Oh where to start ….
Our family needs prayers!
Aaron has been sick since October. It’s been non stop ear infection after ear infection, pneumonia, hand foot mouth disease. We haven’t been to church since about October. Maybe once or twice since then but every weekend Aaron would spike a fever and we would be up all night with a congested sick baby. Marco and I are just exhausted. Trying to work full time, take care of all 4 kids, sleep and spend time together. We have barely been functioning.
A few weeks ago Aaron got really sick, marco and the 2 older girls were skiing. I ended up with aaron at Children’s ER.
Marco and I have been frustrated with our primary peds dr just feeling they aren’t doing a very good job. We just felt there was something else going on, there had to be a reason why he wasn’t getting better.
I was changing Aaron’s diaper one time and the urine had collected under his skin and it had swelled to the size of a softball. It was frightening. I told our dr who referred us to a urologist. The appt for that was about a month away. In the meantime the swelling had happened a few more times. I mentioned it when we were at Children’s ER, they did a urine sample and cultured it.
When Aaron and I left children’s ER he had an ear infection nothing else came back. Well that Monday AM Children’s was calling to say Aaron’s urine did grow something and they were giving him an antibiotic. Tuesday AM they called again to say the meds they gave him aren’t going to work since the bacteria was resistant to it so new meds. SO very thankful we have great insurance each med was $300. Insurance covered it all. By Thursday Aaron was a new kid, no runny nose, no cough and he had his spunk back and he slept through the night. WOO HOO 1 nights full sleep finally.
I called the urologist and moved up Aaron’s appt to be the day after his meds ended since I knew they would want to check his urine again and why not have the urologist do it.
4/6 we went to the urologist. Amazing dr. What she told us was the skin never attached to his penis and he has an extra layer of skin. We were told at birth not to circumcise him because it would not come out right and he would have problems. The urologist said we should be thankful that peds dr told us that because they were 100% right. So when Aaron goes to pee his urine builds up under his skin because his penis is buried and can’t find it’s way out.
This coming Monday 4/19 we will take Aaron to Swedish for a kidney ultrasound and a test called VCUG. They will also do a urine culture/sample. This is to test to make sure there has been no damage and that everything inside is working the way it should be.
5/5 Wednesday Aaron is scheduled to have surgery to correct his penis/skin problems. It will be a day surgery. And within a few days will be fine.
He can not be sick before he goes in- can not even have a diaper rash.
Wednesday night Aaron started puking, He had gone to daycare Tuesday. The first time in about 4-6 weeks. Well I guess 2 kids had been sick fever and stomach flu. Marco called the daycare yesterday and they said there is a highly contagious stomach virus going around that last for about 4-5 days. NO!!!!!! we can’t have this in our house. There are a total of 6 of us. Plus I leave Tuesday night for Colorado to attend and be on workcrew for Captivating. Marco will be home alone with the 4 kids and we just can’t get this.
Aaron all day yesterday was just sick- then it turned into diarrhea. I cleaned and bleached and wiped everything I could. I scrubbed and washed. We can not and will not have this in our house.
Especially Aaron before his surgery can not be sick.
We need covering- we need Aaron and Hur to help lift our arms…….
Marco and the kids protecting and covering while I am gone. For their hearts for their time together to be amazing.
Me for my time in CO
For our health- for Aaron’s surgery
For this overwhelming – frustration- isolation- overwhelmingness to all be gone – for us to be able to go to church to connect again. For us all to be rested, refreshed and renewed in him.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Dress
Julia- My 5 yr old told me the other night about how excited she is that when she grows up she could one day wear my wedding dress and be beautiful.
My Heart sank at that moment. I don't have a wedding dress and didn't have a wedding dress when i married her father.
Marco and I this August have been together 10 years. We got married 9/14/2006. It was a Thursday, downtown Seattle at the Courthouse. We had orginally planned to get married down at the Kirkland Waterfront in this beautiful little gazebo they have there. That week Julia and I both were terribly sick, I was frustrated because I was trying to plan and arrange everything. We didn't have anyone to marry us, no cake and it was exhausting. The weather report said it was suppose to be cold and raining. I think my heart was broken and I gave up. A few days prior to the Saturday wedding date I just decided it was too much, it wasn't going to come together and it just wouldn't be what my heart wanted or needed so to avoid disappoinment I said there wasn't going to be an event that we were just going to the courthouse.
Little did I know years later my longing,my hearts cry, my need and want are to have those photos, those memories to be able to pass down a dress to my princess Julia. To be able to share that moment and that day with a heart full of love and joy. I don't have that.
Every once in awhile I catch myself "Oh wouldn't it be great to get married on 10-10-10 during our 10 years together" to have something special come togehter with friends and family. To have that first dance, the song, the kiss... it just makes me cry thinking about it. It is such a deep want/need in my heart.
I remember a few years ago we went to our church's Valentine dinner, they did a slideshow of the couples. The men were suppose to send in photos of them and their spouse, wedding day photos. We didn't have anything. Not one picture of us together. Marco didn't send anything in, it hurt. It was a firey dart to the deep core part of me. "we aren't like the others" I know those things don't define us but ya know sometimes it sure does.
I just had to share - I had to get it out- becasue it's a need!
My Heart sank at that moment. I don't have a wedding dress and didn't have a wedding dress when i married her father.
Marco and I this August have been together 10 years. We got married 9/14/2006. It was a Thursday, downtown Seattle at the Courthouse. We had orginally planned to get married down at the Kirkland Waterfront in this beautiful little gazebo they have there. That week Julia and I both were terribly sick, I was frustrated because I was trying to plan and arrange everything. We didn't have anyone to marry us, no cake and it was exhausting. The weather report said it was suppose to be cold and raining. I think my heart was broken and I gave up. A few days prior to the Saturday wedding date I just decided it was too much, it wasn't going to come together and it just wouldn't be what my heart wanted or needed so to avoid disappoinment I said there wasn't going to be an event that we were just going to the courthouse.
Little did I know years later my longing,my hearts cry, my need and want are to have those photos, those memories to be able to pass down a dress to my princess Julia. To be able to share that moment and that day with a heart full of love and joy. I don't have that.
Every once in awhile I catch myself "Oh wouldn't it be great to get married on 10-10-10 during our 10 years together" to have something special come togehter with friends and family. To have that first dance, the song, the kiss... it just makes me cry thinking about it. It is such a deep want/need in my heart.
I remember a few years ago we went to our church's Valentine dinner, they did a slideshow of the couples. The men were suppose to send in photos of them and their spouse, wedding day photos. We didn't have anything. Not one picture of us together. Marco didn't send anything in, it hurt. It was a firey dart to the deep core part of me. "we aren't like the others" I know those things don't define us but ya know sometimes it sure does.
I just had to share - I had to get it out- becasue it's a need!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Book Review- Captivating Revised and Expanded
John and Stasi Eldredge revise and update this runaway bestseller.
What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating is doing for women. Setting their hearts free. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be.
I first read Captivating about 5 years ago. I was a non christian and I went to a Captivating retreat in CO it changed my life. I am now a Christian and fully engaged in a relationship with my heavenly father.
This is an amazing book and truly everyone should read it. I had a hard time thinking it wasn't for me, i don't feel that way and I am not "screwed up enough" well those were all lies. This book and the Ransomed Heart team have changed my life.
I truly encourage everyone who can to get this book and read it. Be patient and take the time to truly read it and asorb the material.
What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating is doing for women. Setting their hearts free. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be.
I first read Captivating about 5 years ago. I was a non christian and I went to a Captivating retreat in CO it changed my life. I am now a Christian and fully engaged in a relationship with my heavenly father.
This is an amazing book and truly everyone should read it. I had a hard time thinking it wasn't for me, i don't feel that way and I am not "screwed up enough" well those were all lies. This book and the Ransomed Heart team have changed my life.
I truly encourage everyone who can to get this book and read it. Be patient and take the time to truly read it and asorb the material.
Book Review- How to reach your full potentional
How To Reach Your Full Potential For God is the newest book by Charles Stanley. In this book, he deals with Christians who settle for less than God's best. In doing so, he points to 7 essentials to live an abundant Christian life:
Essential 1: A clean heart
Essential 2: A clear mind
Essential 3: Using your gifts
Essential 4: A healthy body
Essential 5: Right relationships
Essential 6: A balanced schedule
Essential 7: Taking God-approved risks
Principle 1: Every person has potential
Principle 2: Every person has been created to bring God glory
Principle 3: No one can reach his potential without the Father's help
Principle 4: No potential without spiritual dimension
Principle 5: Only he knows the limits of your potential
IF you are a fan of Charles Stanley, you will not be disappointed. This is a good book and easy read for any new convert or any seasoned believer who wants to review some basic Biblical principles.
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson book review bloggers program.
Essential 1: A clean heart
Essential 2: A clear mind
Essential 3: Using your gifts
Essential 4: A healthy body
Essential 5: Right relationships
Essential 6: A balanced schedule
Essential 7: Taking God-approved risks
Principle 1: Every person has potential
Principle 2: Every person has been created to bring God glory
Principle 3: No one can reach his potential without the Father's help
Principle 4: No potential without spiritual dimension
Principle 5: Only he knows the limits of your potential
IF you are a fan of Charles Stanley, you will not be disappointed. This is a good book and easy read for any new convert or any seasoned believer who wants to review some basic Biblical principles.
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson book review bloggers program.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Crazy Love- Spreading it around....
There is a blog i follow and read every post.Linny is an amazing woman, follower of an awesome mountain moving Awe inspiring God, mother of many adopted and fighter for all.
She inspires me and often moves me to tears. She has had many trials in her life but comes out on top and through all that she shares her heart. Truthfully, honestly and humbly with us.
It's an honor to be able to read her blog to share in her life! Love ya Linny!!!
Now Crazy love if her recent post. It's pretty much about giving back, paying it forward, offering your last dime and walking in faith.
Here are some other blogs who has amazing - chill to the bone stories of "Crazy Love"
Shayleejoy
Adoption Love
Moving to Mali
Hope for Haiti
My Heart's Cry
there are several more out on Linny's blog: A Place Called Simplicity
It takes a bold move to be able to ask for help, well I know it does for me. It's hard to be weak, and humble. Don't we always want people to think we have it all together and under control.
Okay so maybe that is just me. I have so many wants, needs, and desires that I wouldn't know where to start on asking for help. and what do you ask for? what's acceptable? I would love to go on a missions trip. That has been a true heart's desire of mine for along time now. Longing to go, to truly be humbled, to look into the eyes of those who love purely from their heart with no strings attached.
Looking around me i see alot of things, things we have accumulated over the years, things that we could live without, the abundant life we live compared to so many others yet there is always something that needs to change or has to be done. I hate living paycheck to paycheck. scrapping, living in the fear of what if we don't make it and how are we going to pull that off. I don't want to live there. God is so much bigger then that and doesn't want us to live in those places. We are to lay everything down and give it over to him. Every day when i get home from work i am reminded of the things we need:new windows, new flooring, new cabinets, new bathrooms, new doors. things need fixing and improving and updating- we don't have the time or the money or the know how. The flower beds are empty, the siding on the house needs replacing as do the gutters. It's a painful reminder yet when i think of those in Haiti living in tents and their homes that have crumbled how can i ask or want or complain. I can't.
I would love to spend more time giving back to others, just truly being his light in this world.
In what ways can you help spread the love and do you need Crazy Love in your life right now?
She inspires me and often moves me to tears. She has had many trials in her life but comes out on top and through all that she shares her heart. Truthfully, honestly and humbly with us.
It's an honor to be able to read her blog to share in her life! Love ya Linny!!!
Now Crazy love if her recent post. It's pretty much about giving back, paying it forward, offering your last dime and walking in faith.
Here are some other blogs who has amazing - chill to the bone stories of "Crazy Love"
Shayleejoy
Adoption Love
Moving to Mali
Hope for Haiti
My Heart's Cry
there are several more out on Linny's blog: A Place Called Simplicity
It takes a bold move to be able to ask for help, well I know it does for me. It's hard to be weak, and humble. Don't we always want people to think we have it all together and under control.
Okay so maybe that is just me. I have so many wants, needs, and desires that I wouldn't know where to start on asking for help. and what do you ask for? what's acceptable? I would love to go on a missions trip. That has been a true heart's desire of mine for along time now. Longing to go, to truly be humbled, to look into the eyes of those who love purely from their heart with no strings attached.
Looking around me i see alot of things, things we have accumulated over the years, things that we could live without, the abundant life we live compared to so many others yet there is always something that needs to change or has to be done. I hate living paycheck to paycheck. scrapping, living in the fear of what if we don't make it and how are we going to pull that off. I don't want to live there. God is so much bigger then that and doesn't want us to live in those places. We are to lay everything down and give it over to him. Every day when i get home from work i am reminded of the things we need:new windows, new flooring, new cabinets, new bathrooms, new doors. things need fixing and improving and updating- we don't have the time or the money or the know how. The flower beds are empty, the siding on the house needs replacing as do the gutters. It's a painful reminder yet when i think of those in Haiti living in tents and their homes that have crumbled how can i ask or want or complain. I can't.
I would love to spend more time giving back to others, just truly being his light in this world.
In what ways can you help spread the love and do you need Crazy Love in your life right now?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Contest New Living Translation Bible
The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway
Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”
Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.
With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.
Grand Prize
Apple iPad 64G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestone
Retail Value: $829.00
2nd Prize - Already awarded
32G iPod Touch and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fourth milestone
Retail Value: $300.00
3rd Prize – Will be awarded when fan count hits: 3500
Kindle DX and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestone
Retail Value: $489.00
4th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestone
Retail Value: $499.00
5th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestone
Retail Value: $599.00
Prize Eligibility – Recently updated to include more countries
Sweepstakes participants and winner(s) can be U.S. residents of the 50 United States, or residents of any country that is NOT embargoed by the United States, but cannot be residents of Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India. In addition, participants and winner(s) must be at least 18 years old, as determined by the Company.
Sweepstakes Starts
March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Sweepstakes Ends
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Wait, there’s more!
Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!
Here are the details:
Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider:
How do these verses encourage you to know God better?
What is God teaching you in this passage?
How does this passage apply to your life?
Submit your answer and you’ll be entered to win.
Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.
Every day, one person will win the best-selling Life Application Study Bible!
The grand prize: One person will win a fantastic trip for two to the crystal clear waters of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore in beautiful Hawaii.
Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”
Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.
With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.
Grand Prize
Apple iPad 64G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestone
Retail Value: $829.00
2nd Prize - Already awarded
32G iPod Touch and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fourth milestone
Retail Value: $300.00
3rd Prize – Will be awarded when fan count hits: 3500
Kindle DX and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestone
Retail Value: $489.00
4th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestone
Retail Value: $499.00
5th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestone
Retail Value: $599.00
Prize Eligibility – Recently updated to include more countries
Sweepstakes participants and winner(s) can be U.S. residents of the 50 United States, or residents of any country that is NOT embargoed by the United States, but cannot be residents of Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India. In addition, participants and winner(s) must be at least 18 years old, as determined by the Company.
Sweepstakes Starts
March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Sweepstakes Ends
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Wait, there’s more!
Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!
Here are the details:
Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider:
How do these verses encourage you to know God better?
What is God teaching you in this passage?
How does this passage apply to your life?
Submit your answer and you’ll be entered to win.
Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.
Every day, one person will win the best-selling Life Application Study Bible!
The grand prize: One person will win a fantastic trip for two to the crystal clear waters of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore in beautiful Hawaii.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Compassion Bloggers in Kenya
The Compassion team landed in Kenya yesterday and they are all starting to write posts and update us. My heart just aches and goes out to people around the world. God certainly has been stirring something up in my lately to go on a trip, not a vacation but someplace where I can see his beauty and get real.
Over the years I have taken so much for granted and just relied on things well that others don't even know what they are. Running water, toilets that flush, garbage disposals.... light switches. the little things in our every day lives that we have and over look.
What i would give right now to put myself in someone else's shoes to see the grace, mercy, joy and hope real and alive. I see it now sometimes but I believe what Jennifer McKinney has captured in her pictures is REAL and is ALIVE... it doesn't get any more pure then this.
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
Compassion Bloggers,
Thank you for making 'Help Haiti Live' a success! More than 30,000 people tuned in to see at least a portion of the concert streamed live at HelpHaitiLive.com. Thousands were donated and because of that many Haitian families will continue to receive the care they need in the wake of January's quake. Thank you. 'Help Haiti Live' would not have happened without your on-line support.
THIS MONTH:We turn our on-line attention this month to Kenya. Six bloggers are joining me and our staff in Nairobi March 4-10 to see the ministry of Compassion firsthand and post about it daily in hopes that hundreds of readers will sponsor Kenyan children on-line.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
1. Pray: For safety, health, families we leave behind, children awaiting sponsorship, hearts and minds of readers to be opened by God to trust and give.
2. Post: About the trip on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Link to http://compassionbloggers.com/kenya where the world can see every post, pic and video from our week in Kenya.
3. Read: Follow our blogs, link to posts you like, and encourage those who write them. Every kind word helps.Thank you in advance for making our fifth Compassion Bloggers trip a success for the children of Kenya.
Want to go on a trip with us? Got to http://compassionbloggers.com/get-involved and fill out the 'Take A Trip' form.
Shaun Groves
Blogger Manager
CompassionBloggers.com
Compassion.com
1-888-435-3336
Over the years I have taken so much for granted and just relied on things well that others don't even know what they are. Running water, toilets that flush, garbage disposals.... light switches. the little things in our every day lives that we have and over look.
What i would give right now to put myself in someone else's shoes to see the grace, mercy, joy and hope real and alive. I see it now sometimes but I believe what Jennifer McKinney has captured in her pictures is REAL and is ALIVE... it doesn't get any more pure then this.
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
Compassion Bloggers,
Thank you for making 'Help Haiti Live' a success! More than 30,000 people tuned in to see at least a portion of the concert streamed live at HelpHaitiLive.com. Thousands were donated and because of that many Haitian families will continue to receive the care they need in the wake of January's quake. Thank you. 'Help Haiti Live' would not have happened without your on-line support.
THIS MONTH:We turn our on-line attention this month to Kenya. Six bloggers are joining me and our staff in Nairobi March 4-10 to see the ministry of Compassion firsthand and post about it daily in hopes that hundreds of readers will sponsor Kenyan children on-line.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
1. Pray: For safety, health, families we leave behind, children awaiting sponsorship, hearts and minds of readers to be opened by God to trust and give.
2. Post: About the trip on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Link to http://compassionbloggers.com/kenya where the world can see every post, pic and video from our week in Kenya.
3. Read: Follow our blogs, link to posts you like, and encourage those who write them. Every kind word helps.Thank you in advance for making our fifth Compassion Bloggers trip a success for the children of Kenya.
Want to go on a trip with us? Got to http://compassionbloggers.com/get-involved and fill out the 'Take A Trip' form.
Shaun Groves
Blogger Manager
CompassionBloggers.com
Compassion.com
1-888-435-3336
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