Lego World

The Bratt Family invited us to go to the Children's Museum in Longmont for the last day of the Lego exhibit that was there today.  The kids had a great time building at the different stations.  The favorite for everyone was the racing hill.  They made their Lego cars, set them up at the starting line and then when the glass was lifted... away they flew!  It was fun for the kids to try out a design, change it up, and try it again.  We stayed for a couple of hours and had a great afternoon of entertainment!

 Ethan and Afton Bratt

 Jacob

Brent and Ellie 

 Brent and Ellie

Building 

 In another part of the museum we discovered a water table that the kids were able to change where the water would go and they could see how a possible city would move water.

Hannah's car

1st Day of School

Today was the 1st day of school!  It has been an extra long summer because of the addition of a new building to University Schools.  The kids are definitely ready to go back.  Hannah is starting 2nd grade with Mrs. Regan.  Jacob is starting Kindergarten with Mrs. Nolke & Miss Laird as a student teacher.  We will be watching Zach Walker in the mornings and then will take him to school with Jacob.  Here's to a great new year!

 Ready for 2nd Grade

  

 Jacob showing off his bruise on his elbow

Jacob and Zach are ready for their first day of Kindergarten! 

 Standing in line ready to go in.

 Getting name tags for the 1st day.

Ready to go to gym class.  Mommy had mixed emotions today.  I will miss my kiddos, but it is time for them to go learn.

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UPDATE: Hello friends and family! It has been 3 weeks since I had the procedure to remove my blood clot. The recovery has had a few bumps with an infection, antibiotics, nausea, vomiting, and of course... the common cold. My headaches are gone! It's kind of hard to believe that my headaches were so bad that I was on super drugs in the hospital and was pretty much nonfunctional! I am giving myself the blood-thinner shots morning and night and currently have a very colorful stomach. The baby seems to be doing fine. I have noticed things growing and changing and am getting excited about enjoying this last pregnancy. I will have a check-up next week with my OB. I also have a few check-ups in Denver over the next couple of weeks with the neuro-radiologist and the stroke team.

I am finally starting to feel like myself again. My energy is returning, but I am still super tired all of the time. The kids are good about letting me take a nap here and there (tv time!) Brent Luke is incredible! He works crazy hours and then comes home and picks up my major slack. I can't believe how lucky I am to have him! I am at basic functioning mode right now and that means just taking care of myself and my family the best that I can. Anything extra takes what little energy that I do have left. I am so grateful for all of the prayers and support that I have received. I feel like I have had several miracles occur on my behalf because of your faith. THANK YOU for helping me and my family through this difficult trial. We are truly better people because of you. ♥♥♥ Hugs & Loves!!! ♥♥♥

Family Letter Update

Hello Family!

I am finally able to catch up.  It's amazing how easily I tire though.  We are sure excited to see everyone next week, but plan on me being out of commission for pretty much everything.  I will be lucky to arrive with everyone's toothbrushes and underwear!

June was fun.  We spent lots and lots of time swimming.  We got a pool membership this year and have enjoyed going pretty much every day that it is hot.  On Tuesdays we go to the summer movie program and watch a movie at the theater.  We go to the free lunch almost every day and have play dates with other families trying to find things to do.  

The end of June was when my events started happening.  On Thursday, June 27th I started with a migraine that I couldn't get rid of.  I thought it was because of the pregnancy hormones and the fact that I could only take Tylenol.  After a weekend trip to the ER and many phone calls to the on call doctors, I ended up in the hospital on Monday, July 1st.  On the 2nd we had an MRI performed and discovered the 5" blood clot running the length of my head.  The doctors in Greeley felt confident that we just needed pain control and blood thinners, but after a week (July 7th) in the hospital with increasingly uncomfortable symptoms, I decided to head to Denver where the specialists are.  Things moved quickly in Denver with lots of tests, observations, and talking.  I had an excellent team of doctors watching over me including the neuro-stroke team, OB, and the neuro-radiology doctor.  Thursday, July 11th I went in for the inter-radiology procedure to break up the clot.  Let's just say that that was by far the hardest experience that I have ever been through.  If you would like the gory details than feel free to ask, but it was down right hard.  The 3 day procedure process took a lot out of me emotionally and physically.  I also got an infection that I am recovering from in addition to the groin recovery where they accessed my brain through the artery.  I am still having some headaches when I do too much.  I am on pain meds until I can recover from the more consistent pain from surgery, etc.   For long term care I am taking blood thinner shots every 12 hours for the rest of the pregnancy and for at least 6 weeks post baby (with a break during the birth).  We are still waiting for results on some of the blood tests to find out if there is another reason for the clotting besides pregnancy.  Once we get results back then we will know what to expect post baby and for the rest of my life.  

The best part of the whole thing is that our little baby is doing great.  I have never had any discomfort when it comes down to the baby.  We have had a few ultrasounds and everything looks great.  In addition to the amazing help from the Grandma's, our ward has stepped up big time with meals and child care.  They will continue to take care of me as long as I feel the need.  I even have two ladies coming to help me with laundry and packing next week for the reunion.  This process has been quite the trial for our little family.  The kids are tired of being shifted around and missing Mom.  Brent is tired of being a single parent and trying to keep up with home stuff and work and worrying about me.  Our faith has grown though.  Through our prayers and the prayers of our loved ones the clot was taken care of quickly and am home now and healing.  We felt the strength that came from your fasting and prayers and thank you for them.  We love you!  We are excited to see each of you and your cute kiddos on Wednesday!

Love,

The Greeley Lukes

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AAAANNNNNNDDDDD...... 3 weeks later my headache is gone (sort of). Thank you friends and family for the prayers and support through the last 3 weeks. I am so glad to be home, but man am I tired! It's going to take a while to get my feet under me again.

Facebook Post

So... I have some exciting news. Cami Luke came home today! She was feeling really good yesterday afternoon, just tired. By the time I called her during my early morning break she was tired or being away from the kids and in the hospital and ready to come home. She said that she missed me too. She got home at 5:30 pm, right as I was pulling into our driveway. The kids were super surprised and Ellie kept saying, " you came back for me mom!" Everyone was pretty happy. Cami will still need to rest and recover, so my mother-in-law will be here for a couple of days to make sure Cami doesn't try to do too much. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. — with Connie Powell and Lisa Powell-DeJong.

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My sweet wife is sleeping now. She had another headache around three that some her up. The doctors are going the move from ICU, hopefully today, will help. They are going to new working on a medication plan as well. The good thing is that all of the catheters and sheathing are out and the blood clot is broken up and allowing good blood flow. She is in good spirits. We laughed and told each other jokes last night. Well keep you all updated. — with Connie Powell and Cami Luke.