Needless To Say....

So Charlie says to me the other day...."Mom, I need to go to the eye doctor." I asked why? He says, "Because we have no carrots in the house and the flashlights in my eyes are going out because you know that carrots are the only thing that recharge the flashlights in my eyes." I asked if I could just go shopping for carrots. He said, "Yes, I guess that would be fine." Needless to say, this morning's trip to the grocery store included carrots...

Yesterday, this was overheard...."You are not a robot, you are just a regular old girl." Kassie was pretending to be a robot and Charlie wasn't happy with her, so he told her she couldn't be a robot. Needless to say, she didn't listen.

The other day, I took out some lego kits the kids "lost" and now the quote of the morning is: "Can this day get any better?" Needless to say, they left them laying around and lost them again. That didn't take long....

Last Saturday we went on a bike ride and had a couple friends over after for supper. I gave the kids freezies afterwards and Kassie shimmied up next to Wayne and asked, "Do YOU want a freezie?" It was hilarious how she did it. Needless to say, we all got a good laugh out of it AND Dan is polishing his guns more because his little girl - who only turns three at the end of the month - is already flirting.

A New Kidney

Six years ago today we were in the cities awaiting for my Dad to come out of surgery. A wonderful teacher from Duluth had decided she would donate one of her kidneys. My Dad was the perfect match for it. While waiting all day for word that the surgery had been successful we sat in the waiting room for hours! It was a success!

Dad will have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life but that sure beats the alternative. Since his transplant, his life has resumed some sense of normalcy. He had been on a strict diet and had no energy. He had been on dialysis but not as long as many others that have to suffer through that. Every year that passes I am forever grateful to those that choose to do live-organ donations. What an awesome thing to give - LIFE!

My father now has the opportunity to meet and play with his grandchildren....seven of whom were not born at the time. He has had a complete recovery and is able to enjoy life again. His energy and appetite has returned and he is doing many things they had wanted to but never would have been able to do - like travel.

This picture was taken last year but shows him with all of his grandkids....

Since then we have been involved in the National Kidney Walk raising money to find a cure for kidney diseases. The kidney disease my father had could also affect our brothers, sons, and grandkids - and so we continue to fight the disease. The Kidney Walk will take place on September 17th. If you would like to walk with us or help with a donation please check out this website....our team is Lauer Power....because you are strongest when you stand together and that is what it has done for our family....brought us closer together. PLEASE help by going to the site below - every donation helps and it is all tax deductible. Thank You!!!

Jody's Kidney Walk site

Forever Grieving the Loss of a Great Man!

On the Fourth of July, the world lost a great man. Uncle Pat died in a four-wheeler accident as he was setting up a four-wheeling trail along his property. He was killed instantaneously but not found until the next day. His time here on earth way to short for us at only 56 years. Dan was very close as there was only eight years difference between them. The wonderful memories Dan has shared with me of going to his Grandparents' farm and growing up with his Uncle Pat. I had far less time getting to know him but was touched very much by his life as well.

Last year we celebrated Uncle Pat's retirement and 55th birthday. He was going to enjoy life with his family and do some farming. He had a contagious smile and laugh. He had the kindest heart and was very genuine. His concern for you was always evident and he made you feel very important. He would give the shirt off of his back to help others and never expected anything in return. AND, he was a Dodge man = gotta like that!

Here he is with his beautiful wife, Mary and

their two handsome sons, Joe and Tony.

We love you, Uncle Pat and will miss you so much. While your time here on earth was so very short, we know that you are partying with Aunt Anne, Uncle Don and your parents. God keep you close until we all meet again. Until then - soar on eagle's wing! We continue to hold Mary, Joe and Tony in our prayers....I know this won't be easy for you. Let us know if there is anything that we can do for you!

Post some newer pics....

Since I haven't been on here in awhile - okay so about 10 months....I thought I would come back and just post some pics of my beautiful kiddos.....playing on one of the FEW very nice evenings that we have had this spring....

A Night of Murder Among the Matey's

It all happened at the Salty Sea Dog - an inn owned by Roger Dagger.

One-eyed Wanda (Anna) gunner and Sealeg Sam (Paula)

It is dangerous being around pirates - even for the good guys...

Captain Redbeard and his first-mate Merciless Morgan

The Governor and his wife along with their two daughters.

Mercilously Murdered was Morgan - the Captain and Gunner check out the scene...

The whole cast of the Party....awesome costumes and loads of fun!

Tessa did NOT have a good night...she was scared of everyone in their costumes but eventually sleep overtook her....

This was a great Murder Mystery! I loved the fact that it left a lot more to your imagination to get into the party and there was a lot more that you yourself had to find out - not just told in the booklet. Next murder mystery 1920's on New Years Eve....Gangsters and Flappers - if we decide we don't want one before than....

St. Cloud Kidney Walk

September 18 will be the Third Annual St. Cloud Kidney Walk...My family and I have taken part of the last two walks and we are planning to be there this year too. Here are pictures from the first walk we did (because I can't find pictures from last year).

Our team is called "Lauer Power" because we walk for Our Husband, Dad, and Grandpa - as you can see by the backs of our t-shirts in the picture above. He had a kidney transplant about five years ago and without that he probably wouldn't be here today. His kidney was donated by a teacher from Duluth. We didn't know who she was but we are FOREVER greatful. Below is the team from the first walk the second year we had more walkers this year remains to be seen...

Did you know????

1. 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don't know it.
2. Once kidneys fail, you need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
3. 367,000 people depend on dialysis.
4. 84,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant.
5. 1 person dies every two hours while waiting for a kidney transplant.

This walk will raise money for kidney research, patient advocacy, public education and free kidney screenings, because early detection and proper treatment can slow the progress of kidney disease.

As I said earlier, we walk for my Dad but since this disease is hereditary we are also walking for our children. Dan's old boss also has kidney disease and right before Christmas last year received a transplant. These are two lucky ones....please help in fighting this disease...and help me raise money for a good cause....even if you can only donate $5.oo every little bit helps! Click on this link to donate - St. Cloud Kidney Walk or talk to me.

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your help!

The Girls 2nd Birthday Party

Getting ready for the party...Mom had a dress all picked out but because she knows exactly what she wants she chose this dress...."Princess Dress"Here are the Birthday girls....
Playing with her presents....
Yummy - "My Chocolate cake!"
D and her present cake....
It was a great day for a party....little on the warm side but there was a nice breeze and the rain held off until it was all over. Happy Birthday girls!