August has been a crazy, busy month. Shortly after returning from our trip to Denver my friend Anita and her two kids visited us. They recently moved from Chicago to Kansas City, so I' am really thrilled to have them closer. The only bad thing about their visit was that Arden, Anita's youngest had a terrible cold, which he generously shared with Addie. Not a huge deal except it eventually lead to her being put on antibiotics and having the first fever she's had since her seizure incident. So, that was a bit nerve wracking, especially for our sitter, Julie. Julie did everything right and got the fever down right away, but it still made us all a little nervous. It stinks to have to be afraid of something typically as benign as a fever, but I'll never forget the image of Addie hooked up to a ventilator after her ordeal. Bleh. So I'll be one of those mothers freaked out about germs and sickness forevermore. Friends, family - please bear with me! : )

On the 14th Dennis and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. Can't really believe it's been that long. Seems like yesterday when we were surrounded by friends and family round a campfire singing and eating smores. I may be biased, but our wedding was a total blast, and actually, so is our marriage. I couldn't ask for better, and Dennis is far more than I deserve. Here is a photo us then and now. The wedding photo cracks me up. I have a bit of a farmer's tan and I don't think Dennis even combed his hair. And look at Dennis' baby face! I must be aging him!

The last weekend of August we all flew to St. Louis. I had another conference there so we decided to all fly out early, rent a car, and drive down to Blue Mountain to visit John and the boys. I was a little nervous about going since we hadn't been back since Ellen's funeral, so I knew it would be really hard, but I was happily surprised that it wasn't as difficult as I imagined. Just seeing the boys so happy and full of life was all I needed to enjoy our time there. We were only there for a couple days, but we were there for Jackson's 5th birthday and his first day of kindergarten. Jackson and Parker were really sweet to Addie, and she seemed in awe of them.

Naturally, I missed Ellen terribly. Being in her home and seeing all of her personal touches everywhere make my heart ache. It just drove home what fun she had in making a house a home. She loved her life with John and the boys, and I'm so thankful she was able to fulfill her dream of being a mom and a wife before she passed away.

I visited her grave. I wasn't sure what to expect. I've never really visited anyone close to me's grave before. My first impression was how lonesome her gravestone looks. It sort of sticks out there by itself. I stood at her grave awhile and waited to feel something - grief, comfort, something significant, but I mostly just felt empty. I felt closer to her in her home and around her family, so after a few minutes there I went back to the house.

I'm so thankful we were able to spend time with John and the boys. They are planning to be back in Nebraska for Thanksgiving. I'm sure John will be brushing up on his backgammon skills so he can beat Dennis a few times. I'm really rooting for John. Dennis needs humbled! : )

ADDIE CAN WALK! She actually started really giving it a try about 3 weeks ago. She'd been standing on her own for a long time. Then the end of July she started taking those lurching "steps" towards us if we held our arms out. Then the first week of August - while Dennis was leading a backpacking trip through the snowy range in WY- she actually walked across the ROOM! Poor Dennis missed the big event. I tried to get it on DVD. But he got to see her in action just a couple days later when Addie and I flew out to Denver August 5th. I had a meeting for work scheduled in Denver for August 8-9, so we just flew out early and meet Dennis so we could spend some time in the mountains and visit friends and family in the Denver area.

I was a little nervous about flying by myself with Addie, even though it was a direct flight out of Lincoln - the world's easiest airport. Still, I was happy when my mom offered to meet us at the airport and assist with baby wrangling while I got checked in, etc. It was a good thing she was there too. Now that Addie can walk it makes keeping her in check even more tricky!

Luckily the flight went OK. We were on a tiny plane and sat next to a very large man. I tried to keep Addie from kicking him, but it wasn't easily. She got a little squirmy/cranky, but he was a nice man and put up with us. Thank goodness for veggie puffs and cheerioes! We'd have never survived the flight without them! We rented a car (NEVER rent from Advantage BTW) and drove to Ft. Collin's and met Dennis. Addie could then show daddy her new walking skills in person. He was VERY impressed.

We were able to spend Sunday in the Estes Park area. We walked the river path through town, had lunch then hiked around Long's Peak that afternoon. It was a perfect weather. It felt like heaven after the heat and humidity we've been having. Addie loved the hike, and the hikers we met loved her. She grinned at everyone she met.

That night we spent the night with Dennis' buddy from high school, Gary. He also has a little girl, and it was fun to see them both as dads. Gary immediately after we arrived started playing "ring around the rosie" with Megan. I bet that was something he'd have never imagined doing in front of his buddy a few years ago. Now Dennis joins right in. It's pretty great.

On Sunday we spent the day at my cousin Julie's new house. We had fun just hanging out with the kids in their HUGE play room. Julie's little girl, who is also named Megan, loved playing with Dennis and Addie.

While in Colorado Addie perfected her walking skills, and now she's walking like she's been able to do it for months. It's just so amazing how quickly she's changing.

It was Grandma Brewer's birthday blow-out last Saturday. Nearly all of Dennis' family got together to celebrate. Dennis' mom could hardly believe her eyes when Addie walked up to her. She kept saying "I can't believe what a big girl she's become".

It really is hard to believe that last year at Grandma's birthday Addie was being introduced the the extended family for the first time. She couldn't even roll over, and now she can walk. Amazing. I wonder what changes another year will bring?

Hallelujah the heat wave finally broke! It's been over 100 degrees for the past week. Today it's about 30 degrees cooler. Feels like heaven.

Saturday was Camp Carol Joy Holling's (where Dennis works - http://www.nlom.org/) annual fund raiser - their quilt auction. It was MISERABLE. I'm not usually all that bothered by the heat, but this was bad. Somehow camp managed to raise a record amount of money. The quilts were amazing as usual.

On a much sadder, heat-related note our family dog, Mocha, died last week from what we think may have been heart failure induced by heat exhaustion. Mocha was 12 1/2 years old, so she had a long, and hopefully happy, life. I know Cynthia will greatly miss her friend and constant companion. Home will not seem the same without Mocha running up to greet you.

Back on our farm the only casualty from the heat has been our lawn. The critters lay low and stay out of the sun. Albert, our cat, is usually no where to be seen during these dog days. Laverne and Shirley (our pair of layer hens) hang out in my flower bed - much to my chagrin - and dig down to the cooler bare dirt. Poor Shirley was also recently victim of another vicious attack by the neighbor's dog, Rosie. Thankfully Rosie isn't much of a bird-dog or Shirley would be missing a whole lot more than her tail feathers.

Addie is doing great. She will be walking any day now. She's already taken several steps on her own, but comes in for a crash landing into your arms. Her latest joy is reading. No one but her can figure out what she's saying, but she "reads" with such conviction and expression. It's very cute.

We have captured the "walking" and "reading" on our newly purchased DVD video camera. I tried to capture Dennis and Addie's finish in the Cornhusker State Games "Footstock" 10K race. Dennis was the only person running with a jog stroller and he still finished within the top 1/4 of the runners. Unfortunately, I didn't get the camera figured out in time to capture their big finished. Too bad because Addie was jabbering away the entire race. I'm happy to have the camera, but I'm going to have to get over feeling like a tremendous dork using it. I'll have to ask my dad his technique. I grew up with my dad having one eye plugged into the family handycam saying "and we're fading out . . ."

Speaking of dad, he had been going through a very stressful legal ordeal with a former employee. We are so VERY thankful to report that that has all been resolved in daddy's favor. It has been a complete and most evident answer to prayer. There is no other explanation for the perfect outcome to a situation that has had daddy in turmoil for over a year now. We are so relieved and very thankful.

Dennis is currently leading a staff backpacking trip through the Snowy Mt. range in Wyoming. Addie and I fly to Denver to meet up with him where we hope to do a little hiking. We're looking forward to our mini vacation and break from the hot weather, which is promised to be returning shortly.

I was able to have a pretty cool experience through work last week that was a bit like a mini vacation. I traveled up to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Pow Wow. This year marked its 140th anniversary, and it claimed to be one of the largest Pow Wows in the nation. It was quite an amazing site. Here's just one of the many photos I snapped. I shoulda had my new video camera with me!

We had a really nice 4th of July weekend. It was kicked off Friday, June 30th, with a visit from my dear friend Kathryn, her husband Rob and their son, Alex. This was the first time I've seen her since January of '05 - before Alex was born - so we had never met each other's children. I had been looking forward to their visit for months!

We hosted a little BBQ in their honor, and invited mutual friends. I actually thanked Kathryn for sharing her friends with me. If it weren't for her, I'd have far fewer girlfriends around since I've met some of my dearest friends through her - one of which is dating my brother-in-law, so were all just one happy group! Here's Kathryn (in sunglasses) and Megan and the kids.

Alex turned one in March, and it was fun to see the "coming attractions" of toddlerhood. He is so smart! He uses a bunch of words and is very expressive. Addie was pretty happy to meet Alex. When they first arrived she immediately crawled over to Alex, got right in his face and started screeching with glee. Is she already boy crazy?! That night after the BBQ, Kathryn, Rob, Dennis and I sat around the dining room table and talked about the changes in our lives since having kids. Both Rob and Dennis stay at home with the kiddoes while Kathryn and I work outside the home. It was fun to see how many common experiences, worries and joys we share. We laughed a lot. I wish they lived closer! And they had some exciting news - they're expecting in February!!!

On Saturday we headed to Cozad. My brother and his family had arrived earlier that day from Atlanta. Their family of 6 made the trip in their mini van. They're my idols! We had a really nice time at home, and it went by way too fast. This was the first time Addie and Katherine were able to meet their cousin Tori. It is so neat that all of the little girl cousins were born so close together!

On Sunday after church Dennis and I had the rare treat of being able to got to the movies while Granny kept Addie. So David, Chris, Dennis and I went to see "Superman Returns". It was a lot of fun, and a really great flick.

On Monday we kicked around the house most of the day. Dennis played games with Drew and Alex. He's still amazed at how sharp those two are! That evening we headed to my sister Lara's house to celebrate their son, Luke's 8th birthday (eight!?). We hauled the bikes down and went for a quick bike ride/walk down the bike trail. It was a lot of fun.

Tuesday was the 4th. After a yummy lunch of daddy's BBQ we geared up for that night's celebration with friends and family coming over for a grill out and fireworks. All of the kids looked so cute in their matching 4th of July outfits. Here's a picture of the girls in theirs (L-R Addie 13 months, Katherine and Tori both 6 months). The boys had matching outfits too, but they weren't still enought for me to get a photo!

We headed home early Wednesday morning. We were sad to leave because Uncle Dicky, Aunt Charlotte, Uncle Victor and Aunt Elaine had just arrived. We were able to see them for just a few minutes at Mamo and Papo's. It was a special treat to also get to see Aunt Charlotte and Aunt Elaine's dad, Harold Anderson. We hadn't seen him in several years, and he and his wife had been like another set of grandparents to us. I'm not sure if he remembered me or not, but it was still so good to hug his neck and introduce Addie to him. What a dear man.

It was a good visit, but we missed having John and the boys there, and I especially missed Ellen while I was home. Holidays when we're all together is still hard for all of us, I'm sure. There is this underlying sadness because something is missing. Still, I'm so very thankful for my brothers, sister and their families. It makes the hole in my heart much smaller having them there to fill that void. Hopefully it will continue to get easier.

Last weekend we were with all of Dennis' family at his parent's place. I told Dennis that it makes me a little jealous that he can be with all of his family on a pretty regular basis since they all live in the area. Wes grilled up a delicious "ode to the shish kebob" lunch. Then we filled up the kiddy pool for Addie to splash around in, which she did for about 10 minutes. The grownups got more enjoyment out of it. We sat around it with our feet soaking and visited and sipped root beer and eating popcorn. Pretty relaxing afternoon.

So, we've had some really wonderful times with our families over the past couple weekends. I am so thankful for all of them.

This past weekend was my home church's "Fellowship Meeting", which is Baptist for "a whole lota church!" Addie and I made it back to Cozad for Saturday and Sunday services. Dennis stayed home - Lutheran wimp! : ) Actually, he has been crazy busy out at camp, so he was preparing for an upcoming backpacking trip.

This was my first solo attempt at church with Addie. It was interesting to say the least. She was good, but just so active! I never realized the benefit of having two adults on hand to block either end of the church pew! Another good reason why families should all worship together. : ) We actually spent most of the services out in the fellowship hall where Addie crawled around in "dress mode" meaning she gets up stiff-legged on her hands and feet with her little bottom straight up in the air. I think she does this so she doesn't get tangled up in her skirt. It's pretty funny.

We had a nice visit with friends and family that we hadn't seen in awhile. I was especially happy to see my cousin Stephen who lives in Atlanta. This is him holding my brother's baby girl, Katherine. It's too bad you can't read her bib. David picked it out, and it says "result of an incredible merger". Cute - but appropriate for a fundamental Baptist church setting? You decide. : ) Sounds like something David would appreciate, though!

I was a little disappointed (OK, jealous) to see that Stephen sold his Mazda. He and I had both been driving very OLD Mazda's. His was a 1992, and mine is a 1990. His was in an accident recently, and the car wasn't really worth fixing so he decided to buy a new car. I wonder how much longer my old Mazda will keep going? My goal is to hit 300,000 miles - only 65,000 miles to go! Actually, we went car shopping this fall and were pretty disappointed in what we found. We refuse to buy a new car that gets worse gas mileage than our car that was made 16 years ago. But we also don't want to drive a teeny-weeny car that will disintegrate when we get hit by Bobby Sue Suburbia driving her Hummer while talking on her cell phone. We'd like a family-sized all wheel drive, but also refuse to drive a SUV. So we're holding out for an AWD, hybrid 4-door wagon. (Hellooo, Subaru?!) Hopefully Addie won't be in college before auto makers create such an animal! In the meantime I'll be tooling around in my 35 mpg gettin' sedan, with the automatic in-the-door-track seatbelt, and cassette deck with the blown speakers. All the while keepin' my eye out for Bobby Sue since I don't have airbags! : )

This weekend went by way too fast, but that's just because it was another busy one. Friday evening we visited the Spring Creek Prairie, which is just west of our place. The were having an open house for their newly completed nature center. Dennis was especially interested because this building was constructed entirely from straw bales. The window and door frames were from trees cleared from the prairie. The insulation was ground up blue jeans. It was pretty amazing to see how such a beautiful building could be made out of things that are usually just discarded. We then took advantage of the beautiful evening and went for a hike through the prairie and around the wetland. Another beautiful Nebraska sunset.

On Saturday morning we headed into the farmers market to pick up some fresh veggies, and see who we could see. We ran into McKenzie and her two little girls Parker and Larken. Addie and Larken played in the dirt together, and when the started to eat the dirt, Mack pulled out some "wagon wheel" treats for them to chomp on instead. She's so prepared! Somehow we managed to miss Derek and Malia, Mom, Maggie and Collin and Zach and Stacy. It is amazing how busy the market has become over the years.

Saturday night we had a get together with folks in the Nebraska Lutheran diocese who are working with the Northern diocese in Tanzania, Africa. Dennis and I traveled to Tanzania the summer of 2002, and on Saturday night we were able to visit with a few of the folks who we traveled with, and were briefly reunited with some of our Tanzanian friends. It is a special group with whom we will always share a deep connection. We can't wait to take Addie to Tanzania.

On Sunday it was book club at Malia's. Dennis stopped by to pick up Addie but ended up sticking around for the entire book club. Actually, our book club is pretty loosely defined. It's mostly an excuse to get together with my girlfriends, talk, eat and do whatever else comes to mind. Malia's apartment complex has a pool, so we all ended up going swimming - Addie included. She really seemed to enjoy it despite the water being pretty chilly. Malia then whipped up some wonderful super. I think Dennis wants to join my book club now.

We had a really nice Memorial Day weekend, or I should say Addie and I did. Dennis spent most of the weekend at staff training at camp. This is probably his busiest time of year. Once camp begins on Sunday, his life will settle down a bit, and we're both looking forward to that.

Last Thursday we had a BBQ to go to for Dennis' work. It was to welcome a new couple that just moved to the area to work at camp. They have a baby boy the same age as Addie. There were actually a lot of babies Addie's age there. It was fun, and all the babies were so sweet.

Friday I hung out with Jill. She postponed her return to Spain for a few weeks, which made me happy since we can spend more time together. I've really missed her. We went shopping at the mall and hit some bargains. I picked up Addie's 1-year old photos from JC Penny's. They're OK. A little too cutesie for me, but they were cheap, and it's high time I had her photo professionally taken. This one is my favorite.

Saturday we went on a double date! It was SO nice! Rich and Marcy were back in town, and we went out to eat at the Blue Orchid, a Thai restaurant in Lincoln. Yummy! We all liked our food, but Marcy's curry was SO hot! I don't know how she managed it. I think the toasted coconut ice cream helped! They shared with us the joys of raising a two-year-old and how having two kids is completely different than just one! We had a lot of laughs, like usual.

Derek and Malia watched Addie for us, and they all seemed to have fun together. All the baby info I've read says that this is the age where Addie should be displaying separation anxiety, but so far, not so much. When I left she just smiled and waved "bye-bye" and continued right on playing.

On Sunday we got together with Rich and Marcy again, but with the kids this time. Their son, Owen, was soooo sweet to Addie. This was the first time we meet our god daughter, Norah. She was born the end of March and is just a sweetheart. Marcy was marveling at the amount of baby clothes she has received. I told her that no one can resist cute little girl clothes, and that I haven't had to buy Addie any clothes yet. It's pretty great!

On Sunday we also visited Grandma Pope's grave. We wanted to show Addie where the person she is named after is buried. Addie was mostly interested in the pretty flowers.

Yesterday Addie went swimming for the first time with Daddy and Aunt Stacy at the YMCA. Dennis said that she didn't really know how to react at first. She was in her doughnut floaty and just floated along not really moving. She did end up splashing around a bit, but it must have felt strange, maybe flashbacks to the womb!

Night before last Addie woke up crying. We now know that means another tooth is breaking through, and sure enough, the next morning her bottom left middle front tooth is peeking through. That makes three teeth and three long nights . . .