Sometimes all you need is a little heart "tweaking"

Brad went to Dr. Darrell Carter in Granite on Wednesday and had lab work, EKG, and Echocardiogram done because he has been really tired, has low blood pressure and he feels a twitch in his stomach. All of his labs came back really good. He was fearful that he was developing diabetes, but all his labs work came back with excellent results...no diabetes! His EKG and Echo came back looking very good, too. Dr. Darrell made an appointment for Brad to see a Cardiologist in Willmar, which we sent to yesterday. After evaluation, it just seems like Brad's pacemaker just needs an little "tweaking". So today, Brad is in St. Cloud where they are going to adjust his pacemaker while using an echo for a really precise adjustment to make his pacemaker work at an optimum level. We were so thankful to hear that his ejection fraction rate has increased from 30% to 35-40%( a normal persons EF is around 70+%... it is the percentage of blood being pumped out of the heart)! That is a huge blessing, because that tells us his heart is improving!

Our Very Own "OchoCinco"

Paxton is playing tackle football for the first time. He has played flag football and soccer for years, but this is a new playing field (literally). Not only is tackle new for him, but so is everything else...school, friends, state, house, etc. He was reluctant going to practice and getting involved, because of all the news, but with some supportive encouragement and pushing to try, he has been doing well. He has made new friends, knows his way around school, and is feeling more and more comfortable with all the changes as each day goes by.
He had his first game yesterday against Montevideo. He plays running back on offense and defensive end on defense. He sacked the quarterback yesterday, which helped build his confidence. He also had a run in with a cleat, but for the most part he is conquering each play and not letting football and others conquer him!
We thought it was pretty funny that he ended up with #85 on his jersey, because one of his favorite football players is OchoCinco (aka Chad Johnson) for the Bengals. Now we have our very own OchoCinco in the family! Tonight he plays in Olivia. Can't wait to cheer on our OchoCinco for the YME Sting! Go Sting!

Peighton and Grandma Agnes

Grandma Agnes (94) and Peighton have a really good relationship. Peighton really enjoys going over to see Grandma and helping her when we go on errands or out to lunch with her. She will hand her her cane, take pictures of her with my phone, talk with the other residents at Prairie Meadows, and just sit in her room with Grandma and cuddle up to her! Grandma gets such a smile on her face whenever we come to visit! She radiates whenever she sees Peighton. I am so thankful for their relationship and the love they share. It reminds me of how close my Grandmother and I are to each other. I am so blessed and so is Peighton that Grandma Agnes has embraced her as she did me! I cherish every minute that we have with Grandma! She has been such a blessing to me in my life! She has taught me so much and I love that she is now teaching Peighton things and sharing part of her heart with her! Peighton loves her Great-Grandma with lots of hugs and kisses!

Heart Trouble...again!

Brad is currently at the doctors trying to get some answers as to why he feels like he is being choked and fatigued. I have been in denial that it will just go away. Inside I am trying not to be scared, but I can't deny that I am! I prayed yesterday for peace and comfort to calm my anxious heart and mind, which already has problems with that! I know that God is in control and I need to put my faith and trust in Him! I try not to let my mind wander and think of what it could be! He has an appointment tomorrow with a Cardiologist to check his pacemaker. I hope and pray that it is as simple as them changing the flow of his electrical pulses from his pacer. Until then, I will look to God to be in control and let His hands take over the wheel of doubt, concern, worry, etc!

Proverbs 3:5-6 I will put my trust and hope in You, Lord!

Minnesota Life

It has been such a long summer of transitioning and I am so happy to say that we are adjusting to Minnesota life and being in a routine again! Preston and Paxton started at YME last week. It was a hard first day with a lot of adjustments with a new school that is a complete maze! By the end of the week they were doing so much better...making friends, finding all their classes, and feeling like they belong!
Peighton started school today and so now we are all getting into a weekly routine! Brad has been working with his dad on a construction project for the last week, which is nice having him around every night. But now the fall home shows and festivals will be starting so he will be traveling more again.
I had a meeting at Granite Falls Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve and the president of the council regarding starting a Christian Preschool. They seem very interested and I meet with the board tomorrow night to share the vision! Granite doesn't have any Christian Preschool or any real preschooling except for ECFE classes and Childcare. This would be such an amazing opportunity to offer this community. I so want a new purpose and plan of God's in my life full of His guidance and direction.

Peighton's 1st Day of Preschool at Little Lambs

Peighton had a great first day of preschool at Little Lambs Preschool at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo. She is in the M-W-F 4-5 year old class, even through she is only 3. I am so proud of her because she fully potty trained in less than a week. I had been really holding off because of all of our transitions with moving and vacationing.

She got right up this morning and was excited to go to school. After breakfast and picking out her clothes, and dressing herself, she headed right out the door with her backpack all excited to go! She went right to her cubby and put her backpack away and entered the class. She went right over to Miss Missy and started doing puzzles. There was no tears, not even from mommy! I am just so blessed to have found a Christian Preschool so local! It is going to be a blessing having her there!

I picked her up and she was still in her same clothes! She went potty all by herself at school! I was so proud of her. She said she had a really great day at school. We came home and had some lunch before she completely passed out on the couch after a fun filled morning!

My Pooped Preschooler

Picasso Peighton

We went to IKEA when we dropped daddy off at the airport. We found a really nice and inexpensive easel for Peighton to draw, paint, chalk, and dry erase on. She is quite the artist and enjoys expressing herself through all kinds of art medium. I am eager to enjoy her creations!

Our Princess is 3!

We celebrated Peighton's 3rd Birthday at Grandpa and Grandma's house. We had a small little party with family. She was blessed with some fun toys...Caillou Movies, Art Supplies, Princess CD player with microphone, Barbie Quad, etc. She had such a fun day and it was extra special celebrating with family.

Picking and Shucking Sweet Corn

Grandpa, Grandma, Preston, Paxton, Peighton, and I went out to Christopherson Farm to pick sweet corn to process and freeze. The kids had a blast riding inthe "Gator" through the cornfield and then walking through the corn rows picking the corn. After we got back from picking the corn, Peighty, Grandma, and I shucked all the ears, washed them, blanched them, freezing some on the cob, as kernel corn, and cream corn! It was a lot of fun and we have enough fresh corn to enjoy all winter long!