Kaspurr's Ordeal

We had quite a scare with our beloved cat, Kaspurr, this week.  He stopped eating, which is unheard of for this gluttonous guy!  Upon investigating, the vet thought he had an obstruction, so we went in for emergency surgery.  It turned out that they didn't find an obstruction, but instead found a tumor at the start of his colon.  The vet took a biopsy, but we didn't know if Kaspurr would survive long enough to find out the results... and if the results were cancerous, we didn't know that he could handle having that portion of his colon removed.  Because of my experience giving Katie subcutaneous fluids, the vet let me take Kaspurr home to handle his post-op care myself.  I gave him injections of pain meds, antibiotics, sub-q fluids, and even had to force feed him.  I am thankful that Katie prepared me for this type of care.  Needless to say, it was a very anxious few days as we awaited the biopsy results.  Fortunately, they were negative for cancer - which means we still don't know what caused this, but he soon began eating again and we are all so grateful for his recovery.  Here he is feeling a bit better, as evidenced by his vulnerable position in showing us his ragged belly.

We were so grateful when he began acting normal again, such as curling up with his big sister, Kate.  

Easter 2011

It's fun having a little guy in the house... otherwise, we may just skip these fun traditions, like coloring Easter eggs! The older boys could probably do without, but to watch them help their little brother do it... PRICELESS!

The Easter Bunny brought Maddox all sorts of goodies... he was tickled, but was adamant that the boomerangs he found in his brothers' baskets should be his. ;) In any case, he did enjoy the super-colossal bubble wand!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter celebration!
Miki

A Visit from the Ingrams

We love it when the Ingrams come to town - especially when it includes a good 'ole game of Catan!

A Visit from Doris

Our dear friend, Doris Mager, came to visit us and even gave a presentation to many of our homeschooling and community friends! We always get to stick around longer, though, and love on her and the birds by ourselves.

Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas to us! Grandma Sara got us the shirts - aren't they cool?!

 I think Morgan is excited... what do you think?

 I got Michael this cool "Straight Up Chess" board to hang on the wall.

 Merry Christmas everyone!

Maddox & the Cat

I posted this on Facebook a couple weeks ago, but it's so blog worthy... this is how Maddox carries Kaspurr around. It's the cutest thing! That cat just hangs there as sweet as can be.

Don't believe Kaspurr tolerates it? Well, here's another one to prove it:

Yup... that's one sweet cat. A little on the heavy side, but sweet none-the-less!

Michele

The Tree

I am so far behind on updating this blog... someday I'll go back and share the rest of the big events of the year, but for now, I must move on to current events!

We did something new this year, and I am quite certain it will become a new family tradition as it was so incredibly special! We cut down our very own Christmas tree from our very own backyard! It's been many, many years since I've had a live tree for Christmas, but something about getting it from your own yard makes it even more special. We searched our whole property for just the right tree...

...and settled on this one. Kind of sad to take it down, but what an honor for a tree to serve, right?!

Our good friends, Bob & Vasi, were with us and helped us pick out the right one. Michael's holding it in the photo above.

Then the decorating began! Maddox was quite the little helper...

...as were the big boys.

Photos never do it justice because they don't capture the twinkling lights, but let me just tell you... I think this is the most beautiful tree we've ever had!

Merry Christmas, everyone!
Michele