So Daddy and Eli have been looking for ways to let Mommy rest.  So, we built a new work bench for Dad and Dad had to "Banging" in Eli's words and needed the ear muffs and safety glasses on. He was an extremely, big help on Sunday afternoon by scooping dirt and sawdust. But he has also figured out how to keep himself busy finding everything in the garage he shouldn't be into; like all Dad's tool drawers, his shelves full of sharp nails and screws, and anything else he should not be in. Thank goodness I have the 4-wheeler seat blocked by some fence posts (because he really wanted to ride without me) and that mommy was in the house not watching us play with the stuff she says we shouldn't (which is everything almost).

Doctor's office update -

All's good so far.  As usual, I was told I was "unique"... which has become no surprise to us.  My body rejected the dissolvable stitches in my incisions so I had to have those manually removed.  Otherwise, I am healing well.  I'm grateful for 4 more weeks of mandated recovery though!  My next follow up appointment is February 20th.

Oh, and the best news of all..... I CAN DRIVE AGAIN!!

Giddy-up!

Just a fun picture to post....

Thank you!

Since Sam has been enjoying posting, I've let him, but I thought I would give a quick update myself also.

First of all, THANK YOU to everyone that has helped us thus far; given us food, encouragement, babysitting, visits, cards and flowers.  While I'd like to thank each of you individually, I'm a little slow in getting that done.  Here is a couple pics of the beautiful flowers that made my hospital stay just slightly more bearable.

Look closely... Eli "helped" write his note

Secondly, I'm recovering well.  Yes, as Sam said, I get tired easily, but I never expected to feel this good so soon after this procedure.  I do, however, greatly appreciate the prayers!

Still smiling!!

Sam writing again...

So WE're helping mommy by doing dishes...

and by keeping her busy reading to me...

and trying to keep her warm and smiling!!

Everything is going well and Jen's check up will be Friday and she is aching to hear that she will be able to drive. While I'm not sure about that just yet, I am hoping the recovery process has been effective and she's doing the right things to get better. She'll feel better and then do something and wear herself out, so let's hope that everything comes back positive news on Friday. Keep your prayers coming!

Sam writing:

        So we have had another "experience" that draws us closer together as a family. Jenny had a hysterectomy on Thursday last week and we have had to make Eli understand that Mommy has boo-boos. So far he's been really good and Dad's not been too much of a Nazi I hope. I just want the best recovery for my lady because she does a LOT more than what I give her credit for. Let's just say that I had a trial run this morning and got everything done before I had to leave, BUT I will most definitely be waking earlier tomorrow so I can at least go to the bathroom before leaving the house!!!
      Thanks for all the prayers and people who have supplied us meals and thought about us through this time. I wouldn't have made it this far without all the help that our family(regular AND church) has been. We look forward to not having the recovery pains, but know that this will bring us all closer together as a family. All I can say is keep the prayers coming!!!!!!!!!

Ernie did it!

Eli has quite the imagination - we've known this for a while now - but something he said yesterday made us laugh so hard we cried.

He has a Ernie doll (as in Bert and Ernie) that has been his constant companion recently, including car rides.  On the way to work yesterday, I smelt something... you know, someone did something in the car.  I asked Eli "did you toot?"  He giggled but said "no".  I asked Sam - of course, he said no.  Then Eli, out of the blue, quipped from the back "Ernie tooted."  We busted up laughing!!

Oh, the things kids come up with....