Our summer started a bit differently as I had a second neck surgery on June 2nd. The first time, my neurosurgeon went in from the back (posterior approach) to remove bone
spurs. This surgery was done from the front (anterior approach), and the surgeon replaced the
discs at C3-5. This recovery has been a lot easier than last
time—even though there’s still some pain, I’m feeling better overall than
before the surgery. Seth and Lydia have been awesome at taking over the household chores. I am getting so spoiled not having to clean, cook, or do dishes! Since I also had a lifting restriction, I couldn't even get groceries by myself.
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| I know they look weird, but I love these lazy glasses that let me read without bending my neck. |
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| Incision looks good! |
The week after my surgery, Cloverdale held a Family Ties VBS, Monday to Thursday evening. The event started with dinner prepared by
church volunteers, followed by praise and worship in the sanctuary. Kids then attended their activities while adults
remained in the sanctuary to hear presentations from local ministries about how
we can support them. Seeing my own kids involved in Family Ties (Seth chose the music and played piano for the praise and worship time, Lydia and Anna helped teach, and Joshua led the outdoor activities) was such a blessing, as I was unable to assist in any way this year.
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| I love the intergenerational aspect of church. |
Two weeks later, we drove to Faith Heights in Donnelly for our annual church camp. About 80 church members gathered from Wednesday evening to Saturday morning to enjoy fellowship, play games, share meals, and hear teaching on the Gospel of Luke from Rev. Paul Lindemulder.
In between surgery and the above church activities, the kids (with supervision help from mom) cleaned out closets and kitchen cupboards and helped Russ repair and paint the back porch. They spent many hours practicing piano and violin for a wedding in July.
Summer wasn't all work, though. Lydia spent lazy afternoons on the porch reading, and Seth had several outings with high school friends back home for the summer. Other activities included pickleball, ultimate frisbee, and yard games in the park. Lydia also flew to California to visit Aidan in mid-July. When Lydia returned from California, they had a fun outing with Joshua and Anna paddleboarding near Ritter Island. The kids also attended three plays at the outdoor Shakespeare Festival, including The Twelfth Night, Noises Off, and Sunday in the Park with George.
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| Celebrating Ascension Day! |
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| Wish we lived closer so we could have watched Josie play Mrs. Hannigan in Annie. |
