Amy's Surgery and Recovery

We spent about 6 hours at the hospital, two of which were when Amy was actually in surgery. They had a hard time getting the IV placed, but eventually did. Amy was given some medicine that helped take the anxiety down. The doctor was trying to avoid an asthma attack, which happened with her tonsilectomy. The surgery was successful and she is recovering nicely.



She had three handsome friends come to wish her a quick recovery and bring her balloons. It made her smile.

Scott James' visit from Texas

Amy took some adorable images of Scott James while he was visiting from Texas earlier this month. SJ doesn't stand still for even a second so I was impressed that Amy got such up-close shots. Check them out!

Stephen's 27th Birthday at Fox 13 New Station

Scott and I decided to visit Stephen at work on his 27th birthday. It happened to be our 30th anniversary as well and we could think of a better anniversary gift to ourselves than to watch Stephen direct the weekend 5:00 news. We found out that Lyndsy was going to surprise him and bring homemade pizza, fruit salad, and soda pop up along with the kids. We had a great time watching all of the behind the scenes production. Scott and I got a little nervous with some of the last minute things that happened, but Stephen just calmly directed and made adaptions and was so professional. It really was a treat. And then Lyndsy and kids joined us and we had a nice celebration. We didn't think to take pictures of the adults, but take a look at Jack and Brooke. They look pretty comfortable with all of the electronics.

News Alert-5 Days until Amy's Surgery

Amy will finally have some much needed surgery in about 5 days (June 17, 2009). She will be having her sinus passages opened up, drained, and reconstructed. Her poorly formed sinuses have been bad news for a long time causing pain, congestion, infections, nausea (post nasal drip) and the reason behind many missed school days. Prayers and positive mental energy in Amy's direction would be very appreciated as she goes through this challenging and painful surgery.



Sometimes it is a lot more fun for Amy to tell curious people that she is having a 'nose job' done instead of sinus surgery. (She not only looks like a Murdock ['slash' Dalley], she teases like one too!)

Elder Ritter's First Letter Home

Here are a few excerpts from Geoff's letter. "...since I don't have any addresses, let people know as you see them that I say 'bonjour' and maybe give them my address. I love receiving letters, but I also completely understand if people don't have time. So far we Elders and Soeurs (sisters) are trying desperately to learn French because we already have a progressive investigator named 'Jean Claud" (who is one of our instructors). Yesterday we had a chance at teaching him in French and it was very hard and a bit discouraging, but I have to keep reminding myself that I have been learning the language for only two days because it feels like a lot longer. Another crazy thing is that they don't really do any instructing when teaching French. We are expected to learn on our own for the most part. It seemed impossible at first but the language is coming better then it ever has before, as is expected. But that definitely doesn't mean I can speak it, but slowly and with the Lord's help I am getting it. At this point I just want to thank you for all of your support. Not every missionary out here has that. It definitely helps. I'll write to you again soon and hope to hear from you sooner.
Love,
Elder Ritter

Elder Ritter has been a missionary for 3 days.
Wow, 3 days down,727 days left!

MTC

6/3/09. Around 10:30 a.m. we drove to the MTC. Scott, Amy, Geoff and I were in one car. Megan and Scotty were in their car and Stephen, Brooke, and Jack followed in their van. We were aware of the drop off change that was implemented just that week, where missionaries would be dropped off curb side and enter the MTC without family members, but we thought that we would have some time on the grounds to take pictures and say our final farewell. Our mistake was in pulling up to the luggage unloading curb before we stopped for pictures and hugs. They would not let Megan and Stephen's cars follow and before we could go and get them, Geoff was whisked off to get his name tag and then off to the MTC. We did ask them to stop long enough for a small group photo and to hug Geoff good-bye. We like the new drop off procedures because it does not prolong the agony of separation (like when they had us sitting in the auditorium watching mormon ads etc. with Stephen), but I wish we would have squeezed Megan, Stephen and grandkids in our car so they could have been there.

Breakfast before the MTC

Stephen, Brooke, Jack, Megan, Scotty, Amy, Geoff, Scott and I went to Kneaders for breakfast before going to the MTC. (Lynsdy was at work.) 6/3/09

A final farewell to Friends

Ty had to get back to work in Dallas Texas so he said his good-byes to Geoff Monday afternoon. 6/1/09


A few close friends came to the house just before we went to the Stake Center for Geoff to be set apart as a missionary.






Wei, who will be leaving on his mission soon, was invited to the setting apart.