On Thursday night, Mama Jo tripped over something in the garage and fell. She broke her radius (large bone in forearm)just above the wrist but in addition to the break she had a pressure fracture too which caused the break to splinter like a broken glass. So the surgeon had to insert a plate with screws over the break to assure that the bone wouldn't erupt through the skin as it healed. We were in emergency Thurs night for a few hours then in surgery on Friday. We arrived back home after the surgery around 4:30 Friday night with only a couple of hours leeway before the Jones clan appeared here for a mini-reunion. All of Deke's siblings either flew in from across the US or joined us from Lafayette. I'll show you pics of that time together on a later blog.

Mama Jo is resting after a rather peaceful night of drugs. She vomited this morning but we had been forewarned by the nurses that it might happen. They had given us a script for just this thing so we were prepared and took steps to keep it from happening again. She is doped up with her arm encased in ice to keep the swelling down. In a day or two she will be feeling much better.

Just before leaving the house for surgery Friday morning. Still in her hospital gown from the emergency run the night before.

Awaiting surgery in prep room.

After surgery, at home in her room.

After Wedding Vacation

After the wedding, a few of us family stayed on at the beach for a few days. We vegged and hung out at the beach. Here are a few shots of that time together.

Our Em's Wedding

Friday was Emily's wedding day. She was married to Jonny Walls in one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever witnessed. The setting was flawless with the dunes and vast ocean in the background. The ceremony was conducted by both fathers and included "The Blessing," something we have done with all of our children on their wedding day. It was very touching and I am sure there was not a dry eye there. What a glorious day!

North Carolina News

I'm back!

Things have been somewhat hectic around here. I arrived in NC over a week ago and hit the ground running. One of the first things to be done was to completely redo the nursery. It had been two shades of blue so we had to prime it with two coats of paint to make sure the colors wouldn't bleed through. That took 1 and 1/2 days. We painted the room pink and green-the most luscious shades imaginable. They are subtle and soft and it makes you feel good just to be in the room. We painted the walls, woodwork, doors, 1X4 trim that Erin scalloped and turned the room into a little princess' retreat. We only have a couple of finishing touches (painted plaques for the wall) to hang yet but the vast majority it done.





On top of that, we toilet trained the 3 year old (well, almost) and took care of the other kids. Fortunately church family and friends have been providing many of the evening meals so we weren't hindered with having to plan and fix food too. It was peddle to the metal for 5 days straight.

Jon bought the materials for completely redoing their master bath (think beadboard) but it will be a miracle if we are able to get to that task. They are also going to remodel their kitchen with painted cabinets and new soapstone counters. We are talking major projects around here!

Baby Sarah is adorable. She has gained about a half pound already and is filling out nicely. She does all the usual baby things: eats, poops, sleep, eats, poops, sleep etc. She took to nursing like she had done it forever and her awake and sleep cycle is pretty compatible with our routine around here. The noise is incessant but it doesn't seem to affect her at all.





Today for Mother's Day we all went out to eat. It was very relaxing even with Timmy asking to go to the bathroom at least 4 times. I have been truly blessed to be able to be with my grandchildren on this special day.



Wednesday, Deke, Grandma Mary, Lori , Emily and Jonny all arrive here in NC. We'll spend the night in a motel than head to the shore on Thurs. Thurs night we'll have Em's bridal shower and of course the wedding will be Fri evening. I will not be able to blog again until after the wedding but we'll be staying on for another 4 days to relax so maybe I can get in a word or two between playing with the kids in the sand. Until then, enjoy these pictures!