Surprise!

Hannah and Andy surprised me with a visit this weekend! What a trip it was! 15 hours to FLY from Fl. to OH. Well, fly/ride a bus/fly. I'm sure Hannah will have the details on her blog. We had a good time even if it was short. This was her birthday present from Andy! Of course, we're all excited about the baby. She will have hers about a month after her Aunt Chassidy has her first. This is just a quick note and update. Nathanael did make it to WA. ok and is house-hunting already.Aaron is pushed back to May 24 to leave for boot camp unless they get an open spot and call him one night to go. I hope it doesn't happen that way.
Got to head to bed-I'll add more later.

Update

Hello to all those who check this blog. I have been busy-mantally and physically! I know this gets boring to check and there never seems to be anything new! Sorry. So--I'll give a little update on the Downer family.
Tom has been taking the spinal decompression treatment for a couple weeks now. He is feeling much better and it seems that it is working. The Dr. doesn't feel any more bulging and everything feels good. We're hoping this has taken care of the problem. He sure feels better! He is thinking about taking a class at Sinclair college. It's right near his office in Dayton so he could take an eve. class. He has yet to decide.
I wil be taking a 2 day workshop in Dayton this week as a first step in getting certification as a Doula. I'm looking forward to it but, at the same time I'm a bit apprehensive. It's been so long since I've done any training/schooling. I have 2 years to complete all the required work but, I think I'll have it done much sooner. I may possibly have my first birth to attend (my sis-in-law)- I need 3 that I am the attending doula. Basically a doula is a professional labor support person and the skills are as varied as the women who do it.I may go on to become a midwife assistant if I enjoy this.
Hannah and Andy are doing great-except for the rotten cold Hannah has right now. The Dr. said everything looks fine. They're sort of getting set for a boy I think.
Nathanael is on his way to WA. where he'll be for the next 5 years or so. He is driving so, say a prayer for him this week if you think of him. It's about a 4 day trip if he does it right!
Aaron will be leaving for Marine boot camp April 7. He's excited. His title will be mortorman but, he'll be carrying a gun just like the others. He wanted the infantry and that was the only job available. I can't say I'm excited about it but, I do hope he does well and is a good, clean soldier.
Well, that's the latest. I've neglected the pictures- I'll try to post something interesting soon.
I hope you all have a great day!

SUPER TUESDAY, etc

Are you getting nervous about Super Tuesday, yet? I am! If Romney doesn't do well, we're in trouble. The more I read on McCain-being an awful pilot in the navy(killing 150 civilians, trashing about 5 planes), dumping his 1st wife because she got broken in an auto accident while he was in Vietnam(she kept it from him thinking it would be to hard on him while there) and marrying his mistress 1 month after the divorce, getting his command position in the navy-not by earning it but, because his father and grandfather were Admirals--not to mentuion the McCain/Feingold, McCain/Kennedy, lies and dirty politics against Romney. this goes to show that he even knows he can't win on his own merit. I know Romney has changed positions on some things but, they seem to be real changes, not just for the sake of politics. He also did all he said he would do when he became Gov. and the economy did grow steadily-not blow up-but, steadily. As for him being a Mormon-Harry Reid is one, too--so I think he should be ousted since it might just have a bearing on his thinking and the way he votes-when he shows up to vote.
Yes, I'm very concerned about the elections. I sort of feel that if we get either one of the Dems or McCain that it will kinda be the beginning of the end of mercy for the US. That's just me, though.
Now, on the the etc.-- We will be needing to change the family picture this year.
Hannah and Andy's baby will be here by the end of May- we hope-and Nathanael is planning to marry Becky Pearce on June 28. So, a new picture will be in order.
As for Nathanael- he will be reporting to WA. in about a week. That is where he'll be for approximately 5 years.
Aaron is home and trying to heal right now, He has something out of place in his back so, he needs to get fixed up befor he can proceed with military. I must say- I'm not that anxious for him to go.
Make sure you vote in your primary( whenever that may be for you) and pray for the outcome to be one of mercy!
Have a great day!!

Romney for President

Ok, it's time to be realistic and get behind one candidate that has a chance of winning and actually has experience in running something! After the Fl. loss to McCain I believe we need to rally around Mitt Romney and do our best to see that he gets the Republican nomination. We definately DO NOT want McCain in the White House. He may as well be running on the Democratic ticket. We stand to lose so much if he gets the nomination. So-- it's time to think and not be narrow minded. I do not believe that Gov. Romney's religion will interfere with his governing. PRAY that God will have mercy on America again. I truly feel that McCain will not be a mercy to US-U.S.
That's my political statement!

Hello

Well, I thought I'd let you know how my attempt at sourdough bread went. It turned out really well-even Aaron liked it! He's being very patient and knd about the new things being introduced to our food line. our diet has changed dramatically in that I grind fresh flour, soak the grains for easier digestion and assimilation by the body, eat grass-fed beef,pastured pork, chicken and turkey and fre-range eggs and drink raw milk.It's all soo goood! Yes, this does cost more but, we're not getting all the hormones and chemicals that is in most foods. There is so much scarey stuff going on with the food supply that I am convinced if people only knew they would raise a real ruckus and get some things changed! Anyway- enough of my soapbox!
Tom will soon be preparing his hives. He's going to raise bees this year. He had a few hives when we were in Fl. and that was a lot of fun so, he's familiar with the process- it's just a bit different here since we have such changes in seasons. We hope it goes well.
O the subjuct of Tom- he goes for an MRI Tues. on his back and leg. Since we.ve been back from Fl. he has developed pain, numbness and burning/raw feelings in his right hip and leg. He has gotten some teporary relief from the chiropracter but, the Dr. needs to see for sure what is going on before doing any further treatment. Hopefully it's something that can be corrected easily. We don't need any surgeries!
We do hope there is nothing but good news from all of you! Have a great day!

I finally got a couple pics of my mom's party posted. She's lot's of fun-especially as she's gotten older!!

A new post

I thought I'd better write something! Life is proceeding and changing. I will be changing part of my job in 2 weeks. I'm quitting the plant care job for another that I think will be easier on me physically. It's only 2 days so it will just replace the plant job.Hannah is coming along well. Of course there are so many cute things out there to buy for the new One but, I'm going to be disciplined and not buy til he/she is here. Well, except for a few things Hannah might need or want for the room. I don't like the fact that we won't be able to be near enough to really form much of a bond with the baby but, then I think of those parents that send their children off to some foreign field and don't get to see them for looooong periods of time. At least it will be easier to visit Fl. once in a while than it would be to travel across the world.
I am trying a new sourdough bread recipe- I hope to have some baked tonight. Fresh bread is always so good! Some good butter and honey! Ummmmmm! I'll let you know how it turns out.
We celebrated my mom's 83rd birthday the other night. It was nice and we always have a good time. My mom can be quite the gal anymore! I'm thinking we could start our own Red Hat club!
Have a great day! Til next time---

Grandpa and Grandma

I know -we don't seem old enough to be grandparents! he-he It's quite exciting yet a little hard to realize that Tom and I will be grandparents in May! That was the news we got on the escalators down to get our luggage at Orlando airport! Great Christmas gift! Hannah is doing very well. We had an enjoyable time while there-did some work for them and enjoyed Christmas day with some of Andy's family. Hannah got a nice Christmas gift- she felt the baby move for the first time! As much as Hannah would like me there for the birth and as much as I'd love to be there- this is one big event I don't think I'll make it to. However- I do plan to go down as soon after the baby comes as possible! Like I heard a lady say on the plane- she was coming to Cinci from FL. for her Grandma fix! Anyway- Tom and I are looking forward to this time in our lives- even if we don't look the part!!!!