A Hodge Podge--it's been awhile!

So...after some nudging from Christina...I'm back on the blog. So much to fill you in on since February! Hmmm...I'll try to make it short & sweet what the last few months have brought! Still, a lot of time is spent in hospitals or doctor's offices or preparing for one medical test or another, but it's getting a bit better! YAY!

February:

We went to Iowa City to celebrate Kevan's 8th Birthday! We celebrated with dinner at the Olive Garden & then back to their house for my Aunt's delicious special homemade cake & ice cream! It is always fun to celebrate birthdays...who doesn't love it?

In February, Uncle Fred also passed away. He had a long & painful battle with cancer. It was a bittersweet time. We knew he was finally free of his pain & stress, but we were extremely sad to have to let someone so wonderful go. The Pastor spoke at his funeral & chose the "Love is patient...love is kind..." passage. It seemed most fitting. We still miss him & his humor everyday!

MARCH:

Iron infusions have become my best friend. Though they are painful & take a lot of time, they keep my anemia at bay and simply make my life a bit easier. So, I'm thankful for them.

We threw a SURPRISE 80th birthday party for my Grandma! 100 of her closest family & friends showed up & it turned into quite the shin-dig! And WAS SHE EVER SURPRISED!!! She deserves it. She is a true example of unconditional love & FUN!!!! Even two of the Sisters from Atchison drove up for the celebration! It was hilarious when she walked it she screamed--"OH, SISTER SHARON" and ran to hug her first. It was rather hilarious & it was a hoot having so many people who are so important in her life in the same place, at the same time, celebrating a WONDERFUL life!

Sisters Connie & Sharon came from Atchison, KS to help us celebrate!

My immediate family @ the bash!

In March some of my family & I traveled to Las Vegas for two reasons: (1) To celebrate Tutu's 80th Birthday (2) To cheer on my Grandpa & Uncle as they bowled in the National Tournament in the team, doubles, and individual events! It was not the trip we had hoped for...lets just say we were all grateful when our planes touched the runways in our home towns! haha. Most of us had spent at least 12 hours sleeping in a frigid, empty, foodless airport in the middle of the night after a plane ride that left several using those handy paper sacks in the pockets of the seats! *haha* However, there were a few fun things, but we were mostly thankful to get home! :)

APRIL: It was incredibly busy in April preparing for the end of tax season. Dad had be hopping at work & he, himself, was putting in insane amounts of hours & work. We were all very relieved when April 15th came & the chaos level was lowered a bit. We also celebrated Dad's 54th birthday (I'm sure he'd be happy I just shared his age to everyone) haha. I made an attempt in April to fly to Wichita to see Amber & Christina & their babies...however, I came down with a severe case of strep throat while traveling there & ended up stranded in Memphis quite sick & turned around & flew back to Des Moines the next day. Fiasco isn't even the word for it! We were all quite upset & I was rather frustrated being stuck away from home and ill! I got home & got antibiotics though & felt better in a few days!

On April 29th Dad had another eye surgery! It went smoothly but he had a complication soon after recovery. He had an artery rupture, so they took him immediately back to surgery! However, we are MOST grateful for the tremendous medical team, he has suffered no permanent damage! Words cannot describe the amazing care he has received in Iowa City! He also had surgery on his Grandmother's birthday--she would have been 100. We are pretty sure she was watching out for him that day, as well!

May:

Finals are OVER! I have successfully finished the semester! I was quite happy! I was a little sad to have completed my Genetics course. I enjoyed the course & the professor a great deal! Now...I'm working on medical school applications & my Masters application. I am applying to the Masters in Public Heath program at Des Moines University for 2 reasons (1) I think it would be a great addition to my education & provide knowledge needed to be a well-rounded & successful medical professional (2) Should my health delay me any further or should I not get into medical school on my first application (which I am told is common) I will at least have a Masters to find a job with until I do get in. In today's world, a Masters is almost a necessity anymore. So...I will find out in mid-July whether or not I was accepted for my Masters. If I am, I will begin in September.

Our days have also been busy with graduations & graduation parties. They are always a fun time of celebration & a great time to see people who need to catch up with. CONGRATS to everyone graduating this May--preschool, high school, college, wherever, its a HUGE accomplishment.

EXCITING NEWS...I was finally about to meet little Kolbe William Johnson. After many failed attempts to get to Wichita, I was able to spend a day with Amber, Krister, & Kolbe while they were in Omaha for his sister's medical school graduation. It was a quick 2 hour drive, so it was perfect. I left at 6am on Friday and spent the day with them and arrived home about 4pm for my Cousin's graduation party. I was completely thrilled that I was finally able to meet the little guy and to have some time with Amber & Krister. I miss them so incredibly much! Wichita to Des Moines is just far enough that you cannot hop in the car anytime you wish! So...I soaked up that Friday with them & hope that I can get to Wichita soon to spend more time with them & see Christina & little Gianna. Here are a couple of pictures from my day with the Johnsons in Omaha. Kolbe is absolutely handsome & has the most gorgeous BIG blue eyes!!!! I was so afraid he'd be scared since he had never met me before, I was SO HAPPY when he came right to me & allowed me to hold him, play with him, & love on him! It was a WONDERFUL DAY!

For Memorial Day weekend Abby came up to spend some time in Des Moines. It was so wonderful & I am so grateful to her for the trips she has made to Des Moines lately!!! I haven't been feeling the best, so we didn't do a whole lot, but it was fun relaxing & having SO MUCH TIME TO CATCH UP & just enjoy each other. We went to an Iowa Cubs game with Drew on Friday night & Saturday we enjoyed some time laying out by Gray's Lake. Sunday & Monday we enjoyed a lot of rest & watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 & wondering how in the world Jon puts up with all of Kate's criticism--she's just a control freak! We don't blame him for wanting a different life after years with her! (haha) Here are some pictures from Abz & Jen time...

@ The Iowa Cubs Game

Me & Drew @ the game

Enjoying Gray's Lake & the sunshine

Dad had his last surgery yesterday (28th) & it was successful. This should be the last of his eye surgeries. I am so thankful, as is he, that this LONG process is over. We stayed all night with my Aunt & Uncle in Iowa City to make sure there weren't any complications in the night. The boys & I slumber partied on the floor in sleeping bags while Dad slept on the couch so I could keep on eye on him & make sure he was okay!!! It was a fun night with the boys!! We are home safely now...& he is doing well, so that's wonderful!!!!!

Tomorrow I go to the hematologist/oncologist for my results! About a month ago I became covered in bruises & started feeling really exhausted. My family doc did blood work & then decided to send me back to the hematologist/oncologist. They did their own tests & I go tomorrow for results. I'm not the least bit worried, I just hope they have an answer so that I can wear shorts & not be stared at! (smile) I will try & do better on the postings...this waiting for months makes it more difficult!!! :)

Hope everyone is doing well!