Gearing up!

It's been a busy week, but a good one.

A few updates:

Last weekend we had the opportunity to speak at an area church regarding our story. We talked about organ and blood donation (both of our kids have had blood products!), Make-A-Wish, adoption and more. We wove in how our faith has brought us to where we are today. We talked about how blessed we truly are. It was a special Saturday and we were happy to share our message. We've talked at many places about organ and blood donation and on Saturday we were happy to share our story of our two miracles!

On Sunday we went up to Crookston for the afternoon to see our dear friends - Bill, Kim, Kari and Emily. They moved up there from Moorhead over a year ago and we had yet to see their place! They were very excited to meet Grace as well. We had a great afternoon. Lots of fun exploring their 7 acres. Grace even took a nap there, so that was a first (we've never tried a nap outside our home yet).

Emily is just a few months younger than Carson. When they were infants we all started proclaiming this was an arranged marriage in the making. What is cute is that they still refer to each other as 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend'. We think they'd be a wonderful couple! Who knows!?! Of course, that is a few years from now...perhaps about 23 years. Marriage at 30 sounds okay. :)

This week we've had PT and OT. Grace got measured for her Sure Step inserts today as well. It went very well and we look forward to their arrival.

Papa Chip arrived on Monday evening for Big Iron this week. Carson announced that Papa has a new name "Papa Pringles". He completely cracked himself up over this (yes, he thought of it himself). It is pretty funny. My Dad's middle name is 'Chipper' but he goes by 'Chip'. Anyway, we've been chuckling over 'Papa Pringles' all week. Last night there was a picnic hosted by Travis' college. As Carson ate a chip, he announced he was eating Papa. ;-)

It was fun to show off both of our kiddos last night - Grace got to meet many people at the picnic.

It is comical - as we are around town, church, NDSU and more as we run into people we know I can tell by their looks that they think we've kept Grace hidden for a year and a half. Or they think they really missed out on something (as in a pregnancy). It is interesting, but everyone is so excited to learn that she is ours. Or at least she will be officially in a few months. :)

A big milestone this weekend is Grace's Affirmation of Baptism. Family and friends are arriving to celebrate the big day. Chris and Hilary are on their way tonight and will be one set of Godparents. Danie and Jamie will be Godparents as well. We are so excited that Ron and Jane can join us as well. Papa and Nana aren't able to make it - Nana isn't quite up to travel yet. We can't wait for Grace to meet them!

The ceremony is during church on Sunday. We'll be gathering at our house at about 1:00 that afternoon for anyone who wants to join us and celebrate the day. If you need directions, let me know! :) It'll be a fun and informal afternoon. I have a bit more shopping to do for food, etc. but will be gearing up for the party on Sunday in the next few days.

In other excitement, we have plumbers here as I type. They are working on the basement bathroom. Hope to get the fireplace in within the next week. A few other electrical things and then the sheetrocking can begin. We're very excited to get the basement done. We had thought about waiting until next summer but we know the extra insulation in the walls and floor will be great over the winter. Plus, we'll enjoy the usable space with a large open family room and playroom area for the kiddos (I forgot the space toddler toys can take up!). We decided to finish the bathroom as well so we're not messing around with sheetrock dust twice. Hopefully all will be done before the snow flies!

Those are the biggies from here today. We got LOTS of rain last night, so we need everything to dry out so Trav can mow the lawn. :) Take care and we will update soon.

Enjoy the pics! I'm posting those next!