Last Vacation of the Year was Our First!

Hello everyone!  Well, we managed to get a vacation in for the year even if it was short.  We traveled to the Southwestern areas of The Colorado National Monument, Canyon Lands National Park and The Black Canyon of the Gunderson.  All of these areas were breathtaking to say the least.

After spending most of the Summer months working on apartments and watching a new grandson enter the world, we needed a break.  I ended up having to take leave without pay which wasn't too bad but did put a little dent into the finances.  We made it work however, as I needed the time away from the job which I had been at steady for over a year without a vacation.

I don't see how anyone in this world could see as much beauty we saw on this trip and honestly say there is no God!  Everyday I saw more and more fascinating and awe inspiring country.  The colors, the makeup of the lands and the mysteries that they held were intoxicating.  I found myself thinking of how the deep valleys and tall mountains were formed and  I learned of the explorers who traveled down the undiscovered rivers.  I just sat motionless, there in the soft breeze, listening and taking in every moment.  I heard the voice of our loving God telling me, "This is the world that I made for you. Love, listen and learn all that is here for you".  How I love Him!  How grateful I am that He loves me!

My husband's illness is fairly under control now.  However, he did have a few periods on this trip where he just stayed in the car while I hiked the trails out to the view points.  He wishes he was up to hiking again but realizes that those days are probably a dream.  He tires now in about 4 hours.  He used to work and play for hours and still have energy but this unfortunate deck of cards are the ones he was dealt and although we wish we could turn them all in for another hand, we must play the cards that we were given in this life.  I love him dearly and losing him is something I think about but hope doesn't come about for a long time.

My grandson is 4 months old already!  What a joy he is to our family.  He loves to snuggle and laughs and coos in my arms.  If I try to put him down for a moment, he scrunches up his little face in a way that melts your heart.  My beautiful granddaughter is spunky and sweet all at the same time.  She tests mommy and daddy to the limit on a daily basis as she navigates this crazy life!  I adore her and can't wait until she can spend the night with me.  Oh the fun times we will have!  I will be spoiling her greatly and that is a promise.

I face several surgeries over the Winter months.  I will soon be getting my CMC joint on my right hand repaired so that I can regain some use.  It is to the point that I can barely grasp items, open doors or work on my jewelry projects.  The thought of being pain free is all consuming right now.  I am so allergic to pain medication that I dread the after affect of the surgery but I know that the pain I will have from that will slowly go away.  I will also be having throat surgery to repair a skin area in the back of my airway that slams shut when I breath out through my nose.  This has caused a great deal of trouble when I sleep and makes using my CPAP machine almost impossible.  The doctor stated that it will be a painful surgery at my age of 60 but thinks that he will be able to correct the issue.  This will be a great blessing!  Of course the local fire station #4 will be getting their yearly treats a little early this year as I will not have use of my hand at Christmas.  I'm pretty sure that they won't mind.  I looked back on this service that I do every year and realize that I've been doing it for 14 years!  My, how time fly's when you're having fun!

I probably won't get a vacation now for another year or so as I will have to use my PTO days for the surgeries.  Our office no longer has sick days and we end up having to use vacation days for surgery or sick days.  In about 3 to 4 more years however, I will be retiring from the Mental Health Center Case Management Team.  I am going on my 16th year now.  I am starting to weigh the possibility of retiring at 62 or 64 depending on how I feel.  I do know that I will be cutting down my hours as soon as I am able to do so.

I did a stellar job at the 2015 Montana State Fair this year.  I came back with several blue ribbons and many others.  I also received Best of Show again for my wind chimes.  Two of my items sold in the Art Hall which is quite wonderful.  I enjoy entering things in the fair.  It makes one feel quite accomplished.

Well my friends, I will close this blog for now.  I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my little life.  Always remember, your life path can go any direction.  Make sure the road you take is one that will be honoring to our gracious Lord.  He gave you this wonderful life.  If you need help steering the course, just ask Him.  He will be happy to help you paddle!  Cheers!  Freedancer

I Told Her it was a Boy!

Hello everyone!  Well, we have a new little one to add to the family.  He arrived on July 16th 2015 and weighed 7lbs 13oz.  His name is Micah Josef Wittkopp.  I was privileged to assist his coming into this world and it was a new experience to be on the outside watching it all.  He is already 1 month old and over 10lbs.

Having a grandson is so different from a granddaughter.  There is just a different feel in the air and "daddy" acts a little different as well.  You can tell just by looking in his eyes that he is anxious to start teaching this youngin all the things boy's need to know.  Sure, Lydia will always be daddy's little girl but a son carries on the name and there's a lot of pride in daddy's eyes.

We haven't figured out who he resembles yet but I can see a little of my daughter's father there...at least the bald head!  I wonder what he will become as he grows and learns about this world?  I hope he can take some good from it and bypass the bad.  I hope the world gets a little better and that the evil that has been running wild is calmed.

I hope that I can be around to see him grow and start school, graduate high school and college and marry a great gal.  I pray I am here to see his children.  For right now though, I just want to cuddle him and talk to him, make him feel safe, have him get to know me and know that I will spend the rest of my life, loving and praying for him.  He is a precious little bundle from God and we are trusted to teach him life's lessons but mostly, teach him to love Jesus as much as we do.

As always, Cheers!        Freedancer