Arkansas to help

On Friday, we drove in 2 vehicles to Arkansas as Al needed to back to work following Staci's surgery.  I would stay on for a few days to help out.

I followed the GPS and it took us on a little adventure!  

I got a text from Al "Where are you going??"

I LOVED it when it took us on a dirt road! 

Our son had won the Graber basketball Bracket Challenge for March Madness.  

Proudly showing off the trophy on the mantel!

Our granddaughter was in a musical called Freaky Friday.   It is the story of a mother and her teenage daughter who mysteriously switch bodies, and experience life from the other's perspective.

Emeri played the role of a food magazine journalist.  

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." - To Kill a Mockingbird

The director of the play, Kimberly DeJarnatt, wrote "The Bible gives us a similar message in numerous verses--reminding us all to be quick to live lives full of grace, mercy, and compassion.  One such verse is found in Ephesians 4:32 'Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.'"

On Saturday, we helped with several household chores, like cleaning windows, bathrooms....

In the evening, Staci went swimming in their endless exercize pool.  After surgery, she would not be able to swim for 6 weeks.

Josh needed a hair cut.

So did Reggie.

On Sunday we went to church.

Between the two services, elders, staff and friends joined together to pray over Staci.  Father, Your will for her; Your hand of healing if You would.  Even if the worse were to happen, Staci and Josh had a peace and quietness in their souls that it would be for God's glory.

It was a sweet time, and brings me to tears even recalling it.

After an afternoon rest, Josh and Staci went for a walk and then out on a date.

Emeri had her last musical performance followed by going out with the cast.  We took Eli out to eat.

"The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."   Psalm 33:11

"My soul finds rest in God alone!"  Psalm 62:1

Lifegate church, going back to Kansas, the KU game, and visiting Jan

 Sunday morning it was time for us to go back to Kansas.  

We said our byes.  Mindy was still sleeping.  She is so tired with this pregnancy.

Al and I had decided that we would visit a church plant of our denomination, Lifegate Church.  Their pastor, Nirup Alphonse, had come and spoken at our church before it started and our church helped with some funds.

There were a lot of young people; a very vibrant group!  We were probably one of the oldest there; there were not many with grey hair!  But a few.  

You can find them at on YouTube Lifegate Denver and listen!

On the road!  I love this "nothingness"!  The plains of eastern Colorado and western Kansas.

Either llamas or alpacas.  Hard for me to distinguish at a distance.  Come to think of it, do I know the difference up close?  I'd have to look that one up on-line!

Close to home we ran into a little storm.

The next evening, we went to our friend Tarenda's house to watch KU win the men's basketball National Championship!  It was a historic comeback as they were trailing 25-40 at half time.  It was a nailbiter to the end!  We went to KU back in the '70s, so of course had to root for them, but I was impressed with North Carolina.  I was cheering them on before this final game.

It was a busy week.  Laundry.  Making several freezer meals to take to my son's family as my daughter-in-law was going to have surgery.  I had my dear young mom's Bible study.  One afternoon Allen asked if I could run to Hutch Hospital to pick up some meds for the hospital he works at.  Glad to do that and while I was at it, I would visit my dear friend Jan, who had just moved to Hutch!

A visit with a friend is always special!  Blessings on your new home, Jan!  I know you will enjoy being close to your daughter and her family and I know the Lord will bring you many new friends!  I KNOW you will be a light to those around you!

And then it was packing for another trip (we didn't even put our suitcases away) - this time to Arkansas for our daughter-in-law's upcoming surgery.  The ultrasound and tests looked suspiciously cancerous.  We will trust You, Lord.

Last day together in Denver

Four of our five granddaughters!  (Or perhaps six, if the baby Mindy is carrying is a girl!)

It was the last day for Jill's family in Denver.  They'd be heading to the airport later, but since there was a little bit of time yet, we planned to do a little outing. We drove to the Lowry Sports Complex Park.

Looking at the mountains.

Bear was looking for rabbits!

How tall is she going to get?  Almost as tall as Papa!

Jason and Bear went back home while we went out to eat.

We debated going through the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, but it was costly for all of us, plus there wasn't that much time before the family had to head to the airport.

As we were leaving through the museum lobby, someone said "Good accoustics in here!"  We waited for people to clear, and then they burst into song.

Back at Mindy's, Tenley was feeling better!!

Peek a boo!

We had a little Easter egg hunt for Tenley.

Time to say good-bye!

Our app showed Sophie and Adam on 2 different planes and Hannah on the tarmac.  Later, when I looked, Sophia had been left in Denver while the family was flying home.  So funny how those app work (or don't work quite so good).

We prepared for the game between KU and Villanova.

                          GO KU!!

After we had gotten home, Mindy sent this picture.  

Tenley loves her little book!