Happy Birthday to Me and My Niece Too :o)

This picture was taken a few weeks ago in December (in Florida- and notice the short sleeves?! Winter in Florida- ugghh).

This is my beautiful niece who chose to make her debut into the world on my 25th birthday! She has a different middle name, by which she is called, but her first name is Amy :o)

I really have had a great birthday! Glenn and the kids saw to that! It was nice to try not to think of the grief and just enjoy my day. After breakfast, I was given my gifts (with which I am thrilled!!!!!) and then came church, home for Godfather's Pizza.... then tonight while watching the Super Bowl we ate our traditional Super Bowl fare of snack foods! My husband who loves football had said for weeks that since it fell on my birthday we didn't have to watch. After all, his beloved Tampa Bay Bucs weren't playing, not even the Vikings or Packers. (Cala's a big Packers fan!!!!! ha it's true!). I though said that oh sure we were going to watch- I wanted our traditional Super Bowl party (even though it's just us this year!).

Now keep in mind, I don't care one bit for football. I do the nice wife thing and ask Glenn who's playing and act like I care. In all actuality, football could go out of existence and it really wouldn't affect me, but uh, Glenn loves it! I have to admit that tonight I am GLAD to have watched the game! It was neat seeing the Giants win! (did I just write a football post!? Goodness what IS this world coming to?)

ANYWAY- Happy birthday to my sweet niece Michelle! I got to talk to her today- one day we'll get to celebrate together- one day!!!!!!!!

Serene Saturday

Not sure "serene" is the word for it, but uh... it went well with "Saturday".
:o)

Saturday is our "big cleaning" day around here, when we all, as a family clean the house. We got on the ball earlier today than usual which was nice because it allowed the rest of the day for the kids to play and for us to relax a bit... so in that regard, yes, it was a serene day.

--- I was happy today to receive emails from some dear friends in Russia. (fellow missionaries). There were 3 (American) families that we were good friends with "back in the day". The 3 men in each of these families and I all have birthdays close to one another. One birthday was the last part of Jan. Another was yesterday, one today, and mine tomorrow. When in Russia, our four families had a joint party this time of year. I miss that. So, it was nice to hear from these folks and learn more about what's going on with them now.

In other news: I thought it would be a good birthday present for me to have visitors to church tomorrow... lo and behold, Glenn is supposed to pick up a man tomorrow morning for the worship service! God is good!

**I simply love this picture of Cala and me. It was taken a couple of weeks ago at the airport when we went to drop off my niece and my brother.**

Pretty in Pink?

Maybe it has to do with being raised with 3 older brothers, I don't know... I just have never cared much for pink. Yet, it's February, I was getting tired of the plain white background that much reminded me of snow. (I just have to look out my windows to see the real stuff!).

No, with Valentine's Day approaching, pink and red seemed the right thing to do! (no red background offered at Blogger)... I kind of like it :o)

Nothing majorly exciting around here today. We did make a trip to Wal-mart. I was simply thrilled to find Seth a winter coat for next year for $10 on clearance! Yes, just $10. See the picture below of Cala? That's her new coat for next year (had to wear it when it got sooo cold a few days ago). Anyway, each one of our kids now has a $10 coat for next year!!!! That's major savings. They are heavy, 4 in 1 coats (liner comes out to make a lighter coat, etc.) Yep, that kind of savings excites me!

Tonight Daddy called--- asked Glenn to read the Bible to him. Glenn read from the Psalms. What a comfort they are at times like this!

Russian Minnesotan

Cala ready for school this morning. Once she got home, she and I headed to Target to pick up some dress pants and a nice shirt. Her class is going to have a concert tomorrow and the following day. (the parents of Cala's class are supposed to go tomorrow). We had a really nice time and thankfully it had warmed up to -5 with a -21 windchill. No problem for my Russian Minnesotan daughter. Yep! You betcha!

So no new really exciting news to report here. I guess if I looked hard enough I could find some, but uh, I am suffering from cabin fever big time! I really didn't think it would hit me too bad, but who am I kidding? I hate being cooped up... not that I'm really an outdoorsy person, but living here has made me more of one. When Spring hits, you will find me out back quite a bit, enjoying the cool temps. Then comes Summer, and even though it gets hot here, we get quite the breeze in the evenings and I really enjoy sitting on my deck during those times.

Tonight however, I wouldn't go outside for anything if I could avoid it! (and I did). Glenn took Cala to Brownies and wow was it cold. We are now under a wind chill warning, and the schools are actually delayed 2 hours tomorrow morning because of the seriousness of the situation! (windchills of near -50) I am thrilled... just wish Cala was awake when I found out so I could tell her. Of course she will more than likely sleep anyway until her little brothers go waking her up. Ugghh They will then of course come downstairs wondering why Mama wasn't already upstairs to get Cala up. (no matter how hard I try, they always wake up as I go down the hall to Cala's room, the little early birds!).

Praying for the homeless tonight. I can't begin to imagine!

Am I really going to be 37 soon?!

I don't particularly hate birthdays, I am doing fine with turning 37 this coming Sunday, February 3rd. It's the thought of being 40 in 3 years that strikes me strange!!!! I turned 30 in Russia... I remember it as if it were yesterday. We were driving down Nevsky Prospekt in our dark green Volga and listening to a cassette I cherished of country singer Tim McGraw! The song playing? "My Next Thirty Years" of course!

Never would I have imagined seven years ago that I would be living in the U.S., much less would I have imagined Minnesota!!! (it still blows my mind!) I was sure we would be in Russia for many, many moons to come! Never would I have imagined that I would be Mama to two Hispanic boys (and when I turned 30, we were 3 months from bringing Cala home).

Wow.... time does fly, time does change things. Wow....

The point of this post?! I don't know! lol Just a bit melancholy today. I told Glenn that instead of dreading my pending birthday (and I am sure it will be strange this year with all the sadness surrounding my mind), that I was going to be like the kids would be... SO, I announced today with pride and excitement in my voice- Mama's birthday is in just SIX sleeps!!!

Of course my kids think, "no fair. I wish it were my birthday!" To which I will respond, "naa naa naa naa naa naa... it's going to be mine, not yourrrrrrsssss".

Does this mean I have to change that to the right that says, "mid-30's" to actually read, "late 30's!"??????? ;op

On Saturdays we do a family "big" clean. (meaning we clean the house together). We usually stay in and today was no different.

Silly us, we were all downstairs together... all but Seth. I said, "and Seth...is doing what? Only God knows, right?" You see, the rest of us were wrapped up in cleaning downstairs when I realized Seth wasn't with us. Ethan went upstairs to find him marking on the wall with markers. The evidence was all over his face as well. sigh.... Glenn took some Spic N Span to the wall *but first had Seth do it* and it's a faint memory now. I think I will buy a Magic Eraser (normally would have had two on hand!) and see if that will finish it off.

Got to love Seth lately. He's really a mess! (Of course he wasn't happy to be sent to nap right then and there).

Let's Take His "E"

A lighter post tonight brought to you by my youngest (3 year old) son, Seth.

Our 5 year old, Ethan told a series of lies tonight. :o/ One had to do with his sister, and so we asked Seth and her to come talk to us a moment. Actually we only asked Seth to come down because he can't be trusted to stay out of stuff upstairs when no one is with him! lol

Anyway, we asked Cala more about the situation with Ethan and then said, "what would you do if this were your son?" (Not sure why we asked, we just did.) Seth was quick to respond and said, "Let's take his "E"." I said, "The E from his name?!" Seth responds, "Yes, I like his "E". I want it". HA HAAAAAAAAAAAA We all just lost it right there.

I later couldn't resist and asked Seth where would he want the "E" to go? In front of his "S" or after it. He said "after". I guess we can now call Seth, "Seeth" and our oldest son?

Well, we could go with "our son formerly known as Ethan", or leave it at "than."

Of course I right away called the grandparents. My Daddy got a real kick out of it and asked as do I, "where do kids come up with this stuff?!"

I normally do my grocery shopping on Mondays or no later than Tuesday. Well, here it is about to be Friday and I have successfully put it off all week! It's just been too cold. Tomorrow we are supposed to actually get in the teens at some point, so I am definitely having to go to the store then! After all, I can only get by with what's in the cabinets for so long! Tonight was grilled cheese (the George grill makes great ones!) and canned tomato soup.

I had to go to a "Parents Only" meeting tonight concerning Ethan going to Kindergarten in the fall. It was an informative meeting, attended by 45 people. (O.k., so being a PK my whole life- I just HAVE to count! I can't help myself! I count and then think, "wow, if we could get this crowd to church!" ha).

I can hardly wait for fall. I think Ethan is going to LOVE Kindergarten! He's loving pre-school, which here is SR (School Readiness). He wanted to go to the meeting tonight, couldn't understand why it was only for parents. :o)

*** Talked to Daddy tonight on my way home. It's just hard to know these moments will all too soon end.***

Just another cold day in the frozen tundra! We ate supper at Perkins where on Tuesday nights, kids eat free per adult purchase. Since the boys never eat enough to warrant a full meal each, they split a meal. (and order an extra drink). So, we only pay for Glenn and me. That works well, gets us out, and I just spend that much less in groceries for the week.

Cala is really missing her cousin. (I am too honestly!).

Talked to my Mama and Daddy today. Mama said Hospice said Daddy might be around 2 to 3 more months. That's really what we expected.

Thankful

Thankful today for safety while traveling to and from the airport. This afternoon, on our way back home, the radio announced there were 18 accidents in the metro today due to icy conditions. (it snowed a good part of the morning). Black ice caused a lot of trouble. We passed six such accidents and are thankful to God He protected us.

I am just a bit sad tonight- the house feels empty. HA! Funny how the difference of one or two people can do that. Life will get back to some sort of normal around here I hope in the coming days.

My heart is both here and in Florida.

Nothing Much

Nothing much going on today but staying inside from the cold. We did our normal Saturday cleaning and spent much time watching the Republican returns from Nevada and South Carolina. My parents are from South Carolina and so my brother and I watched it with extra interest.

We're praying for folks to "brave the cold" and come to church tomorrow morning. Pray with me.

The ticker to the right says it all....

If you notice my new weather ticker to the right, you'll see it's cold. As I type this, in fact, it reads -14. (yes, 14 BELOW). We spent today visiting the Global Market in the Cities. It was a really neat place and I am so glad we went! We ate lunch at a Somalian restaurant and it was really, really good! I am looking forward to getting to go back. There were neat shops from around the world.

Cala was very disappointed that there was no place from her country. :o/ I would have loved some Russian food too but hey! It was so cool eating food from a country we know so little about and meeting a Somalian man.

Yes, we about froze. The windchills have reached -30 tonight and we are for sure staying covered up. Tomorrow we plan to completely stay in the house. It's going to potentially be worse.

I told my brother he would always remember the time he was crazy enough to brave the frozen tundra of Minnesota and survived!

Brother has Come and wow it's cold....

My brother arrived safely and we are having a nice time together. It's been bitterly cold today, and as I type this, it's a nice 3 degrees. We are expected to have what has been described as "dangerously" cold weather on Saturday and Sunday- wind chills could be as low as 40 below!! Yikes. I think we will surely layer and layer for church Sunday morning. (no part of the body uncovered that's for sure).

Tomorrow we are planning to head in to the Cities to see what we can see! It should be a nice time of trying to stay warm. ha School is out tomorrow as well as Monday so Cala is thrilled to have the rest of the time to spend with her cousin.

Got to go get warm!

Brother Coming

The girls (our daughter and her cousin) really enjoyed tonight (Tuesday). Cala is a part of the Brownies and tonight they toured a nearby city's police dept. They allowed my niece to go too and both girls came back really excited! It was nice to see their enthusiasm but wow did I ever get a reality check when they came back talking about how CUTE the police officer was!!!!! They are NINE years old! Of course Mama here explained that they are waaaaaayyy too young to be talking like that! Goodness what will I have on my hands in the coming years!?

*** *** *** ***

My middle brother is coming tomorrow. He is coming to accompany our niece (our oldest brother's daughter) back to Florida on Monday. He is really in for a rude awakening when he faces a Minnesota winter! He's already said he will just stay in and hibernate while he's here. We'll see, dear brother... we'll see.

Update on Daddy: Hospice is really being a blessing as we knew it would be. Mama says today was a very busy day for everyone at home since not only did Hospice come but some out of town surprise visitors came and while there another friend showed up! Oh yes! Mama said a long time acquaintance also called and talked for quite awhile.

I am thrilled that so many are showing their love at this time. It's really a blessing to my Daddy I am sure as he is SUCH a people person!

A Couple of Pictures

It was 2 weeks ago that we took the first picture of Seth, at Daytona Beach. Then today (Friday), we took this precious picture of both boys bundled up here in Minnesota. We spent a big part of the day shopping. We called a nearby city to verify that they indeed had girls' snow boots and snow bibs in the size we needed for my niece. Praise the Lord we finally found a store that had them so she can play outside with Cala! They did just that today and had a blast! One neat thing is that the bibs are a couple of sizes larger than Cala and the boots are one size bigger so they can be used for her in the coming winters.

I am so thankful that Cala has her cousin here right now and we are all trying to get back to whatever normal is. I thought I had done well with that until a break down late tonight while alone upstairs. Oh well... I know there's bound to be much more of that.

There but for the Grace of God

I am sure by now you have heard about the 100 car pile up in Wisconsin on Sunday. The fog that day was just incredible! After we heard about the incident, we figured out we were through there an hour before this happened. Just think had we lingered a bit longer at the motel that morning or something!!!

Praise the Lord for His mercy! The fog was indeed HORRIBLE Sunday as we were traveling- visibility near zero much of the drive and in fact I said to Glenn, "I sure wish we would get out of this, see the sun even".... it did happen once we got to Minnesota :o) I saw that as a smile from God.

*** *** ***

On to our tire blew out this week- money we didn't plan to spend but God will provide. That tire could have blown out while on the road, and so I praise God that we were safely in our town here and not stranded on the interstate. (especially not in that fog!)

We indeed made it home Sunday evening right at 5:00 p.m. I have been trying to get back into the swing of things, back into my day to day routines, but alas that's hard. I'm enjoying my niece being here and am really looking forward to my brother being here next week.

Update on my Daddy: He agreed to Hospice finally and they have come this week.

On Our Way Home

This morning was terrible- the worst thing yet. I know the most terrible will be hearing, "Come on, it's time." And then the actual death of my Daddy. Today was heart wrenching. I am still not able to talk about it... just know I need your prayers.

I know I am not without hope- I can rejoice in the fact that my Daddy will soon have a new home- a heavenly one and he will be in no pain. He'll be able to walk, even be able to run! That's incredible and I rejoice in that. I still know that the human side of me is devastated at my loss... the loss of my earthly father.

I will post more when I'm able. We are traveling with our 9 year old niece along. She'll be with us for 18 days. That makes our 9 year old daughter very happy! They've talked non-stop all day.

Leaving for Minnesota this Morning

Please pray for us as we are traveling back home this morning. This will be so very hard of course. We will make it home at least by Sunday.

I will try updating along the way each night. No promises though.

Christmas, Trying to press on....

Christmas was a good day. Of course, underlying was the fact that this was Daddy's last with us. That was hard. That was super hard. To me it felt like we were all actors in a play and trying not to talk about the proverbial elephant in the room... that thing that was weighing heavily on all our hearts and minds.

We started our celebration with Daddy trying to read the Christmas story from Luke, but he was unable to finish and so my youngest brother took over. We all gathered in Daddy's room, around his bed for this, and so it will be a memory that stands out throughout my life. Daddy said he was so glad we were all together and then he prayed.

I believe we all tried to check in with him throughout the opening of gifts, eating our meal, etc. It was indeed nice to be all together.

*** *** *** ***

This past Wednesday night, Glenn and I hosted our nieces and nephew, along with our kids here at Mama and Daddy's house, for a sleep over. We had invited them for Christmas Eve Eve (Dec. 23rd) for our family tradition, but our kids were sick that night. This took the place of it and we had pizza, played games, watched movies, had a good time!

Then, as if that weren't enough fun, on Friday, Glenn and I and our kids, my middle brother and his wife, their daughter, my youngest brother's daughter, and two of my oldest brother's kids all went to the beach! This was in lieu of what we call our "Cousins Trip". Let me back up and explain... I am not really sure when our first ever trip was like this, but back when Glenn and I first married, before we had our first child, we would take my nieces and nephews (whoever was here at that time) for what we called back then, a "Nieces and Nephews" trip. We would go out to eat and spend the night at some motel, where we could swim and have a good time being together.

Enter our daughter, and now it was no longer a "nieces and nephews" trip, but rather a "Cousins" trip! This time, not being able to afford two motel rooms as it would now take, but wanting to do something with them all (especially since two of them brought it up!!!!), we decided to ask one of my brothers if he and his wife could take a load and accompany the cousins to the beach. We had a picnic there and stayed 4 hours or so!!! Everyone had a great time and it was just what we needed that particular day. I wouldn't trade that memory for anything! We said all day, "I am so glad we did this."

NOW, being the glutton for punishment that I am, (HA!), once we got back here to Mama and Daddy's house- around 6:30 p.m., we rushed everyone through the shower, and once all were finished dressing, off we went to the MALL!!!!!! Ugghh.. I am so not a mall person, but do confess to loving to go watch people! This was a previously planned mall trip (planned before the beach was planned). When I told the cousins about going to the beach, as I knew would happen, my 16 yr. old niece replied, "does this mean we're NOT going to the MALL?" HA HA Wouldn't you know it, my 9 year old daughter asked the very same thing?!

It was perfectly timed though at the mall, as once we got there, we only had an hour before they closed! Couldn't have worked out better, don't you think?

**** **** ****

I am very glad for these memories- the fun times amidst the pain. I can't forget however that Thursday, I leave for Minnesota. I am so sad about that I can't imagine what I'm going to do. Continue praying.

Crying that doesn't Stop.......

I spent the entire evening service last night at church, crying. The tears would not stop no matter how hard I tried. Each Sunday night, my brother has the congregation have a prayer time- go around and all who want to, prays. I always have participated but last night, when it would have been my turn, I knew not to try. The tears wouldn't stop. Yes, I've cried in church before in front of others, but not to this extent. Grief I am finding, is horrible. It's hard. It's tiring. It takes the energy right out of your body.

I also am finding that everyone grieves differently. I am sort of thankful for that, and sort of not. I know I make little sense these days.

Glenn, our daughter and our baby son were sick yesterday and missed church. The two kids that were sick had high fevers. We had plans for last night to do our traditonal camping out on Christmas Eve Eve, and make cookies for Santa. We had planned to have my nieces join us. So, we would have been at my parents for the night- however, we didn't want to bring this sickness on him.

I am thankful this morning that all fevers are gone. We will leave my inlaws soon to get Christmas groceries.

Tonight, we will let the kids open one present and we will all put on our new pajamas. We are trying to press on with our traditions.

Pray for our family... please. Tomorrow will surely be happy and sad.

Tonight

All I could think about at the viewing tonight (Thursday) was how glad I was that it wasn't the same funeral home as where my Daddy's body will be. (There are two funeral homes in my home town here). I also couldn't help but be very sad and want to do nothing but run away, screaming as I ran.

It struck me tonight how people there were very sad of course, grieving, but yet others (visiting) were laughing. I thought how sad that must be for the grieving folks. Maybe that's just me, I don't know.

Tonight, I will be in the room with my Daddy... as I write this, it's almost 1 a.m. He's been dreaming, calling out for my youngest brother, as well as calling his oldest brother (who has been dead for many years now.). Tonight, he called out, "No, not tonight."

I can't help but be sad. I am losing the person who so much to me I can't begin to write the words.

Death of Family Friend

Just yesterday morning, a dear family friend died. This hit us hard. Her family has been quite close to us through the years. They were members of our church here in Florida (where I grew up and Daddy is Pastor) for many years. Then this lady's son in law (who grew up in our church here) became Pastor of a church and they eventually went there. Their grandson's wife is a close, close friend of mine.

This is just all very sad. Sis. H went into the hospital a couple of weeks ago with an infection that was never determined the cause. She eventually had a heart attack one night, another heart attack yesterday morning and died.

What struck me was that her daughter and son in law were here to visit Daddy this past week... the son in law came to not only visit Daddy but to work on a light that was having trouble in his room. They stayed a long time and never in their minds was the thought that their Mom/Mom-in-law would soon be gone.

What also struck me was that a few weeks ago, Sis. H of course knew of my Daddy's situation and never would have she known she would beat him to heaven. Wow. You just never know.

I must say I am glad that her funeral is being held at a different funeral home than is handling Daddy's viewing. (his actual funeral will be at church). I just don't know how I would handle that. After all, I passed by the funeral home last week, saw some mourners outside and bawled. I asked God to touch them, comfort them.

I do praise the Lord that tonight as I type this, Sis. H. is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord! That's great... sad for her family. They are surely devastated.

Depression

First off: yes, we are still o.k. No other door shakings have gone on... although this evening, a woman we have met a few times came to the door to tell us that someone had been messing with the dogs. She told them to stop and off the man went. Hmmm... then tonight we saw a man on a bike- no big deal, I just took note that his eyes met ours. Within 2 minutes, the police had surrounded him, frisked him and cuffed him. Away he went. Hmmm....

*** *** *** ***

Depression has set in with me I do fear. Yes, I know depression. Through terrible events many moons again, I know it well. I fear life without my Daddy- plain and simple. That's it. I fear it.

Pray.

A Bit Nervous

Last night, around 11 p.m., one of my brother's left for the night. My parents were about asleep and so I went to the computer to check my email. Let me say here, I rarely do this at dark since in this room where the computer is- the blinds are broken in places and so I know someone could see me.

Ten minutes later, I get the distinct feeling that someone is watching me. (I've had this feeling twice before and both times I was right). I told myself though that I'm just crazy- no one is watching me, I'm just a scaredy cat. (of which I'll readily admit I am in some cases). HOWEVER, I couldn't get this feeling to shake and so I just while still emailing, reached back to the dining room table and grab my purse which was in plain view. I moved it next to me and kept typing. Another ten minutes or so passed when someone shaked the door handle and then shook the door, trying to get in! I jumped up, ran towards my Daddy and Mama, hollering, "Mama! Daddy! Someone is trying to get in, I'm calling the police!" SO, I grabbed the phone and began dialing. After I got off with them, I immediately called my brother asking him to turn around and come here for the night. He did, and found a shot gun and all seemed well. (Yes the police came, were very nice, but since I didn't see anyone- no, I wasn't going to look! My instinct was to run!!!, they couldn't do anything more).

My brother, my Mama and I were then in the living room talking, trying to calm down when within thirty minutes, it happened AGAIN!!!! My brother jumped up, I jumped up (in a somewhat comical manner- since I was in a lift chair and didn't want to wait on the slow remote to get me up!). My brother hollers with gun in hand, and I call the police yet again. Some more (now) comical stuff ensues, but yet we were now scared since we didn't expect it to happen twice! The police came back and said they would be watching the house and back inside we went.

I felt very bad for my Daddy who was upset about not being able to protect us. I cried and said, "Daddy, still my first instinct was to run to you! You being here still makes me feel better!" It was an emotional time for sure.

We are now talking of safeguarding measures, etc. and making sure a man is always here at night. My oldest brother and his family have been in Mexico this past week visiting my sister-in-law's family and come back tonight. While my middle brother and I go pick him up at the airport, my youngest brother and children will be here until we get back.

I can't shake this feeling- and now it's dark. I'm leaving the computer until morning.

Pray for us!

Small Update

We had a nice Thanksgiving. It was very sad for me when I realized this would be Daddy's last. Oh sure, I knew it was, but really facing it is different!

My sister in law and I went Black Friday shopping and had a great time. It was nice to get out.

Today, being Saturday, we went to yard sales. Nothing major, but we had a good time together.

Tomorrow is church- I'm looking for great results in Minnesota!

Daddy is having more wild dreams. He had a really rough night last night, crying out in pain. He said the radiation has definitely worn off. He's so very tired.
;o(

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a 'bittersweet' Thanksgiving at best for me. I really miss my husband and daughter (and my house) this morning. It's 22 with a windchill of 11 at our house and is snowing. (very different than here in Florida!)

It will no doubt be the last Thanksgiving with my Daddy here.

My inlaws traditionally go to my parents on Thanksgiving (Glenn is an only child and it would just be them alone so Mama has long invited them too). Today it will be my Mama, Daddy, my oldest brother and his family (wife and 3 kids), my youngest brother, his 2 kids, my 2 boys and me, my inlaws. That's 15 of us. We are having a real feast- turkey, dressing, ham, mashed potatoes (I am quite sure there will be gravy too!), green beans, corn, hashbrown casserole, baked beans, sweet potato casserole
Dessert: pumpkin pie, pecan pie (Cool Whip to top them), apple pie, cherry pie, coconut pie (my mother in law home made the cherry and coconut ones).

And of course we will have rolls and sweet tea!

My Daddy has always been the one to do the dressing for the turkey. Glenn called him asking for his dressing recipe, yesterday.
Glenn is a great cook, but this year will be his first turkey- he's doing the dressing though like my Daddy always did. (we've been doing that since we lived in Russia- but called yearly to ask how- never wrote it down- sure have now!).

Seriously- do pray for us! We are going to put tables in the living room so we can all sit as close to Daddy as we can (he's in a hospital bed in their room).

Daddy's Dreams

Today (Wednesday), I didn't get to the house until around 4 p.m. I left after church at 8:30. Daddy wasn't awake at all during that time. That's unusual during those hours. I was sad not to really see him. (meaning not awake).

I walked in his room when I first got there, got in the bed we got for Mama last week... Daddy was saying, "Dad, Hey Dad! Howell! Howell!" I immediately cried and left the room. Howell is my Uncle Howell, Daddy's oldest brother (lacked one day of being 10 years older than Daddy). Uncle Howell died a few years ago of leukemia. It was touching to me that he's seeing his Dad and his brother, but hard for me to realize that we will go through much more of this.

In other news: please say a prayer for my health. I'll perhaps mention more someday.

Transmission :o/

Unfortunately, the problem with our van IS indeed the transmission is shot! Ugghhh $1800 to be re-built at the place where they gave us the free estimate. An acquaintance has told us about a place that would possibly be a few hundred dollars cheaper... we will look into that on Monday. We had it re-built about 3 years ago!

Now praying it will make it another couple of years at least when our truck will be paid off and we can afford a newer van.

Life is ever interesting.

Daddy had a rough day- in good news, we found Mama a bed! It's a day bed like we wanted so it will serve a dual purpose of being a place for guests to sit. We got it for $25. Same bed was $139 at a SECOND HAND place!

Praying for church services to go well tomorrow.

My Wednesday

Daddy did it... he preached from his bed. Now, let me back up and say the devil sure must be after us! I took my parents' van to pick up my mother in law for church (father in law stops by church on Wed. on his way in from work). When I cranked the van (after stopping at my inlaws), it wouldn't crank! (Remember MY van is shot!?). As my mother in law was on the phone with her brother asking him to run us three (my mil, me and my oldest brother) to church, my brother was praying and I got it cranked (but putting it in neutral, cranking and then going!).

Sure enough, once we got to church, it wouldn't go again. Oh well! We made it. Do pray concerning all these van troubles. I said if my inlaws' car cut off on the way home (since I was driving), I was done!

Back to Daddy: he preached concerning, "In My Father's House". I taped it on cassette as well as I called Glenn and he and Cala put it on speaker phone and were able to hear the sermon! (got to love that!) I believe all who heard were touched by the subject matter and the fact it was preached by a dying man who will soon see all these things he was talking about. He closed by asking us to sing the hymn, "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be".

In other happy news: 16 years ago today, Glenn and I started dating. We both remembered. We always do :o)

Out of Sorts

I don't even know how to describe how I feel tonight other than "out of sorts". I feel blah, uggh, just don't know. I got to spend maybe 5 minutes with my Daddy today, as this morning he had to go to the ER for his catheter to be replaced. That took a long time in the waiting on transportation back home, etc. (since he can't sit up, an ambulance had to bring him home as well as take him there of course). After I talked with him a few minutes, I had things to do and he was asleep anyway. This evening, since my van is broken down, I came home with my inlaws. I thought of using their car to go back to my parents' home (my father in law offered), but in the end I just felt like I needed the 'down time'. Although, now I'm not too sure. I just feel like woe is me, cranky, you name it. I broke down crying tonight- good to have inlaws who are so understanding and caring. I felt ridiculous, but oh well. This is just so hard.

My Daddy wants to preach tomorrow night! If so, this will be from his bed, and those gathered will be there at the parsonage (Wed. night service is now usually held at the parsonage). What a touching time this will be. Pray he's able to do so.

I am just sad tonight. Really really sad.

Another "one of those days" post

Ever had a day that started out well but ended up terrible? I sure have today! This morning we were taking our time here at my inlaws getting some much needed washing done, etc. This afternoon- well, all bets were off!

I carried my oldest brother, his wife and their two youngest children somewhere and on our way back, my van broke down. We were on a very, very busy highway in the middle of rush hour traffic! Ugghh. A tow truck was called and off we went. We actually had a blast as the tow truck (an acquaintance of ours for many years) hooked the van up and towed us home to the tune of $45. Ok, so spending $ is not a blast, but the ride home was. It was a much needed laugh really as we were "way up high" going through town.

I am soooo praying it's not the transmission as it might very well be. We were hoping this van would last us a couple of more years before having to buy another one. Now, at the point of desperation, a.k.a. no money!, we pray for God to show us what to do.

I do praise the Lord that the van didn't do this tonight when I would be traveling through some dark roads with the boys on the way to my inlaws. I certainly praise His name that it didn't take place traveling from Minnesota or to there! What a mess that would be! Things could definitely be worse!

My father in law came by to get us on his way home from work. I asked if he could stay 10 minutes as I was just getting ready to get in the shower and so he did. I got dressed and realized that the pair of jeans I put on- the zipper is broken! ughhh.... I had to laugh as this afternoon when we started out in the van, my sister in law asked if I realized the dress I had on had a hole in the seam around my waist! Ughhh....

As for my Daddy- well, he called me in the room right before I left there tonight... Ethan (my 4 year old son) had come in there and said, 'Grandpa, I'm going to miss you." Thinking Ethan was talking about when he went to his other grandparents house, my Daddy said, "I'll miss you too, son." Ethan replied, "no, no...I miss you when you go to Heaven." The tears streamed down my Daddy's face! (mine too as he told me about it). I then told Daddy that I just am not ready to let him go, and he said, "I know... you never really will be."

Long Story Short

The short version is it's been a long day.... yard sales this morning with my sister-in-law (in which we found nothing!), supper with my brother and my sister-in-law to Sonny's Barbecue... in between there my middle brother took care of the boys and took them to the park! I dropped them off, he walked them back home, first stopping at McDonald's for Happy Meals and also to let our niece and our nephew join them. SO, there was my middle brother (who has grown kids), taking care of 4 little ones- a 9 year old girl, 2 four year old boys and a 2 year old boy. I must interject that the boys are all rambunctious!

I then took my 9 year niece to Wal-mart tonight. I know how it is to live in another country, come to the states and long to see Wal-mart again! I imagine at age 9, it's even more urgent to get there! I haven't had much time with this niece, and so it was very nice to be with her tonight. (once again, I'm writing well past midnight and am referring to Friday night). She talked non-stop but was so funny. I miss Cala, and this niece is 12 days younger than Cala so this was really good for me.


Tonight however, I had my father-in-law pick up the boys on his way home from work. I was thinking this way I could spend extra time here with Daddy before heading to their home to sleep. Then, Daddy asked me and my brothers to come talk to him, and I ended up spending the night here.

We are heading to yard sales in the morning.... praying we find a bed for Mama and some comfortable chairs for guests that will visit Daddy.

Exhausted once again.... goodnight.

I'm writing this after midnight, but when I say "today", I mean Thursday. Today, my oldest brother and his family arrived from Paraguay. (where they are missionaries). My two other brothers and I went to pick them up. Under normal circumstances, we would be happy to all be together, as this is a RARE occasion. (the last time being about five years ago). This is anything but normal circumstances!

It was great to meet my brother's two youngest children. They've had them home for a little over a year. It was a bright spot in the evening when we got my boys together with these two. Cousins meeting for the first time was neat. My brother's oldest daughter is just 12 days younger than Cala. They have been together three times in their lives. I am looking forward to next month seeing them together again.

There are bright spots. There are terribly sad, somber spots. I know one thing- there's comfort in having all my brothers around. I feel I can exhale a bit now. Tonight, me and the boys moved to my inlaw's house. I will probably spend most of my time at my parents' home, but come here late to sleep. I told my mother in law that honestly, while I want to and feel the need to be "down there" (eight miles away), this will be good for me... a place to 'retreat' so to speak from the gloom that is filling the air there.

Last night, (Wednesday), was an interesting church service. We had it at the parsonage, and my youngest brother (who is Daddy's co-Pastor and well, really now THE Pastor) preached a "funeral" sermon basically. He just felt led of God to do this as he stated "when it comes time to bury Daddy I'll probably need Valium". We opened the door to Daddy's room and it was a strange feeling to hear this dying man say, "Amen", to hear him sing along a bit with his favorite hymn, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"... knowing that soon he'll be in the presence of Jesus! Wow.

I am filled with much emotion. There's gladness and sadness. I go between the two. Mostly sad. I know joy will come at some point.

Mental Health Day

Today was what I guess you could call a "Mental Health Day". One of my brothers and I (the middle brother) took the boys to yard sales. How can that be relaxing you ask? I simply love yard sales/garage sales or carport sales as a dear departed soul used to call them, whatever you choose to say, I love them! It is not often that I have someone with me that enjoys them as much as my brother seemed to today! We enjoyed some laughs and it really did serve to take our mind off of everything.

We didn't even find what we set out looking for- a car seat for our oldest brother's baby girl and a bed or roll away for my Mama (to sleep in the same room with my Daddy since he is now here in a hospital bed). Any other day I would see car seat after car seat but not so today! I saw a wonderful bed get sold for just $10 (yes, it was a great bed) right as we pulled up to one sale! We will keep looking.

I did come back with some toys for the boys. That served to keep them more occupied and they even behaved better today.

As for my brother? Well, he started the morning thanking me for giving him a new hobby as he was really enjoying the yard sales. He ended the day however, saying he would not be returning next week as he simply bought too much "junk". HA HA! He was hilarious.

I think I'll get him in the van next Friday!

He's here

Daddy is home now. He came home (by ambulance) last night. My brother and I spent yesterday afternoon breaking down Mom and Dad's bed, cleaning their room (dusting, etc.) and then someone came to install a hospital bed. Turns out the hospital bed is hard as a rock and miserable. As I write this, the home health nurse is here and she will be told about the bed. Hopefully another one can be ordered. This one appears to be super old.

Side note: The doctors suggested Hospice but for whatever reason, Daddy doesn't want them yet. In these matters, of course we are letting him decide. (at this point). I think he's overwhelmed really.

By night time I was honestly ready to collapse. Thank the Lord for my inlaws taking care of the boys. They spent the night there and I picked them up early this morning.

Emotionally, I am I guess what you would call, "spent". I think at this point I am past crying, although that's probably not true either, as singing a song this past Wednesday night (at church) reduced me to tears. There are just so many strange emotions going on, and they can change daily, even hourly.

Last Night

Last night I spent the night at the hospital. We finally convinced my Mama to go home and get some rest. Of course she called me wanting to know how he was, etc. I can see that it's not easy honestly for her to go home and not be with him. I can understand that. I can only imagine I would be the same way were it Glenn in that hospital bed.

It truly sounds strange to say I enjoyed my time with my Daddy, but I did to a degree. I enjoyed being able to be with him since this is the new reality we all must face.

After having a "good" day yesterday, he had a really bad night last night. Today he slept most all day. Mama and I spoke with a representative of Hospice to learn more about what they are all about. We have some decisions to make. We are leaving the final say so up to Daddy. Pray that all is according to God's will. No easy answers right now.

Please also pray for my oldest brother (lives in Paraguay) to be able to get here soon. He's working on changing his ticket (which is currently for Dec. 4th, arriving here the 5th). He needs to get here a.s.a.p. Daddy is waiting on him.

Tomorrow, church. Glenn is going to have a service with Daddy at the hospital. I think that will be nice for them both.

I will go back one night this coming week and stay the night again. In about a week, we think Daddy will come home. We have a lot to do in that time though to get their house ready. Pray for us.

Florida

I couldn't post about it on Monday, because we didn't tell my family... but we are now in Florida. We left Sunday afternoon after church, spent that night in Illinois, Monday night in Georgia and made it in on Tuesday evening. Tuesday evening, we already had it set up with my inlaws to eat supper with them and for the kids to spend the night there. We rode down to my parents' house (8 miles) before Mama left for the night (to go to the hospital).

We had chosen not to tell my family, because as Glenn said, "why give them anything else to worry about- worrying about us while we travel, etc." What an emotional time it was when we arrived at the door! I am so glad we came now instead of later.

Yesterday was when I saw my Daddy. I spent several hours with him, and from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., it was just us. That was certainly special, even though it was heart breaking at the same time.

Today, I am at 'home' (where I grew up), doing some cleaning, going to make supper later for everyone, etc. Glenn and Cala have gone now to see Daddy and pick Mama up for the evening. We will take her back at 10 p.m. I however will be spending the night tomorrow night, alone with Daddy. I want my Mama to rest here at home. They've been married 51 years. This is surely taking some adjusting to, I am positive.

As I sat there last night I began thinking back to when I was a kid... hearing Daddy snore made me feel safe, at least knowing that he was there, and all was well- he could and would fight off any 'bad guy' should there be one to appear. Here however, last night, as I sat in the hospital with him, listening to his bi-pap machine (for sleep apnea), I thought about how while I still knew he was there, all was not well. There indeed was a 'bad guy' in the room, by the name of Cancer. This is a monster that Daddy can't take care of, and soon, I will be without my Daddy that I love so very much.

Grief has begun.

The Past Three Days

Cala's party on Saturday went very well! Most importantly, Cala has a great time! When all was said and done, there were 20 kids here and one adult that stayed a few minutes. The adult was one of our neighbors that we had yet to meet. That was really nice. They moved in while we were in Florida this past summer and although I kept meaning to get over there and meet them, one thing after another would keep me from doing so. Now, I wish we would have met weeks ago. We really had a good time talking Saturday!

Cala got lots of nice things and one funny thing she did: After everyone sang the traditional "Happy Birthday", they went into "How Old Are You?, How Old Are You?". As soon as they were done, Cala blew out her candles and said, "I may be small, but I'm 9 years old!" It was priceless and everyone laughed!

Following the party, I thought my feet would break. The invitations read 1-3 p.m. and so her classmates went home right after 3. The neighborhood kids though all stayed and played until I finally had to tell them Cala had to come in. That was near 6 p.m. Of course, I like having them here. I like knowing where my daughter is :o)

*****

Sunday: A lady came to church, stood in the back during the message (arrived late). She got gone before we could speak to her, but the building attendant said she told her that she had seen one of our flyers. We are uncertain as to whether or not she received an invitation at her home, or if she had seen a flyer at a local business. (we've checked, and thankfully our flyers have pretty much stayed put around the area).

God is working! He reminds us this just at the right time it seems. We are thankful for this.

*****

Today (Monday): Due to Cala having a fall break this week, and it being her actual birthday, we stayed on the road throughout the day. We had a great day celebrating her birth! We had a picnic type lunch and Cala chose our restaurant for supper. Tomorrow, we are planning to be gone most of the day again, taking in the fall colors and cool weather. This week is all about family. :o) I want our children to have great memories of times we spend together.

My Daddy: All continues "status quo" so far. I will continue to update as I get word.

There's a Party Goin' On Right Here

Yes, you read that right... amidst the sadness here, we are today having a Birthday party for Cala. She turns 9 years old on Monday! I absolutely can't believe she's this "old." She's been our daughter since she was 2 years 7 months old, but at that time she was much more like a baby than the toddler she was chronologically.

We've invited her class from school as well as the neighborhood kids. I wrote on the invitations "RSVP appreciated but not required". (I personally would hate to have someone not come because they didn't rsvp). We have had at least 7 classmates RSVP and about the same amount in neighborhood kids. I will be interested to see how many we have in the end.

I will try to post pictures a.s.a.p. It will be a nice distraction from everything else.

Following the party, we will clean up, then collapse for awhile (lol) before heading to Wal-mart to buy some things we didn't get yesterday, for the coming week.

Dates on a Calendar

I am writing this after 1 a.m. so technically it is now Wednesday, October 10th. So, yesterday, the 9th is what I want to talk about- It was fourteen years ago that day that I called my Daddy. Strangely enough, he was in the hospital then, and I was calling him with the sad news that I had miscarried my first baby.

Here we are fourteen years later and oh how I wish he were in the hospital for something "simple" as what they called back then a "bleed out" (from an ulcer). We were worried about him then, but not as we are now. No, now we know we are faced with our Daddy dying. I can't even type those words without breaking into tears.

Usually at this time of year, I have some down days due to so many tragic things happening to me in this month of October. I should have known it would be October when we got this terrible news.

My daddy is dying... my heart is breaking... I am fighting to not cry all day...

I cried myself to sleep last night. Now I pray I will rest tonight. I was in bed long before this last night- now it is the exact time I was sobbing last night. I think I will try getting some rest. I pray I can.

Prayer

So last night I'm feeling low as I was coming back from a grocery store. I felt kind of silly, but hey! We have church services in a school, and so I pulled to that school parking lot (since that was the city where I chose to go to the store!), and prayed. It just helped to be near "my church".

Then as I was coming home, I called my Mama. We talk two to three times a day, many times more. Daddy told her to tell me he loves me, and I asked if he was able to talk to me. HE prayed with me! Let me tell you, that broke me down. I took a few moments to compose myself and be able to drive.

This is going to be hard, so very hard. HOW on earth do folks without Jesus get through times like this?

Life Upside Down

I really don't know why I took so long to update this blog, but as of yesterday life has been tured upside down.

This is a picture of my Daddy with Cala, taken this past June when we were in Florida. Daddy is a Pastor in Florida, at the same church since I was 6 weeks old, and I am now 36. Over 7 weeks ago, on the way in the door from church, Daddy fell and has spent his time in the bed, ever since. Two days ago he went to the hospital and is now on the Oncology floor. Yes, we've known he's had prostate cancer for nearly 15 years. In the past year, he's taken chemo as it got a little worse. We were all coping with that and doing well. Because of the fall though, he has had no chemo, and we assume during that time is when his cancer spread. They found out yesterday that his cancer is now in the stomach and his back.

This Daddy's girl is not doing too well right now with all this. I feel as if I can't breathe. Please pray for us all.

I Said I'd Be Back....

Thanks to those who sent me cards on Monday or emails telling me they were praying for me. I sure appreciate it!

Today I just wanted to take the time to announce the arrival of my great niece, Michelle Faith. She was born today to my second oldest niece, in Oklahoma. Baby Michelle joins her big sister. I also have a great nephew from my oldest niece who also lives in Oklahoma. I didn't really feel old until I got to thinking that it seems so weird this brother of mine is a GRANDPA three times over now! HA Now that for some reason seems strange. Our family is funny like that though- our oldest brother has the youngest child, his youngest daughter being just 20 months old. Then the next brother is the one who has the oldest child, just 7 years younger than me :o) He's the Grandpa. We have one other brother who has 2 older kids (a 20 yr. old and a 14 year old) and then there's me with my brood. Wish we could all be together in one place some time. That would be interesting!

In other news: ever feel like you just can't escape for a moment's time? If you're a Mama you know what I mean. At least I certainly don't think I am the only one with this going on! ha I'm in the bathroom tonight (no, I'm not blogging from the bathroom, silly, I mean earlier), and the kids were upstairs brushing their teeth. I suddenly hear, "Where's Mama?" from Seth. He had come downstairs and if Mama isn't around, well, all is not right in the life of this 2 year old. "Where's Mama?" he repeats, and Glenn chooses to not answer, only to tell him to go do something he was previously told to do. I start almost laughing as I hear him go upstairs saying, "uh, Papa said I was a BAD BOY!" (which Papa did NOT say). I laugh because the next thing I hear is "Where's Mama?" from Ethan, and then Cala. I keep thinking that at least I know I'm missed. Glenn told them I was in the bathroom and they went about playing. Seth on the other hand comes and waits outside the door, and when I come out says, "Oh Mama! I didn't notice you were in the bathroom. I thought you went somewhere!"

Ah, one of these days I shall report that I actually made it to the bathroom unnoticed. Certainly it's possible????????? Please tell me it's possible?!?!

For now.....

Today I'm just sad. I'll be back happy again, probably even tomorrow! But for now, I'm just sad. You see, it was four years ago today that I miscarried a precious baby that I didn't even know I was carrying. We were living in Russia and that day was terrible.

Yes, I had a miscarriage back in 1993, and while horrible too, the one in Russia really affected me in a different way. I think a lot had to do with being so far away from everyone I loved most. Some of it had to do with not even knowing about the pregnancy. Still more had to do with seeing the baby when I miscarried. Sorry if too much info!

Any way, I just am sad. It is on days like this, I visit the website I made soon after that day- http://www.angelfire.com/blues2/evanfaith It helps, it really does.

I am ever thankful for a couple of friends who never forget these days! October 9th will be the 14th anniversary of my first miscarriage. Yep, I have a few sad days this time of year, but rest assured, I'll be back. I always am.

Time Flies, yeh, it really does......

I have often said that I feel as if yesterday I was 17 years old, turned around and now am 36. Time really does fly! I felt as if I posted here yesterday, but alas, it's been 10 days! Yikes. A lot has happened in that short period of time:

Seth had his 2nd Family Day- what a special time it was celebrating this precious baby man being a part of our family. One of these days I'll post the pictures from then, as well as the pictures from Ethan's Family Day last month!

Our missionary helpers left this past Monday- he called today to check on us; they are now in Michigan for a few days.

I am enjoying babysitting a neighbor girl 2 to 3 days a week. It's extra income that's nice to have, plus it's just fun to have her here honestly. I say it's sort of insight into how it will be like having another girl when we adopt again. (in a couple of years or so).

Today- well, today was a strange sort of Sunday. The devil was after us I am here to tell you... I often tell my kids to not let the devil take place and he seems to want to do that the most on Sunday mornings when we're getting ready for church. It usually starts with Seth and Ethan fighting. Today was no different, but it was quickly (as Barney Fife would say), "nipped in the bud" by their Papa and me.

We got to church and as Glenn was taking the pulpit in, a piece chipped off when going in the door. Instead of getting radical about it, I tried to remind Glenn that we could glue it. We got inside only to learn our normal room was being used for testing, but we had been moved to another room for today- let me just say a much nicer room! (more expensive, and I LONG for the day that we NEED that much space and have to rent it!). No one came, no one other than us. That was discouraging... I'd be lying if I didn't say it was.

While I'm singing with the keyboard, my book slips completely, I grabbed it, never missed a note I might add, and held it by one hand (obviously playing the keyboard with the other). I quickly said, "ah! if you don't believe that's the devil!!!"

Glenn had a good sermon on salvation (which by the way, those working there can certainly hear us so we know we're being a witness in some way!). When we got everything loaded back in the van, we took off only to find our sign was down!

Someone had obviously knocked our sign down from the side of the road- impossible for the wind to do it, never mind the fact that it was not a really windy day at all. This was just about all we could handle and the car ride home was quiet. I felt today as if we were all, all five of us, including the kids, discouraged! Even little four year old Ethan said today, "We sure need some people here." Cala was already upset because she consistently invites folks only to be told, "not today", etc. (and this happened this morning).

Glenn spends every weekday passing out invitations, doing his part and so I know he must feel down. Yet, he has never admitted it- until today when I plain out asked. He said, "yes, I guess I am discouraged a bit today."

And yet.. God is working. Our Sunday School lesson was on Gideon and not being a quitter even when it seems what's the use! Wow did that speak to me! To top things off during our family prayer time, Ethan prayed, "God send people to our church in Big Lake". That had me crying! God is working. We believe that.

Pictures Anyone?

Our Last Summer Hurrah on Monday: We enjoyed a picnic supper at one of the local parks. I love this picture of my kids walking hand in hand.






Seth tried his hand at baseball


First day of school came on Tuesday and as is "first day of school" tradition, Papa made omelets for breakfast. Soon it was time for Cala to get ready and she was sure excited to be going off to Second Grade!




Ethan's bus comes for him in the afternoon. He has pre-school Special Ed (here his class is called SR or School Readiness... in Florida we would call it K4) 2 hours a day, 4 days a week. He couldn't wait to get back to school, although he's had a hard time realizing that things are different this year, with a different classroom, a different teacher, etc.




As soon as Ethan left, it was time for Seth to start K2 here at home.
It has been really fun teaching Seth! What a difference there is in him and Cala at that age! ha ha I used to wonder if Cala was getting anything I said, but realized she was, she was just in need of being on the move. Seth is the typical two year old, into everything he can get into, but for school, he sits and listens intently:
That's refreshing!

In other news: I'm not exactly taking it easy with just Seth at home. I took Cala to the bus stop her first morning and came back with a babysitting job for one of our neighbors! I'm taking care of her daughter on the days she's not in Kindergarten (here they go two to three days a week). SO, I'll have her (she turns 6 soon) either two or three days each week as long as both her parents work those days. She keeps me hopping!

Tonight however, Glenn and I are going on another date. Our missionary helpers are leaving us on Monday, tomorrow is the local high school football game and Glenn and the missionary are going, Saturday is Seth's Family Day (but we're celebrating Sunday). Cala is going to Brownies camp tomorrow night and we have to go pick her up Saturday evening. So, tonight is our date night. I better go make sure I have clean clothes to wear! ha

Not as we planned

Unfortunately Sunday came and went without any extra people at our new meeting place. HOWEVER, we are not totally discouraged- disappointed, yes, but not down and out. A- this was Labor Day weekend, not the best week to expect people to come as it is such a cultural thing here as the "last hurrah of summer". Many, many people are at lake homes on the weekends (or cabins), and we passed a whole lot of folks at local lakes and beach areas at the lake. SO, we press on, expecting good things next Sunday!

AND we heard some more yesterday about a group that's meeting in a city 25 miles away that are of our same beliefs. Part of the group moved to that city from another town close to 2 hours from here. They moved from the only other church in the state of Minnesota, that's a part of the same Association we are. They are meeting (we assume in homes?) as they couldn't find a church they felt led to. We will be put in contact with them this week- this could very well work into us having services with them, as well as where we currently are meeting! This would be exciting to us! We should know more in the coming day or two.

On a personal note: I woke up with PINK EYE! Never a dull moment! ha We are heading out right now to have a picnic supper for Labor Day- last day before school starts. Catch you later :o)

Lost on a Saturday Evening

Glenn and I had a nice date Saturday night. (I am writing this at almost 2 a.m. so technically it's Sunday now). I had been wanting to go to eat at Baker's Square for quite awhile (for those who know Perkins, well, it's a step above to me but the best I can describe it). HOWEVER, while we were on our way, I said, "you know we haven't had Mexican food in a long time now!" It seems our guests do not care for Mexican food (gasp! I can't understand that! lol) and so I haven't made it in weeks which is highly unusual around here.

We ended up at what turned out to be a GREAT Mexican restaurant run by real Mexicans-which usually means it's going to be good and not Tex-Mex. We were happy anyway and will definitely go back. Who knows? Maybe next week?! I say run by Mexicans. They were cooking- Americans were the waitresses and ours did as many do and asked me where I am from. When I responded, "Florida, and I get asked that a lot", she said, "I bet you do!" We told her we've lived here now a year and she asked, "and you've still kept your accents? That's neat!" ha Turns out she's lived in Georgia before and said when she would ask for a "pop" they would say, "what?" We got a good laugh from that. We completely understand! :o)

We needed to go by Wal-mart (don't we always?!) but alas I have this terrible curiosity that leads me to often ask, "where does that road go?" So, off we went on one of those roads tonight and uh... got lost! ha Let me clarify a bit: there is a certain city we have heard about that we have wanted to visit for a few weeks now. We saw a sign that pointed towards it and went off the highway to see how far away said city was. When we got off the beaten path (or on it?!), we quickly saw a detour sign but no sign stating how many miles it was to this place. We kept going- through mile after mile of beautiful rolling pastures, farm land everywhere, beautiful red barns, beautiful cows, you get the picture- we were completely in the country. We loved the drive, but we never found the place we were looking for, but DID end up in a "township" as some are called here that we had never heard of. However, we were passing a house that had several men out on the deck. One waved at us which is quite common here in Minnesota. Knowing how friendly most Minnesotans are (and I do mean friendly!), we stopped and asked them how to get back to a town we go to often and would eventually lead us home! After finding out just that, we were back on our way through the country- and uh... did I mention we needed gas? Gas light comes on, we are a good 13 miles still from the next city that we know of. IF we were in our van, we would have never made it to a gas station, but we were in Glenn's truck. Thank the Lord! We made it to another small town we had heard of but never been to (so that was neat to now know where that place is!), and got gas. I should insert here that the first gas station we came to was a brand of gas that if we had been in the van, it would have cut off- it has 4 times with that brand so needless to say we don't run it in the van. Yet again, this was the truck and it took it just fine.

On our way we did go, found our Super Target, decided it would do just as well as Wal-mart for the things we needed and in we went. Cell phones are a great invention as Glenn could go one way, me another and we could call to find out where the other one was, and oh, uh, honey, what do you think about us buying _________ ? lol

We had left our home at not quite five. When we got home tonight, it was after nine. The kids were sleeping, all but Ethan and after checking on him, telling the missionaries we had truly gotten lost on the way home, we came downstairs. Glenn printed out our church bulletin for tomorrow, I practiced the song I will sing, "For Such a Time as This", and then practiced on the keyboard for the songs we will sing as a congregation tomorrow.

So why am I up at 2 a.m.? Couldn't sleep after all the excitement I guess!

Sign

I think we were all very excited today when Glenn came in with the above sign! Cala stood by it pretending she was at church... I heard her say, "Welcome to Maranatha Baptist Church! We're glad to have you here today!" That's the PK coming out in her for sure! I think at some time or other, ever PK plays "church!" Cala did have a good idea though when she said we need to get our family picture by the sign on Sunday. We'll be sure to do that- of course on Sunday, it won't be here in our bedroom! It will be in front of our new meeting place!

By the way, it's a cream color- not sure how it's showing in this picture- not exactly true to form. And you see where the crosses are? In between there, Glenn is going to make something that will say the room number where we will meet.

I dreamed last night we had 50 show up for our first service there. Now, that would be wonderful! Of course in my dream a cousin of mine from South Carolina was there. When I asked why, he replied, "Of course I'm here!" ha ha

It will be neat to see what God is going to do!

Miscellaneous happenings.....

Staying busy around here gearing up for our church to begin meeting outside of our home for the first time! (this Sunday). We are excited about the possibilities and praying to see many people come!

Glenn and the missionary staying with us have been busy daily and today was no exception. They were able to pass out many invitations today and talk to some folks. Monday, they got our sign ordered and should be able to pick it up tomorrow. I spent this morning making phone calls. I first called one of the local newspapers to see how we can get our church listed in the church directory. I got that taken care of but need to remember to call some other papers tomorrow.

I also made some calls to the school and to the immunization clinic, where Ethan will need to get a shot taken care of tomorrow. I am just sure Ethan will be thrilled tomorrow afternoon! ha I originally thought Seth needed one too, but they said no, so he dodged the needle for a few more months anyway!

It is really nice having the missionary couple here willing to watch the kids for us in cases like this- tomorrow, we will be able to just take Ethan and leave Cala and Seth here with them. They also want us to go out by ourselves so Glenn and I will have a date Saturday night and then again next week sometime. That's a blessing.

In other news: Open house was last night- Cala is excited about school starting again next week, and really enjoyed seeing her friends from last year. Ethan had a good time meeting his teacher for this year and seeing his new room and the other two classes where he'll go part of the week. He's in Pre-school, special ed. AND while we were there yesterday, Ethan's teacher mentioned that there are preschool classes there for even Seth's age. He turns 3 the end of November but would be in the 2 year old class this year. He has no known delays so would be in regular pre-school. I mentioned that while we knew about this class, we simply can't afford it. She explained that we can have the fee completely waived if I'll volunteer every now and then! No problem! It's just a 2 mornings a month class for Seth but he will love those 2 times. The other days, I am home schooling him in K2 through A Beka. He's excited!

Got to go....... yawn.....

Melancholy Day

Today was the last Sunday morning service we will have in our home. Next Sunday begins us meeting in a nearby city, the city we feel God leading us to plant this church. It's exciting to us to see God working! This coming week, Glenn and the missionary staying with us will be super busy getting more invitations out, etc. Tomorrow, they are actually going to buy the materials needed to build a pulpit we can transfer with us to and from the meeting place.

We will still meet in our home on Wednesday nights for prayer meeting. I titled this "Melancholy Day" because I guess I know that this past year will be looked back upon as a special time in the life of this church, a time when God worked in our lives to draw closer to Him, praying for His direction for the church.

This past Friday our neighbors were supposed to come for a cook out but were unable to. They did so last night. We had a really good time! It's nice to be able to get to know our neighbors, something that we have missed. In Russia, I can recall our first apartment, where we knew very well the elderly lady next door whom we called, "babushka" or "Grandma" and the mobster across the hall. Lest you gasp, we lived next to a mobster in each of the four apartment buildings where we were in Russia. It was just expected! ha..... memories.......

And so it continues....

Today (or yesterday really since as I type this it's 1:15 a.m.)- Tuesday, Glenn and our missionary helper spent several hours passing out invitations to our first meeting. They were touched by an elderly man who invited them in his home. He explained he already has a church home, but that his wife just died this past Sunday. Glenn asked if they could pray for him and he readily agreed.

They also visited Wal-mart where they will soon know if they can pass out invitations there. The woman they spoke to believes they'll be able to. They said there was only one woman who literally ran as they were walking down the street towards her house. She was getting out of her car and looked scared by our helper.

*** As for the kids: Our daughter had a very full day as a neighborhood girl showed up asking her to play. She popped her head in for some water, and to ask me if she could now go across the street to some other neighbors' house to play with their daughters. It seems today, she was very popular. She's already asked if she could return there tomorrow, and funny girl- she got a bath tonight and put on shorts and a shirt so she can eat breakfast and be ready! ha! My girl is a mess! ***

Company, Church, Family

We have company here for the next four to six weeks. I really look for them to be here for six weeks. That's great with us! This couple is in their 50's/60's and our kids are already calling them Grandpa ______ and Grandma ________. It's good for the kids having "grandparent" figures around for this long. Of course the kids are really enjoying "Freckles", the dog they brought with them. I've never been an indoor dog person, but Freckles will make you fall in love with her.

The purpose of this couple being here is to help us in our church plant. We have held services in our home since we moved here last year and that's been with limited success. Oh! Folks have been asked to come, but alas, there are many excuses given, blah blah blah. We were recently given the go ahead by a school in our "chosen" city to hold services there. Those begin on September 2nd. We are excited by this!

Glenn and the missionary helper spent the day today nearby our meeting place, visiting businesses, putting up fliers and telling people about church. They were thrilled that every single person they spoke with was very friendly and readily agreed to place the flier. I have said all along that Minnesotans are noticeably friendly! They then returned home where Glenn spent awhile making door hangers that they will use in their outreach next week. Things are getting exciting around here!

**** Family Night: Our Friday tradition is family night. We traditionally spend this time playing a board game, or playing basketball, or in the past we even had a water gun fight, and another time we played "Hide and Go Seek". However, we recently decided that until the weather gets "bad", we will go to a park each Friday following supper. Tonight was no exception. Our missionary helpers decided to enjoy some quiet time (I imagine they were happy to have some peace- ha) and stayed home. We enjoyed the break from home and watched the kids play and play. They had such a great time this evening. Their laughter is infectious! It was cool though. As I write this, it's a nice 54 degrees. Ah.... fall is just around the corner.

Two Years Ago......

Two years ago this past May, this was the boy we saw in Ethan, a small 2 year old happy we were there to show him attention.



He got to spend the week with us and we were all thrilled to have that time together. It was so very hard saying bye after that week was up and leaving not really sure when we would be back for him (and Seth).


It would be in August that Glenn would return for Ethan and August 13th when they flew to the states. This is the night we were reunited as a family. We spent that first night together in a motel to have some down time together.


This is our family picture- before Seth arrived a little over 3 weeks later. I am not sure but I believe this is our only such picture before Seth. Either way, it's precious. Ethan was going through so much at this point, just arriving in a foreign country with foreign sounds, foreign smells, white people everywhere! I would love to know what all was going on in his mind at this time. I am just so thankful that it all worked out and he is now a genuinely happy boy. Oh, we still have our moments, he still is working through some issues, but he's a precious gift and I am so thankful he's "mi papito."

Yesterday, we celebrated his 2nd Family Day. I was in tears as Glenn prayed thanking God for giving us Ethan. I hugged Ethan and he actually said, "Mama, thank you for adopting me!" My heart melted as I said, "son, thank you for being mine". Tomorrow I will post pictures from our Family Day celebration. Tonight, I leave you with a poem I wrote (and posted here) a year ago for the boys' dedication:

THROUGH A WHOLE LOT A LOVE
- Amy Barker McCarver (aka Mama)

We dreamed of a son to call our very own.
By the miracle of adoption, he would come into our home.
Where he would come from, only God knew
Then suddenly we felt Him saying, “not one son, but two.”

Once we were sure Guatemala was the place,
Much had to be done, so we began the paper chase.
Home study to be done, our life stories to be told.
Our sons were now a small baby, and one 2 year old.

We got to meet you both in your birth land,
Got to hold you, look deep in your dark brown eyes, and walk hand in hand.
The day we had to leave, it seemed our hearts would break.
To not have you with us, seemed more than we could take.

Then months passed and finally the time came
Papa got to bring Ethan home, our lives would never be the same!
Just three weeks more, and Seth came at last
The heartache of waiting was all in the past.

Genetics? No, but he’s simply your father, I’m your mother.
Cala’s your sister, and you each are the other’s brother.
And today as we dedicate you to the Lord above
May you remember you got here through a whole lot of love.

Photo Show

Ever feel just dumb?

Ever feel just stupid?!

We have been busy this week getting everything finalized with the school where we will soon start meeting. As it stands now, we will begin there the first Sunday in September. It's a requirement of theirs that we provide proof of church liability insurance. Well, it's taken a lot of calling various insurance agencies since most places won't do it for our type of situation since we don't have church property, but will be meeting in a school. We were sort of in a "catch 22" until we got the finalized plans from the school, because we had to provide the exact location (there are of course Elementary schools, a Middle school, and a high school) to the insurance agency. However, to get everything completely set up with the school, we have to provide the proof of insurance. ha

Anyway- Glenn is out when the insurance agent calls that can praise the Lord write an insurance policy for us. He asks if we have a fax number- I say yes but I'm not sure which number our fax machine is set up to! uuuggggh *We have 2 lines- they were offered 2 for the price of 1, so we went ahead and set up a church line.* I felt dumb not knowing which was set up for fax! Glenn's cell phone was dead, as I did ask the man to wait while I tried calling Glenn.

I wouldn't feel so very dumb if it weren't for when I first talked to this same man earlier in the day, I couldn't even remember our phone number!!!!!!! Then when I began telling him, he asked for the area code and I stumbled on that!

We are coming up on living here a year, so pretty soon I can't use the excuse of "uh, we just moved here". ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Preparing for Company...

We have a preacher and his wife coming to stay with us for a month! They will get here either Friday or Saturday. So, we are going to be busy getting things ready for that. We are excited about them coming as they will be here to help us in the mission work. And about that...

Yesterday, we spent the day researching more about our chosen city and today we await word about the place where we prefer to meet. Glenn has a phone call today concerning that. He's been in touch with them before and today we hope to nail down everything.

In other news: Cala has been spending this week at Brownies DayCamp. We take her at 9 a.m. each morning and pick her up at 3 p.m. She's having a blast, hiking every day in the woods, playing games, etc. etc.

Last night, we attended our town's National Night Out. I sat there thinking how different it was to live in a small town. How different, how neat, how strange, how cool. Guess I haven't completely nailed down which emotion suits it best!

Our Last Summer Hurrah

Thought I would share pictures from our anniversary trip a couple of weeks ago. Cala enjoyed the lazy river although she looks as if she would fall through the float anytime! She was quite the fish that trip, constantly asking when it was time to swim.



Many times when swimming, Ethan is apprehensive, but this time he really let loose! I think he actually enjoyed himself. This place had slides even for the little ones and he loved sliding into the water!




Seth has always loved getting in a pool and this time was no exception!

Tragedy in the Cities- we're o.k.

Please pray for the victims and families of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. This is a major catastrophe and it just aches our hearts at how many of those folks may not have known Christ. :o/ There are at least 3 confirmed dead... 50 cars at least crashed into the Mississippi River when the bridge collapsed (as 20 construction workers were repairing it!!!!) This was during rush hour... we have been on that bridge a few times. Praise God for His protection!!!!!

We knew nothing about it until my mother in law called from Florida. She saw it on their news and wanted to make sure we weren't out and about in the Cities! Thankfully we answered the phone right as it was to quit ringing, or she would have been frantic!

We had "special" prayer tonight for these folks and the families. Thank you for joining us in prayer. Cala prayed and thanked God we weren't on that bridge! This really touched our kids. We try normally for them not to see the news as I just don't see the point in them having to see such horrible things at their age, but they were in the room when I turned it on. They saw a school bus on the bridge and were worried about the kids who may have been on that bus for summer school, or camp, or whatever reason. We have since heard the kids were evacuated, but there are many injuries.

**For my out of the country readers, I am sure if you go to http://www.foxnews.com or any of the major news sites, you will find the story.**