Surprise Visit

This evening we got a phone call from Leon and Bette, they were in town and wanted to drop by and introduce us to their newest addition, Luke Patrick Vignes. In no time our house was filled with laughing, busy children. Luke slept quietly through all of the commotion.
The twins, Belle and Blair (7) and Lee (almost 5)

A Day Late

First, let me apologize for not writing yesterday about the outcome of Don's procedure. I was so exhausted after going to bed late and getting up at 4:00 in the morning to get to the hospital on time. Anyway, after doing the endoscopy and viewing Don's esophogus, Dr. Regenstein said everything looked so good he decided not to do anything! The bands were still in place and doing their job so he decided to let well enough alone. That was excellent news. We have a follow up appointment on October 14 where we will further discuss what all of this means. Don does have large gastric varicies which still remain in his stomach. Those are harder to treat than the esophogeal varicies but Dr. Regenstein did say we would talk about what could be done about those.

We are blessed with this latest good news and hope we continue on this path. Thanks to Debbie, Angie, and Hannah for coming to support us through this procedure. Thanks also to Crystal for visiting with Debbie and I in the waiting room and bringing us a delicious breakfast. Once again, we laughed way too loud and enjoyed ourselves a little too much while we waited for Don's test to be completed!

Support is in Place!

Don's sister Debbie, her daughter, Angie and granddaughter, Hannah arrived this afternoon around 5:00 PM to support Don and I through another endoscopy and rebanding of his varicies. Debbie can keep you laughing through almost any situation and I am so thankful that she is here. Don is still in quite a lot of pain from having his tooth pulled Tuesday so I hate that he has to go through this procedure again now. I am sure we will get through it just as we did last time and that he will do just fine. Stay tuned for an update!

Call of the Wild

Drew's friend, Paul Bode, who we have always considered one of our own, is in his last year at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Paul plays on the defensive line of the Lehigh football team and we have wanted to see him play for years. Paul called and reminded us this is our last chance and we need to act now! So, we have tentative plans for the first week in November to meet Paul and the Lehigh team in Washington, DC and watch them play Georgetown University. This trip will also allow Ashley to view an under the sea exhibit by NOAA at the Smithsonian. Hopefully, this will all work out as intended. This picture was taken of Drew, Paul and Paul's girlfriend, Tori when they were in Germany. We love you Paul and hope to see you soon.

What a Date!!

Yesterday afternoon Don and I made plans to go on a date today...lunch and a movie, but late last evening all of that changed! Don said his tooth was beginning to hurt and by the time we went to bed I thought we may need to make a midnight visit to the dentist. Thank God he could get through the night and the first thing this morning we went to the dentist. It was determined that he would have to have his tooth pulled. Turns out our date was to the pharmacy for pain medicine and ice cream! We'll try again next week.

Second Time Around

Well, we have done a lot of birthday celebrating this week but I think it is finally over! Don's brother, Edward, his daughter, Kim, son-in-law Chris, and grandsons, Christopher and Matthew came over this weekend as well as my sisters, Lisa and Linda. We ate a big lunch and sang Happy Birthday. Lisa gave Don three nice shirts so I told him we have to have three date nights so he can wear them. She also gave me a beautiful frame. Linda gave us each beautiful birthday cards. We had a very good time and enjoyed visiting with everyone.
Edward made Don this shadow box of medals Don received during his Air Force service in Vietnam. Don loved receiving this gift and took time to explain each medal to all of us. It was so thoughtful of Edward to order these medals (the originals were lost long ago) and put this together for Don. Edward's daughter Kim helped put it together and it is beautiful! There is a space in the center for a picture of Don in his uniform and we are still working on that. I will repost the shadow box once we have added the picture.
Don explaining service medals to Linda and Lisa
Lisa, Christopher, Matthew, and Edward sing Happy Birthday to Don
My sister, Linda

Happy 56th Birthday, Don!!!

Today is Don's 56th birthday...what a reason to celebrate. He feels and looks good and that is truly all that matters. Larry and Kathy, Ashley, Douglas, and Mom joined Don and I for barbequed ribs, corn on the cob, potatoes, salad and Fresh Fruit Cake with ice cream! We all had a good time visiting.
Homemade cookies sent from his sister Debbie in Florida
Drew had to work this evening so he shared birthday wishes with his Dad before going to work.
Don got several Birthday calls today from family and friends including his sister, Mary and niece Tracy from California; his sister Debbie from Florida; his cousin Paul from Texas, our friend Diedre and our neighbor, Cindy. He spent quite a while on the phone throughout the day.
Yummy fresh fruit cake
Larry and Kathy joined us for a special birthday dinner.
Ashley and Doug ready to help blow out the candles.