What a Quick Trip!

So, I thought that last weekend was going to be a quiet, relaxing weekend (other than working the 4H booth). Boy was I wrong! Friday night my Granny (my great grandma) was air lifted from one hospital to another due to what they originally thought to be heart issues. My parents were already out in MO so they were with her. All reports were grim. When my dad was in ICU with her, her blood pressure was very low ... like in the 30's low. Mom told me on Saturday that if my schedule allowed we should probably head that way. So, me, Marcus, Jamie and Gavin headed out on Sunday after Jamie got off from working her shift at the ER. I got to sit in the back with Gavin for 400 plus miles. He was sooooo happy this entire trip! It's odd to say we had fun when we were afraid we were going out to tell our Granny good-bye.

Granny did move from the ICU to a regular room on Sunday so that allowed us to spend more time with her on Monday. We were there for several hours and I think all of us felt at peace with what may happen. Her heart and kidneys are only functioning at about 20% at this point. She'll be 89 in October and is no longer a candidate for any other heart procedures. We have yet to hear if she'll start dialysis. Either way, it would be awesome to see her again (probably Thanksgiving will be our next trip) but I know that she has lived and served a great life and seems ready. Of course she is scared, but she wants to go home. She told me that she knows she'll die at home and that's how she wants it. She was released on Tuesday.

We headed home on Tuesday and had an equally great time for another 400 plus miles. Our round trip from Sunday to Tuesday was 1262 miles ... but who's counting???!!! It was really memorable on so many levels and I am grateful that we were able to do it. I've attached some fun pics from the trip. There's even one from Gavin's first bite of Maid Rite! It truly is a right of passage in this family. Oh, and we did not take the boys. It was such a quick trip and they couldn't go back to see her anyway, that we decided against it. I am glad we did. It allowed us to have one on one with Granny.

Night view of St. Louis. It truly was the prettiest I have ever seen it.

Gavin is getting weary on the way to the hospital.


Ugh ... Gavin loooooooved sucking his toes! I think he knew this grossed out Aunt Carrie so he did it even more! Little stinker!

Gavin's first Maid Rite. Mmmmmmmmm...

Just look at that face. There are no words.

I was so glad to have some Aunt Carrie/Gavin time. I love that kid!

Happy Birthday Marcus!!

Today my wonderful husband turns 31!!! (I love mentioning how old he is because for a month there we are the same age. He is now older. WHEW!) Keeping up with my tradition (ok, I've only done it once) here is a list of 31 things I love about you, Marcus. (in no particular order).
**WARNING*** MAY CONTAIN SOME MUSHY-NESS!***

*The way you love our boys.
*How dorky you can be (I know ... some of you are surprised).
*Your honesty.
*Your integrity.
*You pay the bills every month. I never have to worry or balance the checkbook, which is a great thing for all involved.
*Your cooking.
*Your cleaning.
*Your Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (although not truly diagnosed, You have it).
*The fact that you quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago cold turkey and haven't turned back.
*How much you appreciate it when I make you coffee.
*Your work ethic. If people had half of what you do they'd be in good shape.
*Your patience (yes, I know how lucky I am. Most would not put up with me).
*You love every member of your family ... and it's a HUGE family.
*How supportive your are of me. Most would run the other way.
*Your smirk.
*You're quiet, but always aware.
*How when I thought I was dating a "bad boy" that I ended up with the sweetest guy ever.
*How proud you are of me and the boys.
*You listen.
*Your positive thinking.
*Your laugh.
*You're very organized (see OCD)
*You're a fun person to be around.
*You are level-headed (I need this).
*You never let me know if you are worried. You just take care of it.
*You make sure the boys and I always feel safe.
*You works hard to provide for us.
*You know who you are.
*Your pride.
*Practically everything about YOU!!!!
*And lastly ... that I feel he was created just for me. He's exactly what I needed.

I heard this song a few years ago and this is exactly how I feel about you. I love you.
It’s always been a mystery to me How two hearts can come together And love can last forever But now that I have found you, I believe That a miracle has come When God sends the perfect one Now gone are all my questions about why And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me I promise that wherever you may go Wherever life may lead you With all my heart I’ll be there too From this moment on I want you to know I’ll let nothing come between us And I will love the ones you love Now gone are all my questions about why And I have never been so sure of anything in my life Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me Bridge: He made the sun He made the moon To harmonize in perfect tune One can’t move without the other They just have to be together And that is why I know it’s true You’re for me and I’m for you Cause my world just can’t be right Without you in my life Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true Tag chorus: He must have heard every prayer I’ve been praying Yes He knew everything I would need When God made you When dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me.
Song is by the Christian contemporary group Newsong. You can find a CD at Amazon

Summer Hoffman Style

I am sorry I am such a blog slacker these days. We have just been enjoying the sun like never before. Any of you that know me know that I would much rather be inside in the air conditioning rather than out in the heat. I mean ... if not, aren't we just wasting $? Well, this year I've been truly enjoying the time outside. I love that the tv is never on before 9 pm since the sun is out that late. I love watching the boys ride (and crash) their bikes. I love my porch swing. I love watching the birds in our backyard. I love NOT doing my hair (wait ... did I just write that?!?!) I love camping. I love hanging out at the lake. I love not caring about the clock. I love my boys running around without their shirts on (and yes, slathered in sunscreen). I love that I have a flip-flop tan for the first time in years! I love NOT wearing make-up (I know ... another shocker!) I love eating dinner with the family outdoors. Man ... I could go on and on. Instead, I'll just share more pictures from our Summer Hoffman Style. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves at least half as much as we are! If not ... come join us!

Oh... and I forgot to let you all know that Aiden's ankle is

much better and he was allowed to stop wearing the boot on Monday! FREEDOM!