More Summer!

With only a week left before we headed back home, I wanted to spend a little time seeing my sisters, and brothers. So each day we went touring, first to Barb's, with the intention to go to Gettysburg, but it was so hot, and when Barb invited us to stay @ her home and hang out, we did. then Monday, while Julie took the baby in for a check-up, we decided to visit Gettysburg, and also do some shopping. Of course, I had to get the baby something, and also catch up on birthday presents. Then, Tuesday, we went to see Sandie, and swam in her pool. It felt refreshing, and enjoyed our visit to her home, as she plans her new kitchen. We then all left to meet brothers Dennis, Mark, and sis, Barb, along with Sandie and Jim, in Eldersburg, our favorite meeting place when we're in town, to have dinner together. We had a great, relaxing night together. My brother, Jim, couldn't meet that night, so he invited us to his place the next night. So down to Ellicott City we went, and saw their beautiful kitchen re-model, and had a great dinner with Linda, Jim, Mark, and Mary. Plenty of food! Another wonderful gathering.
Now I was feeling guilty for all the nights away from our daughter, though I tried to help her out during the day, so we decided to stay one more day, and be with the family our last night. We knew Analese and Mara would have a hard time seeing us leave. So we asked her if she wanted to say good-bye when she went to sleep, or we could wait til she woke up, and say good-bye then. She wanted us to wait til she woke up to say good-bye, so we waited, and waited....the girl, who always woke up every morning by 7:00am, slept in that day. I guess she really didn't want to say goodbye.
Remember, Analese, our special time together every morning on the deck. Our silly talk, our observations of birds, deer, and all the things that were happening as the day awakened, drinking milk, and coffee together. So special to us, too. I hope mom or dad can spend some time like that with you, too, but if not, remember us and smile. happy 4th birthday, our little princess.

Summer, cont.

I met up with my sisters on Monday as we still were waiting for baby Bernhardt to arrive. They agreed to come to Westminister so I wouldn't be too far away from Julie. So we met @ Olive Garden, and had great time, catching up on each other. This was the only time I saw Ellen, as she was leaving for North Carolina to care for her granddaughter, Avenelle, while Kaylyn was going on a trip.

After her Dr's visit on Wednesday, Julie was told to pack her bags, and get to the hospital. His plan was to break her bag of water, and get labor started. Julie's plan was to get her bags packed, and prepare for the hospital, but maybe wait for contractions to start. So we waited, and waited, she walked, and walked, and nothing happened. So we all stayed home. The next day, after another walk, and talk with hubby, Greg, she decided it was time to go to the hospital. She was having some contractions starting.

Rose Hollin Bernhardt made her entrance @ 1243 am Friday, July 18th @ 7lbs, 14ozs, making her presence known to all.

Julie and Greg were blessed with a healthy baby girl#3. Just like her mother! She did a beautiful job getting her here. I feel blessed to be a part of her life beginning.
Welcome baby Rose to the family!

Summer Events

Yes, it's been a long time since I blogged. My summer has been a traveling one. After getting jipped out of double pay by a mandatory on call for the 4th of July, I started getting ready for our trip out east to Maryland. Daughter Julie was getting ready to have baby #3, walking around @ 4-5 cm. I thought for sure, I was going to miss this little one birth, as I luckily made it for the other two.
So, on July 11, hubby and I headed out East, leaving @ 3:30 am, driving til 6 pm the first day, and stayed overnight in Toledo.
We had packed sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks in two coolers, and ate @ rest stops on the way.

We then left not as early the next day, and arrived in Maryland by 4:30pm. Julie was still pregnant, with no signs of labor imminent. The granddaughters were excited to see us, though they were both shy @ first, but it didn't take long for them to warm up to us.
We both enjoyed playing, and getting to know Analese and Mara
They swam in the hot 90 degree weather,
I helped them "dress-up", and put music on, and joined in their dancing, acting silly, and laughing, and clapping, and being reminded what it's like to be a free spirit without cares and concerns. Enjoying the moments we have been given.

We went to Christmas Tree park, while waiting for mama to go
into labor. It is a beautiful shady park full of play areas, where they went on swings, slides, climbing bars, tunnels, and sandboxes. Running carefree as little spirits do.

4th of July

I'm finally feeling energized, and have more pep! After my 2nd session @ cardiac rehab, where I was told to slow down, and keep my pulse not more than 120, I was on a roll @ home, getting a lot more done than I felt like doing in the past. Even this respiratory junk is subsiding.
I was suppose to work Thurs., and Friday, the 4th, but because it was slowwww, I got 2 mandatory on calls, which was great on one hand, and sucky on the other hand. Great to enjoy the wonderful weather, go to the parade in Spicer, camp out with Alaina, and Jonnie. On the other hand, it will be a sucky paycheck, esp. right before vacation.
So I have enjoyed the time off, working on the pool, the garden, the house, planning what we need to do before vacation, talking with Julie, who is going to have her baby before we get there, I'm sure, and making smarter choices with food intake, and exercising.
We enjoyed having Alaina and Jonnie spend the night Thursday, in the camper. I made popcorn, and we all watched "Beethoven 2". They slept on one side, Dad and I on the other, and even Mac and Mahlee joined the group. We met Lorrie the next morning in Spicer and all watched the parade. It was a perfect day.







Sawyer didn't like the loud noises from the fire trucks, and bands!















Jonnie collected all the candy for the rest of us.

What's New?

It's been 2 weeks since my procedure, and I am blessed with many cards, and phone calls inquiring about my health, and well being. I am determined to change my food habits, and increase my exercise to prevent this from happening again. I went back to work on Tuesday, the 24th, still stuffed up, and coughing non-stop. The next day, I saw my regular Dr. for a follow-up visit, and she put me on Zithomax for 3 days to help clear my head. It may have helped some, but until today, I was still coughing, and blowing my nose. (Like everyone wants to read that). She did show me my test results from the nuclear scan, where they took pictures of my blood flow to the heart, and they stated everything looked normal. Glad my doctor took exception to that when I was doing the stress test, and scheduled me to see the cardiologist. She wonders if I may have to have the angiocath again to determine the status of my blood vessels. I sure hope there is another way to visulize them without having to have that done each time.
I'm watching Lorrie's children 2 days a week. Last week, we went to the 2 playgrounds in town. Sawyer cracks me up, watching him trying to do everything Jonnie, and Alaina does. No fear in that child. (except for the dogs...no,no Mac, no, no Mahlee!) This week, we invited Alaina and Jonnie to spend the night on Thursday. They want to sleep in the camper. Grandpa says he'll sleep with them. I worked Friday and Saturday @ the hospital, but luckily got an on call Sunday, so I could go with Dad to Alaina and Sawyer's birthday party. It was a beautiful day, sunny, and a little windy, but that didn't stop the cousins from jumping in the cold swimming pool water. I glad Dad and I came as we were the representatives of the LeBon family. (I know you were there in spirit, Dittey).
I started cardiac rehab on Monday. Mostly, I sat and listened to what the program is about, how they'll monitor my exercise, and have me consult with a dietician. I did get to walk on the treadmill for 6 mins. while they checked my blood pressure before and after, and check how I was feeling. I'll be going Mon, Wed, and Fridays, for possibly 12 weeks, depending how I do.
And finally, this week, I found my dress for the wedding. It was in sage green, my size, and way reduced in price. It was meant for me!

Heart to Heart

An unforgettable birthday! I must admit I really wasn't prepared for what I experienced that day. I told myself that everything was fine, and the cardiologist wasn't going to find anything wrong with my arteries as he threaded a catheter from my groin to the heart. It was only heartburn, right? WRONG! What did he mean? 90% blockage, and he put a stent in! This was serious, I told myself, and in a way, hard for me to comprehend. I didn't think it was that big a deal to have heartburn now and then, though the pain radiating to my jaw was a little discerning. I must also admit that thoughts of my life ending sooner than I had envisioned became more of a possibility. Well, those thoughts did cross my mind as I laid still in a hospital bed for almost 12 hrs. waiting for my clotting factors to be low enough to reassure the nurses I wouldn't bleed from the site.
Of course, I didn't bring anything but my contact case, to spend the night in the hospital...no brush, no toothbrush, or toothpaste, no change of clothes. And then, I found out there are two other areas below the blockage that are forming plaque, and will have to be watched.
The blockage was in the upper part of the left coronary artery.
So it was home, to recover and take it easy for a few days. But the next day, I started having body aches, and chills, and increased pressure in my sinuses. Friday, I was determined to get out of the house for a little while, so Earl and I went grocery shopping. That's about as long as I could take being out, as I felt awful with body aches. Saturday, I ran a fever, and was all wrapped up in a blanket all day. By Sunday, I started feeling a little better, and as the day went by, I was baking cookies(low fat oatmeal-choc. chip), and went for a walk with Earl and the dogs. I've been reading a book about heart healthy living, and looking at recipes for both of us to follow. I've actually lost 3 lbs. since Tuesday. So begins my new life!
And my family...what a blessing to have a family that cares...thanks for all the phone calls.

June Bugs, continued

It was a nice ceremony, not too long, for having over 300 grads, and Raquel was beaming! She is such a neat, wonderful young lady, with the most beautiful smile, and loving person. She will attend St. Cloud University, maybe pursuing a nursing degree.
Friday, after making some food for the graduation party, I, also, made food for a potluck for the gathering of Chris and Chuck's friends at their neighbor's house, the Gundersons. It was a happy, sad affair! And it was hard on Chris, to say good-bye, as they move on to Colorado to start a new adventure, new job, new way of life. They gave them a beautiful framed saying about forever friends, and a photo of almost all of their friends as a memento.
Saturday, we headed to Elk River to celebrate Raquel's graduation. It turned out to be a beautiful day, 80 degrees.
What a great family we have. There is such love and caring for each other. We even were good sports and played volleyball, tho all were not in the best shape for it, and injuries occurred.

It was also Aidan's birthday, and we brought his gift with us, too. Happy 7th Anniversary, Danielle and Shawn.
Monday was spent helping the Johnsons get packed up, and loading the truck with all their belongings. I said my goodbyes, and vowed i wouldn't cry, but, gosh, it was hard to hold back the tears on my way to work. The next day, I went to Lorrie's and took care of her little munchkins. As i left her house @ 4:00pm, I thought about them on their way to Omaha, the first night's destination. I found out later that they didn't leave til 7:30 pm, and made it to Sioux City the first night. I think God was watching over them, as the next night, tornados, and severe storms hit Iowa, after they had headed west. They arrived Tuesday night.
So, Wednesday came, and I had my testing done, after trying three times to start an IV in my hand. They injected radioactive dye, and took pictures of the bloodflow in my heart, resting and after exercise. Also, I got my heartrate up by walking on a treadmill, and having it recorded. My doctor was there, and then showed me my tracing, and said it showed some abnormalities. During the activity phase, my heart showed signs of stress, poss. decreased oxygenation. She wanted me to see a cardiologist. Before I could think too much about it, I was handed an appointment card with a time to see the Doctor the next day.
Thursday morning, I greeted the little munchkins @ my house, and fed them breakfast. Then, Earl went with me, as Grandma Karen watched the kiddos, and we talked with the cardiologist. He suggested strongly that I have an angiogram as soon as possible. So, now I am spending my birthday, going to St Cloud for this catherization, and if there is a narrowing or blockage seen, he will put in a stent, and I'll have to stay overnight. I'm having a hard time dealing with all this at once, as I wonder to myself, is this serious or just precautionary. What a family history of heart disease....my mom, dad, her mom, and dad, her sister-Lorraine, my brother. I guess it was bound to affect me, too. Trust in the Lord, in all you do. I'll give Him all my worries, and trust in His care of me.