Mikayla’s daughter

Slow morning and day.  No study cause Susan wasn’t feeling well. Passing on quilt pieces.  Got email for Pete and our will. This is tje story of Chancey’s accident:

Sunday night was just another trip into the hills to ride our favorite horses that were visiting with grandpa and grandma. We had just finished up a trail ride before dark. I was leading her horse around the arena when he spooked. When he jolted she slid off the back and was kicked by a hoof. We quickly got her to Custer ED where she was stabilized then flight took her to Rapid City. She under went a cranectomy to decompress her brain and remove a depressed skull fragment. She was then shipped to Denver Children's.

She has sustained a significant injury. But she is a Schwedhelm and we don't back down.

Before she was intubated in Custer she opened her eyes and looked at everyone. She fought the Denver Flight crew. They said she was strong and trying to pull every tube they had out until they could sedate her. On arrival to ED in Denver they shut her sedation off and she moved every extremity and again tried to self extubate.

 Her repeat CT has some issues but also given the extent of her injury looks pretty good.

She is hitting every goal the NSGY, PICU, and Trauma service set for her.

Mik and I have read books and spoken to her. Her pressures and HR rise. She breathes over the vent. And she wiggles her toes and hands. These are all reassuring neuro assessments.

We have a long ways to go, but she is our fiesty, spicy, wild child who is kicking ass and taking names.

Firstly I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and love you all have given my family. 

To my team. As healthcare providers being in a bad pediatric trauma is the last place any of us want to be. Worstly when you know the patient and their family. I shouldn't have had to call upon you all. I am so proud of our organization, my team, the ED providers, and our Neurosurgery service. In those darkest moments you all stepped up and stepped in with courage, compassion, and saved my little girls life getting us to place where we have hope. 

Today and tomorrow are big days, She woke up fighting. Momma talked to her and she wiggled her little body to tell us she is still in there this morning.

-The Schwedhelms Mikayla Schwedhelm

Evan’s tree:

PB

 PB in am with Dave, Sue, Cindy, Gary, Terry, John,  and me.  I the after noon Denny kept busy with things ..... me ... not so much.  We did look over the will and put together bday cards for Grands.  Now just so we don't loose them  haha.  The bunk house is pretty cozy for us.  Mikayla S/Schwede's daughter was kicked by a horse accidentally.  Chancey is in Denver Children's.  Prayers for a miracle recovery.

OGT/ Heart surgery

OGT and lunch with Goodenows at the Farmacy.  Denny had PT and then went to Denison to get some oil for an oil change.  I  moved plants into the sunroom. Surgery for Alan J.  All three sons are there.  

                                                                  Funny post from Grands:

Gettin ready

I got food out of upstairs kitchen in preparation for pheasant hunters this weekend.    I kept busy just putter around.  At night I put together some fall baskets. 

 From facebook:      My name’s Michael. I’m 52.     And lately, I’ve come to realize that sometimes, the people who taught us everything about life — are now quietly waiting for us to visit theirs.

My mom is 84 now.     She lives in the same house she and Dad bought in 1969 — the one with the squeaky front gate and the rose bush she refuses to let anyone trim.     The world has gotten smaller for her — the living room, the kitchen, the porch chair that faces the sunrise.     She doesn’t ask for much anymore.     Just updates about the kids. A phone call that doesn’t feel rushed. A warm “hello” that sounds like it used to.    Last Saturday, I decided to stop by — no holiday, no reason.     Just… because.    When I pulled into the driveway, she was sitting by the window, wearing the same blue cardigan she’s had for years.     When she saw me, her whole face lit up — the kind of smile that doesn’t need words.    “Oh, what a nice surprise!” she said, standing slowly but steady.    “I was just making tea.”    We sat at the old kitchen table — the one that still has pencil marks from my homework days.     We talked about nothing and everything — her garden, the neighbor’s new puppy, how the tomatoes are “finally doing better this year.”     And then, out of nowhere, she said,    “You know, I don’t need much anymore. Just these moments — when the house feels full again.”    That line broke me a little.     Because she wasn’t talking about walls or furniture — she was talking about time. About presence. About the way love sounds when it’s spoken through laughter and shared cups of tea.     When I left, she hugged me longer than usual.     She whispered, “Come again soon. You make the house feel alive.”     And driving home, I realized — maybe we think our parents need gifts or grand gestures.     But what they really need… is us.     Our time. Our voice. Our stories filling their quiet rooms again.    Because one day, that porch chair will be empty.    The tea will go cold.    And you’ll wish for just one more chance to sit down and listen — really listen — to the stories that built you.    💛 The Lesson:   Don’t wait for a holiday or a reason.       Go now. Call now. Visit now.     Because to them, your visit isn’t just a moment — it’s a reminder that love still knocks on the same old door.

Day of rest

Slow am before church.  I gave Eloise book to Bethany.  We had leftover ham balls that Mandy had made for lunch YUM!!  I got caught up of blog/dab/ before heading to IG.  I went to a great show with Judy (Soul on Fire).   Then pickleball at 5.  Denny went to the soup supper in Arthur.   

At home with Cooks

 Sister call started the day.  Jason's bike rack disappeared from the back of his rv.  somehow.  Jason backed up the RV for storage in the leant.  We went to Howard's place and Mandy and boys went down the cistern.  Tacos for lunch and Cooks got on costumes at Sanford.  Denny and I napped and chilled ALL afternoon.  So very tires/lazy/relaxing.  

Cherokee

I got up to the boys ready too get dressed for the day.  I was in the room with their clothes and the first time they waited and listened outside my door I was snoring.  Fun to see them on their morning before school.  I went to Olive Branch and volunteered until 11.  I stopped by Jan's for a cup of coffee and quick visit.  I did BSF zoom at school until time to get boys after an early out.  We went home to get  golf clubs.  They had gotten crafts to make sail boats for the creek.  denny didn't work because they were using his tractor for something else.  The boys kept busy until supper time when their folks andRV got to the farm.  Golf ball retrieving, digging metal, operating remote control cars, and looking at caterpillars.  We had ham balls made by Mandy and salad and Jalipino poppers and FRENCH SILK PIE.  Yum!!  Great day!! 

Study and Volleyball.

I was around all morning. After study I drove to Orange City and met Lisa VK for supper.  SO great to talk to her and catchup.  The  volleyball game was at 7.  We lost.  I had a great shot visit with Ashley after the game.  I drove to Cherokee and visited with Mandy and Jason before heading to bed in their comfy murphy bed.  Nice night.  Fun day!!! 

 IF I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

1a. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”

NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”

ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀsᴛᴇ in Honor of someone you know or knew who has dementia. In Honor of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Please, this is so important to those who have Dementia/Alzheimer's. I loved my mother then, now and forever xox

Orange City

 I went to the house for devo and to start making pumpkin cupcakes.  with cream cheese frosting.  I also mixed up rueben ballsSue had study at her home.  Theresa, Sue Me carol R, Melissa and Pat.  From study I headed to Orange City and met Lisa VK for supper.  SO GOOD to sit and visit.  ;The volley ball team lost.  Bummer.  But I did enjoy visiting with Ashley VK after the game.  I drove to Mandy and Jason's.  Nice to visit.  Thank, you Jesus.!!!!

Julie visit

Denny left early for tractor work.  I went to IG for groceries.  I cut up squash and roasted it.  and made caavitini.  I gave Julie an call and she came over to sit on the porch and rock and talk.  So nice.  it go shady on the porch and so we moved to the fire pit area then to the sunroom to look at pictures from 2 years ago when we went to Brownsville together.  Fun visiting. 

OGT

 Study and then I went to OGT.  They are such a nice group of people.  Afterwards I met Deb. L.D. for lunch at The Farmacy.  It was so great to spend time with her.  Icaame home and at 6 I went into the high school to watch the volley ball game.  The girrls won!!!   I put together pictures of my siblings.  Thank you Jesus for their lives. 

Dear prayer warriors: 🍪 Your children’s personal history will always include anecdotal commentary on you, your choices, your habits, your moods and priorities. "My mom would always.. (fill in the blank here)"  🍪 What do you want to have "always" been like when your children are grown? When you are just a memory being passed on? She was "always on her phone" "always obsessing about her diet" "always singing in the kitchen" "always stressed" "always put our snacks on napkins" "always reading cookbooks" "always made dinner and set the table" "always complaining" "always feeling sorry for herself" 🍪 Memories do not set out to flatter us. My own children say that mom "always stopped at that one dumpster to get things out of it." It was a cute table and we still have it. I stand by that decision, but it has cost me dearly. 🤣🍪 Here's the thing: we want to give our children an enormous stockpile of memories that reflect real Christian glory. The joy of the Lord. A forgiving spirit. A lover of the Word. A warm meal. A woman who feared the Lord. A woman who loved her home, her people, her work. A woman who did hard things gladly. A woman who looked generations ahead in faith, and generations behind in gratitude.  🍪 There aren't filters on what your children see of you at home, and you can't pick what they will remember, cropping out the background. You can't throw a warm glow on that and fool them. What they will see of your faith they will see unfiltered. They will remember what life was actually like- what you were like. 🍪 Are we LIVING like what we say we believe is actually TRUE? Kids won't need your curated photos to remember. Moms can use social media to fool themselves and their friends about how they are doing. If it can look good, it must be ok - but that’s not true, and your kids won’t be fooled!🍪 Love God, Hate Sin. Do it in real life, unfiltered. Tell the truth to your children. Tell it in your everyday life, like an everyday mom who loves God.  Don’t aspire to moments that look good, but to a life that declares in a million ways that you know and love God. That, no matter your foibles, will be a beautiful legacy. #iwillneverlivedownmydayofdumpsterdiving

At home

 I was in bed until 7:45.  Almost a record for me.  Denny headed out to mow for Larsons.  

Relaxing ...

Kinda slow am, but we did decide to go to SS.  After church we watched the Eagles and  Vikings.  Our airbnb's enjoyed the sunshine out by the fire pit.  We sat in the sunroom and watched TV.  Go Eagles!! Cute picture of Nancy and Lincoln.  

Home and Casey's pizza.

Sister phone call got me up around 7:30.   Denny drove the mower for Larson's.  I was around all morning and afternoon, not really accomplishing much.  I did run the mower over some of the flower beds and across the road.  I went in around  5 to get 2 Casey's pizzas.  The popper and hot honey is too spicy for us.   At night we ordered a golf ball retriever from Amazon Prime.  Fun day, just being with Denny in the night.    I put together some flowers for Faith Johnson for her nursing school pinning on Friday and Denny took them to the hospital, but Julie wasn't working that day.  She had already gone to Orange City.

Cherokee

I left for Olive branch around 8.  and volunteered there until 11?30.  I headed to Cherokee.  I zoomed BSF from 12-1 in the parking lot.  We went home to get the golf clubs.  Mandy had gotten another bag, so each of the boys had bags for their 3 clubs.  driver, iron and putter.  Fun afternoon.  we played little on all nine holes, starting where we wanted and ending in the cup. We played for M&M's  making the cup with 10 or less putts,  For a couple holes I had them guess how many strokes it would take to put the ball in the cup.  I think they found 16 ball, and also 2 golf balls that were chopped in half by the mower.  We stopped at New Leaf and then headed home by 4.  So kind of Andrea to let us use their golf cart.  We sorted  dominoes for the Mexican Train and then played and had supper.  I had my nails done by Tessa at 5:30, after that I went to Cooks again before heading home.  Denny mowed for Larson's today.  Fun day!!! 

Study

Up and slow,  I went to IG around 1.  Nice study at Sue's Me, Sue, Teresa and Carol.  I asks T if I could ride with her to Sloan to watch VB.  So good to watch and see if I knew any girls from softball.  Denny drove tractor all day for Larsons.  I drove to Paulsruds after study and letting the red book off at Goodenows.   It was fun to watch the JV and 1 varsity VB game.  

PT

 I couldn't sleep after 3, so I lay quietly until 5.  I was home until we went to PT.  I sat in dining room and worked on BSF.  Denny took a check from Darlene to the bank for Jensens and he got medications before heading home.  I got sour cream at the grocery store.  Pretty non eventful day.  

Trip to SC

I had devo in the house, so Denny wouldn't be bothered (blinded) by the light.  I went to OGT until about 10 when Denny stopped to get me.    We went to SC to get stuff for Denny, A haircut, Shoes at Randolfs, A winter coat / socks / shirt at Farm Fleet.  I got $16 of takeout crab rangoon and potstickers at Mr. Stir Fry.  Heading home about 3:30.  God day ... especially the food and the navy shoes I got at Randolfs.    

                                                                                                                                                   

At home

 Slow getting up and around.  Denny headed out to drive tractor for Larsons.  He just got back here at 6:37 pm.  I kept busy all day ... kinda. but really didn't accomplish very much.  Ya, the Kettle bread I just started at 10 burnt while I was looking at facebook reels.  I thought I had set a 8 minute timer.  Uffda!!! I did put the glad in the CSA barn to dry.  I did 2 loads of laundry and fold and put away.  I picked flowers for the airbnb guests that are coming.  (They got here after midnight. Uffda!)  Denny put in 9 1/2 hours of mowing.  Good day.   AND I WATCHED A LOT OF THE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST meetings.  PTL!!

I captured the loving look that Craig is giving Marilyn while we were taking a picture and she is happily talking to the photographer.  So cute, So telling,         55?+ YEARS OF MARRIAGE. 

Sunday Funday

SS and church.  We took the #407 sheet of Info that Denny and prepared to Sue and Craig.   I think they will have a great time in Texas.  Left over pizza for lunch and next came a nap.  We love a slo restful Sunday.  Yesterday Matt was the wedding official for Scott H marriage. Pictures from there look great.  I was looking at pictures of Dad,  and I kinda think they look alike.  Cool

Traveling home.

I got up, showered and packed the car.  Then I went out and picked some of Keith's flowers to put in a vase from Diane Webb.  Craig supposed it last night and I worked out well.  I headed to Bruce's for breakfast.  He was quite busy getting bags of apples for everyone.  Craig and Marilyn,  Julie, Hendesons, Ben and Becca,  The breakfast was great.  I took the milk I bought last night to Keith's and took the expired milk to Craig's for the cats there.  On then way to Washington Prairie church I stopped at a garage sale and bought 2 fans of stands for $2 each.  The memorial was very nice.  There were 7 cousins represented there.  Ginny G., Myrna Faye, Craig, Gail, Bruce and me, plus Gerry's widow, Linda.  Bruce had gotten a  card and collected $ and I put it with then flowers that came from Keith's yard.  I took most of the lunch with me as I headed to Elgin to watch Asher Z. play soccer and visit with Renessa and Ryan.  I got home about 6.  Denny was just taking the Mower back to Wanda's bin site.  SO GOOD TO BE HOME WITH DENNY.  I had gotten Casey's 40 percent off pizza in Sac City for supper.  

NE Iowa Art Tour

 I headed to Decorah to play pickleball for an hour before meeting Mugs and heading out on the studio Art tour.  We went to Waukon first to the artist of farm animals.  Then back to Decorah to see Elea's art work.  I told Mugs about BSF and we had lunch at Wildberry while I had the zoom call with Cherry.  We went to Highlandville, stopping as Locust church where I got some succulents and a Dutch shoe pot for them.  It was great to see Warren S. woodwork and catch up on our lives.  And it was fun to surprise Steve A.  and sit on his second story porch and watch the chickens, ducks and guenies.  Mugs took me back to my car in Decorah and I headed to Bruces with guacamole and crackers for snack before going to Mabe's pizza with Craig, Marilyn, Ben, Becca, Julie, Hendersons and me and Bruce.  Back at Bruce's, he started a fire in the fire pit.  Lovely night.

A day with Marilyn

 I headed to Craig's about 9.  Bruce, Fred, Merle and Craig played 3 rounds of golf at Silvercrest.  Marilyn and I had a great day.  Craig gave us a couple of suggestions, but I didn't get the directions right to Dian'e T. place.  We ended up in Bluffton and using the bathroom at the bar there.  Bev had invited us over for leftover Casey's pizza.  We sat in front of Fox with the presidents cabinet meeting and had lunch.  At home I rested and Marilyn putsed around.  While we were out on their deck in the double swing that Craig had gotten there was en Eagle that flew overhead.  Bruce called to say that they were going to play some cards.  Marilyn and I picked up Diane T. before visiting some of the stores in downtown Decorah.  Craig met us at Culver's for shrimp.   He took Marilyn home and after I dropped Diane at her home I went to Bluffton and visited with Diane W and Tom for a couple of hours.  Nice day in NE Iowa. 

Happy Birthday Becky!!!

Hope your day was great, Becky!!! Thank you for sharing Christ's love with all you meet everysingleday!!                                          

                                                    

I went to Decorah to play pickleball until Bev H. picked me up at 9:15.  We went to the Decorah BSF.  It was good.  Merlene R was down the row from us.  Good to visit after the speaker.  Bev stopped to pickup pizza.  We took the food to Wellington where 3 nieces and planned a road trip for Aunt Mary.  We ate pizza, apple crisp and then drove to Highlandville store.   Mary grew up in Highlandville and was in her glory, just sitting at the table in the store and reliving memories.  We drove out to visit some cemeteries and God provided an open bathroom at one of the cemeteries. That was huge.  We took Mary home and stopped at the depot thrift store before dropping me off at my car.  I called Craig and said I had bacon and tomatoes if he could fix toast.  Bruce N came over to their place for supper, too.  I mentioned that I had nothing planned for tomorrow and would like to hang out with Marilyn.  Craig's eyes kinda lit up when Bruce said he thought they could play golf.