Prayers for my children for 2010

In reading another blogger  Momma Findings I was challenged to read Genesis 49:1-28.  Jacob talks to each of his sons telling them how their lives with be blessing them according to how they lived their lives.  This challenge is to start out a new year praying for our children asking for God's blessing and will in their lives.  It also takes me back and helps me reflect back over the past year as I write a letter to them.    Tonight and tomorrow I will be writing these letters and sharing them with the boys especially.  The girls won't quite understand yet.  But I will still write them and hold onto them.

Good bye 2009 Welcome 2010

2010 is soon upon us. WOW another year has so quickly passed. My brother is celebrating his birthday. My sister and her husband are celebrating their 9th anniversary!!! Time is just passing us by.  I pause to question are we stopping to take time to remember the small moments in time ~ the cuddles on the couch, the laughter of our children, the hand holding through the day, sitting in church together as a family, movie night eating popcorn, making cookies with flour on our faces, listening the birds sing outside while soaking up the afternoon sun, Or do we only remember the hard times ~ kids being sick, the brakes going out on the car, the death of a friend or grandparent, the kids needing new glasses, two kids needing fillings at the same time as one of them breaking a tooth, a car needing new tires.

Where are my priorities as I close 2009 and begin 2010?  Am a Mary or a Martha? A little of both?  Far too selfish wrapped up in my own little world to notice the others around me to be either?  Through prayer and Bible study, God is working on me to answer these questions.

I have a few goals for the year, ones that I plan on being able to keep...
Spending more quality time with GOD, FAMILY & FRIENDS ~ making time once a month just for a girls night out, making time for a date night with Brian once a month, making time for daily scripture study.
Blogging  ~ through this blog & my food blog ~ spending time to sort out my thoughts will help sort out my scrambled brain
Organizing more ~ continuing the journey that God began with me last year in the less is more idea ~ ridding the house of boxes of clothes that don't fit because the kids have outgrown them, going through boxes of old papers and shredding the ones that aren't needed anymore.
Healthier living and eating ~ drinking more water, eating less junk food, spending time playing with the kids at the gym and outdoors.


None are ones are ones that are major bandwagon changes.  They are ones that I have already started and will just continue doing.  I want to be the best MOM, WIFE, FRIEND and CHILD OF GOD that I can be which can only happen through Christ who strengthens me.

Thankful Tuesday

Thankful for...

My husband who holds me and makes my world better

My children who still have an innocence about them

The beautiful and thoughtful Christmas gifts I was given

Friends who listen to my rants and set me straight

Most of all I am thankful for God and Jesus who came as a babe so long ago

Merry Christmas

This has been a wonderful 24 hour time period. Yesterday we had a turkey dinner with all fixings. Our church had a WONDERFUL Christmas Eve Program. After our church program, we came home to open our Christmas PJ's and dessert.

Before opening any presents, I read the Christmas story from Luke. The kids were a riot while opening their jammies. Each one exclaiming their love over their new jammies as if the jammies were the greatest and best thing in the whole world.

I then came down with HORRIBLE migraine. I know there has been a combination of factors, lack of sleep this week, stress and that time of the month is coming. Anyway, Brian, Nique and Bruce were absolute dolls finishing up. In fact, I never even got my dessert. I took my migraine meds and went to sleep. The kids were great about letting me sleep and keeping quiet.

Nique woke me up around midnight to ask how to divide the stockings and finish wrapping a few minor gifts. By the time all was said and done it was 3 am.

Woke up this morning to put the orange cinnamon rolls in the oven and wake the kids and grandparents up. It was fun holding the kids back while waiting.

Listening to their glee and excitement brought joy to my heart realizing how overly blessed I am. We gave the kids each their stockings to empty first. Then we took a short break and had our danishes.

After our danishes the boys emptied out the pile of presents under the tree. While we only do THREE presents from mom and dad there are many more presents from grandparents and aunts and uncles. The kids were richly blesses with clothes and toys this year. Brian gave me a beautiful Mary and Joseph ornament. The best gift he gave me though was taking the boys to shop for me. They were meticulous and thoughtful in their shopping. I was giving chocolates, a snugglie "to stay warm while at the computer or on the couch" (Leo's words), bath scrubby items and trinkets. We gave the girls power wheel quads. So after breakfast and all the presents were opened we took them out. It was such fun to have them out. The weather was nice enough for the walk. The boys got video games which makes their day.

While the adults prepared an early dinner of rib roast, carrot souffle, mashed potatoes, rolls (which nearly got forgotten in the freezer), and steamed asparagus. kids played with their toys/games.

The evening was spent with a video of sea life, early to bed for the kids. And now at 10:45 I am going to bed.

Happy Sabbath and God bless.

Merry Christmas Eve

Today I am baking and cooking.
Tonight we will go to Christmas Eve service at our church.
Then we will come home and open our Christmas pj's.
We will read the Christmas Story from Luke.
The kids will go to bed while the adults sit and drink hot cocoa before bed.

Tomorrow will be a day of stocking and presents.
We will have cinnamon rolls and egg casserole for breakfast.
Dinner will be a rib roast.


Merry Christmas my friends. I miss you all. God bless.

Thankful Tuesday

I am thankful
For the ability to make traditions with my kids.
To share in the Christmas joy with them to watch the smiles on their faces.
For the 16 inches of snow that we received over the weekend that help this spring growth.
The smell of chicken and dumplings cooking last night
For my honey that made the most amazing chicken and dumplings.

Have a blessed day:) off to make some Christmas gifts with the kids.

Thankful Thursday

I needed the reminder of what I am thankful for the temperature at this moment is 13 feels like -4 with a forecast high of only 19.

So my big thanks for today is for HEAT.
I am thankful for
A warm house
The laughter of children
Snow outside
Answered prayers in my families lives
Extended family near and far.
Friends that know how to say the right things at the right times.

Handwriting

It's becoming a lost art.  This past week I was sorting boxes and consolidating.  I found a typed letter from my grandmother.  Now my Gma Garber has been gone since 1994.  This letter was typed in 1989.  It made my day.  The letter was done on a true typewriter.  I even have the typewriter in my garage.  Yes I am a sentimental nut.  Reading a blog today, the blogger was talking about picking up a pen instead of a label maker.   Got me to thinking about the typed letter, the letters from Brian's mom who passed away in 2005, the recipe cards from Brian's grandmother and countless cards that are signed by loved ones that I have hung on to all these years, and the journaling in the scrapbooks.  Some say pictures are worth a 1000 words.  But what happens when you're gone does your family know who is in the picture or why you took that picture?  These things are so precious to me.    Take some time to write a handwritten letter once in a while.  I know the cost of stamps is going up and it's getting harder but a friend may treasure that letter for years to come.

Christmas Traditions

Our traditions have evolved over the years.  Some things have remained pretty consistent.  We exchange pj's on Christmas eve, we give each other and the kids ornaments every year.  The ornament tradition was started by Brian's grandmother the year we got married.  A few years ago we also started giving the kids three gifts to represent the three gifts given to Jesus by the wise men.

Our Christmas tree goes up the week after Thanksgiving.  I love looking at Christmas lights while drinking hot cocoa.  While in San Diego we have gone to Christmas on the Prado or La Mesa Christmas in the Village.  In New Orleans there is Christmas in the Oaks. All of these traditions have undergone name changes due to being politically correct or more accepting of all faiths.  One thing I have always enjoyed is luminarias.  One Christmas my Grandpa Shaw did over 300 around his house.

I love Nativities sets.  The kids have the little people one, I have a Willow Tree set, another simple one bought from a random store several years ago, and a Thomas Kincade nativity tree.

For Christmas dinner we make a birthday cake for Jesus birthday.  I know that Jesus wasn't really born on December 25th but that is the day that we as Christians celebrate His birth.  Since we give our kids birthday cakes we give Jesus a birthday cake. We do a Advent count down.  This has varied over the past several years.  Some years it's been chocolate kisses wrapped in plastic wrapped.  Each night we would cut off one kiss off the chain before bed.  Some years it's been a candy cane covered paper Christmas tree.  This year with seven kids living in the house, I bought mini stockings and filled each stocking with candy.  There are 5 candy kisses and 2 peppermints (for the 2 that are allergic to soy and dairy).  I think the mini stockings will become our "tradition" I love the look of them counting down.

In New Orleans for two years the church where I attended MOPS had Christmas in the Barn.  One of the families has a Barn and they had a LIVE Nativity and fellowship time in early December. I miss that time A LOT.  I MISS my MOPS friends A LOT. We also go to church on Christmas eve.  For years our church doesn't have services we have visited other churches.

I love baking and getting together with friends and the "family" we have adopted over the years.  For me opening up our homes and hearts are part of the holiday season, sitting in front of the tree with Brian and the kids thinking back over the year, making plans for the year to come, missing those not with us, thanking God for the many blessings He has given us is one of my favorite times of the year.

This year we opened our home to more friends and family.  I am blessed beyond measure and count many near and far to be friends and family.  I may procrastinate and forget to get things out in the mail but things get done here at home with my boys and girls.  For me it is almost a tradition to find the cards after Christmas holiday has past. LOL

 It's  Company Girl Friday head on over for more chit chat and fun reading!

Have a blessed day.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for

A warm house
My son who loves enough to be upset when another is sick
My husband who loves me and walks up to me and  just hugs me
The snow so fresh and white
The sun shining after the stormy day yesterday
Tonight is my twin club cookie exchange.
Tomorrow is Friday which means it is Sabbath and I am looking forward to Sabbath fellowship.

Today's snow fall 2nd plowable snow fall of the season. The smaller gingerbread are about 18 inches tall I think.

First Snow Fall

Our Gingerbread family

Kids after the snow the other day

Company Girl Friday ~ How is God is working in my life?

Over the past month or so I have taken a huge step back and done some reassessments on my goals for my life those of my kids and home. God is really showing me how to be a better mom wife and just a better person. I am finally learning that it happens one step at a time not in giant leaps. For years I have been an all or nothing kind of person and this year especially the past few months it has been one step sometimes even just inches at a time. God is faithful to fulfill all my needs in His time.

Verse of the day

While reading my Bible the other day, a verse really stood out to me. Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (NLT) I searched through different translations/versions to see which one really reached me. I am normally a NKJV girl. BUT this time I love how NLT just speaks to me. I have to watch how I speak to others and my kids. Every word I say they are listening even when I don't think they are. So my goal is to watch how I speak to my kids my husband friends and even my self talk.

Slumber Parties

Even at 36 one can still have a slumber party. This wasn't a typical slumber party. Last night as I was doing my nightly rounds of kissing the kids good night before I turned in, ~L was crying slightly. I stopped to talk to him. He was upset that some game he plays isn't on this website anymore. ~L ended up asking me if I would sleep in his room.
I said, "I don't have a blanket or pillow."
He tells me, "I will get you my extras."
So I go get my pillow and blanket and by the time I come back he has laid out a blanket and two pillows for me.
"I want you to comfortable mommy"
It was a special time. We chatted about different things that came to his mind. He is 10 years old and I know that in a few short years I may not have this time available to me. So I need to take advantage of anytime he voluntarily gives me.

Thanksgiving

My family is extended literally from one end of the country to the other, my mom and step dad are in California, my father and step mom, three brothers, a sister-in-law, two nieces, and two nephews are in Texas; a sister-in-law and nephew are in Utah; my sister, brother-in-law and two nieces are in Pennsylvania, and another brother in Florida. Then I have numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins spread from California to Vermont to Florida and everywhere in between. My husband's family is primarily located in Kentucky and Alabama. So it is hard to have all of my loved ones together today. I miss them but I also enjoy being in my own home too. I love cooking at my own pace and just enjoying time with the kids and family. Yet I do miss the extended family being together too. One reason I long for Heaven is to be able to be with them. I pray that we all make it there.

Our day wasn't with out funny events...I looked up and noticed the oven was turned off. Not sure how or when it was turned off. So our 5 ish dinner time turned into a 7ish dinner time. We decided to be rebels and eat dessert first. It was fun and different. I think we may just do it again. I think we ate far less food this way. We have lots of leftovers and will nibble on them throughout the weekend.

We had DVR'd the Thanksgiving parade early in the day so that we could all watch it together. So after dinner was done we all curled up on the couch in the living room and watched the parade together. It was fun and nice to watch it together and even better to fast forward through the commercials. LOL.

I am thankful to have a home and a family to love and be safe from the outside elements. It is a place to come when I am sad and happy and just need to be me.

the peace

Something is calming about listening to little girls playing house with their stuffed animals. ~A teaching her little doggie to say prayers.

It is so precious and cute ~A "dear Jesus, thank you for mommy and daddy, thank you for today. Amen." "now baby it's time for bed. go to sleep"

Busy week busy day

This has been an extremely crazy busy week but in the midst of it all I was able to escape for a date night with my honey.

His favorite holiday group is Trans Siberian Orchestra. Last week I realized that they were coming to the area. So without his knowledge purchased tickets to the concert in Providence, RI. We have seen them in concert when I was pregnant with the girls. I am proud of myself I managed to not spill the beans to him. He had an idea just because he knows the time of year but that's ok with me. We had a great night kids free listening to Christmas music and talking on the drive back and forth.

Today I am making a vegan carrot cake, gluten patties, and steamed carrots oh and a pumpkin crunch all to take to potluck at church tomorrow. I have to go to Christian Book Distributors to pick up a will call order and also take my friend to her daughter's cardiologist appointment. And I have to sew on patches on the girls Little Lambs uniforms.

Tomorrow Nique is getting baptized as well as another friend's mom. Then we have potluck lunch. Then we have an Adventurer (kinda like Cub Scouts and Awanas combined) field trip to the nursing home to hand out cards.

Sunday we have a Women's Ministry afternoon tea with the pastor's wife. They just got here in September. So all in all it is a very busy weekend.

Off to get started on the cooking. I have 3 hours before Nique gets off work and I have to pick her up from work.

motto for today

Use what you have...don't sweat the small stuff... and bloom where you're planted! It's good enough and so are you.

Like so many people I get caught up in the have nots what does everyone else have that I don't? Well today while reading another blog The above hit me like a ton of bricks. I know I have heard and read it a thousand times before. I need to print it and put it on my mirror. I can bloom where I am planted.

Community outreach

Tonight I went to my monthly twin club meeting. This meeting is all about giving back to our community. As mom's of twins a lot of our members either spent time in the NICU or know someone who has. So we made fleece tie blankets to be given to patients in NICU. Several women got together prior to tonight's meeting to cut prep the fleece (cut into smaller sizes and fringe it). Tonight we tied 94 blankets. We also collected food for the food bank of the church where we meet and had a raffle of some pretty awesome door prizes. To be able to enter the raffle, one could donate food or buy tickets. Money raised will help club members in need during the holiday season. I am honored to be a part of this club. It is definitely a club that gives back. They gave to the New Orleans and Gulfcoast clubs after Katrina and Rita.

Thankful Thursday

Pausing to smell the roses and Praise our Creator for all my blessings

The smell of fresh coffee in the morning

The smile of a child who runs up and says I love you mommy

Being able to share my story with a complete stranger and giving them hope that their pregnancy will be ok.

The carpet of leaves that have fallen from the trees

A book that has sat on my shelf for a few years that is now speaking right to my heart.

God's timing isn't my timing

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

various ramblings ~ Kids doctors appointments and my devotions

The cold virus has hit our house...It is a cold and not the flu. There has not been fevers or body aches just coughing, sniffles, nasal congestion. It has been lingering for nearly two weeks. With three adults and seven children in one house that's to be expected. The two that give us the biggest fears are Anneliese and Nique's daughter, Savannah. They both can get pretty bad. Today for the first time in over a year I had to break down and give Anneliese a breathing treatment. We took her to the doctor, no signs of bacterial infections in nose, throat, no ear infection, lungs sounded clear but O2 sats were around 97. So we are doing breathing treatments for a few days to clear the passages. This is hard for me but I KNOW she needs it. It is a love hate relationship with me and steroids. I hate them but I love that we have the ability to have them and that they can make her better.

Caleb and Leo had dental appointments today. I am thankful for insurance and that doctors contract with them. I dislike the doctors that require 20% of billable charge payment when I know that the insurance will pay then the doctors office will have to pay me back.

In my devotions. I had an AH AH moment. I am valuable and don't have to prove myself to anyone. Why is it always so hard for me to believe? Why do I always feel I have to be in competition with someone else? Why do I let someone else determine my value? These have been questions I have always struggled with... I never felt good enough someone was ALWAYS better than me at home at school at work even at church but not while I may still struggle and will have good days and bad days Together God and I work on it. Why am I valuable? God makes me valuable Isn't that awesome!!! As a godly woman I am free of having to prove myself and can be strong but don't have to use my strength to control. THANK YOU for my ah ah moment. God is so GOOD. Emile Barnes and Keep it Simple. I am reading 2 and 3 days at a time. Journaling pages taking notes. Slowly God is working on my heart to let go and give to HIM. It doesn't matter what anyone else is doing in their house with their kids, it only matters to me, my husband and God what we are doing with our kids.

The other I am reading Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner? by Cindy Dagnan Cindy Dagnan is giving a heart felt look on where are my priorities as a stay at home mom and do my priorities reflect that. 15 minutes at a time life will come under control...The perfectionist in me has to NOT GIVE up or take over. I tend to crash and burn. God is in control not me. That is so freeing.

To the man who pleases Him God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiates 2:26

My prayer is that I please God in all I do.

Slow progress

God is so faithful to me

This week, I took a HUGE step back from the computer time on frivolous things. God is really pushing me this year on my home and time with HIM. This week has had A LOT more time with in prayer and quiet alone time.

UPDATE ~ Missing Persons This is REAL

THANK YOU for the prayers I received this from my friend. She says Thank you all for all the concern, blog post, prayers.

Just wanted you all to know that I know where Andrew is now. BIG SIGH OF RELIEF. I have heard from his girlfriend/fiance', however I havent heard from him. She says he is alive well happy and working his behind off with several jobs. I also have alot more information about him than Ive had for months. Ive called the Police Dept and the missing persons report has been canceled.

God is good all the time and ALWAYS answers prayers.

kids near Grist Mill

Keeping it simple

This week I started the Keep it Simple for busy Women by Emile Barnes. The first verse in the first devotional was Acts 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." I want to be able to say this every night. To know that I have done what I have done to with all good conscious.

A little afternoon fun

Despite feeling under the weather, we got out of the house yesterday afternoon. We needed the fresh air. We went to Wayside Inn Grist Mill
Wayside Inn Grist Mill

Missing Persons This is REAL

I am posting for a dear friend of mine. I personally know Bren and her son. I met them over 7 years ago in San Diego and in fact we rented the house they had previously rented in San Diego. This is a parents worst nightmare. I don't care if a child is 7 or 23 for a parent to lose their child it is a nightmare.

This is my son Gary Andrew Bowman. Age 23 as of Oct 7.(Born in 1986)He sometimes goes by Gary but has always been called Andrew by his family. His last known address is the college he attended Immaculata University in Immaculata PA. (The school is in the background of the picture below). He graduated on May 11, 2009 wi...th a BS in Information Technology, and also the last known of his where abouts.He has light brown hair, sometimes wears a beard, sometimes not.Has hazel eyes, and wears glasses. No notable scars or tattoos.6 foot 2 inches 210-225 lbs. Wears a size 15 shoe.He played clarinet from grade school through college. If anyone has seen my son or has any information please call the Morristown TN Police Department at (423) 585-2701 or email me here at hfombudsman@aol.comAny information is greatly appreciated. My message to Andrew:Andrew there is not one day that goes by that all of your family doesn't think of you and shed a tear. We all love you so much and just want you to let us know you are safe. I love you forever and a day my dear son.



Bren, I love you and pray for Andrew to contact you and his safe return.

Children with Allergies

Friday we went back to the allergist for a follow-up. Reuben looks and acts so much better. His eczema is under much better control than just a mere four weeks ago. Zinc oxide wraps are helping him. The antihistamine he is on is helping control his itching and even helping him gain some weight (which he needs). The RAST testing shows he is highly allergic to many things. His IgE level is extremely high (which was to be expected). So, the RAST testing can give him some false positives (I knew this from previous RAST testing done 2 years ago). But we did find some of the test results that make total sense based on how he reacts. He is allergic to LATEX, SESAME SEED, CANOLA, CHAMOMILE, SAGE, GRAPES, and BLACK OLIVES Confirmed the ones we have already known Peanuts, Mold, Soy, Nuts. As far as olives the allergist said he can eat them and we can cook with olive oil as long as he can tolerate it but not to use it as a moisturizer for his skin. Along with the LATEX allergy goes a allergy to bananas ~ he has recently been complaining about his throat/mouth hurting when he at bananas.

We have bought latex free socks, underwear, bandages, and anything else I can find latex free. We met with a child psychologist who gave us great ideas about helping Reuben get control of his eczema. And also about teaching us and him ways of making life easier on the whole family.

I am grateful to the Atopic Dermatitis Clinic for being there to answer my questions and helping my son.

Thankful Tuesday

oooops this posted without my original thanks....

I am thankful for so much this week. God has been faithful to us

I am thankful for...

listening to little girls singing "my grandpa loves me, my grandma loves me, little girls little girls, my grandma linda is at work she is coming to church with me" They are rather comical, almost arguing but laughing at each other and giggling all at the same time

boys playing together learning

a smiling independent son where just a month ago was clingy and needy

my husband who has admitted he has anxiety and fears letting others down and fears being alone. Together we can face this. I love him and want him to know that.

my mom being able to visit from California

the falling leaves

the cloudy skies ... makes me appreciate the sunshine even more

my prayer partner who prays for me

the man at church who is praying for my husband

my amazing extended family who is spread out across the country

the internet for the ability to stay in touch

the excess stuff we have that I am now able to share with a family who just lost everything in a house fire.

Fall and Apples

Something about fall and apples go hand in hand. Yesterday we went Apple picking at one of my favorite places. Tougas Farm The Framingham Centre Adventurer group and our Twin Club both went. We picked 75 pounds of Gala, Empire, Mutsu, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Cortland, and Granny Smith. There were 25 of us from our Adventurer group. They have a small petting zoo as well. The kids loved feeding the goats. It is a cutest sight watching them hold out their hands and giggle in delight as the goats tickle them with the goats tongue. So far we have had apples with French toast and apples with oatmeal. We love the taste of fresh apples right off the tree and fresh cider.

This week mom is working in NYC so she came for a visit on either side of the trip. It is fun to see her and I am glad she is able to be here to see us. Looking forward to Friday when she comes back and we can spend the weekend together again. Sabbath is Adventurer induction. The kids are so cute in their uniforms.

The prophecy seminar is in full swing and I think Nique will be getting baptized at the end of it. We are still doing prayer partners and praying over our lists of prayer requests on a regular basis which has been an absolute blessing to me. God has just poured out his blessings to me.

Thankful Thursday

Tuesday was a busy day and I didn't post my thankful post

Today I am thankful for...

God who is faithful even when I don't remember to thank Him
Children who love to laugh and play
Friends who pray for me
Friends who know just what to say and when to say it
Family who is there for me all the time
Doctors that can treat my children
Companies that label their products so I know I am buying safe things for my kids who are allergic
Sunshine that warms
Rain that makes the grass and flowers grow

epilepsy

This week my best friends daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. It is not a death sentence. ~E is 3 years old. Now we will have to educate ourselves and others about epilepsy. She will not live in a bubble. She is still a normal active growing three year old. Fortunately for ~E, there is a chance she will grow out of her seizures. I am grateful that Children's hospital is close and has the doctors to treat ~E. She is being treated at a Epilepsy Clinic

Thankful Tuesday

God will prevail in ALL things. God is Lord of my life!!! Satan will not get me down.

Today I am thankful for ..

my church's evangelism.
40 days of devotions and prayers
my prayer partner and her commitment to me and my list of concerns
for doctors that have turned my 7 year old son into a normal happy little boy.
for the neighbor kid who asked "who cured Reuben's eczema?" (there is no cure but he looks that good)
for children who are resilient and can bounce back to life's trials
for my husband who has one of the worst duty's known to the military yet handles it handles it with grace and dignity and support of the families.


“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.”- Isaiah 26:4

Sabbath is that one day

God has given us ONE day that is HOLY and blessing. Sabbath is that day. This was that day. When I woke up this morning the sky was dark and raining and I so could have just rolled over and gone back to bed. But I was like Satan you are not keeping me from the blessing of church and fellowship again. We got out the door. Brian had drill weekend. But the kids and I went to church. When we arrived we were greeted by the Pastor and an umbrella.

We didn't get to really hear the sermon because the girls were a little talkative today but we sat in the mother's room and tried as much as possible. There is something peaceful about being in God's house though.

After church was our "huddle" time for our 40 days of prayer. God is working in lives as we pray together. I have a prayer partner and an appointment time to meet and pray every day with her. Having an accountability partner is important to keep me focused and encouraged that someone else is praying for me as well.

The kids started Adventurers today. Looks like it will be a full year for us. I volunteered Nique and I to lead the Little Lambs, the three year old program. I figure we have 4 of the 6 girls in the class. Nique is also going to do the marching instruction. See last year she noted how they were marching in so this year I said you can teach them. LOL

A full a blessed day.

new plan of action

yesterday I took Reuben into a new specialist for his eczema. After some new skin testing, we found out he is allergic to one new thing (horses) and not allergic to milk. HOORAY!!! The rest the tests confirmed what we already knew (so far). We were given a new course of treatment for the time being. He is getting some antihistamines, antibiotics both oral and topical, topical steroids (which I am not completely happy with), a new moisturizing cream, zinc oxide wraps for his arms and legs (I have to say after just one night I can already see improvement). There are some more blood tests being run and we go back in a few weeks for a follow visit.

There have been some insurance hurdles to get through but I think we will get through them one way or the other.

Brian says if this clears Reuben up we are going to take family pictures as soon as possible.

I am so happy that God is watching over us and that we aren't alone in this battle.

WHY

Because I won't let Satan get me down that's why!!! God is more powerful than satan.

I am trying to get Reuben the help he deserves. Brian and I feel that the clinic at Children's Hospital is the best we can do for him. They treat the WHOLE person not just the allergies not just the eczema. October 1st Reuben and I will meet with both a nurse practioner and allergist to discuss Reuben's medical history and course of treatment. There may be more blood work and skin testing done for allergies. In November we will meet with a nutritionist to make sure he is getting adequate diet and nutrition with his allergies and a psychologist to discuss how his eczema effects him and the family.

Sounds great right...YES There is one huge catch. Our insurance covers all of this under medical necessity BUT doesn't cover these doctors at CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL unless they bill under the outpatient clinic ID and not individual ID's.

I know the psychologist isn't contracted with the insurance and so we are planning on paying out of pocket for the visit. God will provide a way.

Thankful Tuesday

With the stresses of the world I am striving to focus on my blessings and to be thankful as I enter this fall season with the holidays approaching!!!

I am thankful for...

The God in Heaven who loved ME to send HIS SON to die on the cross for ME and MY sins!
My husband who isn't afraid to share his love with me and our kids.
The words of affirmation that Brian gives me in front of others friends and strangers alike.
The sounds of little girls singing Jesus loves me and other Bible songs
The sounds of an older brother teaching his younger siblings
A roof to cover us from the thunderstorms
The sunshine after the storm to remind me that God loves me through the storms in my life.
Family to remind where I come from and where I am going in life.
Friends that PRAY!!!

Money I may not have but I am rich with friends family and God in my life!!!

Where is your focus today? on what you have or what you have not?

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105:2