My Adorable Niece Lauren

This week my adorable niece Lauren, came to stay with us for a few days. It has been so much fun. I remember when I was about her age, I used to go stay at Aunt Camille's house and just hang out and it is fun for me now to be in the adult role. Lauren is such an amazing girl she is so smart and just sweet to the core. She was my first niece and so she will always hold a special place in my heart. It is fun to watch Lauren grow up especially now that she is in adolecence. She is just blossoming in every way. Sometimes it's kindof painful as she tells me about the trials and tribulations of junior high and it makes me want to personally drive down there and and choke some of the snotty girls...but then I remenber that dealing with snotty junior high girls is a right of passage and Lauren does remarkably well. She has a quiet confidence about her and she know who she is so she doesn't get ruffled easily. Lauren is also very beautiful but seems to have no idea. One of my favorite parts this week was doing her makeup. I of course am a makeup junkie, so its no surprise that I took my first chance to doll her up. She looked so grown up and I could all of a sudden see my little baby niece as an adult. It blows my mind how fast time flies. She is my favorite shopping buddy and so we had a ball at the mall. I just love having her around. Cheryl of course is dying without her, which I completely understand so she will go home in the morning, but I intend to steal her away a lot this summer. Its always amazing to me what an incredible family I'm blessed with.

Welcome Clark!

This is my favorite picture of CLark, taken the day he was born with Abe. We of course have them matched as BFFs and I think one day they will appreciate this picture. Clark looks almost as big as Abe even though he is half his size. Im sure he'll catch up soon. So far Clark is a dream baby. He is so calm and good natured. This will serve him well as the fourth child. He is one of those babies who is always hungry so I think he will be a tank before too long.

Hospitals

This Week we have spent a lot of time visiting people in Hospitals! Last Thursday My dad had an Abdominal Aortic Aneurism repaired which required major Surgery. Hes doing good, but its always strange to see my Big Strong Daddy all helpless in a hospital bed. We brought Krispy Kremes for him to share with all of the hospital staff and so he ended up being the most popoular guy on the floor.

On Monday the 19th Kristen gave birth to Clark Robert Gartner! He is as sweet as can be and of course looks just like Rob. There is nothing like witnessing the birth of a child! How can anyone deny the existence of God when they look into the face of a new life? Kristen is doing great and the baby is healthy and perfect. I think Christopher is the only one who is a little unsure of the whole thing. He has after all been dethroned as the baby....forever.

Yesterday I found out that Grandma Arnett was admitted to the hospital for haivng tiny strokes. Luckily its not serious and they are just going to put her on Asprin, but its always scary to hear that someone you love so much is actually mortal. I can't even imaginge Grandma leaving us. She is such an amazing woman. I sat in the hospital with her for a couple of hours yeaterday and I just looked at all of the nurses and doctors going about their business casually caring for her and I thought, "You have no idea that this is not just any little old lady...You are in the presence of GREATNESS!!" My highest ambition is to become just like her.