Perfect Day!

Today was a wonderful day! Well, I guess it was fine while I was at work, but it was after work that the fun really started. It was a PERFECT day in Fergus! It was not too hot or too cold, there was a bright sun out but some great shade under the trees, it wasn't windy but there was a slight breeze to keep the air moving. Really just a perfect day! It really couldn't have been any better!

And for me, this perfect day was spent in a much-loved way. I got to enjoy the late afternoon sun on one of my favorite decks, at the home of some dear people. My good friend, Laura, and I were invited to the Wasson's for dinner (which is always a treat!) and were joined by a few of their relatives and another fun friend. We enjoyed good conversation, a great meal, and entertainment that only a two-year-old can provide!

I have to say, one of the best things about the day was the chance to see my FAVORITE dogs again!!! I had missed them SOOOO much ever since their owner moved them away. Since they had come back for a visit, I was thrilled to enjoy some time with them! Jim, Maggie, and Fionn are three of the smartest dogs around (even though sometimes they forget they're supposed to act smart!) and are very lovable. They love to play, run, show affection, explore, and play some more. Today we enjoyed a nice walk down to the dock where Jim and Fionn decided that in order to drink water from the lake, it was best to just jump in and get soaking wet. I guess they thought it was easier to lap up water that way! After they were nice and wet they found a few good dirt piles to run through and dig in. Maggie decided she'd had enough of the boys and headed back to the house on her own. All throughout dinner they had a fun time running from side to side on the deck watching to see if we had done anything interesting yet. It was hard to leave them at the end of the day!

I realized I didn't take any pictures today, but here's some from the past:

Jim and I at Maplewood State Park (that was another perfect day!).


Jim and I at a late night campfire.


Maggie and I on a walk in SD, where we had gone to help some friends during lambing at their farm. Isn't this a picturesque scene?

I also heard a fun update on Elvis. No, not Elvis The King, but Elvis the cat. Now, some of you might know, I'm really not a fan of cats. They just aren't my favorite. I think there's a lot of truth in being either a dog-lover or cat-lover, and that it's a rare person who can cross the line. I guess I'm not one of them. However, Elvis is a little different. You see, when Elvis was very little, I was asked to step in with my nursing skills and do something I thought I'd never do. Because of a terrible deformity, I needed to help amputate one of Elvis' paws. I'm not a cat lover, but when you provide a few supplies then hold down a cat during this kind of procedure, your heart tends to be softened a little. I really did feel a special sort of bond with Elvis, so was worried when he went missing for quite a while (many months). After all, a three-legged cat in the woods has some disadvantages. So, today's update was that now that he's been back for a while, he is healthy and strong, growing well, and basically king of the house. Go Elvis!

Just to show my cat-lover friends that I can tolerate a few select cats, here's a picture of me with Dexter, who always seems to find his way onto my lap.


Well, there's my tribute to Perfect Days, and favorite animals! I hope you get to enjoy a Perfect Day sometime soon!

Back to the World of Blogging

So it's been pointed out to me that I haven't posted in a while, and that all of my blogs seem to consist of pictures of my nephew (love ya, Em!). Since he is the greatest little guy ever, you can see why this has happened. He's just too cute to not fall in love with!! Rumor has it he's been smiling for a little while, but to see pictures of that, you'll have to go to my parent's blog (there's a link on the right). I'll be there next weekend to see it in person! I think I saw him try to smile during my last visit, but I haven't seen a full-blown grin yet. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm guessing you'll get to see a picture or two!

As for life here in Fergus, it seems to be flying by as usual. My parent's came up this last weekend to help me start packing. They arrived on Saturday at lunch and left again Sunday afternoon. I'm able to report that we got two boxes packed! How's that for progress?!!


The good thing is, they are labeled well and I have a notebook where I'm listing the contents of each box so I'll be able to find anything as I'm living out of storage for an unknown period of time! And, if you count the container of Christmas decorations that I packed in January, that's actually three items that are all ready for storage!

We did a LOT of organizing, so the rest of the packing has to go easier, right??

The other great thing is that the garage sale pile has gotten pretty big. And, there are lots of other things around the house that are headed for that pile but just haven't yet made it there. Wouldn't it be easier if those things grew feet and made it to that pile all on their own?

If you see anything you want, like the crutches, working printer, dining room chairs, or pumpkin lantern, just let me know!

My mom will be back in a week with a surprise, and is staying with me Thursday and Friday nights to help pack some more. Then that Saturday, the 5th, we'll head to the Cities for David's baptism on the 6th. I have big goals for when my mom is here (all my china and dining room stuff), and I'm praying that our time together will really get me motivated to get packed up. I think I'll be able to get quite a bit done while she's wrapping crystal.

As far as my new job goes, I won't know anything more until June because most postings don't happen until two months before the start date. I am still hoping for a position in the Twin Cities to start with, but if there's nothing open there, then I'll head somewhere else first. I'll be sure to give updates as I get them!

Well, that's all folks! For those of you checking out this blog for the first time, see, that wasn't so hard! Now, if you want, you can click on the word "comment" just under this post and type a comment in the box. That's my favorite part of blogging! Just remember to sign your name in the box if you don't have your own account.

Stitch-a-Quilt

These last two years I've had the privilege of spending my Tuesday mornings with a wonderful group of ladies, the quilters at Bethel. Like I said in my Christmas letter (see the post in January), these are the ladies that have taught me so much about life. I treasure their friendships!

I meant to post this last Tuesday, but...well....time got away from me. Here are some pictures from last Tuesday when we had our last day of actual stitching. There are around 15 of us, but I didn't get the camera out in time to catch everyone.


Here is a baby quilt that Mary and Elaine finished.


This is Orpha, Solveig and Verna Mae working on a table-topper or wallhanging that was given as a fundraiser in the Hillcrest auction.




Some of the quilts we've finished recently.

Today we met as a group and decided how to disperse the money that was raised for missions. I usually just think of this group as the big blessing it is to me, and how much I'm learning or the fun that I'm having, but today I was reminded of how unselfish these women are. They volunteer hundreds of hours, don't ask for anything in return except the camaraderie of the other women, and then give away all the money they make on a quilt or the quilt itself. It was amazing to learn that since it's beginning in the 1980's, Stitch-a-Quilt has raised over $30,000 for missions! WOW!!!!! What a blessing to the kingdom of heaven!! I have very much felt part of this group, but when it comes down to that, it's too humbling to think of "we" and much easier to think of "they". Besides, I'm so slow at stitching my help doesn't always count!!

We finish the year with everyone going out to eat, so here are some pictures from that. It was pretty sad to think that this was the last time for me that I'd have all these ladies together in one place. Since I'm not leaving for another 3 months, I'll still get to see everyone, but not together as this group.




THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ladies for the incredible impact you have had on my life! I will miss you terribly! Check back here at my blog often for updates on where I'm at, and I'll look forward to coming back to Fergus some Tuesday morning to join you in stitching!

Fun with David

I'm in the Cities this weekend to celebrate Easter. It's good to be with family! I'm sure you're not surprised, I've gotten in some time with David as well! It's only been two weeks since I've seen him, but I can definitely see that he's grown a little. He's filling out more, and is making the switch from newborn clothes up to the next size. In fact, Julie and my Mom and I spent some good time organizing all the many clothing items they've been blessed with since his birth. As his auntie, I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has been so generous with gifts! I know Julie will be working on thank you notes, but it was overwhelming for me today to see all that he's gotten.

You can't read a post about him and not see fun pictures to go along with it, so here they are!


He was sleeping when I first arrived, but I couldn't resist holding him anyway! We had a cozy time together.


Here he is playing on his new playmat from his Grandma Pat.


His shirt says "Just Hatched".


He's getting ready for the shotput in this new outfit I bought him. I just couldn't resist!


After he screamed through his bath the last time I was here, I wasn't sure what to expect with his bath tonight. It turns out he loved it! He didn't cry at all, and instead had as much of a happy face as a four-week-old can have.


I love this picture of my mom looking at her daughter looking at her son.


The new Olson family.

The Office

"Oh, it was a weird day. I accidently cross-dressed."

I'm still laughing at this scene! Michael unknowingly buys a woman's suit, denies it at work when other people notice, and then ends up sitting next to a woman wearing the exact suit! It's one of those great scenes when you laugh aloud, and then giggle about for a long time.

This isn't a show that I watch faithfully, but when I'm able to catch an episode, I usually find myself cringing and laughing all at the same time.

Yesterday I was home alone all day, and I kept finding myself laughing aloud at things I saw on TV. This happens alot. Is that weird?

Ebenezer Shower

Tonight there was a baby shower for David at Ebenezer. Since the doctor said he shouldn't be in public places for two months, he stayed home with Daddy while Julie, Mom and I went. It was such a blessing!



Here are the ladies that helped organize everything. THANK YOU!! You did a great job!!



One of the really special times came when Julie opened a quilt from Dee, Myrt, and June.
This was especially touching to me because these were all friends of my Grandma's, and tears welled up in my eyes thinking about her! I feel like I can hardly be inside Ebenezer for more than a few minutes without thinking about her, she is so ingrained into my memories there. Tonight we were in the Fireside Room, and this is the room where coffee and treats are served every Sunday after church. All throughout my childhood, I would join my Grandma, her with her coffee, me with my water in a coffee cup, and sit beside her and her friends during that fellowhip time, soaking in all their stories or chatter. I miss her! She's been gone for 3 1/2 years, but I still miss her all the time! I think it hit me hard tonight because I hadn't prepared for it, and I started thinking about how much she would've loved to be there, and would've loved to meet David. Thank you, ladies, for the good memories, and for the beautiful quilt! As a quilter myself, I sure appreciate the hard work that went into that project!

Well, I'm off to Fergus tomorrow morning. I need to work at 3pm. Maybe during this stretch in Fergus I'll actually get around to some sorting or packing???!!! I have LOVED every minute of being near David (and the rest of my family!) but I know that time will fly by and I need to get a few things done on my house. Hmmmm, I wish I could just pick it up and move it to the Cities and not have to sort or pack a single thing! If only......

I'll end with a picture from this afternoon. Isn't he adorable?! I can't wait to see him again at Easter!

David Douglas

Today was one of those really GREAT days! I'm in the Cities for the weekend to hold baby David. Yesterday his parents and I took him on his first walk. We went about three blocks, and even though he slept for most of it, I'm pretty sure he loved it.


Today I spent 9-10 hours just holding, feeding, holding, changing, holding, bathing, and holding him! I couldn't get enough of him! I arrived at David and Julie's house, and promptly sent them on their way out the door (well, okay, they asked me to watch him while they did some errands). He was so alert and happy that I'd put him down for a few minutes to take pictures, but I couldn't wait to just pick him right up again!





Then he fell right to sleep and I just couldn't bear to bring him all the way into his room, so he had his nap on the couch next to me so I could watch him sleep. What a doll! He's just so beautiful!!!





When I arrived at their house, it turns out I just missed our cousin, Sara, who had stopped by with a lovely blanket that she knit for David. She did an amazing job! I thought I'd post the pictures Julie and I took of David enjoying the blanket, so Penny could be proud of her daughter! By the way, even with Julie filing his nails, David keeps going for his face so they've been using the little mittens for his hands. It's too hard to watch him hurt himself!




He hung out in his bouncy seat while we all ate dinner (Mom and Dad were over by that time)...



had some good cuddle time with Grandma....



I gave him his bath...



and it was time for bed. I can't wait to see him again tomorrow! Good night!

Fun Visitors!

This afternoon I had the pleasure of going out for smoothies at The Coffee Cabin with Emily and Corbin! He's gotten SO big since the last time I saw him, which was only for a few minutes anyway because I had a cold and didn't want him to catch it. Emily lived at my house for a few months, and it's hard to believe it was already three years ago! It was great to hang out for a while today and really get to see his fun personality! In the picture, you can see his huge grin under the pacifier. I only had to hold the camera and say his name and he knew just what to do! Thanks for the fun visit!

NICU Update

Well, I'm back in Fergus because I need to work in an hour. I'll get to see my perfect little nephew in two weeks, and I know he'll have changed a lot, even in that short amount of time!

Julie called while I was driving to say that his blood cultures are negative at this point. This means he probably doesn't have an infection, but just had a high temp. He wouldn't have needed the antibiotics, but they wanted to be cautious and not have to wait for the test results, and now they're committed to finishing this course, which I think ends tomorrow morning. Then I'm not sure if they keep him any longer for observation, or just send them all home!

I thought I'd add a few pictures of him from NICU, with the different monitors attached and his tiny IV in his foot!

NICU

My little nephew is in NICU today. This morning I was Oak Hill LBC for church. We finished the doxology and I turned around and found my dad there. I was surprised to see him but he said that he didn't want to wait until I remembered to turn my phone back on. The baby had a fever and was sent to NICU for antibiotics. I got pretty nervous because of the concern about Group B Strep for him, so was anxious on my way to the hospital.

I got here and Dad waited at the front door to bring me to David and Julie and my mom in NICU. In a single-sized patient room, they have three babies in bassinets or incubators, so there wasn't enough room for me to go see him (only parents and grandparents). Agghhhh!!!! I finally caught Julie's nurse on her way back up to the Birthing Suite and finally found out some information. It turns out that he's not really in immediate danger, but they wanted him there as a precaution. She said that Group B Strep isn't really an issue for a c-section baby, so it's more that they're worried about sepsis, so he's on a few strong antibiotics until his blood culture results come back tomorrow and they can find out for sure what's going on.

He isn't fussy, just sleeping a lot, and is still able to eat a little. His vital signs and CBC are all okay. Julie and David were obviously pretty worried at first but seem to be holding up okay now, and Auntie Kari feels better after getting information from the nurse to find out just what's going on! Sigh, breathe easier!

So much for this new family being discharged today, but being in the hospital is sure better than being at home! Please keep praying with all of us that he'll quickly improve.