A Snapshot of our Summer

The summer of 2018 was filled with trips, grandparents, family reunion, weddings, camp, work, soccer, softball, fishing and friends. Our lifestyle does not support the big family vacation instead we have the whole summer to enjoy each other. The days are flying by, truly, it all happens so fast!

Just days after school was out Nana and Papa whisked Olivia down to Branson with Cousin Levi and his grandparents, Uncle Lynn and Aunt Helen. The six of them had a great time. Olivia's report went something like this...

We ate, we saw some shows, we ate, we swam and then the grandparents took naps, we ate, we did some site seeing and we ate some more. I think she had a blast!

Gotta stop at the cheese store

Great Grandma from Mesa was in Omaha for about 10 days

You may be noticing there's no 4th of July pictures. Note worthy: the first year ever that Chris did not buy explosives. I was relieved at the thought of it but turns out we all were kind of sad. Sounds like next year the party is back on. 

The girls love spending time with Papa on the water

Cabin counselor Melanie

 Olivia's 7th Summer camp

The Raabe Reunion is always a family favorite!

In 20 consecutive years we have been to Kansas City, MO . Yankton, SD .  Lewisville, NE .  Some farmhouse in Iowa . Honeycreek, IA .  Ponca, NE .  Creston, IA (next year). This all began one June weekend in 1999. Emma was 4 months old and back in those days, the family wasn't too concerned about nap times, feeding times or baby comfort...boy how things have changed. Call me a pioneer mom if you want, I didn't have one of those fancy "strap-the-baby-to-your-chest-and-go" deals. I had to carry my baby and all the unnecessary crap in the diaper bag.
(Does it feel like I went down a bunny trail?) 
Baseball and Raabes have a tight connection. Back in the day, as the story goes, one of Grandpas brothers was getting married on a game day which meant two brothers couldn't make it to the wedding...gotta play in the game. Not sure that would fly now. ha!! So it makes sense that we all met in Kansas City for a day with the Royals. Emma was the only great grandchild of Warren and Sylvia Raabe (Ray-be) and I was the only "outlaw" grandchild.  Today we have 12 great grandchildren. Warren and Sylvia would be thrilled to see their big family.

Here are a few snapshot of the weekend.

Oldest and Second youngest

This family LOVES to fish

The 3 amigos

My husband's immediate family

Oma made a brief appearance. If she isn't traveling, she is cooking, cleaning and entertaining Larry. Be watching for a fall return. I can't keep up with her travel plans but I think another cruise is in the works before she heads south for the winter.

Last week we said good-bye to some sweet friends.

We met Brian and Krista before they were married and have done some real life with them. It's been good, it's been hard, it's been faith building and I am so thankful God put them in our bible study group 9 years ago. We love you guys!

We closed down our summer with a family celebration in the Old Market eating Sushi at Emma's favorite spot, Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

Nana wouldn't try it. 

Olivia still hates it but tried it again.

Reagan found one roll that she liked but ordered chicken.

Papa dove right in, trying two very exotic rolls and loved it.

Chris, Emma and I were in our happy spot.

And if you know Papa, we had to get Ted & Wally's ice cream afterwards.

Good-Bye Summer of 2018

I know! I know! Blogs with so many pictures lately but I really needed to catch up. Hopefully I will make time to blog in the mornings after quiet time or in the evenings after everyone is in bed. Don't hold your breath. 
Have a great weekend!

Back to School 2018-2019

A parent's prayer on the first day of school.

Gracious Lord,

In a season of life when parenting decisions seem to loom larger than life itself, I humbly ask for your guidance. While the shoes still smell new and the pencils point crisply, our hearts sense a need for a stronger connection with your love and a deeper reliance on your grace. Would You help me to remember that You know every thought I have as a parent? Would You remind me that the feeling of having my heart walk around outside my body is one You are ever so familiar with? And would You provide the wisdom from above as I walk this new ground for a new school year. I praise Your name for faithfully doing so.

In Jesus' Holy Name,

Amen

Praying for my children is a privilege and honor I do not take lightly. I have seen the miraculous works of our God through prayer. Sometimes the works are more in me than what I am even praying about. Oh He is good!

Emma went back to college last Friday to prepare for rush. She is a Gamma Phi Beta living in the sorority house and excited to experience recruitment from the other side this year. Her major is still Social Work and if all goes well with her Criminal Justice class this year she will add a minor in Criminal Justice. Classes don't start until next Monday for Em. 

Olivia started school yesterday, no longer is she the baby of the building. Watch out for my much older, so mature 7th grader. :) Liv was ready for school to start. She loves the social aspect and if she was honest she likes going to classes too. Show choir rehearsals begin tomorrow, twice a week before or after school. The first day of band is Thursday. And Sing Omaha starts next week. It feels like a lot to me but she drinks it up. 

Reagan has hit that crazy junior year. If I remember correctly, everything you do this year is about setting the tone for college and scholarships. She took the ACT for the first time in July. Hopefully in round two she will check the calculator for batteries BEFORE the test starts. She's driving again, playing soccer again and extremely busy with social engagements. This is year three on the Student-Superintendent board. She has seen some changes for this school year that the students suggested to Dr Sutfin at their monthly meetings. That's pretty cool. 

Chris has already put in a full week without students. In his 20th year (ok, I actually can't remember how long it has been) of teaching he is trying something new... 8th grade social studies. Our girls are a little freaked out by it. They think of their dad as an ENGLISH teacher not a HISTORY teacher. Chris is back for year two at DC West High School in Valley, Nebraska as the head varsity softball coach. Last year his team made huge improvements and we all look forward to what the girls and his coaching staff will accomplish this season.

There's not much to tell about me. I'm still mom. I still want to craft more than I do. I cook, clean, run a taxi service, drink coffee and pray for my family. I still work for Elite Girls Academy Soccer club, now called Elite Soccer as we have started a boys division as well. Today I started cleaning a rental house. From now until December looks like I have an extra job 3-4 hours a week. That works for me.

My inspiration for today is simple...

BE KIND

Off to Seattle for ECNL Post Season Play

THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN POSTED IN LATE JUNE 2018

This year was EGA's first season with ECNL. To be honest, I was worried we would get killed by every team. The competition was just superior to any league we had been a part of before. The best of the best play here, our girls rose to the challenge. We finished the season making it into "Champions League" by one point. Never did I imagine we would have the opportunity to play for the ECNL National Championship. The girls played very well but did not advance the following week to Virginia for the finals. (Can I secretly say, Thank goodness? Money does not grow on trees!)

 Reagan and I had the great pleasure of going to Seattle 3 days before the soccer tournament started. This city offers so much, we just couldn't resist. The only thing we didn't do from our list was ride the ferris wheel...next time! Here we are at the top of the Space Needle. When I was 12 my Aunt Delma took me to the top, we even ate at the restaurant. I can't imagine how much that cost. In 2018 it's $29 per person to have the privilege to go to the observation deck. No drinks, No snacks, No souvenirs, just looking. I was pleased to hear Reagan say it was worth it!

Pearson Family

My dad's brother moved to Seattle when his 3 kids were little tykes. Fast forward 40-50 years, they all have kids and grandkids of their own. Coming from a small family, I really cherish what I have. I am so glad we were able to see the fam.

Ocean Shores, Washington with Marianne

Loved this place

Throwing Fish . Gorgeous Flowers . The Original Starbucks .  Bing Cherries

Plenty of Weirdos . Fish & Chips . Crazy Traffic . Gum Wall . Ferris Wheel

Pike Place Market had it all and we took it all in.

 In October 2017 when Reagan tore her ACL we did the math and knew she was done for the rest of the year, all of high school ball and couldn't be back in time for the Championship Tourney in late June. After all recovery is a 6-9 month span and there was NO WAY we were going to push/risk it. We were very disappointed but our focus wass on the future not one tournament. Low and behold, everything fell into place and Reagan was released to play 10 minutes per half of each game at 7 months post op. WOW! Great job Reags! It's hard to see in this video but Reagan scores in her first game back on the pitch. What a comeback!

 There was about 20 of us players and parents making the drive up to the falls. We didn't hike down to the falls. First of all we were starving but with our handicaps it wasn't advised.

We would have liked to hike Mt Rainer but activities like that just aren't the best on a soccer weekend, especially when one has a bum knee and the other a bum arm. 

All but 4 of the team at the Seattle Reign Women's Soccer game

Jaycie Johnson, a midwest girl, from Kansas City who played college soccer at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and now is playing professional soccer with the Seattle Reign. I was so impressed that she took the time to come up in the stands and talk with these 3 Nebraska commits. She was friendly, very open, told stories about Coach Walker at UNL and gave the girls great encouragement. I don't know her parents but they must be so proud of this fine young lady!

Parent Bonding during Team Bonding

The Gum Wall

Kind of gross but now I can say I was there

This was a very important stop for Reagan. 

Bucket List item checked off.

Teammates and the Needle

Great memories were made with my girl, just wish we could have had the whole family there to share our experiences. All great but the part when we almost missed our flight in Dallas. This out of shape mama running with a suitcase, carry-on and an arm in a sling must have been quite the sight! HA

Time Flies

Has it really been six weeks since I have posted on my blog? It almost become overwhelming...I don't know where to start. Father's Day Sunday which is also the mark of my first of many super busy work days. I may not blog again for quite a while. Soccer registration is all consuming for about 10 weeks...see ya in August. :)

First I will say I am healing well. I am about 8 weeks PO. This shoulder surgery thing is for the birds!  The first 6 weeks were painful but the worst was the lack of sleep. Finally I am getting better sleep and hope to sleep through the night soon. Rehab and I have a love/hate relationship. I love my physical therapist but I also really don't like her twice a week! My best remedy was Copaiba essential oil. When taken 3-4 times a day everyday, I feel great and it doesn't destroy my liver like the prescribed meds do.

Going for a walk

Oh dad, thank you for sharing your smile with me! I have not been the best at visiting dad regularly. I miss dad so much but it hurts my heart so much every time I see him. On this particular day dad was awake and tried to talk a little bit but I doubt he knew me most of the time. It's hard to tell. Below is a picture of Hunter's dog. I have never seen a dog this large.

Biggest dog ever visiting dad

Wicked with Emma...Loved it!

Emma moved home from college on May 2nd. It has been such a joy to have her home again. We are so blessed to have such a terrific daughter. (ok, 3 terrific daughters.) Mother's Day lunch & pedicures for all 4 girls because dad was busy with softball all day.


A year ago my Phoenician friend Tammy and I figured out how we could do a birthday cruise to celebrate her big 5 - 0. After months of saving, the day finally came. I would do anything for this girl. She is an amazing loyal friend with a servant heart, a joyful giver, caring mom and overcomer. Oh how I wish we lived closer. Our cruise took us from Long Beach, CA to Ensanada, Mexico and back. This was a first time event for me...it will be a trip I will not soon forget.

After the cruise I drove Tammy back to Phoenix where I had the opportunity to see a couple friends before jumping on another plane home. Seeing Tammy, Vicki and Eileen really filled my friendship tank! Why is it take my friends don't age but I do? This isn't fair!

My friend Vicki

Thanks Ryan and Eileen for hosting me and thank you boys for giving up your bedroom. You are the best!

My friend Eileen

The most stressful part of my trip was trying to figure out transportation from the west side of the valley to Mesa where Grandma lives. Finally I figured out a combination of friends, waiting around in a hospital and ubers I made to Grandmas house. Grandma and I spent the day together, to say I am blessed to have this lady in my life is an understatement!

Aunt LaRae and Grandma

TWENTY TWO YEARS ago I said "I do" to this handsome dude and what a great decision that was. Chris and I celebrated by hitting several restaurants in the Blackstone District of Omaha. I think you could call us "Foodies" We love trying new places and after all these years we even enjoy sharing meals. :)

THEN

NOW

We now get to share our wedding anniversary with Chris' sister Holly and her new husband. Dinner at the Greek Island and then we managed to make it out alive of our first ever Escape Room. Congrats Holly and Stephen. Praying for Christ's protection and direction in your marriage.

We escaped with 2:05 minutes left

Last but not least we have had the joy of seeing Reagan get back on the pitch. At almost 7 months post operation our soccer player was cleared to play the sport she loves so dearly. Her playing time is still limited but her first time on the field in a game like situation she got a break away, headed for the goal and scored for the first time in 8 months. It may have only been a scrimmage but I let out a scream of joy. This mama's heart is overflowing with pride and joy for our girl who endured a very tough 8 months. Reags, we are so happy for you. What a comeback! 

In 4 short days we will head to Seattle, Washington for the ECNL National Championship Playoffs. Reagan will still have limited minutes on the field to prevent injury. (sidenote: it's fatigue that usually causes ACL injuries and Reags still needs to build up her game time minutes) I can't wait to see what she does when she laces up those black Copas and takes the game field for the first time since October 14, 2017. You can bet, there will be tears of joy in my eyes. More to come...

Peace to all reading this post! May the love of Christ overwhelm your daily life. 

More Tendon Damage = Shoulder Surgery

I started this post about one week after surgery but couldn't make my brain form a sentence. We'll see if I am much better now at 22 days PO (post operation). Probably not. :)

Here's my story...

After a successful trip to Trader Joe's, I was chatting with a friend on the phone and about to finish putting away all my groceries when I bent over to pick up an empty bag from the floor. While exerting almost no effort at all, I heard and felt I loud pop in my shoulder. It was slightly uncomfortable but not a big deal until I tried to move my arm. I had no lateral or front extension of my left arm. For the next two days I tried to hide my malady until my most observant child noticed. She's such a tattle tail, Reagan told our physical therapist that I couldn't use my arm. From there I had an evaluation the next morning and because Claire the PT is amazing, I was in the surgeon's office the following morning. Another heavily medicated MRI followed two days later which confirmed what all medical professionals suspected, I had a torn rotator cuff (aka subscapularis) and bicep tendon. Surgery was lurking somewhere over the horizon but my hopes were wait until after summer.

Here's an interesting side note to this story. As I was examined first by my PT, then the surgical resident and finally my soon to be surgeon ALL three asked if I had taken any antibiotics. This is strange right? It turns out to be a very serious question in which we are still investigating. There is a very dangerous family of antibiotics that cause tendon tears in healthy tissue as well as several other side effects. These drugs should be avoided at all costs. You can ask your doctor for an alternative even if you are allergic to penicillin. I have torn 5 tendons in nine months under very strange circumstances. I am praying that I do not have damage from taking a fluoroquinolone, I prefer to chalk this up to some bizarre injuries. There will be a later post but please research Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin etc. You can find info on WebMD, FDA site, Mayo Clinic and many many other sites as well as blogs of people with permanent damage.

Back to surgery...

Four weeks after my initial injury and 15 PT appointments later I leaned on my left arm during a chat with my daughter and experienced a ripping of tissue and tremendous pain that would last for the next week. Back to PT and straight to the surgeon...surgery was scheduled for 5 days later. It turns out that my bicep tendon was damaged more along with the rupture of a 3rd tendon, the supraspinatus which is on top of the shoulder. My injuries were all in the shoulder but 3 completely different areas. Let's face it, I enjoy giving my doctors a challenge.

Pre Surgery but Post Drugs

2 of the 5 little incisions
There's one large incision that goes into my armpit

Way too many drugs!!!

Outside with Liv 8 days PO

Here are a few things I have learned along the way...

-Let people help

-Get the best surgeon

-Sleep deprivation isn't just for new mamas

-Find your daily gratitude

-Let the house be messy

-Rest

-Take the least medicine you can but take what you need

-Drink copious amounts of water

-I have a love/hate relationship with my brace

-Getting dressed one handed is not for the weak

-You will be surprised by people

-Look at recovery based on today vs last week

-Have good books and movies on hand

-Get adjusted

-Get over yourself

-Laugh often, it helps reduce the pain

-Get your favorite drinks, it makes you happy (McAlister's Tea)

-When you over do it you pay for it later

-God is still Good!!

Mother Daughter Retreat

 Just a few pictures from our weekend away.

Whether you are a new mom or a veteran mom, finding time one on one with each child is so important but not easy. Olivia and I loved our time together, pouring into each other and growing in our relationships with God.

Chick-fil-A before we hit the road

Camp Fire and Smores

It might be April but its snowing

Craft Time

So much fun with our cabinmates

Olivia,
You are unconditionally loved! You are special! You are forgiven! You are a gift from God! You are smart! You are beautiful! You are my sweet child! You bring joy! You are funny! Thank you for spending this weekend with me.
Love, Mom

The Cellist

Oh my heart is full! 

Thank you God for restoring Emma's ability and passion for the cello. Each time I hear her play I wonder if my heart might explode. I wish Aunt Delma was here to experience all that my girls are accomplishing. She would be so proud. Back to what I was talking about...Truly, this child smiles while she plays. She loved it before her accident but appreciates it more now than ever.

Sunday my GI friend, Kimberly and I spent the evening listening to some fantastic cello musicians at UNK. And then I was thrilled when they all came back out to take pictures. Well, that made this mama so happy! I can't wait to do a little scrapbooking. :) To top off the evening I spent the night in Grand Island rather than driving all the way back home. 

Good music, Good friends and a Good night's sleep.

Before I pulled away, we hugged a little longer than normal. My girl is ready for a break. I reminded her it's only 5 more sleeps until she is home again. I can cook for her, do her laundry and snuggle on the couch. Spring Break for the whole family...can't wait!