Flying Time Written July 26, 2012 2:59pm

So sorry about having you all sign in.  We decided for several reasons we needed to restrict the blog right now.  Most people have our best interests at heart but there are a few who may not.

There were several people who have asked us this questions and for a fairly long time we could say no.  I didn't dream it would actually happen but it did.

Yesterday was a very long day and when we got home it was late afternoon.  I was getting stuff out of the front passenger seat and Zack was helping Max get out of the van.  We are not sure what happened ~ if Max bumped the controller to hard, if his finger/s accidentally bumped the speed up but somehow he went over the end of the ramp.  I heard a noise, turned around and Max was face down on the concrete.  I yelled at Zack to pick him and and amazingly we got him up off the concrete.  Ray had to run out and help us get him back up on the ramp.  It's amazing what you can do when your freaking out!

We checked him out and he had a small red spot on his left knee and later we found a scrape on his left elbow.  It's always nerve-wracking because you don't know if he's hurting because he can't feel everything.  Thank you Lord everything seems to be find this morning.

Somewhere along the way, the controller for the ramp was pulled out of the control box.  It takes us a little longer to get Max in and out but hopefully we will get that fixed Monday.  Nothing like another trip to Columbia.

I pray you all are getting some of this rain, it was so sweet to hear the thunder and rain this morning!

A Different Type of Anniversary Written July 19, 2012 10:17pm

Well, today was the anniversary of  Max's accident.  Our lives were turned upside down and put on an entirely new path this day a year ago.  I remember trying to sleep in the ICU waiting room and really having no idea what the next day or next hours would bring.  I am so thankful for everyone who made our life richer by supporting us emotionally, spiritually & financially.  We've made lots of progress this last year but we still have lots to go.  God is good and he has assured me he is not delayed and our lives are in his timing!  Thank you Lord I don't have to do it all ~ I just have to wait on you!

A Hot Day In July Written July 18, 2012 9:15pm

Again, life gets in the way of blogging.  Max has been doing physical therapy 2 or 3 days a week.  That keeps us very busy.  While it's not as far away as Columbia, it still takes a good chunk of time going, working & coming home.  The good news is he is getting more muscle mass in his left arm.  We had to go to Columbia today to get his straps lengthened and his splint adjusted so he can use it.

My Dad had surgery June 15th for an aortic aneurysm.  It was a strange things because it's the first time I wasn't able to take Dad to surgery.  He was already in the icu recovery room and it was the same icu that Max was in.  There were several nurses that were there when Max was there.  It was nice to see them again and thank them for all they did to keep him alive.  Ray stayed with Dad for a few days, we couldn't convince him to stay with us.

We went to Bushnell, IL  for the Cornerstone Festival July 2 - July 8th.  Talk about having to grow....there is no way to get all the tents, etc... in the van.  So I had to borrow my Dad's trailer.  I have never pulled a trailer, never wanted to pull a trailer, dreaded the whole thought of pulling the trailer.  Well, when push came to shove, I did pull the trailer all the way to Bushnell, IL.  Max and Zack's favorite thing about the drive up there?  Hey Mom, is the trailer still back there?  Of course I had to look, of course they had to laugh!  We had this silly song on a loop that the kids said I would get tired of....they got tired of it before I did!  Ray said well, I guess we can still have fun.  The whole trip was worth it, just so they could see we can still have fun.  Things change but they don't have to change who you are.

It was hot, hot, hot in IL.  The kids stayed on the grounds in tents, we stayed at a hotel about 30 miles away.  We did pretty good until the last day (Saturday) it was just to hot to stay out and listen to the bands.  We left early but the kids had a great time.  It was neat to see them working together.  I was worried that the heat would bother Max but he did great.  There were times he went to see bands and all I wanted to do was stay at camp and read a good book instead of standing out in the sun!

We are slowly getting back into blending our old life with our new life.  We started going to the food pantry once a month and helping out.  Max was worried there wouldn't be anything for him to do, but they found him a job and forward we go.  

We once again are helping with the summer lunch program.  It fun to see the kids come in and be able to serve them.  Kids always have fun things to talk about.

We did have to get rid of most of our outside animals.  We tried to round up all the ducks, turkeys, and chickens.  We still have 8 guineas and 1 chicken.  We couldn't catch that last chicken.  She had been attacked by an owl and she's very good at getting away.  The funny/sad thing is now every time we walk out the door she runs away squakking!  Oh well, I miss the turkeys, we had them 6 years but the animals made such a mess on the porch that it was hard to get Max into the van without getting stuff on his wheels.  Not really a smell you want following you around!  

We finally have time and are together so we can go to bible study on Wednesday.  It's nice because the kids love to come and learn with us.  God is good and he always provides just what we need.
 
I pray you all are blessed and take time to count your blessing.  Life can change so fast and you never see it coming.  Never take your loved ones for granted!