Why yes, Alex, I'll take "Ironic" for 2...

Jaime and her cousin, Bonnie, are just a few months apart in age. In the column marked "Well, isn't that Interesting" Jaime's newest addition will have a cousin just a few months younger as well... see Scott & Suzi's blog for details!

(Suffice it to say, there's some pretty happy grandparents over here!)

Scott

In Case You Didn't Hear Mama's Squeal...

Scott's update on our wreck made me realize that we hadn't updated the blog about our family expansion! Johnathan and I are expecting our first child and you can imagine the excitement in the McGarvey Family! We are due Feb. 18 and are 14 weeks along right now. We had our first ultra sound two weeks ago and found out...no big surprise here....that this is definitely our child!  It was twirling and spinning and flipping all over the place. The technician said, "Slow down, Peanut! I can't get your picture!"  So yes, our child already has stage presence! It's definitely a McGarvey/Taylor/Morgans child! Mama, Suzi and I are busy making curtains and being crafty! Not something we normally do so it's a bonding experience for sure. :O)  We'll keep you updated as this next chapter of our lives unfolds. We're feeling great and just starting to have a little bump!

Late Night Calls

It's usually not good when your phone rings after 1AM... and I thought the worst when I saw it was my mother, on her way back from a wedding in St. Louis.

"Jaime & Johnathan have had an accident. They rolled their Neon & something's wrong with Johnathan's neck..."

Mom & Dad, several miles behind on highway 63, came up on the scene a few minutes later to find police already there. An ambulance was in route & the officers told Jaime & Johnathan to stay put until EMTs could evaluate them. The driver's side roofline was crumpled onto Johnathan, the impact had caused whiplash. Jaime's lap belt kept her in the seat, but the inadvertent roller coaster ride was definitely against doctor's orders.

We arrived to find Johnathan walking and the EMTs interviewing Jaime in the ambulance. After cursory examinations, they released them, but recommended a maternity ward visit the next day. We packed up their belongings, a tow truck packed up the remains and we all gratefully went home to bed.

So, we're thankful for God's safekeeping! The car is totaled, but things could have turned out so much worse. Johnathan will be sore, but x-rays show no damage. After a thorough checkup, Jaime's maternaty team confirmed a strong heartbeat from the baby (and it was the first time Jaime's heard it!).

(See more shots from the evening's excitement here.)

Scott

UPDATE

THIS WEEK

Check out the picture below in Scott's post. Glynnda and I went out with Scott and Suzi in their kayaks on Friday morning on Rothwell Lake at our city park in Moberly. This was a new experience for me and it was all good.

As for my progress, I am back up to 175 pounds and gaining strength. I have worked in the yard 3 days this week. Two days here at our house and today at the church and at Jaime and Johnathan's, trimming bushes and making things look pretty. I am so very glad to be back outside and able to work in the yard. It is good therapy for body and soul. Yes, I was tired and I did take a nap this afternoon when I came in but I'm not any worse for the wear. Thank the Lord!

Next month (September) we will completely pay off all of the physicians and only be left with the hospital bill. As of this week, more than sixteen thousand dollars has come in to help pay all of these bills. God is good!

A big thank you for the cards and calls I have received from many of you during this time of my surgery and recovery. It has helped to carry all of us through. Stay tuned for more progress reports.

Vernon McGarvey

Dad steppin' Out

Yesterday, the weather started off a bit cool and we took Dad out on the lake for a bit in our kayaks.  Just as proof that the man is on the mend, he was able to spend 30 minutes paddling around!  We're very grateful to have him back at nearly 100%.  It's really amazing to think what he's been through over the past few months!  I'm leaning on him to post some of his thoughts from the past month.  To say the least, God's been good!

Speaking of posting... I've been talking to Mom about making this blog a regular part of their lives.  A place where they can drop notes and ideas... and keep more connected with those outside of our immediate areas of influence.  We'll see how that goes... it's getting them to take a few minutes and sit down that's the biggest issue!

Scott

Relay for Life

In June, Dad had the unique opportunity to participate in Moberly's Relay for Life; only this time as a survivor! It was a very emotional experience for our family as he walked the Survivor's Lap and then as we joined him for a second turn around the field. What an amazing journey we've taken in the past 3 months!
Stop by my Facebook album for more shots.
Scott

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

I am amazed at the progress a few days can mean. I'm eating more, gaining weight and feeling like my old self again. Gained 13 pounds so far. I have preached the last 3 Sunday mornings without pain or exhaustion and resumed a rather busy pastoral schedule. The only time I can tell there is a limitation is when I reach too far or try to lift too much and I always back off. It will be a while before I can cut the grass again or work like I would like to in the yard, but that doesn't mean I can't think about it.

Several projects that Glynnda and I had planned for this year have been placed on hold, however, the broken water pipe in the family room downstairs could not wait. Thankfully, the leak only effected one place in the wall and not the whole room. With a little help from Dustyn Tallman and my son Scott, the worst is over. I got to do the tape, texture and paint to cover the hole this week. It made me feel useful again.

My thanksgiving overflows when I think of the many friends and family members who have prayed for me, sent an avalanche of cards and notes of encouragement and money to help with my medical expenses. God is so good to me. I just want all of you to know how deeply you have touched me and my family with your generous outpouring of love and concern. I have made arrangements for payment with all but 2 of the 6 bills. They all will be paid off in 4 months except the hospital, the Lord willing.

Stay tuned for more good news as we journey on...

Vernon McGarvey