Journaling Through the Valley . . . and finding JOY in the morning!

Join Me, For a New Journey

2006-05-23T16:30:00.001-05:00

I have made mention in a few posts now, that I would be moving my blog, and now that it is all "official" and most of my blog posts have been moved, I can make the announcement!

Several months ago, by the prompting of several fellow-bloggers, I turned in an application to ClubMom.com to be a blogger on their site. This is not necessarily a "Christian" site, but I applied to be a blogger in the homeschool/religious section. After they received over 20,000 applications and pickinging 25 from these, I was accepted, and I "officially" began yesterday (Monday). I will no longer be blogging here, but will starting a new journey of blogging there.

Those that are reading this may have followed my past year of blogging through some very rough waters, since the death of our son. It's not all over, we are not "all" better, and there are still tears (please be thinking and praying for us this Sunday - it's his 18th birthday - his 2nd birthday in heaven). Since I was given this new opportunity, I really feel it is of God, and a new chapter in our lives of starting over and making an effort to finding joy in the morning. Thank you to the many, many of you, who I've met from all over the world, to those who are my dear close friends right here, that have helped our family through.

Since writing the above post, I have once again changed my blogging address, and am now blogging on WRITING CANVAS. Please join me!

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: FLOWERS

2006-05-19T23:02:00.000-05:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code

Join the blogroll

Photo Theme: FLOWERS

My daughter, Heidi (14 1/2), loves taking nature & flower pictures. I had SO many to choose from that she just took in the last week! Maybe it will give a little picture of some God's handiworks in Michigan.

Apple Blossoms

Anyone know what the above is??

Lilly of the Valley

Crab Apple Blossoms

If you have done the Saturday Scavenger Hunt,
please leave a note below!

FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 94

2006-05-18T23:45:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
What is the last thing you had to have repaired?

Just the other day a tire popped on our lawn tractor and our son took it to his automotive shop and repaired it.

Soup
If someone gave you $2,000 with the stipulation that you had to spend half of it on yourself and give the rest to charity, where would you spend the $1,000 and which charity would receive your remaining $1,000?

This is an easy answer! The $1,000 for me would be to hire someone to finish the remodeling since our son's death, since it's been very hard for my DH to finish. The charity would be Alpha Women's Center, which is a Christian, pro-life, crisis pregnancy center. Our church just helped begin & open the 7th center in Michigan. They also help mom with items after they have the baby, with everything from clothing to cribs.

Salad
What is one of your favorite songs from the 1980s?
I really had to think with this one, because I don't listen to the same music anymore. But I recall from my highschool really liking REO Speedwagon and their song, Keep on Loving You.

Main Course
You enter a pet store. Which section do you go to first?

To see the little puppies (but we have a "home" licensed pet shop - so I do see them a lot - but I like some of the very expensive little puppies that stay little - like two or three pounds little!)

Dessert
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how athletic are you?
3 - because of my "basketball abilities". That being - after changing diapers with no break for over 19 years, I am pretty good at making long shot dunks with a diaper into the garbage! Does that count?!?!?!

If you have participated, please leave a note below!

You can learn about the Friday Feast here.

This & That . . .

2006-05-18T23:31:00.000-05:00

This is the first night all week I've stayed up late to blog. I've been going to bed hours earlier cuz the spring crud has hit me. I am pretty sure I've got bronchitis, and it's hit me pretty good. So, I've been getting more sleep, even taking naps, and not doing too much. Things don't seem to stop going here though with all the activities of just our daily lives. Norm's Small Engine Repair business has been very busy. There's been a couple of days I've hardly seen him (& it's a home business!). He's been doing lots more pick-ups & deliveries & the kids love taking turns with that to have "special time" with daddy. It's after midnight now as I write this, and he's out in the garage still working on things and I think two of the boys are too! The advantages of homeschooling - having "shop class" at midnight and being able to sleep in! We had a litter of puppies to place this week too, so between our two business, the phone rang a lot.

Along with the bronchitis, it's been a rainy week, and today especially cold (45 degrees), so that does not help one to feel better. I think I can see the grass growing. The kids are suppose to cut the lawn for some friends who are out of town and it's a very large yard, and it's hard for them to get it done in between the showers.

I received numerous e-mails asking how Mother's Day went. It was good - low key - but good. The girls made dinner after church - wonderful roast beef sandwiches with juice to dip them in. They put a vegetable cream cheese on the buns and toasted it all. MMmmmmmm - it was good! I got a sweet card. That was probably the hardest part - the missing name. But, I was ok. That night at church Jayson sang again, which I did not know of until that day! So, it was kind of neat to have him singing twice in a row. It's neat to see our kids abilities and gifts come out.

I love learning names of people and what they mean. When we named our children, their names meant something, either a family name, or a reason we named them, for the time period we were at. One of ours is Melody Grace - she was born after our stillborn daughter, and the funny thing is how she fits into her name. She LOVES to sing. She is like one of my other daughters and makes up songs all the time. Sometimes it can irritate the others, especially in the van or while they are doing schoolwork - but I like it! :) Anyway, I just read this today, that the "new" name that is gaining very quick popularity is Nevaeh (pronounced na-VAY-uh). Any ideas what it means? It's the backwards spelling of heaven! In 2005, this name made the top 100 with 4,457 newborns named this, with this name being the fastest climb among all names since the government started keeping track more than a century ago. I've not heard this name used yet, but imagine we will soon! I just thought it was kinda neat.

Well, we need the extra blankets on tonight. It's so chilly! I just hope we don't get up in the morning and see the rain has turned to snow. I am so ready for 70+ degrees and things drying up - including my laundry that has been hanging for three days on the line! It's just getting extra rinses I guess!

POSTCARD ARRIVALS

2006-05-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I shared with you about the postcard exchange we are participating in. Our kids have been excited about this. They hope to get ones from each of the states and from various countries. It's a neat way for them to learn a little about each place too. Here are the postcards we have received in the last week:

Thank you Cristina & Linda!

Thank you Melanie!

Thank you Connie!

Thank you Sara!

Let me know if you'd like to participate. Just e-mail me privately. We hope to get LOTS more! :)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Picking Dandelions?

2006-05-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day 2006

2006-05-14T00:15:00.000-05:00

I think of where we were last year at this time, still going through our fog, and very wounded hearts. The fog has cleared, there's more sunny days than dreary, and there's more joy each morning. On Saturday our church has a wonderful brunch for moms. The children and dads served, gave us corsages, blessed us with beautiful music, and arranged for a woman speaker to give great encouragement. Jayson (16) sang his first solo with his guitar, and as a proud mama, I have to say, it blessed me, encouraged me, and brought tears to my eyes.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.
Psalm 40:3

This blessed mom saw and heard the new song in Jayson's heart, and he blessed us with it. He did not play the guitar before Matthew died. He did not even own one. But he picked it up on his own, a way of worshipping God and working through a lot of his pain. God indeed put a new song in Jayson's heart . . . and mine too.

May God give you a special Mother's Day.

For hurting moms,
I hope this article can be of encouragement to you:
Remember Moms with Empty Arms

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: CELEBRATION

2006-05-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code

Join the blogroll Photo Theme: CELEBRATION

I thought quite a bit about what picture to put up for today's photo hunt- celebration. Being it's Mother's Day weekend, I knew it had to do with celebrating this. Last week, for the "open" picture, I share a picture of our daughter after her open heart surgery. Now, she's not a favored child, but it just happens to be that she was born at home - a planned home birth. It was the best birth, and just so neat. I knew about 11 pm at night that we were going to have the baby soon. Some of the older children knew something was going on, and we'd probably have the baby, but they went to bed and slept through it all! My midwife and a friend and husband spent the night up with me, and we had her around 5 am in the morning. It was a very calm birth, both the midwife & my friend praying with/for me and singing. Shortly after she was born, Norm held her and prayed over her, giving her back to the Lord. Little did we know what weeks and year ahead would hold. Around 8 am the children started getting up, one by one, and it was like Christmas morning - but even better. To go to bed and wake up the next morning to a new baby sister!! It was such a sweet, sweet spirit that morning, and quite the CELEBRATION. I treasure it very dearly in my heart, as I do each of my children's birth and the CELEBRATION of life, that makes me a mom!

You cannot see her very well, but I am holding Jessica. The other 6 children are on our bed, at home, in CELEBRATION of this new little one. Also, since several asked last week, Jessica was born with a list of heart abnormalities, and had 2 open heart surgeries after she was 13 months old in a 12 week period of time. She is now 9 years old, and doing wonderfully. Yes, she will have to have more open heart surgeries, but she has gone many years beyond what her doctors expected. Her last visit the cardiologist said to keep doing what we are doing - PRAYING!

If you have done the Saturday Scavenger Hunt,
please leave a note below!

Mother's - A Quote from Theodore Roosevelt

2006-05-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

I heard on Family Life Today (Christian radio program on 05-08-06) a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt, that I think is relevant for Mother's Day:

"When all is said and done, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country. … The mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she only would realize it, a more honorable as well as more important position than any man in it. She is more important, by far, than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist."

FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 93

2006-05-12T01:14:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Moosetracks

Soup
What are 3 things you would like to put in a time capsule?
Bible, pictures, our family story

Salad
Name something you are 100% sure of.
My freedom & Salvation through Jesus - and forever in heaven with Him & my loved ones. Click here so you can know this too - or here - or here.

Main Course
What is something you do to calm yourself when you're stressed or upset?
Go in my room to be alone, pray, and then talk to someone else - usually DH.

Dessert
If you could receive an invitation to any important event, what would you like it to be?
To see my dad on his birthday - he turns 81 on Sunday - and though we talk occassionally, there is an estrangement (he lives 6 hours away - long complicated story. I'd go at a moment's notice.

If you have participated, please leave a note below!

You can learn about the Friday Feast here.

THANKFUL THURSDAY - Being a Mom

2006-05-11T16:55:00.000-05:00

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday

I am just so thankful & blessed beyond measure
to be a mom.

Summer 2004

If you have participated, please leave a note below!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-05-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

BOOK REVIEW: Presumed Guilty

2006-05-09T20:51:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a good legal thriller book to take to the beach or read outside on a warm summer day, this is the book to take with you! However, expect that you might miss a few meals because it will be hard to put down. I read this book in two days, taking it with me on errands, and reading it late into the night.

This book, Presumed Guilty, by James Scott Bell tells the story of a pastor, Ron Hamilton, whose church is rapidly growing to over 8,000 people. He has written a book on pornography, which unexpectedly becomes a best seller. His wife, Dallas, has a heart for battered women and finding shelter homes for them. She notices the distance with her husband, but attributes it to the busyness of their lives.

Their worlds turn upside down, when Pastor Ron Hamilton is arrested for murdering a porn star in a raunchy hotel. His wife does not believe it could possibly be true, until she begins to investigate and finds things on his computer - pornography. It shows how this sin, leads to other things, including lying, adultry, and the affect on children, family and church. Without giving more details of the story away, it is a book that will make you think.

Though a fiction story, Mr. Bell shows the truth of sin, and how it can quickly weave its way into our lives. It shows how Christians need accountability, how just one "quick peek" at pornography can pull someone into this deep dark hole, and how being alone with others of the opposite sex needs to be guarded. An innocent hug, can lead to adultery. Yes, even people we put up high on a pedestal, such as a pastor, can fall victim to this.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me captivated to the very end. I think this is the first book of Mr. Bell's that I have read, and I plan on looking up some of his other books to read. This book is for adults, and I would not recommend it for children or even teens, unless mom or dad have read it first, and feel it is something their children would benefit from.

NOTE: If you have a blog and love to read books, you may be interested in becoming a reviewer for Active Christian Media. There is a one-time reviewer fee of $25, and then you are sent free books! If you do sign up, please tell them that I sent you.

As an Active Christian Media reviewer, I was not compensated for providing this review. I received this complimentary book in order to review it and am thankful for this opportunity.

Choking Game Article to Read

2006-05-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

This editorial article was sent to me and want again to share this. It was written very well regarding a 12 year old boy who died from the choking game.

Let's Keep Others From Following

Twenty-Two Questions

2006-05-07T23:03:00.000-05:00

I was sent this a few days ago, and it took some thinking to answer them all.

I AM: a wife & homeschool mom to 9 children.
I WANT: to make sure my children have a personal relationship with Jesus & know Him personally.
I WISH: I don't wish - but pray.
I HATE: the "choking game" being called a game.
I MISS: Matthew
I FEAR: burying another child (yes, my lack of faith).
I HEAR: the children in the background & my husband repairing/running a lawnmower
I WONDER: what heaven is really like.
I REGRET: not being patient enough with my children.
I AM NOT: as strong as I may sound.
I DANCE: in silliness with my children, but look forward to dancing in heaven.
I SING: with songs that praise God.
I CRY: when I see my children hurting inside - especially missing their brother.
I AM NOT ALWAYS: on time places - actually rarely on time!
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: bracelets.
I WRITE: notes in my Bible & often date verses when they hit me for where I am at.
I CONFUSE: my husband often!
I NEED: to exercise.
I SHOULD: go to bed.
I START: a new blog soon - shhhh! It's a secret to be told soon!
I FINISHED: reading a book that I will review soon.
I TAG: YOU! Yes you, who is reading this and got to the end. PLEASE??? And then, leave me a note that you did this!

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: OPEN

2006-05-06T00:07:00.000-05:00

December 1997
This is our daughter, Jessica Joy, after her 2nd open heart surgery. The picture was taken by our son, Matthew, after he gave her the candy cane. She has come such a long way since this time, and a daily reminder that miracles still happen.

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.
Photo Theme: OPEN
Join the blogroll.

If you have done the Saturday Scavenger Hunt,
please leave a note below!

FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 92

2006-05-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
From which country(s) are some (or all) of your ancestors?
Greece

Soup
How would you describe your sneeze?
LOUD! Haaaaa - Chooo! My kids always laugh.

Salad
What is the last thing you cleaned?
A "junk basket" full of lots of odds and ends that needed to be put in the proper place. It cleared up a big space on my counter!

Main Course
Who made the strongest first impression on you?
I've thought of many people through my life, especially when I was young, and I think it would have to be my grandpa. He was one who lived what he spoke. I remember him reading his Bible everyday. We had a very special bond. When he had his second stroke in a nursing home, the nurses found him with his Bible open on his lap, and a devotional booklet, Our Daily Bread, opened to the right date. He died shortly after this. My mom kept that devotional booklet for many years.

Dessert
Name one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime.
Seeing all our children coming to know God in a personal way and to follow Him (not just us), know what they believe and why and live for Him.

If you have participated, please leave a note below!

You can learn about the Friday Feast here.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2006-05-04T20:41:00.000-05:00

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for how well my DH's business is picking up and seeing him be encouraged by this.
I am thankful for lawnmowers that don't work - it means my husband gets business!
I am thankful for garage sales!
I am thankful for our children discovering God's creations and the wonder of life in our own backyard(these are two separate nests we have been watching)

If you have participated, please leave a note below!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Bethany's Birthday

2006-05-03T22:58:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Noah Speaking

2006-05-02T22:16:00.000-05:00

I came across this writing in our schoolwork today, and it really made me think about "attitudes." I wonder what Noah's wife's attitude was like when he said they had to go into this ark, and all this rain was coming. Did she really believe him? Did she tease him? Did she fear her life? Did she lose close friends? What was her attitude on the big boat like? What would MY attitude be like if my DH told me we were going to do something this strange? Would I give him all the reasons why not ... would I tease him, and make fun of him to the children, or respect him, and encourage him, and have our children do the same? Would my attitude have been like this writing below? It makes me think too of when my children get married. Right now I cannot see it as "ready" for them to leave and having peace and quiet. I imagine the quietness will seem too quiet. I actually look forward to the grandchildren, especially as I see moms my age starting to go through this new stage of life. But, we are NOT close to that for awhile! Prayfully, it will give me time to have a good, servant's heart attitude when we get to this new stage of our lives! I don't want to be this kind of "Mrs. Noah".

Mrs. Noah Speaking

I suppose under the circumstances there’s really no point in complaining but really! Noah and I had just got accustomed to living alone and having some peace and quiet and fixing up the house the way we wanted it at last.

I brought up three boys,
wiped their runny noses,
changed their messy diapers,
washed, sewed, cooked,
saw to it that they had the proper advantages.
We got them safely married
(though if I didn’t know it before I know it now;
their wives leave a great deal to be desired).
We liked having them come to visit us
on the proper holidays,
bringing the babies,
taking enough food home to feed them for a week,
and Noah and I could go to bed in peace.

And now look what has happened!

Sometimes I think it would have been simpler
to have drowned with everybody else-
at least their troubles are over.
And here we are jammed in this Ark –
why didn’t the Lord give Noah enough time to build a big enough ark if He wanted him to build one at all?
The animals take up almost all the room and
Noah and I are crowded together with
Shem, Ham and Japheth,
their slovenly wives and noisy children,
and nowhere to go for a moment’s peace . . .

Not that I blame him . . .
It’s my daughters-in-law who get me.
They insist on changing the beds
every time I turn around.
They won’t use a towel more than once,
and they’re always getting dressed up and throwing
their dirty linen at me to wash,
the washing is easy enough – we’ve plenty of water –
But how do they expect me to get anything dry
in all this rain?
I don’t mind doing the cooking,
but they’re always coming out to the kitchen
to fix little snacks with the excuse that it will help me:
“You’re so good to us, Mother Noah,
we’ll just do this for you,”
and they never put anything away where it belongs.

They’ve lost one of my measuring cups
and they never clean the stove
and they’ve broken half of the best china
that came down to us from Grandfather Seth.
When the babies squall in the night, who gets up with them?
Not my daughters-in-law.

“Oh, Mother Noah’ll do it. She loves the babies so.”

Ham’s wife is always stirring up quarrels,
playing people off against each other.
Shem’s wife who never does anything for anybody,
manages to make me feel lazy and
mean if I ask her to dry one dish.
Japheth’s wife is eyeing Shem and Ham;
she’ll cause trouble; mark my words.

Today that silly dove Noah is so fond of
came back with an olive twig
on his beak.
Maybe there’s hope that we’ll get out of
this Ark after all.

We’ve landed! At last!
Now we can get back to normal and
have some peace and quiet
and if I put something where it belongs
it will stay there
and I can clean up this mess and
some sleep at night and –

Noah! Noah! I miss the children!
By Madeleine L’Engle

Monday Memories - May Day

2006-05-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

Do you remember celebrating May Day when you were in school? I rarely hear mention of it any more, but I remember doing various activities for May Day in gradeschool. We'd make baskets to take home to our moms with tissue paper flowers in it. We'd also make baskets and put it on someone's front porch, ring their doorbell, and run and hide while watching them come out and be surprised by the gift. I also remember playing a Maypole game. I could not remember exactly what we did - but remembered winding streamers around a pole. I looked it up, and this is one gal's description from her childhood (along with some neat postcards of Mayday):

. . . colorful crepe paper ribbons were attached to the top[of the Maypole] The boys would have a ribbon and walk to the right, the girls would take a ribbon and walk left. The boys and girls would walk in opposite directions holding the ribbons taut. As the children met, we would alternate by going under the ribbon of the first boy then go over the ribbon of the next boy (the boys would reverse the pattern) and so on. This up and down or in and out movement would create a weaving pattern (tabby weave) down the pole as the ribbons got shorter and shorter. I'm not positive, but I think there was an odd number of either boys or an odd number of girls in order to create the weave. It was almost like a dance because we moved to music. The winding of the Maypole was a traditional activity every year that the whole school participated in to welcome spring. Also, when I was young we made May baskets out of squares cut from left over wall paper--rolling them into cone shapes, adding a handle, then filling the baskets with handpicked flowers. That evening we would hang them on our friends' doors (usually older seniors), ring the door bell or knock, then run and hide and watch them find the flowers from our hiding places. I have very fond childhood memories of May Day.

Today we made May Day memories in our home. I've never really spoken of May Day to the kids before, but we decided to make it a fun and delighting someone else. We made paper flowers, picked Apple Blossoms and other spring flowers, put them in tin cans. Our youngest boy even helped with drilling holes in the cans and we attatched ribbons to the cans, along with a tag that said "Happy May Day". (Martha Stewart gave us the idea with how to package our flowers.) We made six deliveries, and the kids got "caught" at 3 of them. But they sure had fun and want to know if we are going to do this tomorrow again!

Do you have May Day memories?

Patiently Enduring?

2006-05-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

A couple of days ago I wrote about patiently enduring. I think satan visited my blog. How come when we think we are doing better - got a handle on things - have more joy in our hearts, then that black cloud comes over. It was not just one specific thing, but just a few things adding up, dealing with "normal" every day stresses of a large family, to dealing with rejection and trying to help the kids heal through the growing & healing times. It's learning to have attitude adjustments, learning to forgive, and patiently enduring. I did not do well with the PATIENTLY part. Both my dh and I were discouraged and felt under that cloud again. And it hit both of us in church with missing Matthew, trying to hold back the tears. Our church bulletin just started printing the birthdays for each month. May's came out Sunday. Matthew's birthday is May 28th. It wasn't in there - not that it had to be - but it's the void - the date that should be there - the sting of death, again.

But then there was good and I am thankful here at the beginning of a new week, I can see that. Norm was very busy with lawnmower repairs, that he actually could not keep up with it from day to day. This is a GOOD problem and has happened the last two weeks and been encouraging to him. It's so much a desire of his heart to have this home business work, and I think the discouraging part of it is not everyone sees it that way and thinks he should get a real job! That's hard for him, when he really needs encouragement. The boys especially really love working with him. It's neat to see Benjamin (12) be able to do minor repairs now on his own, or go step by step with Norm guiding him.

And Stephen, our oldest had great news with his job. The place he has had the internship at has "temporarily" hired him, but their goal is to have him come on full-time and eventually have a managerial position for him. One of the men he works closely with is a new Christian, and so it's neat for Stephen to be an encouragement to him. The boss is great with Stephen and continually teaching him new things and giving him responsibilities. We are really excited to see the posibilities in the future for him. He's learning a lot - and now just brought home another "totaled" vehicle he bought cheap to either part out or fix. So, he's having fun while working!

Our "baby" turns 3 this week. The kids are all excited about it - more than the baby understands! But she understands about cake and presents, so I am sure she will be just a little spoiled!

Another busy week ahead. Our third oldest son is taking driver's ed (SCARY!) and is going to that everyday and our girls are helping a lady with weeding her gardens, and then just normal everyday stuff from errands to church to a BIRTHDAY!

Postcard Exchange Anyone?

2006-04-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

I've noticed several bloggers (Meow, Mumbo Jumbo, Day by Day) are doing a postcard exchange? Anyone game? If so, please e-mail me privately. I do have a POB address, and my kids think it would be great fun! Please if you e-mail me to do this, also give me your blog address as well. We want to "see" who we are sending a postcard too! :)

If you do do this with others, for safety reasons, it is best to use a Post Office Box and maybe even initials for last names. I do not want to promote anything that can cause harm.

That said - this looks like something fun. It would be neat to get ones from all 50 states and different countries? A great homeschool project too, huh homeschoolers?!?!

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: OLD

2006-04-29T14:27:00.000-05:00

~ ~

This is my grandparent's wedding picture.
They were married around 1921.
I never knew my grandmother.
She died the same year I was born.
The day she died, my grandfather moved in with my parents.
My grandpa lived with my parents and I until he died in 1980.
He was one of the best parts of my growing up.

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.
Photo Theme: OLD
Join the blogroll.

If you have done the Saturday Scavenger Hunt,
please leave a note below!

FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 91

2006-04-27T23:01:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?
I would say a 9. We really try to teach our children too, respect for older people, holding doors open, women first, etc.

Soup
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
The kids can make me laugh out loud every day. Tonight Jessica came to me dressed up as an old lady. She had a hat on, my glasses, and a purse and walking stooped over. I know, I should've take a picture!

Salad
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
Mickey Mouse - probably because it's our daughter, Jessica's favorite. Because of her heart defects, she was able to go on a Make-A-Wish trip, and her wish was to see Mickey Mouse, give him a hug, and take a walk with him. Her wish was granted in Florida!

Main Course
Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.
Mr. Fischer. He was funny and nutty. I had him for algebra, and he had us learn how to draw in the air a square and a triangle at the same time. The triangle was with my right hand, square with my left. We had to do it fast, and then do it in the front of the class individually. He told strange stories, and the craziest thing was how toilet paper was a waste of money (used recycleable material).

Dessert
Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that life begins at conception.

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THANKFUL THURSDAY - Life's Simple Pleasures!

2006-04-27T01:08:00.000-05:00

It's Thankful Thursday AND I was tagged by No Average Girl! Since this tag has to do with naming ten of life's simple pleasures I like most - these ARE things I am thankful for, so I am doing this as my Thankful Thursday post as well. I am suppose to then to pick ten people to do the same. ANY VOLUNTEERS SO I DON'T HAVE TO TAG YOU?!?!?!?! Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday

In no particular order, my simple pleasures that I am thankful for:

Our youngest crawling in bed every morning from her bed next to my side and snuggling with me. I know I will miss that some day.
My husband saying my name.
My children trying to get in the middle of my husband and I hugging because they want to be part of it too.
My children bringing me flowers picked from the yard - even if they are dandelions!
When teaching my children, and they finally understand a new concept and say "Oh! I get it!"
Seeing my children enjoying reading books, and having had the priviledge to teach them how to read.
Just a short simple note from a friend saying they are praying or care, or just thinking of me.
The beautiful flowers poking up through the ground showing their beauty.
A song coming on the radio at the right time to uplift my spirits & praise God.
Love notes and drawings from my kids.

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WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-04-26T01:06:00.000-05:00

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Random Ramblings and More (or less?)

2006-04-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

We have been enjoying our new spring days here. The newness of everyday with the sun warming up and shinning through the house, the flowers blooming, the children "sneeking" outside (field experience classes?), laundry drying outside, and little kittens playing peek-a-boo around the corners of the house. The laundry pile is bigger, there are dirtier faces, but I am hearing the laughter and seeing the sparkly eyes. I am enjoying this spring, and seeing it's warmth so much more than last year. Norm & I have discussed often, how last year at this time seems like such a fog. What did we do? I am thankful for the "blurs" of our grieving, that the pain does not seem quite so sharp, and not only can we see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, we see the stars in the sky, and the blooms of the flowers on the ground.

Norm and I have been attending a GriefShare class. This has been very enlightening and interesting, and as Norm said tonight after our class, something we probably would not have been able to thoroughly do a year ago. Our GriefShare class is quite small. The leadership is between a pastor who has not gone through a close loss, and an older couple who lost a son many years ago. Right now we are going through a movie series, put out by the GriefShare organization and cover the following topics including, When Your Dreams Fall Apart, Seasons of Grief, Emotions of Grief, Growing through Grief, and Where is God? There are well known speakers from the Christian community speaking, including Dr. Joseph Stowell, Elizabeth Elliot, Joni Erickson Tada. You can go to the website to see more details of this, but I share this to bring awareness of this group for my readers or friends or relatives. I also believe non-Christians would benefit - and possibly and prayfully, find Jesus through this.

Going along with this theme, I will be sharing in the next few weeks some more books I've been reading. Right now I am reading an excellent, excellent book by Michael Card called, A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament . I first found it in our local library and began reading it, and it struck me so, that I knew I needed to have one of my own to be able to mark and re-read. I will write a review on it shortly, but you might want to find one for yourself or a friend. It's one of those books again, I wish I could give to everyone and anyone! It will help those who are hurting, and friends of those who are hurting.

This past Sunday our pastor spoke from I Peter 2:19-25. Again, I heard that still small voice, as though God was say, "See I AM here . . .I understand". I think what struck me most was in these two verses: "But if when you do what is right and suffer for it, you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps . . ." I am certainly not saying by any way I've done this right - but it seems at times when we are trying so hard to do right, it all comes slamming down on it. Do we complain and rebel like Job's wife, or do we patiently endure it? God says we will go through these hard times, the suffering, just as He did, and if we do patiently endure it, we will find favor with God. WOW. If God would have just left that one little word out, patiently, then we probably could endure it. But we are suppose to PATIENTLY ENDURE it. And then, He says we have been called to this purpose. WHY? Is it because others are watching? Are we a living testimony as we walk or stumble over these trials of life? How do others perceive our enduring this? I know I have failed many times, yet, I know God picks us up, gives us so many more opportunities. What opportunities lie ahead?

Well, I've rambled tonight. These have been some thoughts on my heart for the last several days, and wanted to share it. In the coming weeks I will be sharing some more book reviews and also a special ANNOUNCEMENT. It has to do with my blog, and possibly moving to a new site, but I can't share anymore than that, right now. I am excited about it, and have the support of my husband with this new endeavor and being able to share with more people things on my heart, and prayfully towards encouragement, during the trials and glories of life.

Bragging Rights!

2006-04-24T17:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I am going to brag (again) on one of my kids. As I've mentioned, our oldest son is taking college courses for automotive and welding. He really enjoys it. He is state certified for brake repairs and engine repairs. We did not even know he had taken a steering/suspension test, and today he got notice that he passed (!!) and now has state certification for that! We thought it was pretty neat!

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Important Article to Read on Choking Game

2006-04-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

This article is written by a coroner in Illinois titled, "Live from the Coroner's Office": Choking “Game” is Suffocation Roulette. It's a must read article, that though death may not happen, the risks are so high, and the killing of brain cells which do not come back. Is it worth the risk of death or brain damage. As he says, "Think, make good choices, don’t take chances."

Talk to your kids.

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: SILLY

2006-04-22T17:59:00.000-05:00

~ ~

Notice the toes! They were "painted" with chocolate frosting!
My daughter on right wants to remain nameless for this photo!
This was after she got her braces off, and she actually walked around
a grocery store with these on. She generally is not this silly!

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Photo Theme: SILLY
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FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 90

2006-04-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

* * * * * * * * * * *

Appetizer
List 3 things you keep putting off.
*Some sewing projects
*Cleaning the fish tank
*Rearranging bookshelves

Soup
What do you feel is your greatest responsibility?
*My children

Salad
If you could have starred in any movie, which one would you have wanted to be in and why?
*I've always loved the "Heidi" movie, and as a child I probably would have loved to be her. (We even named one of our daughters "Heidi".)

Main Course
What is an expectation you had as a child about being an adult and, now that you are grown up, you realize you were wrong?
*I always thought being a teacher would be so much fun and "easy" and now that I am a homeschool teacher/mom I see how much work and dedication it is and preparation it needs.

Dessert
When was the last time you had your car serviced?
*Having our son training to be an automechanic he is does things to our car often. This past week he worked on was the tie rods.

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Thankful Thursday

2006-04-20T00:46:00.000-05:00

~ ~ ~

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday
What I am, thankful for this week

Thankful for many little things that have been “invented” since I was born (might show my age here a little bit)

Cordless phones
Cell phones
VCR
DVD
Digital Cameras
Movie Cameras
Color TV
Caller I.D.
Microwave
Home-use Front Loader Washers
Hand Held Calculators
CD’s
DVD’s
Palm Pilots
Home PC
Laptops
Home copiers and scanners
Cassette tapes and recorders (still remember my dad using a reel to reel type recorder – he was in the radio business)
ATM machines
Invisible Fences

What's new since you were born????

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WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-04-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

Choking Game - Kids Still Dying - Still in the News

2006-04-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

Today Norm & I had eye doctor appointments. We are both getting new glasses. My eyes definitel y have changed over the last 2 years, and now am going to bifocals. There is slight concern of glycoma starting in one eye, and when I go to get my glasses in two weeks, he will test for it. Both Norm & I could not be tested today since one of us had to drive safely!

The eye doctor remembered our large family. We had all the children's eyes tested a couple of summers ago. I told him how one of our sons died, and he was very aware of the "choking game" and said when he read it was even local, he himself talked to his grandchildren about it. A wise man. It's out there . . . we can't hide from it. Kids may call it numerous different things (Space Monkey, Fainting, the Pass Out Game, the Black Out Game, American Dream, Flatliner or Flatline, Space Cowboy, Knock Out, Gasp, Rising Sun, Airplaning, and many others) and need to be warned just as we do with drugs and other dangerous things.

I recently got an e-mail about another report of it in the Chicago Sun-Times, with an article titled , More Kids Dying for Drug-Free High. A part of the article states:

Glenview police say they think it [choking game] claimed the life of Leo McCarthy. About 10:24 p.m. on March 27, Leo's father found the 12-year-old choked by a guitar strap, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner. The parents performed CPR with coaching from a dispatcher, said Glenview Fire Chief Wayne Globerger. It didn't matter. The boy was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. at Glenbrook Hospital. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death to be hanging.

Another article was in the Washington Post and stated about another young boy:

William C. Bowen Jr., a computer-savvy high school student who was involved in his church and working toward his Eagle Scout badge, died of accidental asphyxiation March 14 after wrapping a terry-cloth sash around his neck, law enforcement officials confirmed last week.
Bowen, 15, appeared to have been engaged in a variant of the choking game, authorities said. That variant, known as autoerotic asphyxiation, involves masturbation while cutting off the air supply to the brain. He had devised a safety release for the ligature around his neck, but it failed to work, said Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, spokeswoman for the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. . .
The school sent a flier to parents listing telltale signs of the choking game, noting that even untroubled students have engaged in it, with some thinking of it as a safer way than drugs or alcohol to experiment with a mind-altering sensation. . .
"The important thing this family is stressing is that they do not want to see another family go through this," said the Rev. Matt Poole of FaithPoint United Methodist Church. There is scant research on the practice, but medical and forensic experts estimate that 250 to 1,000 young people die in the United States each year from some variant of the choking game. Many are reported as suicides. One university researcher has estimated that nearly a third of adolescent hangings could be attributed to some form of the practice. . .
There is scant research on the practice, but medical and forensic experts estimate that 250 to 1,000 young people die in the United States each year from some variant of the choking game. Many are reported as suicides. One university researcher has estimated that nearly a third of adolescent hangings could be attributed to some form of the practice.

Thirteen year old Coty Mills also died less than a month ago.

Family members are grieving. Mills [mom] is also crusading. "This is her healing process," says a family friend, Brenda Hagaman.

Her crusade is a worthy one.

It could use your help.

Mills [mom] already has heard locally that the choking game is played not only in homes but on school buses and in locker rooms. Few parents know.

Mills said she and her husband had no idea.

Another article is on CBN.Com: A Dance with Death: The Choke Game

And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God,
to them who are the called
according toHis purpose.
Romans 8:28

We still don't understand, but the good that can come from Matthew's death, is to know other children are saved from this foolish, life-risking game. We hope that if you just read this for the first time, that you will talk to your children. We wish we would have known.

Bartering a Red Paperclip?

2006-04-17T22:49:00.000-05:00

Did you see, hear or read the story about the young man bartering a paperclip to eventually and hopefully get a house?? I first read this story in our local paper and then also saw it on CNN. He advertised on a webpage that he wanted to barter a red paperclip. With the items gets, he then barters those, hoping to get "bigger, better" things . . . leading to a house! On his blog, One Red Paperclip, he says he started this in July, and so far he has traded a fish pen, a door knob, a coleman stove, a red generator, Instant Party, a Skidoo, a trip to Yahk, a cube truck, a recording contract, and now the latest, a year's worth of rent in downtown Phoenix.

Today he was on CNN, and the Associated Press also released the story, thus being in many newspapers nationwide, including ours. He would like to see how many newspapers it actually goes into, and is asking for the actual articles to be sent to him, and then in return he will send you a RED PAPERCLIP!!

Now I am wondering . . . will these paperclips be worth anything?!?!? Can we barter them off too now?!?!?!

Can I barter my Mother's Bracelets I make??? Mother's Day IS coming!! Any takers? (Explode-The-Code homeschool books, cursive penmanship workbooks, Lamplighter books, homeschool magazine subscription, Fly Flot shoes or sandles, INCH homeschool convention tickets . . .or e-mail me with your ideas!)

Monday Memories

2006-04-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

When I was young, living at my parents' home, Easter baskets and chocolate were a big thing. It took me quite a few years to figure out who the Easter bunny "really" was. We'd leave for church, and when my sister and I came home, there'd mysteriously be an Easter basket on our beds, filled and overflowing! Always included was a big chocolate bunny. We later learned that as we were all scurring out to the car, my mom would put the baskets on our bed. It was fun.

I have an unusual chocolate bunny story too. My dad worked a very early morning shift. He'd get up at 3 a.m. and so the night before he'd set his breakfast out, including his vitamins. Well, over a long period of time the vitamins kept disapperaing. My mom thought for sure my sister or I were taking them and hiding them . . . and the joke had long been over. One year we got our Easter baskets, left them on the counter, and after several days we notices scratches on them. Little claw like scratches. MICE! After doing some searching in a kitchen cupboard was found a pile of vitamins and Cherrios! We did not eat our bunnies that year - but were thankful for the chocolate bunny that saved us from additional punishments!

The Empty Tomb

2006-04-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me." Matthew 28:1-10

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: FEET

2006-04-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

~ ~

One of my daughters worked a long time to get one of these pictures!

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FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 89

2006-04-13T23:01:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
What movie soundtracks do you own?
I don't think we own any!

Soup
How much cash do you usually carry with you?
Rarely any!

Salad
Are you more comfortable around men or women? Why?
If alone, definitely with women. If with my husband, it does not really matter, and I think both my dh & I like relating to other couples.

Main Course
What is the most mischievous thing you remember doing as a child?
Yikes! The one that comes to mind is when I was in grade school, I had a "cartridge pen" (which it was called then, but many now use it for caligraphy), and if you held it up and snapped it, it would squirt ink. I was front seat in a math class, and did it on the back of a teacher's bright yellow, 100% polyester pant suit. I had the class laughing THEN . . . but I sure got in trouble later. I think I am fortunate to tell the story! I still can't believe I did that.

Dessert
Who is the funniest member of your family?
By far our 3rd oldest son, Jayson (16 1/2). We have always called him Jolly Jayson. He has us splitting many times. Even when he does something bad, he can usually say something with a straight face, that will just get us going. If you have heard of the Christian comedian, Mark Lowry, Jayson can do a good imitation of him and even have his own additions too! He does this with others as well. Since we homeschool, I guess we have to have a "class clown" and he definitely fits the role! I am probably gonna get in trouble with this picture, but you can get a glimpse of his "other side"! He is a joy!

Thankful Thursday - Ressurection Week

2006-04-13T15:36:00.000-05:00

~ ~ ~

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday
What I am, thankful for this week

I am most thankful that I have a Savior - that He died for me, humbly, on a cross, bearing my sins, so that as He lives, because of my personal faith in Him, I too will live forever, in heaven.

They took Jesus, therefore, and He

went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.

John 19:17

He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.Isaiah 53:3

What Did the Angels Tell Mary?

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead..." Matthew 28:6,7

"and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." Luke 24:5-7

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotton Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-04-12T22:08:00.000-05:00

Author, Beverly Cleary

2006-04-11T13:52:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Beverly Cleary’s 90th birthday. She is an author who wrote many books that I read as a child, and now my children are reading many of the same book. Matthew first began and now Jessica has a love for these books as well. If you are unfamiliar with her name, you might remember some of the book titles, such as Ramona, Henry Higgins, and one of my favorites, Ribsy. Be sure to visit this website which links to her personal website. I also really enjoyed reading about her here and learned that one of her favorite books as a child was The Dutch Twins and The Swiss Twins which I never had heard of, but found it in my library and my 9 year old daughter loves these too! As a young girl, Mrs. Clearly had a love for books, but there was no local library. Her mother arranged to have books sent to their city and her mom was the librarian. Mrs. Cleary grew up in the library, but also thought there was not enough "funny" books for children. The city where she grew up in, Portland, Oregon, and Grant Park in this city, is where her stories take place (see the neat map of her city and how it refers to her books). The city has honored Mrs. Cleary with statues of Henry Higgins with his mutt, Ribsy, and Ramona in her raingear stand around a central fountain.

Romona

Statue of Henry Huggins

Statue of Ribsy

More Pictures:
Terrecotta Busts of Ramona;
Beverly and Clarence Cleary with Ramona at Grant Park

BOOK REVIEW: Help! Mom! Hollywood is in my Hamper!

2006-04-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

This is the second book I am reviewing, by this author, Katharine Debrecht. The first book I reviewed was Help! Mom! There are Liberals Under My Bed! and this review will be similiar in my thoughts regarding it.

This book, Help! Mom! Hollywood's in My Hamper! is again more for teenagers and adults, though many adults may find it too sarcastic and not funny at all. There is quite a bit of mockery in the book, that I would not want to condone, in having my children read. We have talked often about dressing modestly, and not being "of the world" yet it's not done in a mocking way, but to do as pleasing unto God. Some of the characters in the book my children are not even that aware of such as Madonna and Barbara Streisand. My homeschooled children do not want to dress like the rest of the world - nor would a lot of it even be allowed (ie short shirts/skirts, low cut dresses/tops, etc). Yet, there are families whose children see how others are dressed and are certainly influenced by it, which in turn is coming from Hollywood.

This book might help an older teen understand why we should not follow Hollywood's example of dress, however, the pictures seem geared more for young children. One of the very first pages shows young children coloring. This is not the age that would take this book to heart yet, a teen seeing these pages, might be turned off right away thinking this book is for "little kids" by its pictures. Also some of the ideas that are illustrated as far as how someone might dress is over dramitized, and as far as my standards, not even pictures I would want my children to see (low cut dresses). Some of it is just plain foolishness too. One example is copying someone who wears a flowerpot on her head. It needs to be more realistic if we want to draw children in.

Overall, I do believe this book is better than the other book I reviewed by the same author. Children at least will be able to understand this one more. I do not believe this book would influence my children or many of the friends of my children, but there are those teens that are influenced and this may help them make more decent decisions on their clothing. It might be a good book to donate to a local library or leave in a hospital waiting room or coffee shoppe! Maybe it will get some parents to think about how their teen is dressed!

NOTE: As a Mind & Media Reviewer, I was not compensated for providing this review. I received this complimentary book in order to review it and am thankful for this opportunity.

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Monday Memories

2006-04-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

When least expected, we get these little jolts - the reminders - the breath sucked out. Today, it just hit us again, when we read in our local paper, about the Medical Examiner that did the autopsy on Matthew. The autopsy is one of those things we cannot go into detail, that for the most part, Norm & I have to keep in side, and try to refocus, that when the autopsy was done, Matthew was in heaven, and it was his old body that had to be viewed. In some ways I wish I would have never read the autopsy, or at least was prepared for what was done. We did ask shortly have he was considered gone, if we could donate any organs, but since it had been so long, they could not, and an autopsy by law had to be done, so it was not possible. Had his body been able to be used to help someone else out, it would seem easier, I would think. Only Norm & I read the report, and then we burned it. We did not want the children reading it. They had enough visuals already in their heads. The article that was in our paper, did go into some detail of what is normally done in an autopsy, but not to the degree that everything is spelled out in the actual report and the detail of everything. I've heard very nice things about the ME, and I know it bothered him to do a child's autopsy. But, today was that reminder - the reminder once again of the finality. The reminder of the ache that sometimes is covered up. Yet, there is the hope that someday . . .

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17

Not too long ago on the Christian radio program, Insight for Living, I heard Chuck Swindoll say that he was visiting a cemetery, and one of the gravestones simply said "You're Standing on Ressurection Ground". I loved that.Someday maybe we will have a family grave marker, and will have that on it. Can you just imagine the cemeteries someday?

Stephen's 19th Birthday

2006-04-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

It seems almost impossible that we have a child old enough to be 19. It certainly makes us feel old! I remember his birth so well - born at 4:32 in the afternoon - 9 lbs. 1 oz. and a beautiful baby. I've shared before how he was three weeks late - born on my grandpa's birthday, which was very special for me. It was actually an answer to prayer. He's a typical teenager in one way - is always right - knows more that me most of the time - yet, is a kid with convictions, standards, and a hard worker. He loves working on cars and trucks, and is doing well in his automotive and welding classes. He was told just yesterday at his job that once his internship is done at the place he is working, that the boss really wants to hire him. His boss is also his teacher and has had many students doing the internship. So, it's neat to see how he is growing and maturing. His choice of friends are great. His wanting to follow God is neat. He is committed to courtship, and doesn't even want to find a girlfriend/wife until he can support a wife. So the little guy that made me a mama is all(most) grown up.

Birthdays are a pretty big thing here. Last year it was very low key. It seemed hard to celebrate anything. But this year we are all back into it. All the kids were excited - found treasures for Stephen - from automotive hand washing soap, to candy bars and other tools. This picture of him above is with his first Snap-On Tool from his dad. He was pretty excited about that. I made his his favorite meal - lasagna. The signs were put up around the house - lots of cards were made and even a special shirt worn by the baby whom he spoils more than us!

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: ROUND

2006-04-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

~ ~

Our baby in something round.

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FRIDAY'S FEAST QUESTION 88

2006-04-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
Name a trait you share with your parents or your children.
When I am concentrating real hard on something, I will put my tongue between my lips and bite down. At least one of my daughters does this. When I met my adoptive parents, after my dh and I were married, we found out my birthmom does the same thing.

Soup
List 3 qualities of a good leader, in your opinion.
Godly, sincere, honest

Salad
Who is your favorite television chef?
Don't have one - rarely watch cooking shows.

Main Course
Share a story about a gift you received from someone you love.
After I found my birth mom, she made me a beautiful knitted bedspread. After our son died, the first Mother's Day my mother-in-law drew a beautiful portrait of Matthew - both of him as a young boy and a grown boy.

Dessert
How do you react under pressure?
Depends what it is. If one of the kids gets hurt, I can handle it ok - it's afterwards I start shaking. When it's time pressure, or an on-going emotional situation, I don't handle it well at all - can have anxiety attacks over it! I use to handle it a lot better when I was younger.

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Thankful Thursday

2006-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

~ ~ ~

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday
What I am, thankful for this week

Psalm 98:4-6: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. I am thankful for music that so many times speaks the words and soothes at the right time at the place we are.

Romans 8:26,27: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. I am thankful that when we are at our lows, or when we just don't know what to pray or say to God - He knows - He knows our hearts, He knows our moanings & groanings and the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf.

Romans 8:18: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. I am thankful for such a hope as this, that in the end, "it will be worth it all when we see Jesus . . .one glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase."

God's protection - I often wonder what things we don't see, where God protected and prevented something from happening. I am thankful our son's eyes are fine and for learning experiences from this.

If you participate, leave your link below. Click here for the Thankful Thursday code.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-04-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

I've Been Tagged

2006-04-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

1. How tall are you barefoot? 5'5"
2. Have you ever smoked? High school - briefly - gross
3. Do you own a gun? "I" don't.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? HEARTBURN
7. What's your favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know?
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water
9. Do you do push-ups? NOT
11. Are you vegan? What's the opposite of vegan? No! Carnivorous?
12. Do you like painkillers? NO! It means I've got a nasty headache. But thankful it helps!
13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? Ahhhemmm . . . My FIL reads this!
14. Do you own a knife? Of course!
15. Do you have A.D.D.? My DH thinks so!
16. Middle Name? Louise
17. Top 3 thoughts at this exact moment 1. Should I REALLY do this? 2. I am tired! 3. Where's the chocolate!
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought. (1) flavored water (2) crackers (3) milk
19. Name five drinks you regularly drink? Water, flavored water, cappicinos, iced tea, coffee
20. What time did you wake up today? 7:30 - sick child woke me up. :(
21. Current hair? Medium brown - needs a perm
22. Current worry? healing
23. Current hate? My weight
24. Favorite places to be? Home
25. Least favorite place to be? funeral homes
26. Where would you like to go? Tennessee to visit a friend
27. Do you own slippers? Yes - rarely wear them!
28. Where do you think you'll be in 10 yrs? Hopefully with grandchildren!
29. Do you burn or tan? Can burn if in sun too long - but tan too.
30. Last thing you ate? Chili
31. Would you be a pirate? (??) No!
33. What songs do you sing in the shower? None
34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Don't recall any.
35. What's in your pockets right now? Nothing!
36. Last thing that made you laugh? Dh.
37. Best bed sheets you had as a child? Don't remember - just plain colored sheets.
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Sprained ankle
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3
41. Who is your loudest friend? CS
42. Who is your most silent friend? GH - too silent
43. Does someone have a crush on you? I sure hope so! My DH!
44. Do you wish on the stars? No
45. What is your favorite book? Just one? The Bible
46. What is your favorite candy? Take Five
47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? None - we eloped.
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Give Thanks With a Joyful Heart
49. What were you doing 12AM last night? Here at the computer.
50. Do you love the pain a tattoo brings? Never had one (yet!)

I am not tagging anyone else with this, but feel free to take the questions and answer them on your blog. . . let me know if you did!

Quick Update

2006-04-02T15:44:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note. I usually do a wordsearch on Sunday afternoons with the girls that's from the newspaper, and I don't want them getting too far ahead of me! But since I got several e-mails regarding Stephen's eyes, I want to update. They are MUCH better, and just about back to normal. There's just a slight bit of pink yet. It's amazing how quickly they healed - and thankfully so. He has spring break this coming week from college, so this will help some too that he won't have class everyday - but he can still go to his work to do his internship. He got quite a bit of teasing last night at a church party and today at church, so I think he's learned.

Thanks for your prayers!

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: WET

2006-04-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

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Our girls playing in a puddle on the driveway!

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.
Photo Theme: WET
Join the blogroll.

Friday Frenzy

2006-03-31T23:09:00.000-05:00

What a day! But we are thankful as the day ends, that it is ending much better than it started. Stephen, our oldest, who will be 19 in a week, is taking automotive & welding courses. He's done some welding here at home with dad - and being told over and over again about eye protection and protection in general as it can cause serious burns. He's given himself a sunburn on his arms and face already. Well, last night he got home from class and his eyes were really red and watering. He was working on the exhaust on our car at class and some of it he had to see "better" so he pushed the protective hat up off his eyes. This morning he could barely open his eyes. His eyelids were so swollen and his eyes burned terribly. Everything was blury. We called the doctor's office, and they said he should go to ER right away - but not the small hospitals in our area - but to the bigger city - so an othomologist on call can see him. We had plans for the day - taking in puppies - plus a friend coming for dinner. This was NOT in the plans for the day! Stephen was not thrilled at all to have to get out of bed, and could not stand the light. I tried calling a local eye doctor's office, and an optrimitist was in that could see him right away. So, I "made" him go. I jumped to conclussions when she first started looking at his eyes, because her first reaction was "ohhhh . . .You burned them quite good." Then she had him read the line of letters on the wall. I could read them just fine - even reading them backwards - and he could not. More anxiety. She put two different types of drops in his eyes and determined he did NOT burn the retina's but did do cornea cell damage. However, these cells rebuild every 24 hours, and she expects him to be MUCH better by Sunday. He had to get two perscriptions which seems to be helping, along with wearing sunglasses, even in the house.

Well, though it was a painful lesson for him to learn, I think it was a good one, and maybe one of those "I told you so" that we DON'T have to say . . . and he will be much more diligent about the protection. He is getting razed some and probably will too by his friends. We have been coming up with different ideas of what he could do for a job if he was blind. He's not too thrilled of that idea - and neither are we!

The night ended good with time with a friend. Jayson played his guitar. He is getting quite good on it - pretty much self teaching. He's always had an ear for music. His piano teacher used to get frustrated with him, because he plays by ear. But, the guitar has been a good outlet for him, and neat to see the kids listening to him as he plays and sings.

Thankful Thursday

2006-03-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday
What I am, thankful for this week

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." Psalm 50:15

I am thankful for the bright sunshine today and the warm breeze that is finally warming up the outdoors.

For MAKE-A-WISH that granted us with a wonderful trip to Disney several years ago and CONTINUES to grant wishes to ill children AND special outings throughout the years for all families.

God's provisions - more puppies coming in and Norm's small engine repair business seems to be picking up.

Links to other Thankful Thursday Posts
Unicorn Child ("home" of ThT & code)
Child of God
Friday's Child
LadyBug Crossing
Momma'sLife
Nightingale
No_Average_Girl
Sting My Heart

If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below. Click here for the Thankful Thursday code

No Attachment Included

2006-03-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

Things can be so bittersweet. Daniel writes on his blog, Dear Elena, about his 7 year old daughter that went to heaven at the end of February. His words captured what we went through today:

The espresso machine isn't working lately. I've been shopping for a new one. I've compared prices and features and have spent way too much time on the whole process. I may be stalling. You see, I've looked everywhere and no one sells one that includes Elena as an attachment to help me brew coffee in the morning.

Matthew loved to grill. This is one of the last pictures of him just a few months before he died. The grill has been falling apart for some time now - getting to the dangerous point. We couldn't get rid of it last year. We too stalled. We have to junk it this year. Another piece gone.

We got a new grill today.

It did not include Matthew as an attachment to do our grilling.

Yet, it is another new beginning . . . bittersweet.

BOOK REVIEW: Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room

2006-03-28T12:19:00.000-05:00

When is the last time you read a book (besides the Bible) that you know was God appointed, and just what you needed to read? I was given a book to review, and not anticipating it to be what "I" needed to hear. If you are just a mommy overwhelmed with the daily life of caring for your family, your home, your husband and everything else that is thrown at you, then this is the book for you! Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room, is a wonderful, encouraging book, by Barbara Curtis, mom to 12 children - ALL her own. Nine came to her biologically and 3 through adoption. Her 9th child was born with an "extra chromosome", thus leading her and her husband to adopt three more children with Down's Syndrome. The first page captured my heart:

"This book is about spending some time together sorting through the things that get in the way of finding joy in motherhood. It's about getting real about the past and mistakes we've made . . . about seizing each day, squeezing every bit of joy from every peanut-butter-and-jelly-smeared moment, finding God in the hum of a washing machine or an unexpected bargain."

Finding joy again . . . it's what I need more of. I read on. My heart was already moved.

Her laundry room became her "prayer closet". She was searching for where she could go to be alone with God and pray. She was asking God this while sorting through laundry, and God pressed it on her heart she IS praying, she IS having quiet time. It's made me think of my laundry room. I think it will help me to look forward to doing my laundry more - praying for my children as I go through their clothes, and being thankful for quiet time there.

I could relate to so much - from a child arriving at church with no shoes on to leaving a child behind at church. She spoke of how we moms worry about perfection - worry about how we look, how our children behave (or don't behave), and how we can pull ourselves down just in this thinking. With encouragement she says "we need to stop running from our worries and start running toward God. He's the only one we can trust to accept us as we are - even when we can barely accept ourselves. He won't push us aside to reach for the most perfect and spotless specimen behind. "

God has impressed on my heart a lot lately, the verse, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Sometimes this verse would really make me cringe, especially if someone would say this, that would not really know what we are going through. Barbara shared this verse too . . . and showed how good did come together, even from mistakes, sin, and pain. She is a "real" person, with "real" problems, and shares her heart, even when she was ready to give up and run away from it all. She did not come from a perfect upbringing, nor did she have a role model of a mother, and yet, she found the Lord as her Savior, and God showed her how even her mistakes can bring glory to Him. After she was saved, she found how the things she did wrong, God brought joy from it, starting out with her first child that was conceived before she was married, which made her and her husband commit to marriage, and eventually finding God. They don't hide the date. It shows her how God was working with them from the very beginning.

Her writing is personal, and for a purpose - to encourage her readers. She really does care for them. She wishes she could take their hands and and say:

"May God bless your motherhood as He has mine. May He give you the courage to see your mistakes and the assurance that He can use every one of them to His advantage. May He give you a vision of the glory of your motherhood, so that even while doing the lowliest tasks, you will not forget the privilege of your calling."

This has been my favorite read for this year, and I am very thankful to God for Barbara Curtis and sharing her life.

NOTE: As a Mind & Media Reviewer, I was not compensated for providing this review. I received this complimentary book in order to review it and am thankful for this opportunity.

Let's Get Real Monday

2006-03-27T19:20:00.000-05:00

Randi at "I Have to Say" encouraged bloggers to post pictures of their high school days. I have few pictures of my growing up years, but here are a couple from high school. Me at a graduation party
My sister (left); me right

Do you remember the different colored silk ribbons us gals would wear? I remember I had a slew of them that my mom made to interchange with different outfits. It was a big thing that year (1982). I remember this one that I am wearing. It was red with little black dots.

AWANA Boat Regatta

2006-03-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

Our kids boats, all set to go!

Benjamin (with yellow flag over his face) watching his boat take off.
Katie & Melody with their boats. Katie's won a 3rd place ribbon. Melody got a "sympathy" ribbon. Another kid felt bad for her and gave his to her. :)

Heather got 2nd place for her boat design.
Heidi got 2nd place in the boat race.

Bethany (almost 3!) & I did not go to the race. We slept in. Bethany has a cold. We've never had one of our children say this before because of a stuffy nose: "My nose doesn't work". Poor babe.

Manwich

2006-03-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

I bought Manwich tonight. I haven't bought Manwich in years - at least 4 or 5 years. We had "Me-Ma Joes" instead. Matthew hated Manwich Sloppy Joes. So, he made up his own recipe and would often make it. His big brother called him "Me-Ma" when he was little - thus, the name "Me-Ma Joes". We still have been making "Me-Ma Joes". But I saw the Manwhich tonight. I used to love Manwich sandwiches. Most of the kids didn't even know what this was. It almost seemed like I was doing something bad buying this. Like, NOW we can eat this - before we couldn't. We are doing better, but somethings like this sure strike us. Norm said again tonight, when will we go a day when something doesn't hit us.

Last night Norm played our piano. He hasn't played it much since Matthew died. I don't think he realized it. But he just sat down, and began to play. Melody (5) came to me just sobbing. She said it reminded her of the funeral home music. (At the time, Norm was playing "Give Thanks, With a Joyful Heart" - so it wasn't funeral music). Her little heart was breaking. She still misses her big brother so much. She asked some of the same questions she has before: "Why did he do that mommy? . . . Do you think he misses us too? . . . I remember how tall he was. Do you think he's grown more?" We talked some about Matthew . . . and again and again, she tries to understand "that day". Though she did not see him, she knows what happened, and she just cannot understand why. "Why would he do something that dumb?". We've asked the same question, maybe everyday. So, we were talking about this, and I told Melody that she has to also forgive Matthew. I asked her if she ever had done that. She was quite thoughtful, and then said no. This morning she came to me and told me she prayed to Jesus and asked Him to forgive her and that she forgave Matthew. I thought that was real neat - that we did not have to remind her, and she did it on her own. That seemed so good for a little one of her age (and it was) BUT, then she said as she was praying she asked Jesus to let Matthew come back here just for a short time so we can talk to him. She asked me, "Do you think He will let him?" Oh, my heart. I see her hurting heart, just wanting to see Matthew one more time. I tried to tell her how busy Matthew is in heaven and maybe He is helping Jesus to get the mansions ready and when we get there, Matthew will have so much to show us. Melody then says "But I don't know if I can wait that long." I told her how Matthew has a job to do in heaven, but we have jobs to do here on earth and we have to finish our work first for Jesus here. She seemed content with that. For now. We shall see what she or one of the others comes up with later.

So, we continue . . . better, but as Norm said tonight, there's always something that brings the sting of death, and the bittersweet memories, and lingering tears. This is another reason, we continue to share about the "choking game". We don't want other families to go through what we have or have siblings so hurt and not understanding. This week alone I've had 3 or 4 write to me that have just asked their children about it, including a mom who lives in Bermuda, and these kids knew about the "choking game." Just as we wish we would have known before it was too late, be informed, share, talk to your kids.

Tomorrow for lunch it's Manwich sandwiches . . . after the kid's AWANA boat races. They have had fun these last several weeks making boats and being inventive. The older ones made boats for the younger ones. We've had the bathtub filled up numerous times to "try" their boats! Pictures later!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-03-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

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DrudgeReportArchives.com
TownHall.com
Spunky Homeschool

In Memory of My Mom

2006-03-21T23:32:00.000-05:00

My mom died two years ago today. I got the call just a half hour before she died, from my childhood pastor. He told me she probably would not make it through the day. There were a lot of mixed feelings. I had prayed and hoped for a reconciliation with my mom for many, many years. It wasn't going to happen. My husband and I were talking about trying to make it home (a 6 hour drive) to see if we could try to see her one more time before she died. We talked with the children. They even cried for a grandma they never got to know. We prayed together. I then nervously called the hospital, prepared for the rejection again. My sister answered my mom's room. My mom had just died minutes before. Though we weren't there in person, it was as though we were there. We think we may have even been praying, when my mom slipped away. I have been thankful for God's timing, in preparing my heart, and to have been in thought of her, when she slipped away.

We went to the memorial service at the end of that week. My dad and sister knew we were coming. We brought three of our children with us - Matthew, Heidi, & Bethany. My dad had seen Matthew & Heidi before as little ones. He shook Matthew's hand and told him what a firm handshake he had. He talked with his grandson for the first time. After the service Matthew told us he wished he could stay and talk to my dad more - maybe help him towards reconciliation - but most of all his heart was towards serving him - helping a lonely man with chores around his house - helping him open his pool in the spring -being a friend. It was something that touched me, that never came about.

Nine months later, my dad called me - a first in over 20 years - to express his sadness of the loss of our son - the grandson he met and stood beside. We've talked several times since. Though it's not repaired, there's been some healing.

I was disappointed that the song "Because He Lives" was not sung at my mom's funeral. I remembered it as being her favorite song when I was growing up. When we were preparing Matthew's memorial service, we just could not think or know what to do. Our pastor chose the songs. The song we all sang together with the guests was "Because He Lives". Now, when I hear it, I think of my mom and Matthew. God certainly has a way of putting these little pieces together - like a pat on the hand - saying "I AM HERE - I KNOW WHAT YOU NEED".

I grieved over the loss of my mom, and the mom I never had. I grieved over words that were never said - and words that were said. There were a lot of "if only" or "I wish I would have . . ." It was easy to beat myself up with that. My pastor from my childhood has stayed a part of our lives, and he encouraged me with this. My mom has forgiven. She does not hold bitterness and anger anymore. She does not have regrets anymore. And, she loves me. The day I enter heaven's gate, she won't turn away. And, if she could come back, she'd say, life is too short, mend relationships, forgive, laugh, reach out to those around you. Mom, I've forgiven you too. I love you too. Give Matthew & Angela a hug for me.

CANDACE JOY LEFT HOSPITAL TODAY!!!

2006-03-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

We are are rejoicing with the Walsh family and especially for Candace as she left the hospital today to go HOME!!! Read their update and see the new pictures!

Poem - Suffering

2006-03-19T18:36:00.000-05:00

SUFFERING

Am I all alone in this place?
For I have looked; yes I have sought You,

I have sought Your face.
I look within; and I bow in shame,
For once again my actions have denied Your sacred name.

In this dark storm I am tossed around.
As the waves hit me, I panic as I begin to cry out.
Lord I need You, I’m in agony!
My life is lost, as I cry and as I start to weep.

The Lord says to me; "Son, take my hand.
Don’t look down at the ground son,

don’t look down at the sinking sand.
I will rescue you, I will not leave.
All you need to do is hold onto Me in all your suffering.
Hold onto Me in all your suffering
Hold onto Me for I will never leave".

By: Bill Scott (A special thank you to Bill for allowing me to use his poems on my website)

Thankful Thursday

2006-03-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday
What I am, thankful for this week

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22-23)

New every morning . . . not some mornings . . . not most mornings . . . EVERY morning! We can start over . . . it's a new day. I am so thankful for this.

Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room book by Barbara Curtis - I am thankful for this book I just read. It was such an encouragement to me from the very first page - and just what I needed to read. It was definitely a "God thing". I will be writing a review on it later.

We had a wonderful discussion with our oldest son tonight, and it's so neat to see his maturity & growing into a responsible young man with convictions and God-driven goals.

I am thankful again for God's provisions - this week it is 9 little puppies to adopt into homes (the pups pictured with our girls yesterday).

Links to other Thankful Thursday Posts
Unicorn Child (new "home" of ThT and code)
Child of God
Friday's Child
LadyBug Crossing
Momma'sLife
Nightingale
No_Average_Girl
Sting My Heart

If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below. Click here for the Thankful Thursday code

Wordless Wednesday

2006-03-15T15:36:00.000-05:00

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BOOK REVIEW: Life is a Buffet So Save Room For DESSERT

2006-03-14T18:12:00.000-05:00

JUST IMAGINE . . . going to a dinner party, knowing you look great in your new outfit and jewelry, you wave confidentially at all your old friends and then . . . you go to the buffet and get yourself some wonderful food. As you walk towards your sister, her mouth drops open, stares at you and begins to laugh uncontrollably. You realize something is wrong, and look down, and there is stewed tomatoes hanging from your necklace, dripping down your new clothes. Everyone is looking at you . . . where do you melt away to? Instead, you laugh uncontrollably with your sister and quickly exit!

This is a true life story that happened to the author, Polly D. Boyette, in her book, Life is a Buffet So Save Room for Dessert. She then uses the verse from Psalm 90:8 "You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence" to make an application to our lives. Stories are told throughout this book of the author, who is called Polly D by family and friends, her sister Robbie Lee (whose name is actually Robin Lynn) and her mother whose real name is AC (no, the letters to not stand for anything - this is her actual name). The two sisters live together, and their mother moved in with them after their father died. She says in the introduction of her book, "Perhaps the main purpose of this book is to encourage others to appreciate their families, even with all their annoying, stressful, demanding and sometimes embarrassing characteristics. Life does not offer us many choices. Even though we didn't get to choose our family, we can make the choice to find the lighter side of family life. You can choose laughter." She goes on to share that yes, life has it's difficulties, and things that are hard to laugh at - such as the death of her brother to cancer, yet, she can look back at the good times they had together, and laugh at it.

And, laugh you will! You will laugh at her mother who loves daffenydils (daffodils), and Robbie Lee who thinks fried chicken is the only food to eat, and Polly D who gets herself into very unusual situations. This is an 88 page book with 2-3 page short stories, and then a page of Scripture application. This a quick "pick-me-up" book to leave in the bathroom or by your washing machine, to read when you have just a few minutes. It would also make a great gift for a friend, knowing it will brighten many moments for her. I loved the book, and highly recommend it.

NOTE: As a Mind & Media Reviewer, I was not compensated for providing this review. I received this complimentary book in order to review it and am thankful for this opportunity.

BOOK REVIEW: The Witness by Dee Henderson

2006-03-13T23:35:00.000-05:00

If you want a fast-paced, can't-put-down-book, this is the book to read! I read into the wee hours of the morning several times, thinking, "I will stop at the end of THIS chapter", but I was too caught up, and read further. Henderson

I have read several of Dee Henderson's books, and though I feel personally that some of her other books were even more captivating than The Witness, it was very good. I do not want to tell too much of the story line, because you will find right away there is a "family secret" that begins to unravel and relationships begin to develop. This is a mystery including several murders that take place, and finding out how they seem to be interwoven together. I found the beginning of the book more intriguing and kept my attention more.

This is not a highly "religious" story where most should not be offended by it's religious content. I personally wished she would have brought God into the plot more, and how He aided them. Yet, anyone can read this book and get a glimpse of God to sew the seeds of interest. There is also definite romance in this book, but very well written, and keeps the purity in it. Because of this, I feel I could let my teenage daughters read it.

The story ends much different than I expected and was not as exciting as it was in the middle. I hoped for more resolutions and maybe even a more romantic ending, BUT . . . maybe Mrs. Hendersen planned it that way, to have yet another book finish up these details! Overall, I give this book a B+ rating and would love to read a sequel to it!

NOTE: As a Mind & Media Reviewer, I was not compensated for providing this review. I received this complimentary book in order to review it and am thankful for this opportunity.

POEM - When All Else Fails

2006-03-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

Though there is not nearly as many tears, the 11th is the date Matthew died, and on a Saturday, so it's an extra reminder today. It's 15 months today. We were sitting in a coffee shoppe today . . . and an ambulance from our area parked outside, and two EMT's came in. It brought back those rushing feelings for both of us. This is something we've not shared a lot about, but have a lot of nagging memories with the EMT's. To put it minimally, they were "unprofessional" in their speach and actions and we still have a lot of "what if's" in our minds. We know God WAS and IS in control. It's just a difficult thing, somedays.

When All Else Fails

When times are tough and things get out of hand
When you are scared to death and no longer can stand
When things get chaotic and fear grips your soul
When you feel you are lost and cannot be consoled

When your vision is blurred and you no longer can see
Because of the tears swelling inside as you weep
When all is against you and you cannot go on
And you feel you will die as you feel all is gone

Do not cast away all the things that you know
Don't think God's not there; that He's left you alone
We know God is for us; His word tells us so
He will not forsake us; no matter where we go

Our feelings will tell us that God hates our guts
But if we listen to feelings, they will drive us all nuts
For our feelings are contrary to the truth in God's word
Our feelings will lie and will twist what's occurred

Let God be true and every man a liar
Is a Scripture to cling to; when we are in the fire
Our feelings deceive us; they shift just like sand
But Gods word is eternal; on it we can stand

So please be encouraged as you go through this storm
Your life is what the Lord wants to use and transform
Don't throw in the towel though you weep and you wail
For God is still with you; even when all else fails!

Written by Bill Scott, Sr.

Candace - INFECTION IN HIP

2006-03-11T14:03:00.000-05:00

Candace's mom: "Yesterday it was confirmed that this flesh eating,bone eating,bacteria has now entered Candaces right hip and is quite extensive. The bone involvement extends the illness for a long period of timeas reaching the bone with medication is much more involved. AlsoCandace's methidone treatments will be starting today." More on their webpage.

Please continue to pray for this precious little girl and family.

And, by the way, the picture shown is Candace with her older brother, Patrick & his wife Hannah, whom we know from when they lived here.

You may also use this below to put on your blog or webpage and please link to her webpage http://www.candacejoy.org/:

The Kitchen Meme

2006-03-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

1. How many meals does most of your family eat at home each week? How many are in your family? There are 11 in our family. We rarely eat out as a family, but Norm & I go out often for a coffee break. We eat most of our meals at home. Our oldest is at college during supper, but will end up having his supper during a snack time for the kids at night.

2. How many cookbooks do you own? 30+ I did not include many of my "Quick Cooking" magazines.

3. How often do you refer to a cookbook each week? Several times a week. One of my daughters does almost on a daily basis, trying out new bread recipes.

4. Do you collect recipes from other sources? Yes - many from magazines. I will ask for recipes, and will find some on websites, or look up something on the internet I might be interested in making.

5. How do you store those recipes? We have a photo album we keep many in. Some that I make over and over and don't have memorized, or want my kids to make, are taped inside my cupboard.

6. When you cook, do you follow the recipe pretty closely, or do you use recipes primarily to give you ideas? The first time I do, but then will make changes if I make it again. If it is baking desserts, I follow it much more closely, but if it is something like a crock-pot meal, I will change it esp. if I don't have a certain ingredient.

7. Is there a particular ethnic style or flavor that predominates in your cooking? No

8. What's your favorite kitchen task related to meal planning and preparation? Tasting!

9. What's your least favorite part? The clean-up!

10. Do you plan menus before you shop? Not generally, though I go in spurts with this. We go a lot by what is on sale, and work our meals with this.

11. What are your three favorite kitchen tools or appliances? CrockPot, Bosch Universal Stand mixer/blender and a Zojirushi 2 pound bread machine.

12. If you could buy one new thing for your kitchen, money was no object, and space not an issue, what would you most like to have? I would love to have a stove/oven that is almost double the normal size - more than 4 burners and two ovens - but now I am dreaming too much!

13. Since money and space probably are objects, what are you most likely to buy next? We need a new under-the-cupboard electric can opener.

14. Do you have a separate freezer for storage? Yes - 2!

15. Grocery shop alone or with others? With dh.

16. How many meatless main dish meals do you fix in a week? 2-3

17. If you have a decorating theme in your kitchen, what is it? Favorite kitchen colors? I collect Pfaltzgraff Naturewood pattern, and have somewhat the "potted herbs" theme on my wallpaper, and sage green color.

18. What's the first thing you ever learned to cook, and how old were you? Scrambled eggs - probably around age 14.

19. How did you learn to cook? I learned some watching my mom, though I rarely did anything in her kitchen. I lived with a family for a year before dh & I were married, and learned a lot from her, and then it was trial and error after I was married (and still is!).

20. Tag two other people to play.

Are you ready Sting My Heart & Teena?

Do you want to play? Let me know where I can read your answers in my comment box.

This meme was found at Quiet Life. Thanks Donna!

Thankful Thursday

2006-03-09T23:33:00.000-05:00

"In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful Thursday
What I am, thankful for this week

Salvation - without it, what would our hope be?

My husband & children - the joy for getting up every morning.

(ok . . . most mornings . . .sometimes it would be better to stay in bed!)

God's promises - the one that has helped me the most lately is:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4

The little joys God continually blesses us with - such as this week, 4 little kittens being born to our children's mama cat and they saw the miracle of birth - and it helped heal some hurts too. Shortly after Matthew died, our other cat died while birthing her kittens. This was a great joy this week for them.

Links to other Thankful Thursday Posts
Unicorn Child (new "home" of ThT and code)
Child of God
Friday's Child
LadyBug Crossing
Momma'sLife
Nightingale
No_Average_Girl
Sting My Heart

If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below. Click here for the Thankful Thursday code

UPDATES . . .

2006-03-08T18:09:00.000-05:00

CANDACE - I've not heard any mention of any infection being found any more, but she is having a hard time coming off the pain killers/narcotics. The withdrawl symptoms are very difficult with major reactions - which then keeps her from keeping liquids in. Please pray for her continued recovery so that rehabilitation can start. She has now been in the hospital for a month.

Little Luke & His Family - Luke's birthday is this week. The family is weary from all the care for Luke and especially for mom, Sue, it gets pretty overwhelming with his care, homeschooling and all the doctor visits, ETC. ETC. Could you just fill their message box on their blog with encouragement, and rejoicing for Luke's birthday and how far he has come? I know they could really use encouragement.

Continue to pray for young Emily - who has thyroid cancer, and just had surgery and is anxious to go home, but cannot until her calcium levels stay higher. This family too, is riding the roller coaster of life.

Our Family - We are doing pretty good. We are all healthy! Jayson gets braces on tomorrow. He still has major jaw problems from the accident he was in with his brother over a year ago. He's tried two different retainer type braces, and this is the next step. If this does not work, surgery is a possibility, but can actually be more of a risk. His jaw can lock up for hours to days at a time. So we are hoping & praying this all goes well.

I was rather bummed a few days ago, as one of the bands on my wedding ring broke. I have my original engagement/wedding ring and then a small anniversary ring I got when we were married 10 years. The anniversary band is what broke, but all were attached together. I tried to get my rings off, which I have actually not taken off for years, and could not. So, all had to be cut off. :( The jeweler was real kind about it, and wants me to wait a few weeks before resizing it. But, after he looked at my rings, my main diamond's prongs are quite worn down, the stones on my anniversary ring are worn, and then all three rings have to be taken apart to enlarge and put back together. We have looked at other settings, which may be almost equal in cost, or slightly more, since it's almost as though the whole ring settings have to be redone. But, this is a new venture for us. I've always liked my setting . . . but I guess wearing it now for almost 21 years, things to start to fall apart!

I will write more later. The kids have to go to AWANA tonight.

Who Needs a Shower?

2006-03-07T02:13:00.000-05:00

Blest with Sons blogger is looking for volunteers to “shower” those in need with words of encouragement and Scripture to bless and encourage others at their blogs. Here is the idea:

All that we’re asking the team to do is be willing to visit the target blog within 24 hours of receiving the Shower Alert, leave an encouraging comment - preferably enhanced with Scripture - and pray for that blogger while you are on their blog. (that way you won’t forget to pray for them! Or am I the only one who has that problem?) So what will happen is that the blogger will be flooded with encouraging comments and prayers - a Shower of Blessings!

For more information and to sign up, visit Blest with Sons!

I Will Wait

2006-03-06T13:08:00.000-05:00

My favorite devotional book is, Streams in the Desert, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. I prefer the unabridged edition orginally written in 1925. I have the book, but I now also get the devotional each day by e-mail or you can read it on-line. Here is a portion of yesterday's devotional.

"Let us not be weary in well doing,
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not."
"So run, that ye may obtain."

In the bitter waves of woe
Beaten and tossed about
By the sullen winds that blow
From the desolate shores of doubt,
Where the anchors that faith has cast
Are dragging in the gale,
I am quietly holding fast
To the things that cannot fail.

And fierce though the fiends may fight,
And long though the angels hide,
I know that truth and right
Have the universe on their side;
And that somewhere beyond the stars
Is a love that is better than fate.
When the night unlocks her bars
I shall see Him--and I will wait.
--Washington Gladden

EMERGENCY UPDATE ON CANDACE

2006-03-04T11:58:00.000-05:00

This update is from Candace's mom on their webpage:

BACK IN PICU. EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST 3/4/06 10:06 AM

Candace has been up all evening with violent symptoms of vomiting, hot, cold shakes and thrashing. It is thought at this time to be drastic withdrawal symptoms to the heavy narcotics she was on for so long. Many tests are going on currently and we will update you later today. Please pass this request on to others who pray.
In Christ,
Cathy

Our Short Stories

2006-03-03T01:35:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about this for the last 24 hours, about a gal I've known just on-line for several years who died on Wednesday after giving birth to her 5th child. I find no better words than to share Ann's post from the ChoosingHome Blog, which she titled, There Are Only Short Stories.

"Live well.
Missey did just that. Passionately so.
Yesterday, March 1st, Missey, home educating Mama to 4, swollen with the hope of babe #5, got up and blogged about her day. A day just like any other day:

I have another ultrasound, dr. visit, and non-stress test today so I will update y’all this evening. So far things have been going well.
Missey didn’t update us. Missey is now home with Jesus. For various reasons, at that scheduled doctor’s appointment, the doctor decided it best for Missey to have the baby….and within an hour of birthing beautiful daughter number 4 (babe #5) a bloodclot ushered Missey from the waiting room on this side…. into the forever, never-ending drama of eternity. Please pray for 3 little girls who miss their Mama, a little boy who will hardly remember his Mama, one tiny Mama-less newborn…and one man who just wants to hold his bride again….all cupped in the hollow of one caring Father’s hand.
Live well, ladies. Write your stories with gusto, passion, and fervency. We all only write short stories.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people....
What good can I do today? If today were my last….and it just might be….what good would I do? Anyone I need to pick up the phone and call—and leave with the right words? What would my last writing entry say? What is one thing I would choose to do—-with those precious kids He’s given? And with that grand man to whom I promised “until death do we part”?
I’d better do it. Today might be all I have. And you?"

I know another mom, who could have easily had a story cut short too. She was pregnant with her 8th child - and taking another child in for a doctor's check-up. She almost cancelled the appointment because of sick children at home and was quite short with her children and snapped at several of them as she was leaving. Her children and husband saw her leave upset - but let her go. She wanted to make sure the child she was taking to the doctor was ok. She had contractions all the way to the doctor's office - but did not think it unusual. Just barely sitting in the doctor's office, she thought her water had broken - only to find out she was hemorhaging. This doctor's office was right next to the hospital, and she was rushed there to learn that her baby in her had died because of a placenta abruption and her life was in great danger. The doctor was very concerned about a c-section with how much blood she had already lost and was trying for an induction to work, which it did not. Her husband just barely made it to the hospital as her blood pressure dropped, and she was rushed for out for an emergency c-section to save her life. This Christian doctor sensed the family's love for children and though he was not able to save the baby within her, he was able to, with God's help, to save this mother, and save her womb so she would be able to have more children. He sat by her bedside for many hours just in case she hemorhaged again. She was later told had she been at home and this happened, she would not have lived. It was devestating to this family to lose their precious little girl, they named Angela Hope. They were able to give her a beautiful funeral service and honor her short brief life. Several weeks later as the parents were saying prayers with their children before they went to sleep, their second oldest son, Matthew, said with tears in his eyes, "Mommy, I am so glad you did not die that day, because you were mad when you left, and that would have been bad if you died and you left us with being mad at us all."

Yes, my heart melted, and tears flowed - not then for the baby I never got to know on earth, but for the pain I caused in my children, and for joy that God gave me another chance - and to make things right. It was definitely all planned out by God to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right doctor. And, it's something I try to remember now - what are our good-byes like? How many times should we turn around or get out of bed, and make things right? The story of Missey above, could have been me 8 years ago. How would my children have remembered me? What if my story . . . or your story on earth was to end today, how would the last chapter read?

There is a photo of Missey and a tribute set up at HomeSchoolBlogger.Com where you can learn a little more about her. They also have an address to send cards to the family. You can also read her obituary here.

A Glimpse of our Homeschooling

2006-03-02T21:57:00.000-05:00

Things have been more "normalized" here, and getting back into more of a schedule. School is going pretty well. I am working more with Melody (just turned 6) in reading. I use the AlphaPhonics reading program (have with all my children) and she is doing pretty well. I really love this grammar reading program. I started out with it with our oldest, and just used the book and it has worked wonderfully. It is very basic - just black and white - no pictures to distract. We cuddle on the couch as we do this. With our third child we also got this book on CD. He was not catching on with the book and his learning to read time was when Jessica was born, and dealing with all her doctor visits and surgeries. We got this CD and he really did well with it. He needed more "hands on" and reinforcement which this program does. Jessica then pretty much learned from both AlphaPhonics on CD + the book AND . . . since she is one that seems to like the hands on work . . .doing workbooks, we used Explode the Code. This has been great reinforcement for learning to read, and learning grammar. She is still doing some of the upper grades of Explode the Code.

Since I am on a roll with homeschooling, I will share a little more what we use. We mainly use A Beka for science and history - but add in a lot of additional outside reading - books from the library to fill in or go on a rabbit trail with something the children have an interest in (such as I shared before, one of our daughters researching on herbs). We also use A Beka math for grades K-3 and then we switch to Saxon Math. Sometimes we have to supplement here too, if they are not grasping something (such as division) and then get a book just on division or as I also mentioned before, we found an old antique book at Good Will, and this is working great for one of our girls in helping her. This is what we find as such an advantage with homeschooling, is working WITH the child, instead of a child "trying" to stay with the class and getting lost, or not being able to excel where they can go on ahead. We use various things for

My very favorite program for those just starting out with homeschooling is Learning at Home: Preschool & Kindergarten by Ann Ward. I did this mainly with our oldest two, and have such wonderful memories with it. It's a LOT of hands on work for the mom - lots of crafts - lots of trips to the library - and lots of fun too. I am going to have my older girls do some of the things in it with two of our younger girls to help me out, and they love doing crafts - so it will benefit both! For someone starting out though, it gives a day-by-day schedule (though it can be long, and we learned to skip some things).

Some other things we use are Easy Grammar & Daily Grams, Learning Language Arts through Literature, ACSI Spelling, and the LIBRARY (lots of reading - writing about what we read, etc.) And, we are still learning a lot!

Candace Update

2006-03-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

This will be a short update, as you can read it at her website. Her wounds are now all closed and stitched which the family is very thankful for and are hoping and praying for continued recovery and no return of infection. The biggest difficulty right now is Candace keeping food down - even just some water. She's been very sick. Please pray that this little one can recover more and be able to keep food down and build up strength.

CANDACE - 14th Surgery Today

2006-03-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

Please pray for Candace. She is having her 14th surgery late this afternoon (changed - went into surgery at 4 pm). If there is no trace of infection in this last wound, they hope to close it up. You can read the full update here.

When life seems hard . . . PRAY

2006-02-28T01:34:00.000-05:00

When we look around at what others are going through, doesn't it seem like our problems seem so much less. Please remember to keep these families in your prayers . . .

"Pour out your heart like water in thepresence of the Lord...

Recovering from her 13th surgery.

...Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children."
Lamentations 2:19

Please keep Emily in prayer as she goes into the hospital at 5:30 am TODAY, Tuesday. Her surgery (for thyroid cancer) is scheduled for 7:30 am (central time zone). If you are willing to commit to a specific time to pray, please visit DANDELION SEEDS to commit to the time you will be praying. Stop by Crystal's blog and let her know that you're praying for the family as well and watch for updates there.

Continue praying for Luke, who drowned over a year ago and is going through major rehabilitation and has a very weary mommy. He is quite sick again.

CANDACE - 13th Surgery Changed to Sunday

2006-02-25T16:29:00.000-05:00

Candace will be having her 13th surgery in 18 days tomorrow (Sunday) which was previously planned for today (Saturday). Please visit their updated webpage along with new pictures and updates about her condition and be sure to pray for this trying time for the whole family and for Candace to be able to get through this surgery well.

Choking Game in our Local News

2006-02-24T17:04:00.000-05:00

There was an article on the front page of our local paper today about the choking game in our area. You can read it here: Grand Rapids Press Article

Another group, The Choking Game Association of Appleton, Wisconsin, is trying to bring awareness regarding this "game" and has a brochure going to print. They will be trying to distribute this into the hands of parents, teachers, doctors, etc. They have included on the front page of this brochure 21 kids who have died from this game, including our son. We knew this brochure was being made, and we had to approve of it as well, and when it we saw the first copy, it hit both Norm & I pretty hard. Matthew's picture is right in the middle. We are thankful that we can be apart of bring awareness, yet it's certainly nothing we ever anticipated of. This was not the dream we had for our son. The inside of the brochure gives information of awareness, and what to watch for. One statement surprised us that says:

"75% of kids already know about this game
and how to play it."

Talk to your children - TODAY.

The brochure links above can be printed from that webpage OR you can e-mail me and I can send you a copy in PDF format or JPG format. Feel free to print them up to share with your friends, teachers, doctor's office, etc.

Hold Them A Little Closer

2006-02-23T23:37:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to do more of my scrapbooking pages, and have been "talking" scrapbooking with some friends, and came across this picture that I want to share. This is my oldest 5 from about 13 years ago. It's a precious picture to me. All the innocence. Oh how I wish I could go back to those days, and savor them more. I am so thankful for the memories, and precious pictures, like this. Below is a poem a friend wrote when she lost a son. Little did I know when she shared it with me many years ago, how much I would be able to relate to it. I thought it fit this picture as well.

Picture is of (left to right) Heather, Jayson, Heidi, Stephen & Matthew - and our then lab puppy Shadow)

HOLD THEM A LITTLE CLOSER

I pray you never walk through
The agony I’ve known
I pray that all your little ones
Will stay until they’ve grown.
I pray that you can really hear
My brokenhearted cries
So you will know the anguish
When a child dies.

I pray it makes you hold them
Closer to your breast
And savor every moment
As if it were the best.
For none of us can ever know
How soon they will be gone
And all we’ll have are memories
To hold us in the dawn.

Oh dear and tired mother
Of rambunctious little lambs
Do not grow weary of washing
And helping little hands.
Remember that these precious ones
May not be with us long
And we will have to suffer
Such pain when they are gone
So when you cry at one more day
Of toys spread on the floor
Think of if they weren’t there
To mess up anymore.
Think of all the precious things
You’ll miss and wish you had
You’ll see those things that irked you so
They weren’t all that bad.

Hold them closer for awhile
And stroke their silky hair
And touch them gently once for me
I wish that I were there.
For as I cry out for my son
Who cannot feel my touch
My heart cries out to tell you all
You can never love too much.

© Copyright 1997 Vickilynn Haycraft
August 1, 1997
11 months after her son Benjamin died

Homeschoolers, Can You Relate?!?!

2006-02-21T08:27:00.000-05:00

From Mommy Brain:

How many of us will say something like that this week?!?!?!

LATEST UPDATES ON CANDACE - Still Critical

2006-02-19T23:22:00.000-05:00

I can hear the deseprate cry in this mom's heart as she cries out for her daughter's sake. Please continue praying for Candace AND the family. They are very weary and don't know God's plan at this time, and it's so hard to watch their precious daughter go through all this.

Candace needs your prayers today!
Sunday 02/19/06 Eleventh day in pediatric intensive care 10:00 a.m.
Candace had a hard night recovering from yesterday and the infection that she is still very much battling. Just when we felt we were going forward in getting her in a reclining wheelchair and starting to sip gatorade she has seemed to have a setback. She has been running high fevers of 102 + and has a very high white blood count. Also her hemocrit was way low and she is currently getting another blood transfusion. Please pray ferverently on this Lords day as things seem to go up and down rather dramatically. We really would like to avoid the stomach tube but with the fevers she has not regained an appetite. In the scope of things that last part is probably very trivial but is a mom kind of concern. Please pass this prayer burden on to others who you know will take this before the throne of our Lord.
Cathy for all

Sunday 02/19/06 Candace Update 9:50 p.m.
Candaces' condition will necessitate a surgery tomorrow to check on the advancing of the infection. Because of her weakened condition and total lack of appetite since her arrival eleven days ago she will also have to have a stomach tube inserted during tomorrows surgery. Pray for her to regain some strength and for her constant ongoing fevers to subside. Also please pray for Gods mercy on our situation.
In gratitude for you,
Cathy

A Peek Out Our Front Door

2006-02-19T15:49:00.000-05:00

A couple of bloggers asked this (Intent & Quiet Life) "Why not post a picture of what is out your front door?" Here's a peek out our front door - after our ice storm here:

Snow covered driveway - kids swing and football.

Straight out front of our house - farmland & stateland beyond.

To the left - our garden fenced in and our neighbors golfcourse to far left.

Close-up of ice-covered tree. It looks like sparkling diamonds in real-life.

To the far right - ice covered trees above our house.

Oregano - a Fascinating Herb

2006-02-18T17:09:00.000-05:00

One of my girls is planning to grow an herb garden starting this spring, and has been researching various herbs, and even starting some in her bedroom. One of the herbs she did some research on has fascinated us all is oregano. Now this oregano is not the type you put on your pizza, so in showing you the great health results from it, does not mean if you eat more pizza, you will be healthier! (That's what my children were hoping!).

One of the books that our daughter's research came from was The Cure is in the Cupboard - How to use Oregano for Better Health, by Dr. Cass Ingram's. The type of orgeno we are talking about is an herb that is actually grown in the Mediterranean. When you read of Hyssop in the Bible, this is actually Oregano. In our reading we have found that the best way to use it is using Oil of Oregano which is an essential oil derived from the leaves of wild oregano plants. We specifically got from our local health store "Oreganol". It costs approx. $30 for a small bottle. The oil has powerful antiseptic qualities, so it kills germs and bacteria on contact. The book will show you how to use oil of oregano to treat or reverse some common health problems including, colds, flu, rashes, nail fungus, gingivitis, yeast infections, acne, etc. We personally have found it works great for cancer sores. It is VERY strong - you only use a drop at a time. For the cancer sores I just put one drop on the sore. Water or juice needs to be used shortly afterwards because of the strong sting to it. But now our kids ask for it, because they know just a few times of using it, their canker sores are gone. We have also used it on some cuts the kids have had, and it too worked great as an infection fighter.

The author also has a webpage and one of his statements is: "I call wild Oregano Oil a 'Medicine Chest in a Bottle,' and every medicine chest is incomplete without this versatile essential oil."

Candace Update

2006-02-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

CANDACE OUT OF SURGERY 2/18/06 2:30 p.m.

Todays surgery has taken longer than many of our previous seven surgeries. Some infection was found at the open site on the right leg. This is a eight inch opening that was the original site of the pain Candace had beenexperiencing. Please pray for this stubborn flesh eating organism to be eradicated from her body. Of the four other open sites, one small one on her abdomen was able to be closed today. We are very grateful for this. Candace is in quite a bit of pain right now as she has built up a resistance to all these narcotics. Pray for a release from pain also. We will see the bone specialist on Monday to explore the explanation for the bone damage to the thigh and hip. There is a caution with a biopsy because of the possibility of entering infection to that area. God bless you all for your continued faithfulness to stay with us during this lengthy hardship. Also Candace has not eaten since our arrival as her intestense is quite bloated. If I can not get her to eat something today they will insert a stomach feeding tube. I really pray we could avoid this.

Love Cathy for all

Please pray for a mother who lost her six day old baby Katlin yesterday. She was by our room and the child was recovering from open heart surgery.

SNOW - ICE STORM

2006-02-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

I don't know how it happened, but it seems everyone around us is without electricity after a major snow ice storm here. We had tornado warnings, wind warnings, and an ice storm. Our electricity flickered a few times, but never went out. In our area it was said on the news 65% of the area is without electricity. Our phone service is out though but were told it should be on by 8 p.m. Saturday night. It looks beautiful outside with icicles hanging from all the trees. But, along with this a LOT of branches are down, and several large ones just missed our vehicles. When we walk outside it sounds almost like gun-shot with the ice crackling and you can hear the branches cracking from the woods.

We are safe and warm. We are thankful! :)

Jesus Will Still Be There . . .

2006-02-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

We've had some rough days. Just when we think things seem better, we stumble and fall, and the wounds reopen. So many write how strong we are. It's God's strength, and when we don't depend on that, we are pretty weak. We've had some weak days. Just keep praying. Below is a song that touched me, but wanted to answer some questions too that several have asked:

I'm wondering how everyone is doing?? Overall everyone is doing good. There are still memories that trigger things - from taking showers to going downstairs alone. We still get junk mail in his name that we wish would end! There are days when one or more of the children will just really break down and sob over missing Matthew. One of our younger ones just does not understand and will often ask if we can "go see Matthew in that box" and asks if he is awake yet. I think the hardest part for all of us is that our lives ARE different. We've changed. Personal relationships and friendships are different and changed - some even drifted. This has all been a painful growing experience - espeically for our children. We are still all adjusting. We do look forward to daily things more.

How are Stephen's classes going? He is doing great. He is taking both automotive and welding coures and doing very well. Last semester he had A's in his two classes, and this semester he has 3 classes, and so far doing great. He is also doing an (unpaid) internship at two different automotive repair shops.

Did Norm get a job? He is still working out of our home, and we are "squeeking by". He is getting ads out again to start up the lawnmower repairing and already has a man that wants his mower tuned up ready to go (and we are gettting a bad snow/ice storm here!). He's been getting occassional snowblower and chainsaw repairs. We also took in puppies in both January and February which we don't usually do as it is a slow time during the year, but they sold! For now Norm feels led to stay home and work. If something came up or he read an ad of an appropriate job, he'd apply, but I think he has been very discouraged with the Michigan employment market.

Are the kids able to make it through the week without any nightmares? Thankfully, this is not a problem anymore. One of our children has regular "good dreams" of Matthew (which I am jealous of).

How is your room decorating going? SLOW! We only spend money we have, and will not go into debt, so it's been very slow. In time Norm has to rent "something" (not sure what it's called) to be able to put the ceiling u and rent "something" for putting the carpet in and have some supplies to get with this as well. After that is done, it should go quicker - we have the paint, carpet and wallpaper. I have some sheer material on layaway at Walmart that matched perfectly with our paint and was so excited to find it on the $2 a yard table! We were also just blessed with a wonderful gift of a dozen towels & washcloths for our new bathroom! Of course, this does not seem to get done quick enough and our twin teen girls are VERY anxious to have a little more privacy and be in their own room. They have decorating ideas then too . . . but one thing at a time! My little craft room and our closet off our room are finished which was an "add-on" thought to change the look of the room more and be able to change the layout of it.

How is homeschooling going? Much better. The kids are getting more done, and motivated much more with it. We are able to work some of their AWANA into our schooling and also more of their interests into it. One of our daughters is interested in herbs and planning her herb garden for the spring and doing lots of research. It was kind of neat with something else. We mainly use Saxon Math for our children from 4th grade through 12th grade which is an excellent program. One of our children really struggles with it though, and just cannot grasp the concepts. I was ready to make a trip into the "big city" which we don't do often, to try to find something else. But we had gone to Good Will that day and I found an old Arithmetic book which spells things out really well, and it's an "antique book" which this child loves. And, I got it for only 50 cents! So, that has helped remotivate and reinspire and math is going MUCH better! :) We have to get going a little more with one of our younger children, but I have to get some books for her too which we have held off a little bit. If we go to our anual spring HS convention, we might then get them.

Jesus Will Still Be There
by Point Of Grace

Things change
Plans fail
You look for love on a grander scale
Storms rise
Hopes fade
And you place your bets on another day
When the going gets tough
When the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough

Chorus
Jesus will still be there
His love will never change
Sure as a steady rain
Jesus will still be there
When no one else is true
He'll still be loving you
When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there

Time flies
Hearts turn
A little bit wiser from lessons learned
But sometimes
Weakness wins
And you lose your foothold once again
When the going gets tough
When the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough...

Chorus (2X)

When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

Love is patient; love is kind
and envies no one.
Love is never boastful,
nor conceited, nor rude;
never selfish,
not quick to take offense.
There is nothing love cannot face;
there is no limit to its
faith, its hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things that last forever:
faith, hope, and love;
but the greatest of them all is love.
~ 1 Corinthians 13 ~

CANDACE - no surgery today!

2006-02-14T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hopefully you have been reading Candace's webpage and know the updates. I won't post ever detail here each day, but give the major news. The best news today is that today was the first day she did not need surgery since last Wednesday! Oh, those parents must have some relief from that, though she is still in a great deal of pain that has been hard to manage. That is hard. I remember with Jessica, while she was still intubated, and could not talk, yet tears would stream down her face from the pain. It's so hard as a parent to see this, and am sure these parents have shed many tears as they have sat by her bedside. The infection right now seems to be under control. PTL!! She will have another surgery tomorrow, so continue to pray. Also when you visit her webpage, there is a place you can sign that you are praying. How neat to see her prayer list grow to well over 2000 on a daily basis!

CANDACE UPDATE - another surgery - more infection

2006-02-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

02/13/06 SURGERY ON SUNDAY 5:09 p.m.
My sweet little Candace slept well last night with only a low grade fever present. This morning she went into surgery and our initial report is that additional infection was found in her posterior which means she has now another open surgical site which will be examined during future surgeries. Pray for the end of this rampat infection and the end of the seemingly endless surgeries. Also pray for the pain to be under conrtol.

Candace Joy Webpage

Candace Update - Hope shines through

2006-02-11T20:24:00.000-05:00

Candace's mom: " . . . We are still very much in the fight for life and death but this is the gift of the Lord to keep us going on and we shall always cherish it . . ."
READ THE FULL UPDATE!
You will rejoice & cry!
CONTINUE TO PRAY!

CRITICAL ~ Continue to Pray for Candace

2006-02-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

From their webpage:

Candace in surgery 2/11/06 10:17 a.m.
Candace is once again in the fight for her life. A hard night was had last night filled with high fevers and deep respirtory problems. She has a chest tube to pump the fluids out. The stress of daily major surgery is taking its toll on her but the infection must be stopped as it is spreading so rapidly and eating away muscle and bone. It has traveled to near her small intestine but has not yet broke a barrier wall that separates these organs from muscle. Further evaluation will be coming after this mornings' surgery. Your prayers are urgently needed. If directed by the Lord, would you consider fasting for my girl? Time now is very crucial.

With much gratitude,
a very heartbroken Cathy (mama)

I've had several ask - yes, the picture of Candace is with her mom (below). Candace is the 8th of 9 children.

Who are you upholding?

2006-02-11T01:18:00.002-05:00

So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. Exodus 17:11,12

Are you an Aaron and Hur, upholding someone, or are you a Moses, being upheld? Who are your Aaron and Hur? Who is holding you up your arms when they get tired? And whose arms are you holding up when their arms get tired? I've had many Aarons and Hurs in my life, from Sunday School teachers, to a special high school teacher (who I know reads this) to many friends who have been there, upholding us in prayer, helped us with our children, and helped us in so many ways. And, I think of the opportunities God has given us to be an Aaron and Hur to those who have gone through similiar experiences. I thought too, these verses and this picture just struck me so particularly as we uphold this family in prayer with their daughter's serious illness.

Continue to Pray for Candace

2006-02-10T23:24:00.000-05:00

Continue to pray for Candace. She had an emergency surgery last night and this afternoon.

If this is the first you have read on her, please see my post below. The last update from her webpage says:

"Candace is out of surgery and is resting this evening. Surgeons removed infected muscle and tissue and now her vital signs are looking a little better. The infection has been detected to be a "Beta Strep Infection" that has gone out of control causing "septisimia" and eating away muscle and soft tissue. Candace has been left open at several surgery sites and has received transfusions. These sites will be worked on daily to remove infection until we are out of the woods. Please pray for physical stability that may end the countless surgeries and pray also for the antibiotics to take effect."

Though the circumstances are very different, it brings back many memories of our daughter's long ICU stay after her 2 open heart surgeries. Even the pictures seem so similiar. Our children have said the same thing seeing Candace's pictures on their webpage. We are sure this family is very weary after this long week of several surgeries and staying close to their daughter's bedside.

You can visit their webpage updates at: http://www.candacejoy.org/ From this page you can also sign their prayer calender to let them know you are praying for them.

2006-02-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

(UPDATED) Urgent Prayer Request for Young Girl

2006-02-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

This little girl, Candace, age 7, is the sister of a young couple, Patrick & Hannah, who are friends of ours that live in Florida. She is actually Patrick's youngest sister (of a large family). Patrick & Hannah attended our church well over a year shortly after they were married. They are now involved in missions.

Candace is in critical condition. At first they thought she had cancer but ruled this out and have said that is is an aggressive infection called "Gram positive cocci Infection" originating on the bone and spread throughout the soft tissue in her body & is rapidly eating away her bones and muscles. As of 3:00 p.m. today, she was having her 3rd surgery of this week this time to insert an ear tube so that they can place her in an oxygen chamber. They are hoping that that pure oxygen kills the infection. The doctor did tell them today, that "We cannot get to a worse situation that we're in now."

You can visit their webpage updates at: http://www.candacejoy.org/ From this page you can also sign their prayer calender to let them know you are praying for them. Please be in prayer for Candace and their family.

URGENT UPDATES: (from their website)

In the Chamber. 2/10/06 11:41 a.m.
As the sun rose this morning I was never so grateful for the opportunity of life. At this very hour Candace is undergoing "hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy". A little while later she will receive yet another life saving surgery than return for her second therapy session. Pray for her on these critical day's and for the antibiotics to take effect.

Surgery a Success. 2/10/06 1:40 a.m.
Candace Joy is safely out of surgery! Candace survived a lengthy emergency surgerythat involved removal of much muscle and tissue through out her pelvic region. God has seen fit to spare her of any amputation and or organ loss. We are grateful for one more daywith our precious child. Continue to pray for her for she will be on a ventilator and receive transfusions plus daily surgerys. God's grace is more than sufficient for us

Emergency Situation Worsens. 2/9/06 9:32 p.m.
Candace is either in or going into right now a Massive Surgery to save her life. A form was just signed givingthe Doctors all rights to take away anything necessary to save her. Please pray that she makes it through the Surgery and without fatal damage.

Massive emergency Surgery. 2/9/06 8:45 p.m.
Details are lacking but we just heard that when Candace was taken out of the Oxygen chamberthat something happened and a drastic surgery is needed right away. Candace is now being wheeled in for some massive emergency operation details coming soon.