SURGERY POSTPONED

This is just a brief note that Jerry's surgery has been postponed. We checked in at the hospital this morning and Jerry had a fever of slightly over 100 and had developed a rash in the last 24 hours. The nurses, of course, were concerned, so they called in the surgeon and the anesthegiologist who decided to wait to do the surgery. They assume this is all a reaction to the potent antibiotics he has been taking - so he should stop the meds. Hopefully the rash will go away, the fever come down, and they can operate late next week. It's a bummer for Jerry!

The Great $10 Save

Yesterday I went to Office Depot to buy printer ink. I go there often. Last time I had a coupon, but it was expired, and the sales clerk told me if I had a current one at home, I should bring it in and they would refund the money. I checked for coupons before I went to the store yesterday, but didn't have any. However, after I bought the $80 worth of ink, I picked up the mail, and there was a $10 coupon for Office Depot. So today, I went in and got my $10, right? First, the clerk said, "This doesn't count for HP products." OK, that figures. But then she said, "I'll try it anyway...sometimes it goes through." So she decided to "return" the ink, refund it to my credit card, and then recharge me, using the coupon. Well, the coupon didn't work, just like she said at the beginning. But then she said, "Oh, you used a gift card for part of your purchase?" I had forgotten all about the $13 I had left on a gift card I had used. Then she proceeded to try to make me pay the $13 since now I didn't have the card anymore! I told her to forget about the $10, but I wasn't paying an extra $13. The manager finally came over and voided everything she had done.

If you could follow all of that, good for you! The main thing is...my printer is now printing nice clear copies again! Yeah!

Countdown?

So, Jerry, are you counting the hours til the next step in your recovery? Are you still scheduled for surgery tomorrow? Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Retta Update

Retta's still in UAB West hospital in Bessemer AL. She has been with no food/liquids since Sunday morning. She had intense pain Sunday (she said worse than childbirth) and extreme vomiting and they have been giving her strong pain meds since Sunday morning. She has had an acute viral pancreas attack. She's been restricted to ice chips and pain meds/fluids through IV until today.

Today, they weaned her from the pain meds to Tylenol and tried to introduce liquids. She didn't react well to the Grape Juice and went back to morphine and ice chips. Amber had a "I miss Momma" meltdown this evening and she and I went back to the hospital at 9 tonight for a visit. Chris and Adrian are farmed out with friends and seem to be doing fine.

Retta's folks are driving down tonight and will be around from mid-day Wednesday through Sunday to help hold down the house, kids, and all the other things I normally don't handle and I am discovering I'm no good at. My mom is coming down Sunday I think, then heading off to writting camp with Adrian later next week.

The doctors are saying she will probably be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday depending on how she does with liquids/food on Wednesday. I know she's ready to come home! My employer has given me the liberty of being off as long as I need. I'll probably try and get a couple hours in tomorrow, Thursday and Friday depending on how Retta's doing adn how her mom and dad are managing with the kids.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. EDK

Chicken Update

Since Aunt Ada asked, here is the latest picture of one of the 18 chickens. We are at the half way point (six weeks), and tonight we weighed three for the first time. They ranged from 3 to 3.75 pounds.

Alabama Update

FYI: Retta is in the hospital with pancreatitis. She went in on Sunday and will be there at least a few more days until the inflammation heals and she can start eating again. Please pray for Retta's comfort, that the doctors can determine what caused the attack, and for their family. "When Mama's sick, ain't nothin' right!"

WATER TOWER

Gridley recently put up a new water tower. I was sure Casey would post a picture, but I finally decided to take some pictures to show you the old and new side by side.

This picture was taken from the alley by the Fire Station.

This picture was taken from the southwest on the other side of the railroad track - down by the old Ringger Feed Store.

I wanted to take a picture a couple weeks ago when all the heavy equipment machinery was in the park as well as the pieces of the new water tower laying all over the ground - but my camera just stopped working and I just got a new one a couple days ago. I'll send another one when the old tower is gone and the new one is all painted.

Visit to Michigan

Last weekend Joey and I went to Michigan for several days. We got to stay with Rhoda for 2 nights, plus we stayed with friends in Petoskey for a couple of nights. The sunset over Lake Michigan was beautiful (I love sunsets) and seeing Rhoda of course was great.

We checked out her garden and her chicken project. She loaded us up with goodies - I cooked kale this week (found a delicious & easy recipe if anyone's interested) and also green beans from her garden. Not to mention delicious raspberries that I made a smoothie with this week!

We also took a day trip to Mackinac Island and loved riding bikes around the perimeter! Of course we had to see the Grand Hotel. I hadn't looked forward to the long drive but the trip was well worth it. Next week we'll go as a family to the beach for a few days.

What do your summer plans include? Have enjoyed hearing about some of them and of course the updates on the twins!

Love to all.

ANNIVERSARY

We just had a delicious fried chicken dinner - and onion rings - to celebrate our 44th anniversary. Keith and Alice met us at the Chanticleer in Eureka.

Only six more days til surgery - yeeaaahhhh!

Gonna go babysit with Nathan tomorrow while Angela and Jerry go out to eat to celebrate her birthday. Hmmm - what shall I take along for dinner for the rest of the family?

Casey Knobloch family happenings

Wade and his new favorite thing to do - lets hope it lasts!

Took the kids to Springfield and the Lincoln museum - very cool place to go.
Mara and her cousin Kya at the American Girl store in Chicago.
Mara practicing her sharp shooting.
Wade advancing his swimming abilities at the Gridley pool.

WASPS AND THINGS

We've noticed a black wasp hanging out on our deck for several weeks. I've looked in all the nooks and crannys, under the eaves, etc. but have not been successful in locating a hive. Today, Jerry went out for his daily "sunning" when he noticed that the wasp was between the screen and the glass door. When he pulled the screen over, he saw the huge hive in the corner of the door! As he says, "You should've seen this poor hip hop in the the door and shut it as quickly as possible!" Fortunately we had wasp spray on hand and soaked that hive well, scraped it down, and swept it away!

While the Japanese beatles have been doing a job on my mini-hibiscus, in spite of the bug spray I've been bombarding it with, the trees seem to be resisting them quite well. I think Spring Green will be back for another spray any day now.

I fertilized and dead-headed my deck flowers two days ago, and these pots revived quite well.

Jerry planted some gladiolas beside the garage before surgery and they are now blooming beautifully. And isn't he looking mighty handsome, also? and he's standing on his own two feet!

"Gift Fee"?

Last Saturday I went online to order a bus ticket for Andrew. He's in a rather remote area of Louisiana this summer, but the Greyhound bus stops at a town near his camp, so with the high price of plane tickets right now we thought we'd try this for a change. (Plus, Andrew is always up for a good adventure!)

The price of the ticket from Minden, LA, to Anderson, SC, was $97.50. I had to answer the question if the credit card holder was also the traveler, so I checked no. When the final invoice came through online, the total cost was $118.50. There was a $21 "gift fee" because I paid for my son's ticket.

I think that's outrageous. I've tried calling their customer service line (NOT toll-free) two days now, once during the non-peak hours that they recommend you call, and waited on hold for up to thirty minutes before finally hanging up. I intend to find the name of a higher-up to let him or her know what I think of that policy.

Do you agree? Have you had similar experiences?

Two Weeks Old!

I can't believe they're two weeks already! I had some time to get some pics today after a better night of sleep last night. The babies have night and day mixed up, but a bath before bed yesterday seemed to "reset" things.

Twin Update

I'm running on very little sleep these days. Babies have their nights and days mixed up. Plus, it seems one is always restless and as soon as I get him/her settled the other wakes up. But we're working to get them on the same schedule and sleeping better at night. I'm hoping a bath tonight will calm them down and/or wear them out.

I'm feeling a lot better from the pre-eclampsia. My blood pressure is getting a little lower every day. I'm hoping by the six week mark I'll be able to come off the meds, but if not I'll be dealing with chronic hypertension.

The big girls love to share their toys with the twins:

Efficient Genealogist

My folks were here this weekend. After hearing about a distant cousin of Mike's father, who lives here in town and has an interest in genealogy, Dad immediately got on the internet and in about an hour had traced that line of Mike's family back to the early 1700s. Are you surprised?!!! :-)

Update?

Wondering how it is going with the twins, Jen and Brett? Are you going back to work this week, Brett? Cathy, are you moving in or keeping the girls? Jen, time for meal sign-up again? Let us know the scoop of life with the Heinigers and a pic or two of how they are growing!

GOOD SUNDAY

Here are a couple pictures of Grace. She had her tenth birthday a few weeks ago and I gave her my doll. She loves dolls and I think she will appreciate this one.

Drake and his family visited us today. After hamburgers on the grill, Grace and Owen hosed down some dirty screens and swept some cobwebs down around the front porch and front windows. Drake was planning to trim some bushes, but apparently the trimmers was "lost" in the shed theft last winter, so he helped Michelle pull weeds and did a couple errands in the house. Feels good to have all that done as I sit here tonight. Michelle helped me with my new camera - so I'll be back in the picture business.

We have a busy week ahead with dr. apts., hair apts., car repairs, and shopping with Kelsie. And I'm cooking meals on wheels tomorrow! Don't know why I agreed to that - guess she caught me at a week moment.

UP/DOWN

Patterning after one of Ann's postings on her blog about ups and downs of life, I present to you some of ours.

UP: The doctor has ordered stopping the IV antibiotics for Jerry.
DOWN: He has to take two huge pills twice a day instead.
UP: Only 12 more days to surgery!
UP: DMG&O are coming tomorrow to help us with a few chores.
DOWN: Jerry still can't sleep in the bed, but sleeping fairly good in the recliner.
UP: Jerry can get dressed by himself, get in and out of the car by himself, and is able to go out to eat.
DOWN: He won't be driving or mowing for awhile.
UP: He has a good driver to chauffer him around.
UP: The Stoller boys are doing a good job mowing our yard.
UP: Patience is a virtue which the Lord has generoulsy bestowed on both of us to the point of amazing us!
UP: Jerry is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As you can see, there are more UPS than DOWNS.

One more UP: I'm going shopping today (and Jerry's glad to be alone for awhile!!)

Glitch

Our blog has been identified by Blogger as a potential "spam blog." Apparently sometimes legitimate blogs get flagged this way incorrectly. You may have seen the notice when you log in. I'm getting this taken care of ASAP but there may or may not be difficulties for a day or two. Thanks, Ann

There's a meal or two...

Ashton admiring the fish Jake caught a couple of weeks ago.

My genius baby!

We went to the library last night to rent some videos. Jerime took the kids down to the children's library while I looked up some books upstairs. Zion went over to the corner and filled his diaper. He then grabbed a book off the shelf and brought it to Jerime. Apparently he can read. This is the book he brought him.

A new handbell player in the family!

A couple of weeks ago, I went to an ice cream social at Evergreen Place where Mom lives, and to my surprise, Mom was part of the program! The group played a great rendition of America the Beautiful. Mom claims they only practiced twice! They are working on some more songs and hopefully plan to perform again soon! What a great idea! Their activity director is a real go-getter!

Happy Birthday, Ada

GOD BLESS YOU

I cannot find a truer word,
Nor better, to address you!
Nor song, nor poem have I heard,
Is sweeter than, "God bless you."

God bless you! Thus I've wished you
All that Christian joy possesses,
For there can truly be no joy
Unless, indeed, God blesses.

God bless you! So I breathe a charm
Lest grief's dark night oppress you,
For how can sorrow bring you harm,
If it is God's way to bless you.

And so through all your earthly days
May shadows touch you never,
But if they should, God's blessing
Will keep you safe forever.

Author ??

Ada, you are a dear and I thank the Lord for
you and what you are. Mim

Baby Pics

Gavin Arthur on left, Riley Faith on right.

HAPPY SATURDAY MORNING

It's a gloomy-looking morning at this time, but "they" say it will be sunny this afternoon. Do you think "they" can be believed?

We had a busy day yesterday. We went to breakfast at the Green Garden restaurant and met three of Jerry's U-High buddies. It was a nice outing/diversion. Then we came home, did the drip, and got ready for a 1 pm visit with Dr. Dodgin. He said the xrays look good and everything is still in place for July 30. Before coming home, we had "lunner" (my made-up word) at Bob Evan's where we had a beautiful, lively server named Heather.

Jerry is doing very well and is able to pretty much take care of himself. He still has limitations as to how much he can bend the hip, and he must not put more than 50% weight on the one leg. So this about as good as it will get until the follow-up surgery. We try to get out of the house a little bit each day. We're hoping to go to morning church tomorrow.

I tried to take a picture of him to post so you could all see how much he has progressed since the last picture, but the camera is telling that there is a card error. I tried to delete some pictures from the card, but can't figure out how to do it. I don't have a direction booklet for the camera so I will get a new card today and see if that works. I'm sooooooooo technological savvy!!

Nathan wants to know...

What do the fireflies do during the day? He's always thinking...

The Twins

You can see a picture of the twins at www.bromenn.org . They are cute!

Casey Knobloch family happenings

Peoria Chiefs game with G & G Knobloch-

Mara and her hot dog-
Jamie and Mara enjoying the sunny weather-

Enjoying watching fireworks from the roof top - from the middle of right cornfield we could see Lake Bloomington, Chenoa, Minonk & Eureka's

Vision

The following is special and sharing it seemed meritorious.

July 8, 2009

NO VISION
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Proverbs 29:18)
The "vision" mentioned in this familiar verse is more than just a noble goal; it means a literal revelation from God to His people. It was first used in the sad testimony of 1 Samuel 3:1: "And the word of the LORD was precious that is, 'rare and costly' in those days; there was no open vision." This was just before the capture of the Ark by the Philistines and the death of the inept prophet Eli.
The word used for "perish" here means "exposed and helpless," and the glory soon departed from Israel once they had forsaken God's leadership (1 Samuel 4:21). Our own nation was also founded on God's written Word (the modern equivalent of the divine "vision"), but the Word has now been almost forgotten, at least in our schools and other public institutions, as well as in the daily lives of most of our people. Consequently, "the people" are indeed largely exposed and helpless before the attacks of the wicked one. The terrible warning of Psalm 9:17 hangs over our nation: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
There is an encouraging exhortation to the believer, however, even if he lives in an apostate nation: "He that keepeth the law, happy is he." To keep the law means not merely to obey God's commands, but more precisely, to guard His Word! Even if all around us are neglecting, or even ridiculing and seeking to destroy the Scriptures, we must defend and obey and proclaim their eternal truth and authority. Even if this should entail opposition and persecution, God assures us that here is the way of blessing and true happiness. "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book" (Revelation 22:7). The people will perish who lose God's Word, but "happy is that people, whose God is the LORD" (Psalm 144:15). HMM
This article was originally published July, 2009.

"No Vision", Institute for Creation Research, http://www.icr.org/article/4683/ (accessed July 08, 2009).

TIDBITS OF THIS AND THAT

The Japanese Beatles are back! I've been watching closely for them for a couple weeks and hopefully discovered them before they can do too much damage. We called Spring Green to spray - they came yesterday. However, about two hours after they sprayed, we had a downpour of rain. Will that wash away the hoped-for outcome?

As we have nothing real constructive to do these days, we watched much of the Michael Jackson Memorial Service yesterday. I guess I would describe it as somewhat "interesting". While I'm not a fan by any means, and don't really think any individual deserves to be glorified to the extent that he is, I thought it was a fairly low-key service and everyone deserves a respectable memorial from loved ones.

Jerry is doing much better. He's getting a pretty severe case of "cabin fever" so we try to get out a little. You should see him roll that walker down the ramp and get into the car all by himself! Won't even let me lift his leg for him. He reminds me of Nathan with his "I do it!" We had dinner at Woody's in El Paso one evening and breakfast at the restaurant down on the hard road yesterday. He's considering church on Sunday. We took a ride to B'ton yesterday to pick up a prescription, then swung by El Paso and picked up a Monical's pizza and brought it home to eat - yummy.

I've got several projects partially completed in the basement. I can't seem to get real focused on them, and need someone to give me a little "kick". That's about it at our house.

The Twins Have Arrived

We wanted to let everyone know that the twins arrived safely this morning. Riley Faith came first at 5 lb. 2 oz. Gavin Arthur next at 5 lb. 12 oz. A c-section was not necessary, so Mommy's happy about that. I'll let proud Mom and Dad give any further details and post pictures.

Cathy

Housekeeping

Hope nobody minds if I played around with the heading a little. Must have too much time on my hands. . .

I also changed the archiving at the right, so that if someone wants to find a post, and knows the approximate month, it's much easier to find.

There are a lot of members on this blog, but have not heard from some of you for awhile. Would love updates -

Thanks much, and thanks too for the continued participation of so many family members. It's been a blessing for this far-flung family member.

Glorifying God in death (John 21:19)

I just thought I'd share what was on the front pages of the Peoria Journal Star and the Pantagraph this morning. Stories about two different deaths where God is glorified through the faith, acceptance, and forgiveness of the people involved. The last link is a video of Joyce Hodel being interviewed by WMBD TV.

Cathy

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1525218021/Fatal-accident-like-a-nightmare

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/article_8995659c-69cc-11de-9431-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/article_00f95dcc-69ce-11de-abda-001cc4c002e0.html

http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/video/?watch=1&cid=66771

Mim says.....

The following is a corrected version of comments that contained an error. There was nothing illicit or untrue in the great words of a great lady! ...LCK

Our Fourth turned out to be different from the lazy day we had expected. On Friday, a friend and I were repairing old Bibles (do you have any?) to be sent overseas to Third World countries begging for them. Here we met a couple and their three girls, ages appropriate for sixth, seventh and ninth grades. They had brought a U-Haul loaded with Christian literature from Rhode Island and were spending some days working for the Bible sending ministry. Talking to them I learned that they had no plans for the Fourth until later in the day, so I quickly called Lynn and asked what he thought about inviting them for a meal. Good idea. So they came at 1:30 and we had world famous--well at least nationally famous--Big Bob Gibson BBQ. He was a piano major in college and his rendition of "It Is Well With My Soul" was tremendous. Then Lynn requested, can you guess, "Trust and Obey", just as big a blessing. It was a delight to meet folks of their caliber from a New England state, notorious for promoting gay marriage and pro-death(abortion). They said to not believe everything you read in the media!They left just in time for us to attend a nearby TEA party, which the mainstream media has been silent about. Our liberal"Decatur Daily" had no one there for a meeting of Lynn estimated nearly a thousand people. Our thoughts are with the bereft in Roanoke.

Lazy 4th

We had a nice relaxing 4th of July. Retta and I got up around 11:00, straightened the house then spent most of the afternoon in the pool with the kids and two friends of the kids. After eating ordered in pizza, Retta and the kids played cards for a couple hours while I napped through the first half of the Nascar race. Then, it was off to the gas station for a amature fireworks show. That's right, the gas station. We have some good friends that own a convenient store up the road from our house (it's their kids in the pool pics with our kids) and they had purchased some pretty good fireworks that resulted in about a 20 minute display.

Overall, it was just a nice relaxing day. Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone. EDK

Tragedy in Roanoke

We had a near perfect day in Roanoke with the Cruise-In, a visit from Elvis on Main Street, and then beautiful fireworks. However, tragedy struck when the fireworks ended. An elderly lady started her car and had her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake and she drove her car into a crowd of people still seated. We were seated along Club 116 on the north side - this happened right around the corner from us. Four people were struck directly. Steve Hodel (son of deceased Ben and Ruth Ann) was life flighted and died enroute to the hospital. His wife, Joyce (daughter of Dick [dec] and Mabel Getz) Hodel was admitted with a head gash, multiple lacerations and leg injuries (no feeling). Shirley Leman (Joyce's sister and wife of Steve Leman) had a leg injury, though no broken bones. Troy Janssen (son of Fred and Cheri) was thrown into a crowd of children but was not seriously injured. It was pandemonium and screaming as there were hoards of people that observed the whole thing. Tim and I went to the hospital to be with the family. Tim was with Joyce and prayed with her when the ER doctor told her Steve did not make it. It was all so surreal and sad. There will probably be reports to come in the PJ Star and Pantagraph and their websites. We are very close friends of Steve and Joyce and their families. Prayers are appreciated.

Thanks,
Cathy

Update from Cathy

We're still waiting on the babies. Jen might be induced on Tuesday. She says, oh yes! . . . I say, we'll see. I'll let you know and hopefully post a picture. We're very thankful she is reaching 36 weeks!!

Brett's mom, Kayleen, had successful surgery on Wednesday. They took 4 lymph nodes and they were all cancer free. She will not have to have radiation, and in a few weeks they will know if chemo is necessary. Thanks to all for your prayers for Kayleen and also for Jen.

Meanwhile, we are enjoying the little girls so much. I think Catie realizes her days as the baby are numbered and she's playing the baby card for all it's worth. She might as well, while she can!

Tonight we have a car cruise-in, pork chop dinner, and fireworks in Roanoke. For a tiny little town, we actually have fantastic fireworks! Cleve, Kathleen, and Crystal may come as Cleve would like to show off his '64 something-or-other car. (Cleve, can you post a pic?) However, it might rain! We were planning on taking Amy and the little girls to the "beach" at Comlara Park this afternoon (actually a glorified mud-hole!), but the clouds seem to be rolling in. So, we'll see.

Well, happy 4th to you all. Even though our state is in a real mess and our country is challenged in many ways, I thank God for the freedoms we have and the blessings we enjoy. We have much to be thankful for - especially our savior and friend, Jesus!

Love to all,
Cathy

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

That quote from Uncle Lynn comes to mind as I describe what we are doing around here. We just "keep on 'keeping'" in the process of recovery. Jerry was much better today. As of yesterday they started him on a different antibiotic - and this one only takes 1/2 hour to "drip" as compared to the other 2-hour "drip". The itchy rash has almost disappeared and itch is almost gone, but will probably take a couple more days to go completely. He says he feels 80% better! and hoping for the other 20% soon.

Other than that, he is doing great and getting around better every day. I may already have posted this, but the tentative date for the next surgery if July 30 - so we will "keep on 'keeping onn'" until then.

Have a nice Fourth of July, everyone.

Holiday Weekend

What can be better than a four-day summer weekend? Today is officially HMI's holiday and tomorrow is our regular bi-weekly Friday shutdown. I really don't have any huge plans for the holiday weekend although tomorrow night is fireworks night in Holland. I will go with several families of friends to Marigold, the HMI resort on Lake Macatawa. With our chairs out on "the point" we can face Holland to see their fireworks and at the same time we can turn around to see the fireworks that the DeVos family of Amway fame presents over Lake Michigan at Holland State Park. I am prepping for a new course I'll be teaching beginning at Cornerstone University in mid-July, and I'd like to get in a round or two of golf.

In 1976 I was in Gridley on July 4 for the bicentennial. I was spending several weeks in Illinois that summer going back and forth between Gridley and the other side of the family in Princeville. I remember being a bit "put out" with Grandma because she wouldn't go with Uncle Ralph and Aunt Catherine to Lake Bloomington for fireworks, and for a 12-year old it was pretty important to see fireworks on the 4th of July. We ended up going to Chenoa with Perry, Carol, Elizabeth, and Charity. Mary will tell you I can remember the stupidest details of events and remember Charity walking up to Grandma's in pigtails and how tickled Grandma was seeing that and how proud Charity was of those tiny pig tails!

Happy early 4th of July weekend to everyone. What is on your agenda for the holiday?