DONE!

These green socks were probably the most fun thing about yesterday...the rest, not so much! However, the procedure is done & according to reports, went well. We were able to get home in time for the Canucks game, which was very important to one of us. I am happy to report that Rick is semi-comfortable today. We are relieved that it is over & the healing has begun. Thanks for all your prayers & blessings...you are appreciated!

"Praying for us"

Tomorrow morning we go to Vancouver Cancer Clinic for Rick's brachytherapy procedure. Seems like we've been waiting for this day for so long, and now that it's here...it's kinda scary!! For anyone who isn't aware, Rick has prostate cancer & this is the treatment we have chosen. It will be much less invasive than surgery (although he will be under general anesthetic for the implant) & it consists of implanting about 100 radio-active seeds into the prostate. These seeds will attack the cancer cells - similar to radiation therapy, but it's one procedure & you're done, rather than going in daily for weeks on end. We anticipate it will go well & I will be able to bring him home tomorrow. Length of recovery time is uncertain, he will definitely take the rest of this week off & then play it by ear.

Our family & friends have been faithfully praying for us through this past year of waiting. We are so blessed by their love. Today as I was making supper, there was a knock on the door - a florist delivered this beautiful bouquet of flowers from Rick's brother & sister-in-law Ger & Shirley, who live in Saskatoon. It says simply "Praying for you". Our hearts are touched - okay, i might have gotten a little misty, too. Thank you!!!

If you think of us tomorrow, (or tonight for that matter) would you pray for peace of mind, a successful procedure & quick, complete healing? We are so grateful for any prayers on our behalf!

Malcolm's first birthday!

What's keeping everybody...let's get this party started!

One of the best things about presents is the tissue - he loves that stuff.

Hey, now I can work with Daddy

Wow, that is an amazing cake that Mommy made for me...do I really get to eat it?

what kind of flower are you?

We got this fun little quiz from a friend's blog (thanks Lovella) and discovered this morning that Rick is a snapdragon ( mischief is your middle name but friend is your first; likes to play pranks) & I am a petunia (trusted friend; a little nervous about doing things out of the norm). Pretty accurate on both counts! What kind of flower are you - please find out & let us know...

Home At Last!

On Wednesday, Greg & Becky brought Isaiah home - what joy! We had a celebration at their house (don't worry, we brought the food) & everyone got a chance to share the love.

Isaiah got his very first bath ever from his Daddy - lots of stickiness from all the tape in the hospital. It was sort of a love-hate bath; sometimes he complained, then it was like "oh, this is kinda nice"

Kinda glad to be back in my cozy warm sleeper again

Oooh Grandpa...you are so good-lookin'. A mutual admiration society - feel the love!!

Introducing Isaiah Cameron Falk!

We've waited a week to post this blog - for numerous reasons - but we are SO happy to tell the world that we have a beautiful new grandson. These four pictures, in a small way, document his first week of life which has been quite an experience.

Isaiah was born last saturday morning - looking the picture of health. It was soon apparent, however, that this was not the case...

...by saturday evening he had been taken by ambulance to Childrens' Hospital & was in surgery. For details, please link to Greg & Becky's blog.

Wednesday, it was a delight to see him without the ventilator tube in his mouth...such a little fighter!!

And today, the absolute joy of holding him for the first time & seeing him eat. We are grateful beyond words to God for His gracious healing hand & for the prayers, love & concern of our dear family & friends.

We now have five grandchildren!! The first four were born without any thought of medical problems or health issues - we just kind of took for granted that they would be healthy & were naturally grateful that they were. This past week we have experienced a different look at a newborn - the absolute complexity of the human body - how intricate a tiny baby is - & we marvel at a God who designed us & is never surprised by how we turn out. What we perceive to be a fault is still His design & He has a purpose for everything He does.

We stand in awe of our own tiny miracle - and know that God has great things in store for Isaiah. Please praise God with us & continue to uphold Isaiah in your prayers as you are reminded of him.

(Old) McDondalds

Who knew Friday night could be this much fun...just hanging around...

...being a monkey in a cage...

...taking a little nap...

...or spying on Grandma!

Project Done

Today I finished the refinishing of the chest of drawers and as promised here is a picture. I know it dosn't look a whole lot different but I didn't want to change the look, just take off the old finish and put a new finish coat on it.

WHAT ??? March 1!!!

So this is what we woke up to this morning. So instead of going out to do yard work at our customers places I had a "snow day". And we are suposed to get a little more snow tonite. Gord I know it is nothing like your ice pictures from Toronto but for us this is most unusual. This is the week we typically start mowing, aerating and power raking, I guess it will be postponed for a few days.