La Battalla

At the end of each day growing up, my dad would have us talk about our "three happies and three sads" we generally opted to start with our sads so we could end the night on a good note. So in line with tradition I'm going to start with some "sads" and then move to the happies. I feel like a young mother must feel when her son comes home from his third day of school and tells her "mom the kids are making fun of me" And he begins to realize he is different. Not that Will is being made fun of but some of his deficits were pointed out to him last week and it was not easy to hear. I realize too much fear in the face of criticism can cripple us, so I'm praying for bravery this next week. We have had very little communication with the hospital as far as what they are thinking about a return to residency for Will, but I imagine that dialogue will come. We still don't know if we are going to stay after this week, for the next two weeks, but are hopeful this will be the case. In the meantime we were surprised to find out Will is going to be scheduled for a "on call" 30 hour shift this week, any day of his choosing. I think he will choose Thursday. Meaning he'll leave for work Thursday at 7 am and come home the next day at 1 pm.


Now onto the happies, for we've had plenty of them. Friday night we went to the ward halloween party here and Saturday my husband took me on what I think I could call the best date I have ever had. He took me on a ride in Ohio's country side. To begin the trip we crossed through Columbus. I finally captured a shot of a totally foreign custom here. People park in the road. Look closely at the picture above. Though the cars may appear to be moving in their lane, they are not. They are actually parked in the lane. This is totally legal here-- It's crazy I tell you! Next we stopped in front of an elementary in downtown Columbus. Have you ever seen a more luxurious elementary in your life??? (below)


Once we got out of the city I began to feel like "Anne of Green Gables" must have felt entering Avonlea for the first time (I know all you girls will get this parallel, but for you boys-- that means it is beautiful here). I've posted some of the shots I took along the drive.





Once we hit Circleville Will was reminded of a Pumpkin festival going on there. We promptly made our way downtown and attended the biggest "street festival" I've ever been to. There were greasy fast food stands lined up for five blocks straight, mingled with a few rides and crafts. We wandered around until we decided on the below healthy cuisine. I had a funnel cake and Will had a fried something sandwich.

Of course it could not be a pumpkin festival without lots of pumpkins, and princesses (I think the town decided on the princesses part because Pumpkin and Princess both start with "P") Anywho, I've posted some pumpkins pictures and me enjoying the evening parade--Every other float was filled with princesses! They were everywhere--my nieces would have loved it!!!!


Well I'm sure this entry is long enough. I'll keep you updated on our progress here and any news we hear from Riverside Hospital. We love you all and think of you often. O one last thing I'm finally starting my photography business I just bought my domain www.summerimage.com check it out (but don't look to closely at the design Micah.... I'm still working on that ;)

p.s. Have you ever had a deep fried Oreo before? Will and I have ;)

Will's First Day

Things in Ohio are going well. We've seen a lot of Will's friends since we've been back and his old bishop. Many of them have been amazed to see Will doing so well. A friend of Will's Chad, a nuerologist who just finished residency, jaw dropped when he saw Will. Chad just looked at Will for a long time in a sort of unbelief at how much better Will was doing. He said "I think a lot of people didn't ever expect to see you here again." He bombarded Will with questions and said -- Wow you're the old Will for sure. We have had other similar reactions but this one was my favorite. I wish I could have seen Will reacquainting with nurses and doctors at the hospital I hear that has been pretty fun as well. So many people so glad to see Will. One nurse stopped Will in the middle of the hall and said I know you....the two enjoyed a fun reunion and she was amazed that Will had returned and with a wife none the less ;)

Well you should all know Christmas will come twice this year for us. Once last Friday and once sometime the end of December. Friday we picked up Will's old stuff at the home it was kept. Since Will had forgotten about some of the newer possessions he had we both enjoyed discovering what was in storage. First off we are the proud owners of a tent! Yipeee!!! We've also got a blow up mattress pad, a beautiful dresser, a bookshelf, office chair and lots and lots and lots of books that have something to do with medicine-- imagine that.

For the rest of news there are not a lot of job prospects for me yet but I am holding back on calling around for references before I find out how things go with Will. Meanwhile, Will liked his first day at Riverside I even sat outside all afternoon so I could catch the moment he came home...

O-Hi-All

We're finally here! I'll give you a download of the trip and new place in just a few sentences.... for you'll see that most of the anticipated blog "viewing" time will be used up in the short videos I created. So here's the goods. Somewhere between Utah and Ohio the sky started getting bigger. There were more clouds and more trees. Less mountains to clog up the sky. It is both great and miserable. I miss my mountains but love the trees here.

Next our "Dueno" AKA Landlord is a very nice older gentleman that loves to share his food with us. I like him already ;) OK one last story before the videos begin..... Will and I did not go to Mt. Rushmore or Nauvoo. I had a bad cold and Will was exhibiting signs of that same cold. We wanted to rush to Columbus in time to "recoup" before the rotation. Within hours of leaving Utah my cold began to subside and Will's has yet to manifest. I know the Lord is preparing the way for us and Will and I are so grateful for the opportunity we have been given here in Ohio!

ps the above pictures were on our run.... Will in front of one of the HUGE homes in our neighbor hood. Will in front of the river and running trail next to his old place of residence (I love it and plan to jog here often). And lastly Will in front of the place he lived when he had the stroke.