Indianapolis Extended Weekend!

Many of you know that George and I are trying to have another baby and we were scheduled for our embryo transfer on Saturday morning in Indy. We had some good friends go down with us on Friday so that we could relax and enjoy ourselves, and then they were going to watch Ava for us on Saturday morning while George and I were at the clinic. First WRENCH IN the works! Saturday morning we received a call from the lab and they were going to push the transfer to Monday a.m. I had already thrown out my med's so we were praying that the clinic had enough for me to take until Monday. The other concern was what we would do with Ava. The nurse assured me that they would commodate us and not to worry. The upside was that I was able to join my family and the Curtis' on a trip to the Indy Zoo. Great Zoo with lots of good exhibits and fun stuff for the kiddo's. George, Ava and I stayed at the hotel through the rest of the weekend. Second WRENCH IN the works! Saturday night we were awakened by a raging drunk next door to us who started trying to kick in our connecting door and screaming at his girlfriend and tearing up his room. Long story short...five cops showed up, we were in the lobby for over an hour, they ended up moving him to another room (not sure why they didn't arrest him) and then Ava cried until almost 5:oo am. We had reservations at a French bistro for Father's Day breakfast but ended up sleeping through it. The upside was that had my transfer occurred on Saturday a.m. like planned, we would have had a disturbing night, which for an embryo transfer, it is important for the first 72 hours to be relatively stress free. Also George, Ava, and I were able to spend Father's Day outside at Clay Terrace Shopping center and had a pretty relaxing day after all the drama from the night before. Monday morning was the BIG DAY. We all arrived early and the nurses were very helpful and accommodating with Ava. They brought her in her own scrubs and she was able to be in there while the procedure was being done. Third WRENCH was that on Saturday we still had 10 embryo's but by Monday morning only two of them made it. At first we were kinda shocked but again the upside was that the two we had were excellent quality!!! The Doctor was very positive and we know that God works in mysterious ways and although we sometimes don't understand, he has a plan for everything and everyone. We are so very grateful for this opportunity and so humbled by how God cares for us and takes care of things even in the midst of our own misunderstanding. Now we are just praying for a positive result!

Ashley's Mexico Mission Trip

Ashley got back from her Mexico mission trip on Friday, June 12th and she said it was an amazing and life changing trip for her. Ashley and her teammates spent time at two different orphanages where they did painting, cement work, hung clotheslines, etc. and played and interacted with all the children. Most of these children were just dropped off/left at these children centers by their parents. The mission team also spent time in an area called Rio 3 which is basically a landfill or dumping site for trash but that people actually live and build "homes" (just cardboard or cement blocks for walls-no roofs) right on top on the dump. These people are the poorest of the poor and they had no clean drinking water. The team installed a clean water filtration system for this area called Rio 3 and now the children and families there no longer have to drink and bath in the same water that contains feces,dead animals, and other pollutants.
This was the hardest day for Ashley to see what poor conditions these children were living in. Her most enjoyable part was time spent playing and interacting with the children of Mexico. She was impressed with their happiness and smiles regardless of what they had, or where they lived. Ashley was glad she was able to participate in such a worthwhile trip. She is ever so thankful for all the freedoms and blessings we experience everyday that we all take for granted! George and I are thankful for her safe return and for God's goodness in using this team to reach those in need. May we ALL find something or someone to give a helping hand.

George's Fishing Trip to Alaska

This year George turns the big "40" in September and I wanted to give him something special to remember. He has always wanted to go fishing in Alaska for King Salmon on the Kenai River. So....with me being a novice, I gathered as much information/pricing/location/ etc. as possible and then told him what his early birthday present was going to be. George booked his trip and set off for Alaska this last week in search of the BIG fish. King Salmon average 40-65 pounds and can get as big as 90 pounds. He spent four days on the Kenai river with a Master Angler guide each day, but ultimately came up empty handed. The salmon were running slower this year, so George knew there was a chance that he may not get the Gran-daddy Salmon. Nonetheless, George was able to see plenty of nature and the beautiful scenery that Alaska has to offer. Better luck next time!

Bald Eagle Making a Nest- Amazing Bird!!!

Beautiful Moutains and Scenery of Alaska

Mama Moose and baby at 4:30 am before fishing

Alaska's Active Volcano!!