St. Francis Youth Living Wax Museum

Three cheers for Erika and Kyle on their presentation at Church today. Fifteen seventh and eighth graders presented the Living Wax Museum of the Saints. Each student had to choose a favorite Religous Saint, study and gather information on their chosen Saint and create a posterboard with photos and facts to share with the Parish and Religous Education Classes. They also had to dress like their Saint and be able to answer questions pertaining to their chosen One. Erika chose St. Joan of Arc and Kyle chose St. San Pasqual. Each student was assigned a Knight of Columbus to help with their project. Special thanks to Nick Hooper for allowing Erika to use his "real" K of C sword to complement her costume. It was really neat to see what each was able to come up with. It's a fun way to learn and they were quite creative.

Woodworking Wonders!

One of Taylor's favorite hobbies/past-times these days is archery. Not only has he enjoyed hunting with his bow, but he's become involved with it by joining the competitive archery team for 4-H and has also joined the Men's League at the local archery hangout, The Elusive Moose. He's made many new friends and really enjoys being involved in all areas. One of his special new friends is Dale Dye, former (Ret.) Ravalli County Sheriff. They became aquainted in the men's league and have become good buddies. Taylor was honored when Dale gifted him one of his custom recurve bows which just needed a little finish work. He graciously helped Taylor with the sanding and finishing and Taylor is so proud it. It's beautiful!! Dale joined us for Taylor's 18th birthday dinner and I was happy to get some photos. Taylor, wanting to do something special for Dale, decided to make a "custom" sign for his bow shop, Trail's End Archery.....He designed and created the sign as a project for his woodworking class at school. It turned out awesome and Dale was very happy with it. Super workmanship on both projects, guys....... Happy Hunting!!

Happy Easter!!

Spring Has Sprung!!

What an awesome week-end!! Spring has sprung and it made for a wonderful Easter. We were kept very busy with the kids and grandkids and a great time was had by all. Mindi, Glen and Sweet Macyn came down on Saturday....Glen spent the day with Tom snowmobiling, which left the day wide open for Mindi and I to do some shopping and getting things ready for Easter. We were joined by Erika, Crissy Belle & Macyn....and then met Katie in Stevensville in the afternoon to get Eamon, too. We took in Taylor's soccer game in Stevi until the wind and Macyn's patience cut it a little short. At home, Rick and Baili joined us for pizza, along with Tab and the kids. Of course, the kids were anxious for egg dying, so we finished up the busy day in full color. Easter morning began with baskets for the little ones and Eamon enjoyed finding eggs the Easter Bunny had left around the house. Then off to church for Easter services. Home again for a quick nap and then to Grandpa and Grandma Lubke's for a beautiful dinner. Katie and her friend Chris, along with Mindy Nicole joined us for dinner, followed up by another egghunt in the backyard. Grandpa Bill is feeling much better and getting stronger each day.....he was even able to sit on the back deck and watch the egghunt for awhile. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for him. It's great to see him getting back on his feet.
Speaking of getting back on feet.......I'm over halfway through my recovery and seem to have turned a big corner. The "boot" continues to be a blessing. It's much more comfortable than the cast and it's like heaven to be able to move it around a little. I'm really happy with the movement I have so far. I'm so ready to begin driving and get back to work again. In the mean time, I've gotten much better operating my crutches and am trying to be patient until I can put some weight on it again. Once again thanks for the positive thoughts and help........I'm indebted to so many people.

Happy Spring!!

Dear Ol' Dad

Please keep my Dad in your prayers as he deals with some health issues again. He had an obstruction early in the week which has corrected itself, but is now working on getting
re-juiced, as he gets dehydrated so easily. He seems to be on the mend, as his humor is back in check.
It's amazing how he is able to rebound, but can always use your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks......


****Update: Just talked with Mom and Dad came home from the hospital this afternoon (Saturday). She says he's feeling good, but is really weak and will still need some time to recoup. He'll have time now to sit back, relax, rebuild and enjoy the Final Four.....Please continue to keep him in your thoughts.....Sue

My New Best Friend.....

What a blessing of a day. It's been five weeks since my accident which unfortunately forced me to go through quite a lifestyle change. Even though it's been a bummer, I guess it was a sign for me to slow down a little (a lot!!), smell the flowers and become more aware of all my blessings. It's been rough at times, but I have to admit, time has passed somewhat quickly, and I'm almost halfway to weight-bearing again.

I had an appointment today with my orthopedic specialist and got quite a pleasant surprise. Going in, I was set to have my "lovely purple" fiberglass cast replaced with another of it's kind in my choice of color..........which was pre-decided to be "perfect pink" to be in style for the Easter season. Erika had even painted my toenails a nice "hot pink" and I was ting one of my new "comfort suits"~~black pants with pink trim and a flashy pink jacket~~oh, to be so coordinated. Well, the purple cast was removed (WHOOHOO!!), I had new exrays and everything was looking great. That's when Dr. Behm made my day. No more cast! Instead, he informed me I would now be decked in a high fashion Body Armor Walker 2 Boot.

I had quite a choice of color......black........black......or....black.... It didn't matter, I was so excited. I'm not too sure about the fashion, it fits like a toeless ski-boot, but oh the comfort after that cast. I can now loosen the straps as it swells and gets tight......remove it for bathing (it's amazing what happens to your skin after three weeks in a cast....nasty!!) and most of all see some light at the end of the tunnel, as he says this will be my walking cast down the road six or seven weeks. I'm also able to begin some simple rehab exercises now........rotations, extending the ankle, and tracing the ABC's with ankle movement. He claims these will make walking easier, when the time comes. So things are definitely going good. I count my blessings......

Once again, I'd like to thank everyone for all their help, food, support and encouraging words. We are truly blessed to have such great friends and family. You're all appreciated so much.

Happy Spring.......