Tell the Good News

Greetings and Salutations my anxious viewers!

Western Nebraska started out the week with blowing & drifting snow, wind, and cold air. Sarah's weekend instructor course was postponed two weeks, Jury Duty was postponed three weeks, school was cancelled, so Eden didn't go to Stacey's house and the Conference scheduled for the end of the week was in question, as the interstate was closed on and off all week because of the wind and snow.

Lars had his 16 month check up (yes, it's supposed to be a 15 month check, but I'm not as 'on the ball' with child #2). He is 19# and some odd ounces, and is still not legal to be front facing in his car seat. He is very tall, at 37", which is why he's in 18 month clothes with the waist darted in each pair of pants so that they stay up over his little butt. Thank God for bulky diapers.

His head is a bit of a concern, as it has not grown at all in 6 months, and was small 6 months ago. He will get re-checked in 6 weeks and if it's not grown then, they will probably do some scans to make sure his brain is developing as it should. My cousin had this same issue almost 25 years ago, and she turned out Ok.

Personally, I think he just looks like his daddy. Even Al's baby pictures are exact replicas.


On Wednesday, school was cancelled again because the country kids couldn't get out. The roads had mostly drifted shut and cattle needed water and feed. Confirmation class was cancelled, so Pastor came home early and we all ate supper together.

Thursday morning, we loaded up the Blazer and headed out of town to Casper, WY. The District was hosting it's 8th annual "Tell the Good News About Jesus" conference and the Strawns and the Douthits were planning to attend. The weather seemed nicer and the roads were much better. All highways and interstates wasre open. Wyoming is blessed to have TWO interstates, one going east/west and one going north/south, so it shorted our trip a bit to be able to travel at 80mph. However, in 200 miles, we only pass one rest area, so Eden had to hold it a lot.

The hotel had a mini water park indoors, so Friday morning, we got up, ate breakfast and got dressed in swimsuits. Everybody crammed in the elevator and went down to spend an hour swimming and splashing around. Eden loved having somebody to swim with , and the girls took her in the 3 foot deep end with her cube on. They all had a great time, though, we forgot the camera, so I can't prove it to you.

After some shopping and lunch, the conference began. During the banquet (on the main level), Lexi & Kyra took care of Eden & Lars (on the 6th floor). In a matter of not quite two hours, Lexi phoned 4 or 5 times, and Laura and I each ascended once to take care of some dilemma up there. We did manage to eat in peace, however, so it was worth it. I just don't think Lexi will be volunteering that again anytime soon!

We travelled back on Saturday evening. The kids slept almost all the way home. Unfortunatley, we forgot to fill up the gas tank before we left Casper and there are only 4 towns with gas stations open between Casper and Bridgeport. As blessings would have it, our low fuel light didn't come on until Lingle, a tiny town with a great Mexican Restaurant, 17 miles from the NE border. They had a rinky dink station with an "OPEN" sign in the window. We pulled in and filled up!

Arriving home, Eden was thrilled to climb into her 'new big girl bed', which is a twin bed that takes up almost half her bedroom, with pink/white/lime green bed sheets. This might just be the trick to Mom and Dad getting a full night's sleep, as so far, after two nights in the new bed, Eden has not come down to our room. Yes!

Now it is Monday and I'm behind in everything. The snow is mostly melted, thanks to several 50 degree days and the mositure is very welcome. It is the first we've had since August. Eden is at daycare, Al is at a meeting in Scottsbluff, and Lars is asleep. It's almost heavenly.