So Far So Good

I received a call around 8pm last night from the All Star Baseball Team Coach asking if Joe could come back and tryout for a 2nd time today. There were 6 boys that were there today and they will take 2 - 3 of them to complete the team.

Thanks for your prayers - keep them coming. Hopefully we will get some good news for Joe today!

Good Luck Joe

Joe tried out for the Cheyenne Junior League All Star Baseball Team today. He was so excited, and nervous, although he said he was calm ~ I know that he wasn't. I actually couldn't go to the try-outs because I get too nervous so Clint took him. He did call me and give me some play by plays!

Clint said that Joe did a great job. There were 24 boys and they only take 13 (max).

Please pray for him - He wants to be on the team so badly he can taste it.

Here is a picture of him before he left this morning.

Alexis Rides Without Training Wheels!

Alexis rode her bike today for the first time without training wheels.

We have practiced a few times this summer and today was her day - she did it. We will have many additional practice sessions before she is on her own completely but she did amazingly well.

Picture 1 - Alexis Posing Prior To Riding

Picture 2 - Mom is Helping Her Get Started

Picture 3- To ride a bike and think at the same time - you must use your tongue!

Picture 4 - Riding Solo

It's Clint's turn (finally)

Just when you thought it was safe to read the blog, it's my turn to finally add my $.02!!
I have to admit to the entire world how wonderful my loving wife has taken care of me during my surgery and recovery. Even before my surgery, she has always been so wonderful, caring and thoughtful. But, she has been even more so within the past 5 weeks. She so thanklessly does all the "little" things I used to do: mow the lawn in 90+ degree weather, tackle the gas powered trimmer, pull the weeds in the garden, give the dogs water, and many, many more minor tasks. All this along with the usual things she does every day. She is the real reason I have been able to recover as I have.
I also want to mention that it was Mel's turn to give me a scare. Two days ago she noticed a vein behind her knee which was knotted, very sore and warm to the touch. She thought it was a blood clot; which concerned me greatly. Yesterday morning, the area was significantly bruised and even more painful. So, after lunch (after training all morning), she went to the Emergency Room (by referral from her doctor which couldn't get her in quickly enough) to get it checked out. The physicians checked her out thoroughly and determined it was indeed a blood clot which had burst the vein. Hopefully this event is now over but I can't help but wonder where the clot went. Anyway, I sure would be in a world of hurt if something happened to the love of my life!!
Well, this concludes my very first attempt of writing in a blog! Hopefully I'll get my rear out of the couch more often to let you all know what's happening with Mel.

Hailey & Alexis Serve Communion in Church

It seems as if we have been presented with many trials and tribulations lately in our family. Having God and our Faith as the center of our lives seems to help make the hard times bearable.

Thankfully, our Children have embraced our new Church and seem to really enjoy attending on Sundays and love learning about God.

This past Sunday, Hailey and Alexis were able to be Communion Stewards for the Church. It was a wonderful experience for them and they were extremely excited to have this special opportunity and enjoyed every moment.

Clint said that the girls did an outstanding job. They were very passionate about their "duty" and took it very seriously. (I was unable to attend ~ I took Joe and his buddies to Water World that day for his 10th Birthday)

*I ask that you please continue to keep Clint in your thoughts and prayers. Although he is healing well and making progress daily, his going back to work part time has been a rough transition for him. In addition, he has a hard time getting comfortable enough to get "good" rest at night. Furthermore, please pray for my Grandmother Dorothy ~ 2 days ago she received some bad news reagarding her health. It is a scary time for her (and me) and we could use your prayers and healing thoughts as we face our next steps in treatment for her.

Happy 10th Birthday Joe!

Wow ~ It is hard to believe that Joe has reached double digits in age!

Where does the time go?

Although his birthday is really August 19th ~ With so many Birthdays and Events in August, I had to be sure and set a date aside for his party. It becomes very difficult to plan parties when I really only have two weekends in August to choose from yet Clint, Joe and Alexis and Dorothy (My Grandma) all have Birthday's this month!

I took Joe and two of his best friends, Nate and Jake, to Water World in Denver. It was a beautiful day in the upper 90's and we were blessed with a rain shower right after lunch that gave us a break and cooled things off some.
Here is a picture of us about to ride the "The Lost River of the Pharaohs".

From Left to Right: Nate, Mel, Joe, & Jake

Oma's Summer Picnic

Every year, on the first Saturday of August, Oma has a family picnic. The past two years Omi has had the picnic at her house to help keep Oma from stressing over getting everything set up and ready at her house.

There was a great turnout this year!

1. Charlotte "Oma" Paul (Guest of Honor)

2. John and Liv Hanes

3. Aunt Ginny and Cliff

4. Fred and Gulby Bloom

5. Kristen Bloom

6. Greg, Kyoko, Ayanna and Keelan Hanes

7. Steve, Birgit & Meridith Paul

8. Jan and Cindy Paul

9. Chasley Paul

10. Judd, Krista, Vivian, Caroline, Zack, Aaron Nash

11. Clint, Myself (Mel), Hailey, Joe and Alexis

12. Last but not least ~ The Neighbor Kids

As always, Omi had an amazing spread of food to eat and we were all in great company!

The "Youngest" Generation & The "Older" Generation

The Whole Gang (Minus Clint & Myself)

We look forward to next years summer party!