a phone!</td></tr>
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Thankfully, it wasn't so cold on Christmas Eve, which is when we went to Grandma and Grandpa's. Three out of four of my siblings were there, along with most of Faith's cousins, and her three baby cousins. We didn't stay long but it was nice to see everyone, even if just for a little bit and to get some fun photos.<br />
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When we got home, Faith was excited to play with one of her Christmas gifts - the latest and greatest version of Wheel of Fortune on the PS4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH3atoXVRbrzpkDCyaqLJSikW_QeHm-Dcr-RcqeCw6soR5OVJ5dkclVq3i026ZDbYb-BZQ30FKmBsNbqly9qgU3PdKwmDYHQTfX89fiTx_O3skMdjAq_VMoejr004Tc2iuvO20_L8MvA/s1600/G%2526Gsibs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH3atoXVRbrzpkDCyaqLJSikW_QeHm-Dcr-RcqeCw6soR5OVJ5dkclVq3i026ZDbYb-BZQ30FKmBsNbqly9qgU3PdKwmDYHQTfX89fiTx_O3skMdjAq_VMoejr004Tc2iuvO20_L8MvA/s320/G%2526Gsibs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parents and siblings, including Todd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ygwTUnF2HMLNb4FFHhLCpS4wmi8NqQXdSRe0jzq09LmMx2mBtY758pyLGQx4t0f3iB8Jz0CdDHm0mXPCKVuvczcXTAt7DjKmYHa98yj0GYiB7e2sTLmQkNs7-fC5UmC9838FbWbpUfs/s1600/BousChristmasCrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="608" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ygwTUnF2HMLNb4FFHhLCpS4wmi8NqQXdSRe0jzq09LmMx2mBtY758pyLGQx4t0f3iB8Jz0CdDHm0mXPCKVuvczcXTAt7DjKmYHa98yj0GYiB7e2sTLmQkNs7-fC5UmC9838FbWbpUfs/s640/BousChristmasCrop.jpg" title="title" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 of us at Grandma and Grandpa's on Christmas Eve</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjfT_uEI1qICYVKcDaiN961iNbPyQ4r2Rp77S6T8wUU_RBpa3fyDlBnxKLlC7pnXdtWjnZryemn9qXk1rYYEs7OYw346KEsdieU2QqTye-3Wdi7FhydBwsMZ70-MZ9_G6RWtXY7LN6v8/s1600/DSC02655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjfT_uEI1qICYVKcDaiN961iNbPyQ4r2Rp77S6T8wUU_RBpa3fyDlBnxKLlC7pnXdtWjnZryemn9qXk1rYYEs7OYw346KEsdieU2QqTye-3Wdi7FhydBwsMZ70-MZ9_G6RWtXY7LN6v8/s640/DSC02655.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith with her little cousins </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2zLJMqEPhlRhbvCnDhUWnsHa8jSH_s59dCM3ljdOsDLb0Yb6tez_86xZOoFlmnbC_N6QXGbCpdqWt4M2l_DZLnqp8mkizYOpDre6ORdkMIEnBeUnRZhNL1CD-oJ7wdiR06Z3mVf6szs/s1600/JustineGracieLynn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2zLJMqEPhlRhbvCnDhUWnsHa8jSH_s59dCM3ljdOsDLb0Yb6tez_86xZOoFlmnbC_N6QXGbCpdqWt4M2l_DZLnqp8mkizYOpDre6ORdkMIEnBeUnRZhNL1CD-oJ7wdiR06Z3mVf6szs/s640/JustineGracieLynn.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Justine and great niece GracieLynn</td></tr>
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Christmas Day was extremely cold so we stayed in and opened presents and had a nice dinner, which included a turkey breast, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans w/ feta and walnuts, and stuffing. We also had a nice conversation with our family in Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij72cAH-vRawCnTIorEborKBqTyTHJpm1EJyYoDHanH2gthyphenhyphenkYkif7nu8EEPsvhOeO3VT_oRtJVQ5dTJR9d7o3fEgurT-ez4rldcdSGgroLeE_ib92hbshi89nB5P3YE84ziDTc1_ULLE/s1600/DSC02688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij72cAH-vRawCnTIorEborKBqTyTHJpm1EJyYoDHanH2gthyphenhyphenkYkif7nu8EEPsvhOeO3VT_oRtJVQ5dTJR9d7o3fEgurT-ez4rldcdSGgroLeE_ib92hbshi89nB5P3YE84ziDTc1_ULLE/s640/DSC02688.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun with Faith</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyZOPAKozQAfUpG_Cbrd7UK0Gw4E_qMoaMrreYSuIH-Q1iLoPW35VqsdhH4rWG-Y7ti5JUYx53-Ke0eDidROfy55-wrtxPZ3ShBMDAm7cqLCk1Tu5VqZVUqF4Jcb9eiz-g24haAkiUA4/s1600/MeCoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="363" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyZOPAKozQAfUpG_Cbrd7UK0Gw4E_qMoaMrreYSuIH-Q1iLoPW35VqsdhH4rWG-Y7ti5JUYx53-Ke0eDidROfy55-wrtxPZ3ShBMDAm7cqLCk1Tu5VqZVUqF4Jcb9eiz-g24haAkiUA4/s640/MeCoffee.jpg" width="467" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It just wouldn't be Christmas without a new Tim Horton's mug from Canada!</td></tr>
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Last week, I got the chance to hang out with my sisters when we went out for lunch, and even though it was freezing cold outside, we braved the weather to make it to my niece's baby shower. It was a fun time of games, food, and lots of gifts for my great nephew who will be born any day now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUWlZ44gDtci8vYn0usjIZM-vfrhbNPGMN3IhUaIa9LmfAS28-jtT78nR7lroE4JoaSLD2_toCOHPo8SjrGiAfl5BARoHc6wybqa2z9leWCNIJ7OUeSJigx-1GUJc1tXrvoxYDvYbaSY/s1600/SistersLunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="960" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUWlZ44gDtci8vYn0usjIZM-vfrhbNPGMN3IhUaIa9LmfAS28-jtT78nR7lroE4JoaSLD2_toCOHPo8SjrGiAfl5BARoHc6wybqa2z9leWCNIJ7OUeSJigx-1GUJc1tXrvoxYDvYbaSY/s640/SistersLunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a9Lz-iHjcYanXOuV-I3kdx3pSNj2_O5WJ9vAgxwxrpKA8fibtHAgAdfpMZRqB1lM2OJDZC0STW1-JoGxVASmn88VUUzUOrSCoU11uJHYI7osBvBbHgQefmogQQOIkw7Bf6Jj7wvQHlM/s1600/DSC02708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a9Lz-iHjcYanXOuV-I3kdx3pSNj2_O5WJ9vAgxwxrpKA8fibtHAgAdfpMZRqB1lM2OJDZC0STW1-JoGxVASmn88VUUzUOrSCoU11uJHYI7osBvBbHgQefmogQQOIkw7Bf6Jj7wvQHlM/s640/DSC02708.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and niece at the baby shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfi8MNFG93VXrZLpKC5MH5vXp3WiEq_0NHxOchGhkQdO07JYo-s8Gn4N7yl3yPqtfoFfhxgVsaZuj3JQbMWngcRvAY9pnjNfSWpfTRUh-d7P_f-l8qP7aR3PB9TtmillCdqE9YmBpgz4/s1600/DSC02716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfi8MNFG93VXrZLpKC5MH5vXp3WiEq_0NHxOchGhkQdO07JYo-s8Gn4N7yl3yPqtfoFfhxgVsaZuj3JQbMWngcRvAY9pnjNfSWpfTRUh-d7P_f-l8qP7aR3PB9TtmillCdqE9YmBpgz4/s640/DSC02716.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith, Rob, and Malachi</td></tr>
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Tonight as I type type this, it is New Year's Eve and once again we are experiencing frigid temperatures. Right now it is -16 degrees with a windchill of -31. Rob braved the temperatures to pick up Applebee's for our dinner and for the rest of the night we're going to be watching our new favorite TV show, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/heartland/" target="_blank">Heartland</a> along with Spider-man Homecoming.<br />
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It has certainly been a fun and festive December! We pray that everyone has a warm and safe New Year's as we say goodbye to one year and transition into the next.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy 2018! </b></span></div>
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Cari Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06897886987412516265noreply@blogger.com0