Keeping our chins up...

Paul is having open heart surgery on Wednesday. He had a heart cath last week because when he was getting testing to get on the kidney transplant list they found a blockage. It is in his main, front, left artery. It is actually on a curve, where other arteries intersect, so they could not put in a stint and he has to have surgery. They also cannot go in through the side because it would take too long and it would risk the little kidney function he still has.

Jon is flying in on Monday and staying until Thursday. Paul will be in ICU and then a regular room for a few days. When he gets home his mom is staying with us so he isn't alone when I am at work - at least until he is back on his feet.

We are all fine and keeping a positive attitude. I am grateful they found it before it hurt him. He really has not had any symptoms. He will be ready to get on the kidney transplant list at the beginning of next year. I am sure he will be happy when all this is over and he can get on with living a healthier life.

It was rather ironic that we were at a Red Dress Gala for women's heart disease at Cheri's college tonight. We had fun, family, and food (my favorites). Cheri will be home next weekend. I like the fact I see her every week or so when she is at college. I don't like not seeing Clint and Amanda for months but that will all end in May!!! I can't wait. Charlie usually stops down here on his days off but I don't see Kortnie much with her school and work.

All three of the kids were up in White Cloud a few days ago to visit Grandpa Anderson. He cooked them venison and they all enjoyed visiting. He is getting ready to deer hunt. I sure wish he would move up here from Florida. Sue and the kids are all in Michigan (except her grown boys). I worry about him down there all by himself.

Getting old really sucks. Friends, family, and health all start going. I really need some grandkids to make it worth while. I'm going to be 50 in May and I have 5 kids and no grandkids. Clint, Charlie, and Jon hear it from me all the time. PIII doesn't want kids and Cheri is too young. The kids just laugh at me and roll their eyes when I start in on them. Actually none of them are at that point of their lives but I can dream, can't I?

Anna is doing great. She has been so busy with football, friends, Young Life, our critters, and shopping! She is going to Kalahara (huge water park) next weekend (we were going to Chicago but cancelled because of Paul's surgery). She is going skiing over Christmas and we are meeting her parents in New York over Spring Break. We are trying to plan another short trip in-between but we need to see how Paul is feeling. She is also going to Disney World with EF and the other exchange students. On top of all this we have tons of activities planned around here. We are getting ready for her first Thanksgiving and an American Christmas.

I have been teaching Zumba 3 days a week and I am running. I have signed up for a 5K on Thanksgiving so I try to fit in running on non-Zumba days. These activities are a wonderful stress relievers. I decided to take the time for me - at least an hour or so a day.

I will keep you updated on Paul.
Love You!

At the Red Dress Gala by Alpha Phi for Women's Heart Disease

Cheri (in white knee-highs) playing flag football with her Alpha Phi girls

Cheri and Alex for Halloween

Kortnie and Charlie - Gangsters