HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY BRANDON (a day late)

Yesterday was a busy day with it being Father's Day (Brandon was with his dad) and we had the Gustison family reunion too...not much birthday celebrating went on. Until we got home around 5:30...Riley and I made a birthday cake for Brandon. He arrived home about 6:30...and we had Grandma Bonnie over for some cake and ice cream.

We love you Brandon and are so proud of you too. You are a wonderful, caring, and devoted son! We are so glad that God gave you to us...have an awesome week!

Praise the Lord.....

I am okay. While laying in the emergency room in Keokuk, the ambulance ride to Quincy, and then all the tests at Blessing, two things kept constant in my mind. Jesus is a wonderful Saviour, and my wife is my bestest friend.

First off, my heart is 100 percent okay. My triglycerides are too high and my good cholesterol is too low. That was not causing my chest pain. Still not sure was but it was not my heart. The cardiologist said that while I need to do something about my diet and lack of exercise, my heart is great....for now.

I can't believe how calm I was. I know it is because I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, telling me that everything will be okay. Secondly, I have the most wonderful family. I love how people just respond and ask questions later. Thank you Janet for taking Riley for the night and Kelly for watching her this morning. Thank you for all who visited or called. Jay and Joe, I am glad that we have come to a place where we can say we love each other. Thanks go to Grandma Judy for picking up Brandon at church camp so Deb could be with me. I also was totally impressed with the wonderful staff at Keokuk Area Hospital, Blessing Hospital, and Lee County EMS. They were very caring.

I love the fact that when I told my three older girls not to worry, they still did. I love you Jessi, Jenna, Emma, Brandon, and Riley so MUCH. You guys are the reason why I need to stick around a little while longer.

Last but not least.

Deb, You are the love of my life. I can't imagine going through this with anyone else and feel the love from you like I did. You took care of me, you reassured me, you loved me, and you hurt for me. When the doctor told you this morning that everything was going to be okay, I can't describe the absolute joy on your face. It was like you just received the best CHRISTmas present ever. That made me feel so loved. Thank you for your love. I am sorry to have scared you and the kids like that. I want to spend the next 50 years together. You are my life and I am glad God has given me another chance to share that with you.

A few pictures from the wedding and reception

After looking at Beth and Joe's blog...I felt like sharing some of the pictures we captured as well. Enjoy!

What a lovely wedding and reception Kris and Brian!

Lots of fun was had by all! ;-)

Deb's photograph

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/farms-gallery/Say%20Cheese/entry-49391.aspx

We had so many compliments on this picture that Deb took that I sent it in to Hobby Farm Magazine and they printed it. How cool is that? Way to go honey!

Slater Creek Update

Deb with her two nieces, Erica and Courtney, at her grandmas funeral dinner. Sad occasion, but nice to catch up with relatives.

The family at the cemetery. When B and I dress up on the same occasion, you better get a picture.

Well, I got nothin.....

Deb posing on top of the newly roofed goat barn.

Riley measuring the soffit. She loves to help and it keeps me off the ladder.

You see, I fall down a lot.

The little boy is our nephew Alex. He is the youngest child of Courtneys. He loves to come visit when he is at grandmas.

Strawberries galore. I picked that whole ice cream bucket full Wednesday evening with at least another bucketful to pick tomorrow. Plenty for homemade jam and shortcake. Yum!

Life at Slater Creek Farm...

Just wanted to share a few pictures from this past week...(they are not in chronilogical order...still don't have that part of blogging down)


I worked all day last Monday pulling weeds and mulching down this flower bed...

Callie...is our new 'barn-cat'... She is fixed so no kittens are coming from her. But, she has already proven herself by killing her first mouse the other day.

Riley lost her front tooth last night! LOVE those toothless grins!

Brandon modeling Grandma's wig...that she doesn't like.

MOm and me on Mother's Day afternoon...

Jeff and Brandon working....(we loaded several loads of rich black dirt to fill in our raised beds in the garden)

Brandon loves driving the rider.

Riley and her beloved chickens...

The kids and I after church on Mother's Day...

Happy 48th Birthday Jeff!

I know that we are going to have a fun day in St.Louis tomorrow...and you get to watch your beloved Pirates play ball... Happy Birthday Bud! Love you ;-)

What we do for fun

Riley is mowing with big brother and her mommy. She loves to be outside.

Deb looks good on the tractor. I am glad she likes to mow. Every time we mow, we seem to mow a little more. I hope we stop expanding sometime soon.

It is nice that Brandon now can mow with a tractor. It definitely speeds up the process. I use a push mower while he and his momma use riders.
The strawberries are looking AWESOME!!!!!

Brandon is going to be pitching this year on his little league team. A bucket comes in handy for fat, out of shape catchers.

Riley has made friends with all the chickens. I guarantee they would not let me do this. Also what happened to "Lucy" our cat has happened to one or two of our "hens". They may be roosters. Stay tuned.