Holding My Breath

Calling mom, Annabelle looks like she's ripping my ear off

But look who answers. Hey! That's not mom. It's Hannah,

Jacob enjoyed having Grace and Hannah visit him this weekend.

It was fun to laugh with Grace

and wonderful to see sweet Susan's smile...

While it lacks maturity, I was tempted to hold my breath until Susan and Jacob return home.

Shortly after, I passed out and, upon waking, decided this was perhaps ill advised behavior.

Keeping in Touch

We love seeing Susan and Jacob on FaceTime.

Thanks, Apple, for purchasing this technology

and putting on my iPhone, my iPad, and my MacBook.

The Room is Full

The Dalai Lama needs to meet more Christians.

I know some with large families, good sense, and high quality communications.

I know many with deep relationships and plenty that have found their way across the street

to bring dinner to my house every weeknight for the last three months.

High quality communications on new computer technology

Non fast food brought to me by my neighbors in Christ

Thanks to the Cravens and the Burtons for this gorgeous meal that tasted as good as it looked.

Day Camp kids from VBS enjoyed spending some quality time with their neighbors,

Gene and Billie Brooks

Keep walking the path.

If any of you see the Dalai Lama, please invite him to visit your church.

Wild Animals

Sunny the Wonder Dog

Lynsey and Carlee

monitoring the wild animals outdoors

Lacy Gray

The beauty of nature, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Clowning at Sonic: how many seat belts can you wear at a drive-in restaurant?

Oh and I got a chance to see my old friend Jim Zelenak while we were there...

Don't fall asleep on the couch if you don't want to be celebrated on the internet.

Matt Cohen demonstrating the importance of bilateral symmetry.

Amen

Earlier I was shocked and dismayed to hear that Susan's new room at the

Ronald McDonald House has suboptimal wifi that makes FaceTime a freeze fest.

Now I am happy because Susan has found a way to get better wifi.

Can I get an "Amen"?

Face to Face with Lions

Jacob and his DS

Susan, admiring Lucy's bath towel headdress

Susan, realizing that her sprinkler resembles a cat,

recoils in fear of being leapt upon

Then a giant bug attacked

followed by a lion attack

then Susan removed its entrails

and explained how the stuffing is heatable and scented

"Smell this"

(it's lavender, not chloroform)

Jacob's Ninth (A Virtual Party)

FaceTime brought us close to Susan and Jacob in Minneapolis tonight as we celebrated

Jacob's ninth birthday. We were grateful that he was out of the hospital in the Ronald

McDonald House for the occasion. All the children sang Happy Birthday to Jacob and

he showed us some of the many gifts and cards he had received. We all exchanged jokes

and then a pageant of well dressed princesses passed through to entertain him. Such fun.

These cards have just arrived over the past two days.

Jacob's cookie cake, which he will enjoy later.

We failed to tell him about our cupcakes. Did I mention the cupcakes?

Tiny meowing cats sing Happy Birthday. Cute or heinous? You decide!

What on earth?

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

We love you!