Welcome Tucker Thomas

Aunt Jessica and big brother

Tucker Thomas was born 9/24 at 3:15 am. Sandra and Zane are the pround parents of another beautiful little boy. Tucker weighted 7 lbs 4 oz and was 21 3/4 inches long. We thank God for a healthy baby. Sandra had a real tough delivery....they woke her up to tell her she was 9 centimeters and then she delivered the baby in 8 mins. Wow...she was made to have babies.

Happy Anniversary!

August 1st was our 22nd anniversary. Wow how quickly time flies by. The longer I am married to Paul and the more I love him. Paul has an incredible love for God, his family and his friends. Even this year Paul has allowed some really tough times to only draw him closer to God, his family and his friends. I thank God for giving me such a great husband. (and a good looking one at that!)

Life is fragile

I can hardly believe what changes just 2 short weeks can bring. My last post was so brief but said so much about what my family enjoys....grandparents, grand baby, friends, church actives and each other. Anyone who knows us knows how much we love our family and friends.

Since January we have been making plans, scheduling vacation time and saving money for our annual family vacation to Mackinaw. This year was going to be the 2nd year that our dear friends were going to join us, Randy and Heather and their family. Two years ago they went with us and we had a great time. They are so fun to vacation with. It was just 2 short but very long weeks ago that our families headed "Up North"..It is a major event to pack everything for a week of camping..including bikes, camping stuff, and all cooking utensils. But that is all part of the fun of going.

As planned we all arrived at Mill Creek Camp ground July 11th..Paul and I unpacked and set up our cabin and then quickly walked over to Randy and Heather's cabin..They were so happy, the kids were so excited as Randy unloaded all the bikes and Heather scurried around making beds and getting the cabin ready for the week. Paul, Paul III and Randy excitedly made plans to take their long anticipated trip out on the raft. It was only a short time until our days plans changed....our life changed. We lost our very good friend. Our friend that we enjoyed so many fun times with. Randy was always up for an impromptu hot dog roast or a Saturday night bring your own fish- FISH FRY..you could always find Randy at all the church actives and usually the first to volunteer to help. He had such a love for God, a love for his family, and a love for his friends..We will miss Randy so much. But, Heaven is a more real place for us now. Somethings we don't understand and probably best that we don't even try to. But one thing I do understand is Heaven is a real place that I want to live my life in such a way that I make Heaven my home.

It has been a rough couple of weeks for my family so I can only image how hard it has been for Heather and her children and for Randy's mom and dad and brothers and sisters. God has given us an awesome privilege to walk beside Heather during this time. We have laughed with her, we have cried with her, we have prayed with her and we have sat in total silence with her. ..We love her and her children so much.

I want to say thank you to so many of you who have called, sent TEXT messages, prayed and sent cards. We have felt so much love from our family and friends and most of all from our Heavenly Father. Please continue to keep us and the Loper/Brewer families in your prayers..

A Few Updates

Wow...I haven't done a very good job keeping up with the blogging thing!! I decided I had to start somewhere so I am just going to post some misc pictures of what has been going on over the past several months.

Jessica and Grammy spending time together

Paul did some landscaping for me!!

Another violin concert!!

Fun at the Parade with friends

Building dedication!

Levi!!

Sandra and Zane

Flowers in my yard!

Grandpa and Levi!

A Few Updates

Jessica and her bff Lauren
Dave and Heidi and family

Phil and Lisa and boys

Ethen, Logan, Addy Paul and Brent

Levi on his Easter egg hunt!!

I have been really bad updating my blog. 2009 has already been quite a blur...but I have no complaints God has been faithful. We just had a great week with family. Phil and Lisa and their boys came and spent a few days with us before IHC. Easter Sunday Dan and Kandi and Sandra, Zane and Levi spent the day with us. Then on Tuesday Dave and Heidi and the 5 children and Lauren Truitt came and stayed with us during IHC. We had such a great time with all of them. I count it a blessing to have such a wonderful family.

Good Report......

Front view
Side view

Paul had his follow up appointment with the surgeon this week. The Dr was very pleased with the progress. He reiterated the seriousness of the injury and insisted Paul be non-weight bearing for another 5 weeks. Dr Archdeacon also said he was not able to correct the break 100%. There is a portion of the bone that he was unable to fix...I took a picture of the X-rays because I thought they were pretty cool..There are 3 plates and Paul counted 14 screws. :) We are thankful the healing process has gone as good as it has!!

Voted Most Creative

Let me tell you that over the past several weeks our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers have been so kind to us. So many people have done so many generous things for us. But!!! I would have to say the most creative gift came from Paul's friends at work. It is obvious they know Paul very well...The picture above is the gift! Yes it is a 5 gallon bucket from Bass Pro Shop. His friends filled this bucket with everything from Ladder Climbing instructions to Snickers candy bars. They sent him gift cards to all his favorite eating places. They stuffed the bucket full of his favorite candy and pop. There was even a few fishing magazines in there. It was such a thoughtful and creative gift.