Faithful Family and Friends...

I wanted to take this time to thank our family and friends that help us get to and from dialysis treatments! John goes three times a week for 4 hours! It use to be the two of us, but one of the biggest changes that John has had to deal with from this disease is his strength in his arms and legs has really depleted.

A couple of months ago I mentioned that he fell getting into the truck, thankfully he did not hurt himself too badly from that, but it made it obvious that I needed some help. We are very blessed to have such selfless people around us that take time out of their lives to help us each week. Every dialysis day one of the guys comes to help John to the truck, follow us to dialysis, help him from the truck to his chair, and then come back after the treatment and do the same thing again. Plus they load the wheelchair in the back of the truck for me :) Some days John is stronger and just leans on them a little bit, and other days a little more!

John's dad (John) is the first person in the week to come and help get back and forth. He stays the entire time and visits with his son. I usually run some errands, get a bite to eat or - back into an innocent car or two - yikes! This is John before treatment and he is feeling pretty good!

Chad takes John for the second dialysis treatment of the week. He is a great friend who happens to also be our pastor... Chad learned a valuable lesson this week, and that is to drive nice and slow to our house. Luckily he was given a warning :)

Russell has been amazing!!!!! He has been to our house so much that he could probably drive in his sleep (he may have a couple of times). John is always happy when it is Russell's turn because it is the last treatment for the week!!

Matt Segal from our small group comes through for us when the "regulars" aren't able to make it! He is also going to do a few things around the house to make it easier for John - and fix our doorbell :) Matt's wife (Tabby) found out she had cancer shortly after John was diagnosed with his. Thankful she is doing great! We are so happy for her! - and I got to see her today at church that made me smile :)

So far today is a great day! We were able to make it to church and worship God together!!! It is crazy I always liked going to church with John, but after this journey that we have been through, being able to sing with our church and praise God's name, next to the man I love is absolutely indescribable!!!

Nana's 70th B-day :)

We had a little get together for my mom's birthday! John and I wanted to do a little something for her to show our appreciation for all that she does for us. We invited some of her friends that she has known for around 50 years. When I was thinking about how long they all knew each other it made me think about how long they all had been married. If you average that the 6 couples have been married for 45 years that makes 270 years experience in marriage. So move over Dr. Phil just get these couples together and they can tell you how to make it work! It was so nice to have all of them over most of them have known me my entire life and feel like family. The only bad part about that night was that John was feeling pretty bad and had to spend the evening in bed. He hasn't had a bad night like that in several days now though :)

We love you Nana!!!

Post Game Party

What a great day. The game was not so great but we had a good time with family and friends!
Mom, Rose & James, (they are John's cousins that live in Texas,) Joanne & Hugo, (They are John's cousin's also) and Russell - all came to wish John a happy day!

John has an amazing family - we are truly blessed!

Game Day

John is having a good day - YES! So I busted out the camera and took some photos! Hopefully he continues to feel good because we are having more company later! Love to you all!

Daddy's and Uncle Vincent's girl - gotta feel the love!!!

Hanging out watching the game!

John and Vincent! Yeah we finally got a picture of the "boys" together! They have been friends for years!

Greg came over to watch some of the game - and brought us a a signed JJ Heller CD - she is the one that is singing on this blog - I know some of you thought it was me huh? All we got him was a Cardinals hat! Maybe we should go get a jersey signed?

John and Greg being goofy!

John and Nana! She has been staying here for the last few weeks, but is going home tonight :(

Ahhh! Love love love him!

John and Ryan hanging out watching the game... Ry is waiting for his Cardinal's jersey!

40 years Old REALLY?

John was feeling pretty rough so gave the credit card to my mom and said- throw Linda a great party! And she did! I had an amazing night with lots of family and friends!
Ryan, Carrie, and Emmy!

Lisa and me at the end of the evening!!

My super 80's theme cake --- yummy

Crazy kids!

Thanks everyone for a great day! I am behind in my thank you cards, so this may be all the thanks you get :)

10 years Old! Really?

Despite John and I refusing to believe that Alaina is getting older - she is :) She has brought incredible joy to both of us! We consider her our best blessing! I am proud of the person that she is - I like her values, her kind heart, and her willingness to help others! I am so looking forward to see her journey through life!!!

Lisa EggeBrecht took some amazing pictures of Alaina!!!

I love that smile! Buttercup is Alaina's first dog!!!

Jay and I took some of Alaina's friends to Arizona Grand to celebrate her day!

Wild bunch -

Happy Birthday Alaina! We love you much!