Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

A few things I remember about my Magnium...

• He was probably my bestest friend growing up. He loved me. He thrived on the attention I gave him. We traveled many many miles together.


• He used to give me kisses on the cheek.


• His favorite treat was Pecan Sandies.


• We won some ribbons at the Fair and also at some little shows


• One time he was so full of spunk that he actually chased after the dog, Peaches!


• He was injured when he fell onto a stick. He had to have stitches. I was in shock and hyperventilating when I called the vet. He has a scar, but fully recovered.


• One time he ran away with me and crossed the road infront of a car at a full gallop... that was scary!


• Another time we were riding around the pond in the woods behind the airport and a goose tried to attack because we were too close to her nest... not a pleasant experience. We outran the goose!


• There's nothing like lying back on your horse after dark at the foot of the runway watching the little planes come in overhead.


• I rode him to school on two separate occasions and 'parked' him in the agriculture department.


• I could ride after dark because my Magnium knew the way home.


• Mom... I rode across Route 8... a few times! AND we sometimes rode to the Dairy Queen for ice cream.


• I rode to McCormicks frequently where we would stop for drinks, snacks, and of course... carrots.


• Sometimes in the summer we would gallop into the creek in Renfrew full speed ahead. It was like something you'd see in the movies... water splashing everywhere. It was also refreshing.


• I knew my way on the trails as far as Saxonburg, Mars, Evans City, or Renfrew and sometimes saw more than one of those locations in one days travel.


• One time I was riding with some people that were drinking. I got off for some reason and let go of him and he ran home without me! That was not his brightest moment.


• Mr Helfer used to save a special box of apples inside his garage for when we rode by... he'd spoil the horse.


• When I was a senior in highschool I needed to run a mile for gym class. I practiced by jogging beside Magnium every night after school.


• My most memorable experience... I was riding with Rene'e back behind Browns. There was a hot air balloon and I said "Awesome, let's gallup up underneath it." (not my brightest idea) We did and when we got right up to the top of the hill they blew the hot air. Magnium reared straight up and I slipped right off the back of him.

Blessings Monday

We have been blessed with beautiful flowers. We decided early on this spring that we would not spend a fortune on landscaping and the like. Who knew we would have more flowers than we needed? We carefully collected marigold seeds last year and planted those. I had a couple packets of seeds that came free in the mail. Last year's rose bloomed abundantly. Rene'e gave us about a dozen more flowers to plant. Amanda gave us a handful of flowers too AND a burning bush taboot. I did pick up a hanging basket at work for $15 and a flat of impatiens from a church fundraiser for $13. Keith treated the yard to rid us of dandilions for $8. He put in a new rose bush for $10 and a Red Lady bush for $30. All in all we spent less than $100 on the yard this year.

I also have one tomato plant and some herbs growing on the porch. SOMEDAY I may have a legitimate garden.

I am grateful to have these plants surrounding our home. They are beautiful and good for the environment. We are so blessed to have an abundance of flowers this year.

Come join us at Blessings Monday hosted by Down On The Farm.

Road Trip

Sorry... no pictures. I didn't have batteries on the way down, but then I got some and it rained pretty bad all the way home. I'm looking like a drowned rat at the moment, but I'm soaring with gratitude for the return of my pony after 2 whole years apart. WOW - I can't believe she's home!!!!

We left Friday after work. We drove to Cincy, arrived pretty late, but had a nice warm place to lay our heads at my inlaws. Mom and Jim were glad to have us even if the visit was short. I am grateful for the rest and Mom made a really nice breakfast for us and gave me a go-cup of coffee for the road. She's so thoughtful.

By the way, Mom is doing great! She is actually back to work! She looks great and we are so thankful for her recovery.

This morning we drove from Cincy to Wilmore (near Lexington). We snuck into the IGA in town and picked up a few cans of Skyline Chili and Ale-8 soda (which we cannot buy where we live). Shortly thereafter we arrived at the stable, where the stable-worker handed her over with some necessary paperwork for travel. After filling some containers with water to offer her on the road, she walked right on the trailer without any glitch and off we went! I was beaming!!! (and still am)

The drive home was long. We stopped 3 or 4 times to fuel and offer her some water. Every time I opened the trailer door she would whinny. She was alert, vocal, and begging for attention (and carrots). She was not sweaty or nervous... she rode like a champ! Whatta girl!

So we arrived home 8 hours after picking her up... 11 hours total travel today. We ran into a few patches of nasty rain on the way home, but the rain cooled things off so it was actually not too uncomfortable for her to travel.

We walked her into the barn where she met her three new pals. Two of them were in stalls and the third was loose, kind of having the run of the barn. I slipped her into the stall and she, of course, immediately wanted to greet Rambo, who sauntered over to do the same. She squealed and then she acted like she was in heat. They groomed each other and squealed a little off and on and she even kicked a little too, but overall she is settling in nicely. We put up a new run of fence that separates the two pastures so she can be in one while the other three are in the other.

Tomorrow she will be led around the fence to show her the fence line. There is a lot of green grass there, so I hope she doesn't eat too much of it. I may need to get her a grazing muzzle. I hate to do that because when she wears a halter, it usually rubs. I don't like to leave a halter on her if I don't have to. Anyway... she fits right in at this farm and actually adds a very pretty color to the palate of the little herd.

Can I just say that my friend Rene'e... she rocks!!!! I love her so so much. If it weren't for her, I would not have been able to bring Penny home. If it were not for her, I would not have gotten her back in the first place. Rene'e is entirely gracious. She didn't have the time to spare to do this, but she did it anyway. I'm very humbled, grateful, thankful, and appreciative of her.

As I left the farm and drove towards home, there was a gigantic and boldly colored double rainbow over town. I thought to my self... God is so so good... doubly good. I thanked him many times this evening. His faithfulness has been displayed in my life over and over. The separation over the past couple years was weighing heavy on my heart. God knows... and he faithfully offered me the desires of my heart... to bring her home. He displayed that rainbow so brightly reminding me of his promises. God is SO GOOD!!!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for pleasant weather, especially yesterday. We baled hay last night. Usually it is sweltering hot for the task, but last night it was pleasant and breezy. We know the hot-hot-hot is actually better for the hay, but for the sake of the workers... I am thankful that it was comfortable.

Summer In Full Swing

This has been a busy summer as usual, but also very pleasant. I'm enjoying the flex in the weather... hot, rain, cooler, warmer, etc. With summer comes summer chores. You know, the ones that are dreaded yet are somehow fulfilling and surprisingly rewarding. The kind that make you realize what a real days work is. Yes it's hay-making-time, for the second time now. We shall make hay TODAY! And when that's all finished I will go help a friend put in a couple new fence posts. I will return to my home covered head to toe in chaf, with heaviness in my chest from all the dust, and probably an achy body taboot. Ahhhh... Tis the season.

Tuesdays With Jen - My Memoirs

I have to make it short, so I'll just record a couple remembrances from my youth...

• I used to go to the barn with my "Grampy" to help with the milking (aka play in the hay). He would fill his feed sack half full, swing it over his back, then I'd jump on top and he'd carry me down the steps that way. I can only imagine how difficult that was, but actually I think he liked it.
• We had a pony named Sugarfoot but we only rode her in the summer. She was ornery and threw a bucking fit the first time every year. I decided I liked her and was sad that she passed on when I was in 4th grade, but not until I had pretty much rode her into the ground.
• When I was 15 my pediatrician gave me a horse, which fulfilled a deep down longing desire that had lingered on substantially since Sugarfoot died. Storm was a palomino saddlebred. I was in my glory!! Coincidentally, that same pediatrician is now my landlord.

That's all for today. I have to keep it short. I should mention that Penny is STILL in Kentucky. We were unable to go for her because the trailer brakes were not working properly. We decided to postpone until last Saturday, but the mechanic was not yet finished with it. SO... the plan is to go THIS weekend. Really... I'll believe it when the time comes! I'm still excited, but also a smidge disappointed. On the flip side, I PAID a hefty fee for her that is supposed to cover her board through JUNE and I should probably go ahead and use up as much of that as I can. Although the price of gas is also driving a desire to waste no time for fear the price continues to rise.

OK - I must go to work. Have a lovely day all... enjoy it and rejoice for it is the day which the Lord has made!

Blessings Monday

Life has been a little bit too overwhelming these days and that has caused a blogging hiatus on my part. I shall try to keep up with an occasional post, but it seems that it may be at least another month or so before things settle.

Today is Blessings Monday and that is my favorite weekly post (when I make it). So here it goes...

I am greatly blessed by my friend Rene'e. She is one of the greatest friends ever. She is family. She goes out of her way, above and beyond, to look out for me and the things that are close to my heart. We share a lot of special things and I am so grateful for her place in my life.

May God bless her richly today and always.

Don't YOU have a blessing to share? Come join us at Blessings Monday hosted by Down On The Farm.

Can I Just Say???

God is SO GOOD!!!!

I'm going to get my Penny on Wednesday. Please pray for safe and speedy travel. It's going to be a L-O-N-G day!!! We are planning to make a round trip which should be about 16 hours without stops.

Praise the Lord for providing for this!!! AWESOME!!! His timing is perfect! No more pining over her absence... My dream of her return is about to come true!

I'm like a child at Christmas!!! I can't wait!!!

Blessings Monday - Answered Prayers

It's "Blessings Monday" and today I'd like to share the blessing of answered prayers. My heart is joyful because of answered prayers...

A couple things I've been praying over in the preceding weeks:

• K's Mom has markedly improved. Her bout with menengitis, pulmonary emboli, and emergency surgery resulted in a month-long hospital stay. Many thanks to all our friends and family praying for her recovery. It has been a trialsome time, but she is home and healing with an expected long road of recovery ahead. K has been visiting each week for a day or two to help around the house, provide some one-on-one support for both Mom & Jim and to witness the answering of praying in action. Many more thanks to our Lord of Healing who has graciously granted improving health for Mom and incredible peace for all of us during this difficult time.


• I have so missed my pony for two years. I have pined over her absence in my life. Sometimes I would sit and stare at her photo with tears streaming down my face. She's been on loan to a college equine program in Kentucky. Her arrival there was through precarious circumstances. We had left her with a family who had to leave unexpectedly and thus they handed her over to the college. The college was aware that I could not retrieve her at the time for financial reasons mostly. I had no home for her and no money for transport. I re-connected with the college recently and they insisted that if I'd like to have her back that I have to pay them board for the 2 years she was there. It would have been nice for them to tell me this upfront, but at the present time this is a mute point. I expressed my disappointment to the Director who agreed to cut the board expense to half, which is still slapping me with a $2400 boarding bill. I prayed and prayed for wisdom and discernment. Taxes this year put us under pretty badly... then there was the emergency expenses for car repair and travel. After much deliberation we agreed that we would take the plunge, pay the price, and bring my baby home. Even once the bill was paid I had no idea how I would haul her or where I would keep her. My bestest friend has stepped in to fill those gaps. She has secured a great home for her with a lady who is also an acquaintance of mine AND we three will likely go for her before the end of June. I'm thrilled! I'm delighted! I'm relieved! I'm like a kid at Christmas who knows I'm about to get the gift of my dreams! God is so good!

God is so gracious and his blessings are abundant. I have trusted in Him and He has responded kindly. If you'd like to bless many by sharing or be blessed by reading about other's blessings, head on over to Amazing Graze Farm and join us!

WFMW

What Works-For-Me this week????

I have one of those Scrubbing Bubbles shower spray cleaner. When the bottle of cleaner is empty, I refill it with my own cleaning agent. (usually vinegar/water/baking soda) It leaks a little at first because there is no seal to break, but it works just as well as the latter. Occasionally I buy the replacements, but really... why should we?

And that is what works for me this week!

Hit-up Rocks In My Dryer for more fantastic ideas.

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

So we were planning a wedding!!! How exciting!!! We set the date, September 2, 2000 and booked the church and the reception hall. Our church has a wedding coordinator who only charged $50 to coordinate the entire ceremony at the church. Now there was $50 well spent.

We attended "marriage classes" with the pastor for several weeks before we tied the knot. Something he taught us was that we have to establish a plan for dealing with conflict. I've often wondered what that plan is in our life as I'm not sure we ever actually solidified that part. I am certain that we have had our share of conflict and it has taken some years to learn how to deal with each other in the midst of it. Something we learned about 2 years ago was that sometimes we fight because when one of us has an issue the other tries to fix it. We expend great efforts in offering solutions and suggestions. What we had failed to realize is that sometimes we just need to be heard! Imagine that!!! I can honestly say that this was a huge breakthrough in our relationship! We now are able to just tell the other "I'm not looking for solutions." and obviously that's our cue to SHUT UP and LISTEN! Anyway... I am certain that the Pastor had a good point; however I wish he could have offered some practical solutions at the time.

Anyway... We set out to plan the details of the wedding and reception. We asked our closest friends and family to participate... My baby sister was to be the Maid of Honor, then my two bestest girlfriends Rene'e and Chrissy, and of course his two sisters, Tammy and Denise were to be bridesmaids. We asked my brother Paul and brother in law Cory to be ushers as well as K's cousin Shawn and another two of my bestest friends, Ed and Dan. We didn't have a best man, we had a best lady... K's best friend Kelly. There was a flower girl, Joyce and a Ring-bearer, Paul (brother and sister).

I'll never forget asking my friend Ed (now deceased) if he would be an usher in my wedding. I took him to our favorite spot, the Dairy Queen, for ice cream. I think he was shocked! Of course he would have to find someone to milk his cows that night, but he was delighted to do so for such an occasion. I'm so glad he accepted and shared greatly in the celebration of our wedding with us.

I found these exquisite dresses in the JCPenney catalog and just HAD to have my bridesmaids wear them. As it goes, we had two different dresses. One was a plum colored suit-dress and the other a long navy blue A-line style dress. The men were to wear black tuxes with silver-gray vests.

I was obsessed with daisies at the time. They were well incorporated into the wedding preparations. There were tiny daisies for the bridesmaids to don upon their up-dos. There were daisy flowers galore. AND... I just happened to find the most perfect unity candle with DAISIES on it!!! I was delighted.

I made special time to shop for my gown. My grandmother, bless her heart, accompanied me to the bridal shoppe. It was a really special date. This was a time when I wanted so desperately to connect with a womanly figure in my life and none better than my Gram-ditties. When we arrived, I told her that I really liked tulle, more so than the satin dresses. She pointed out a plethora of dresses each unique, but specifically only those which met the specifications I had set forth... to have lots of tulle. She was a great listener I guess. It didn't matter which I should choose, for she would be delighted to see me in any of them. I narrowed it down to two different dresses and she helped me select the most perfect one. It was ivory, off the shoulders, and had plenty of tulle... of course. I shall never forget the loving tears in her eyes to see me model my wedding gown. There we were, just she and I... precious moments to cherish forever.

Meanwhile we found a really reasonable caterer who vowed to provide a delicious meal for a reasonable price. It was the caterer's idea to have the wedding party serve the cake after the meal. It made perfect sense... they were the first to eat and thus the first to finish eating. AND... they had a grand time doing so.

We booked a DJ and order flowers... K's Step-Mother ordered our invitations. She is a wedding coordinator herself. Of course... they had daisies on them! Who would have guessed!? I bought jelly jars, ribbon, and fresh cut flowers. Grandma and Aunt Jane prepared the jars of flowers for the tables. We made favors... ordered balloons... collected RSVPs and solidified plans for the big day.

There is so very much that goes into planning a wedding. There were things that HE wanted and things that I wanted and things that we had to collaborate on. But I have to tell you that my wedding day was the funnest day of my entire life. And... maybe next week I'll clue you in on the details of that special day!

Blessings Monday

If I keep up with nothing else, I should at least keep up with proclaiming my thankfulness for abundant blessings... even just once each week!

We ride the roller coaster of discontent on an ongoing basis. You might call it trying to keep up with the Joneses, but that's not truly it. There are those things in life that come later for some of us... for us it is having our own home. Some things occurred to me this past week...

If we had bought the house we wanted to buy 2 years ago, we would have likely foreclosed by now given the status of the interest rates nationwide. Our lender was insisting that we have a flexible rate mortgage... boy am I thankful that God blessed us by NOT giving us that home.

If we had bought the house we are currently living in, we would likely be in similar dire straights as the aformentioned. This place needs a LOT of repairs and the property taxes are outrageous. I'm really glad that God blessed us with a generous landlord who lets us make changes and improvements to the house as we please and who keeps the rent affordable so we can pay our other debts in preparation for what blessing God may have in store for us in the years to come.

A couple weeks ago some friends of ours house was struck by lightning and burned it very badly. It's so bad that it will likely be demolished and completely rebuilt. As K and I sat one evening on our couch watching tv and eating pizza, it occurred to me that our friends have no tv, no couch, not even a plate to eat off of... much less a home. Sometimes the circumstances of others makes us realize how blessed we really are to have this home and all these belongings. What an eye opening experience.

So today I am counting the blessing of our home. I may have counted this blessing before, maybe even multiple times; however, a home of our own is something that we desire so greatly. It takes but a moment for that desire to expand into discontent... and then we day-dream about our someday home and go on to plan our future and how great it will be. That is dangerous behavior! That is why I must often remind myself of what precious blessings we have right here and now. Sure I dream of days to come, but I must keep the perspective that I should dream of fulfilling the Lord's plans for me... not my own. And folks... don't forget to enjoy the moments of TODAYS blessing!

If you'd like to bless many by sharing or be blessed by reading about other's blessings, head on over to Amazing Graze Farm and join us!

Works For Me Wednesday

Coupons

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days at Starbucks. But every weekend the store puts out a complimentary newspaper (or two). There is a little basket by the door where they put them. So usually on Saturday and/or Sunday, when I stop by to say "hey" to my Handy-Hubby... I check the basket and take the coupons. The papers are there... free for the taking. I'm delighted to be able to double up on a lot of coupon clipping this way.

My sister also shares her extra coupons. Wahoo!!! Triple the fun!!!

And that's what works for me... Got an idea to share for WFMW? Head on over to Rocks In My Dryer and link up, and/or peruse the other multitude of ideas.

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

In May of 1999, Keith was in his sister's wedding. It was held in the Cincinatti area in a Presbyterian church. The night before was the rehersal and rehersal dinner. The dinner was catered and served in the fellowship hall of the church. His sister wore entirely white attire to the rehersal activities. I'm not sure why I remember that so vividly, but I do. She was very pretty.

The following day K's Mom, grandmother, and I went to Dillards to have our hair and nails done. This was my very first 'outing' of sorts with his mother. She got all fancied up and I had the hair dresser make mine with big curls. It was a nice time.

The wedding was grand. The bridal gown was simple yet elegant with a lovely veil of white. She was stunning. The brides maids wore satin mint-green dresses that were also very beautiful. Of course the men, and my soldier man, were decked out in tuxedos for the event. The wedding was simple and elegant.

The reception was (I think) near Covington, KY maybe??? I'm not really sure. It was at a community center that had lots and lots of windows surrounding the dining hall. The cake was three tiered with pearl accents. K's grandmother had made centerpieces for the tables. They were castles made out of sugar cubes. It was really sweet... pun intended! There were lots of white twinkle lights. The food was delicious. The DJ played late into the night. We danced, danced, and danced some more.

It was a lovely time. We are nearing the time of their anniversary as the weeks press on in May. The wedding was a memorable occasion and only one of many family affairs I was to attend with my soldier in the years to come.

Blessings Monday

I would just like to say that I have the greatest boss ever! When we needed to leave in a jiffy to be with K's Mom, George (my boss) went out of his way to make sure I wasn't worried about work. It was a Saturday and on Monday there was to be a big meeting. I had planned to work Sunday afternoon to complete the files for the meeting, tie up loose ends, and oh... type the minutes from last months meeting. Oops! When I explained all that was left un-done to George, he encouraged me to think not a bit about it and to get on my way. He went that Saturday and worked on these things. When Monday came, we spoke briefly via telephone, and he proceeded to do every detail that needed to be done for the meeting. Except maybe cleaning the tables with Spic N' Span like I do for my guys... I can't help it. I spoil them! HA! When I returned everything was in its place. Everything was accounted for. He did it all... and I am so very grateful for that. I am blessed to have a good boss... a Christian man who is family oriented and appreciates me as an employee and friend. Thank God for George.

If you'd like to bless many by sharing or be blessed by reading about other's blessings, head on over to Amazing Graze Farm and join us!

I'm going to be out of touch for another short while. I have a work-related conference to attend... so I'll be back just in time to celebrate Handy-Hubby's birthday! Wahoo!

Blessings Monday

Answered prayers are such glorious blessings! Thank you all who have prayed and asked your faithful friends to pray for my mother-in-law over the past several weeks. What a blessing it was to hear of prayer warriors near and far pouring out their heart for this woman that they may or may not know personally. God is most faithful and has heard our cries. She is improving every day. Finally out of the intensive care unit. She can get up and move about on her own and is needing a little less pain medication. She still has a long road ahead, but God has revived her energies and is giving her more and more strength each day.

Thank you God for your undying faithfulness and the outpouring of mercy. Amen.

Friends In Need

While I'm pining over my own personal situation, we have friends nearby that have no home. This family with 2 children were not home when the house was struck by lightning and caught fire. They have been informed that they MIGHT be able to salvage 10% of their belonginings. The entire house will need to be gutted and rebuilt. They have to find alternative housing and have basically NOTHING to furnish a home.

Last night as K and I watched a movie and ate our dinner I thought... they don't have a plate to eat off of much less food... and not a couch to sit on or a tv to watch... and here we are living our normal every day life. How dare I complain about my own woes!!! There is always someone else in far more need than us!

And how about that... I have toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, air fresheners, laundry soap, and other items to share because of my thrifty deal-shopping of late. We shall also prayerfully send them some money and see if there is anything else we can do to offset this traumatic experience.

Please pray for this family... For comfort, provision, and healing in many ways!

Saturday...

K's Mom is improving, but still in the ICU and will likely be there at least a few more days. We are encouraged by answered prayers. Thank you to all who are praying. Please keep it up. Answered prayers are so awesome! K's sister returned to California today. His other sister is stretched between work duties, caring for her child, and connecting with her Mom and step-dad. K is pining to return and be with his Mom. He has to work, but his boss did tell him that he's going to try to schedule his days off in such a way that K will be able to make short trips back to Cincy. That will be a good thing.

We have had an emotionally, spiritually, phyically, and financially draining week. We feel so far behind in everything. The past couple of months events have drained a large amount of our savings which we were hoping and praying to be able to use towards a home of our own soon... car trouble, TAXES, more car trouble, and impromtu trips, and...

Adding to my heartache is that I'm wanting to bring my pony home in July but I have to pay the school a significant amount of money first and then somehow cover travel/hauling costs and the like. I had no idea this would become an issue. The school knew my intent to bring her home eventually and never outlined their expectation in this regard. As a matter of fact, the director even apologized for the red-tape and agreed to reduce the amount significantly. Apparently the IRS will not let them simply return a horse to the original owner, nor will they allow an outright 'sale.' I have to pay them the equivalent of boarding costs for the 2 years she's been there, AND they will not release her before it is paid in full. So I have to pay this in the next two months. UGH!!!! Had this been disclosed in the beginning, I would have been paying them all along. I was under the understanding that she would be on-loan to them for educational purposes and that I would be able to retrieve her at any time, with no exchange of monies. (aside from some funds that we willingly donated on several occasions in support of their program) It is a very complicated situation. She is there because my options at the time we left KY were limited. She was with a family for a short while, but when they left they turned her over to the school. Again - very complicated. I'm so annoyed, frustrated, and drained over this situation. K is selling some of his stocks to help cover the cost. I hate that he's doing that. She is 100% worth it, but it is a heartache to realize that our future plans are again on set-back.

We must keep the perspective that she is God's creation, and the funding is also God's. The Lord is faithful and has a perfect plan for us. We shall proclaim our thankfulness and perservere in this situation. As I cried on K's shoulder sobbing that it pains me to choose between our home and my girl... he replied "It wouldn't be a home without your Penny." He is so right.

Family Emergency

We had to attend to a family emergency this past weekend. Saturday we got the call to get our butts to Cincinatti ASAP. K's Mom had developed blood clots in her lungs. K had to secure coverage for his job and that took several hours. Meanwhile I was supposed to be house-sitting for a friend and had to make alternative arrangements for that. So we get on our way and find out that we need to pick up his sister and BIL in Columbus on the way. Shortly thereafter we find out that they were bumped from their flight. So we got into Columbus about 7pm and had to wait until 1030pm to pick them up. In the meantime we get a call that K's Mom is having emergency surgery because she has bleeding in her stomach. We arrived at 130am in time to meet the surgeon after her 6 hour surgery to find that she had her gall bladder out, a ventral hernia repaired, and she had a hole in her stomach and needed her gastric bypass repaired. WOW! So we think the hole was the source of bleeding and was likely affected by the Heparin therapy. She has been in ICU ever since. She is VERY ill and in a LOT of pain. They removed the ventilator yesterday so she can talk softly now. She's quite weary but glad to have her children hovering over her.

Everyone's thoughts and prayers are so greatly appreciated.