A day at the Cascade Lakes

We went to the lake yesterday and had a great time playing in the water. We found some great camping sites that include nice sandy beaches, shady areas, warm shallow water, and no crowds.

Eight Weeks and Counting

Well another milestone has been reached along with a new bit of freedom. Jason has reached the 8 week mark with no complications. He continues to get stronger each and every day. He is doing Cardiac Rehab 3 times a week exercising for a bout an hour each time. He is the rookie of the group for heart surgery and age. I think the one with the most seniority is Mary, she will be 92 in October, and this her 9th year coming to exercise group. I think she was just about to retire when we were born.
Jason is now driving on his own. Can you hear us all cheering from Bend Oregon. Not that we don't love to spend every waking minute of the day together but I know that Jason is happy to be driving himself again and I am happy to send him off for a bit and now have to lug the kids around, drop them off, and drive all around town shuttling between appointments.
It's amazing to think that 8 weeks has already gone by and in the same thought that 8 weeks ago we were just beginning the journey. We are both so thankful that God has had us continually in his hand and so much appreciate the many hands that have carried us through this time in our lives. We are definitely stronger as individuals, as a couple, and a family.
I have learned a few lessons in life over this time. Most importantly that there is a God, and He does care about us individually. Ask us sometime about the specific moments we have literally experienced God during this time. Another lesson is so many people are in such a hurry and get so upset if you hold them up for even a few seconds. Jason was shuffling through the grocery store and a lady with a cart couldn't get by him and was huffing and puffing saying something about needing to get by. Jason apologized and said, "I can't move any faster, I just had open heart surgery." I think she said sorry as we let her past. I was struck by how much we miss by hurrying through so many opportunities and at how much in a hurry so many people are.
Even though there have been difficult moments this time is truly a treasure in life. We have actually had the opportunity to spend some significant time with each other, our children, and our family and friends. Many families do not get that opportunity to spend 3 months worth of time together all at once. We can both say we were both there when Spencer and Cole had many first moments, walking, climbing on top of the dining room table, Cole's first pony ride, first roller coaster.
One more month and I am back to work, Cole will start preschool and the routine of work, school, the ins and outs of the days will take over. I only hope that the foundation that has been laid the past 8 weeks will be that strong foundation for our family for the rest of our lives.
Some people have asked how I remained so strong during this time. Well, God gave me a verse from Isaiah in February that I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how it related to my life.
The message paraphrase of the Bible states as part of Isaiah 30:15, "Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me."
God was my only answer I could depend on. The outcome was in His hands and I knew He would have me in them regardless of the outcome. We know now that God has a pretty big plan for Jason and our lives together and all those he will encounter for the rest of his life.
Until later. . . . .
PS, check out our new photos on the flickr link for our photo site.