Pre-op testing & appointments

 It was a super long day but she's doing very well! We met with the Dr who will be performing the surgery.. who carried out neuro & muscle testing, took her family history, reviewed the numerous MRIs all while communicating through a very kind translator who transported her back and forth to and between the clinic & hospital where they did a blood draw, pcr and ekg test with the anesthesiologist, & filled out admission papers for her surgery and stay. Her team is hoping for a huge improvement! 🙏🏻 

 Grant & Ash escorted us in the early morning thankfully its only 2 blocks away

At the clinic ❤️ 

We report to the clinic at 11 am tomorrow morning. at which time our interpreter Anoop will wheel her over across to the hospital for surgery. Surgery will last about 45 minutes. She and I will stay 24 hours after which she can return to finish her recovery at the hotel. ❤️ We would appreciate your prayers! 

Exploring the neighborhood

 Unfortunately we weren't able to get a wheelchair until Monday.. but today Mandy felt up to walking (supported) a little, first to the coffee shop then to a grocery store around the corner.. on our way back around the block we located the clinic and hospital where she will be receiving her surgery ❤️ 

Beautiful sunny day ☀️ 

Holiday in Europe!

 We arrived in Barcelona late last night.. and today is Epiphany, the day of the three kings. Everything is closed so we are enjoying a quiet day at the hotel. ❤️ 

Starting up the Blog Again!

I'll be posting pics from our trip to Barcelona here instead of FB ♡ testing to see if I can remember how to do this blogging thing...

A Celebration of Life

Our four oldest children had the honor of singing 'When Peace Like a River' for our precious Nonnie's memorial. It sounded so beautiful! It was a lovely day and an amazing tribute to an amazing woman. It was especially sweet to see the numerous crib quilts that she had made through the years for her grandchildren, displayed in the sanctuary. Some of them were over 25 years, tattered and worn. 'Well loved' just as Nonnie would have wanted. She left a legacy of love..and will be missed by so many. I pray that God would use me in the lives of my children and Lord willing my grandchildren like he used her in ours. 'Nonnie, don't forget how very much we love you'..

Grandpa Wittenberg, his children and families September 2018

Barb, her children and families

McDonald Family September 2018

School Year 2018-2019

I spent most of the summer of 2018 researching the Charlotte Mason Method of schooling.. hours of research and more research and preparations. We were very excited to get started! We had already implemented nature studies throughout the spring and summer but it was fun to be also adding in French lessons, Plutarch, and Shakespeare. So excited to begin learning how to spread a wide 'feast' before my students! Very blessed to find CM!

It took me like a month to get super, super organized! :-) It was worth it though! 

Precious Moments with the Littlest Two!

A fun stay at the beach with mom and dad! Grady had gotten a gift certificate from work which we finally were able to redeem! They put us up in a *very* nice hotel in Newport. We felt so spoiled!

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Even though he was working some pretty late hours after harvest, he always would read the girls a story before bedtime! What a good daddy!