This morning I had an appointment with my cardiologist.  I received an excellent report.  My open heart valve replacement was in 2008.  They don't know how long my bovine valve will last. Beginning in 2018 or if there are any problems before that I will have to have an echo cardiogram every year just to keep a close eye. If any problems arise he said it is most likely the fix will be less invasive.  I really hope that is true.  Actually, ideally I would hope not to ever have to have anything done in my lifetime.  I am so thankful things are going well.  

Happy Anniversary John and Casey!

I'll just use the picture below for John and Casey's anniversary congratulations. They have been married for nineteen years and have two children, Peyton and Jack.  Happy Anniversary John and Casey!  

Happy Birthday Casey!

Yesterday was Casey's birthday. Sometimes it feels weird to call her daughter-in-law because she is more like a daughter.  We love you Casey.

Last week we were visited by Bob's sister Mary Ann and her family.  They had previously attended a gaming convention in Austin.  They must have really enjoyed it.  The kids said it was the best vacation they ever had. It must have been fun for them considering they are a family that goes to Disney World every year. We enjoyed having them here.  It was nice to have some one on one time with everyone. When we do see them it's only about once a year and for two or three hours.  The photos below are of an evening at Eagle Mountain Lake.

The one year anniversary of Bob's stroke was last week.  Bob is doing really well.  He walks more smoothly and most of the time he goes without a cane around the house.  His speech is much better but he still sounds like he has an accent because he has trouble pronouncing his L's and R's.  The speech therapist graduated him a couple of weeks ago. There is more work to be done with his hand and arm but he makes improvements every day.  He works diligently and is so inspiring to everyone he meets.  It is starting to seem normal again.  Sometimes I forget he can not do certain things.  He started driving himself everywhere and I can't even say how much help that was to me and how much of a sense of freedom it gave Bob. When Bob and I look back on this time last year and realize everything he has been though and where he is now we are both so thankful and grateful to God for giving both of us strength and for His healing power.

Mary Ann, Barb (me) and Joyce

Rob and Andy

Joy

Bill

Andy

I just want to take a moment to say "rest in peace" to Becky and to Bill who passed away last week.   They were classmates of mine from high school.  I went to an extremely small school. We were close and although we went our separate ways all of these years we kept in contact and also attended a few reunions to catch up. Their families are in my thoughts and prayers.