Friday, July 30, 2010

The Widow = My Mom Part 4

Whew, I don't know if you have stuck with me so far but wow it's a lot... I know! Hang with me as God's provision keeps providing His ways... He has just woven everything together as a fine knitted glove. Including a funny thing He's doing right now... as a few of you have shared with me that you think I'm a good writer... that is hilarious to me! That has really meant a lot because my biggest insecurity on this earth is writing! I was on a 4th grade reading level in 11th grade of school... again another story for another time. I have my husband proof read everything just to help me feel secure. God knew I needed that encouragement from you. Thank you!!

First I want to share with you some of my devotion this morning .. another good one that follows along with what I was sharing with you in yesterday's post.

I created beauty to declare the existence of My Holy being. A magnificent rose, a hauntingly glorious sunset, oceanic splendor- all these things were meant to proclaim My presence in the World. Most people rush past these proclamations without giving them a second thought. How precious are My children who are awed by nature's beauty; this opens them up to My Holy Presence. This is a gift, and it carries responsibility with it. The whole earth is full of my radiant beauty- My Glory!
I want to encourage you all to stop and enjoy the beauty all around you this weekend. I think it helps you see the beauty in your life even if it's a hard season. Just take time whether it just be 5 minutes and stare in awe... that's a gift from the Lord to you. Whether it be a person, child, flower, sky, ants, sunset, ocean, or just the process you are in right now. Stop and stare and see his Glory and feel His presence. Life is in the fast lane and we are always worried about the next best thing that we don't take time to enjoy what we have already been given. Rejoice in it this weekend... I'm going to try.
So, back to God's written story in my life. My Mom is now left as the widow, whew, I was already overwhelmed that I was getting married in 6 months... I just wanted to focus on myself and planning the best moment in my life. I didn't want to deal with a sick mother and I had every excuse not to help her... I kept telling myself "she doesn't even think of me as her daughter." We tried to get her to leave her home but she wouldn't have anything to do with it. In my head selfishly I was glad... I could wash my hands clean for right now and deal with it later. We said our goodbyes after the funeral week, but deep down I knew it wasn't the end. I tried to return to my job and life of planning a wedding and it was hard. We had other family issues arise that tore my heart... when it rains it pours! To be honest it was a lot to deal with. After a month or so being home I started to get phone calls from the police. They had my direct line now and they were keeping an eye out on my mom. They knew how to reach me if my mom would be doing anything suspicious. One of the first calls was she was walking naked around the neighborhood, then it added a few weeks later with naked and going through people's trash. They were concerned and told me about a the Baker Act Law. I wasn't ready to do that but I was worried for her safety... but for some reason I just didn't have the strength to do anything about it. Another month went by and I got another phone call from the police station saying that she had walked into the town hall and took a huge painting off the wall, brought it home, repainted it, and returned it. When she came back she told the front desk lady she just didn't like it and thought it needed to be changed. Now looking back on it, that was pretty funny:) At least my mom wasn't harmful... she wouldn't have hurt a fly, but she would repaint paintings. They told me they were not going to press charges thank goodness but I needed to do something! I didn't know how I was going to get her to move. All her memories were there plus she hadn't left that area in 20 years... how would I get her to leave now? Again I kept putting it off ... praying to God on what I should do.

Until it hit me like a sack of potatoes in the early morning after July 4th. I was tossing and turning in bed trying to ignore the feeling and the Holy Spirit became on fire inside me... GO GET HER... I shot out of bed! I shared it with Scott and he agreed. Without figuring out any details we were in the car going to get her!
To be continued... again so sorry but just tired :)
Hang on tight as I will continue this soon! Don't forget the challenge of taking time out this weekend and enjoy the small things... life is just too short and we ALL are already so blessed because we have Jesus!
Happy Friday night and I hope you all have a very blessed weekend!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Widow = My Mom Part 3

The Lord is always with you and it's your choice to call on Him and see that He is all around you. Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed in our busy lives we should look up at the beautiful blue sky and puffy white clouds and realize how big our Lord is. What a gift to have something so beautiful all around us everyday... we take it for granted! Just like the sky, God is with us and we still take Him for granted and underestimate His power. He always has us right where He wants us even thought it may be hard to trust in that... it should give you peace.

During that season in my life I looked up into the clouds a lot! I needed to feel God's peace. My Aunt, Uncle, Scott and I walked inside that morgue to gather my dad's belongs. I wasn't ready and I don't think they were either. We sat around a table and a lady brought out a black bag. I took a deep breath because they wanted us to identify if they was his belongs. As we had to go through the bag I could smell him... wow, the power of his smell gave me warmth! My Aunt and Uncle were wonderful... they started to tell stories about him and for the first time I think Scott had a taste of who he was. We laughed and they did a great job at distracting me from the pain. I saw his clothes and shoes and knew right away it was his things. His wallet was full... I mean the fullest I had ever seen a wallet. We started to go through it slowly and pulled out every business card... he had written something on each of them. Each card told a story of who he met and where he met them. He had all our addresses, tickets from plays & football games, receipts, and there were pictures of me through the ages, of all our family... basically everything that meant something to him was in his wallet. It showed his heart and that he loved us... we were his life! It was giving me closure to see these things... it was so good and healthy. We took our time and found a way to enjoy this time and told more stories about him. I was so thankful for my family to be with me that day and we shared so much with Scott. Then after we put the wallet back I saw something in his back pocket. It was some papers and mail. I took a minute to look at them and I couldn't believe it.... it was a church program. I looked at the date and he had attended the day before he died. Also, it was from the church I was thinking about burring him at. My father didn't go to church much or any when I was a child so this meant a lot to me! I just felt like it was God showing me this was the place he belonged. It was the reassurance I needed that we were making the right decision.


Then my Aunt opened a worn letter and said oh my gosh... it was a letter written from Scott to my Grandmother, which after she received it she sent a copy to my parents.
Here is the letter....
Dear Mrs. Simcoke, ( My grandmother)
I know you have never received a letter from me, but I thought it would be nice to write you and fill you in on how Heidi and I are doing.
I wanted to let you know how special Heidi is to me. I never thought I could love someone as much as I love Heidi. She is truly an angel sent to me straight from the heavens. We have been dating over a year and a half and have had many discussions about getting married. Lately, we have come to the realization that we are both ready.
It is such an exciting time in both of our lives to know we want to spend the rest of our lives together. We have both hoped and dreamed all of our lives to meet our soul mates and we thank God that he has blessed us with each other.
As I plan to propose sometime in the next few months, I obviously have been looking for a ring. Boy, it's tough! It is so hard to pick out something that she will wear on her hand for the rest of her life. A ring that will have so much meaning and a story that goes with it wherever she goes. I don't know if you have any diamonds that you would want Heidi to wear but I thought it would be so special to her if she could wear a diamond that you once wore. She loves you deeply and I can't think of anything that would make her happier. I trust that you will keep this in secret so that Heidi will not find out. I want to be able to surprise her the best I can.
I hope your doing well and can't wait to see you
Love Scott
The tears were streaming down my face... I couldn't believe it!! My dad knew I was getting married! He got to see Scott's love for me and share with people around him. I found out later that he shared it with his friends at his local breakfast place and everywhere he went he told people I was getting married. He knew I was going to be taken care of and that I was going to be married to a wonderful man!! WHAT a BLESSING! It was my biggest desire and God had answered my prayers. We were all crying... but tears of joy!
Scott did get a diamond from my Grandmother. When he proposed he told me the story of driving down to my grandmother's to get it, but what we didn't realize was that my parents had given my grandmother my great grandmother's diamond. They were even a part of the whole process and we didn't even know it. I couldn't believe it! Praise God, what a gift to know my dad was happy and celebrating in the biggest part of my life the week before he died. Even though I didn't get to share it with him I know he was so happy and proud of me... that was priceless! I thank God for orchestrating something so wonderful and letting me feel His presence so close to me! It was the strength I needed to have to carry on with the rest of the week. I just knew our God is so much bigger and has all the details all figured out... I just have to follow Him. He guided me and every door opened as the funeral arrangement were made. The funeral was perfect, very small but there was so much Love! Even though my mom didn't come, it was OK because I knew her mind couldn't have taken it. She was my next challenge but i was ready... because through Christ that strengthens me I can conquer all things!

To be continued...

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Widow = My Mom Part 2

I just read in my devotion this morning words from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
Open yourself fully to My transforming presence. Let My brilliant love-light search out and destroy hidden fears. This process requires time alone with Me, as My love soaks into your innermost being. Enjoy My Perfect love which expels every trace of fear.

Psalm 139:1-4
1 O LORD, You have searched me
and You know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.


4 Before a word is on my tongue
You know it completely, O LORD


When I posted last night, boy did the fears arise as I felt so vulnerable and not sure who is going to read. Its a part of me, but then I realized it's not just my story it's the Lords also. He has written it and I'm just sharing it as an example of God's love and He can restore anything. When I read Pslam 139 this morning it was a reassurance that God wants us to share in order to transform others... He knows what I'm going to say even before I do. He knows my pain deep into my soul and my pain can help others. He doesn't want us to close off, He wants to use us for His good. When we close off we are letting wounds fester and thinking we can handle things without His help. This is when the enemy can really get a foothold... when you are in hiding of what's inside your heart. I encourage you to take that leap of faith and share your heart/story so GOD can us it... you will be surprised the transformation it can do.

The continued story.... Scott and I were driving to say goodbye to my father and to find my mother. I wasn't sure the state of mind I would find her. My father was EVERYTHING to her. He took care of her the best he could and loved her with all his heart. I had seen my father a few times throughout the years but It had been 8 years since I had seen my mother. Even though it had been so long we had a bond... a mother and daughter bond. No one knows her in this world like I do, even though she is the one that kicked me out of the house at 13 years old... again another story for another time. I've seen throughout the years her mind growing sick. It scared me to think what she might of done after finding out my father passed away. I was preparing myself for the worst... that she could have taken her life. My neighbor had told us that she had been missing and the hospital had been trying to get a hold of her to give her his things and to see what she wanted to do with his body. My heart was prepared... We picked up my aunt (mom's sister) at the airport and headed to her house. Honestly we just didn't know what to expect... we were so nervous! I was shaking like a leaf. We pulled into the driveway, the house was completely dark and some windows were open... we knocked at the door... no-one, we walked around the house and knocked on windows... no-one, we said her name over and over... I said "MOM" no one... my heart sunk into my stomach... I felt sick. We walked in an unlocked door still calling for her. The house was trashed... stuff was everywhere. It was very clear that she was very mentally sick. The walls and furniture were colored with multiple paint colors, magazine clippings were everywhere on the walls, hundreds of pictures of strangers, the VCR was in the stove, all her bills were in her freezer, bugs and garbage was everywhere... it was a mess, no words can really describe what I saw. It looked just like Russell Crowe's place in A Beautiful Mind.

Then my aunt heard her, oh I was scared... she was in my childhood bedroom, naked on the floor of the closet. I was still scared but I took a deep breath of relief as I knew she was alive. My aunt went into "save my big sister mode", she was so strong. My mom's nervous laugh started which always made me nervous as it meant she wasn't making sense. I think I was in shock that I don't remember much but my aunt did ask her if she knew my dad had passed away and she said "I thought so". My mom finds a purple trench coat that she had painted and only puts it on. She gets into the car with my aunt while Scott is waiting around the corner in our car and picks me up. I get into the car emotionally exhausted, shocked at what I had just seen and thinking I don't think she ate anything for the entire month he had been gone. She was frail and the thinest I had ever seen her. Her mind was gone and just so lost. We headed to a hotel for the night where we would sleep. I feel like I'm in a really weird dream and I can't wake up. Scott gets to meet my mom for the 1st time, I introduce them and tell her we are engaged and she said she knew. Then she began to talk about the strip clubs across the street from the hotel. I'm thinking "Welcome to the family Scott, poor guy didn't know what he signed up for" I looked at her lost mind and felt so sad for her... it wasn't her fault. The Lord had given me compassion for her instead of embarrassment. My eyes had never been so swollen, my mind and heart hurt so badly but I prayed and God gave me strength as I tried to get sleep that night.

My dad's brother and sister came into town the next morning... ready to help me with the funeral arrangements. His body was still at the hospital waiting, I had to decide what to do as my mother didn't want anything to do with it and being the only child it was all in my hands. My attention was directed towards my dad as I knew my mom was in my aunt's care. I needed to morn and grieve my father being gone. I had no idea what to do or where to begin. The first call was to the hospital where he had passed away. We needed to go to the morgue to get his belongs. I kept asking God where should I bury him? I have no idea his wishes? Every time I felt weak I would say Lord give me strength. We piled in the car and headed that way. A wave of emotion would come over me thinking oh I wish my dad had met Scott and knew I was finally taken care of. I wanted to share with him that I was engaged... something that I think is so special between a daughter and their dad. I knew this was going to be hard not knowing what belongings he might have had, let alone going to a morgue thinking that is where he is... it was eerie. What was in his wallet and pockets was the exact closure I needed... God knew what I needed and answered my prayers.
To be continued ....

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Widow = My Mom

So the Lord has laid on my heart to share a part of my story. Do you know when the Holy Spirit shakes your heart to want to share something? It's so hard to ignore and to express because it's where pain may arise again. Well I'm willing to take the risk and I can't ignore it any longer as my hands are shaking to share with you a part of me. I want it to give hope and inspire those out there they may be struggling with difficult relationships. I really got this feeling last week when it was my birthday, I had shared with my aunt that I was having a rough day and she agreed she does the same thing when it's her birthday. You get sentimental and remember the memories of past birthdays and how you shared them with family and friends. Well this year, I think the Lord wanted me to have a time of reflection of my life. Yes, this blog may look like we have it all together but where I have come from to have this dream family has been a hard and rough road. The Lord has carried me along the way... My story from total beginning to end only He and I can truly understand and grasp what He's done inside me but I would like to share with you so you can see the beauty of what God can do when you see Him at work. We all have stories and it's our choice to see what GREAT things God has done and woven together for our good. Even the hardships in my life I wouldn't take back for anything, instead I thank the Lord for them as they have transformed my soul to totally see God for how beautiful He is. If you feel like you are all alone in your trials, know this is your season to turn and look over to Jesus walking along side of you. Trust me when I say He is there, even when you think He's not! You are always right where the Lord wants you. I'm thankful for the Father that has been there and carried me to the point I am today.
Beware, this is very sad and if you have lost a love one it may be hard to read.


I will start this part, 7 years ago in Feb 2003... my father was coming back from his local breakfast place where he went every morning for the past 15 years. He drove home into the driveway where he fell out of his car. When my mom ran out and he was not responding, the neighbors called 911. SIX days later in the hospital on Feb 9, 2003 he died of a brain aneurysm and my mother became a widow. It was a day that her life would change forever. Meanwhile, Scott the love of my life had proposed to me on Feb.10 ( the day after he died) out in Big Sur, CA... it was truly the BEST day of my life. I was on cloud 9 calling extended family and friends, but not my parents. I was totally unaware my father had just passed away... God was protecting me ( Hang with me here as it's gets a little complicated:) My relationship with my parents wasn't very good. I had left home when I was 13 years old... another story for another time. Needless to say when I was engaged to Scott my parents had never even met him for the two years we dated because of our distance and strained relationship.

Exactly one month later, I get a phone call from the uncle that I had lived with through high school and college, and he shared the news about my father passing away. I remember every detail of that phone call... he said "where are you?" and I said "in my car parked in front of my 2nd client of the day" he said "I have some horrible news, your dad has passed away" I said "WHAT??? NO! What? NO! NO!" I couldn't believe him ...this is not right! He couldn't have! He told me the neighbor had been trying to find us for a month and finally came across my uncle's number. It had hit me like a ton of bricks just as quick as a wink, my father was gone. I couldn't breath I was crying so hard... our relationship was starting to make a turn, I wanted to reach out to him and share my exciting news about getting married, I wanted him to meet my future husband, all the childhood memories came pouring in... the endless thoughts rushed through my head as I sat frozen, crying... then it hit me... MY MOM oh no what has happened to her?? My mind went racing, oh LORD please tell me she's ok? My dad was everything to her! How has she lived without him this past month? I could hardly drive home i was crying so hard... we needed to get to her as fast as we could! I ran into the house and fell on the ground... as hard as it was, I told Scott. He was my voice and called my work and packed my bags while I called my aunts and they told me they were all on their way. We jumped in the car for a 5 hour drive not knowing how my mom would be when we got there. I can't describe those emotions as it was so raw, my mind would jump from sorrow to worry the entire drive but we prayed and I knew the Lord was right there next to me along every step. I had an inner strength inside that was coming from Him. I knew this was about to change my life and strengthen me even more. I told Scott so many stories, my dad had a heart of gold and he was the most giving person I will ever meet. It still pierces my heart to think about him today. It was a loss that only the Lord could pull me through! I prayed my mother was ok, I didn't know how we would find her when we got there. My relationship with her struggled more than my dads. I never doubted my dad's love, he wanted the best for me... but my mom well, it was hard. But no matter what, she was my mother and it's my responsibility to care for her! She was in distress and God calls us to care for the widows. He had laid that on my heart, it was clear to put all else aside and to love her unconditionally just as Jesus loves us. It was a hard drive... one that I know changed me to truly see the face of Jesus. I was going to have to lean on Him more than I have ever had to before and boy did the LORD show up in big ways.
to be continued.....
I don't even know who reads my silly blog but for some reason He laid it on my heart to share my story that hopefully inspires at least one reader.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Another First

Besides Jonas learning how to crawl this week, Parker tried his 1st Oreo Cookie. At dinner the other night I told the kids they could have a treat when they finished their food. At the end of the meal Parker had stuffed his mouth with chicken which he chewed on for a good 10 minutes until I let him spit it out. I'm such a sucker and let him still have his first Oreo Cookie. I hope you enjoy their conversation about... Oat?

Sunday, July 18, 2010

10 Months Old

Here are all my babies when they were 10 months old
Jonas turns 10 months old today! He recently went to his Dr. appointment and he's looks great, so healthy... what a blessing! He has started on finger foods like turkey, oatmeal, yogurt, peas, peaches, and LOVES corn. No teeth yet but Parker didn't get them until 14 months so he may be a little late too. He is able to go from his belly now to a sit-up position and he loves to stand up while staring at his feet... he gets so proud! We have hit the stage of separation anxiety as soon as I leave the room, he is screaming for me to come back. I can handle this as it a GREAT sign that he's attaching to us. But let me tell you this boy can scream like no other... it's high and piercing to your ears:) He does it throughout the entire day. The pediatrician said he is finding his voice... I think he's going to be a very vocal little guy. He tries to repeat everything after you, and is one smart cookie. Yesterday we were all hanging out in the playroom and I told the kids he is turning 10 months old so they wanted to bake him a cake with his puffs and then from the corner of my eye I thought I saw him crawl a little so I told Scott to run and get the camera... It was like the light switch went on...
We have now entered into a new exciting world of dog haired knees, baby gated stairs, opening cabinets doors, and don't forget getting into the dog's water bowl! Oh all the memories are rushing back to me from 10 months old with the twins. The fun has just begun...

Saturday, July 17, 2010

A must see Video

This is one of my blog friends http://www.babeofmyheart.com that I have walked along side of since the beginning, we have been very close to the same timeline. She is one amazing writer and inspires so many! Her words always capture my heart and speak honest healthy truth that I can always relate too. I'm so excited her precious little boy is finally at home in his forever family. I know this video is going to tug at your heart like no other.. enjoy

Friday, July 16, 2010

Sponsoring a child

This morning I just signed up for our sponsored child from "Trees of Glory" a care center in Ethiopia. Her name is Tigist, a 9 year old who has lost her father, and is living with her mother who is not able to provide for her. We will find out more specifics about her situation in months ahead.
To register for a child it's so easy .. you can go to the website at www.hopechest.org sponsorship is only $34 per month you can pay monthly, bi monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually whatever works best for you.
We are able to write her as much as we like and the letter will be translated by Adey in Ethiopia and read to your children during her next weekly visit. We get updates every week about our precious little girl.
The Sponsor Coordinator for "Trees of Glory" and "Kind Hearts" in Ethiopia is

Karen Wistrom please check out her blog www.family-from-afar.blogspot.com it is so inspiring!

They also will be coordinating at least one trip to Ethiopia each year for sponsors and anyone else that is interested to visit the kids and work on a project. I hope God opens the doors for me to be able to go! I will have to wait and see:) Karen will be leading a team this November. So, please pray for them!

It's our duty to reach out and make a difference we need to stretch our pockets and provide for others! There are many ways to get involved here a few other options....

Read the book Red letters and let it move your heart it has an amazing amount of resources

you could feed a child for 50 cents a day. www.fivefor50.com

Compassion is a leader in responding to the Aids crisis www.Compassion.com give a one time donation or also set up a monthly gift

Change our shopping habits and join the RED campaign www.joinred.org for the red products you buy a portion of the profits goes directly to help fight AIDS in Africa

It begins with just one step! Each step you take can build to become your journey. Your time is precious on this Earth let's make the most of it by changing a life.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Lucky is our first adopted child

Our dog is sad, maybe even depressed. I just know he's thinking "Really? You added another kid to pull on my fur, and to take more attention away from me? I never get walks, I hardly ever get any good rubs and never get to go to the dog park to socialize". Poor Lucky .. I feel like he might sit around all day and dream of the good old days when we was our only baby. We spoiled him with car rides where he could hang out the window, racing to catch the trains so he could howl at them, and unlimited trips to the dog park. He also used to sleep in our bed...right in between us. Oh, I didn't tell you he's huge now weighing in at 118 pounds. Below is a picture of when we first got him... i believe he was around 75 pounds.
Yes that is a remote laying next to him while watching animal planet.

He used to have a doggie door with a bigger back yard (old house) with neighbor dogs that were so fun to chase and yes sometime hump, haha.

Lucky does have a great responsibility now in our house to pick up the crumbs all the kids leave behind and protect me when Scott is gone away. I think I need to rent Marley and Me and feel a renewed love for him... poor boy.

He too also has a story in our family. My sister jokes that we have a story for every event in our life! I really think God wants me to write a book someday, he's given me a lot of material.

It all began 6 years ago when Scott and I went to visit my grandmother in Kennett, MO (very small town) during the July 4th holiday. My side of the family are farmers, cotton farmers... and on our visit we decided to show Scott all about our family farm. We took him to the old gin and showed him how cotton is picked, the equipment they use, how it's irrigated, etc... Our tour of the farm was cut short when a storm started approaching, so we headed to the main office. While showing Scott the office it starts to rain and we decide to wait until it blew over to leave. I was talking to my grandma and noticed something at the front door... a brown scraggy looking dog all wet laying next to the door. I thought at first it was just a dog they had around the farm but then learned from the secretary he was a stray. My ears perked up.. I think I said "ahhhh" a hundred times and I went to pet him. She continued to tell me that she had been feeding him and thinks someone dump him in the middle of nowhere.. which I guess was common around there. He had been there for a week or so and didn't seem to belong to anyone. She told us he was just the sweetest dog and not sure what they were going to do about him. My mind was racing thinking "I have never had a dog, what if we could take him, he's just so sweet". I looked at my husband as he didn't want to pay much attention .. I said "maybe we need a dog".. he said "no I think were good". Then I said "no really honey, look at him he needs a home poor guy". I kept begging to Scott when my grandmother said she would pay for the vet bill to get him checked out. Still Scott is not at all convinced.. I think at this point he was beginning to ignore me:) You know men, they need their time to process stuff :) I couldn't stop thinking and falling in love with him! He followed us all around, we got in the car to leave and my uncle had to tell him to move so we could leave. I watched him as it was starting to rain again slowly and I was sad as we drove away. I talked to my grandmother and she was all for it... we were sitting in the backseat. Scott and my uncle were in the front seats as we headed down a long dirt road. I stayed persistent with my pleading "why Scott? We could totally take care of a dog, I've always wanted one!" We even had a doggie door at our new house :) Scott was not buying it... he was too logical... how would we get him home? We are in Missouri and we live in Jacksonville? After about 30 seconds of driving Scott looked in his right side mirror and saw something he couldn't believe. Scott always says that he knew this was a defining moment in his life. He knew at that moment if he told me to turn around and look out my window, his life was gonna change...quickly. Scott couldn't help himself... he said "Heidi, you might want to turn around and look out your side window". I looked and there was Lucky running his heart out right next to our car. My heart jumped and told my Uncle to pull over... this dog was mine!

We got him checked out and he was totally healthy, just a little under weight. We canceled our flight home, extended the rental car, and drove back 15 hours with our new member of our family. They think he's mostly Labrador and was about 1 year old when we brought him home.. so now that would make him about 7 or 8 years old. He truly has been the best dog... so laid back and easy going. Scott now gives him more attention than any of us. He is truly in love with him! It's so true what they say about a man and their dog.

Jonas has slowly warmed up to him but was not so sure in the beginning! He will let all the kids just roll on top of him and wants to cuddle with anyone who will love on him. Poor boy does have grey hair now probably because he has so much to care after. Thanks Lucky for protecting and loving us even when so little attention is given to you. You are the best Dog ever! So, truly Lucky is our first adopted child.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

It has finally arrived!

After weeks of work, Scott and I have finally finished the video of our journey to Jonas

I hope it touches your heart... Jonas is an amazing gift that we would have never known unless we took a leap of faith.

Happy 4th of July



A Fourth of July Festival
In between the many rain storms we had over the weekend we were able to have a good 4th of July weekend. We had friends over to grill out, went to two 4th of July festivals, saw two firework shows, went to the science center, Brooke did some dancing, Parker enjoyed the car show and celebrated our friend Jason's birthday. Happy birthday Jason! I hope everyone had a GREAT holiday..we sure did:)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Prayer Request

Last week our Pastor at our church shared about his niece AVA. All of his Brother's family attend our church. I just can't stop thinking and praying for them. Our hearts have been broken for this precious child of God's.. please join us in praying for her! The power of prayer can make a miracle happen
You can also follow Her dad's blog for updates http://joshuajoelhunter.blogspot.com

AVA

Posted by Isaac Hunter

My niece has brain cancer. 72 hours ago, she was playing and laughing… Since then, she was taken to the hospital after having bad headaches, and they found a tangerine sized tumor on her brain. They scheduled surgery and removed most of the tumor. They determined it was malignant. That is what we know right now.

Many of you are aware of this already and have been praying for her. We are very grateful for your prayers and ask that you continue them for the duration.

In order of chronology, here is what is and is coming in the near future, should everything remain as is.

1. Ava must recover well from major surgery. The next 24 hours are critical in terms of recovery. Treatment (of any kind) for whatever remains of the cancer cannot begin until she is healthy enough to endure it.
2. The detailed pathology report will be rendered in the next 4 or 5 days. The grade and nature of the tumor should then be known… and the enemy to fight will be clearer.
3. They will then have to decide on a treatment plan.

Please pray:

1. That God would heal Ava quickly and completely.
2. That Josh, Lisa, Ava and Noah would have a palpable sense of peace and God’s presence and strength.
3. That Josh and Lisa would have wisdom about every decision they need to make in the next few days.

Someone asked at the hospital yesterday if all this “had shaken my faith?” In short, my answer was and is “No. “

Worlds fall apart. Anyone who isn’t aware of that hasn’t lived very long or paid much attention. I don’t understand this… but if my faith were contingent only on the breadth of my comprehension I would have little faith (if any) and none to speak of… Either the Jesus of our faith is bigger than our understanding, or He’s not Jesus.

However, not knowing everything doesn’t mean not knowing anything.

Here is what I know I believe: God loves Ava more than the rest of us could combined, God loves Josh and Lisa and Noah, God can heal her immediately, and He promises to heal her ultimately. I believe “our God is an ever present help in our times of trouble.” And, when hell itself seems to have burst open and been poured out… I still believe all of this.

Josh and Lisa have been nothing short of heroic every step of the way. I am amazed at their faithfulness and faith. I’m privileged to see what “every virtue at its sticking point” looks like up close—they are amazing. Ava is a fighter… but she does not fight alone.

Friday, July 2, 2010

S Stands for...

SUNFLOWERS!
As a past kindergarten teacher, I have it in my blood to teach. I love it! I couldn't wait to have children so I could teach them everything they need to know in this world. Little did I realize that teaching your own children is a different story. Your tricks of the trade don't seem to work. They are both like "whatever mom". Neither of them LOVE crafts... not like I did as a kid. But this summer I have been able to pull off a few fun things.
B&P are finally at a good age to have the attention span to finish a project. Our sunflowers are one example and I think they came out pretty cute.
While the kids painted their paper plate yellow, Jonas was working on his gymnastic moves.
He is one very flexible and determined little boy. He has hit the reaching and grabbing anything he can get his hands on stage.
Here is our finished flower. Here are the instructions you need: one paper plate, black construction paper to hole punch the black seeds, and green construction paper for the stem... just simple. Parker had taken off after finishing to play cars and trains before I could get a picture of him.
After our art project we fixed a fun yummy treat to go along with our theme.
Here is the recipe
1 large rice cake , peanut butter, banana, sunflower seeds, Licorice.
Spread the peanut butter on a rice cake. Cut bananas in circles and arrange the circles around the edge of the rice cake. Sprinkle sunflower seeds in the center. Finally add licorice(Green, I couldn't find)to make a stem and leaves.
The kids loved this treat and were really proud they were able to make it .. that always helps them finish their food when they help make it :)