October 23, 2011

The Jackson's of Albuquerque

On Monday Kevin & Stacie had to say goodbye to the last of their visitors, Scott & Chandra. They enjoyed having breakfast together before Kevin dropped off his parents at the airport. Although it was sad to end their vacation, they are thankful to have Grant, Scott & Chandra visit them last week. A few pictures from their time together are attached.


On Tuesday evening Stacie headed home early so she could visit some sisters with her visiting teaching companion. This week Stacie has been reading from the new "Daughters of my Kingdom" book released by the General Relief Society presidency. She has been humbled and inspired by the examples of great relief society sisters who have made sacrifices to serve others.


On Wednesday Stacie and Kevin attended a doctor's appointment. Stacie was surprised when she realized that she is already at six months. Hopefully the time continues to fly by until their baby arrives. Unlike their last visit, the doctor was able to find the baby's heart immediately- much to his parents' relief. In the evening Stacie headed to the church with Kevin to empty out the Activities closet, the contents of which are now piled up in their garage (much to their disdain). On Friday & Saturday Kevin assisted with an international conference of medievalism. He enjoyed listening in on some lectures and assisting with the AV. In the evening, Stacie & Kevin enjoyed watching baseball and westerns together (two of Kevin's favorite things). They also were happy to see that their stroller arrived and only took a few minutes to assemble.


The Lane's of Virginia

Monday, we had a very boring FHE as we had to resign up for a new insurance plan. Whoohoo.
Throughout the days of this week Julie wrote a research paper.
Wednesday, Achievement days we had a Halloween party where they girls also brought their favorite ghost stories and treats!
Thursday, Julie had visiting teaching
Friday, said good bye to a coworker and closed building.
Saturday, we took back some clothes back that we did not need that we will use the money for a booster chair for Alex. We also got him a much needed rubber ducky!
Later Jeff helped with the ward service project to repaint a house. While he was getting painted .... I mean painting, Julie worked on her research paper which she later completed and sent in. Thanks to Dad and Jeff for their help editing. We celebrated by buy a pizza from our favorite pizza place, Italian Touch. We also had a babysitting opportunity canceled.
Sunday, we worked on figuring out what we would like to dress up as for Halloween.
Pictures are from Logan's trip out here and also from when everyone else joined us, elders quorum shooting event, a relief society activity where Julie made flower hair clips, Alex's babyshower party, and lollipop Sunday :)


The Haws Family of Wisconsin

It has been a busy week for us here in Wisconsin. Yesterday Logan and I went to do several service projects. The Aaronic Priesthood young men finished painting the Elmhorst's swing set. Then we went over to the Bates and raked leaves. Both families were very thankful. Today Logan did a great job of helping a take care of two very energetic boys during Stake Conference so that their relatively newly baptized mom could listen to Stake Conference.

Lanette has essentially completely recovered from her wisdom teeth extractions. She can be quite funny. Tonight Grant mimicked Lanette and we all had a wonderful laugh including Lanette at some of her idiosyncrasies. Dinner time tonight was especially funny as Grant recounted his work experiences and we laughed about the funny things that make us a family.

Emily has been gone much of this week but we are happy that she is staying with some really good people.

Mom has had some days that she is not feeling well but seems in good spirits tonight. Mom and I went to Stake Conference for the adults last night and then enjoyed dinner together. Mom is making plans to visit Melanie and the girls for about a week in November-December. She will be able to spend a couple of days with Andy during his time there. Melanie shared with us the stories of the poverty of Afghanistan. It is hard for any of us to understand what it is like to live without knowing if there will be food to eat or shelter.

I have been working extra hard this week. On Thursday I hardly was able to sleep all night due to an ill child with a kidney transplant. I had to work all the next day and it brought back memories of past years. I have also been taking care of a 10 year old child with acute renal failure. She too is getting better. The beauty of my job are the parents and the children as they express their gratitude for the little contribution I make to their child's recovery. This week I will be going on Thursday to Charlotte, North Carolina for a meeting. I may be passing Jeff Lane's brother Josh as he comes home from his mission in North Carolina on the same day.