Prayers Would Be Kindly Appreciated

Last night Dave was working on cooking Sarah's dinner. He hasn't stopped talking about celebrating Sarah's birthday all week. He had planned on cooking this amazing lasagna by Bobby Flay. He promised to make it for her for months and her birthday seemed like the perfect time to do it. It takes two days to make the meal with the three sauces from scratch. When I looked at the three page print out that Dave was reading it made my head spin. Dave started cooking at 6pm and after Ethan went to bed I relaxed on the sofa watching a movie.

At about 11pm, Dave had taken out the stock pot out of the oven. The recipe called for the use of a Dutch oven but we didn't have one so he used our stock pot instead. The stock pot was filled with one of the sauces and the meat. Dave had already taken out the meat and was ready to strain the sauce into a bowl. Being as tired as he was, he forgot to use oven mits and took the handles of the stock pot to the sink. Half way his hands were burning and he rushed to the sink in a hurry. The pot must of hit the edge of the sink and poured right onto him.
I was in the other room and heard the screaming. There is nothing like hearing your soul mate screaming in terror. Let me just say it broke me before even reaching him in the kitchen to see what happened. I was looking around for blood or anything to tell me what was the matter. Dave started to strip his clothes and then I knew that his body from the waist down was badly burned.

The rest of the night is a blur. Praise the Lord that Ethan never woke up once in the night with his door opening to the kitchen and dinning room. I called the doctor and they gave us advice to treat him at home. There was no going to the hospital with the pain that he was in. I hopped from kitchen to bedroom all night helping administer pain medication, cold rags, a cool bath, rags from the freezer, and even ice packs in between (per the doctor). Dave finally fell asleep at about 3am while I was finishing up cleanning the kitchen. The sauce had covered the entire kitchen, dining room, part of the hallway, and all the lower cupboards. I am so thankful for buying a huge bottle of Dawn at Costco that afternoon. While I was cleaning Dave's phone beeped a reminder. When I looked at it, it said, "Sarah's birthday dinner. Make lasagna."

At 4am I laid on the bed and pulled a blanket over myself but I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes I saw Dave screaming. I was also afraid that I would miss the 5am alarm to give Dave his medication. At 5am I called Becca and Josh to tell them what happened and asked if they would be willing to take Ethan for the day so Dave and I could get some rest. Of course they said yes.

I laid down and I woke up to Josh and Becca's car door outside. Josh, Becca, and I sat in the living room whispering until Ethan began to stir. I sat next to Ethan and said, "Guess who's here?" He answered, "Who is it, Mama?" I said, "Auntie Becca and Uncle Josh." He lept out of his bed and ran to the living room. When he saw Josh he yelled, "Uncle!" It was so precious. I will remember it always.

Dave this morning still wanted to finish the meal. "What about Sarah's birthday? She leaves for California on Wednesday." We all told him that she would understand. That is why I love my husband. He never is thinking about himself. We are going to freeze everything so that he can make it later. We all love Sarah and we are so thankful for having her in our lives. She is so worth it. We missed seeing her and the family tonight.

Dave has second degree burns with one inch tall blisters on his body. The pain isn't as bad as last night but if you could be in prayer about his healing we would be blessed.

Photographer Ethan

Our budding photographer, Ethan, took Becca's camera after his party. Look how he looks through the "view finder" on Becca's point and shoot.

Get those elbows down! We never taught you that!

Tuck in your elbows. That's better!

Sweet Korissa

Sarah took these beautiful pictures of Korissa at Ethan's party. I love them! Yeah! I have girlie pictures to play and scrap with! Ha!

The Little Things Bring Joy

On Ethan's birthday we wanted to surprise him with our presents (he was spoiled enough at his party heehee). We got this cd from one of his Veggie Tales movies. You can go online and record the theme song and three other songs with your child's name. Since Ethan's new favorite friends are Larry and Bob I went ahead and put his name in the songs.

It was so cute to watch him listen to Larry and Bob talk to him. Those little things bring such joy.

How Did Three Come So Fast?

It is crazy to think that Ethan is three now! His birthday was simple, sweet, and with family. Besides Ethan having a fever during the party, having cried most of the time, and not wanting to even eat his own birthday cake it was a good party. ;) We took the family on a tour of the camp so they could see where we live. It was so great to have everyone walking together as - one... sigh... the only four missing were Heather, John, Nick (and the kids), and Mom. If they were there it would of been perfect!

I made the banners. The day before the party, Alyssa helped make one more garland that needed to be done.

There was plenty of space for everyone to watch Ethan, not enough chairs though. ;)

I loved the wrapping job Alyssa did on the present.

My dear Uncle Adrian!

The family on a walk.

Dad fell behind because his feet were hurting him. Dave walked him back and Sarah took over the photographer's duties.

Not bad Sarah!

Beautiful shot that Sarah took in the forest with the sun shining off the river.

After the party, Sarah and Becca hung out a while so that Josh could take Uncle Adrian home. Becca, Josh, and Sarah got Ethan this tent. Look how cute Becca and Ethan are inside!

Good-Bye You Ol' Shrub

Dad arrived a bit early to Ethan's birthday party. He knew I wanted this huge shrub removed from my front yard so he thought to bring his tow cable. That is just what he did! I sure did love seeing it come out!

Grinder Time

We love having the Grinders only five minutes away now! ;) We are so blessed (or spoiled depending on how you look at it, LOL!). They came over to get a tour last month and I wanted to make sure to record some of my favorite photos.

Ethan and Dad.

I kept on stopping Becca to pose for photos. Ha!

A new favorite!

The lighting was just perfect!

Look at the view! I love our new home!

Ethan At Play

I love that Ethan can just play right outside the front door. There is a beach volleyball court across the lawn of our home. Ethan grabs his diggers and plays like it is the beach! Not the cleanest place to play but so BOY! Although, I was thinking it is probably cleaner than a playground lately. ;)

The last time he played here, Becca and I sat on towels and watched him while getting warmed by the sun. It was wonderful.

Mueller Tour

Love these photos we took when Joanne took us on my first tour of the camp last month. Aren't they sweet. Ethan prays for his best friends every night. "Jon-ah-thon, Alyssa, Joy-anne, and Eric."

Reading the sign together.

My new favorite!

Signs of spring.

Best friend in the world!

Lots Of Play Makes For A Sleepy Boy

Since moving, Ethan's afternoons have been like this. He has played so hard that he falls asleep. This time, he fell asleep in the car and Dave brought him in the house and sat him in the chair. Dave and Dad sleep just like this... with their arm behind their head. Ethan's ultrasound even had his hand behind his head. Ha! Some habits can never be broken!