ah yes...resolutions!

I know I'm not on here updating as I should.  One reason is because I just don't have much time to myself and when I do have a moment...I'm just too lazy to post!  I really, really want to be one of those people that posts interesting things daily, but it's just too difficult at this stage in life.  But, I hope that I can at least get on here a couple of times a week.  It's easiest for me to stay-up late and do my quiet times, reading, blogging, etc.  I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON...nor will I ever be.  Yuck!  So, time to get organized!

oops...been too long!

This going to be a miscellaneous post...much to catch-up on!  As I'm typing, I'm watching NBC's coverage of the election.  What a day!  Republicans have control of the House...c'mon Senate!!
Where to begin... I may not share in the order of ocurrance, but oh well.
My dad is having surgery tomorrow to remove at least half of his eye lid.  A biopsy showed positive for cancer last week.  What's scary is that the growth has proceeded into his eye socket.  While he is under for the eye lid removal, they are going to biopsy what is inside.  Hopefully results will come back quickly.  It appears to be spreading rapidly.  If you read this before the surgery tomorrow, please be praying at 1:30 CST for the surgery.  If you're reading this afterwards, please pray anyway!

Jenna has been doing as well as can be expected.  She had a nasty virus last weekend, but praise God for Tylenol and steroids!  Yes, I just praised God for steroids...they sustain Jenna's life, thus, they are a gift from God :)  She also received her second set of tubes Friday; they are already making a HUGE difference!  She has been babbling non-stop :)  November 11th, she sees Dr. Copeland (Endocrinologist) and will have repeat labs for her bone enzymes.  Praying they're normal by then; otherwise, it's on to the next step which is a bone scan.  If the bone scan produces poor results, it's on to a biopsy.  The Lord brought her liver enzymes down to normal and I have faith He will do the same for her bone enzymes!  She is a walking, breathing, miracle...such a testimony of His mercy and grace :)
Joshua will be seeing a pediatric orthopedic surgeon tomorrow (Dr. Suillivan at Children's) for his knock knees.  Nick and I don't want him to have the same problems Nick has with his knees, so we're exhausting all of our options for treatment.  Dr. Sullivan is the best of the best and I'm confident in his abilities.
A mouse just ran across the floor!  Ick!  I thought we had gotten rid of it... there must've been more than one.  Yikes!  Yes, we're most definitely getting a cat after Christmas!
Back to Joshua.  I am finding it more and more difficult to keep him entertained!  A Zoo pass and Science Museum are in the VERY near future.  There won't be too many more warm days, but Oklahoma never ceases to amaze me with comfortable, outdoor days in the middle of winter.  Plus, the pass is good for a year, so I know we'll get our money's worth.  Science Museum passes are on sale at Mathis Brothers!  I will be picking one of those up on Thursday :)
Speaking of Mathis Brothers, Jenna is filming a commercial for them on Thursday!  They will be running a campaign to raise money for Children's Hospital Foundation (aka Children's Miracle Network).  A few hours after filming, we will be participating in a radiothon (also benefiting Children's Hospital Foundation.  Busy, busy...fun, fun!
Nick's great grandmother blessed us with a financial gift.  Thanks to her generosity, Nick is working to finish the converted garage which will soon be our family room!  We also hope to redo the kitchen...which is in DESPARATE need.  Before the kitchen, however, will be a new transmission for the van (which was also a gift from great grandma).  It has been a HUGE blessing to be able to buy fall and winter clothes as well.  Thank you, great grandma!!
I guess that's it for now.  I'm getting sucked-up into the election news...must...watch...

answers to prayer

1.  I was really torn over a discussion in Connection class on Sunday.  We talked about faith, works and punishment.  I really struggled with the fact that God could/would punish us.  I think I do a pretty good job of that on my own.  I think what I struggle with the most is what in our lives is punishment and what are simply consquences of living in a fallen world?  I probably will never know the answer to this.  Perhaps you have some light to shed?  Perhaps there's a passage in Scripture I have yet to discover.  Input please!  Here is the passage which answered my disbelief that God would ever punish us:

Hebrews 12:5-6 (New International Version)

⁵And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
   "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
      and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
 ⁶because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
      and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

I have a simple mind.  When I have read this passage in the past (obviously a different translation), the word "punish" was replaced with "correct."  It makes sense to me now.  I look at correcting as a more gentle form of punishment.  I don't think God sits on His throne and gets angry when we slip-up.  He kindly corrects us.  Punish is a strong word and hard for me to swallow.  Well, I now have resolution over Sunday morning's discussion.  I honestly was completely distraught.  Thank you, Rodger, for posting this passage as your status message!  Thank you, Jesus, for correcting my wrongs!

2.  Nick and I received a financial gift.  We are going to be able to make some much needed changes to the house!  New kitchen and finally a suitable family room!  Also, medical bills and money owed to my parents.  Thank you to the gift giver.  I will leave you anonymous as I am sure you would prefer it that way.

3.  The support group (HopeLink) I am in for mom's of children with serious, rare, and undiagnosed illnesses has a great program.  The church where we meet monthly, and where some of the members of the group attend, has small groups within the church who have had it laid upon their hearts to adopt the families in the support group.  We found-out last night that we have been adopted!  The support will come in many different forms.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  We are humbled and blessed beyond belief by God's goodness and your willingness to serve in such a needed way.

It's a great day to praise the Lord...as is everyday!

Super Couponing!

Ohhhh yes!  I'm officially hooked :)  I can hardly wait to go out and buy myself a binder and baseball card sleeves.  I'm goin' all the way with this.  My friend's mom, Cora, put on a coupon workshop in her home this morning.  I learned soooooooooooooo much!  Thank you so, so much Cora!!  The three most helpful sites we used during the workshop are listed below:

http://www.couponing101.com
http://www.simplesavingsavvy.net
http://www.moneysavingqueen.com

I encourage anyone interested in saving TONS on their monthly grocery bills to take the time to read-up on these sites!  You can thank me later :)

lots to share!

Joshua had his 4-year-old well visit on Monday.  A couple of months behind, but better than some I suppose.  He took his immunizations like a champ...not one tear!  He did say, "Owie! That hurts!"  My brave, little guy :)  Actually, he's not so little...52% for height and 94% for weight.  Hehe!  His doctor decided he was just a stalky guy, and that's alright :)

Dr. Crittenden and I discussed Joshua's knock knees.  Poor guy can't even put his feet together!  We're going to see Dr. Sullivan at OU Children's Hospital Orthopedics on November 3rd to see what needs to be done to help straighten them out.  Apparently the braces at night technique isn't what they really do anymore.  I'm praying it's a simple fix; if it's not, I'm praying it's not painful for Joshua!  Some may question why we're even looking into straightening-out his knees if they don't bother him.  We're worried they eventually will (because Nick's do) and also self-confidence could become an issue.  Plus, we want him to be able to play sports and run if he so desires!  Anything to help our kiddos reach their fullest potential (within reason, of course). 

Joshua and Jenna both received their flu shots on Monday.  It wasn't until after the fact that the nurse mentioned there might be a significant reaction in those who have previously had H1N1 (which Jenna did...last October).  She said...entire leg swelling and 102+ temp.  Yikes!!  Thank goodness neither of those plauged Jenna.  She has been quite fussy at times during the week, but mostly she has wanted to cuddle.  I have no problem with the cuddling :)

Today was a very neat day.  I finally got to meet the grandma of Laynie.  Laynie was a calendar girl with Jenna in the CMN calendar.  She was little, Miss February.  I am speaking of Laynie in past tense...she has since gone to her eternal home.  You can read about Laynie on the calendars I sent-out by going to the month of February.  What a remarkable, little angel.  I never got to meet her in person, but her Lolly (grandma) was wonderful to keep Facebook updated and has been putting Laynie's legacy in action.  Today was one of many blood drives in Laynie's memory.  Eilene went with me.  Unfortunately, Eilene couldn't give...she's been fighting a cold.  I almost couldn't give due to low iron, but they repeated the test and I barely squeaked by!  Whew!  I guess I should see the doctor about my iron levels again.  They were so worried I'd pass-out from giving so much blood, but I'm a haas!

That's it for now.  More to come later!  I need to dedicate an entry to just pictures, but Blogger is still on the fritz with posting pictures.

Joshua's well visit and flu shots

Joshua had his 4-year-old well visit yesterday.  A couple of months behind, but as the kids' pediatrician (Dr. Crittenden) put it, "It's not like you're busy or anything."  Love that man.  He's an incredible doctor; he's not allowed to retire until the kids are grown...that's what I've told him anyway.

Joshua received 4 immunizations yesterday and took them like a champ.  Not one tear!  I gave him warning the day before, the morning of, and the car ride there.  He seemed to understand...mostly because Jenna receives a shot every morning.

I asked Dr. C to examine Joshua's legs.  Joshua has knock knees (ironically, the opposite problem Jenna has with her legs).  Poor Joshua can't even put his little feet together.  My aunt had to wear braces on her legs at night to straighten hers out and so did a neighbor across the street.  I just assumed the same would go for Joshua, but apparently that is not the normal treatment anymore.  I'm curious to hear exactly what is.  Joshua will be seeing the same orthopedic surgeon following Jenna's bow legs...Dr. Sullivan at Children's Hospital.  He has the reputation of being the best of the best in Oklahoma for Pediatric Orthopedics.  I wish the scheduler would hurry-up and call.  Feeling very anxious about this, but trying my best to cast those anxieties at the feet of Jesus.

Joshua and Jenna both received their flu shots yesterday as well.  No tears from either one of them!  After giving the injection, the nurse (whom I normally love) asked if either one of them had H1N1 last year.  Jenna had it last October.  Well...she informed me that they are seeing reactions to the flu shot in children who had H1N1 previously.  Side effects are...swelling of ENTIRE leg and a temp of 102 or greater.  FANTASTIC!  Well, I've been covering Jenna in prayer and have yet to see any of those reactions.  Thank you, Jesus!  Goodness gracious...that's all we need right now.  Phew!

Looking forward to a lazy day at home...I wish!  This house is a disaster!  Anyone want to come clean for me?  Don't all volunteer at once ;-)

Children's Miracle Network Radio-a-thon

November 3rd, 4th, and 5th, one of the local country music stations will be having a radio-a-thon to benefit our local Children's Hospital.  I received a phone call today asking me to come share Jenna's story!  What an awesome opportunity!  I am scheduled to be on-air at 4:00pm (CST) on the 4th.  You can listen online via the link below.

http://radiotime.com/station/s_26596/961_KXY.aspx