Lots of things to update on…where to start. First of all Fall has officially arrived here in Iowa…it’s down right COLD. We’ve been turning on the furnace a little here and there and sleeping with an extra blanket at night. Last night the wind was whistling and howling while the rain poured down…a few degrees colder and we’d have had an ice or snow problem! It really sounded like winter out there. Thankfully most of the rain has now stopped and we’ll hopefully warm up a bit the next few days. Saturday night we’re heading up to the ISU game and I’m hoping we won’t freeze our you-know-what’s off!
This past week we’ve made some changes. We had ourselves a pretty good heart to heart and decided to stop the TCM treatments. For us, what it ultimately boils down to is what is worth sacrificing for, and what isn’t. Right now, it felt like we were sacrificing a lot to go through the treatments, but weren't seeing any benefits. After such a jam packed year with the move, China, followed closely by more PT and then the TCM…we were both ready for a breather. So we discussed it with Jay and last Friday was our last treatment. It felt like a huge weight was lifted to us both, so I know we made the right choice. This week has been great not having any commitments after work, I almost feel guilty with my free time as though I need to fill it up with SOMETHING. I think it’ll take me a while to settle into NORMAL again…but it sure feels good to have the option.
We had a great weekend too. Had the Kepler’s down on Saturday. Matt and Chad hung out watching football and taking it easy while Hope and I took the kids down to the pumpkin patch.
Chad was feeling pretty stir crazy being cooped up in his house, so I think he was happy for the change of scenery. Of course, we had a blast chasing after the kids at the pumpkin patch. Matthew was here, there, and everywhere…just like a typical 2 year old! We came home, made some pizza and spent some time just hanging out as family…it was great. 
Sunday after church I worked out in the yard, planting a bunch of transplants that Amy (Matt’s former physical therapist) had given me. Sunday was beautiful and WARM…funny how quickly things change! I planted and planted…I think if I stopped to count how many things I’ve planted this year in the new yard…it’s probably a couple hundred! Here I thought I’d only worry about the front flower bed this first year…HA! What was I thinking? I can’t help it…I just love it. I can’t wait to plant some trees and watch things grow and spread in the coming years. It’s rewarding to watch things take shape and know it is because of my hard work and effort!
All in all, things are good here for us. We’re really excited to be freed up a bit now and are looking forward to the fun things planned in the coming months. We are going to California in early November – I have a work conference and Matt is coming along. We are going to Texas for Thanksgiving at my parents house (YEAH!). Matt’s sister Lissa is moving back home in November and the Karwoski family will definitely be more complete with her around. We have a lot to be thankful for, and I really want us to soak it all in!
On another note, my friend Julie’s baby is doing well. He wasn’t able to have the breathing tube removed permanently yet, but he will soon. The doctors are optimistic that his airway is good and when he is stronger he’ll be able to breath on his own! This is such wonderful, fantastic and encouraging news for Scott and Julie. I know this is an answer to prayer, and I’m so grateful, as I know they are as well. They still have a long road ahead of them, with lots of uncertainty, but this is a huge, positive step forward for them!
This past week we’ve made some changes. We had ourselves a pretty good heart to heart and decided to stop the TCM treatments. For us, what it ultimately boils down to is what is worth sacrificing for, and what isn’t. Right now, it felt like we were sacrificing a lot to go through the treatments, but weren't seeing any benefits. After such a jam packed year with the move, China, followed closely by more PT and then the TCM…we were both ready for a breather. So we discussed it with Jay and last Friday was our last treatment. It felt like a huge weight was lifted to us both, so I know we made the right choice. This week has been great not having any commitments after work, I almost feel guilty with my free time as though I need to fill it up with SOMETHING. I think it’ll take me a while to settle into NORMAL again…but it sure feels good to have the option.
We had a great weekend too. Had the Kepler’s down on Saturday. Matt and Chad hung out watching football and taking it easy while Hope and I took the kids down to the pumpkin patch.
Chad was feeling pretty stir crazy being cooped up in his house, so I think he was happy for the change of scenery. Of course, we had a blast chasing after the kids at the pumpkin patch. Matthew was here, there, and everywhere…just like a typical 2 year old! We came home, made some pizza and spent some time just hanging out as family…it was great. 
Sunday after church I worked out in the yard, planting a bunch of transplants that Amy (Matt’s former physical therapist) had given me. Sunday was beautiful and WARM…funny how quickly things change! I planted and planted…I think if I stopped to count how many things I’ve planted this year in the new yard…it’s probably a couple hundred! Here I thought I’d only worry about the front flower bed this first year…HA! What was I thinking? I can’t help it…I just love it. I can’t wait to plant some trees and watch things grow and spread in the coming years. It’s rewarding to watch things take shape and know it is because of my hard work and effort!
All in all, things are good here for us. We’re really excited to be freed up a bit now and are looking forward to the fun things planned in the coming months. We are going to California in early November – I have a work conference and Matt is coming along. We are going to Texas for Thanksgiving at my parents house (YEAH!). Matt’s sister Lissa is moving back home in November and the Karwoski family will definitely be more complete with her around. We have a lot to be thankful for, and I really want us to soak it all in!
On another note, my friend Julie’s baby is doing well. He wasn’t able to have the breathing tube removed permanently yet, but he will soon. The doctors are optimistic that his airway is good and when he is stronger he’ll be able to breath on his own! This is such wonderful, fantastic and encouraging news for Scott and Julie. I know this is an answer to prayer, and I’m so grateful, as I know they are as well. They still have a long road ahead of them, with lots of uncertainty, but this is a huge, positive step forward for them!
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