Coleson Next step continued......

Thank you all for praying for us and Coleson when he had his expanders put in. The first encounter that morning was with our pre-op nurse. From the moment she introduced herself, I was hooked. She was so contagious!!! She had gone ahead and looked at her patients for the day and hand picked a Linus blanket just for Coleson. After introductions, she continued to say we need to get ready for fast talking and bad jokes. I laughed thinking maybe thats the way she gets people to lighten up. (I kept thinking in my head what is this chick on that shes so happy at 5am?!!!) Well, she told a bunch of bad jokes and Coleson gave her one too. As she was going through her spiel about yada, yada, yada, she glanced into my 31 bag and the first thing she noticed wasn't my muffins, or my journal, or the magazines from my kind mentor, or Coleson's homework. She REACHES in my bag and pulls out my Bible and says "Whats this?", I said, "It's my Bible". She said "I'm a Christian too, but I'm not supposed to tell you that." Wow SHOCKER, no wonder she's CONTAGIOUS!!!! I would love to get to know her better!! I know she would teach me a thing or two about not being so serious! Anyhow surgery went great and the doc was very impressed with the way everything looked just before we were discharged.
                                       I am hoping the next several months fly by. I'll leave you with a joke from my favorite-ist nurse ever.
                    Where do bumblebee's go to the bathroom?
                    At the B P station.

Coleson thought it funny!

Coleson's Next Step

                    Coleson is scheduled for surgery again. This is the second to last one for many years, hopefully! We will be heading to Akron Children's bright and early on Tuesday the 6th. Coleson will be having expanders put into his cheeks and neck. He will have 4 expanders all together. We will need to inflate these expanders once a week with saline solution from ports that are some where on his scalp. This will slowly expand the good skin that is around the grafted area of his cheeks. (just like a pregnant belly). We will need to do this once a week for 12-14 weeks, depending on the skin's elasticity. In March sometime we will have the expanders removed leaving floppy skin. The doc will remove the grafts and fit the new expanded skin so that Coleson will have a fine suture around his jaw line. Along with this surgery, the doc will be tacking Colesons left ear back up as it has pulled down from healing scar tissue.
                    I was excited to move forward with this surgery, but as the day draws closer, I find myself getting nervous. I keep reminding myself that the end result is what we look forward to. Yes, the next 3 months may be trying as Coleson's face will have obvious bumps. As little boys do, Kendall was razzing Coleson about getting a needle stuck in his arm. Coleson pipes up and said "Yes I know Kendall but then I will look like you again." Coleson is fully aware of everything thats going on and the pain he will have to endure. (He's a smart kid.) If you see Coleson out in public, talk to him, give him a hi-5! Pray for Coleson and us as a family as we won't be venturing out much this winter due to the expanders. Pray also that the end result would have Coleson looking like Kendall again. Thank you in advance! I know we serve an awesome God and that he heals, not just physically but emotionally as well!

Thankfulness

In this season of Thanksgiving, I am always reminded of those who are less fortunate than we are. Not only do the homeless come to mind often, but those who are struggling to put food on the table. My boys go to school with kids, where, the only well balanced meal they get is the lunch at school. Marv and I were discussing this last week after seeing a video clip at church called Depraved Indifference. Heartwrenching. Watch it here . It tugged on both our heartstrings, as I'm sure it did all who were watching. While we are still formulating a plan, we are constantly praying for those who don't have the basics to live. A few things I'm thankful for today: (not in any specific order)
- a loving God
- my family of 5
- a warm bed
- health
- food
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Slump

This morning in my quiet time I came across Psalms 40:1-3. 'I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.' I have been in a slump the past 2 weeks and haven't had any motivation to do more than just the normal, have-to-get-by things. But, this morning I woke up with the song 'How Great Thou Art' rolling through my head. I have been praying that I would have a new fervor for the everyday things and I can't wait to see what's in store for today!!!

Importance

I came across this quote this evening while scrapping: "Some things are very important, and some things are very UNimportant...to know the difference is what we are given life to find out." While that's not what life is ALL about, it plays a part. In my own life, I have found out that when I focus on the things that aren't important, I waste time and energy. I am a happier person when I focus on the things I feel are important.

Missions

This month we've been talking about missions at Grace. This time every year, I get this knot in my stomach that Dr. Murray talked about last Sunday. I would sell all my possessions and move to someplace I've never been, to tell people about Jesus who have never even heard He exists! However, it's not just my decision. I have a husband who loves helping people but when it comes down to leaving good ole' Holmes County, he can't/won't do it. I asked him today on the way home from church if he gets the same knot deep within the pit of his stomach and he said he doesn't. So as you can see, I'm torn. Torn between wanting to do what I feel the Holy Spirit is placing within me and being obedient to my better half. Having been to Costa Rica two times, and other various parts of the US, knowing how Christ uses a willing vessel and the blessings received by being available, is unbelievable! I just want to stick a for sale sign in the yard and head off into the wild blue yonder, taking comfort in the fact that He has it all planned out. Will you pray with me that something gives?

Getting my way

Anyone who knows me, knows that I carry a Type A personality. I am the oldest, I like to get my own way, I'm outspoken, I'm always right and I can be stubborn as a mule. Ask any one of my sister's they will vouch that all the above is true. However, in all reality, I never get my own way, my hubby knows when & where to draw the line. Do I dare admit, I happen to only be right about 50% of the time. While speaking with Coleson's surgeon yesterday, he didn't seem to think that I had the authority to tell him when I want Cole's surgery to be done. (He must have a Type A personality as well!) I was thinking I had this all planned out. If we have the expanders put in now, 3 months of inflation would put us to Christmas break for his plastic surgery and wah-lah all done, ready for the new year! NOT!!!! Doc happens to be booked out until December! Amy is so not getting her way! I had to take a deep breath and deal with it. I remember praying in the office "God you know all things and if this is what needs to happen then so be it!" I still tried to convince him that Christmas break would be great, but he wasn't buying. So we will leave everything up to the One who sees the big picture and whose timing is always perfect!

Oh the places you'll go....

Last night as I was reading to the twinnies, they brought me a book that I didn't even know we had. It's called 'Oh, the Places you'll go' by Dr. Seuss. I can't ever remember reading it before, even when I was younger. As I was reading it, some things stuck out to me like a throbbing thumb in cartoons. (go figure that a childs book would make me think deep, don't laugh!!!) The little boy was off on his journey, things were going well, until he hit a snag in his balloon and got in a slump. "And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done." Anyone whose been in a 'slump' knows that its not easy getting out, but perserverence & prayer are my way out. The little boy then keeps going on to 'The Waiting Place'. I don't like when I have to wait, I'm not a patient person. I know in those waiting times the Lord is teaching patience. I try to take a deep breath and smile. "On and on you will hike. And I know you'll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are. Step with great care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dextrous and deft. And never mix your right foot with your left. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent gauranteed.) So....be your name Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea, you're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." I picture myself as this little boy going from place to place in my life. It's so awesome to see how the Lord has provided or not provided, answered prayer and not answered prayer.

What mountain are you waiting at the bottom of? Go ahead, grab God's hand. With him you can never fail!

Making the most

Every May since the boys have started school, I try to compile a list of activities and events in my head to do with them throughout the summer. I like to make the most of summer and provide 'memory makers'. As they get older its gets more fun. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. A day with amish cousins (who don't have electric, wii, 4 wheelers) is always a nice break from mom & dad. The other Sunday evening we fed the fish at the small pond by the Smokehouse. We try to go to the pool alot as well. Camping is also a hi-lite for them and we are making up for lost time last summer when Coleson couldn't bear the heat. As school is fast approaching, we have a very full August. This mom is extremely busy but soon I will be able to breathe again! Here's hoping you have had some good 'memory makers' this summer!!! 

When it rains...Part 2

So as my post last week unraveled into true life, it didnt turn out quite so bad. Well in all honesty the cost of fixing my car was a little more than the quote but with all my 'problems' bathed in prayer we made it through. After talking with a friend and discovering the week she had, I was more than happy to take the one I had on my plate. (So sorry! you know who you are) I recently read or heard somewhere when you place all your worries and everyday hang-ups in a bowl with all of your friends', you'll be more than willing to take back the ones you threw in there to begin with. (whew! that was the lengthy way of saying that) The virtue of the month for the kids is PERSERVERENCE = refusing to give up when life gets hard! I won't give up or give in because I'm just plain stubborn like that! :)

When it rains.....

...it pours! We've all heard this expression and it has nothing to do with actual rain. Just within the past week we have been 'hit hard'. I don't deal well with stress and prefer to keep life simple. One of the boys had a chipped molar and the tooth was very sensitive. A trip to the dentist reveals not 1, but 2 infections. A prescription and 10 days later two teeth come out with a hefty price tag. On Sunday, not more than a mile down the road we hear a grinding sound and now we need to change the wheel bearing. (I don't even want to know the cost). Marv and I are caught in the middle of a family issue and we need to make a decision that we feel isn't really ours to make, but paperwork says different. We have a friend who is having some emotional issues/stresses and we're not sure how to help. I will keep persisting and persevering and seeking guidance from the one who knows how it all turns out anyway.

New Level

This past weekend my hubby and I reached a new level in our relationship/friendship/marriage. (I'm not talking physically! well maybe a little, am I allowed to say that :)) I see it mostly in our friendship, being able to laugh at ourselves and together. It was as if my eyes were opened a hair more to the depth of love & appreciation that we possess for each other. I don't know how I'll be able to stand it if it gets better than this! :)  

A Song

The following chorus is from the Casting Crowns song 'Somewhere In the Middle'. These words just struck a chord with me last night when I was walking.  Words to ponder on!

Fearless warriors in a picket fence
Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep-water faith in the shallow end
We are caught in the middle

With eyes wide open to the differences
The God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His
Or are we caught in the middle?

101 Reasons I Love Summer

I love summertime!!!! While I will not bore you with all 101 reasons I will mention just a few! Here goes:

  1. soaking up the sun
  2. gardening & yard work
  3. pool time
  4. no school
  5. camping
  6. lazy days at home
  7. spur of the moment gatherings around a campfire on a week nite
  8. work nights with my sisters
  9. fresh fruit & veggies
10. watching my boys play baseball
11. fresh flowers
12. sun kissed cheeks
13. people are happier in the summer
14. laundry on my washline
15. walking outside and not freezing my fingers off
16. the different smells (fresh cut grass, honeysuckle, hay)
17. clean -er car
18. warm weather
19. bbq's
20. sounds outside (birds, animals, neighbors kids having a blast)

This list is just the tip of the iceberg and they are not in any particular order. There are so many more things that I love about summer. Our summer's are busy just like yours and I truly relish everyday. Before I know it the snow's gonna hit the fan again!

Coming, Ready or Not

Yesterday at my Grandma's funeral, one of the preachers told us a story of how he and his wife along with company were sitting on the deck one summer evening.  After a little while, they didn't hear the kids anywhere and it was really quiet. All of the sudden, from out of no where, one of the kids screamed then yelled out "coming, ready or not'!!!!!!!!! Obviously they were playing hide & seek. After his goosebumps went down, he thought to himself thats exactly how the Lord will be returning. At the trumpets sound, He will be coming back, READY OR NOT! Are you ready.................

Laughter

I love to laugh! The side splitting, doubled over, laughing so hard you don't make a sound, tears running down your cheeks, maybe for some of you, peeing your pants kind of laughing! (Am I allowed to blog that part?) It just does something inside of me....not sure if it increases my endorphines or what the deal is. The truth is laughter is the best medicine! I love hearing my boys laugh and banter back and forth. I like watching my mom laugh, its hilarious! I imagine God sitting on the throne of Heaven with a smile on his face when we laugh. Can you picture it too?

Rain, rain, go away

All this rain we've been getting is making my bones feel soggy. Like I've been sitting in a bath tub too long with pruny fingers to boot. I know that the saying goes 'April showers bring May flowers' but rain everyday is a little much. Enough complaining! While I do enjoy the occasional rain shower/thunderstorm, my emotional well being fairs much better when the sun is shining. I'm sure that I'm the only person that needs sunshine to function. With Easter on Sunday I'm well  aware that I need the Son in my life to get from one day to the next! Happy  Easter everyone!!!

Why Bother?

A few weeks ago we at Grace were challenged as to why we bother. Why bother getting up in the morning? Why bother going to work? Why bother doing what we do everyday? Why bother living for Christ? Why bother loving people who wrong us? You catch my drift. I had this lightbulb moment where I felt the Holy Spirit answer those questions. Obedience. Because the Lord asks this from us. Thats why I bother with my walk with Christ, why I bother doing what I do everyday, because in the end it will all have been worth it!!!

One Year

On this day a year ago the sun was shining beautifully, temps were in the lower 60's and life was marching forward. One minute I was sitting at baseball practice and the next I was carrying my 5 yr old across a bean field to a chopper..... When I think back to that day, I ask why? Why God did you have to grab our attention through a helpless child? Why did you let something of this magnitude happen to my baby? I didn't understand and some pieces I still don't have the answers to but I have faith in Christ, who doesn't give us more than we can bear (although it sometimes feels like it) that someday we will see the bigger picture and His awesome plan he has for us all.

Spring

                        For as much as the winter is inevitable after fall so is spring after the winter!!! I love this time of year!!! It cleans out the cobwebs in my mind from the stuffy winter blahs and refreshes my soul. In all of my married years I've never planted spring bulbs in my flower beds. After the summer yard care I was to spent to plant any more flowers. Once spring rolled around I wanted tulips, crocuses, and hyacynths but they won't grow if you don't plant them. So last fall I decided to forgo the lazy train and plant some spring bulbs and am I glad I did! They are sticking their noses out of the mulch like they can't wait to take a breath of fresh spring air! They have in a small way given me hope that the snow is gone and warmer weather is on its way!!! Happy Spring!!!

Enoch

All I can say is I'm being blown away week after week by Beth Moore. She ROCKS!!!!! God bless her for being obedient to His calling for her life.  Genesis chapter 5 states that Enoch walked with God and God found his company to be so enjoyable that he saved Enoch the trouble of dying. Took Enoch straight to heaven!!! Man, to have God himself say to me that he enjoys my company so much that he would take me straight to heaven would be a like dream! Walking by faith not by sight is difficult but my eye is on the goal and hopefully sooner than later I will hear the trumpets sound! 

A kind word

The other day I was doing my own thing, juggling some stuff, thinking about what needed done at home, trying to conjure up whats for dinner, over-analyzing my 8 year olds emotional health, you know all the things that go through a working mothers mind, when I open an email that totally made my day. While I was doing what I do, a friend encouraged me, which put warmth in my heart and a little more bounce in my step. Who do you know thats overloaded that could use a kind word?

Beth Moore

I am really getting hit hard with some of the truths about God in the bible study we started 2 weeks ago. Man, just to try and wrap my brain around a few of the things she points out is overwhelming. Sometimes when I don't think I can grasp what she is saying, the Lord turns on the lightbulb. What an AWESOME God we serve and have no clue in our little minds what he is truly capable of blessing us with if we just seek his face. If God couldn't do what he says he can where would that leave us?  

fasting is hard

This particular fast that we were called to this past 2 weeks have been hard for a number of reasons. My sweet tooth has been relentless, I've been sick, and so on. The first week or so I missed facebook but now, not so much. My boys have been doing awesome with fasting from their ds's, wii, and bow. They are quick to remind each other when one or the other slips up. (Oh the humor of children) At the office we have come to the conclusion that Satan is 'wreaking havoc' in our lives. Its amazing the good things though that come when we give up something in the name of Christ! I cant wait to see whats in store for Grace church in the next few months!!!

Sweetness

I love it when I know I'm where God wants me to be. Pure Sweetness. Nothing ends up being a battle or causing stress....