(Couldn't think of a clever title on this Monday morning.)

 This weekend we drove to Alton to drop off Verity at the site of Chad and Candace's ceremony site. Chad is a real wheeler-dealer who "knows people", and fulfilled his part of the bargain with the city of Alton. He painted the benches in exchange for the rental of the site for the ceremony.

Saturday
 

 
Nice job, Chad!

Reflecting on his handiwork.
Yes, that is the Mississippi in the background. It has been at or near flood stage since May, so there is plenty of river to view at Riverview Park.

Candace and Verity "helping".

Sunday

Jason has caught up to Wendy in age as of July 29. Isaac will be happy to help him with any candle blowing out tasks.

My friend Jill made the cake at her bakery. She asked for ideas for the cake. I told her that Jason loves to play board games. She really went all out- thanks, Jill! The white checkers are white chocolate- yum! I didn't taste the red ones, so don't know what flavor they are.

Happy Birthday, Jason!!

oh- and as a bonus- WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A SEVENTH GRANDCHILD, Lord willing, next February. Last name Morton.

Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy- Verity was baptized this evening in the Cooper's pool.

She is happy happy happy. She and Tom are talking right now- she is bursting with joy.

Tom had a chemo treatment yesterday; Candace had to hold his pump bag at the side. That's why you see a line going across his chest.

Another Midwest Bible Campout is here and gone in the blink of an eye. Everyone who attends gets a slightly different perspective of the event, depending on the size and ages of the group they are with; their housing situation for the week, or however many days they can attend. We have a little tent compound ourselves with several tents- some for sleeping, a "kitchen" tent and a "dining" tent. This year our campout family consisted of Tom, LuAnn, Verity; Jason, Wendy (6 months pregnant), Calvin-5, Isaac-2; Kevin, Grace, Moses-4, Emerald-3, Silas-8 months; Sam; my niece Ariel, her husband Raa, and their son Evren-5. Having six under 5 was busy and fun. It won't be long until they can do fun chores like getting ice and taking the trash up to the trash truck.

Tom felt good during camp- he got to skip a week of chemo for the campout, since he is now in what the doctor calls "maintenance". We got a motel room for him Mon-Thurs, thinking that he would need it for comfort and rest, but he could tell by Saturday that he was doing okay, so he only stayed at the motel on Monday night, since it was already paid for. He was able to cancel the rest of the nights. His hands are still feeling the effects of one of the chemo drugs that was discontinued a couple of months ago, so he was limited in what he could do in that respect. The nerve endings were affected and are in the process of regenerating, we hope. There are things that are pretty painful for him- buttoning buttons, opening soda cans, and anything that requires pressure on his fingers. Sadly, he can't play the guitar for now.

We left a day earlier this year than usual. Tom left early on Thursday morning. Verity and I left later that day when I could get off work, around 1. We had a nice trip, and got there around 5:30. SO nice that the tent was already set up. Priorities being what they were, we got the "kiddie corral" put up as soon as possible. Isaac and  Verity were good help to Grandpa!

On Saturday, we left after lunch to go to Springfield. We had planned to go there initially for a camp shopping trip at Sam's Warehouse.  Tom and I had a good time in Springfield, working in a little trip to Bass Pro Shop and my first time to go to Culver's for supper. It was a bonus to attend Eric and Amanda Rogers' wedding that evening.The wedding was beautiful- at Eric's parent's place in rural Sparta. It was raining when we arrived, but it stopped for the ceremony.

Eric made the arbor- Sam is the second groomsman.

A couple of guests- and great posers who sat behind us!

Travis and Cari Kite's girls.

 We attended church in Summersville Sunday morning, hosted by Flat Rock. They had rented the community building which was a combination gymnasium/roller skating rink/arcade/entertainment venue. It was really neat. We had time before services to check out the place.

Trying out the driving game- it was fun even though it wasn't running.

Daddy Jason helps Isaac dunk.

Sunday night we attended the Summersville services at their building. The boys were entertained with a nice doggie afterwards.

After the exciting doggie they piled into Grandma and Grandpa Woody's car. They were demanding that I drive, leaving Grandpa, parents and siblings behind.

"C'mon Grandma- let's go to the pirate playground!"

 

Calvin was adamant that we go visit the "pirate playground". He had seen a really cool playground in Summersville on the way to church, which had a pirate theme. When mommy fetched him out of our car, she explained that we couldn't go there because it wasn't a public playground. He was serious and puzzled, "Is it only for pirates?"

          

I think it was that evening that Wendy got out some cool glow sticks for the kids she had bought. *glowsticks, not kids*

And this ends my picture collection of the campout.

I spent my time away from my camera, which was safely stowed in the car. I wish I had left my new cell phone in the car as well. It got dunked in a soft drink during the week by accident, and it hasn't functioned since. We will be taking that to the cell phone place on Monday to see what we can do with it. We are pretty sure we have insurance for it, so it is just a matter of inconvenience for a few days to be without it.

We are thankful that we had a successful campout- the lessons that were shared by the teachers were uplifting and soul-feeding. It was heartening to be around so many good people who have made serving the Lord their priority. It is like a week-long family reunion, whether we were related by blood or not. The weather was not too bad- a little warmish, and a little dampish there at the end, but nothing to complain about, that's for sure.

We always come back from the campout weary in flesh, but exhilarated in spirit, looking forward to next year.

 

This morning Tom, Verity and I were able to attend grandson Calvin's last T-Ball game of the season. A very pleasant event- Wendy had saved us a spot under a shady tree on this very hot day, which looked down onto the ball field. We were in good company- Wendy, Isaac, "Paw-paw"  Darrell Range, and Grandma Joan Range.

Daddy Jason served as one of the many coaches for the team. They need one on each base to give the kids instruction on where and when to go next. I love T-ball- no score, no outs, everybody bats and it lasts one hour.

Coach Range hangs onto Calvin until it is time to run from third to home.

 According to mom and Grandma Joan, Calvin has greatly improved since the season began. He knows that you run around the bases, beginning with first instead of heading for third, and he gives the ball a pretty good wallop. It seems the big bonus for this sport for Cal is the enormous amount of soft dirt to scuff through raising a small cloud while running back to the dugout; to pick up, to transfer to the ball glove, to make clever little mounds of on the ground while playing defense.

Calvin the Columbia Cardinal (with a Cincinnati hat).

Isaac kept us entertained as well. He loves his "paw-paw" and gave him lots of attention.

Mr. Isaac making sure Paw-paw's hat was on just right.

Last night we got a rude awakening.  Around 11:30 pm, we were shaken out of bed by what sounded like an explosion. BOOOOOOOOMMMM !!!! We wandered around in confusion for a little bit, found the flashlights since our power was out. But our security light was still on which puzzled us. Tom went downstairs to check on things, then came back up and asked me if I knew the window above the washer was broken. Also puzzling was why most of the pictures in my office were knocked off the wall, but that was explained by the concussive effect of the lightning.

When we got our brains un-fuzzed we decided to go look at our breaker box, and see if we could get things switched back on, which, thankfully, everything came back on. We are VERY thankful to have the breaker box- it replaced a box full of fuses last year. Everything is fine now, except our phone, which runs our internet. That, as far as I know, is still out. The big old tree in the back yard evidently got a direct lightning hit.

I am subbing at our local office now- that's how I can get on the net. I could get on the internet on my cell phone, but I just got it a few days ago, and I haven't figured it all out yet.

Basement window blasted by nearby lightning hit.

I went out this morning to see how the tree looked- really, not too bad. There were bits of bark and leaves scattered around and on the swingset.

bark and bits.

The base of the tree is really interesting. All the ground above the roots was just flung up, and you can see the bark is scarred where it was zapped.

 

All the dirt is from the lightning.

 

This probably contributed considerably.

The old clothesline pole nailed to the tree trick. This was from the previous owner twenty-five or more years ago. And just now it got hit! I have been thinking about taking it down- might be a good idea.

It was a reminder of how powerful God is- this was NOTHING compared to what He is capable of. It was awesome nonetheless.

Tom and Verity found this last night. I was VERY glad I didn't find it with my bare feet- I had just walked up those stairs, and missed it.

"Awake, thou sluggard."

 Now that I start this post- I have drawn a blank on where these balloons came from.  Why did we have balloons at Prince Road? On a Wednesday night? Why are they red? Did we have a party?  I think I have had some mind-altering occasions in the past few weeks, so hopefully folks will overlook my mystification.

I could go and ask Candace in the next-door bedroom, but wait...Candace isn't here--SHE GOT MARRIED!!!!!  I am still having mommy-twinges and watery eyes about that big change. I am happy- this is what parents hope for, and we are so grateful that she has married such a fine person, but it is an adjustment. That car isn't in the driveway anymore, and the bedroom is empty.

But...that being said, we have been looking forward to making some changes. Verity will move out of the littlest bedroom into Candace's which has the family piano, and Tom will move his desk and books into V's room and have an office for the first time upstairs, with a door! And closet!  That is exciting!

Okay- back to balloons. I think Candace took these pictures a couple of weeks back, so they are out of sequence with our lives. I just wanted to look at something fun and funny.

 
Candace tied this on Wendy's backpack. She was unaware of it for a long time.

Avaryn watches those "big boys" Calvin and Isaac.

Prince Road and a couple of our tummy girls visiting with Kathy C and Vonna. Wendy/September; Jackie/any day now.

I think the kids were able to keep ahold of them!

Calvin waxing eloquent, as is his wont; Quinn and Isaac laughing it up.

'V' being for VERITY, who graduated from Southwestern High School on Friday, May 28. A beautiful evening, shared with friends and family. This was one of those "lasts"- the sixth and last Woody to graduate from the district. One of those happy/sad occasions. One of those abrupt moments, when you are faced with the reality- yes, you ARE getting older. But with 'lasts' come 'firsts' which compensate. And when the school year rolls around again later this summer, I will have a very, very pleasant 'first'- no more first day of school!!! 

Public anyway. Verity has already begun college, taking an online course this summer through the local community college, which she will, Lord willing, be in full-time for the next couple of years starting this fall.
 


Being a "W" sure has some benefits- very last to graduate- and everyone is always thrilled to see the very last graduate go across the stage in a crowded, hot gymnasium.


Besties Samanatha Lucker and Verity, standing in front of the Forrest.

Party!!!
Tom and I hosted a luncheon party to honor both of our graduates  (Candace-nursing school; Verity-high school) at the church on Sunday afternoon. It was a happy, happy occasion, which I have very few pictures of, being hostess and all. Kimber and Kylee helped Grace, Verity and I decorate. I failed to get a shot of all the balloons that V and G huffed and puffed on, which festooned the dining area.

Verity's cake


Candace's cake.

The Blue was for C's school, Lewis & Clark; the green is one of SW's colors.

Epic High Five


A Kimber Kreation

We exhibited some Verity art and memorabilia (some of the balloons had taken refuge under the table)
Jonathan, Luke and Aaron Tutterow take in the exhibit.

 
Sam supervises young'uns in the church yard.

And here he is with his daddy.

And now... for the letter 'W'

I think it all started with us re-arranging our cell phone plan. It was time for us to re-do our contract; Candace was going to go on Chad's, since she was out of school, had a new job, and was going to get married. On Tuesday afternoon I got a call at work from Tom. He told me that Candace and Chad had decided to go ahead and get married- the next day, which I am going to call WEDnesday. She was on her way down to the county seat to get the marriage license. That was a "WOW" moment. But I sure understood why they made that decision. Chad has a house and job, Candace was out of school and had her job, it was only logical to not just mark time until September, when they really wanted to be together. So last evening, the parents and some siblings who didn't have work conflicts gathered here on a beautiful June late afternoon-
 


Riverview Park, Alton IL

And it was a river view- we all really loved looking down at the Mississippi-

Looking west, I believe- the river makes a "bend" here.

View supervision.

Silas thought the whole thing was thrilling!

Here comes the bride!



Her best friend Megan was there as well!


So happy Megan could be there- hugs all around!

Hugs for mama.

Hugs for Verity

And hugs for Grace.


When in Rome, or at least Alton, wear Roman sandals.

Candace put together this lovely bouquet.


Gazing into the Gaaa-zeeee-bo.


Tom gives direction to this production, while Groom Chad waits to play his part.


Final details- Chad, Tom, Pam, Steve (Chad's parents) and Candace.


Daddy walks his "Alamo Judy" down the "aisle".
"Alamo Judy" is a pet name for Candace from baby days- don't remember the provenance of it.

 
Listening to the timeless reference to the creation of Eve for Adam, and its relationship to marriage.


Putting the ring on


And now linked for life.


Deal--sealed!
 
Or is it?

Filling out the paperwork after church, before the annual Prince Road campout responsibility meeting.

Wendy had just uploaded this tune on her phone- which lent a nice ambience to the evening. This was also used as processional music. Good thinkin' Wendy! **edit** see Wendy's comment- I wasn't "tuned" in when she was talking about the song.

Ceremony

Grandma's video skills were shaky when Silas was adding his two cents worth.

We are still planning on the public ceremony in a few months where we can increase our joy sharing Candace and Chad's happiness with a formal ceremony and reception. We are all really looking forward to that!

"Gal"-a events. Well, mostly events to do with "gals", with the addition of celebrating grandson Calvin's fifth birthday with granddaughter Emerald's third at Grace and Kevin's. Lots of hoopla, hats and happy times.

Birthday girl and boy

Happy Mr. Silas

One of her many gifts. This present got "inspected" thoroughly by Grandma and Verity before it went to Kansas. We LOVE dollhouses.

Isaac gets his reggae on

Calvin scores another birthday present. Moses looks disappointed, but he is just woolgathering.

A quiet moment with Grandpa.

Pensive pre-presents.

Breakfast buddies

The Last Concert
The last Woody played in her last concert on May 4. We really enjoyed it. I had been really excited about it- yay- the last concert after 20 some years! But when I stood up at the end of the concert, I began to cry. I do love band, and we will miss it.

Long distance shot. The high school musicians wait on the bleachers while the middle school plays. Verity hangs out with her buddies and makes funny faces at us.

Mom succeeded in getting a shot in-between the music stands.

Verity receives her senior award from director Mielke.

Our school district has to trim 800 thousand dollars from the budget because of the dire financial condition of the State of Illinois. Mr. Mielke's job has been eliminated as well as all teachers' aides, many support personnel, all non-tenured and a couple tenured teachers; two administrators; some have had their hours cut back. We will miss him- he was a talented teacher.

Promenade 2010
Verity went to prom with a group of her girlfriends.

She is second from the right in a white pleated dress.

The prom is held on the campus of our beautiful Lewis & Clark Community College.

The evening was frrrrrreeeeezing!

Sistuhs!

Candace went with me to watch the kids come in at prom. I was there for Verity and to take pictures for our paper. The site of the prom is right next to the nursing building where Candace received her education. She took me on a little tour. Her picture is already up on the wall!

Happy to be done with nursing school- Candace!

I am disappointed it is blurry- but there is our baby there at the end.

Pinning Ceremony
Candace participated in the pinning ceremony for the nursing school graduates. They receive pins and get to share a little with those gathered, thanking their friends, family and loved ones for their support. Chad put the pin on Candace and Tom and I got to be up there, also to get a flower and hugs from Candace. Everyone liked Candace the best of all- she was the very last one after a long ceremony. The advantage of being a "W".

Candace with Emerald.

Candace was ecstatically happy to be graduating.

Grandpa Bown kept Silas happy for a long time.

Coming in at the tail end of the parade, holding a candle.

Happy, happy parents and our darling Candace.

"Sisters"

Report on Tom
We haven't said much for a long time, because there really hasn't been a lot of "new" news. He completed 12 treatments. The last two, they omitted one of the strong chemo drugs, because they were concerned that he might get nerve damage. His numbers have plateaued, at least the last couple. It did go down slightly this last time, after going up just a tiny bit. He didn't get a count taken at his 12th treatment because the doctor didn't need to see him. He is going to continue having "maintenance" treatments, which sound to me like pretty much what he has been getting. The difference is that he won't have to keep quite a strict every-other-week schedule with those. We have SO, SO much to be thankful for. We are happy that he is able to keep his speaking appointments and is able to function pretty much as he always has. He is weaker and tired-er than normal, but he hasn't had some of the debilitating symptoms that we have heard about with chemo, thankfully. His hair continues to thin, and he is having some issues with his skin being sensitive to sunlight, but we sure can't complain about that. We are profoundly thankful for the powerful, positive prayers that have been offered up to the Father on Tom's behalf. They have made all the difference in the many aspects of this situation. Our love and appreciation to all of you!

First there was this.....

 

Then this...

One of our co-worker's hubby's called to tell us that "chicken-sized" hail was coming.

We had to settle for chick-pea-sized hail.

   

Nice little berm for the garage door

Makes me glad that I forgot to take my ficus tree out yesterday as I had intended to do.

 

 This is for you, Martha- double rainbow! The mist over the field in back of us was so surreal.

Tom makes a good point.

Ice cold salad greens for the picnic!

This last weekend was a mixed occasion. My brother Kurt's wife Linda lost her battle with lung cancer. Her funeral followed services on Sunday morning. I admire Kurt for how he took care of Linda, he was awake most of the last week of her life administering pain medication almost hourly. I didn't know her very well, but understand that she was a lovely person who found good in everyone, very gracious.

 These occasions are also opportunities to renew our sibling-ness. I hadn't seen Kurt for a number of years, and Alannah and I don't get to see much of each other with me in Illinois and her in Arkansas. Alannah met me at Wendy and Jason's home, which was right on the way. I got the privilege of getting to ride in her car.

 

2006 Mustang with some customizing.

Her own special plates. She is a Tiger alumnus, as well as hubby Steven.

That's probably the only time dust has been on her car- it was spotless when we began our journey.

She asked me if I still knew how to drive stick- which I do. She ended up doing all the driving, she felt up to it, but I would have gladly spelled her if needed. She drove her "baby" for a few reasons- it was more economical, but it was mostly her gift to Kurt to show it to him, and to let him drive it- he REALLY enjoyed it. I enjoyed riding with them- they both know their way around a "pony" car.

Alannah offered me a deal. I paid for the gas and Alannah took care of the housing.

 

And what housing it was! It is similar to "The Elms" in Excelsior Springs where people would visit to take advantage of the restorative spring water. The West Baden has had some real characters staying in it (other than Alannah and I) Al Capone used to come down here (southern Indiana) to cool his heels.

Inside it was just dazzling. Alannah has some REALLY good shots- if your are her facebook friend, you can check them out. (I 'borrowed' a couple- she has a waaay better camera than I do).

 It was built in the early 1900s I believe. The dome was the largest of its type until the Astrodome was built. Since we were there at a 'slow' time, they upgraded us to an atrium view- and what a view it was.

 

From our room window. (Alannah photo)

The dome at night.

We strolled around the hotel and nearby garden on Sunday night and could hear the natural springs rushing through a grate. Most (all?) of the springs were capped long ago, but you can enjoy the benefits of the water in the spa. We didn't have time to do much that was available- there are spas and a swimming pool, and golf courses, and horses, etc. We did a lot of walking around gawking.

Did I mention it is in French Lick, Indiana? Home of Larry Bird? I didn't run into him, but one of the church ladies said that she played with him (not basketball) when she was a little girl.

More scenes-

Fireplace where they used to burn 14' logs.

Chess anyone?

Classy classical statuary and nice lounge.

Even though it was a sad occasion, it was nice that these good friends got to get in a visit-

L-R: Chris Owens, Rhonda Phillips, (hidden is Maddy, Rhonda's daughter), Duane and Becky Long with their three boys Wyatt, Jarett (sp?) and Elliott, Alannah Jurgensmeyer, Kurt Bown.

Chris and Rhonda came over to the hotel where they hung out- I took a very long-distance shot from my room. I had to bring some work with me, and was enjoying the ambiance whilst knocking some tasks out of the way.

 

Kurt and Chris

And a little bit of video to polish off the post-