Stitches of Grace

Prayers For Testing Today

2009-12-04T08:36:00.001-08:00

I'm a bit tardy on getting this posted. It's a good thing God doesn't work in the confines of my time sequence!

As I write, Jack is having his scans to determine if the cancer has spread anywhere inside his body. Of course there won't be any information today but soon, hopefully.

Please pray for Jack as he recovers from the procedure, medications etc. And pray for peace for Ruth and Jack as they await results. Also for wisdom for the docs as they interpret the results.

Thank you so much!

California Here They Come & A Long Overdue Update

2009-10-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Blogger is in one of its crazy moods tonight so the pictures are going to be all out of order. It has been so long since I've updated for you, that we are including lots of pictures and at the end, I will include a letter from Mom (Ruth) to update you on Jack's progress and health. Tomorrow morning they are beginning the trek down to California to visit us. My son, D said today, "Mommy, do you want to know how excited I am to see Grandma and Grampa?" His answer, "One Million Percent!" :-)

Jack and Bill... Brother Survivors... or is that Livers? :-)

Jack helping in the garden. This is digging some kind of hole.

In front of the van they rented to come down. (They are bringing us some "stuff"!)

Eating noodles at David's! (We always call it David's so I can't remember the real name! LOL It's the Chinese restaurant in the Fountain District )

Grandma Doris (Jack's Mom) and Jack.

Jack enjoying the sun on a trip to the mail box.

Watch out, here he comes! :-)

Jack with his Bible study Buddies. Sorry Gentlemen, I don't know all your names, or I would label you!

Armed and Dangerous!

Greeting Bill, also a Survivor, on a recent visit at church.

Making Plum sauce.

Picking plums in the yard.

Jack gathering the hazel nuts off the ground.

Driving the tractor in the yard.

Snoozing on Facebook (?) LOL after a long day.

Another tractor shot.

Greeting at church.

Now, I will attempt to paste Ruth's letter in the space below if Blogger isn't too ornery! Okay, Blogger will not accept a paste. Let's see if I can hit the highlights...

Jack had a successful tube replacement (after experiencing significant pain) on September 25th. They used a new type of feeding tube and that has been much more comfortable. The feeding tube must stay in place until Jack is able to eat on his own and maintain weight. This will take awhile and you can remember this in your prayers for him. The doctor also gave him a new kind of pain medication that also helps with increasing his appetite and Jack has been "practicing" for travel, by dining out and trying foods.

The last visit with the chemo oncologist went well. Basically Jack is in "surveillance mode". In other words, "wait and see". No secret cameras watching his every movement as Jack joked! But he will have a scan again in December and they will "scope" him in February. The first two years are critical with stomach cancer.

Slowly Jack and Ruth are re-learning how to live. Much has changed and yet much is the same. They are just figuring out new ways of doing old things, or learning new routines. Please pray for them as they adjust. Sometimes after the crisis is over, that can be the most difficult period in other ways. I haven't experienced Cancer but I do know this to be true in other types of grieving and crisis experiences. Ruth has been encouraged by a verse (which she doesn't know was a favorite of mine that I clung to for several difficult years in the 1990s) lately:

See, now I am doing a new thing; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NIV

So, Mom and Jack ask for your prayers as they travel, especially for Jack's strength. (And I might add his endurance once he is here with the kids!) They are driving a Uhaul down, so graciously to bring two pieces I inherited... an oak veneered roll top desk made by Uncle Ray, which will find a new home in my kitchen, and one of my Aunt's paintings which hung over the fireplace at my Grandma's for years and will do so in our new home as well! Since it was cheaper to get a Uhaul than a van, they are bringing some other things as well (since Jack is so great at finding free/cheap stuff... we gave him a "wish list"). Please pray that they will not have snow in the Siskiyous!

We are really looking forward to sharing our new home with Mom and Jack. It was quite surreal to be excited, making an offer on our first house while Jack was recuperating from major surgery in Seattle. There was such a strange mixture of joy and grief. We will be having Tim's sister and her husband over and enjoying an early Thanksgiving on November 7th. After all we have a LOT to celebrate, especially Jack's LIFE! This will be the first time since being married that I will have celebrated Thanksgiving with my family! I'm very excited.

Thank you all if you read this far and God bless you for your faithfulness to our family. We all love you. And we are so thankful for YOU!!!

Update and Prayer Requests

2009-09-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. I haven't updated here for awhile because nothing too exciting has been happening. That's a good thing though. Not to say it's been all easy, because it has not. Making it through each day or sometimes the night, is really a small victory each time. As time passes Jack is growing, by baby steps, in strength.

Recently, Jack has had some abdominal pain and he went to see Dr. Levenson. It seems that a possible cause is a deteriorating feeding tube. They are meant to last 2-4 months and his is 4 months old! So, tomorrow, Friday September 25th, Jack will be having the procedure to replace his feeding tube. This will take place at the hospital in the early afternoon. Please pray for direction for the doctor and assistants and that it will go well for Jack. Also, please pray for healing from the pain.

Again, the battle is not over, any continued prayers for Jack's healing and for Ruth as she cares for Jack, are greatly appreciated. Thank you to all of you who have been so kind and loving.

Move That Mountain!

2009-09-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Last week I entered a challenge at Faith Sisters using a new collaboration kit on Faith, created by Eva Lindqvist and Emma Moore. I loved this picture of Jack and Chassidy at church after she got another Gold Medal in the Special Olympics. And this picture to me shows the spirit of Jack, the essence of the Jack we know and love. And he is wearing his survivor shirt!

God unfailing mercy and goodness has been heaped upon us with great measure. We are thankful that this last stage of the journey (chemo) is over! Naturally it's hardest on Jack, but it's also hard on Ruth and everyone else who loves him. Jack's chemo doc says he is at the bottom. The good thing about being at the bottom is that you can only go up from there. I am reminded of something Corrie Ten Boom said, that no pit is so deep that God's love is not deeper still. Having survived a concentration camp, Corrie knew whereof she spoke!

So, where do we go from here? Up! Jack is physically weak, but doing well. The doctor says to double the treatment length time and that is how long it takes to be "normal". So, the business at hand is healing and learning how to be a live-er! His lab tests were "remarkably normal" per the M.D. and his scan was clear. Scans will happen periodically for quite some time. The first two years are crucial. Please don't stop praying!

I'll try to keep posted here periodically for those who want to know. THANK YOU! to everyone who visits, comments, prays, encourages, supports and comes alongside Jack and Ruth.

Halleluia! He's a Survivor!

2009-08-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Jack is all DONE with his last chemo treatment! To celebrate he had an ice cream cake. My pictures are actually in reverse order... this was after church today. I love his smile in this picture. This is the Jack I know and love! :-)

In case you were wondering if he went hog wild... this is his portion of the cake! :-)

It was such a blessing for Jack to celebrate Sabbath at church and see the ones he loves and the ones who love him. Fellowship is sweet! Here is Jack and Chas. She is sporting one of her latest Special Olympics medals! What a special and wonderful friend she is to our whole family.

Here's Mr. Jack getting ready to go to church... all dapper in his new clothes.

He says he is not only a survivor but a "Liver". He is going to LIVE! Praise God for the ability to wear the survivor shirt!

Ready to go... with HOPE. The battle is not completely over. But the does of poison are! Please continue to pray. We can't say enough how much we appreciate your prayers. I will close with a verse that has been encouraging Jack:

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Here We Go Again!

2009-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Last week was a false alarm, not the beginning of the last week of chemo. Jack had not had sufficient time to recuperate from the other chemo treatment, so his doctor did not feel it was wise to begin the process all over again! This week has been a good time of recuperation for Jack and time for Ruth and Jack to spend together.

The great news is that while he was waiting this week, Jack had a body scan and it came out clear, showing NO signs of metastasized cancer! Praise God!

So, here we go again, tomorrow, Monday, will begin Jack's last week of chemo. We are praying with HOPE and asking for God's mercy and healing. Please pray for Jack as he heads into the battle again. Also pray for Ruth as she cares for him and all those who are helping.

THANK YOU! I'm looking forward to sharing pictures later in the fall of us celebrating Jack's recovery together! We already bought some sparkling pear and sparkling peach juices at Ikea for the occasion. We're looking forward to just being together.

We love you Grampa!

Beginning The End!

2009-08-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

I know the title sounds ominous, but it really is reason to rejoice! Tomorrow, Monday, August 10, 2009, Jack will begin his last chemo course! Yeah!!!!!! This of course means that he is standing in the need of prayer. He will go five days, Monday through Friday.

Jack would never complain and probably doesn't like me typing so here, but I have to say that this has been very HARD. (It has been hard on those of us who love him and we aren't the ones having it!) I thought of him this morning when we began our Sunday School study of James with "Consider it pure joy brethren when you face various trials..." I'm sure that there is little joy in chemo or radiation or dry heaves or exhaustion beyond belief. But through it all, I do believe God has been giving both Jack and Ruth moments of Joy. These moments will be their "ebenezer" stones that they can look back on and see what God has done in them, through them, to them and for them. And in this, they certainly will be able to rejoice. (In the photo above, Jack is tending their grapes.)

As Jack begins his chemo this week, please pray that God will heal him totally of the cancer and if you feel led, that somehow miraculously he would not have to endure more side effects. Pray for strength, encouragement and endurance. This is the heat of the battle! It will feel endless while he's in the middle. Please lift him up to the Father daily and moment by moment. (Photo shows Jack with his cousin Dwight and wife Mary looking at the scrapbook of Jack's life that I made for his 60th birthday.)

As Jack faces this battle, please pray for those who love him... his wife Ruth, who is still working during this time, his mother Doris (in the photo above) and for all those who are helping out with rides, visits, meals and care. Pray that they will endure, encourage him and be strengthened for their parts of this battle too. Please pray an extra measure of strength for Ruth.

This is the beginning of the end. This is a reason to rejoice. There are good things to look forward to. We are selfishly excited for a late fall visit with Mom and Jack in our new home. Here Jack is having fun at one of his favorite things... a garage sale!

Thank you to all of you who have touched our lives. Thank you for all the prayers. They are appreciated beyond what we can express. (Here Jack snuggles baby Ezra Jack in church.)

Please Pray

2009-07-15T16:20:00.002-07:00

It's day 3 of chemo and the side effects are hitting hard. Please pray for courage, encouragement and healing. We appreciate your prayers!

Praises!

2009-07-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Jack's procedure today was quick and efficient. They were able to easily widen the esophagus a little more. While 'in there' they could see a little irritation so the doctor gave him what I presume is some type of ulcer/acid preventative medication. He's home resting now and has this week to gain strength before chemo begins next Monday. Thank you for prayers!

Update On Jack

2009-07-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day Everyone! I'm listening to the fireworks go off... we can't see them through the trees. I'm a little late getting an update on Jack.

THANK YOU for all the prayers! The second stretching procedure for his esophagus went much better!

Mom saw Dr. Levenson in his yellow scrubs and hot pink radiation guard and said, "Oh, I need a picture of that!" And Trevor, a RT told her they needed a picture together! LOL If you look closely, you can see it is embroidered "Poopsie Levenson, M.D." Hmmm... So Trevor took the picture and then Barry said, "Now Get Out!" lol

Jack gets good attention wherever he goes. He always did know how to sweet talk the waitresses and store clerks... guess it works on nurses and techs as well! :-)

This is the picture of the "A Team" as they put it. They told Mom and Jack not to worry that the A Team was on duty that day. Trevor is holding the camera and that of course is Mom/Ruth. the gals are peeking behind.

When you go through something like this it really means a lot to have people helping you and working with you who have a good attitude and who are kind and respectful. It's hard being a patient!

L to R Jessica, Jack, Lynn, Ruth and Lori.

So, the procedure on 6/26 went well! They were able to increase the esophageal opening a bit and Jack has managed to keep down some soups and "mush". Another piece of good news is that the Candida yeast in his mouth/throat is gone! This last week they had checkup appointments and so far everything is looking "normal".

The next procedure will be Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 AM to stretch it open a little more, hopefully this will be the last time.

Then another round of chembo begins July 13. This will be daily for five days like he did in March. He will do this in July and again mid August. Then hopefully everything will be done for good.

Please continue to pray for healing of cancer, for the esophagus to stay open, for him tobe able to progress in his eating and that he will have little or no side effects with this chemo round!

Thank you so much for all your prayers. We all appreciate them!

New Prayer Request and Pictures

2009-06-25T00:12:00.000-07:00

Here's Jack with his Relay For Life shirt on. He was not able to walk, but he's a big supporter! It's funny for me to see pictures of Jack now since I am so far away and don't see him in person. I can see that his face is thinner and his arms look like they shrunk in half! And his beard looks whiter. He sure looks good after all he has gone through!

This is Barry, the gastroenterologist. Um, Barry, most of the things you do... noone is even *thinking* about doing at home! LOL

As anyone who knows Jack knows, he makes friends wherever he goes! :-) This is one of his nurses Sandra. They "matched". She is also a survivor!

Jack's last procedure was on my birthday. When they got home, this is what they saw. Mom says it's my birthday present! I'll accept that!

So, yes, on June 19, Jack did have another procedure to widen his esophagus. It had shriveled back down to about 8mm, mostly due to the "nuking" it got with the radiation treatments. In the procedure they widened it to about 12mm. He will need to have it widened in two more procedures, in fairly quick succession.

The procedure did go well, but was difficult for Jack. There was an issue with the anesthesia, possibly too much and it was hard to come out of it. So one of the requests is, that the anesthesia will work right and that Jack will be safe during the procedure.

Next procedure is this coming Friday, June 26th. The following will be July 7. And then it will be time to start chemo all over again.

There have been some residual side effects of either the treatment or the narrowed esophagus. Please pray for relief and complete healing. Pray that Jack's body would strengthen and build back up before the next treatment and chemo. Pray for encouragement and energy for both Ruth and Jack for all that needs to be done, dealt with and endured. God has been faithful and encouraging them both through Scripture and song, but we would be lying if we said it wasn't a difficult journey. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Prayers For Jack Update and Blog On The Move

2009-06-18T18:36:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been hear to blog much the last few months and especially lately. After a lot of frustrations, I have decided to try Typepad for blogging and so far so good. Hopefully this is the last time I have to move. If you look around the blog you can see it is pretty spare... I lost all your comments, my links, widgets etc. But I'm starting over.

Jack's updates will stay right here. That way we dont' have to worry about a lot of people switching blog addresses to check.

My Blog is now at Along The Way. I invite all my friends and family to join me there.

A long overdue update on Jack. First of all he did complete the six weeks of chemo and radiation and it was NOT fun. Lots of side effects, most, but not all of which are subsiding. That is something he will continue to need prayer with in the long haul.

A week or so ago he had testing done on his heart to make sure that the radiation did not cause damage and it initially looks okay! We are praising God for that. They will have the full report from the doctor next week.

The next step in the journey is tomorrow, Friday, June 19, 2009. Jack will be having another balloon procedure to stretch his esophagus. At that time the doctor will also be able to view what or if there is any damage from the radiation to the esophagus and the throat as well as sort out any other issues that may be causing or compounding eating issues. Please pray for Jack in this procedure that involves anesthesia, as well as for wisdom for the doctors in discerning what to do.

After these things are all sorted out, Jack will be chemotherapy again in a couple weeks. This will be the type that he receives via IV at the infusion center for five days. Then there will be another month wait and then one more round of that... then hopefully the "torture" will be done!

Thank you all for praying. I'm sure you know this has not been easy at all, BUT it's nice to know there is a whole army of prayer warriors around the world interceding on your behalf! We love you!

Possibly Moving Blogs

2009-06-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

As you know I have been having problems with my comments and now my templates being temperamental. So, I have been trying a free trial of Typepad. So far I like it and am considering keeping it. It may fall under the category of "You Get What You Pay For"! :-)

So, would you mind checking for me and making a comment if you have time, the new blog I began for my digital scrapbooking called Forget-Me-Nots ? Let me know what you think of the format and ease of use. There is just one post there so far. Later today I will also link to my new personal blog. It will help if I get comments because that is one of the issues I am trying to work out and would like to see if it is going to work! Thank you!

Technical Difficulties

2009-06-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

I am having multiple technical difficulties with the blog... sorry for any inconvenience!

103 Years Ago Today

2009-06-10T19:06:00.001-07:00

103 years ago today Holly Mabel Tisdale Hopkins was born in Sherwood, Edens Valley Township, Ward County, North Dakota. She was born the day after her mother, Winnifred Kirkland Tisdale's birthday in a shack on the prairie where her father Fred Tisdale had a homestead claim. Lately I have begun doing a "Life Book" at Heritage Scrap where I am working. There is a fantabulous challenge series going on there that a person can join at any time and when completed have the life story of an individual. I've been working on Grandma.

Since we have been moving in and unpacking boxes in our new home, I have bee thinking of Grandma a lot. I find bits and pieces and reminders of her life and her love as I unpack my books... many of my cookbooks, recipes and information came from her, school resources, reading books and several Bibles. Every once in awhile I discover a new paper... little notes in her writing filled with things she wanted to remember... quotes, ideas, recipes, menus. Grandma Hopkins was definitely a Titus 2 woman in my life. I speak of her so often you might think I idolize her. I know all too well her human side, yet still I don't think I could overemphasize the value of the impact she made on the person I have become. I thank God for her!

3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,
4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. (Titus 2)

To honor Grandma's life, I thought I would share some layouts I have created recently. The one above tells a humorous story from Grandma's girlhood and was created using Artful Dreamer's beautifu altered art work at Heritage Scrap.

This will be an opening page and overview of Grandma's life. It was really fun to put together.

Here is Grandma and her SIL, our Aunt Vera Hopkins Rehbine when they graduated from high school, May 1924. The kit is Timeless from Ana Flor and is from Faith Sisters.

Last summer I was able to visit Grandma's house which is now a rental and owned by someone outside our family. While it was hard to see many of the changes, it is nice to see it taken care of. I created this from Morning In My Garden by Dielle Designs at Faith Sisters.

This layout shows 6 generations of my family and the heritage of faith they have given me. Grandma's wedding photo is on the left. The word art and kit come from Faith Sisters but I don't remember which designer, perhaps Eva Lindqvist.

Grandma's Bible is the background for this page with her wedding photo and elements from Digizines by Teri's Faith kit.

This one is so precious to me because it shows my little brother Danny helping Grandma snip beans. She always taught hands on and was never afraid of having children in her way. Kit from Jean Daugherty at Heritage Scrap.

Photo of my Grandma taken by my Grandpa during their courting years. Kit from Kate McClellan at Heritage Scrap.

This was another fun one to do, using more altered art work from Jen of Artful Dreamer at Heritage Scrap. This is Grandma with her little sister Dorothy.

And this is another one from Artful Dreamer using the lace/ribbon from Digizines by Teri. This is Grandma's graduation photo from May 1924 - 85 years ago! We were 6o years apart.

Thank you God for the awesome Grandma and all the memories.

Thank You For Comments

2009-06-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for all the comments. I am still having commenting issues. It's not because of blogger but because of having the other company who did the comments, be bought out. Now it won't recognize my pass words and instead of sending me comments in email, I only see them on here and so if I don't know y our email, I can't contact you and I also have to do it manually.

I don't want to use another blog system. Do you know of any other commenting options? If I can't get it direct to my email I'm just going to go back to the regular blogger commenting, but then that means I will lose all the comments! :-(

I'm off to women's retreat at Lake Tahoe this weekend, but while hubby is off on school break, I'm hoping to revamp the blog. It seems I have had problems ever since moving to a three column format that is from a non blogger source.

79 Years Ago Today

2009-06-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

These are my Grandparents and I believe this to be upon their engagement which was announced at Grandma's parents' Silver Wedding Anniversary January 1930. Here they are, young and starry eyed, though they had been "together" already for 9 years. I used Kate McClellan's A Fine Romance kit to create this layout. Alden and Holly met at the Everett Methodist Church, originally on Colby Avenue, the summer before their Sophomore year when their fathers became friends. Soon the families were going on outdoor adventures together and attended school together. Both Alden and Holly were first borns, committed to their relationship with God and to their families. They seemed a "perfect match" right from the start.

This is the right hand side of a two page layout which I created with components of kits from Bubbly Kori, Digizines by Teri and Veronica Spriggs, all available at Heritage Scrap. The Bible is Grandma's and I have used it on another layout I shared here, but these layouts are going into her Life Book, which is an ongoing challenge at Heritage Scrap (where I work and play). Grandma always told me about the stained glass window at the church which had this Psalm written on it. In her own writing, you can read her wedding date and she also wrote my Aunt's wedding date as she was also married at the same church. Sadly the church burnt down so I have never seen the window, but "Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness" is engraved on my heart. This photo was their official wedding portrait. Grandma said that Grandpa requested her to take her glasses off for the pictures. For some reason that has always rubbed me the wrong way... maybe because I can't see without my glasses and I don't think Grandma could either!

This is the left hand side and the page also inclues a journal and flower cluster from Jean Daugherty. These are the photos that were taken by either Grandpa's father, George Hopkins or Grandma's father, Fred Tisdale. A teacher friend, Dorothy Pease, was Grandma's Maid of Honor and Clifton Tisdale, her brother, was Grandpa's best man. The reception was held in the garden of a family friend in Everett and the pair honeymooned in Skykomish, Washington.

I always think of Grandma in June because of her wedding date and because our birthdays were 9 days apart. She's been gone 7.5 years now, but I see touches of her in my life daily... in the books we use for school, in the recipes I cook with, in her Bible notes and notes she left in books here and there. It's like having a visit from an old friend when I come across her writing. Thank you Lord for giving me an awesome Grandma!

Home

2009-06-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Lynette, Lori and I at the Pampered Chef party. I think I wrote a couple posts ago that the house hunt all started at Lynette's Pampered Chef party in January. So, I wanted to make sure and get a picture of the three of us together for the scrapbook on the house! :-)

Lori brought her adorable almost twosie, L, whom my children adore. L still finds my big black camera with the long lens a little odd and just stares at it! lol I thought this was a funny picture. Boogie on the left, has no problem smiling for the camera whether he is in the picture or not! And Sunshine on the right is being very careful not to get in the picture with L. Heidi, the kitten wants to escape. There's only so much "lovin'" one cat can take! :-)

Here is Sunshine with Heidi again. Sunshine is our little helper girl. She likes to learn things and DO things. So (after putting down the cat and washing her hands), she did get to help a little with the dessert making.

Heidi is the most amazing little cat. She just puts up with so much from the kids. She lets them carry her around the house, one arm under each set of her legs and she looks floppy like a rag doll. Her face always has this non-plussed expression like: It's my lot in life. It's not a lot but it's my life! :-)

Meine Mutti wants to see what the house looks like, so here's the first bit of pics. Coming in from the hallway you look toward the fireplace. Normally we don't have grain bags on the hearth but they are my recent order from Azure Standard and I have not had a chance to put them in storage. The blue blob in front of that is a blanket on top of the cats' toy. Since I haven't had a chance to frame and hang any pictures, I put up some of my Aunt Grace's oil paintings on the mantle. She taught oil painting classes for years at Boeing Arts Club and other places in the Seattle area. Most of these paintings were instructional ones she did in class. L to R, Mount Rainier, Sunset Silhouette, windmills in Holland, Rhein River Castle ruins, a still life and an autumn pastoral scene. My Aunt Grace is the one who taught me so much about color and "seeing" things, as well as photography. She also bought me my first spinning wheel. The one in the photo is "Caris", my Lendrum wheel. On the right of the photo you can see the china cupboard that was one of my Grandma Johnson's.

From the fireplace, looking back to the door you can see our table and school area. Eventually we hope to find a large dining room table that is more useful for hospitality. We are in desperate need of overhead lighting but the beams are not placed in such a way that we can center anything over a table. We haven't figured out yet how or what we will do to get better lighting. Those reading lamps are just there as a temporary solution.

From the fireplace looking towards the living room you can see our lovely bookcases, all but one were housewarming gifts from Mom and Jack. The bookcase on the left was my graduation gift when I finished technical school in 1988. The armoire is where we hide the tv as I hate having it show and we don't watch it that often, mostly in the evenings for DVDs. The love seat faces the armoire and the couch (with the blue quilt over it) faces the bookcases in an L shape.

Another shot since Mom also hasn't seen the love seat/sofa.

Maisy, finding a quiet place to rest away from the kids, on a box under the keyboard!

Our potatoes growing in wine barrels 5/25/09. After this photo we put a few more inches of soil in.

This is the left hand barrel 5/31/09. Look how much they grew in 7 days! We filled dirt up to the top rim now. No flowers yet but they are growing like crazy. We started these from organic potatoes from Trader Joe's, which they told me come from Newman's farm. We planted both red and white potatoes. I think the whites are Russets but I am not certain. Some of the leaves have some yellowish spots on them, so I have to do some research. This is my first time growing potatoes organically.

In addition to the huge black walnut tree, orange tree (we just ate the last of our DELICIOUS oranges!) and grapefruit tree, we have some type of magnolia tree on the side.

Here is one of our raised beds. It's only 75% planted. In front are all peppers and in back is a tomato, watermelon and rosemary. I'm late getting everything else planted but I'm going to try it anyway.

The kids have had a blast eating outside on the table Grandma and Grampa found for them. Princess on left and Sunshine next to Boogie.

We still have much to unload, paint, put up on the walls etc before it's really feeling homey, but it's a start. I still wander through the house at times and think, "Whose house am I in again?" In spite of already having some repairs to the AC and electrical for the W/D and our first house payment, it doesn't feel like "ours". Maybe that's how it should be; the house is really His!

Do You Like To Cook?

2009-05-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Since giving up packaged and processed foods almost completely a couple years ago, I have been having fun learning how to cook. I found another friend, Lori, who loves to cook too. She loves it so much she became a Pampered Chef Consultant! In January I went to a party she put on with my friend Lynette from church. The house across the street from Lynette had out a sign that said "I'm Beautiful Inside" which made me chuckle and we all discussed the house and the neighbors affirmed that it really was. So, I went home and checked it out on the Internet. Curiosity killed the cat, true, but Grandma Hopkins always said, "Satisfaction brought it back!" :-) That is when we discovered that house prices in our city were 40-60% of what they were 6-12 month prior. The ball began rolling and two months and a handful of days later we moved into our new home on the girls' 6th birthday!

So, to "initiate" my new home and open the doors of hospitality, I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party. I've always loved their products and when I was engaged my church family hosted a "Pampered Bride" party, it was so much fun! We've been married 10 years now and all that stuff is going strong. A few places I have replaced... not because I didn't like them, but because they made improvements on them.

If you are local to me and I didn't catch you at church or Facebook, you are invited. 6:30 tonight. We are having Mexican Chicken Lasagna and a Summer Berry Shortcake dessert (I bought 4 types of organic berries -strawberry, blackberry, raspberry and blueberry!). We had the dessert Mother's Day at Lori's and it was delicious!

If you can't come but would like to order, you can do so at: Lori Loves To Cook and remember to put my name as the hostess. Thank you in advance!

True Love... Jack's Journey

2009-05-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

If you're not from the Pacific Northwest or a beach comber, you might not recognize what these are. Any guesses? Agates! Agates are a semi-precious stone and they come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Agates found at the ocean are often unique from God's own stone tumbler - waves. My family has been looking for agates about 100 years now. Some are more obsessed than others (I think I fit in the middle). My Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Doodlebug love to hunt for agates and awhile back Marilyn told Jack that when she went on their next trip, she'd bring him home a gallon bag of agates.

True to her word - ONE GALLON ZIPLOC BAG FULL OF AGATES! Sorry to shout, but my lifetime supply of agate hunting could maybe fit in two gallon ziplocs or maybe even a gallon and a quart... but never on one trip and never did I dream of giving away all those that I found. But Marilyn did.

Love is not self seeking. That's what we read in 1 Corinthians 13. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to canonize my Aunt! But what an incredible work of love she gave to bring joy into Jack's life, which at the moment probably seems pretty weary. His goal now is to find that many himself! :-) Or at least a few beauties like the one above.

I think that the whole gift is so amazing because most collectors hoard and do not share, even if they are kind and generous people otherwise. And it struck me how we all have different gifts. We are studying Job right now in Sunday School, so I've been thinking a lot about the things we do and say when someone is suffering. Many people are gifted in ways that allow them to serve and help and some of us aren't sure what to do. Or, I think sometimes we are immobilized by thinking that we don't have the gift we should. We think we should have the gift of nursing and don't even think that giving agates is a gift. Perhaps there were 9 nurses/nurturers/caregivers (all of whom are appreciated!) and only 1 agate giver - would not that one brighten the day?

For me, the lesson learned is that there are many ways we can give and be used by God and that I should not put Him in a box thinking it can only happen in certain ways. Does that make sense? I know what some of my gifts are, but they don't always seem practical or I don't think they are like other people's gifts. They are not. They shouldn't be. God has given me my own gifts and in Ephesians, Paul tells us that He created good works for me to do even before I was born! I don't have agates to give to Jack. Well, I do, but I'm not gonna! :-) LOL And that's okay. Because God isn't asking me to be Marilyn. He's asking me to be me!

So, what's my job now? I think I'm the squeaky wheel... will you grease me? My job is to ask for PRAYER!

Please pray for Jack. Tuesday is his last radiation treatment. When I talked to him today I asked him how he felt and he said, "Like I'm in the middle of a battle." All that poison of the chemo and radiation takes it's toll on a person. And the side effects don't stop with the last treatment. Please pray for relief from dry heaves and other ill side effects. Ask the Father to be restoring his body, healing it, mending it, rejuvenating him. There will be about a month for his body to recuperate before chemo begins again. I will keep you all posted.

Thank you! Jack and Ruth thank you! We love you! Please keep praying!

Jack's Treatment Phase 2 Home Stretch

2009-05-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Please join our family in continuing to pray for Jack as he enters the home stretch for this second round of treatment which has included chemo 24/7 and radiation 5 days a week for six weeks. He has just about a week to go. As you know, treatment is not without its side effects and Jack is beginning to feel them. He is weary and waiting on the Lord to lift him up on Eagles' wings! Please pray for not only Jack's healing, but his peace, encouragement and endurance. Ask God to help him keep his eyes fixed on the goal. When he finishes in about a week, he will have some time of recuperation before the next phase of chemo treatments begins.

(Photo courtesy of Laurel Community Baptist Church, layout created using Digizines by Teri's Anastasia kit available at Heritagescrap.com)

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

This is a layout I am making for the Lifebook Challenge at Heritage Scrap led by my friend Vicki of Victorian Rose Designs. A Life Book is a book that tells the story of one person's life in systematic order. We are working on it as a group and people can join in at any time. We'll probably run the challenge cyclically. Anyway, this page is the right hand side of a two page layout and I used a background paper from Veronica Spriggs and blended a childhood photo of my Grandma. The little shoes are from Cari Lopez' new christening kit. The rest of the elements come from Digizines by Teri and Jean Daugherty - I used pieces from several kits to get the look I want. The left hand side of this layout will have the journaling about my Grandma's birth and early childhood... I'm still working on it.

For Mother's Day, I want to share somethign I wrote for the Heritage Scrap newsletter, which ended up not getting done as planned due to wild fires in Santa Barbara where she lives. I've shared a lot about my Grandma Hopkins, so you may have read all this in my blog in the past if you've been around for awhile.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms and Ladies who step in with wonderful mothering cares even if they aren't moms themselves!

"Don't it always seem to go, That you don't know what you've got til it's gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot." Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell

There is a reason that they keep remaking that Joni Mitchell song - probably because most of us learn the hard way! In the last years of my Grandma Holly Hopkins' life, I began to appreciate her more and more. Though she lived nearly 96 years, it was not long enough for me.

Of course I loved her as a child, but I did not consider her my "fun" Grandma. Still some of my favorite memories are gatherings around her table for Thanksgiving and Mother's Day. She always had what she called "surprises" for us, which usually turned out to mean work - our own patch in the garden, building projects etc. She did have a way of turning chores into games like "beat the clock" We called her a perfectionist, but she denied this and called herself an "efficiency expert" instead. Because I was an awkward girl, I found myself to be what I considered the "brunt" of her efficiency efforts!

Just as our parents "grow wiser" as we age, so do grandparents. As a new bride living far from home, one of my layouts was chosen by Memory Makers for publication in their Quilted Scrapbooks book. The title of my layout was "Things I Learned From A Kindergarten Teacher", playing off the famous Robert Fulghum book All I Really Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten. It featured a photo of my Grandma in the middle of an Ohio Start quilt block. All around the block, I journaled the things that my Grandma Hopkins had either directly taught me or greatly influenced my interest - foremost my faith and study of Scripture, but also gardening, knitting, creativity, love of nature, reading... The list went on, amazingly long as tears streamed down my face. I realized that who I am now is a direct result of her immense involvement in my raising. It was then that I also realized that when seemed overly critical of me, she was correcting the things she disliked most in her self. Oddly, in spite of outward appearances being so different, I was so much like her!

Sadly for us, 2 weeks after meeting my 2.5 months old son (her first great grandchild), she went to sleep one night and arose in Heaven. She has not yet met her twin grand daughters, but they have met her. In addition to pictures and memories, she lives on in their school books (from her classroom), their toys, the food they eat (her recipes) and in their mom!

Tears come easily as I write now. I would love to share the every day joys of my family with her. But, I can only smile as I crack open one of her books and I see her writing, or a note slips out - voices, memories, words, guidance - from the past. Holly Tisdale Hopkins (1906-2002) was quite an accomplished woman in her lifetime, but her greatest contributions were intangible. Thank God for Mamas! And thank God for Grandmothers who forever change our lives.

Don't wait until paradise is paved over. Tell the woman of influence in your life, how much she means to you. Happy Mother's Day!

Update on Jack

2009-05-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted an update for awhile. Everyone has been exhausted! Jack found out this week that he is half way through his treatments! YIPPEE!!!! I know he will be so glad when this is done! He continues with chemo 24/7 via a pump and receives the radiation five days a week. The effects of the medication are exhausting as you can imagine and he is having some side effects and "sun burn" from the radiation. His attitude and faith are strong and God is carrying everyone throughout each step of the way, every day, even on the hard ones.

Please continue to pray for Healing, Strength, Endurance and Mercy throughout this process. We all appreciate your prayers. Thank you.

Kittens, Windows, Glasses, Catching Up

2009-05-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been awhile since I've posted pictures and a lot of stuff has been happening. These pictures will only represent a small portion of that. Here's Hubby sleeping (trying to) with Heidi. She is a little love bug, gentle, quiet (I've only heard her meow 2x since we brought her home), patient with the kids and very laid back. I am "her person". It's like she thinks I'm Mama... oh yeah, that's right, I AM Mama!

Her sister Maisy is a "dumb blonde". She skids into a room like Kramer on Seinfeld, has no sense to keep away from the "snarly old lady kitty who is not excited about having her domain invaded" and constantly needs the reassurance of her sister Heidi and all the rest of us that she is loved. Last night she was jumping out around boxes at Abbie (the old lady kitty). Abbie just looks at her like, "Listen kid, I know I'm not supposed to eat you because supposedly you belong to them too, but what part of this face looks like it wants to play hide and seek with you?!" lol We now are able to keep all the doors open and have integrated the kittens with Abbie. It seems to be working and Abbie seems to be happier that she is not shut out from "a big secret" behind the closed door. She actually purred today, which she hasn't done for awhile, especially me. I bore the brunt of her anger. I don't think they'll ever be "cozy" but I think it'll work.

Here's a picture of Maisy snuggling up with Heidi. I think they were taken from their Mommy and I think that Maisy is more needy because of that and may be why she is so persistent with Abbie, trying to make friends. I thought this was cute.

The cats aren't the only siblings snoozing together! This is Sunshine and Boogie - last Sunday when we came home from church we were sick and all the people and cats took a nap! These two joined Daddy in bed, so there was nowhere for Mommy to nap.

Yesterday we had our new vinyl replacement windows installed. It went pretty smoothly. One window was off by 3-4 inches and a new one has to be made, but all the rest were fine. It was a factory mistake. This is the bathroom window which has "rain" patterned glass. We still have the aluminum window frames. Yuck. Before we paint, I'm going to have to find out about spray primers for metal, tape off the window and prime and paint the aluminum white. That won't be a fun job, but should look much better.

I got new "windows" yesterday too. This is just so my Mom can see. The old were silver and turquoise. These are burgandy. There is such a huge change in my RX this time that I am still having a hard time adjusting, but I see so much better! My computer screen is really clear now! Today I have a 'normal person's headache' from the glasses though and sometimes the ground rises up to meet me and swirls around a little bit. My brain has to get used to the huge increase on the bifocals.

We went to my friend Lori's house last week to watch her little girl L, who is a 22 month old human replica of a Precious Moments figurine. The girls and I played the piano for awhile. I miss having one around. Mom and Jack found me a keyboard at a garage sale and I'm hoping to find a place for it in the living room so I can at least play that.

There were kittens about palm sized and FAST! That's why this one is blurry as it is running back toward Mama!

Boogie had fun petting this one that we nick named Skunk. He's the runt.

The girls on the tire swing. Sunshine in the orange and Princess in the pink. I thought this picture was interesting because it really portrays the differences in their personality. Sunshine is quite shy and Princess screams "look at me!" with every cell of her being! :-)

Sunshine and Sooty - look at the little feet sticking out! :-)

Poor Skunk! I thought this was a sweet pose though.

Boogie loved playing with L at her sand/water table and Sunshine was fascinated with this wind spinner.

Boogie and Princess were having so much fun in the tire swing. They pretended they were airplanes and every time L's "airplane" came near they screamed "RETREAT!"

"I got a cat! Whatcha want me to do with him now?" :-) We had to practice not holding poor Sooty by the neck! lol

Princess and Skunk

Skunk - ready to face the world!

Who could resist this face? Sooty looks pretty distressed! Save me from this orange beasty girl!

Orange beasty girl loves Sooty! Isn't he stunning with his coloring and those eyes?

Being the diva that she is, Princess got first brother and then Sunshine to pull her around in the wagon with her "parisol" After a few rounds Sunshine got tired and left her out in the yard. Princess called out, "Who's going to pull me back?" in a particularly whiny voice! I laughed, "Pull yourself!" While still sitting in the wagon, she tugged at the handle "Ugh! Grunt! It doesn't work!" Me - "Well, get out and then pull Silly!" LOL We had a good laugh over that. Just like her Grandma Ginger... there are times when she acts as though all of life were meant to revolve around her! Hopefully we can temper that trait before she leaves the nest!

Sunshine decided to check out the "parisol".

I thought her expressions were funny! They've never held an umbrella before!

Well, that's a little glimpse into our lives... not overly exciting but you know, Grandma and Grandpa need to see their faces once in awhile.

I'm hoping I find my knitting soon... I miss it!

Happy (International) Scrapbooking Day

2009-05-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, since this started out as a knitting blog, it's time I posted something about knitting right? lol This is my ancestress Ruth Taylor Wolcott and she's knitting! I used Jean Daugherty's Cherished Memories kit which is on sale at Heritage Scrap this weekend.

And one thing this blog has a lot of, photography! I created this layout using Teri Hanson's
Photogenic Tin Memories kit. It documents my Mother's two grandfathers who were both photographers and their work has influenced me in many ways.

My gggg Grandfather and his two half brothers volunteered in the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry (Stonewall Regiment) and the 5th Michigan Cavalry. The youngest brother, Dan, was mortally wounded in his first battle, the Battle of Stone Mountain in Maryland and died about two months later. The middle brother, George went on to serve in Michigan and U.S. politics and Detroit law and business. My ancestor, William Wadsworth Hopkins will have his own layout describing his service in the 5th Cavalry during and after the Civil War. After discharge he died of Typhoid Fever. The photos are of Dan's grave in the White Lake Cemetery, White Lake, Michigan. The man is Erastus Hopkins, father of the young men who served. That drawing is taken from the Oakland County, Michigan history. This is the Right hand side of a two page layout created with Kate McClellan's FANTASTIC Civil War kit.

This is the Left hand side of the two page layout created with Kate McClellan's fantastic Civil War kit. I found some copyright free drawings of the Battle where my ancestor's brothers fought and one of them was mortally wounded, dying two months later.

Heritage Scrap has a new altered art section with Artful Dreamer's products. I made this background paper from one of her backgrounds blended with one of Kate McClellan's papers and used Teri Hanson's lace/ribbon. This is my Grandma Hopkins on graduation day.

Genealogy Chat With Marcia Louden

2009-05-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Join me at Heritage Scrap for a chat with genealogist Marcia Louden. If you are registered already as a user, click here:

www.heritagescrap.com/Lets_Chat

Happy (Inter)National Scrapbooking Day! More to come.

Remembering

2009-05-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

If you have been at my blog for awhile you know that I choose to remember my brother Danny twice a year on his birthday in December and today, his date of death. It is not to be morbid or dwell on sadness but to celebrate the fact that he was alive. His memory may be long gone in the schemes of the world, but in my heart, I will never forget. And one day, in God's mercy, I will see him again!

Change...

2009-04-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

2009 has definitely been a year of change. The house is a BIG change, that is for certain. Between migraines and fatigue and so much to do in unpacking, I haven't had opportunity to post many pictures or really write much lately. So today, I thought I would give it a start.

This is our black walnut tree... or I should say about 3/4 of it. I took this photo on April 11. Today you can see no sky through the branches. It is droppy yellow sticky "helicopters" at the moment and is an amazing site. Every time I look out that window I think, "This is God's gift to me for not balking at staying in the smoggy city!" I do have some anxieties as the power lines run through it. In August or September the power company is supposed to come and prune. However, we are responsible for the branches over the wires coming to our house. About 1/5 of the tree may have to be removed at our expense because it lies right on the wires going to our house and the neighbor's house. This photo doesn't show how big the trunk is. It would take all five of us holding hands around the base to go full circle! On the left is a grapefruit tree that is taller than Hubby, so more than 6'3".

And these are grapefruit blossoms!

Our orange tree is budding as well. It doesn't have as many blossoms as I would like to see. I'm hoping more are coming. I need to do some reading on the care of citrus fruit.

Maisy and Heidi are doing better. Abbie does NOT want them in the house! We haven't let them out of the master bedroom yet. We are waiting until the boxes in the main living areas are more unpacked because we don't want them to get hurt or corned by their bullying big sister who likes to HISS at them! :-) This is Maisy in one of the bookcases, before it was loaded with books!

Here is Sunshine laying on our bed with Heidi. Both are affectionate but Heidi demands eye contact and is very sweet. Not only does she want affection from us, but she also gives it back! Both kittens have attached to me as their "mama"! Heidi is laying across my chest and arms as I am typing right now and her favorite place to sleep is next to my monitor! She definitely has the Siamese eyes and body shape (though obviously not the points) and Boogie keeps telling me, "I really think you have a parrot Mommy!" because she often likes to sit on my shoulder. Maisy was afraid of us at first but then one day it was like a switch was turned and she started purring and loving us and demands her affection time! lol There is no way that these kittens were strays. I think the owner just said that when he relinquished them so that he wouldn't have to pay. Four month (now 5) old kittens that are strays are not this affectionate or wanting to be with and on people!

Here's Hubby painting my kitchen for me. I couldn't get the orange out of his skin on this photo... sorry he is not orange, though he was this scruffy, being a "bum" on his time off! :-) The kitchen is a light custard or buttery yellow. I have chosen a blue and white patterned quilter's cotton from Hoffman to make valances and accents. Pictures coming later. We haven't done any more painting because 1) $$$ 2) time and 3) we are having our windows replaced on Cinco de Mayo. We have the original 1961 aluminum frames with non tempered glass. Since we essentially have a whole wall (140" of sliders and another 42" of window) in the living room going out to the back that is non tempered, we felt we should replace it before any bad accidents happened and the children were hurt! The new windows have Solarban70. I am not thrilled about having vinyl because pvc definitely has fumes. However wood windows are definitely cost prohibitive! It's bad enough with what we got, but it will be an investment in the house and hopefully our future. I'm a little apprehensive, we'll see!

I bought some plants for the yard but haven't planted yet... a hydrangea.

I wish I could say this was our yard, but it's not! This is our neighbors. The photo is taken from our front walking looking over the property line. It's so beautiful and I would love to start working towards something like this at our home.

Blogger won't let me rearrange the order of the pictures, so this little Princess face is out of order! Princess begged to have her hair cut, so we got it in a bob again. It's kind of scruffy here because we just had it cut, but it has more body now and looks adorable. It's odd that they are identical and yet Sunshine looks funny with short hair. Hers is still long, just got the bangs cut as she decided she was tired of growing them out long. It's nice to see her face again! :-)

I also bought two rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are my home state's flower... this is so I can have a piece of home at home. I love these kind with the speckled throat!

This is the second one. The sun was really intense. They are a little bluer purple than these photos show.

On the 14th I went for my biannual eye exam. I had been telling Hubby that it was getting more and more difficult to read and that I could see my floater. Everytime I read the floater moves back and forth over the page as my eye roams. Annoying! Fortunately it doesn't hurt. I think he thought I was just being melodramatic or looking for a reason to go get new frames! :-) Turns out, it IS more difficult for me to read. My nearsightedness and astigmatism are improving. That's not uncommon especially for people like me who have extreme nearsightedness from childhood. As we age, the changes that cause the need for bifocals tug and pull on the eye to shape it another direction. So, tomorrow I go in for my new glasses... he told me I may feel sick the first couple days like when I first got bifocals because they are 3 levels stronger on one side and 4 levels stronger on the other. But, get this! I have cataracts! Okay, maybe I am getting old... it dawned on me that possibly I blogged this earlier?? LOL How can I have cataracts at 42? Well, he said could be hereditary (all my Grandparents had them but not until their 70s and 80s!) and that because of all the environmental polutions out there in today's age that he is seeing it younger and younger. Wear sunglasses! The sun also causes them. And he advised me to take Vitamin C and lutein. They are just beginning so hopefully will not progress too quickly. And I will probably quilt seeing the floater once I get the new glasses. I see it now because my eyes are working hard to find the right focal length. Okay... if the gray hair in the mirror and the bum knee didn't already make me feel old... that did!

Jack just had his second procedure to widen his esophagus and it went well. He's home sleeping it off today. The chemo and radiation is going okay. Naturally it is quite exhausting. Please pray for him... continued prayer for healing and also the stamina that it takes to go to his appointments. I know I get exhausted when I have two or three appts in one week's time.

I've been thinking about writing some of the thoughts that God has been giving me lately. His message repeatedly has been "emptiness". How odd I thought at first, but the more I have meditated on Him and this topic, the more I feel He has been changing me.

I still haven't been able to deal with the comments... I may just switch back to the regular blogger comments, but I'm not sure. I hate it when all these companies buy and sell each other. It was working so well and I got your email address with the comment and I could click, write, send. Now I just get a name. I have thought about switching to Word Press, but they are not as easy to use as Blogger for designing and they don't allow much picture usage, which is obviously a big issue for me. We'll see... I hope to be blogging more soon! I miss you all!

Ishmael - Chronicle One - The Unseen

2009-04-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

My friend Heather, who used to live right down the road and was such an encouragement to me during my infertility treatments, move away from me, the stinker! :-) Besides being an awesome friend, scrapbooker, Sister in the Lord and homeschooling mom of three, Heather is an author. I'm so proud of her I could burst! You see, Heather just won a short story writing contest!

Go check out Ishmael here under the pen name, Eisley Jacobs.

Normally I would turn my head away from a story about angels. Most people write about them like children's fairy tales or extensions of Narnia or Rivendell, but not Heather! She respectfully presents angels in what I would consider a "theologically correct" way and her story keeps you wanting to hear more. The angel combats evil through the Word of God in much the same way that Jesus gave the example to us. So, even though the story was about a NICU emergency (Warning to those who may be sensitive to the experience of infant medical emergencies, this may be difficult to read. For those who have sensitive hearts, break out the kleenex!), I felt there was a subtle lesson to the Believer that we should know the Word of God so that it can be ready on our tongue in times of spiritual battle and so that it can renew our minds and feed our soul.

Way to go Heather! I look forward to hearing and reading more from Eisley Jacobs!

Prayer Updates

2009-04-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. Thank you again for all the prayers for Jack! This has been a busy week and it is only Wednesday.

Today Jack underwent a procedure to widen the esophagus at the point where there was stitching from the surgery. Amazingly Jack was getting some soft food down with only a 3 mm opening! That's about an 1/8"! Today the stitches were removed using endoscopic scissors... the first time the doctor had used them! And the opening was stretched to 10mm.

It was so much fun (lol) that they are going to repeat the procedure next Thursday. Please pray that Jack's recovery from this will be quick and as pain free as possible. Also pray that it will be successful so that not only can he eat more, but that there will be less gagging and issues with the chemo.

Next Monday begins the biggy and lots of prayers are appreciated. There is 6 weeks of both chemo 24/7 via a cartridge pump and radiation five days a week. The Lord has brought him and our family this far, guiding each step of the way and we don't expect that to stop any time soon, but it is still a big thing to face.

Grandma is working on rehab and doing pretty well all things considered.

Thank you for your love and prayers.

Prayer Update

2009-04-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

We have had some good news this week and thank you all for prayers. Grandma Doris is much improved from her pneumonia. She is out of the hospital now and in a rehab center where she is in therapy to gain strength so that she can go back to her assisted living apartment. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

Jack received good news today too. From Mom/Ruth:

JACK… we are PTL! that last week’s CT scans of chest, abdomen & pelvis showed no evidence that the cancer has spread at this point… and Friday’s Upper GI or barium swallow x-rays confirmed that there is a narrowing of the opening at the surgical site joining Jack’s esophagus to his intestines, likely due to scar tissue. Since Jack is soon to begin radiation combined with continuous chemo therapy, the doctor moved quickly in scheduling an EGD (upper endoscopy) procedure for Wed, 4/15, at 10 a.m. here in Bellingham, where he will use a balloon to gently dilate and enlarge the opening for food to pass through more easily. Please pray for God’s hand to guide the surgeon, strength and healing for Jack’s body as well as protection during the aggressive treatment in the weeks ahead.

Another Resurrection Day Layout

2009-04-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

I love this background paper with the birds from Jean Daugherty's Easter Song Kit from Heritage Scrap. We have a lot of birds here and I thought it was fitting with the kids' green and lavender outfits. I also loved the pussy willows... reminded me of Grandma Hopkins. Auntie Grace used to cut it for her and she would keep it in a cut crystal vase on her desk or on the table in front of the mirror. It's a part of my childhood spring memories.

He Is Risen

2009-04-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our first holy day in our new home today. It was so nice to be able to go out in the backyard to take pictures instead of trying to find an uncrowded spot in the house with a plain background. I created this layout using Traci Reed's Promising and He Is Risen Add-On kits from Sweet Shoppe. I apologize that it is a little blurry. It was a huge file and I had to reduce the quality to be able to post here. (The original is clear).

Left to right Sunshine, Boogie and Princess. This is just outside our back door. The Calla lillies are blooming.

I couldn't decide which one Grandma and Grandpa would like to see best so I decided to include several! You non-Grandparents will just have to endure! lol

They do adore their big brother, can you tell!?!

A vertical one so Grandma can see the dresses. I don't usually dress the girls alike and in fact, much of the time they do NOT want to be dressed alike. I follow their lead. Occasionally they insist on everything being EXACTLY alike. We try to embrace both their uniqueness as individuals and the blessing of their twinship. One of the ways recently they have wanted to be different is that Princess wants her bangs cut and Sunshine wants to grow hers out long with the rest of her hair.

Shelley, you would not believe how easy this photo shoot was! The easiest we have ever done. Five minutes and out the door to church! No tears. No screaming. It was a miracle! lol

Sunshine has two bottom teeth missing, Boogie has two top teeth missing and while processing these photos we discovered that Princess lost her first tooth, on the bottom.

It was a nice family day together, first church and then lunch. Nothing fancy as we are still settling. Just being together was a blessing.

I have so much to catch up on here at the blog, but that will take some time as well!

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

2009-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

This morning our family is standing in the need of prayer. Please pray for Jack's Mom, Grandma Doris. She is in ICU with pneumonia and related heart issues. They have not yet stabilized the heart concerns. Aunt Kristine has been with her all night - she's an awesome caregiver, but human and exhausted. She has been taking care of both Jack and Grandma and could use a huge prayer hug as well!

Also this morning, Jack is going in for a barium contrast CT of his pelvic, abdominal and chest regions to determine the cause of his decreased ability to swallow and eat. Friday he will do barium again as they have to re-form the "cradle" that will be used for his radiation treatments that will be administered along with chemo in a week or so.

We appreciate you all praying. Thank you.

Quick Check In and Jack Update

2009-04-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. ATT and I are not getting along at the moment. 9 days and counting without DSL. We are NOT happy customers. I thought I would just check in and let you know that we got all moved with the help of some wonderful guys at church (who will probably never volunteer to help us again! LOL). We're exhausted but doing okay. I have lots of pictures of the girls' 6th birthday, the move, the kittens (who are sick with kennel crud) etc.

Please pray for Jack this coming week as he prepares for the second round of chemo in conjunction with radiation. No starting date yet, but he is going to have the prep appointments and we will know more next week. The sickness with smells has passed and some of the other problems have improved. Still sorting out others. We appreciate your continued prayers.

More soon!

Away For Awhile - Please Pray

2009-03-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone... Sometime tomorrow I will lose internet and phone service and there is a chance it may be out for 4 or 5 days!

There has been several balls dropped in the handling of our loan papers. Please pray that this can be sorted out quickly! If it isn't, we can't move on Saturday when we have people to help! And we are supposed to be all done here by Tuesday. I know this is small in the big scheme of things, but I'm tired of being a bug on the bottom of some banker's shoe! :-)

So, I'll see you soon... but I don't know when!

Waiting, Adopting, Updating

2009-03-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

We were hoping to hear about getting keys by now but that hasn't happened. Hoping to hear something today so we can get started cleaning! Waiting, Waiting, Waiting.

Jack is doing much better than over the weekend and we are so thankful for the prayers. Yesterday when we chatted on Facebook, he had been able to eat some "mush" and soup. Hurray! Continued prayers for strength as his body works with the chemo and for healing of the mouth/tongue sores would be greatly appreciating.

And no, we are not adopting a child. Just children! :-) Fur children! LOL

Meet Heidi on the left and Maisy on the right. They are four months old and though they were brought in as strays, the animal officers think that they were actually surrendered by the owner because they have been bathed and well taken care of and appear to be quite healthy. I hope and pray they stay that way. When we brought Abbie home 10 years ago (from the very same cage at the shelter!) she had a respiratory infection and was really sick and on antibiotics.

This morning we are going in to adopt them. This is the first day they are available so we haven't had a chance to hold them (they don't allow that until they are available to adopt). This will be my girlies birthday present but the whole family is very excited. We chose their names together. Heidi... we just read that book. And Maisy is from the children's cartoon with the little mouse named Maisy. Today we are supposed to be able to hold them, so I'll take more pictures. :-)

Jack Update

2009-03-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

My Mom (Ruth) wrote this, but I wanted to explain one thing. She mentions problems with Jack's mouth :-) and I don't think we have discussed that here. His tastebuds are effected by all the medications and have left his tongue swollen and sore. This began before the chemo and is also effecting his ability to eat. I'll let you read the rest in Ruth's words...

Thank you to all you faithful prayer warriors… and please don’t stop now!
Time goes so incredibly fast I can’t believe it has been a week since the last post and so much has happened that our faith walk seems more like a faith “run” yet I keep reminding myself of how faithful God has been, is, and I know will continue to be.

The week began with Jack’s first round of chemo… Monday through Friday and then 3 weeks for his body to rebuild before radiation begins mid April. I took Jack for the 1st treatment which we had been told would be about 3 hrs… however it only took about an hour since they can inject the chemo into the saline IV & directly into his port. Due to the shorter length of treatment, Ruth had another opportunity to practice spontaneity… and began the process of revising the transportation plan for the week.

Next came another glitch when Jack’s feeding tube clogged… So plans were made to change out the old tube and replace it with a more durable variety. The procedure was done on Wednesday by the same doctor that did the port implant which was a real blessing. Later in the day was chemo number 3 where we had a picnic lunch and enjoyed “together time” while Jack was rehydrated and received his treatment. Then we were off to Option Care where one of the staff, Shari, took out her “bag of tricks” and brainstormed with Jack to adapt the new tube and sent us on our way… a very long and energy draining day for Jack.

By the end of the day Friday, Jack was feeling the effects and intensity of his week. Between mouth issues, tube change procedure, and chemo, he was extremely fatigued. We are thankful that we were able to work with the dietician to increase his supplemental feeding to support him while he is only eating cold stuff to keep his mouth as comfortable as possible. In the evening we sat reflectively as I read scripture from the Psalms and talked about the path the Lord has taken us these past 21 years of Jack & Ruth’s Most Excellent Adventure.

This weekend we are keeping a low profile here at home so that Jack has opportunity to rest and right now he needs to stay away from crowds. Next week we have a couple appointments including a “swallow test” to help sort out Jack’s eating challenges on Monday morning and another with the Radiation Oncologist on Thursday as we look ahead to radiation treatments beginning mid April.

P.S. It is now Sunday afternoon and Jack is resting while dealing with a number of side effects from the chemo and extreme sensitivity to odors and food smells that impact his desire and ability to eat. As of now, we have decided that the swallow test will need to be postponed as it involves eating and the outing would be too taxing for him as he must go out for lab work tomorrow afternoon.

Please pray for healing of his mouth issues and his ability to take more nourishment and liquids by mouth to help his upper system be hydrated and soothed... and that God's healing touch will help his body fight the good fight against the cancer and it's treatment.

I would leave you with the song that God brought to ease my heart this week as we walked through the many challenges of Jack’s health. May it bring blessing to you in whatever you are dealing with in your own lives as you hold us up in prayer.

DOES JESUS CARE?
Lyrics ~ Frank E. Graeff, 1860 - 1919
Music ~ J. Lincoln Hall, 1866 - 1930

Stanza 1:
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Chorus:
O yes, He cares- I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares. (He cares.)

Stanza 2:
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

(Chorus)

Stanza 3:
Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief I find no relief,
Tho my tears flow all the night long?

(Chorus)

Stanza 4:
Does Jesus care when I've said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

(Chorus)

Where We Are or Where Are We?

2009-03-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Phew! Since going to Lynette's Pampered Chef party in January, everything has been a whirlwind, a roller coaster... or you pick the chaotic analogy! Well, we are finally getting to the point of one whirl wind ending and another beginning! Wednesday, the 18th, we signed our mortgage documents... 130 pages! We met the notary at Tim's work and signed our papers in the classroom.

Here's Hubby signing the Deed of Trust. He's still smiling! :-)

Now, it's my turn to sign the Deed of Trust!

The kids were really great while they waited. L to R Boogie, Sunshine and Princess. I wanted to get a picture of the girls on this day because it was 10 days before their sixth birthday and I wanted to compare it to the one of me 10 days before my sixth birthday. The girls do not look like me, but they do resemble me... if that makes sense. It's hard to tell in this picture and YES! I do need to cut their bangs!

This is me ten days before my 6th birthday. It was my last day of Kindergarten June 9, 1972 and this is my teacher Mrs. Barney. If you know me on FaceBook, you have seen this already as it is my profile pic. My Mom made the dress... red with white polka dots.

Afterwards we went out to dinner to celebrate. I took this picture from the car because it was so beautiful how the light was shining through the branches.

Hopefully we will get the keys on Tuesday, but maybe not until Wednesday.

Now the real fun begins... Anybody living close by with muscles? We need help for Saturday 3/28! Thanks.

God Is In Control

2009-03-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

The last few days, the "you know what" has hit the fan in regards to our new home. I'll spare you all the gory details, but suffice it to say that we have been struggling under the consequences of other peoples' actions and the injustice of some of the situation has felt unbearable. Today everyone is working towards unraveling a big knot. Last night I had a good cry out, which relieved some of the tension and was good. In the car on the way to church last night, I felt God telling me to go find my 1993 Twila Paris CD "Beyond a Dream" and listen to "God Is In Control". I called Tim and had him look for it and have listened to it several times. The words are so encouraging and God reminded me not only that He is in control, but that He also, years ago gave me a vision for our home and ministry. As we have prayed about the situation, we can't help but think that the enemy, who prowls around like a lion seeking whom he can kill and destroy, isn't trying to trip us up and make us focus on ourselves and negative things instead of what God actually is doing in our lives. No matter how it seems... God is in control - Thank you God! And to you be the glory, whether or not we get this house!

God Is In Control
by Twila Paris

This is no time for fear
This is a time for faith and determination
Don't lose the vision here
Carried away by the motion,
Hold on to all that you hide in your heart
There is one thing that has always been true
It holds the world together

(chorus)
God is in control
We believe that His children will not be foresaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside him
We know, ooh, God is in control
Ooh, God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has alays been true
It will be true forever

(Repeat chorus)

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now
Why start to worry now
He is still the Lord of all we see
And he is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me

Watching over you
Watching over me
Watching over everything
Watching over you
Watching over me
Every little sparrow, every little king
Ooh, every little king

(repeat chorus)

Ruth's Update On Jack - Pray for Start of Chemo

2009-03-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the delay in updating information regarding Jack. This past week and a half has been a busy in many ways. Medically, God opened doors and Jack’s port was successfully implanted on Friday the 6th and Jack received his schedule for chemo therapy to begin here in Bellingham on Monday, March 16th… Daily for 5 days, then a time for his body to rest before radiation begins in mid April. There is a lot to absorb and learn about as we step into the treatment phase.

Jack sitting at the back of the church for service.

On Sunday the 8th we were finally able to make it to church. It had been a long month since Jack’s surgery… and it felt like we were home at last. That was the thought that brought tears of joy as I drove down Laurel Road on our way to worship that morning. It was the first time since Feb 1st that Jack and I had been able to make that journey and oh how we have missed the sweet communion with our home church family.

Jack and his "girlfriends" Susan and Joy

What joy to walk through the back door and encounter our “son” David who engulfed “Dad” in a hearty gentle embrace that lasted a long time and blessed them both. For the next half hour, Jack held court as dear ones greeted him during the fellowship time between the services… young and old alike were ever so glad to “see” Jack and know how faithful God has been in answering their prayers… to God be the Glory, Great Things HE hath Done.

Jack and Sangae (I hope I spelled your name right!)

Jack keeps a set of twin girls wherever he goes! LOL (You girls look just like your Mommy when she was your age!)

Jack continues to do well and took advantage of this week to be out and about for short stints. Tuesday, his sister Kris took him to his Carving Group at the Ferndale Senior Center and Wednesday morning I took him to Denny’s where he surprised his men’s Bible study group by joining them for their weekly breakfast meeting where he enjoyed God’s Word and Christian fellowship over a cup of tea.

Jack at woodcarving class at the Senior Center.

The Wednesday Morning Gang - Jack's Bible Study meeting at Denny's for breakfast.

Later in the week we sharpened our knowledge of the care of Jack’s feeding tube as we worked through a couple of clogging episodes with the caring support of the Option Care staff. The week also included praying Jack’s mother Doris through some very painful back issues which necessitated a doctor visit and very long day of medical tests. An MRI shows that she has a couple of bulging discs that complicate her other health issues, along with a urinary tract infection. We are praising the Lord that she is gradually improving with pain medications and TLC from Kris and her wonderful caregivers. Please keep Doris in your prayers, as well as Kris who is doing double duty caring for both her and supporting Jack’s needs.

Today is Friday and we are looking forward to the weekend… We have a “date” planned for Saturday… a foray to Jack’s favorite shopping spot to pick up some really good deals on his new found food favorites and a cup of egg flower soup for lunch at “David’s” our special Chinese restaurant. Lord willing we will again be in Worship on Sunday to fortify us for next week.

As you can tell… Jack is “living” his motto of “Being a Liver!” and we continue to praise the Lord in and through it all. Our hope is in the Lord and we are trusting Him to carry Jack physically through the treatment, asking for His healing and protection from side effects, as well as looking to Him to be our strength and peace as we walk hand in hand with Him.

Thanks to all of you who are supporting us in prayer and so many other ways. We love you and ask God to shower each of you with His blessings.

Jack Update

2009-03-05T11:49:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to check in and update on Jack. He had a good appointment with the medical oncologist yesterday. Hard not to like a guy in cowboy boots! :-) Things are moving forward and we are now waiting for a port placement and the beginning of the first chemo course.

Please continue to pray for Jack's healing and that God would be in all the details. Thank you!

Blast From The Past - Jack Update

2009-03-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

I found this photo when I was looking for high school friends to post on Facebook. It's a pretty bad photo but I had to laugh. This is Jack and I in 1988. I was at the end of my medical assistant training and was learning how to draw blood. I'm practicing with a tourniquet, trying to find Jack's veins for a blood draw! Back in the 80s if you wore glasses you didn't have to have OSHA goggles or shields to draw blood! LOL Look at those things. They could be windshields! These were my FAVORITE glasses! Burgandy and nerdishly cool! :-) It looks like I'm calf roping Jack and neither one of us are thrilled with Mom interrupting with a picture. I'm also wearing my favorite concert tshirt from Steve Camp, not that you can see it, but I wore that thing to threads. It was from the song "He Covers Me" and had a black pen drawing of a huge tree with a person sitting at the base - the idea is the tree is sheltering just as He shelters and protects us. Isn't that great to know?!

Oh Lord, I feel so barren and ashamed of who I am
How I often felt I hid it well, it is a lie I cannot defend
So I lean upon Your mercy as I confess my sin to You
There is no easy way, no saving face, when I finally see the truth
So let my life be filled with only You

Chorus:

I know someday I will be free
The weight of sin shall be released
But for now He covers me
And though the trials never end
I've learned to take them as my friend
For each day He covers me

Sometimes the pressure builds around me and I feel about to break
I suffer painfully from wrongs done to me but vengeance isn't mine to take
So let me glory in my weakness till Your strength's revealed in me
It is Your grace alone that helps me carry on to be the man I long to be
So let Your life be perfected, Lord in me
Until it's You they see.

CHORUS

And though heartache surrounds me
I know Your love is around me
Nothing can separate me from You
And I know it's true

repeat CHORUS and fade

Artist: Steve CampCopyright: 1986 Birdwing Music (ASCAP) / River Oakes Music Co. (Tree Group) / Sparrow Song (BMI>

Not only was Steve Camp a "hot commodity" in the mid to late 80s contemporary Christian music scene, but I related to him on a personal level because as a teenager he lost his Dad to cancer. Having lost my Dad my senior year, just 6 weeks before graduation, I felt very isolated. Even in college I had great friends, but only one of them could understand what that was like. When Steve sang about learning to count his trials as a friend because God covered him during that time, I could believe Him and my faith was strengthened. I knew when Steve sang it, he meant it and it was true!

Okay, that ended up longer than I thought. Both Mom and I have really been comforted during this stressful time by songs of faith that remind us just how much He loves us and how we are not alone and how no matter what God is covering Jack.

Thanks to everyone who was praying for Jack's appointment on Friday. They had a very good visit with an awesome radiation oncologist who took time to answer a lot of questions about things in general as well as the specifics of the radiation therapy. Radiation won't begin for about two months because chemo will be the first round of business.

This coming Wednesday, Jack will be meeting with the medical oncologist who will be overseeing the chemotherapy treatment. Please keep this in prayer too. After Wednesday we will have a clearer picture of what is happening and hopefully a schedule.

Jack is doing quite well with his surgery recovery. Thank you for praying! It is a whole new adventure discovering what he can eat and how they can make it taste better. His sister Kris is a skilled nurse and is pampering him! :-)

If you are local, Jack is up to short visits and phone calls. He does get tired easily, but has a little cabin fever and misses his "faces"!

Please pray that Jack's body will continue to grow strong and that God will prepare him for his upcoming treatments.

We appreciate all of you!

Life Book Challenge at Heritage Scrap

2009-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

Life has been so crazy, I don't know if I have even mentioned that last month I took on a new position as Creative Team Leader at Heritage Scrap, which is a digital scrapbook store and community designed to serve the needs of heritage and vintage scrappers with special emphasis on telling the story!

My new friend Vicki has started the Life Book Challenge, which when finished will complete the entire life story of yourself or a person in your family. I chose to do mine on my Grandma Hopkins. Since I have shared so much about her on this blog, I decided I will post some of the pages here.

This page is going to be the cover or opening page of her book. I blended a photo of her taken midlife with a background paper from Jean Daugherty in the collaborative Old Tyme Rose kit, the wide lace band from Digizines by Teri's Misty Morning Kit and the narrow lace from Annie's Digital Things' Grandmother's Sewing Basket kit. Next up is the birth pages. I think this is going to be a lot of fun!

From Ruth's Heart... Jack Update

2009-02-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

God Answers Prayer… As a child I learned the song about “God answers prayer in the morning, God answers prayer at noon, God answers prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.” Today, I learned it anew.

I have been abiding in Christ and praying without ceasing as I walk this faith journey and both are precious, however, sometimes I need to remember to use our resources, you our prayer warriors. That is what happened on Tuesday. As I was praying and waiting upon the Lord in regards to the role and heady responsibility “I” have happily received from Jack, to serve as his advocate in the medical arena… I suddenly realized that we have prayer warriors, so I quickly shot an e-mail to our church for distribution to our Prayer Chain and Church Staff… then was able to let it go.

By the end of the day our local gastroenterologist’s nurse called me and Jack had 2 appointments scheduled here in Bellingham... this week Friday afternoon he will have a consultation with the Radiation Oncologist and next Wednesday afternoon, 3/4 he will see the Medical Oncologist regarding chemotherapy. Not only did God answer our prayers… but he gave us the doctors that were recommended to us, appointment times that were not only expedient, but the best possible for Ruth’s work schedule… and, and, and… immeasureably more than we can ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

I was blessed to be able to go home and share the news of God’s answering prayer with Jack who continues to improve daily, gaining strength and enjoying new foods and the “concoctions” that he and sister Kristine have come up with that maximizes his protein intake and nutritional needs as well as providing tasty eating. His spirit is a joy to behold, blessing everyone he comes in contact with. He is the light of my life and the encourager of my heart.

Jack is looking forward to an outing tomorrow to the Senior Center in Lynden to share in his wood carver’s display of their current projects, followed by a visit to see his mother Doris. We are also planning to make an appearance at church on Sunday as we both have greatly missed worship and fellowship with our church family.

Our Daily Bread devotions yesterday were from Ruth 1:15-22, The first part of the passage is familiar and was part of our wedding vows, “urge me not to leave you… where you go, I go…” Later verses speak to Naomi’s faith and knowledge of who was in control of her life and journey through difficult times. She refers to God as the “Almighty” (Shaddai) which in Hebrew indicates God’s sufficiency for any situation… and also as “Lord (Yahweh) which refers to His faithfulness as the loving covenant-keeping God. In the midst of Naomi’s lament (you can supplant my name right here, LOL!) she never lost sight of the fact that her God was capable and faithful. I pray I will continue to “see” my Almighty Lord, El Shaddai Yahweh, in the midst of each day as Step by Step we Follow Him… and that we will daily remember His faithfulness. Again and yet again, God gives us the daily bread of himself that we need for the strength for that day. He promises not to give us more than we can handle, I am learning that what He means is to live in the moment which we can handle, not attempting to look beyond what He has giving for this day… when I do I can quickly become overwhelmed and it becomes more than I can handle, but when I am obedient to His word, it is never more than He knows I can handle. Our devotions ended with this quote drawing me back to Psalm 46:10:

“Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last. – von Schlegel

Once again we thank you for your faithful prayers! We continue to covet them for healing and strength for Jack… wisdom for the oncology doctors in how best to proceed with radiation and chemo therapy… protection against treatment side effects… peace and encouragement for the long haul… and that God will be glorified in it all!

We never cease to be amazed that God in His sovereignty is meeting our needs, as well those of people we love… providing Tim & Theresa’s a new home, contact with Jack’s daughter Ysenia, being with Bruce & Linda as they move to a new duty station in Virginia, and watching over each of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, each and every precious one wherever they are.

Spring, House, Life

2009-02-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

I am hoping someone can tell me what type of tree this is - aren't the blooms lovely? This was at the library in a neighboring city, where the kids and I have been going for conversational Russian class with a home school group. Katia has been wonderful and the kids have really enjoyed it. We're disappointed next week is the last week! Now we are trying to decide whether or not to pursue studying Russian further since we do live in an area of high population of Russian and Ukranians or try another language. Boogie suggested German, since Mom knows that, but Spanish would be more practical given where we live. Most of the language stuff is not geared for primary grades, so I am leaning towards German since I could develop my own and have taught it to elementary school students before.

Things are moving right along with the house. Thank you for all your comments and prayers! The water company inspection went great on Monday and they are going to be replacing a valve on Friday, which is great because we thought it would be our expense! Now we are waiting to hear from the underwriter to see if our mortgage gets approval and we can then move on to appraisals and whatever other paper pushing needs to happen! We can still use your prayers. Tomorrow we will be meeting with the man who is offering to buy the trailer. This is very crucial and should go well, but I have been a little nervous, waiting for the other shoe to drop! All of this God has orchestrated so marvelously that I feel like I'm holding my breath that something doesn't go wrong! I trust Him, I just don't trust people in the world! lol

As soon as I'm done updating here, I'm back to cleaning and packing box... that'll probably be the norm over the next month, then the next month after that it will be cleaning and unpacking boxes! The kids are all sick (we all have allergies so bad right now from all those beautiful tree!) and piled on the couch watching Chicken Run!

It All Began With A Pampered Chef Party

2009-02-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here's Hubby, signing his life away! It all began with a Pampered Chef party. You see, in January Lynette hosted a Pampered Chef party for our friend Lori, a new consultant. It was so much fun, the food was yummy, yum yum and Lori did a great job. (I'll be having a follow up party in a couple months! If you need anything let me know!) While I was there several of the ladies were discussing the house for sale across the street which had a sign that said "I'm Gorgeous Inside"! I got a little giggle out of that. Some of these ladies live in the neighborhood and it sure would be nice to have them all for neighbors.

When I went home, I looked the address up on the internet and found the listing. I was astonished at how low the prices had gone in the last several months. I know we are living in the foreclosure capital of the US, but still I was shocked! This started the ball rolling. When our tax return from the federal govt came in (California is still holding ours hostage! GRRRR!), we checked into a mortgage company specializing in public servant loans and applied for a CalSTRS loan that is for public school teachers and employees.

The whole thought of selling our trailer and all that would encompass was a nightmare and we began praying for a miracle.

Next we were introduced to Keith. He is just super awesome. Yes, the superlatives do fit! We scheduled to look at some houses. The first one wasn't bad, but every single appliance had been ripped out and they even took all the drawers out of the kitchen cabinets! That would have been a huge expense for us just moving in and with no cash.

Then we saw this house. It's about 2.5 miles from where we live now and not far from our church. It was built in 1961 and needs some TLC and cosmetic work, but it has "good bones".

Hubby and the kids LOVED the yard. It has a Magnolia, orange, grapefruit and HUGE walnut tree. That's princess trying to climb the orange tree, Boogie and Sunshine talking and me and Keith on the right.

This is Sunshine running near the walnut tree. It's a gorgeous old tree that spans the property line and is of a concern because of how it has effected the masonry and goes up into the power and phone lines. On the other hand it has tremendous character and shade. I'll be calling our utility company on Monday to find out more.

Blogger is not letting me move photos around, so the rest will be in random order. This is the main bath, which is small but has been kept nice with some updating.

Here is the master bedroom. His and hers closets! :-)

And this is what I loved about the house... the 16x24 great room. I love the faux timbered ceilings with pine tongue and groove that fortunately noone has painted! The wood looks a little thirsty, so I plan on cleaning it and finding out what type of oil pine needs. That's on the long list of things to do.

This is half the kitchen. It's actually quite a large kitchen but there aren't many cabinets and that is a little discouraging especially coming from where we are now. However, there is plenty of room to add either base cabinets or a free standing base cabinet that we have seen at Ikea. I need more counter top to make bread and have the kids help me cook. This picture doesn't show how dirty it is. Inside, the cabinets are filthy! They will be scrubbed, primed and painted before anything touches them. Eventually I'll paint the outside too, but that can wait until after we move in. I'm going to paint the walls light yellow, the cabinets cream and continue with my cobalt blue accents. It's the Swede in me! :-)

This is the master bath, the other room that needs some work down the road, but for now is mostly functional.

As you go from the kitchen to the living/great room, this is what you see. Eventually we will have a dining table here.

The kids had the first meal in the new house!

These are the sliders/windo leading outside. Eventually we will have to get dual paned windows for the whole house.

The kids are really excited about the house and Boogie really is excited about having his own bedroom! Princess is mostly concerned that we have GRASS! My poor deprived children! Having our own yard will make PE much easier!

So by now you have guessed that we made an offer on this house. We are still praying for a miracle on selling our mobile. We have a verbal offer by a guy who flips homes and trailers... but nothing in writing yet, so I am feeling a bit cautious. We would appreciate any prayers for that!

Saturday we had the home inspection and there were no huge surprises. There are known dry rot issues which will be repaired while in escrow and a few things we will have to do for weekend projects etc. There is another hurdle to cross before definitively moving forward with the sale. There is something wrong with the main water valve for the house. Someone will be out to inspect on Monday to determine what the issue is. We will need to know how long water has been running and whether or not there is any damage to the slab, ground etc.

We are really excited and terrified at the same time. All along we have been praying for God to clearly open and close the doors and slam them shut if we are not to proceed forward. He has been so faithful. The waiting is driving me crazy of course!!! Maybe by the girls' 6th birthday we will be moving in our new home!

We have lived in two places in the ten years of our marriage but I didn't get to be involved in the decision process (due to logistics of long distance romance). This will be the first home we have chosen together and I am really looking forward to "nesting"! :-)

If you feel led, please pray for us in this process! Thank you!

Jack's Journey Continues....

2009-02-19T22:55:00.000-08:00

Mom said it so well, I'll let her words speak for themselves...

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS… The Journey Continues

God’s peace continues to surround us… As we left the house Wednesday to drive to Seattle for a myriad of appointments in follow up to Jack’s surgery, we were greeted at our driveway by neighbor children out for a walk, including some of the toddlers from Jack’s Sunday School class… what a blessing to collect hugs and high 5s… then we drove under sunny skies, enjoying the time for intimate conversation.

We arrived at our hotel in time to check in, for Jack to have a serving of soup, then took the hotel shuttle to Virginia Mason where a wheel chair awaited Jack as we went from appointment to appointment throughout the clinic.

Our first stop of the day was to see a Nutritionist, where we were blessed by a delightful woman named Debra, who was very knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging. Not only did she answer our questions, provide handouts for the next phases of diet, but also gave us her e-mail address in case we have questions in the future. So reassuring and Jack was delighted to discover that he can now have a poached egg and oatmeal, two of his favorites, as he moves to pureed foods for a couple of weeks, then on to soft foods. PTL!

Next stop was to visit the Surgeons where Dr. Fru, the resident who adopted us and vise versa, removed Jack’s 18 staples, carefully saving them in a ziplock bag for Jack, then promptly throwing them away… LOL! They were quickly retrieved, after care questions addressed, and next follow up noted for 3 to 6 months hence to keep an eye on his nutrition.

The last 2 appointments were with the Oncology doctors who reviewed the pathology report with us and explained the need for further treatment and the Tumor Board’s recommendations. While the stomach cancer was found early and the surgery removed all seeable cancer, there was cancer found in one of twelve lymph nodes removed during the surgery… that fact combined with the aggressiveness of this “signet ring” type of cancer make is advisable to proceed with a course of treatment combining both chemo and radiation. We are thankful that there are good oncology physicians and treatment facilities here in Bellingham so that we will not need to expend time and energies traveling to and from Seattle as the course of treatment will likely extend from March to September.

Jack is gaining strength daily and has moved from a full liquid diet to pureed foods, eating small portions several times a day and enjoying the taste of food, although he doesn’t experience hunger since he has no stomach. Doctors are very pleased with his overall progress and we are praising the Lord for answered prayers! Our spirits continue to be at peace, trusting the Lord to carry Jack through the next phase of the journey.

We seem to have a new language… speaking in song and scripture, e.g. God is Good… All the Time… My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness… Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow, all fear is gone… and It is Well with My Soul.

Jack’s take on Wednesday’s appointments and “knowing” the full extent of the cancer and the path that lies ahead follows the line of “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free… Ruth heartily agrees and is also blessed by the song “Christ Above Me”… Ever guiding.

Christ Above Me
John Chisum, George Searcy

(Chorus)
Christ above me
Christ beside me
Christ within me ever guiding
Christ behind me
Christ before
Christ my love
my life my Lord

Bread of life from Heaven
Lover of my soul
Peace of God so ever present
I surrender my control to

(Chorus)

Mercy everlasting
Tenderness divine
Word of God so ever healing
I surrender heart and mind to

(Chorus)

© 1999 ThreeFold Amen Music/ThreeFold Praise Music

Thanks for listening, loving us, and faithfully praying for us!

Love and Blessings... Ruth

Be It Ever So Humble...

2009-02-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

A few words from Mom/Ruth...

Be it ever so humble… there is no place like home!

Thank you to EVERYONE for your love and prayers that have carried us through Jack’s recent hospitalization for stomach cancer surgery. We are now at home and Jack is recuperating well. We will travel back to Seattle on Wednesday, February 18th for followup appointments with the Nutritionist, Surgeon, and Oncology team. Please continue to pray for Jack’s healing and recovery, for strength for Ruth as she returns to work on Monday… and blessings on Jack’s sister Kristine as she assists us with Jack’s care, as well as all of our family.

His Mercies Are New Every Morning - Jack Gets To Go Home!

2009-02-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

This picture doesn't do it justice, and it doesn't show it all. God gave us a HUGE and INTENSE double rainbow this afternoon. That's our house in the middle (wanna buy it?! lol). I stood outside in my stocking feet in the rain with a wash cloth over my lens barrel to protect it from the water! Even my wide angle couldn't get the second beautiful bow, but what a delight.

Jack will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning and they will be heading home! Hurray! Please pray for their journey and transition home. They will need the next few days to settle and get used to a new routine, medical care and still working out the kinks in pain control.

Please refrain from telephoning these first few days. We hope you will understand.

It's not that they don't want to hear from you at all and please know that they do APPRECIATE all of you, but they are exhausted from everything and need some time to learn all the medical necessities and get into the new routine and rest. You can imagine that neither of them (Ruth has been mostly sleeping at the hospital in a chair) have gotten much rest in the hospital! It will feel good to be in their own bed.

I will keep updating as there is new news. PLEASE continue to pray. This is a long journey. Thank you so much!

The Importance of Being Seven

2009-02-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

For about 6 months out of the year, Boogie gets to be "much older" than his sisters... that is his age number is 2 greater than theirs. The other half of the year that is reduced to 1. When you are 7 that is a big deal. Yesterday was an important day in being 7. The tooth in front that has been loose for awhile came out while eating a banana at lunch yesterday. My freckle nosed boy was more than happy to pose proudly for this picture.

When you are the oldest and the only (boy), then sometimes 7 makes you BIG and IMPORTANT. You are in charge of the safety drills your family practices, you get to do important errands, you learn math concepts that your baby sisters can't even begin to comprehend yet, you can read chapter books, you can build the coolest Legos Mars Mission alien ships... but the most frustrating thing about being 7 - still sharing a room with your little sisters! UGH!

Boogie is probably the most excited about getting a new house because he will get a room of his own! At first he wanted to paint his room RED, ALL RED! I said no, because even pink is hard to paint and takes many coats (anything with red in it - it's the hardest to get the right coverage/color), but that he could have one wall red. He ended up deciding he wants sky blue with clouds! We'll see.

And we are considering getting two kittens (shhh! Don't tell Abbie!) so that the girls can have the experience of seeing two baby kitties grow up and play (they miss so much growing up in the city!). We were talking about this and I asked Boogie if he was excited about getting kitties... he said, "NO! They Scratch!" LOL He can fight the alien onslaught, but not kitty claws! :-) So, I asked him what type of pet he wants and he said he wanted a gold fish.

The adventure continues! Never a dull moment around here!

In the mean time we are packing like crazy to get stuff in storage to sell our trailer and we are waiting to hear if the bank that owns the property is going to accept our offer.

W=Who
A=Am
I=I
T=Trusting

Jack Update

2009-02-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Sorry for the late update. It's our long day when Hubby teaches until 10 PM so I have not had a chance to log on until tonight. In between everything else we are waiting to hear if the bid we put on a house is going to be accepted, while starting to pack to get our trailer ready to sell. Nothing like a little stress to put you behind schedule! lol

Jack has been working diligently to meet all the steps required for discharge. I'm so proud of him, he accomplished going up 8 stairs with the PT today! Having had two C-sections, I know what an ouch that is! lol It looks like he will probably be discharged tomorrow (Wednesday) and the surgical reports are still not complete. They will spend the night at the hotel in Seattle to give some rest and make sure everything is okay before driving 2 hours north. Please pray that they will not have to contend with snow and adverse conditions heading home.

The main prayer request now is for pain control. Please pray that they will find the right dosage of pain meds and for continued pain control as he transitions at home. Oh yeah, since Mom (Ruth) got to say something on the blog, Jack wants to too... he says, "Everything is Copacetic!" (aka "Fine as frog's hair!") If you know Jack, you'll get that! :-)

Thanks so much for the prayers! For my regular bloggy friends... I'll get back to regular blogging soon... hopefully with some pictures of our new home!

Just When I Thought I Was Done...

2009-02-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Please scroll down for pictures of Jack (all rated G - nothing medically gory! lol)

I thought I was done updating and just received this from Ruth, what she wrote for church and thought I would also post this here since it is written from her perspective...

We continue to rejoice and PTL! for His wonderful oversight of all aspects of our lives. Saturday was a busy day with blessings. An x-ray was done to see if and how contrast liquid would flow through Jack's "new" system (esophagus direct to intestine)... and I got to watch with one of his doctor's. To quote him, it was "textbook" perfect... No leaks or blockage... and again we give glory to God!!! Three of Jack's cousins and spouses visited yesterday as well... and Jack received a tube feeding just for nurishment sake... so it was a fine large day. To date Jack has only had ice chip wet swabs and nothing by mouth... but Today he will begin clear liquids... an ounce at at time. Thus our prayer requests include his ability to tolerate the liquids without nausea or discomfort... Additionally we pray that the side of effects of his morphine pump and epideral in his back will lessen, e.g. some itching, sweats and hot/cold alternates, and some disorientation "goofyness". As of yet we have no discharge target other than Tuesday which was the plan "before" surgery. We are blessed my Jack's surgeon and his Senior Resident as well as the quality caring staff, a number of them professed Christians who are very encouraging... and today we will have a visit from one of the volunteer chaplains. Yesterday we moved to a private room with a view which is nice and I am so thankful to staying close. Hospital security walk me to the hotel when I leave which is really nice. Thank you to EVEYONE for their prayers!!!!

Another Prayer Request

2009-02-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my brother Bruce. In the midst of everything going on, I probably didn't write that he was just sworn in as a Warrant Officer in the Navy. I am so proud of him, I could practically burst! The only sad part is that he has to transfer to Virginia (but I'm glad he's off nuclear subs!!!). Today he begins that long journey by car across the United States from Bremerton to Virginia to start training. Please pray for traveling mercies. Also please pray for my SIL Linda and the girls as they will be staying until the end of the school year. Pray for their protection and their relationships as they are all separate from each other. Thank you!

God Is So Good!

2009-02-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Look at this beaming face! Mom's (Ruth) theme song of the day was "God Is So Good!" You know the Sunday School Song, "Good is so good, God is so God, God is so good, He's so good to me!" :-) I've seen a lot of patients and people post surgery and I am just amazed at how well Jack did with this major surgery! We are really praising God.

Out on the "promenade" with his trusty IV, Dr. Thirlby on the left who is the surgeon and I believe Dr. Fru on the right who is the main Resident working on Jack's case.

Ruth and Jack... I KNOW my Mom and I can tell by looking at her face in these pictures, that even though there are stresses and hurdles, when she says she is doing "fine" she really is! This does my heart good!

Uncle Doodlebug and my Mom's sister Marilyn, who stayed with my Mom through it all, for which I am forever thankful!!!

Jack's cousin Laura and her Husband Ron came too. For those of you who read my original blog and know how my shawl ministry started for our dear cousin Nancy while she was in the last stages of cancer. This is her sister and her granddaughter T who is celebrating her first birthday!!! Isn't she a dolly?

Nancy's husband and his lovely new wife came too along with Nancy's son and wife. They brought a singing teddy bear that Jack and Nancy shared back and forth in their hospital visits. Tag Jack! You're IT! :-)

While this will be a long haul and Jack and Ruth will need continued prayers, encouragement and at times physical help, God's fingerprint is certainly all over this situation. He is working on all the details and in spite of all odds, this has gone as good as is possible.

Yesterday, Jack passed his swallow test and so today, the journey begins... One Tablespoon At A Time.

Thank you everyone! Please leave a comment if you want to get a message to Jack and/or Ruth. They are now in a private room and the hospital does have Wi-Fi so they are reading and encouraged by the love you have sent!

Jack Is Doing Well

2009-02-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

Things went well today. He even was up and walking and his doctors found him walking in the hall! :-) Lots of pain and exhaustion. There was some fun with visitors including a one year old 2nd cousin! This afternoon they had opportunity to speak with the main resident working on Jack's case and found out that he did have essentially all his stomach removed, but they are pleased with how he is doing.

Ruth is pretty exhausted but is going to give me some update info and perhaps a picture tomorrow. Your continued prayers are appreciated. Thank you for checking in.

Thursday Night Update

2009-02-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

Just talked to Mom. Jack is doing really well post surgery, better than even hoped and expected. It's still a long journey ahead, but it's encouraging that he has good color, he's making jokes :-) and was able to visit for brief moments this evening. God is good! Ruth is tired but feeling good.

To God Be The Glory

2009-02-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

That's what was running through Mom's mind this morning, a gift from Him: To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

Praise the Lord. Five hours of surgery and Jack is now in recovery. Everything went well. The surgeon said that the cancer was "further north than advertised", so they did remove a little more than they thought. Everything looked okay but we will know more on Monday when the biopsies come back.

Thank you for all the prayers and I will update ASAP!

Thursday: Today Is The Day!

2009-02-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been almost two months and even though it is a little bit scary, I am thinking "This is the day! This is the day! That the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made. We will rejoice! We will rejoice and be glad in it! And be glad in it!" We do not rejoice in the surgery, but we do rejoice in God's working in Jack and Ruth's lives. They both have as much peace as you can have in a situation like this and are trusting God. This is a big thing. Their lives will never be the same after this point. Our prayer is that God will make their lives better!

Jack's surgery will be the second surgery of the day, so it will start around 9-10 AM Pacific Time. He is in Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. Today he had all the testing and dietary counseling. Everyone has been wonderful and caring and helpful. Mom is going to be staying in a hotel across the street and her sister Marilyn will be with her waiting. The surgery will take about 5 hours.

After the surgery, he should go into ICU and then to a regular floor. If all goes well he will be discharged on Tuesday. They will find out biopsy results probably on Monday. The biopsy results will determine whether or not further treatment will be necessary. The first three months after surgery are important for his care, so the surgery is really a beginning.

Please pray for continued peace as Jack, Ruth and family walk through this.
Pray for healing and recovery and no spread of cancer
Pray for Ruth's physical stamina while she is at the hospital and in the coming months as she returns to work and cares for Jack.
Pray for Jack's Mom, Grandma Doris as she waits and is unable to travel to Seattle to see Jack.
Pray for Jack's sister, Aunt Kristine and the others who will help in Jack's after care.

My body is in California, but my heart and mind are in Seattle. We decided it would be better for me to come at a later time, especially since Aunt Kristine is such a good nurse. I would like to thank everyone who is there helping and loving my parents in ways that I cannot from a distance. You are all precious to me and I know they appreciate all that you have been doing and have offered to do. You are God's hands and feet, serving them as Jesus asked us to serve each other. We love and appreciate you.

Please leave messages here on the blog. Mom and Jack read them. There is wifi at the hotel (don't know about hospital), so at least Mom can read them and pass the messages on. This will be a blessing to Jack!

Thank you for praying!!!

Prayers For Jack Update

2009-01-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

NEWS FLASH: Surgery Date February 5, 2009

Note from Ruth: "Jack's surgery date has been moved up one day... Now he is on the regular schedule for Thursday, FEBRUARY 5th... Once I got past having to be spontaneous... not my forte, LOL! I could see God's hand in it all. The change caused us to move our departure for Seattle up a day which will give us better timing for arrival... on 2/3... followed by his pre-op appointments and prep on 2/4. God truly IS the Blessed Controller of ALL things... PTL!"

We Love You Grampa!

Jack Update

2009-01-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to update those who are following (don't be shy, you can comment - Ruth and Jack read here), that Jack's thyroid scan yesterday was NORMAL! Praise God. This means that the surgery is a go for February 6 and that it is safe to put off doing anything with the thyroid for several months. Please continue to pray for God's healing. Jack is feeling well, and while they are human and this is not without its stresses, God has been in every step of the way and we all keep putting one foot in front of the other! :o) Thank you for reading and praying!

Made Ya Look Monday

2009-01-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

Faith Sisters has a column called Made Ya Look Monday, where the administration chooses several layouts in the gallery that "make ya look". The layout above is one of mine that was chosen today. I created it using a wedding photo I took several years ago (and if you've been here before you have seen it in some of the heritage scrap layouts I've made) and a beautiful kit from Willro & Co Designs called Sweet Things .

I decided to play with it some more using Willro & Co's Sorbet Dream kit, also available at Faith Sisters. I'm trying to stretch myself creatively and work in some styles that are not my natural. I have a tendency to get too "tight" in my creativity and need to "loosen" up. So, I tried these heritage photos with modern design. It was kind of fun to do something different.

And today is this couple, my maternal, maternal great grandparents, would have celebrated their 104th wedding anniversary (if that were possible!).

I'll try to post more often. I have been a bit overwhelmed finding my way around forums and assignments and all the new things I am doing on the Creative Teams.

Jack Update

2009-01-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

Soon I'll be updating the sidebar with newer information. But, for those who were praying for Jack's thyroid testing and consult, Thank You! Everything went well and he had a good doctor visit with a doctor who listened and was thorough. While Jack's thyroid is greatly enlarged and his numbers show that he is slightly "hyper thyroid", he is not having any symptoms of hyperthyroidism which would be dangerous for surgery (Especially increased heart rate - Since my Husband has Graves' Disease, our family is aware of what can happen with hyper thyroidism and we are so thankful Jack's is stable now.) Just for precautionary sake, Jack will be having a thyroid reuptake test next week. This is a simple test and probably the easiest he has had to do so far! Bottom line is, thyroid is still a "back burner" issue and he is good to go for surgery as scheduled.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Jack's healing.

Wonderful, Miraculous News

2009-01-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

Our friend Luanne had surgery on Monday to remove a tumor on her kidney and the kidney itself. She was told that over 90% of these tumors are cancerous. Yesterday the pathology report came back NO CANCER!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!! Yes, I am shouting! I am so excited!!!

The reason why there is a picture from my wedding (that's my Mom Ruth) is that Luanne and her husband Ron were two of the many "angels" from our wedding. Luanne did the adjustments and altering on my dress and she and her husband helped us decorate the social hall and donated some of their poinsettias which we used for decorations in the church. Our wedding would not have happened without all our angels, and it was proof that you can have a lovely wedding without spending $20K or more! (counting the dress, tuxes and photographer it was less than $2k and it may not have been the grandest but there were 300+ people and LOTS of LOVE - it cheers me just to think of all those who gave of themselves to make our wedding happen!)

Thank you God for your hand on Luanne's life.

Joy In The Mourning - Songs on Sunday (Long Post)

2009-01-11T15:10:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile since I have posted Songs On Sunday, but today I want to share some pieces of my journey and how God met me today. Maybe someone else out there is or has been feeling like I am. Depression is a very touchy topic amongst Christians. Many don't believe it is a valid diagnosis and think that if you are depressed you aren't trusting in God. Their solution is "Read your Bible, say a prayer, get off your bum and get going." Well, sometimes that is not bad advice, but one size does not fit all!

My depression is complicated by my migraine syndrome, insomnia and the same hormonal issues that caused my infertility. I can be having the happiest day of my life, but my body feels physically depressed and I want to cry. My neurologist explained how pain and serotonin use the same pathways in the brain. That's why I almost always have severe depression 24 hours before a bad migraine. This fall the pain from my knee has compounded that. Add to that a few stressful situations and sadness and grief and the combination has been overwhelming! Probably for the same reasons my neurologist explained, I cannot take anti-depressant medications because they cause scary hemiparethic migraines (my face, mouth and lef arm go numb and I have painful headaches!). It's important to say for my family reading, that I am NEVER suicidal. And my focus on God is probably stronger that it ever has. But I have no control over my feelings. It's a continual exercise to tell myself that what I feel is not how things really are. One of the most difficult things with depression is that unless you have experienced it, you DO NOT understand! You might think you do, but trust me, you do not. I'm glad you don't because that means you have not suffered.

Spiritually, I believe that the enemy uses all things to pull us away from God. If a Christian succumbs to depression, what a triumph for our enemy. If depression keeps us from praying and communicating with God, what a triumph for our enemy. If it keeps us from praising God, what a victory for our enemy. I have Victory in Jesus. And in even the depths of intense emotional pain, I know that He is there with me. He did not create my body to respond this way, but it is the result of sin in our world. However, He will not abandon me. He will not forsake me. He walks every step with me. So, even when I cannot smile on the outside, there are moments of JOY when He speaks to me through music, His Word and the books I am reading.

Today our pastor quoted Soren Kirkegaard and it is fitting: "Despair is precesly to have lost the eternal." I do not despair. I have a priceless eternal gift and the Eternal watches over me.

I've shared this Third Day song before, but it is still speaking to me.

Chorus:
Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide

I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings
Chorus

His love reaches to the heights of the Heavens and also to the depths of depression. I do find my strength in the shadow of his wing - One foot in front of the other.

In December I was chosen to be on the first quarter Creative Team at Faith Sisters for digital scrapbooking. They are beginning a challenge for 2009 - His Holy Name which will focus on the different attributes of God. It is being sponsored by Patter who happens to be the Mom of identical triplets! She is an incredible designer.

Most participants are using 6x6, 8x8 or altered Rolodex cards. Those who have paper scrapped with me, now I have a difficult time being confined! LOL I am doing 12x12 double page spreads and the scrapbook is to be determined. But I'm starting on the layouts now along with the challenge. I didn't need one more thing to do this year. But. Focusing on WHO God is, is a good thing. When you are depressed and sad and facing stressful situations or even if you are happy and everything is going well, it is better to focus on WHO He is and NOT on your circumstances. This will give me the oomph to keep putting that one foot in front of the other!

I didn't feel inspired and wasn't sure where I would start. Then I saw Cheryl's layout featuring a Bible that has been in her family since 1883! It's gorgeous. I was inspired to do my layouts featuring my Grandma Hopkins' Bible. This is the right hand side of the first challenge for the attribute, Holy....

In the church where my Grandma married, the old Methodist Church on Colby in Everett, WA, there was a window with an arch and it said, "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." She shared this with me several times and it really touched my heart. She believed, as do I, that making a Covenant of marriage with a Godly man, is an act of worshipping God. I know that sounds strange (NO, I don't worship my husband!), but think about it... God created us to marry and he created marriage as a HOLY COVENANT between a man and woman (that's not shouting, just emphasis). Obedience is a form of worship. Somehow I understood this in my girlish heart and spirit, even when my mind was too young to comprehend all that it would mean. So, when discussing the attribute of holy, this naturally came to mind. And the page features a wedding photo of my Grandparents, Alden and Holly (Tisdale) Hopkins, who were married June 2, 1930. You can see her writing in the margin of the Bible.

This is the left hand side, which is where I will journal my ideas and thoughts about His holiness and what that means to me. (If you want to see the full credits, you can see in the Faith Sisters Gallery. While you are there check out Shelley's layout - it's her first digital layout and I talked her into joining me. I should have convinced you too Dorothy!

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty!

I picked up this journal in December as it was so beautiful and it was based on the song Amazing Grace, with quotes and Scripture inside. I didn't know what I was going to do with it, but I couldn't leave it in the store.

I decided to write my spiritual life story. It is good to know and remember all that God has done in our lives. As an older in life Mom, one of my dreams is to live long enough to see my children grow up and choose God in their lives. I want to be able to pass on to them the rich spiritual heritage that my Grandma and family gave me. It would give me no greater joy than to see them spiritually mature. Reality is, we don't all have our dreams come true. So, I'm writing this down... for my own good and profit, but also for them. I thought the quote on this page was good. A love of quotes... another thing I got from Grandma! :o)

Today, as Pastor Mike continued through his series on Abraham, he taught about Sarah's death. Some people think that Christians will not have struggle and that because God loves us we don't have to worry about bad things happening to us. This is a false gospel. God never promises we won't suffer, in fact there are many Scriptures that indicate we WILL suffer. But God promises to be with us in these struggles and He gave the Holy Spirit to be with us to comfort us in all our struggles.

Just like Abraham never fully saw the completed promises of his Covenant with God, but still believed He would fulfill them (Abraham purchased a lot in the Promised Land for Sarah's burial, believing that even though it had not happened yet, it would be his land and the land of his descendants.), we know that God will complete His promises to us even if they do not occur here on Earth. All God's promises will be fulfilled.

Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:35b-40

He further shared with us that God's people believe that the promises of God extend beyond this life.

13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words. I Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Bible Gateway)

As I sat in the pew, hearing this Scripture, I thought of my brother Danny and Amy's Joshie and thought "Oh Lord, I long to hear your trumpet sound!" and tried to picture them, wondering what they would look like when they were called to meet Him. Then Mike said, what I have felt and known in my heart all along, that it never says NOT to grieve, but when we grieve to grieve in hope. It has long comforted me that Jesus wept when he learned of Lazarus' death and that in the Psalms He says that the death of His saints is precious to Him... He is mindful of what we go through. But we grieve in HOPE! Our hearts may be broken but can be mended through hope and faith in God's promises for the future.

This past year Steven Curtis Chapman and his family experienced the incredible tragedy of losing a child they love dearly. Little Maria was killed when she ran out to meet her brother and was hit by his vehicle because he could not see her. They were shoeless at her packed memorial service, because God met them there on Holy Ground. Matt Redman was there to sing this song he wrote. And as Jack faces a battle of Cancer, it is difficult not to weep when I read "You give and take away". I have hope for Jack's healing, but the very fact that he faces this battle brings to the forefront the fact that NONE of us know when we may die or why or how. A few in history have been told by God how and when they would die, but for the rest of us, we are given the responsibility to LIVE our life each day. From the great wisdom of the movie, Wall E, we believe, "We don't want to 'survive', we want to 'live'"! Because we believe in hope and wait in hope, we can praise His Holy Name in all circumstances!

Blessed Be Your Name

by Matt Redman- - -

Blessed Be Your Name

In the land that is plentiful

Where Your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name

When I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name

When the sun's shining down on me

When the world's 'all as it should be'

Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, blessed be Your name

Though the darkness closes in, though there's pain in the offering, STILL, I will say, blessed be the Name of the Lord.

If the darkness closes in on you, do not turn away from the Great Physician. Lean into Him, cleave to Him, be protected in the Shadow of His Wings. Praise Him in the darkness. Remember there is a time for every purpose under Heaven. Perhaps I am in a season of grief, but joy comes in the morning. And if you are looking, Joy can come in the Mourning. And maybe not today, but some day, I know His promise will be fulfilled that He will give me the oil of gladness for my mourning.

So, I leave you with one more picture, Scripture and song...

My Grandma Hopkins lived in the Truth of Isaiah 53. He comforted her in her grief at losing her Husband so early (age 56)... Surely he has bourne our griefs and carried our sorrows. By His stripes we are healed. And I know that promise holds true for me. That promise holds true for Jack. And that promise holds true for YOU if you love the Lord your God with all your heart. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. He's always good on His promises!

I don't know if this link will work to You Tube, but if not google "video Spafford It Is Well With My Soul" and you will find it. The story of Horatio Spafford is incredible and his hymn has long comforted me:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blessed assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,I

t is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And though the darkness descend, it is well with my soul. Though it threatens to draw me in, I can bless and praise His Holy Name. He is the God of all the Universe and He has called me Friend.

Life is deep and simple and what our society gives us is shallow and complicated. (Fred Rogers)

Remember the 80s? CHOOSE LIFE! That's what it all boils down to. Life and Death. The enemy offers us death. He offers a culture of death... look at tv, music, fashion and the fixation we have with violence and crime and our flirting with the occult because of the dead - it's everywhere. God offers Life.

Congratulations if you made it this far. I hope that you have found some nugget of inspiration or encouragement. Thank you for all your comments and prayers! You are important to me!

Jack Update

2009-01-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Our family is praising God that He again was in all the details of Jack's visit with the surgeon at Virginia Mason. It should come as no surprise to us that the surgeon is a Christian! It was a busy day with lots to absorb. Some questions have now been answered and some remain.

*Surgery will be February 6, 2009. The praise in this delay is that Jack will be able to be present to speak at Bruce's commissioning in a couple weeks!

Jack asks that we pray for God's will and for wisdom for the surgeon in all the decisions that have to be made. The course of action will be determined by results seen during the surgery.

We are praising God for all that He has done, still recognizing the seriousness of this diagnosis and asked for continued prayers for God's healing hand on Jack. Pray for their strength and peace as they daily walk in this reality.

I will close with verses that have been their daily reminder of His presence in their lives:

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9, NIV, Bible Gateway)

Jack Update

2009-01-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Jack had his ultrasound guided biopsy of his Thyroid nodule, which turns out to be a group of nodules or a goiter. It wasn't the funnest thing he has ever done (ouch!) and was somewhat complicated by the fact that almost all of his thyroid is located under his collar bone. But they had a good radiologist and the biopsy was successful.

What a blessing Jack's primary doctor is! He called today with the good news that the biopsy does not show cancer! The thyroid issues will have to be dealt with by an endocrinologist, but that will probably wait until after surgery.

The next step is Seattle again tomorrow to see the surgeon at Virginia Mason. More news to follow.

Thank you for praying. We all appreciate it!

Dorothy Larimore Johnson

2009-01-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is the only portrait I've ever seen of my Grandma Johnson, dated September 13, 1946, which was my father's first birthday. I love the romantic idea that she had a portrait taken to honor that day and show her love. Looking back, I think my Grandparents had a complex relationship. Even today some family members have told me they should not have been married, but Grandpa was not going to leave his son, as his father had done to him. Maybe they weren't the perfect match, but I think they are an example of how love is a choice. Marriage is work and you grow in love. The head in the clouds feelings disappear, but as you grow in love, the feelings are deeper and richer with the patina of time.

This picture always makes me chuckle. It has been repaired in photoshop elements, but in the original there is a tear the entired length of the left hand side. Grandma "fixed" it with old fashioned Scotch tape that yellowed and aged. Apparently at some point in time she and Grandpa had an argument and in her temper (it was quick and hot!) she picked up the picture and tore it! I know it was just a gesture because she only tore it on the left hand side, not through her face, so the picture was "saved".

Grandma was quite a character and my first best friend. Her life ended in a long battle with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. You can read my tribute to her battle here on my old blog.

Dorothy Lucille Larimore Johnson January 2, 1920 to July 16, 1987.

Jack Update

2009-01-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for the prayers! Mom (Ruth) and Jack were blessed with a good trip and the details went smoothly. They even had free shuttle service from their hotel to Virginia Mason and back instead of having to take an expensive taxi! I think the theme for the visit was "God is in the details".

We are praising God that the cancer was detected (in the words of the doctor himself), "darn early". The doctors were surprised that it was even detected by the first scoping. During Jack's "esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy and ultrasound" (say that fast three times!), the surgeon who will do Jack's surgery, came in and observed! This was not planned (at least not by the medical staff - another God detail). While it is disappointing that God didn't remove the cancer and we still have some questions unanswered, we are praising God for:

1. Smooth details
2. Kind, cooperative and smart doctors at VM
3. Very early cancer in the first and second layers of stomach lining and only about the size of a quarter.
4. Because it has not spread, he can have surgery without first having chemo or other treatment.
5. No Lymph abnormalities detected!!!
6. No spreading to other organs
7. Jack tolerated the procedure and medications well

Prayer Requests:

1. God's healing
2. Peace, wisdom and discernment
3. Thyroid ultrasound guided needle biopsy on Monday, January 5, 2009
4. Appt with surgeon on January 7, 2009 - traveling mercies, doctor's wisdom, surgery planning
5. Timing of surgery (Jack will be in hospital 5 days)
6. Discernment and wisdom for surgeon who may be able to leave a small portion of Jack's stomach, but because of the location, this may be difficult.
7. Family healing (God knows the details)

Thank you from all of us!

Prayers For Jack

2008-12-30T23:19:00.000-08:00

Please be praying for Jack who will be seeing a gastroenterologist for consult at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. Hopefully they will know more information after this appt. When they are done with the appt, the same doctor will be doing further endoscopy testing of his stomach to see for himself what is going on. This along with the other records they are bringing from their local doctors will be reviewed and they will meet with the surgeon at Virginia Mason on January 7th.

As soon as I hear from my Mom (Ruth), I will be updating here and on the side bar to the right.

Thank you to everyone and anyone who is praying. Our family really appreciates it.

A Picture IS A Thousand Words

2008-12-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

Is this good enough reason for not getting up the post with our anniversary pictures and other catching up?

This is Baby N, who at the time of this picture was about 26 hours old, and is the son of my Sunday School teachers, A and C. (No I didn't make the hat, apparently there is a group called "Mad Hatters" that makes the baby hats for the hospital.) Don't you just love how babies come out with these long, perfectly manucured fingernails?

Blogger is doing strange things with photos tonight, so this is out of order, but proves that all the necessary cuteness parts are there!

Like my little Princess, he has to be encouraged to eat, so he is nakey in this picture and his Grandma is burping him.

Look at this face! He's kinda wishing he could go back to his warm, swimming abode! LOL

This is also out of order, but Daddy A is holding N as he frowns in his sleep.

Yes, he had all ten fingers and toes.

I got to hold the baby, smell the baby (hmmm... newborn straight from God baby smells so good!), change a poopy diaper... but I didn't get to take him home! :o(

Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-29T20:19:00.001-08:00

Please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook on Mondays, to learn more and find links to other ladies who are participating.

FOR TODAY December 29, 2008...

Outside my window... it's dark, but it's still Monday!
I am thinking... of how nice it is to have Hubby home for his winter break!

I am thankful for... Baby N born today!

From the learning rooms... The kids are enjoying learning about numbers and reading new books.

From the kitchen... nothing exciting as I am working on lots of projects this week while Hubby is here.
I am wearing... sweats and a flannel pj top (it's cold in our little tin shack!)
I am creating... lots of digital scrapbooking pages still!
I am going... to see Baby N tomorrow and his Mommy at the hospital.
I am reading... Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola (Sounds weird but quite interesting!)

I am hoping... that I can get a lot accomplished with Daddy home this week to do school so I can organize.

I am hearing... Daddy reading to my children (melts my heart!) repeat from last week - still true!
Around the house... Moving my office and bedroom around and going through storage so lots of boxes and stuff in temporary places.

One of my favorite things... the smell of newborn babies! :o)

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning and creating

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I couldn't decide on just one, so I'm sharing two of my favorites from this week...

I made this from Jen Ulasiewicz' "Primitive Christmas" kit and my best friend Shelley's awesome snow pictures! She emailed them and I tweaked the lighting a little and this is the second layout I've made with them.

And I've made several layouts with this photograph of my great Grandparents' wedding in 1905, which is one of my all time favorite photographs. I made it sepia for this and I love it that way. When I saw the lace backgrounds from Jen Ulasiewicz, I thought immediately of this picture! I made this from about four of Jen's kits. If you want the details, hop on over to my ForgetMeNots Design blog, link at right.

Thanks for visiting. I'll try to catch up on emails soon!

Ten Years And Counting

2008-12-27T00:03:00.000-08:00

There were many times in my single years that I never dreamt a wedding day was a possibility for me, let alone my tenth wedding anniversary. Now, I know ten is a drop in the bucket for a lot of people. I always loved it in church when the pastor would announce that someone was celebrating their 65th or some other large numbered anniversary. Such a blessing from the Lord. But when you get married in your thirties and you reach your tenth wedding anniversary, you celebrate! We celebrated with a trip together this summer and we'll celebrate with a meal out tonight, thanks to my friend Sonia who will watch the kids.

This is the layout I created to celebrate my ten wonderful years with Hubby. The background paper is from the Nancie at ScrapArtist from her new silver and gold kit. Swirls and snowflakes from Digizines by Teri (A Winter's Night), Poinsettias and ribbon from Silvia Romeo and evergreen branches from Verena Karolyi.

When we were planning our wedding, I considered Twila Paris' song, Bonded Together, but we decided upon Steven Curtis Chapman's I Will Be Here. Thousands of couples marry with that song, but we chose it because we both wore the scars of childhood where the people who were meant to be there weren't. When we chose the song, we never knew how much we would be challenged. Every time I hear the song, my tears well up in my eyes. And it is the one thing that I appreciate the most in my Husband - He shows up for the job! If you have ever been abandoned, you will understand exactly how important that is!

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I will be here
Just as sure as seasons were made for change
Our lifetimes were made for these years
So I will be here

I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here

Here is a layout I made with Lynn Griffin's Cottage kit for the gallery at HeritageScrap.com

Four days before our wedding, Hubby's Mom died of a massive stroke unexpectedly. I told Hubby we could cancel everything and just get married with the pastor, Shelley and my Mom and Jack in the Pastor's office. I was willing to go to the church and wait at the door to tell the people who we couldn't contact in advance, what had happened. But he did not give up. He knew, as did I, that our marriage was God's will. And now that I understand exactly how shy he is, I am amazed that he did that - standing in front of over 300 people, holding my hands and offering me the communion cup as we made a covenant with each other and God. We were sad. We were grieving. But on that day, nothing could keep my heart from bursting with all the joy that was a gift from the Lord. You can see it in the left hand picture above.

This layout is made with Julie Jorgenson's Vintage Bride kit paper and corners from Scrapbook Elements and evergreen branches from Verena Karolyi and ribbon cluster from Teri Hanson's Winter Wilderness kit.

The words on the bottom of the layout read "Sometimes dreas really do come true!" I felt like Cinderella that day! The ball is long over and there have been tragedies worse than losing glass slippers to face. Our journey of falling in love began in 1996. Our journey of growing in love began in 1998. Together we have:

*Lost a mother

*Lost a father

*Endured critical illness

*Endured chronic illness and pain

*Fought infertility

*Struggled financially

*Lost one of my dearest friends ever, to cancer

*Lost several cousins and other friends to cancer

*Borne premature children

*Faced our children's medical concerns such as congenital heart defect and two two year olds with glasses

We have also:

*Traveled up and down the I-5 corridor and many scenic places in northern California

*Photographed adventures

*Given birth to three beautiful children

*Nurtured each others' creativity

*Grown in our relationship with God

*Become even better friends

*Become a family

*Been blessed by God's providence, sometimes miraculously

*Been protected in our crazy neighborhood

*Learned how to enrich our relationship while surrounded by kiddos

*Seen the Holy Spirit working in our lives

This layout was made with Lynn Griffin's Warmest Wishes kit.

Yes, I did write "Happily Ever After" on that page! It's how I feel, but I do not take it for granted. All good relationships take some work and maintenance. You can't just sit back and let it all slide. My experiences cause me to be acutely aware of how quickly young love can fade and how even Christians are not immune to life changing and grievous divorces.

This last year I have started praying that God will help me love my Husband more. Love is not a feeling. Sometimes it feels good. Sometimes it doesn't. Love is a choice. I choose to love my Husband and God blesses me abundantly.

This layout is using Digizines by Teri's Faerie Holidays kit.

My wedding was one of the last few times that my Mom, Grandma and I were all together. This picture is so precious to me. Also important on that day, were my best friend Shelley, who was my maid of honor and my cousin Wendy who was my bride's maid. I don't have any other photos from our wedding scanned, so sadly I cannot show you. Standing up with Hubby was his big brother and our niece was the flower girl.

We wanted to choose a hymn that the wedding guests could sing along with us, to take part in our Covenant, to join us in our celebration. It was difficult to find the right one. Many hymns we cherish, but felt that for our wedding it should convey, not only love, but God's Love in sending His Son for us. We chose Love Lifted Me...

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,

But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain:

Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help,

Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,

In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,

Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,

Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.

Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves,

He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.

He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,

He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

This last layout was made with Digizines by Teri's Winter Wilderness kit with Evergreen Branches from Lynn Griffin's Christmas Cottage kit at HeritageScrap.com

We put a lot of thought into a Scripture for our wedding too. Not only should it reflect or admonish on the wedding day, but we wanted something that would be a guide for our entire marriage. With that in mind, we chose Colossians 3:12-17 and asked Jack to read it for us during the ceremony.

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV - Thank you Biblegateway.com)

Lord willing (and the creek don't rise!) Hubby and I will have many more years together, growing in friendship, faith and love. We chose the following quote from Robert Browning to feature on our wedding program:

Come grow old along with me, the best is yet to be!

I love you Honey and look forward to finding out if that is really true!

Family Pictures

2008-12-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

Phew! We don't celebrate the whole deal of Christmas and we are exhausted! I don't know how families go on and on and on without going insane with exhaustion and overload.

The kids woke up bright and early on the 24th, not wanting to miss a minute of playing! Here's Boogie with his Mars Mission Legos - all 759 assembled! He has been having a lot of fun with them.

Our church has a Christmas Eve service and we went to enjoy the singing and fellowship. It's always nice to go and see visiting friends and family members of our friends or people who go to second service (we go to first).

Here is Pastor Mike in his non-Abrahamic clothing! :o) He's holding my friend L's daughter L, who is a tiny little cherub with big brown eyes!

Speaking of tiny little cherubs with big brown eyes - look at my friend S and her daughter C! Doesn't C look like one of the Precious Moments figurines? She was just getting over her tears because she thought Mom and Dad had left the sanctuary.

When we got home the kids were anxious to open up the boxes that came from Aunt Shelley two weeks ago. They are left to right Sunshine, Boogie and Princess.

We were all tired but wanted to see what was in the big boxes!

Our neighbor's girlfriend gets something for the kids every holiday. Here's Princess with her bear and candy.

Here is Sunshine with her bear and candy.

Princess is looking at the cool wood and magnet dress up doll set from Shelley. The girls have had fun with that.

You can see in Princess' face that we were all tired. Here is Boogie with his model set. He also got a cool schooner wagon model and another one that I haven't had a chance to look at. These will be fun projects with Daddy and for school.

I always hate seeing families open gifts and it becomes a shark frenzy, free for all. So I had the kids sit on the couch and open one present at a time. The kids actually are excited to see what their siblings are getting. This is Sunshine and Boogie concentrating on getting it just right!

This is so Mom knows I exist and that it's not just a robot uploading pictures on the blog! LOL

Boogie made us ornaments his Sunday school class. Mine is a cross and Hubby's says WWJD.

Boogie and Hubby with handmade ornament.

Let the games begin! Even though they could hardly keep their eyes open, we let them put on jammies and play for half an hour before going to bed.

Thursday, Hubby's Instructional Aid came for dinner as her husband is out of town. This is she and Sunshine.

Here is Hubby, Boogie and Princess. We had homemade turkey barley soup, fresh made Spelt bread rolls and fruit salad with real whipping cream (a holiday tradition from my Mom).

After our friend left, we opened our stockings in the evening. We just give the kids a few small things. Aunt Shelley also sent bags of stocking stuffers too. Grandma and Grandpa sent "Jesus - The Greatest Gift" tshirts for the kids. Princess, Boogie and Sunshine.

I thought this picture was funny. Who knew a plastic dinosaur could elicit such responses.

Even though he's "more of a Mars mission fan", he was very excited with a new Indiana Jones tshirt!

Princess got an as of yet, unnamed dolly, which she just loves.

Sunshine wasn't sure what to think of a boy doll. She had never seen one before and wasn't quite convinced of his vintage cute-ness. Look at Boogie though. He's pretty interested. Negotiations were held after picture taking was over! LOL

As you can see Boogie hides his emotions well - ha ha! We got him a new cover for his Bible. He had out grown the big green Larry Boy cover with the huge eyeballs on it, so we opted for a more "boy-ish" one that looks like a blue back pack. He loves it - not that you could tell or anything! LOL

I gave each of the kids a tube of Flick's. When I was a kid I think they were made by Ghirardelli, but they aren't anymore. Do you remember those? After you were done eating you could put your nose up to the empty tube and drink in the heavenly aroma of chocolate! They kind of taste like cheap, yucky, fake chocolate now but the kids got a kick out of them. At first though, as witnessed in this picture, they didn't know what to think of them!

Aunt Shelley's snow is starting to melt. Grandma and Grandpa are still snowed in. It's still brown and wet down here. I miss the snow!

Tomorrow is another celebration for us. Hubby and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary!

Video For Grandma and Grandpa - Boogie's First Solo

2008-12-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

This is my first time posting video. I hope it works!

Over The River and Through The City

2008-12-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Everett, we had to cross the Snohomish River and go up Cavaleros Hill (much more of an adventure than it is with today's engineering!) to get to our Grandparents' homes. So, we always sang, "over the river and up the hill, to Grandma's house we go!" The car knows the way to take us today..." :o) Corny, but when you are a preschooler, corny is allowed! lol On Tuesday, we went over the American River and through the city/ies to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lou's.

We left Abbie like this. I'm sure she was relieved to have us go, because when we left, we took Pixie with us.

Pixie is my friend S's Sheltie. This is the third Christmas that she has been with us and this year we had her for four days. She is such a good dog, especially when she was tempted to eat the cat but didn't! She settled for sneaking two bowl fulls of organic cat food! :o) On the way to Aunt Kathy's we took Pixie home.

Here is Aunt Kathy's house.

Aunt Kathy is Hubby's older sister - we have her to thank for taking care of him as a baby and preschooler.

Princess, Boogie and Sunshine. The girls wanted to wear their new skirts again. I forgot to say that Princess has zebras and Sunshine has horses. Boogie chose his new polo shirt when the kids and Daddy went to pick up last minute stuff for Mommy.

Princess, Boogie and Sunshine.

Kathy has a lovely home and I wanted to show my Mom her new curtains, which were very pretty. The stain glass in the window is one of Kathy's creations.

Buddy was VERY excited to see the kids and had to be given a "chill pill". Poor guy. He really liked Sunshine.

Boogie wouldn't go near him and Princess was quite cautious. Here she is getting protection from Mommy.

Daddy and Boogie... my two handsome guys!

Uncle Lou entertained the kids with magnetic balls. L to R, Lou, Princess, Boogie and Sunshine.

Princess and Sunshine excited about trying it themselves.

Of course the kids were excited about their gift bags and were eyeing them all afternoon. We made them wait until after dinner... mean parents!

Of course the most exciting event was when Boogie got his Mars Mission Ultra Drill Walker. This is the Lego set of his dreams that he has been obsessing about for a couple months! We practically had to pry it out of his hands to get him to go to sleep! LOL

Boogie giving Uncle Lou a hug. Uncle Lou avoids the camera so I had to sneak this one in! LOL

Aunt Kathy

After we left, we drove through their neighborhood. It wasn't like previous years where you could probably see the light from space it was so lit! But it was pretty to see.

Trains for Grandpa Jack.

Noel - for our soloist!

Glory to God in the Highest!

Catching Up - Boogie's Solo

2008-12-24T22:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not been posting lately. There has been a lot going on in our family and I have also been focusing on some projects with digital scrapbooking. I thought I would try to start tonight, to catch up before it was June and I still hadn't gotten December's pictures posted!

First we start with our kitty Abbie and the boxes from Aunt Shelley. They came in the mail a couple weeks ago (and were opened finally tonight!) and Abbie considers herself the official guard!

On Sunday December 21st the kids had a concert at our church. Sunshine and Princess are showing off the new skirts I made them. As you can tell they were intended to be warm weather clothes but I was a little slow getting them cut up. They love them however.

They also love their big brother Boogie. Unfortunately he was feeling pretty rotten the day he was supposed to sing with a sore throat and congestion. You can tell in the pictures he doesn't have his usual charm in his smile. Poor guy.

Here's Boogie in his new church outfit. On the armoire behind him is an ornament he made in church a couple years ago. Instead of getting out the nativity this year, we hung that up on the knob. Then we he came across his Washington State Ferry boat that he got with Grandma and Grandpa this summer, he wanted to hang it on the other knob! I thought Grandma and Grandpa would want to see that.

Here is the group of kids singing during first service. He sang both services. The girls were going to sing. Princess was very excited about it as we practiced. But Sunshine was too shy. When she decided that she didn't want to go up on the stage, Princess just lost heart. She didn't want to go up without her sister! It's a twin thing - no arguing with that. So they sat with us and sang in the pew, which shows up on the video that Hubby took - priceless! They sang What Child is This, The First Noel and Joy To the World.

On the left is Boogie's friend G who along with E had a duet for one stanza of The First Noel.

At first Boogie didn't tell us that he had a solo, so I was surprised. He nonchalantly says, "Yeah, I signed up for a solo." It turns out he had a really hard stanza:

Then entered in, there Wise men three

Full rev'rently on bended knee

And offered there in His presence

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

The phrasing is a little peculiar, but he did just fine in spite of the croaky sore throat. I was really amazed. You couldn't pay Hubby or I to do that! LOL Before hand he was a little nervous. Afterwards I asked him if he was nervous or afraid when he was up there singing and he said he wasn't. The picture above is him singing the solo.

Afterwards we had a delightful "sermon". As I wrote earlier, we honor and study the significance of Christ's birth (even if it is highly unlikely to have occurred 12/25), but we do not celebrate Christmas per se. So, sometimes we don't feel comfortable with Christmas sermons. I have to say that this, while quite unusual, was one of the more meaningful Christmas sermons I have heard.

Pastor Mike has been doing a series on the life of Abraham and Sunday he acted out Abraham giving Isaac as a sacrifice, correlating this to God giving His own Son as the Ultimate Sacrifice. It is a powerful image and I believe that God allowed this to occur so that we could, in human terms, understand a little, the significance of God's Gift. Without giving His Son, first as a little baby, then sacrificed on the cross as a full grown man, we would be in eternity without Him. His cost was emotionally dramatized before our eyes as we considered Abraham's faith in offering Isaac.

Here Pastor narrates, as Abraham, the events leading up to offering Isaac.

Pastor placing Isaac (our friend L) on the altar. He jokingly said that when he lifted the dagger to sacrifice him, he covered L's eyes, because he didn't want him to have images of his Pastor raising a dagger above him! We all rejoiced as Isaac/L was released! A friend of mine had a blog called Ram In The Thicket, which sadly, she stopped. She chose the name because it reminded her of how God always provided for her. That image has stuck with me. Ram in the thicket. My God always provides for me. Not always what I want, when I want or how I want, but always on time and always the right thing. Thank you Lord that You have provided for so much!

I'll end with a picture of our Sunday School teachers A and C. C will have baby N on 12/29 and he will join big brother M. Our children adore M even though he is several years younger.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

A little late... but it's still Monday where I live!

Please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook on Mondays, to learn more and find links to other ladies who are participating.

FOR TODAY December 22, 2008...

Outside my window... it's dark now but we had some sun shining through the clouds today!

I am thinking... of my brother Bruce, my friend Julie and my cousin Skyla that are celebrating birhtday today!

I am thankful for... my best friend Shelley who lets me sob on her shoulder whenever I need to! :o) (Repeat from last week... still holds true!)

From the learning rooms... We have been learning God's story through the Jesse tree devotionals.

From the kitchen... turkey leftovers.

I am wearing... blue knit pants and matching top.

I am creating... scrapbook pages at Faith Sisters

I am going... to my SIL's tomorrow

I am reading... Reimagining the Church by Frank Viola and Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World by Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons. (still)

I am hoping... that God will miraculously heal Jack's cancer and (selfishly) that I will win the Nikon 2X that Pioneer Woman is giving away!

I am hearing... Daddy reading to my children (melts my heart!)

Around the house... We have Pixie, a wonderful Sheltie, "hoovering" up the carpet. (Doggy sitting for a friend)

One of my favorite things... the comfort of old friends that you don't have to explain yourself too.
A few plans for the rest of the week: visiting SIL/BIL, having a lone guest over for Christmas day.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is one of my favorite layouts so far. It is made using photos and writing from my great, great, Grandpa, Sedgewick Hopkins of Michigan. I used Silvia Romeo's Old Time Shoppe kit from Heritage Scrap.

Praying for Jack

2008-12-20T02:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends and family who are coming for medical and prayer updates on Jack. If you look to the right you will see information on how to keep informed and a prayer list. Please pray as God directs you. At the moment my comment software is not sending me email addresses with comments so if you would like a reply and I don't have your email address, the most direct way is to email me using the address at left or my personal email address if you have it.

First of all, thank you to all my blog readers who have expressed their concern, encouragement and prayers. This has definitely not been the best week or so, but in spite of the sadness, it has been amazing to see God working. They were not even thinking about stomach cancer when they looked. If they had just done the usual ulcer blood tests, they would not have known until the cancer had progressed. Praise God for this as early detection is beneficial in all types of cancer. We will know more after the consult on New Year's Eve.

Ruth and Jack are doing well. Naturally there are moments of grief, but they have felt literally buoyed by the prayers and love of friends and family. God has been guiding them through Scripture to be still and know. (Ps 46:10). They are weary but not crushed and broken. They are waiting on the Lord, seeking His faith and His strength. These are not just empty words - they truly are. Who better to lean on than the Great Physician. Ruth recently came across a great quote she had written in her Bible - Put your chair in the shadow of the cross and you will never have to move it. (Joni Erickson Tada)

Now for the update on Jack's condition.

1. The biopsy on Jack's thyroid nodule was unable to be done because the nodule goes under his collar bone. An ultrasound guided biopsy is scheduled for January 5, 2009. The praise is that this type of nodule is only cancer 5% of the time and even if it is, it grows slowly and is treatable. There is no big rush to take care of this.

2. December 31, 2008, Jack and Ruth will meet with the gastric oncology specialist at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. After their consult with him, he will perform another endoscopy type test on Jack to get a better picture and idea, as well as seeing for himself before deciding on what type of surgery to have.

3. Jack had a great conversation with his primary doctor who was able to answer some questions and explain some of the testing. It appears that the cancer is in very early stages. We will know for certain after the consult, but that is a praise.

On December 12th, Jack and Ruth celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary! Congratulations. Mom also celebrated her birthday but it's not polite to share a lady's age! :o)

THANK YOU again to anyone who is praying! Faith does move mountains!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-15T09:46:00.001-08:00

Please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook on Mondays, to learn more and find links to other ladies who are participating.

FOR TODAY December 15, 2008...

Outside my window... it's pouring and blowing!

I am thinking... of my cousin Wendy who is celebrating her "first" 39th birthday today!

I am thankful for... my best friend Shelley who lets me sob on her shoulder whenever I need to! :o)

From the learning rooms... Mars 24/7! LOL

From the kitchen... Nothing exciting - I don't feel motivated!

I am wearing... My flannel nightie that has big pink roses all over it!

I am creating... scrapbook pages at my new scrapbooking blog

I am going... insane with a migraine!

I am reading... Reimagining the Church by Frank Viola and Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World by Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons.

I am hoping... that God will miraculously heal Jack's cancer.

I am hearing... kids' voices

Around the house... somebody needs to clean up! LOL

One of my favorite things... silence!

A few plans for the rest of the week: starting to bake for the cookies that we take to the neighbors for their holidays.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My Grandma Hopkins's home. I journaled about visiting it this summer and how even though it was very familiar it was also very empty because Grandma made this house a home.

Go Sell Crazy Somewhere Else, We've Got Enough Here - Or Songs On Sunday For Jack

2008-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

I saw that title on a scrapbook page. It seemed fitting. Today Jack, this post is for you. Please print it out to read for your encouragement and as a verbal hug, when we are separated by distance. We love you!

Today I did not go to church because I am at the stage of migraine where being near people is difficult, so I wondered what I would write for Songs On Sunday. While my thoughts are focused on praying for Jack and as he will be receiving prayer and anointing for healing of his cancer by the Elders and Pastor Cameron at church, I was encouraged by these things.

The first is a devotional that my friend Margaret at Heritage Yarns, called The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotionals, compiled by Arthur Bennett and published by The Banner of Truth. The following is from page 102, but I am not sure if Blogger will allow the phrasing correctly (Sorry Blogger is not playing nicely, so I can't get it to quit squishing everything together!)

Need of Jesus

Lord Jesus,

I am blind, be thou my light.

ignorant, be though my wisdom,

self-willed, be thou my mind.

Open my ear to grasp quickly thy Spirit's voice,

and delightfully run after his beckoning hand;

Melt my conscience that no hardness remain,

make it alive to evil's slightest touch;

When Satan approaches may I flee to thy wounds,

and there cease to tremble at all alarms.

Be my good shepherd to lead me into the green pastures of thy Word,

and cause me to lie down beside the rivers of its comforts.

Fill me with peace, that no disquieting worldly gales

may ruffle the calm surface of my soul.

Thy cross was upraised to be my refuge,

Thy blood streamed forth to wash me clean.

Thy death occurred to give me a surety,

Thy name is my property to save me,

By thee all heaven is poured into my heart,

but it is too narrow to comprehend thy love.

I was a stranger, an outcast, a slave, a rebel,

but thy cross has brought me near,

has softened my heart,

has made me thy Father's child,

has admitted me to thy family,

has made me joint heir with thyself,

O that I may love thee as thou lovest me,

that I may walk worthy of thee, my Lord,

that I may reflect the image of Heaven's first born.

May I always see thy beauty with the clear eye of faith,

and feel the power of thy Spirit in my heart,

for unless he move mightily in me,

no inward fire will be kindled.

Keep on, Keeping on Brother! :o) No matter the outcome, nor the challenges, keep pressing on toward your upward calling in Christ Jesus!

Jame Owens Collins, a praise, prayer and song warrior, wrote this song, hold on to the Truth!

In heavenly armour we'll enter the land

The battle belongs to the Lord

No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand

The battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honor

Power and strength to the Lord

(repeat)

The power of darkness comes in like a flood

The battle belongs to the Lord

He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood

The battle belongs to the Lord

When your enemy presses in hard do not fear

The battle belongs to the Lord

Take courage my friend, your redemption is near

The battle belongs to the Lord

Cancer is NOT God's good and perfect will. Cancer is a result of the fall, sin, death, a tool of the enemy. We are reminded not to fear the enemy that hurts or kills our bodies, but to beware of the enemy who steals the soul. We know One who is victorious. Be encouraged by the BRAVE journeys of your sisters, Elaine and Nancy, who have traveled this path before you. Do everything HE calls you to humanly do and leave the rest in His hands. Do not survive - LIVE! Remember Elaine's purple hair! Remember Nancy's "fleas"! Remembered that by His stripes you ARE healed. Live in reality but listen to the TRUTH and His peace, which is beyond measure and comprehension will flood over you and sustain you. Live each moment for Him. We're here to be your cheerleaders, your soggy shoulders, your prayer warriors, your family and your friends. No one has a bigger heart for helping others than you. It's our turn to thank you. We love you!!!! We robustly sing to you:

I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me;

I heard about His groaning,

Of His precious blood's atoning,

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,

Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see;

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,Come and heal my broken spirit,"

And somehow Jesus came and bro't

To me the victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about a mansion

He has built for me in glory.

And I heard about the streets of gold

Beyond the crystal sea;

About the angels singing,

And the old redemption story,

And some sweet day I'll sing up there

The song of victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

No matter the outcome of your earthly battle (which I hope is also won!), I know the war is already WON. I commit you into His Will with HOPE. I love you Jack.

Astronauts do not like flowers, BUT, aliens do!

2008-12-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

These are the conversations that come about when little girls lay aside their dollies and play Mars Mission Legos with their big brother!

Today I needed the laugh.

Last night and today I managed to accomplish eating a whole marionberry pie!

Insomnia is driving me crazy!

I needed the good laugh. Thank you for everyone who wrote and prayed. I am having a lot of problems with blogger and with the comment program that couldn't be resolved after almost two hours working on it. The only place I can see your comments are here on the blog and it no longer gives me the contact information.

The praise is that Jack's scan does not show any spread of the cancer! A Thyroid nodule was discovered however and he will have a needle biopsy next Thursday. Now they are in a waiting game. The ball is in the hands of the surgeons at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, where it has been decided the surgery will take place. We appreciate your continued prayers. Mom said, they really appreciate the prayers and have been "walking in them" as time after time, the pieces have fallen into place.

And today, or I should say yesterday, since we are past midnight, Mom and Jack celebrated their 21st anniversary and Mom's birthday. I have been working hard to get my new digital scrapbooking blog up and running in time to post the cutest little picture of my Mommy as a two year old in the snow. This is one of the layouts that I submitted when I applied to become a Creative Team Member at Heritage Scrap. I'm so excited that I was chosen to join the team. I will be posting heritage layouts there to show off their wonderful kits. I post as Forget Me Nots in the gallery. This is not a paid position but I do have use of the kits to create layouts and that is wonderful for me... to support my habit! :o)

So, Happy Birthday Mom! Happy Anniversary Jack and Mom! We all love you. I hope you like your snow layout!

Prayer Requests

2008-12-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

Grandpa, Princess, Boogie and Sunshine

Apple Gate Trail Museum July 2008

Josephine County, Oregon

Please pray for my step Dad Jack. Today he found out that he has stomach cancer. As I write this he is getting ready to have his full body scan to see if the cancer is contained or spread. This test will determine what happens next and whether he can have his stomach removed locally or if goes to Seattle for further testing and specialty doctors.

We are hopeful because he had a clean CT a few months ago. If it is contained, that would be the best possible situation. Well, divine healing would be preferred! :o)

Please pray for Jack, my Mom Ruth and also for comfort for Grandma Doris, Jack's Mom. Everyone is doing as well as can be expected and trusting in the Lord, but obviously this type of diagnosis doesn't come without stress and grief. We all appreciate your prayers. Thank you.

Under Construction

2008-12-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the mess. My blog is under construction! Stay tuned for something new. Hopefully it will work! :o)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

Please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook on Mondays, to learn more and find links to other ladies who are participating.

FOR TODAY December 8, 2008...

Outside my window... it's gray, but the red leaves are cheery.

I am thinking... of too many things at once and my brain wants to explode!

I am thankful for... a new and exciting scrapbooking venture that I can't tell you about just yet! :o)

From the learning rooms... we made a model of the earth with an orange and a metal knitting needle (the axis).

From the kitchen... we are having "tired dinner" - baked potato bar featuring taco meat.

I am wearing... sweats and trying to keep warm - the thermostat says 70 but when you have virtually no insulation in your home it feels like 50!

I am creating... a top down cardigan from my friend's handspun for my oldest daughter (the one of the youngest is stalled as I need to make more yarn).

I am going... to go to Joyous Crafters at church tonight.

I am reading... Reimagining the Church by Frank Viola, Kasztner's Train: The True Story of an Unknown Hero of the Holocaust by Anna Porter and Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World by Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons.

I am hoping... that this third bout of everyone being sick is the LAST!

I am hearing... Come All Ye Faithful on 3rd Day's Christmas CD.

Around the house... children are creating with Legos and laundry is waiting to be put away. (blogging is more fun!)

One of my favorite things... is my laptop, so that I can blog and try to catch up with email while still being with my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Recuperating and starting to bake for the cookies that we take to the neighbors for their holidays.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I shared this on my old blog, but I'm shivering and needed a bit of summer. This is Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park, Washington.

Faith on Friday - Handling Stress

2008-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Christine sent this to me via email. I don't know who else to credit for this list of good ideas. This is historically the most stressful time of year for people and I thought this had some good ideas for dealing with the stress from a Godly perspective.

Personally, I know that if I am overwhelmed (and there isn't a legitimate reason - looming deadline, life tragedy etc), it is a cue for me to spiritually evaluate. Stress doesn't come from God. Stress comes from me and/or the way I interact with other people. 9 times out of 10 when I feel this way, my time alone with God reading and talking to Him has diminished or vanished. I think this is the cause in the Holiday season too. Yes, there is a looming "deadline", but we also fill our time with plans, shopping, events and a list of "have tos" that most of us could at least cut in half. We're doing this for a "good cause", but if we are that overwhelmed, we may need to ask ourselves if we truly are. Anything that causes us to cut our time with God should be evaluated for removal purposes!

Hopefully you will find something on this list that will help you. And if anyone knows the source, please let me know so I can credit them! Thanks.

Read number 35 so that you can accomplish numbers 27 and 28! It worked for me! :o)

A CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS
Author Unknown Dec 4 2008

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or thatwill compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often toomany.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects overtime; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, findout what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can'tdo anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinarypurchases.
13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house keyburied in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can preventan enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your qualityof life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip smallproblems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to tryand pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

-- The church is not where we go or what we do - It is who we are!

Forget-Me-Nots On Thankful Thursday

2008-12-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Daniel "Danny" Albin Johnson (1967-1973) and Dorothy "Dot" Larimore Johnson (1920-1987) photo taken December 1969.

One of the projects I am looking forward to working on in the coming year, with my newly acquired digital scrapbooking skills, is a book honoring my little brother Danny. He was a delightful little soul with a smile and twinkling eyes that warmed any room.

The hardest part of losing someone young is that eventually your whole life goes on without them and the portion of your life that you shared with them becomes incredibly small. Just as skyscrapers seem impossibly small in the distance, someone who was once a HUGE part of your life seems nearly completely gone. I loathe this process, at the same time my rational brain knows that it is "normal". Somewhere along the line, I promised myself I would NOT forget him. I want my Hubby and children to know who he was so that they too will rejoice in our Heavenly reunion.

Forget-Me-Nots are precious to me, because they remind me of the times that Danny and I picked blue, white and pink forget-me-nots in my Grandma Hopkins' garden. They remind me to remember. Twice yearly, on Danny's birthday and death date, these little posts are my forget-me-nots. They are not to wallow or dwell on my grief. They are tributes to remember. Yes, I do still carry some sadness because losing someone you love is not something you "get over".

So here is my Thankful Thursday list:

1. I am thankful for my brother Danny and the joy we packed into a short period of time.

2. I am thankful for photographs to cherish when the visual memories otherwise fade.

3. I am thankful for my children once again, who just passed the exact ages my brother and I were at the time of his death. I delight to hear them wake up each and every morning, even on days like today when they wake up with, "Daddy! I wet the bed!" LOL

4. I am thankful for our gentle dental hygienist Melissa who gave Boogie another positive dental experience today.

5. I am thankful for my SIL, also on her own journey of grief after losing a child, who willingly drove an hour to watch the girls while I took Boogie to the dentist.

6. I am thankful for having learned how to make bread this past year because my family loves it!

7. I am thankful for blogging, which has helped me in both my grieving and personal journeys.

Go HUG someone you LOVE!!! None of us know how long or short of time we have. LIVE every minute. Like Steven Curtis Chapman sings... la, la, la, la, la, la, LIVE OUT LOUD!

I'll leave you now with one of my favorite Amy Grant songs...

Up in the attic,
Down on my knees.
Lifetimes of boxes,
Timeless to me.
Letters and photographs,
Yellowed with years,
Some bringing laughter,
Some bringing tears.

Time never changes,
The memories, the faces
Of loved ones, who bring to me,
All that I come from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I'm going to be.
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me.

Wise men and shepherds,
Down on their knees,
Bringing their treasures
To lay at his feet.
Who was this wonder,
Baby yet king?
Living and dying;
He gave life to me.

Time never changes,
The memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me,
Telling all that I came from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I'm going to be.
My precious savior
Is more than an heirloom to me.
My precious Jesus
Is more than an heirloom to me.