Seafood Sunday!!

What a relaxing weekend! My mom came to visit and then Mack stopped by on Sunday with a nice surprise. We got fresh clams and salmon from the coast. We had so much fun cooking and eating, felt like it was a holiday!!

Easter in Laramie

This year we went to Laramie for Easter and enjoyed time with family. Died Easter eggs, Easter Bunny made a visit and we had a nice Easter Dinner. This year the Easter Bunny put puzzle pieces in plastic eggs instead of candy. (Family Fun Magazine) So Gunnar and Daddy had fun putting the puzzle together.

12 Days of Easter

This year we put together a fun activity we found in the Family Fun Magazine called 12 Days of Easter. We used an egg carton and filled each slot with a small toy or candy and then put tissue paper over it. Everyday for 12 days before Easter Gunnar got to "punch-out" a section and get the treat. A few pictures below show some of the items he got.

Introducing Thumper

Just in time for Easter we added another animal to our family...as if we didn't have enough. Thumper the rabbit. He/She has been such a good pet, using a litter box and everything!

My Soulmate!

"Happy Anniversary Babe, Gotcha on my mind...!" 5 years that I wouldn't give up for anything. I love you honey!

The picture below was taken on our first anniversary...What is up with my hair!?!? How Funny!

Update

Many people ask about Nate and how he's doing.

Nate has just recently went back to work after being laid off since around Christmas and is traveling away from home. Work does not seem to effect him negatively with regards to his health. However, we do notice various things that indicate his kidneys are gradually declining. His ankles swell, he has headaches, his blood pressure continues to be high, he's anemic, and he seems to be really tired. Nate has regular appointments with his kidney doctor as well as iron through an IV once a month, and takes various medications.

With regards to the transplant. As of December 7th, Nate was placed on the transplant list but as said before the average wait time is 2-5 years. We were in hopes to avoid dialysis but it appears that will not happen, although it's not something he is doing right now. A live donor is always an option but we have found weight and size to be something the transplant coordinators look at closely. However, if your interested in being tested you must have "O" blood type and contact the transplant coordinator. (Let me know if you want the details of how to reach them)

As a family we have started to experience some of the various emotions that come along with sickness. The emotional ups and downs has come as a surprise to both Nate and I, however, we continue to deal with that privately. It seems lots of hugs and reassurance has done the trick. :)

We are so thankful for our family and friends. We know many people are praying for us.

So in other words, we are in a process of "waiting" until the next step. We will keep you all updated as things change.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This was part of the scripture reading today in church. I felt it was worth sharing. From 1 Corinthians 13 (from The Message Bible)...

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesn't have a swelled head,

Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first",

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.