Echo app't. and results

We are back again after traveling to Wpg. last week for my appointments. The first one was for the echo cardiogram which Merle found very interesting to watch. I was disappointed because the screen showing my heart was behind me and I only could see it for a short time when I rolled a bit more to my right side. But I could hear the steady rhythm of my heart and the gentle squish squish sound of my blood pumping. The technician would tell Merle bits and pieces from time to time and we could soon tell he was impressed with what he saw. But, of course, he left the actual telling to the cardiologist.

She was a very thorough and unhurried doctor making us feel like she really cared. It was quite interesting to hear what she had to say. For starters she said I was very lucky to have come through the heart attack alive. That was quite sobering. It was something I "knew", but didn't really know medically speaking. Again, one of my favourite verses came to mind, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book, before one of them came to be." Psalm 139: 16

She also told me that the dissesction ocurred just prior to the MI. After she'd read the results from the echo she told me that my heart muscle is moving and working well with no signs of any damage. That was so encouraging, to say the least. She did put me back on Lipitor in case of cholestrol build up around that artery, as she said that sometimes there is an even build up which is difficult to detect.

She wants to see me again the end of Nov. to do 2 more echos: one with my heart at rest and one with it under stress (medically induced). If there is a big difference she will likely order another angiogram to see how the dissected artery is doing by then.

So, all in all, I am thrilled with the report and give God all the glory for His healing (or protecting) my heart. Since this procedure doesn't show the inside of arteries we don't know at this point how the dissection is doing. But that's o.k. HE does! It gives me courage to keep trying to get back to my normal leval of activities but with common sense of course.

There was a huge bonus of going when we did as all of our Winnipeg family was at home and we could enjoy them and the beautiful fall weather. I appreciate the prayers of each of you who read this. Let me know how I can pray for your needs as well!

Two more weeks

It's Thursday and I just thought I should let you know that in 2 weeks I'll be seeing a cardiologist in the 'Peg. I now know one thing she wants to do and that is an echocardiogram, which I've never had done before. Right after that I meet with her and discuss "everything", whatever that may be. At this point I can only assume what the options may be, so I feel like there's not much point in writing that (my own assumptions). My prayer is that God would use this doctor and other medical people to aid in my healing as He desires.

I've been thinking a lot about being a daughter of the King and Him taking good care of me every minute of my life. Isaiah 26:3 keeps me from giving in to the fears that come at times. The NIV says: "You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

I am humbled by all who've been praying for me and say a huge "THANK-YOU" ahead of time for those who continue to do so. There are days when I feel almost normal. Well, that is until I try to act like it and do too much. I still tire easily which probably means that my heart is still having to work harder than it should. Which may mean that the dissection hasn't totally healed yet. Only my Creator knows for sure!

Dress up, Tea Party and cousin fun...

I'll try again; couldn't make it work to put more pics. on earlier today.

Family Week (Aug.15-22)

Our fun family week started off on Friday evening when Robyn and her 3 youngest showed up around 6 p.m. They were followed by Daryl and Anna-Christina after midnight as he couldn't leave until he finished working. Saturday was spent together doing last minute work, but mostly just enjoying our time together again. Because of my heart attack in June, we really haven't had a lot of time together this summer--at least not like usual. So, it was nice their family could arrive early. Sat. evening Kirk, Karla, Jose and Kim came together as they had met up in Mpls. Fortunately, we had the camper to set up and the Schantz's slept in there all week.

Sunday after morning church services we returned home and were only here a short while when the Slaubaugh 6 showed up. Thanks to L. Weaver for coming over then and taking our family photo! Eighteen people (+ one tiny unseen one), makes for tons of laughter and fun! Sometimes Merle and I just looked at each other in amazement. For myself, I just shake my head and find it incredible that we are the "oldies" of the whole bunch.

I won't bore you with all the details of each day, but here is a run down of some of our activities, meals, etc. Our 4 girls did the cooking and our 4 sons did a lot of the cleaning up after meals. The meal that they were scheduled to do, they provided the groceries for as well. Thanks to all!

We celebrated Rhonda's birthday at Rahill Beach with some of Matthew's family. The kids loved the swimming part as much as the eating part as it was a hot summer day. The guys helped Merle at the car wash and worked hard one morning. Some of the group got up early to go fishing and came home with enough to feed the whole group both times. One favorite meal is fish tacos and the girls did a superb job of making them. One day we went to Kinsman Beach to play! There was water skiing, knee boarding, swimming, and making mermaids. Uncle Jose came along after I'd buried a granddaughter up to her chin in the sand, and formed a tail at her feet like a mermaid. Of course, all of them wanted the experience when they saw how cool that was!

A highlight of the little girls week was going to Rhoda's in Ear Falls for a real lawn tea party. She went all out and made it very special for all of us. First we all dressed up in her dress up clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc. before going outside to where she had tables set up. Her friend helped her bring out 4 courses, each very dainty and each very tasty! Her lawn and flowers made it so perfect for the absolutely beautiful day together. She had china tea cups and saucers for everyone and said even the 2 year old should use it and not to worry if it breaks. The little girls were not disappointed when she brought out her duck made of fruit! Each of us had our own tail feather to eat made of assorted fresh fruit on a skewer.

Then there was time for walks, talks, going through clothes (maternity and baby), kids playing piano, treasure hunt, water gun and sprinkler fun and many other fun times. It went by way too fast to suit me, but I did have to admit that when the last ones left the quiet house seemed o.k. again. It made it easier to say good-bye knowing we all plan to get together in KS between Christmas and New Year's and also because of Rhonda's family living here in R.L. for awhile.

I am doing really good with the heart problems as it seems to be managed with the aspirin and ramipril. And with walking and not over doing my working and/or other activities. My good news is that I have an appointment with a cardiologist on 25 Sept. in Winnipeg.

O.K., I'll post a few pictures and let you get on with your lives:)

more pictures

Dave and Rachel

If you don't know who's who, you'll have to ask. We had a great representation of present or ex- Red Lakers.









It was a truly beautiful and very meaningful wedding celebration that united Rachel Joy and David Howard on August 9. I wish I would have/could have gotten more pics., but with my limited energy level I had to be happy with what I got. Of course another bonus was to see all 8 of our granddaughters and get a bit of a head start for this coming week. I loved how they used so many family members but also others as well. The 3 instrumentalists did a wonderful job on the piano, trumpet and cello for the prelude, processional and recessional. Dave's brother sang "Be Thou My Vision" (solo), and Rachel's "Yutzy relatives" sang a beautiful rendition of "The Lord Bless You and Keep You", acapella. Of course I thought the meditation was superb, but I'm a bit biased since it was given by my husband. Tia, Caleb and Caitlyn did a great job on their verses during the ceremony too.

Well, I'll let you judge for yourself as to the beauty of the bride and the beaming groom, etc. Rhonda's girls declared that Auntie Rachel looked like a princess and they were right.

There was a perfect bouquet of white roses with a candle in the centre in memory of Barb. It was so fitting and helped us remember to enjoy their special day for her. I think she was probably smiling as she watched the whole day.

LHNM Campout

We had a very nice campout this year with our staff last week. The weather was perfect, the fellowship great and I got to rest whenever I needed to! We were on the shore of Lake Superior and enjoyed watching the changing colors of the lake through the different times of day and weather. The pictures starting on top left are a group game, Merle cooking breakfast, shoreline, and our chairs where we sat to eat breakfast overlooking the lake.
Coming soon...another wedding and grandkid fun!

Bride, con't.

Here Comes The Bride

Yesterday, 02 August was the wedding of Emily Weaver and Kevin Weibe. They had a beautiful setting at Stormer Lake and a gorgeous day for their celebration. Rayne Meekis was the flower girl. Kevin's best man was a good friend and the other 2 guys are his brothers. The bridesmaid on the end is his sister. Emily's maid of honor was her sister Erin and her other sister, Elena was also a bridesmaid.

Nisly Reunion '08

If a picture is worth a thousand words, than I won't say too much this time. I'm feeling pretty good after 2 days of recuperating from the trip.