30 Days of Blogging

Think I can do it?

One of the blogs I check out daily posted about it this morning and I thought, what the hay, I'll try it too.

Of course, blogging daily wasn't a problem this past month with the "If My People" series, but since that ends Tuesday, going to have to be more on top of things I think.

So, this is a national challenge, you can read more details HERE. If you think you are up to the task, join me! And let me know if you do by commenting.

Have a good weekend!

P.S. No Favorite Foto Friday this week, I'll have pictures again next week.

October 31st, Day 36

Psalm 86:11-12 (King James Version)
11Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
12I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Lord~
We hunger for Your Word. Teach us in the way that we should go and help us to walk in Your truth each day. May Your praise always be on our lips, and may You fill our hearts with the joy of Your love and blessing. You are a gracious and loving God whose mercy is new every morning.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 30th, Day 35

Psalm 34:1-3 (King James Version)
1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Lord~
You are the creator of the universe--we praise Your blessed and holy name! You alone are the provider of all things, and with You all things are possible--may You always be lifted up! Let us live each day in the center of Your will and live for Your glory. If we say nothing, the rocks will cry out Your magnificent name. Let all men praise Your holy name, for You are a marvelous God, and Your light shines over all who choose to call You Lord.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

True Crime

I went to CNN to catch up on national news this morning to find the following headline as their top story:
Exxon Mobil: Biggest profit in U.S. history
Click HERE to read the article.

This is a travesty that needs correcting. Right now, gas prices are FINALLY coming down, and while we don't know how long they'll stay this way, I for one am cheering the fact that they are at least down. They are not where they should be yet, but hopefully, they'll normalize out and the oil companies will not be able to post headlines like this any more. They are taking advantage of the American people when our economy is at its worst. There is no excuse for this.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment, my future associates in the executive branch of government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng, and their fellow citizens everywhere.
Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race, or calling.
May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of our Constitution, hold to differing political faiths; so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory.
Amen

--Inaugural Address, January 20, 1953

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Sara ~ 10/30/08

Went to see Sara last night. Tuesday was her birthday, but I had my last Police Academy class, so I couldn't get up to see her. I promised her cake on Wednesday though.

I went to Hy-vee to buy the cake and I wasn't in the mood for cake. Nothing looked good. So I was thinking, and thinking...................cheeseCAKE sounds good. I was hoping Sara was a fan. So I headed to the pie section in frozen foods and grabbed a cheesecake and off to the hospital I went.

Sara likes cheesecake! YEAH! So we both ate a piece of slightly frozen cheesecake(it was still good!) and visited for about two hours.

She is doing really well. The nursing staff decorated her room during the night and on Tuesday when she woke up, she woke up to signs everywhere celebrating her birthday. Her doctors brought her cookies from Mrs. Fields and lots of friends and family stopped in that day. She said it was the best birthday ever. I had to ask to be sure I heard her right since she has been in the hospital five weeks now, but she was positive it was the best birthday.

She is getting close to discharge. The doctors are pleased with the progress of the graft. It is taking very well. She airs it out twice a day now, this is in preperation for going home. Her harvest site is scabbing over really well and it will look more or less like you would if you had skinned your knee. She still has a morphine drip, but rarely uses it. She is no longer being sedated for dressing changes. There is really no reason to keep her in the ICU, so they may move her back to Francis for the remainder of her days. She is still not weight-bearing on the graft leg, they want to be sure she doesn't do any damage to it at all. She pivots on her left leg to get to a chair or to the potty. She has all kinds of Theraband tied to various spots on her bed so she can do some exercising. Being in bed five weeks is not easy on the muscles.

They hope to discharge her on Sunday, that is when the antibiotics regimen will be done. They are still saying tentative based on the grafting, so if not Sunday, then Tuesday is the day. After nearly six weeks in the hospital, she is happy to have an end in sight! She'll go to her parent's house for a few weeks for continued recovery before returning to home and work. The doctors and nursing staff have all been spectacular, they love her and she loves them.

Please keep praying for continued healing.

Invitation

So I am inviting you to a Q & A session.

Ask me a question, about whatever. I can't promise I'll answer everything, but I'll try.

Looking forward to seeing them.

October 29th, Day 34

Psalm 27:1-3 (King James Version)
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

O Lord~
Today we face many hardships in a time when our faith is continually tested. But we know there is nothing to fear because You, Lord, are in control of all things. You are our strength and our defender; there is nothing too hard for You. Therefore, let us be confident in our faith and bold in telling others of Your marvelous unconditional love.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Adoption Process

So, the traditional adoption route is VERY expensive. Most of us are in financial binds of some sort or another, so extra money right now is not so much available.
So, I am working with Olmsted County on the foster-adopt program. It is similar to the State program in that they pay for most everything you need, but you have a choice to get younger kids. The State program had the youngest age of six and I want younger than that. The County program has kids of all ages available, and while infants or toddlers are not as common, they do exist and while I might have to wait a little longer to get a child, I think it is worth it.

I signed up for the orientation and six other education sessions to go to in November and December. I will qualify for a home study in December, but I am betting with the holidays and general busyness of this time of year, it won't happen until January.

In the meantime, I am working on getting my house set up to meet the county's demands. You must have two seperate bedrooms and can have no more than three beds. Seperate bedrooms are in case of a boy/girl placement. So, right now I am working on cleaning out my office to get it to be able to fit a twin bed. And then the room at the top of the stairs will have the daybed and a crib. I also have to make everything safe, meaning all plugins have to be blocked, any chemicals have to be locked up or out of reach, anything dangerous in the kitchen(ie. knives) have to be out of reach. Must have a first aid kit, smoke alarms and baby gates.
Most of this I already have under control, so its just a few minor things to adjust. The more I have done before the home study, the more likely the process can move along quicker.
I also have to figure out daycare, although I am thinking this might not be so difficult. The daycare that Jake goes to, as well as his cousins, is SUPER awesome and she is really good about the drop in thing. I am hoping she'll agree to be my daycare person, but I have yet to talk to her, so pray about that for me.

While waiting for the infant/toddler placement, I plan to do respite care(cover vacations for other foster parents) and emergency care(temporary placements), again, in the younger age ranges. Thus the need for the extra beds.

So, the process is moving along. Keep praying for me as I walk through all the hoops.
Thanks!

October 28th, Day 33

Psalm 36:7-9 (King James Version)
7How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Lord~
Your loving-kindness is new every day. May we forever trust in You with all our heart and find rest in the shelter of Your love. The very life we live comes from You alone. Bless us, O Lord, with the light of Your presence and place within us the desire to share Your light so that others may come to know the saving grace of our Lord and Savior.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Aunt Sally

She saw a doctor and they switched out some of her meds. It appears to be helping. She is eating and even talking about leaving the house.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Update on Sara ~ 10/28/08

Well, I went to visit Sara yesterday. She is looking good. No fevers for a week now. The skin graft is taking very well, the doctors are very pleased. The harvest site is still causing quite a bit of pain, so she has a morphine pump which she gives herself when she feels the need. She is still on antibiotics to make sure fever and infection stay at bay.
Possible discharge of early next week, all depends on how the leg continues to heal and her staying otherwise healthy.

Please keep praying that Sara's healing continues and she remains healthy.

Please keep praying for Sara's family. This has been stressful for everyone and it is starting to take its toll just a bit.

Thanks!

Happy Birthday to..........

my friend Sara!

(sorry I don't have a picture)

Yes, the one you have all been praying for!

It is her birthday today, she is mite bit older than I am.

=)

Hope you have a good birthday, despite being in the hospital!

Love ya and praying!

Update on Michelle 10/28/08

I got another email from Rob. It appears stabilization was not in the cards, she had further lengthening of the cervix and they had admitted her to the hospital to keep her on strict bedrest. She is 23 weeks and 1 day, they are hoping to get her to at least 28 weeks so that Baby will have minimal hurdles to overcome.

Please keep Michelle and Baby in your prayers. Having known other bedrest mothers, it gets real tiring, real fast. Pray that Baby will stay put for a few weeks longer.

Please also keep Rob, his daughter Brenna, and his mother in prayer. They are still on the homefront and missing Michelle.

Thanks

October 27th, Day 32

Joshua 1:8 (King James Version)
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Father~
You have given us a guide for life and have asked us to meditate in Your Word day and night. Place that desire within our hearts--give us a hunger for Your Word, that we may know You. Lord, You want us to be successful in life and to be prosperous in all that we do. Lead us back to Your Word that we may honor You through all that we say and do.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Happy Birthday to..............

Samantha Peaslee!

Samantha is 13 today!

Welcome to the official age of being a teenager!

Am praying that you will learn to seek Jesus now more than ever.

Love you!

October 26th, Day 31

Psalm 63:3-5 (King James Version)
3Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

O Lord~
Let us never forget to praise Your holy name. You are a wonderful God. You are slow to anger and patient, with an unconditional love that has no end. Let us bless You each day and lift up our thanks in praise for the wonderful things You have done for us. May we forever give honor to Your name, for without You, we are nothing.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Sara ~ 10/26/08

I ran into Sara's mom yesterday while at Walmart. She works there.

Sara is still in alot of pain. They are sedating her every time they do a dressing change, so there aren't many moments where she isn't sleepy.

The skin graft is doing very well. It appears to be melding well with the existing skin granules, so the doctors are pleased it is taking. No word on a discharge date, this week isn't looking likely at the moment.

Please keep praying.

Thanks!

October 25th, Day 30

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (King James Version)
1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Lord~
Our nation needs Your guidance and direction. We humbly ask that Your Spirit intercede with the leaders of the nation, giving them the wisdom to make decisions that will honor You. We pray fervently for peace both here and abroad. Let us live a life with reverence for You and with peace in our hearts for our fellow man. We know this is Your desire. May we always remember that You are our God and Savior.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Ronald Reagan

To preserve our blessed land we must look to God.... It is time to realize that we need God more than He needs us....
Let us, young and old, join together, as did the First Continental Congress, in the first step, in humble heartfelt prayer. Let us do so for the love of God and His great goodness, in search of His guidance and the grace of repentance, in seeking His blessings, His peace, and the rest of His kind and holy hands on ourselves, our nation, our friends in the defense of freedom, and all mankind, now and always.
The time has come to turn to God and reassert our trust in Him for the healing of America.... Our country is in need of and ready for a spiritual renewal. Today, we utter no prayer more fervently than the ancient prayer for peace on Earth.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace...." And God bless you all.

--From a speech to the American people, February 6, 1986

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Sara ~ 10/24/08

Well, I heard back from Sara's mom again. She had called last night, but Sara had just come out of surgery and was still in recovery, so they hadn't seen her at that point.
So she just called me now and Sara is doing good from a surgery standpoint. They are confident that the graft will take and she shouldn't need any more surgeries.
She is in alot of pain. They warned her about this. The pain is mostly generated from removal of the skin on the upper thigh to graft to the lower leg. They decided to keep the pain on one leg, initially they were going to use her left leg for the graft harvest site, but they decided to let her have a "good" leg and only one painful leg. And it does hurt quite a bit.
Pray that the healing at both sites will go well and that the pain will begin to minimalize. Pray that they can find a drug to help her tolerate the pain that won't make her get a fever or break out in hives.
Thanks again for your faithfulness thus far.

And the Good News.........

Mayo set a record for most vaccinations in one day! Although that wasn't our goal, we did achieve it. And we apparently pre-empted the University in trying to set the same goal.

According to Mayo, they hope that many other institutions will pass the goal. They encourage everyone to get vaccinated.

For the whole story, click HERE.

Have a good weekend.
And if you haven't got your flu shot yet, get moving!

Two Blocks from my House.......

On Wednesday, one of Rochester's biggest drug busts occurred. Two blocks away from my house!
See this link for the story.


Last January, the house across the street from me was raided for the second time in five years for a meth operation.


Seriously, what is wrong with people!?


How do they think they won't get caught. I told you in a post awhile back about my thinking my neighborhood was getting away from being ghetto, but apparently not.


Locking my doors & windows and setting the alarm!

October 24th, Day 29

Matthew 21:21-22 (King James Version)
21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

O Lord~
Strengthen our faith. Help us to never doubt Your Word and Your faithfulness. Lift us up that we may boldly proclaim Your truth each and every day. Let us be sensitive to the leading of Your Spirit and never forget that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phillipians 4-13). Lord, we praise You because Your mercies are new every morning, and Your faithfulness is great.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Favorite Foto Friday ~ 10/24/08

This week, I am posting about football. In particular, high school football. To be even more exact, Lewiston-Altura.

They played their first playoff game on Tuesday at home against the Medford Falcons and won 36-14. See the Winona Post writeup for more details.

This Saturday, they play round two of the playoffs against Rushford-Peterson, in Rushford.

Joey hasn't had much playing time this year as a 10th grader, but he has been faithful about sitting on the sidelines and supporting his team. I say that means just as much as playing.

So this post is for Joey, in the hopes that Lewiston-Altura can win against Rushford-Peterson, whom have the edge on the game, but we all know that doesn't always mean anything.

Good Luck L-A!

Seriously?

This is what is predicted for Sunday, as in two days from now, October 26th!

SERIOUSLY?

Snow is normally only acceptable this early in the season on Halloween. I mean, what is trick or treating without the snowsuit? Right?

CRAZINESS!

October 23rd, Day 28

Psalm 37:30-31 (King James Version)
30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Father~
True wisdom is a gift that only You, Father, can give. May we always be in right standing with You. Let the words we speak honor You, and let us never speak Your name in vain. Let us stay steadfast and live in such a way that Your light will shine through us wherever we go. Thank You, Father, for Your mercy and love.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Prayer Needed ~ Sara 10/23/08

Sara is having her skin graft surgery done today.

Please be in prayer that everything goes well and that she'll have minimal pain.

Thanks!

To vote or not to vote..............that is the question

I hope you vote.

I know our candidates are slim pickings this year. I know alot of people aren't happy with either major party choice. I sympathize with you. Truly.

But seriously, no matter what your thoughts are on the candidates, just get out and vote. Vote your conscience.

Vote for your local government if you won't vote for president. Elections do matter.

If you aren't registered yet, please sign up HERE.

See you at the polls!

Top 10

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL!!

Flu Shot

Flu Shot! Get your flu shot!

Well, yesterday I worked Mayo's employee mass vaccination clinic. It was held in a large conference room. We had 16 stations with three people at each, two nurses and a documenter. I was a documenter. One nurse prepared all the vaccinations and the other gave them. The count for the day, nearly 7200 vaccinations given. How amazing is that?
Mayo's goal was 1000 people an hour and we came pretty close! The idea behind these mass vaccinations is to test our preparedness in the event of a mandatory mass vaccination. I believe Mayo is prepared to handle such an incident should the need occur.
This was our third year practicing, and oddly enough, JCAHO was on campus yesterday for inspection, so they stopped by and were mighty impressed.

So, in essence, this post is to urge you to go and get your flu shot. I used to think they made me get sick more often, but have been educated and realized that I did not indeed have the flu all those times. As someone who is autoimmune and more at risk for getting sick, I have been faithful in getting my shots for the past five years. I haven't been really sick in all that time.
The vaccine doesn't cover all strains of flu, merely the ones the CDC thinks are going to make the most trouble. There is no guarantee of healthiness, and they can't possibly cover all strains, so you hope for the best.

And if you relax your arm, it doesn't even hurt!
Go get your flu shot! I did!

October 22nd, Day 27

Psalm 55:22 (King James Version)
22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Father~
You are so wonderful. Thank You for caring about our burdens. Open our hearts to Your Spirit, let us listen to Your voice. Strengthen us, O God, with confidence in You, that we may live for You and glorify Your name. Father, we praise You for all the gifts that You have given us. Draw us close to You that we may see Your glory.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Prayer Needed ~ Aunt Sally(not my aunt)

My friend Tamie emailed me today. Her Aunt Sally was diagnosed with cervical cancer about a year ago. They did surgery and removed what they could, but couldn't get it all. She was on a course of chemotherapy, but apparently, it did nothing to help.

Aunt Sally has been given about six months to live. She is in a total and complete depression, refusing to even leave the house. She has completely given up.

The family is praying for total healing. As you probably know or realize, a positive attitude goes a long way towards helping people battle this awful disease. It doesn't guarantee you will win, but it can help. Please pray that Aunt Sally will feel the prayers of all those praying for her and get back the courage to fight.

God is in control, he can turn this situation around.

Thanks for your prayers.

Update on Michelle 10/21/08

Rob sent an email today regarding Michelle's checkup today.

Michelle has STABILIZED!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!

They are still following her closely and still anticipate a premature delivery, but they are much more confident that she'll definitely make it to be between 28-32 weeks, which is much more viable for the baby. She is still on bedrest. Rob's Mom came in to help out for a few weeks, so this should ease the strain on Rob for a bit.

The Lord really can work some miracles. I am so glad he lets me witness them from time to time.

Please keep praying that everything continues on the right path and that Baby will hang in there.

Thanks again for your faithfulness!!!

October 21st, Day 26

Psalm 55:1-2 (King James Version)
1Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
2Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

Lord~
There are so many times when we have burdens almost too heavy to bear. Our nation faces hardships and pain; we need Your wisdom and help in all areas. Strengthen us as a people and lead us in the way that will bring honor and glory to You. Lord, You have promised that if we humble ourselves and seek Your face and pray, You will heal our land. May we forever be humble in Your sight, and may we experience Your blessings in the midst of our great need.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Sara ~ 10/21/08

So I went to visit Sara last night. It was a medication reaction, though they still don't know what. It actually started with the fevers coming back, then they gave her some medications and it snowballed from there. They moved her to ICU on Saturday and now she is a permanent resident until her discharge. They cannot figure her out.
She is doing better, but still very splotchy. Her highest temperature was over 105 degrees, so she has a sunburn-like sheen and is peeling on her face. They have her on constant monitoring, so she has an EKG permanently hooked up, an oxygen glo light on her finger to tell how she is breathing and of course, the dreaded blood pressue cuff going off hourly.
She had to have a new PICC line put in as the other one failed. It took them five tries to get it in. She certainly has me beat for most pokes!! I asked her if she was going for a world record. HA!
They took the spongey suction device off of her leg as they were thinking it might have caused toxic shock syndrome, but they can't confirm that either. It is just bandaged wrapped again like after surgery. They change the dressing at least once a day, twice if it is more weapy than normal.
Her sister Beth brought up KFC for dinner last night, so she was happy to have something non-hospital. The tray they brought her had swiss steak and potatoes and she didn't like even the looks of it. Her dad ate it.

They will proceed with skin grafting this week, though not today as originally planned, they will do it Thursday. She has good granules growing from where they removed the skin on her leg, which is what the doctors were hoping for. It helps the new skin attach better. It is apparently a quite painful process, they have warned her on several occasions. I imagine she'll be doped up pretty good for a few days.

Target date of release was end of the month, but that may be wishful thinking at this point. The delay in skin grafting surgery is part of the cause, but the fevers of unknown etiology are more annoying than anything at this point. Like I said, the doctors cannot figure her out. She is a medical anomoly. I asked if they were writing a paper or several about her. She said they were discussing it.

Jacob was there last night visiting. He is still having a hard time not having his Mommy full time. He was doing really good until they went to leave, then he had a breakdown and got all clingy and cried. Sara of course is upset about it, but there really is nothing she can do. Please keep Jacob in your prayers as well. Oh, and Grama is getting a cold or something similar, please pray for her to get better.

So, pray that the redness goes away. The reason for the delay is they don't want the transfer skin peeling, so they are taking precautionary measures to make sure that the fever doesn't affect that skin. The skin grafting is Thursday, not sure of time. Please just be in prayer all day, they will intubate her again for the surgery, so pray that goes well, in addition to the grafting. Pray the grafting takes. Pray that her pain levels will not be so bad or that she'll be able to tolerate them with medicine at the very least.

We are nearing the one month mark of being in the hospital, so she is really quite in good spirits despite everything.

Thanks for your faithfulness. I'll update hopefully Thursday or Friday with news on the surgery.

Tuesday Funnies ~ Kersten

Friday night Kersten and I were snuggling on the couch when she turned around to look at me and say something. As she is breathing on me, I am cringing at the bad smell of her breath. I looked at Laurie and asked her if she was showing any signs of being sick. My mom could always tell when us kids were getting strep cause our breath would be really bad. The kid had just brushed her teeth too, so no reason for it.
So a few minutes later Kersten looks at me with her puppy dog eyes and says "My breath hurts."
I look over at Laurie to be sure I heard that correctly and we both bust out laughing.
The kid never fails to amuse me!
**************************
On Saturday, Lolo came over to scrapbook with Laurie and I. Kersten was all excited cause she was going to get to do her own page. Enter, the glue stick. For the next hour she had to do all the gluing for Mommy. She was planning to go outside to play after doing her page since that is where Jess was, but gluing was more fun. Going to have to make sure we hide the glue or we could be in trouble.
******************************
Pottytraining update: So Kersten is still having her off and on days, however, her accidents now are pretty much all potty. She does stay dry most nights thought. She goes poopoo in the toilet pretty much every time. Goofy kid just can't make up her mind to do both I guess. Mommy had set a goal of one week of no accidents and she'd get to pick out a toy. Well, apparently the concept of one week was too much for her to handle, she can make it about three days straight with no accidents and then somehow, oops. So Mommy set a goal of four days and she could wear her "Little Pony" underwear. Still on the three days and failure routine. However, the sticker incentive is going better, except that she won't choose any sticker that isn't pink(her favorite color if you didn't know). We have had to adjust the reward levels for going too.
Going potty = one sticker and a fruit snack
Going poopy = one sticker and an episode of Dora
Going both = two stickers, Dora, fruit snack and a sucker
Going dry all day = special "Princess" sticker on the calendar
4 dry days = get to wear "Little Pony" underwear

So yesterday while Mommy and Daddy went to their finance class, I was of course babysitting. Kersten had been taking a nap and I woke her up so she'd go to sleep later. Well upon waking, it is the rule to go potty, so I took her in and set her on the pot. I sat on the edge of the tub to wait. She leans over and sets her head on my lap and says she doesn't have to go. I said we needed to try and we would count to 60 and if she didn't go, we could leave. She didn't go. So we settle in on the couch to snuggle a bit cause she is still tired. Two minutes later she pops her head up, looks at me and shouts "I have to go poopy!" So we race to the bathroom and she did! YEAH!! She hasn't pooped for me before, so I gave her an extra treat. Of course Jess had to share in the fun too!
Ah, the joys of potty-training!

Update on Sara ~ 10/20/08

I talked to Susan earlier today and she said she went to visit Sara yesterday and she was back in the ICU. Apparently she had a bad reaction to some medication again. She is still there at the moment. I am planning to visit her tonight.

Please keep her in your prayers and I'll update tomorrow with the latest.

Thanks!

Email OPEC

Tell them to leave oil output alone! For the first time in a long time, gas is in the $2 range depending on where you are.
If they cut back production, it will push prices back into the $3 range where they were.
For five minutes we have been able to save a few pennies and they want to take that away from us when we are already suffering!

BOOHOO! The oil companies will only make 20 billion instead of 30 billion. I feel so bad for them.
NOT!!!

Go to OPEC's site and email them and tell them to leave things as they are. If they get a flood of emails, maybe, just maybe, someone will listen.

EMAIL: http://www.opec.org/home/contact/contact.aspx

October 20th, Day 25

Luke 11:1 (King James Version)
1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Lord~
We come to You with an open heart and ask that You speak to our spirits with words of wisdom and direction, that we may know how You wish for us to pray. Help Your humble servants to speak words of praise and adoration, for You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Teach us, Lord, that we maybe know You and the power of Your resurrection. Fill us with Your presence and forgive our shortcomings. Lead us, O Lord, to a higher place, that You might be lifted up and draw all men to You.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

John F. Kennedy

Let us therefore proclaim our gratitude to Providence for manifold blessings--let us be humbly thankful for inherited ideals--and let us resolve to share those blessings and those ideals with our fellow human beings throughout the world.
On that day, let us gather in sanctuaries dedicated to worship and in homes blessed by family affection to express our gratitude for the glorious gifts of God; and let us earnestly and humbly pray that He will continue to guide and sustain us in the great unfinished tasks of achieving peace, justice, and understanding among all men and nations and of ending misery and suffering wherever they exist

--Thanksgiving Day, 1963

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 19th, Day 24

Mark 11:24-25 (King James Version)
24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Father~
Help our nation with its unbelief! Lead us into a renewed relationship with You! Forgive us when we find fault in our brothers--help us to look beyond their shortcomings and look deeper within ourselves to become better people. Forgive us when we fall short of doing all that You've called us to do, and when we fail to demonstrate love and forgiveness toward those who wrong us. Thank You for the blessing of knowing that we are forgiven--no matter what.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 18th, Day 23

1 Chronicles 17:25-27 (King James Version)
25For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
26And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
27Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever.

Lord~
We are so blessed that each day You come to us with the gift of Your Spirit to help us and strengthen our purpose for Your glory. Continue to work in us, O Lord, and help us grow to be the people You wish us to be. Thank You for Your continued goodness even when we stumble; thank You that You are ever present to hold our hands and lifts us up. Your conditional love has been promised forever. Thank You for Your gracious mercy to us each day.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 17th, Day 22

Psalm 61:1-4 (King James Version)
1Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
4I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Father~
We recognize that there are those who would speak evil against You when hardship knocks at their door. Let us forever stand firm in the foundation of our faith. Let us live in the center of Your will. We will come to You each day for strength and endurance. Help us, O God, to be the people You wish us to be, for we trust in You.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Favorite Foto Friday ~ 10/17/08

Ok, so I realize I didn't get back to posting pictures last week, but that is because my family is not cooperative. I took pictures of our weekend and then when I mentioned I would put them on the blog, I got chastised.

How many people do they think read my blog? It might look like my counter says alot, but seriously, its not. Most are repeat visitors. The only people who know about my blog are the people I sent the URL too, so its not like the whole world wide web is reading or seeing my blog.

So this week, I am posting cartoons.

Update on Michelle 10/16/08

Michelle had another appointment and things have progressed to the point where she is on modified bedrest. She can't do anything aside from eat, sleep and pee until the baby comes. She is just shy of 22 weeks right now and I have seen miracles this young, but obviously, the more time in the oven, the better the odds of long term problems being minimalized.

Please continue to pray for Michelle so that her cervix won't shorten any more and that Baby will stay put.
Please also pray for her husband Rob, who has become sole breadwinner, housekeeper, chef, chauffeur, and toddler caregiver. It's alot of stress.

Thanks!

October 16th, Day 21

Psalm 63:3-4, 7 (King James Version)
3Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
7Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Father~
We praise Your for Your grace, mercy, and loving-kindness. May we as a nation look to You with thanksgiving in our hearts for the blessing You have poured upon us. Let us forever rest in the shadow of Your wings and shout for joy with praise, for You are a most gracious God, and You bless us even beyond our understanding.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

National Bosses Day

Did you know today is National Bosses Day?

If not, now you do!

I work for two very wonderful doctors. I couldn't ask for better bosses.

Happy Bosses Day to you both!

October 15th, Day 20

Psalm 6:9 (King James Version)
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.



Father~
We thank You for hearing our petition. Strengthen us by the power of Your Spirit to live in such a way that glorifies You. Forgive us when we do things that displease You and separate us from Your presence. Lead us each day, that we might live a life that is pleasing to You. May You forever be praised.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

It is.

You probably know someone that has been affected by breast cancer, some living, some no longer with us.

Please remember to do your monthly self exams and get your mammograms as your doctor recommends. This is something that if caught early enough, can be fought and the battle won!

In memory of my Grama Sophie and my great Aunt Patricia, I dedicate this post. I love you and miss you!

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity....
Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith...Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong...Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...
With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace--a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

--D-Day, June 6, 1944

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Today is a day of memorial. It is National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss.

Did you know such a day existed? I didn't, not until yesterday anyway.

I know several people ~ friends, family, strangers ~ who have lost their precious children. Some lost them early in pregnancy, never really knew them, yet it is still loss. Some lost them later in pregnancy or at birth, loss. And there are those who for no understandable reason, lost their precious baby after bringing them home, bonding, loving, and then loss.

National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss is meant to educate people and support people during their time of grief.

Please take a moment today to say a prayer for the families who have had this loss. I am sure there is someone you know who fits into this category. If you do, give them a hug today, send them a note, let them know you are thinking of them.

Update on Sara ~ 10/14/08

Well, I went to visit Sara last night in the hospital. She is doing awesome! No fevers for three straight days now. She had her last dose of antibiotics last night and while she still has a PICC line, no IV attached at the moment. She is taking a pain medicine by mouth twice a day and doing really well from that standpoint as well.

They are discussing grafting next week. The leg continues to do well, they are just trying to get the skin granules to populate so when they put the graft on, it will have something to hold on to. She is walking several times a day to keep busy and to keep circulation going. Her doctors are really pleased with the progress.

As for the heart standpoint, apparently a murmur has made itself known all of the sudden, and they aren't terribly worried about it. No signs of infection or anything else wrong, so PRAISE THE LORD for that!

No idea of when she will be discharged yet, but she is hoping by the end of the month.

Please keep her in prayer as the doctors move to this next stage, and that she continues to have healing and good graft adjustment. Please also pray for Sara's son Jake. He is really upset with Mommy for not being around, to the point he won't even hug or come near her. This is hard for her, but she knows its not personal. Apparently the hospital has a program for kids to help explain what Mommy does all day and how to deal with Mommy not being home. She is hoping that will help. He also has a bout of flu right now, and Auntie Beth got it last night too, so pray that this goes away as well.

Thanks once again for your faithfulness!

October 14th, Day 19

Psalm 4:1 (King James Version)
1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Father~
You are so wonderful! Through Jesus Christ we have an open invitation to come to You in prayer. We give thanks for this blessing and each day find joy in all that You give to us. What a blessed people we are to know and embrace Your unconditional love.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 13th, Day 18

Psalm 5:1-3 (King James Version)
1Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

We beg you, O Lord, to hear our supplications. Do not let our words fall on deaf ears. Let us come to You each morning with a heart full of joy, for You are our Most High God, and everything we have comes from You. Bless us that we might bless others. Let us always look to You for every provision. Let us be an open vessel filled with Your wisdom, that others might know Your saving grace.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 12th, Day 17

Psalm 104:33-34 (King James Version)
33I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

O Lord~
We lift our voice and praise Your holy name! May You forever be the center of our thoughts, that in all things we may lift You up in worship and song. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be a sweet aroma to You, for you are our King -- our joy comes from You! Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne, therefore we praise Your holy name forever.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 11th, Day 16

Ephesians 3:14-16, 19 (King James Version)
14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Lord~
We bow before You in humble thanksgiving for Your gifts of power and strength, fortitude and might! We claim the riches of Your glory and the fullness of Your grace that come through the indwelling of Your Spirit within us. We pray for our nation to remain firm and steadfast in the knowledge of Your truth and the promise of victory that is ours through Christ, who loves us.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Favorite Foto Friday 10/10/08

is temporarily delayed.

I will post some pictures later!

Update on Sara 10/10/08

So Sara called me last night. She is doing much better! The power of prayer is truly amazing! She isn't in nearly as much pain and the fever has abated for now. They have run a whole cacophony of tests, but still nothing to explain the fever/infection connection.
I found out they moved her out of ICU on Sunday and so she is on a normal unit now. The leg is doing well. They have a drainage system hooked up to it now.

So, I was super glad to hear from her, and her sounding like her normal self.
Please keep praying that she has continued healing of her leg and that no other infections try to invade.

Thanks for your continued faithfulness!

October 10th, Day 15

Philippians 1:9-10 (King James Version)
9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Father~
May Your love flow through and around us. Speak to our hearts and open our minds that we may see You and the light of Your glory. Cleanse us, O Lord, that we may stand before You without blemish. Help us as a nation to be a discerning people with moral voices that will bring honor and glorty to You, O God.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Three Day Weekend

Well, I am getting geared up for a three day weekend. I flexed my day today so I could leave work early and get to Eau Claire before Austin goes to bed for the evening. Planning to stay the next two days at my brother Al's home. My parents, my grandparents, and my babies(aka Marissa & Elijah) are coming for the weekend too and will all cram into the same house! The third night will be spent up at Grama Gardners so we can spend time with them before the Wood clan has to head back home.

It'll be a short, very packed weekend, but should also be a good time. We have a regional church meeting this weekend, so we'll get to see lots of other friends and "family" as well.

Am looking forward to all of it.

See ya Monday!

Prayer Needed ~ Baby Emmalina

Baby Emmalina is having laser eye surgery today at 11:30.

Pray that the doctors have steady hands and that all goes according to plan.

THANKS!

October 9th, Day 14

Colossians 1:3-4 (King James Version)
3We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

Father~
We humbly come before You and ask that Your Spirit reach across the lands to all who are hurting and spiritually lost. Restore their hearts with hope everlasting; comfort them with Your tender, loving arms. May we be sensitive to their needs, whether physical or spiritual, and be eager and willing to share Your love for them, just as you have bestowed Your love upon us.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Abraham Lincoln

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continues.....until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid another drawn with the sword.....so still it must be said that the judments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Wil malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see to see the right, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and will all nations.

--Second Inagural Address, March 4, 1865

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Prayer Needed ~ Logan

I received a prayer request this morning from Lolo. Her husband's army buddy's son, Logan, was completing a physical to join the military and they discovered he has leukemia.

Logan is very mad, at everyone and every thing. I can't imagine hearing those words, especially at the age of 19 when you are supposed to be in your prime.

The good news is that they caught it early, he was showing no symptoms. Doctors have recommended three years of on again, off again chemotherapy.

Please pray that Logan will have some peace about this. I know it is going to be a long road before him and being positive is the best way to fight it along with medical intervention. Pray for Logan's relationship with his dad, which is tentative at best, and with his anger over this diagnosis, has taken a turn for the worst. Pray that the doctors will be able to give him the most effective treatment that will put him into remission.

Thanks!

Prayer Needed ~ Sara 10/09/08

I had planned to go visit Sara last night as I hadn't seen her in a week. I called her room to see if I could bring some dinner that wasn't hospital food to her, but her mother answered the phone, quietly. Sara was sleeping.

Turns out she has been fighting a fever the last few days. Unknown etiology. They think she might have an infection in her heart, however, they haven't been able to figure this out yet. This is in no way related to her leg issues, in fact, the leg is doing quite well. She is in alot of pain again and thus they gave her a sedative to let her get some rest, which is why I didn't visit. She is also allergic to something they gave her as she is covered in hives.

I told her mom we'd continue to pray. Sara has had a bumpy couple of weeks. I know we all know the saying "God won't give us more than we can handle", but somedays, you really have to wonder!

Please pray that Sara's fevers go away. Pray that whatever infection she has will clear up and go away. Pray they figure out which medicine is causing the hives. God performed a miracle last week in saving her leg, I know he can work out these "minor" details.

Thanks for praying!

Prayer Needed ~ Baby Alianna

A friend from church who now lives in Washington state texted Laurie this morning. Her daughter, Alianna, is in the hospital. She was born early and was small and still is small. She is having GI issues and has been diagnosed failure to thrive. This could be any number of issues, but the doctors are having a hard time figuring her out.

Please pray that Alianna will get better. Pray for her parents to have peace as they go through this yet again.

Prayer Needed ~ Grama Connie

My Grama Connie is having an MRI today to check her progress.
Please pray that everything goes well and that the results are good news in regard to the tumors.

Thanks!

October 8th, Day 13

Psalm 55:17 (King James Version)
17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Father~
We exalt our praise and adoration to You all throughout the day and night! May we never forget that You are merciful and gracious, and that You, our Creator, receive our devotion and prayers with an attentive listening ear. Give us eyes to see the splendor of Your holiness and ears to hear the majesty of Your Voice as you lead us to holy and righteous living.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

(BUMP) Baby boom?

**originally posted 10/8/08, updated to reflect those that have been born and some new additions, I tinted the new updates pink.

*******************************************************
Well, it seems like a bunch of people I know are having babies this year. Is there something in the water? Not sure that theory would work since most of these people live nowhere near the others. That being said, I cannot believe I know this many kids born this year.

January thru June:
Gwyneth, born 1/8/08, parents are Nate & Tricia
Tori, born 2/5/08, parents are Jim & Doni, siblings are Tanner and Ty
Ella & Beck, born 2/20/08, parents are Debbie & Brandon, siblings are Hannah and Ben
Cayman, born 3/8/08, parents are Mike & Kristen
Abigail, born 4/3/08, parents are Sonia & Jong, siblings are Isaac and Angel Rachel(Isaac's twin)
Ethan, born 4/11/08, parents are Eric & Priscilla
Isaac, born 5/7/08, parents are John & Wendi
Olivia, born ______, parents are Paul & Heather, siblings are April, Amanda, Daniel, Michael and Emma

July thru September:
Jameson - born 7/13/08, parents are Todd & Melisa, siblings are Nicholas and Zachary
Emmalina - born 7/22/08, parents are Sandy & Larry
Jolie - born 9/8/08, parents are Kim & Josh, siblings are Cody and Zoe
Brooke - born 9/23/08, parents are Kathy & Scott, siblings are Hannah and Brandon
Max - born 9/26/08, parents are Jen & Tony, siblings are *Angels Emily, Alexander and Christopher*(triplets)

October
Helen - born 10/1/08, parents are Jess & Kevin
Jasmin - born 10/7/08, parents are Russ & Kelly
Colette (aka Coco) - born 10/13/08, parents are Jen & Chuck, siblings are Samantha and Ben

Still to come anytime now:
Baby Girl Fleming, parents are Adrienne & Jim, sibling is Owen
Baby Christensen, parents are John & Sooki, siblings are Wyatt and Marshall

Coming this winter:
(these are people I work with)
Baby Girl Meier, parents are Daniela & (don't know her husband's name), siblings are Nathaniel and Sebastian
Baby Oglesbee, parents are Devin & (don't know his wife's name)
Baby Quade, parents are Marie & (don't know husband's name)

Coming in 2009:
Baby Wyatt, parents are Melannie & Angus
Baby Elijah, parents are John & Wendi, sibling is Isaac
Baby Dooley, parents are Philip & Joia, sibling is Keenan
Baby GIRL Norlien, parents are Josh & Angela, siblings are Shelby, Julia and Mylee
Baby Scrabeck, parents are Dave & Alissa
Baby Charles, parents are Tre and Jenny, siblings are *Angel Catie* and Izzy
Baby BOY Robbins, parents are Rob & Michelle, siblings are *Angel Hannah* and Brenna
Baby Pittman, parents are Mark & Ashly

Unfortunately, most of these babies live far, far away and I don't get to see them, so hopefully someone nearby will have a baby for me to spoil soon!!

Prayer Needed ~ Baby Boy Robbins

My friend Rob sent an email this morning about his wife Michelle. She is 20 weeks pregnant with their second pregnancy. Michelle's first pregnancy ended in premature birth of their daughter at 22 weeks, Hannah did not survive.

Michelle had a cerclage done at 13 weeks to keep the baby inside of her and at their 20 week checkup, they discovered that her cervix is already beginning to shorten. This is not good. The doctors are not super worried just yet, but will be watching her carefully. She will be going in weekly to see if any more changes occur. She is not on bedrest yet, but this is a definite possibility in the near future.

The probability of a premature baby is inevitable, but they are hoping that this time they'll get farther along so as to insure the survival of the baby.

Please pray that Michelle will remain healthy and able to carry this baby to term.

October 7th, Day 12

Psalm 18:2-3 (King James Version)
2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Lord~
You are the rock and strength of this nation. You are the only one who can deliver us from our enemies. We trust in You and pray humbly for Your guidance and direction for this great nation. Give us wisdom to make right choices. Help us to live in such a way that Your name will be honored in all things. May You forever be praised.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Prayer Needed ~ Tricia

My blog buddy Nate posted a request this morning that I wanted to pass on.
His wife Tricia, is back in the hospital, and as a precaution, in the ICU. She had a lung transplant earlier this year due to cystic fibrosis and developed cancer afterwords(it is a common occurence). They think she has an infection, but haven't quite got it all figured out.

Please pray that whatever it is, the doctors can figure it out and treat her appropriately.

Tuesday Funnies ~ Random

Jess was standing on one of the kitchen chairs to try to crawl on the table. Something he loves to do on a regular basis. Josh was trying to set the table for supper, so he put him on the floor so he wouldn't be in the way. Jess was not amused and started to throw a fit. Josh looked at him and said "Use your words." This is something we are constantly telling him cause he always just screams. So Jess looks at Josh and says "NO!!" and slaps him on the leg.
Guess he told him!!
******************************
Joey was sitting in the living room on the couch watching TV the other night and had his feet resting on Kersten's princess chair. Jess walks in and wanted to sit in the chair. He looks at Joey and says "MOVE!"
I think he has the use of words well in control..............even if it is only one at a time!
*******************************
I was changing Jess' diaper the other day. The boy poops more than anyone I know, but this one was especially pungent. I have told him on many occasions that he is supposed to save these icky ones for those nice people in the church nursery to deal with. He looks up at me with a big ole grin on his face and laughs. HAHA, joke is on me I guess!
*******************************
I was walking with my friend Dorothea to Caribou the other day and she was telling a story. Dorothea ALWAYS has stories!
Anyway, her son Chuck is in the 5th grade and has massive amounts of homework, so she or her husband usually help him every evening. Well one night, she was helping him and decided she couldn't figure out the assignment, so she goes to their room and asked her husband Rick to help out. He comes back no less than two minutes later and says he gave up on that assignment yesterday! She figures its pretty pathetic when two adults aren't smarter than a 5th grader with ADHD!
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October 6th, Day 11

Romans 8:26 (King James Version)
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.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Spirit that continually helps us overcome our weaknesses. We confess that all things are possible through You and nothing is possible without You! Open our hearts and intercede with the Father that we may humble ourselves in Your presence. We thank You for Your forgiveness. Strengthen us to live with purpose and empower us to serve You.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Thomas Jefferson

Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion unto one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

--Washington, D.C., March 4, 1801

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Emma's Benefit and Celebration

All~ I have posted on here a few times about Fred's cousin's baby Emmalina. She was born prematurely and is doing fantastic, but as I am sure you can imagine, having a baby in the NICU for three months, gets to be expensive.

Emma's family and friends are hosting a benefit to help out with these expenses. Hope you'll consider a donation or attending.

THANKS!!

October 5th, Day 10

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (King James Version)
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Father~
The joy of the Lord is our strength; therefore, let us rejoice as a nation and as a people that have been blessed beyond all that we could ask or conceive. Let us pray each day for Your divine guidance, O Lord, and never forget Your benefits. Than You, Lord, that You welcome us to Your throne of grace to receive Your blessing.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

October 4th, Day 9

Proverbs 15:8 (King James Version)
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Father~
Your Word says that if we delight ourselves in You, You will give us the desires of our heart Psalm 37:4). Please direct our paths in Your ways everlasting so that Your will becomes our desire; so that Your way becomes our delight. Fill us with the power of Your presence and bind us together as a people of one nation under God. And through each day, to You be the glory for all goodness and blessing that comes our way.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Wren

Wren is home and doing wonderfully!
His mom finally posted how he did and he came through the surgery beautifully!!
He is trying to be his normal boy self, so it doesn't appear to have affected him too much.

Thanks once again to the prayer warriors!

(BUMP) Update on the fire Part 2

Update:
So I talked to the mom who lives in the pink house after work on Thursday, she was out on the lawn. Baby is being delivered next Thursday via C-section, so this was incredibly bad timing, but what do you do!?
Her parents do own the house and they did have insurance on the structure, however, nothing on contents and she did not have renter insurance to cover it either.
So, she essentially has no furniture and very few accessories. A neighbor lady two doors down from me is going to work on putting a fundraiser/donation something together to help her out. I am impressed because it seems like most of my neighbors keep to themselves, but apparently, quite a few want to help out. Maybe my neighborhood isn't as ghetto as I thought it was getting!

Please do still pray for her, its alot of stress to deal with on top of having a baby about to be born. And with a C-section delivery, she'll be unable to do much for six weeks. Her family is helping, as is the boyfriend(the kids' dad).

10/2/08
So, I found out the fire wasn't on my side of the street.

and in my most sarcastic voice..............Thanks to Barry for panicking me!!

Anyway, it was the little pink house across the street and over to the right of mine if you are facing that side of the street. A single mom with two children and pregnant with number three lived there.

Yesterday when I came home from work, there was a large dumpster sitting in their driveway and they were cleaning everything out of the house. The fire was in the kitchen, and even though it was contained to the room, the smoke and water damage it caused is bad enough that they can't live there right now. From previous experience of friends having a house fire, I know that anything with fabric or plastic is a complete loss. The smell seeps in and you can't get rid of it. The clothes they have can be washed in a special soap to clean out the smell, but its hard to do that to furniture. There are companies out there that can clean up the house and cover up the damage and smell, they can also treat some of your belongings that you don't want to give up.

I don't know if they have plans to fix the house and resume living there or if they'll sell it to some contractor who will fix it up or what. Thankfully, she has a very supportive family to help her during this difficult time.

Please keep them in your prayers.

October 3rd, Day 8

James 5:16 (King James Version)
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Father~
Give us Your guidance and strength as we honestly confess our sins to You and to one another. And give us compassionate hearts as we pray for each other and our leaders across the country and the world. Rid us of judgment, condemnation, and pride, and fill us with a spirit of grace, mercy, and love. Create in our hearts a fervent desire to pray every day for Your leadership to reign in our lives.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Prayer Requests for 10/3/08

I thought I'd update my request list into one posting so that I could stay on top of things and same for those who are praying for and with me.

Sara ~ Still in the hospital ICU, but doing very well. Skin grafting is in the future, but still alot of unknowns.

my brother Mario ~ I don't think I posted this yet, but he is going through a divorce. There is a child involved. Things are a little rough for him right now.

my brother Mark ~ Still without a job, actively looking, but trying to seek God's will in what he should do.

my brother's friend and his wife ~ still dealing with infidelity issues and possibility of divorce. A child involved, plus one on the way.

me ~ continued good health, stress management, time management, and an unspoken.

an unspoken request from a family friend

baby Emmalina ~ still in the NICU as a preemie, but considered a feeder and grower. She is almost on room air and putting on weight a little bit every day. Hopefully coming home within the next month or so.

baby Mosher ~ due tomorrow, Mom is ready to have her already! Pray that delivery goes well.

Favorite Foto Friday ~ 10/3/08

This week, I am posting pictures from Dominick's birthday party. It was held the weekend of September 20th. We had an outdoor party at Grammy and Grampy's house. We had a spagetti supper and then cake and ice cream or rootbeer floats. After that, it got dark around 7:30 and we did a movie under the stars, Brother Bear. It was chilly, but fun. This September weather has been interesting. 80 degree days, 50 degree nights, I feel like I am in San Francisco without the fog or ocean smell of course!

So here are a few pictures from the event. Enjoy!

Auntie Megan doing summersault flips with me.

Daddy(my stepbrother Ted) & Olivia

He had just arrived home from working all week up north and he is her favorite!!

Olivia snuggling in a blanket to get warm before the movie!

Olivia playing with Grammy's mail while mommy was hooking up the movie.
Dominick waiting to get his spagetti!

Dominick getting ready to blow out the candles on the fish cake his Auntie Sonia made him.

Being sung the Happy Birthday song.......... Blowing...........

"Auntie Megan missed me blowing out the candles, I have to do it again." Blowing..........

Excited he got it in one breath!

Enjoying cake and rootbeer floats!

October 2nd, Day 7

John 15:7-8 (King James Version)
7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Lord~
We as a people have become self-absorbed and busy with activities that bring temporal value. Help us turn our hearts back to You and Your Word so our nation will bear the fruit of righteousness and be set above all other nations! Strengthen us with the power of Your Spirit in our inner being as we strive to abide in You and continue in faith that You will do more for us that we could ever imagine.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Update on Sara ~ 10/2/08

Well, I went to visit Sara last night. What a trouper she is! She is upbeat and her normal ole self despite all that has happened this week. Her sense of humor is even intact. She told the doctor yesterday that while she is happy to have her leg, she was rather looking forward to being a pirate for Halloween. He busted out laughing! And then she told the nurse that she'd have given her right leg(the one with all the trauma) if the Twins could have just won that game on Tuesday. The nurse tried hard not to laugh as they are so serious, but she couldn't resist.
So, Sara is progressing! She is looking and feeling wonderful. She is stuck in the ICU indefinitely as they sedate her rather heavily in the AM to do a dressing change. She is on morphine and antibiotics to keep infection at bay. She shouldn't need any more surgeries to remove skin as they are rather confident they got it all with the second surgery.
I didn't realize the full extent of how much skin they took off when I wrote before, but from just a little below her knee to just a little above her ankle, all the skin, all the way around her leg, is gone. She has just muscle and bone. I thought they only took the aggravated purple/black area. She can move her toes and flex her ankle just a little, so the muscles are completely intact. They are hoping some new skin will regnerate on its own, but eventually will have to do some skin grafting. She made a joke about that too. She has lost over 150 pounds in the last eight months due to gastric bypass surgery, so she said she has plenty of skin to spare and that they could take all the fat they wanted too!
Crazy girl! She is so brave, I admire her attitude.

Thanks once again for all your prayers, please keep them going throughout this recovery period.

Update on Baby Max

Max is coming home today! PRAISE THE LORD!

Prayer working wonders once again! Max came off of his oxygen and is doing well on room air so they are releasing him to home today. Only six days in the hospital, which is only slightly longer than normal since mom had a C-section.

Thank you once again for being such wonderful prayer warriors!

October 1st, Day 6

Matthew 28:19-20 (King James Version)
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Lord~
You have commanded us to make disciples of all nations -- may we begin within our own hearts! You are the way, the truth, and the life, and we thank You for Your promise to be with us always. Give us sincerity of heart and unfailing courage to spread this good news, whether with our neighbors across the street or with lost souls across the earth. We trust in You to work through us -- without You we can do nothing.

Taken from If My People, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Happy Birthday to..............

My Dad

He is 52 this year.

Hope you enjoy your day!

Love you!