End of an era

Today was my last day at IAC. I have worked there on and off part-time for 13 years. It paid to quit--I got a party and some nice gifts! I'll be playing in The Music Man all weekend and then will start work with Hennepin County on Monday. Joel will have to adjust to having another person around in the morning.
If I get up, that is...

Only Thirty Years!?! Seems like yesterday!

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                   (  Happy Birthday Peter!) 
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30 YEARS AGO ...

Happy Birthday to the oldest of my three sons, whom I had when I was practically in my teens! Anybody believe that? I don't remember too much anymore... just how good the french toast tasted at breakfast, since I hadn't eaten for so long. Oh yes, I remember how happy and excited we were. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER!

Surgery

Just a quick note from the hospital waiting room computer.. Maria's mom is out of surgery, and things went about as well as can be expected. They removed the tumor from her breast, as well as some tissue from around the tumor. They also took some lymph nodes, which from preliminary tests don't look to be cancerous. She's in the recovery room right now, and she'll be going home later tonight after being checked out.

So all in all - it looks to be good news so far. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues her recovery.

Surgery Tomorrow

Just a reminder to everyone to pray for Maria's mom tomorrow as she'll be undergoing surgery for her breast cancer. We'll be sure to give an update as soon as we know more.

well I am still here in chicago. I have a week and a couple days left. I am not sure about Liv but this first year of college has flown by, especially this second semester. Christmas break seems more like a couple of weeks ago than the four months that it has been. the year is definitely winding down now as I enter finals season. I have a final paper due tomorrow and next week I have a 15 page philosophy paper due, as well as final exams in my african american history class, christian ethics, and intermediate algebra. the only thing I am worried about is the 15 page paper, but boy am I worried.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Teresa and Beckie!

Happy Birthday Teresa!! It's your day!

Olaf

It's almost time for class, so I don't have much time to write this, but I thought I'd just post some pretty Olaf pics.
Liv

chicago is becoming more and more beautiful everyday. there are finally leaves on most of the trees. I have been riding my bike on various errands to walgreens, target, and several thrift stores in the area. my tan is slowly improving and my once stagnant legs have life flowing through them again. I still havent been to the lake, the water is probably still a little chilly. soon

Easter Artwork

In her "Russian Literature in translation" class, Liv read this story, "Fatal Eggs," which almost seemed like it came from the news. It was an SF-ish story lampooning Soviet Bureaucracy and described a disease that killed poultry (Bird Flu?), as well as a mysterious ray that could boost egg growth. For our family Easter Egg dyeing, Liv did an egg that illustrated points in the story - today it was my breakfast - but I wanted to preserve the artwork!

Prayers for Maria's Mom

Just a quick note to ask all of you to pray for Maria's mother. We found out today that Maria's mom has breast cancer, and she'll be needing to have surgery very soon to have some of the cancer removed. We don't know a whole lot yet, but she'll be meeting with doctors and surgeons on Monday - so please keep her in your prayers, and in your thoughts.

Victim of dog abuse?

Koko has a huge swelling on the side of his face. We were afraid it was cancer, but the vet seemed to think that it was a sialocele (salivary gland cyst from breakage of the duct). Joel reminded me that I had accidentally kicked Koko in the head a couple days ago, so this is probably the cause. The cytologist thought it was a hyperplastic lymph node and didn't see evidence of the salivary gland involvement. We have a surgical consult next week. He's a sad baby.

well I haven't biked yet since it officially became spring, but I did go on a few rides on a few milder winter days. I have a huge presentation in my christian ethics class tomorrow about genetic engineering or cloning or something. so of course I am trying to find as many ways as possible to procrastinate. it has been very sunny here in chicago recently, but still kind of chilly. I have tentative plans to play tennis with this guy here at north park. I am excited. it has been too long since I have played tennis outside. I have a lot of school work right now this week. I am busy but it isn't too bad. I am gonna go try and get some work done.

Last one in?

I know Mark, John, and Lynda have been riding their bikes to work all winter (although that isn't as hard in Georgia as in Minnesota), and Joel has been riding for more than a week, but I finally made the plunge today. I encountered no problems until I got to the parking lot and couldn't remember the lock combination and had to call Joel on my cell phone. Ah, senility!

Grandpa's funeral

Cousins and significant others, originally uploaded by onebigswede.

Grandpa had a wonderful and very meaningful funeral on Saturday. Here are a few pictures from the day.

PICTURES HERE

Rest in Peace - Dewayne Holmes

Just a quick note to let you know that our Grandpa DeWayne Holmes passed away this afternoon at 1:10pm. He passed while deep in sleep, and the attending nurse said that he slept his way into heaven. Your prayers for the family at this time are appreciated. We'll miss you Mor-far.

Some of my rememberances of Grandpa Wayne are here

Happy Birthday Mom and Maria!

IMG_0010
Originally uploaded by onebigswede.

We all had a wonderful brunch on Saturday, thanks for having us over Mom and Dad, and Happy Birthday to both of the birthday girls!

Happy Birthdaze!

Happy Birthday Maria and Nancy!!

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Spring beauty sighted

You all may be getting a lot of snow, but it's spring here! Happy first day of spring.

Ingrid's Update: Ok, I spoke too soon...this happened last night...