Released!

Matt's MRI and CT scans both came back normal--so even though all the other tests weren't in, the neurologist released him.  He is happy to be home.  Ana's kindergarten graduation was today.  Aunt Karla taped it and he got to see most of it in the hospital.  We so appreciate your prayers on our behalf.  You can keep praying for a less dramatic life :)

More News

Good news!  The neurosurgeon reviewed the CT scan and says there are no bleeds, BUT tomorrow they will be doing a MRI just to make sure everything else is fine.  His white blood cell count is elevated--so they are doing lots of tests just to rule out anything unusual.  Appreciate your continued prayers!

In the Emergency Room Again

I came home early today after packing up my classroom.  Matt had fallen in the basement and passed out.  He said he was having trouble speaking--it's harder and there is a more pronounced droop to his mouth.  He is still able to walk and communicate pretty clearly.  Right now we're under going tests to rule out another stroke.  Appreciate your prayers!

Will update as soon as I know anything!

The Children's Museum part 1

The Chinese exhibit at the Children's Museum was FANTASTIC!

 There were places to practice with chopsticks and a restaurant to cook Chinese food (yes, there was fish!) and serve your parents.

 China organized all the dishes.

 You could stamp a Chinese name on a book mark,

 and practice your calligraphy,

 dress up in opera costumes while listening to Chines opera singers,

 learn more characters with an actual Chinese person (the only one I saw!!)--she was delighted that Ana had lived in China,

and pose next to a lion outside the tea house. There was also a temple, an herb shop, and a

 large exhibit on pandas.

 At a different exhibit you got to view actual terra cotta warriors.  This one was an archer.

 You could mold a warrior and add it to the museum's growing army!

 China and Ana (with some help from me) put together a 3D warrior!

 We tried on costumes,

 rang Chinese bells, and

viewed amazing sculptures.  Well done Indianapolis.  I was so pleased that you presented an accurate display of China--down to foods in the grocery store and even our favorite Chinese cough syrup!  We'll definitely be back for another visit!

The Indianapolis Zoo's Orangutans

I took Ana out of school a little early on Thursday so that we could run to the zoo's grand opening of the orangutan exhibit.  Even though it was a member's only day AND in the early afternoon the place was packed out.  We enjoyed viewing the orangutans.  The exhibit was well done, but not very interactive.  That said they have some of the biggest orangutans I have ever seen.  Singapore, has a world class exhibit with a show, but these orangutans really were impressive with their climbing and size.  We'll have to go back when the excitement dies down a little!

Field Day!

Because the little ones didn't get to go to Horizon's field day, we had our own...

 We threw things--beanie babies!

 We hung out!

We hopped.

 We waited for popsicles!

 I got one picture of Ana enjoying her treat.

 After lunch we had messy day and boy did we get messy!

Hooray for the next to the last day of school!

City Life

I ran across this article this morning.  The Kings live pretty close to us.  I'm so encouraged by families moving into a neighborhood to be a light.  He is so right about living in the inner city.  Many people think it would be horrible, but in reality we LOVE where we live.  We like that kids play outside together.  We enjoy knowing our neighbors beyond a surface level.  We encourage everyone to move into a hard place and see what God can do through you.  You'll be amazed!

Champions

 China's team played Crystal House for the championship.  Although both are charter schools and both are in "inner city" Indy, they were really worlds apart.  China's team--almost all hispanic/african american--Crystal house--almost all white  I have to say that Paramount has some fantastic footwork, some fast runners, and great kickers.   The score?  10 (or more--I lost count) to 0.  This was the first time that they had been on a full size pitch.  China was pretty tired by the end!  Go turbines!

Random Updates

First of all, I want to say a HUGE thank you to Mr. Greg Boyer.  He has followed Matt's case closely and is still working with us to get more therapy sessions.  He has selflessly used his own time to help us!  That being said, please continue to pray with us for favor with the insurance and a speedy decision.  (We will have to change insurance soon!)

China's elementary soccer team will be in the championship game next week--there are only four or five teams in their league--all private or charter schools.  But, they are very excited!

I will be working in the Summer Excel Program at Shepherd.  Please pray with me that I can work full time and still hold our family (and house) together. :)

We are looking at having Mitike take some evaluations.  Again, wisdom is needed!  Some things have been going on at school and she just got caught.

I've been blessed by a visiting group from Point Loma Nazarene University in California.  It's so refreshing to see young people with servants hearts!

We appreciate all the cards from GCA, Oakland, Shepherd, and just random people.  They make our days brighter!  Thank you!

Soccer

 So we went to a soccer game tonight.  Ana watched for a couple of minutes, asked three relevant questions, then went to work driving this stick into the ground.  (It turns out it is an animal trap.  She stuck leaves on the top and said, "when the animal bites the leaves the stick will poke it and it will die!"  All said with a nefarious smile.)  Later she said, "This isn't much fun...I thought there would be chips or something."  

China, after scoring three goals was pulled from the game and stood between the coaches for the last 20 minutes.  I'm supposing it was to let others in on the action--two more goals were scored.  Turbines (How is that for a mascot--I thought the Artesian Wells was bad!!) win!

Happy Birthday Matt!

Tonight we went to a Mexican restaurant--the first time since moving back to the States (shows you how often we eat out :)!!)  Ana enjoyed the chips and salsa.  China ordered chicken nuggets and french fries (eye roll!!)  Matt liked it all!

In what I'm calling a mini mid life crisis Matt shaved off his beard last week.  First time in 15 years I've seen him without it.  I wish I had videoed Ana's reaction :)

We're glad that we get to celebrate another birthday with Matt!  Happy Birthday!