Rachel's Ear Surgery: Round 2

This morning Rachel had surgery on her ears to put in heavy duty tubes and to remove her adenoids. She had surgery back in May to put tubes in, but they fell out after only about 3 months. She has, therefore, struggled with her speech and hearing again for the last couple of months. We are hoping that these better tubes, along with having her adenoids gone, will help her hear better and to speak more clearly.

Since her consultation with the ENT two weeks ago, she has been very excited about having her ears fixed. She's been counting down the days and telling everyone about it! She chose strawberry-flavored gas to go to sleep with and walked straight back to the operating room with the nurse. The nurses and doctors all said that they wished ALL kids were this excited about having their ears fixed!

When she woke up from the surgery, she was pretty nauseated, but that passed within about half an hour. Once she could sit up okay, the nurse gave her a ride in the wheelchair out to the car.

I had planned to take her straight home, but she asked if we could please stop and get some ice cream first...so we did. :) She is resting well at home now and has a fun day of movies, coloring, and quiet playing planned. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her!

Cider Pressing: A Day of Fall Celebration

Recently we joined some friends for a harvest party. Garth and the three older kids had a great time helping to press apple cider. Ruth and I enjoyed the warmth of the house. :) This was the first time we had ever pressed cider, so it was a great learning opportunity! I will let the pictures suffice to tell you about the day!

A Canadian Thanksgiving

On Monday we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving. Usually each year we celebrate two Thanksgivings, which is just fine by Garth. :) We talked about what each of us are thankful for and enjoyed a yummy meal together as a family. Here are some pictures!

Visiting With Dear Friends

This past summer we had the opportunity to meet up with some very dear friends. Jon and Garth have been best friends since 3rd grade, went to college together, were in each other's weddings, and both had enough sense to marry Canadians! :) The kids really had a blast together and we enjoyed catching up on what is happening in each other's lives.

Eastside Bible Study

Last night at Bible Study, we had a record-breaking number of 32! We hosted it at our home this time and were so excited to have this many people come out for fellowship and discipleship.


Here's a picture of almost everybody!

All of the shoes by the door...I love having people over!!

A Visit to the Farm

This farm is where Grandpa & Grandma lived all their life. My uncle and some of his family now farm the land and run everything, in addition to running their crop spraying business. I have many wonderful memories of playing here with my cousins, "working" with Grandpa, feeding the chickens, playing with the animals, and gathering with family.

Here's the combines that make harvest an easier task!

Some of the old buildings on the farm:

Rachel and her cousin: instant friends!

Pictures with Grandma!

Benjamin and his cousin: also instant friends!

Trevor and Rebecca...father and daughter. Trevor is my cousin.

Trevor's son, James, was sound asleep on Auntie Cheryl's shoulder while she was buzzing around the house!

Grandpa's Grave

During our recent trip to Canada, we went to visit Grandpa's grave. Some wheat adorns his grave, waiting for the grave stone to arrive. This is so appropriate, seeing that Grandpa was a farmer all his life. I miss Grandpa dearly, but love all of the memories that I have of him.