Why is Grandma Sick?

Oh... from the mouths of babes!

Steve's mom was taken to the ER a little over a week ago. She was admitted with a severe infection of some kind. When she went to the hospital, she didn't even know her own name. Praise God that didn't last long, and they were able to work to get rid of the infection throughout the week. We debated all day after we got the call when or if we should fly or drive to MI. We decided to use some miles and go on the early Friday morning flight... talk about whirlwind packing!

Over the course of the weekend, Ryan's child-like faith and caring was so precious and an inspiration. When we got the call on Thursday morning, the first thing he said was, "Can we take her some flowers to make her feel better?" Of course, I had to send some and explain that we were too far away to take her some ourselves that day. Unfortunately, they will not accept flowers in the ICU :(. So instead, we sent a big sunshine balloon and a nifty "flameless" candle. Due to the crazy day, I failed to explain this to Ryan. Also throughout that day, Ryan would say prayers for Grandma Donna. Some went like this...

"Dear God, Please help me to get up there (heaven) quick so I can bring you and Jesus down here to save Grandma! Amen."

OR after we got there and visited with her in ICU and Ryan realizes that we didn't send her flowers (he was very upset by this), he'd pray... "Dear God, Please help me to get Grandma Donna some flowers so she can feel all better."

So we had to "help" God with that one and did bring her flowers on Sunday! And another great question which he answered himself.... "Mom, why is Grandma sick?" And I'd attempt to say medical stuff that a 3- year-old could understand like "Her body just isn't working right.", etc. And proceed to say, "But I really don't know why. Who does?" And he answers with his finger pointing straight up, "God". I'd try to explain that's just how some things are. And he answers more profoundly than any of my attempts at an explanation. "That's OK. God knows what He's doing!!!!"

So may we all remember that and cling to that in any and all of our circumstances here on Earth. Donna did get released from the hospital on Friday afternoon and is staying with one of her sons and his family for now. She continues to improve from the infection she had, but she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. We pray God continues to heal her and slow the progression of the liver damage or stop it completely. But again, He knows what He's doing and may we trust Him completely!

A Preschooler?!?

Yes he is!! Ryan's first day of preschool was this afternoon! We've been counting down with a special activity calendar that his teacher sent this summer. He was more than ready to go. The picture above was taken just before we left with his favorite toy of the week. A "daddy-made" Larryboy(veggie tales) "suction ear"! The most exciting thing since Buzz Lightyear!

So... what a great surprise to find Larryboy on the wall at school!!! Who could have picked a better school, huh? :)

Yes, it's only preschool... but the choice has been stressful, at least for one of his parents. Can you guess which one? We applied for this school that was highly recommended back in December. However they only had their afternoon program open. I thought... oh, he'll be done with naps by next September.... I was wrong. We still very much need them. But, hey, it is only 2 afternoons a week. We will survive... but will his teachers :)? Actually, he did really well today. Steve is correct though... Ryan does great as long as he is occupied and has a task to accomplish. But look what happens once we're home...This little guy NEVER falls asleep just sitting on the couch looking at books! Guess we'll be adjusting schedules as the year progresses!

He said on the way home, "This is the best day ever!" We've had several of those lately! Oh, if we all could live life each day with the same motto :)!

Going Out With a Bang

Well, here it is September...in Minnesota that means summer is gone. :) Well, not really. It was 80 degrees today still. Here are a few pictures of some fun we've had the past few weeks...

These two pics were taken at the "Amaze-N-Farm" a few weeks ago. Ryan's first pony ride and first bunny and kitten "holding". He surprised his Mom a ton. This from a boy I had to persuade and persuade to pick up a caterpillar a few days before!! Aren't we getting brave? We went with 2 other moms and had a 5-yr-old and three 3-yr-olds... all boys! Fun time. Good naps afterwards.
Last Tuesday, one of those friends turned four and had, in Ryan's words, the "best birthday party ever". It was a Disney "Cars" theme and was held at the local go-kart place. And, yes, they let the little guys drive! What a riot to watch... Ryan was overjoyed most of the evening.

If all this wasn't fun enough... Uncle Jim was here to visit last week and we went on a road trip, making the long Labor Day weekend even longer. We visited with Steve's dad in the Chicago area and then headed on to Indiana to spend some time with Anne's family. On our way home, we also stopped in Illinois to visit with one of Anne's friends from college... giving Steve a farm lesson and Ryan a chance to see some BIG farm equipment up close. Thanks Alan and Leesa! Here they are in the big John Deere!