Mike has a job!!! We are so thankful to our precious Heavenly Father for providing a job! Thank you to those who have prayed about this.
While my "preference" would be a job in Plummer, the job he has gotten is in Spokane. Which, in reality will be really good once the baby is born. He will be close by while we are at the hospital.
If you are in the area, and are thinking about buying a car...you might want to get ahold of Mike! :-)
Please join us in praising the LORD!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Latest
Yesterday we had appointments with the cardiologist and the OB. The cardiologist had also arranged for us to meet with one of the neonatalogists that will be caring for Jethro. We like the neonatalogist, he was very open in answering our questions, and seemed to be very upfront about what will be happening with the baby if things continue the way they are. I was asking him about Jethro being able to wear his own booties, hats, etc. And he was saying, yes, he could have his own things, and they encourage blankies from home, favorite toys (do newborns have favorite toys?), etc. He made mention of a favorite stuffed animal. I said, "A pistol?" He answered with, "Well, as long as it doesn't have live ammunition, we could probably do that." That may seem like a rather random toy to ask about, but those of you who know us, know that our little boys are almost always armed. :-) And, there is a story behind the question...
I was on the phone with Mom the other night, and Josiah ran up and put a pistol on my very pregnant belly. I said, "Oh, is this for me?" He just looked at me and said, "It's Jethro's." LOL It's one of the reasons I like to know ahead of time if we are having a boy or girl. We can give them their name, and it just helps make that baby a little more "real" to the other children before they are actually a presence in our home.
So, after meeting with the neonatalogist, we had another echo done on Jethro's heart. We met with a different cardiologist than we have been, and it was "nice" to get a little different perspective. Besides having Ebstein's, Jethro has what they are referring to as "functioning" Pulmonary Atresia. From the reading I have done, it is common for there to be problems with the pulmonary valve when Ebstein's is present. What this means for Jethro is that the Pulmonary Valve is not functioning, but it is allowing blood flow in the wrong direction. Which tells us that the lower right chamber of his heart is not pumping hard enough to push the blood through in the right direction. The Pulmonary Atresia really complicates things. That valve can be replaced, but it is a short term fix at best. There apparently really is no "real" fix for Pulmonary Atresia.
We were at the cardiologist's office for over 2 hours ~ much of which was spent on my back, while they did the echo on his heart. So then we were late for my OB appt. When we got there, we found out that I didn't "pass" the glucose test I had to take last time. Now they want me to do the 3-hour glucose test ~ and do it right away so if there's a problem, we can do something about it. :-/ Only it wasn't so urgent they couldn't wait 2 weeks to let me know that I didn't do so well. Have I mentioned how frustrated I am with seeing an OB? Once again I will say that the care is just sub-standard to what I am accustomed to receiving. Midwives may not be able to offer the "high-tech" care, but they offer much more than that! I am so tired of feeling like I am nothing more than a chart and a paycheck.
One bright spot is that Jethro is once again head-down! What a good baby. :-)
Prayer Requests:
I was on the phone with Mom the other night, and Josiah ran up and put a pistol on my very pregnant belly. I said, "Oh, is this for me?" He just looked at me and said, "It's Jethro's." LOL It's one of the reasons I like to know ahead of time if we are having a boy or girl. We can give them their name, and it just helps make that baby a little more "real" to the other children before they are actually a presence in our home.
So, after meeting with the neonatalogist, we had another echo done on Jethro's heart. We met with a different cardiologist than we have been, and it was "nice" to get a little different perspective. Besides having Ebstein's, Jethro has what they are referring to as "functioning" Pulmonary Atresia. From the reading I have done, it is common for there to be problems with the pulmonary valve when Ebstein's is present. What this means for Jethro is that the Pulmonary Valve is not functioning, but it is allowing blood flow in the wrong direction. Which tells us that the lower right chamber of his heart is not pumping hard enough to push the blood through in the right direction. The Pulmonary Atresia really complicates things. That valve can be replaced, but it is a short term fix at best. There apparently really is no "real" fix for Pulmonary Atresia.
We were at the cardiologist's office for over 2 hours ~ much of which was spent on my back, while they did the echo on his heart. So then we were late for my OB appt. When we got there, we found out that I didn't "pass" the glucose test I had to take last time. Now they want me to do the 3-hour glucose test ~ and do it right away so if there's a problem, we can do something about it. :-/ Only it wasn't so urgent they couldn't wait 2 weeks to let me know that I didn't do so well. Have I mentioned how frustrated I am with seeing an OB? Once again I will say that the care is just sub-standard to what I am accustomed to receiving. Midwives may not be able to offer the "high-tech" care, but they offer much more than that! I am so tired of feeling like I am nothing more than a chart and a paycheck.
One bright spot is that Jethro is once again head-down! What a good baby. :-)
Prayer Requests:
- That Mike and I would have wisdom. We are dealing with several different doctors ~ not all of whom are very communicative with us ~ and there are lots of things to consider and make decisions about. In most cases, we know what the dr.s want, and we know what we want ~ but we need wisdom from the One who *knows* what is best for Jethro and me.
- For the Pulmonary Atresia. Please pray specifically that God will heal Jethro's Pulmonary Valve. We are asking for a miracle. It's pretty well documented that the valve is not working. It is not something that will "heal" or "fix" on it's own. The Ebstein's is serious enough in and of itself, but the Pulmonary Atresia truly complicates things. It would simplify them greatly if God would choose to take that out of the picture.
- For my emotional well-being. I manage to keep my eyes uplifted most of the time. I do trust my Heavenly Father and I am walking in faith. However, it feels like every time I turn around in this pregnancy, something else is going wrong. I know that God doesn't owe me anything ~ He has already blessed me beyond measure, but at the moment I am struggling with all the "little" things that aren't "right". I know that when I am weak, He is strong...I'm just having a real hard time dealing with the weakness right now.
- A job for Mike. My darling husband has been out of work for almost a year now. He has not sat idle for the past year, but there has been no "job". He did have an interview last week, and we are still waiting to hear back from them. It is hard for a man not to be able to put his hand to the plow and provide for his family. I am specifically praying for a job with good benefits, so that as soon as Jethro is born, we can get him on insurance.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Christmas Letter 2009
Greetings, Loved Ones ~
I cannot believe that once again it is time for a Christmas letter! I had one all typed out and printed last year, and then time got away from me and only a few of them got sent. It has been another busy year, and a year full of testing our faith and watching God’s faithfulness.
In January, Mike was laid off. This started a journey of faith for us that has been incredible. We have seen God provide month after month ~ sometimes through odd jobs, sometimes through short-term employment, and often through generous gifts from unknown folks. In July, there was no money for our house payment. I began to pray, “Lord, I know that you can provide the funds we need. I don’t know how You’re going to do it, but I know you can.” One morning at church, our pastor approached Mike and told him that he needed our mortgage payment information. Someone wanted to make our house payment for us! What an incredible answer to prayer! Although it has definitely been a stretch, and we are more than ready for Mike to have regular employment, this past year has been such a blessing as we have watched God meet our every need. We have always known that it is God who provides, but when all pretense of self-reliance is taken away, then you know that it is God who provides!
We graduated Will from our home school this year, and he moved out. He has been working at the local post office for a little over a year, and is now thinking about Bible school next fall. At this point, he believes that the Lord is leading him to become a pastor. We have stood in awe at what God is doing in his life. He is blessed with a unique ability to share ~ both in writing and speech ~ what God is teaching him. Last summer, the youth did a “local” mission trip, reaching out to 5 local communities. Will did the gospel presentation at least once in each community, and it was very powerful to listen to. I am so thankful for the call that God has put on his life.
Levi is a senior, and seriously considering going on to college next fall. He had another great football season, and one of the coaches is really encouraging him to go on and play college ball. He is a really good running back, and it’s exciting to see him prepare to go on to the next level. He is a really good big brother, taking lots of time to play with the little boys ~ often he can be found in the middle of a gun fight with them, or sitting on the couch reading (“Just this one. Okay, one more.”), or with two little boys attached to his legs as he drags them around the house. He is also quite the cook! Well, as long as it involves meat. ;-)
Garth is now 15, and chomping at the bit to drive! He is currently saving his money so that he can take driver’s ed. Garth had a really good football season, starting in almost all the games. He even got to play starting QB against Mullan! He did a really good job. We have seen a lot of growth ~ physical and spiritual in Garth this year. He also went on the mission trip, and then to Creation in July. He is now heading up the “games” section of the youth worship service, along with a friend. It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm for participating in worship.
Logan turned 13 this summer. He spent a week at Camp Elohim in July, and really enjoyed himself. He is starting to attend youth group, and is involved with the drama team. More and more I see glimpses of the young man he is becoming and less of the boy. Logan has a great capacity for being loving and considerate, but does need to exercise that “muscle” a bit more.
Kathleen and Laura are now 9 and 7. They are a constant source of chatter around here. This summer they got to go to Yellowstone with Grammie and Pak ~ and we had a weekend of QUIET! It was very exciting for all involved. ;-) They are very enthusiastic about learning to cook and bake, and are learning to be more and more helpful around the house.
Josiah and Ezra (3 and 19 mo) are a source of joy and laughter in our home. These two little boys keep us on our toes! I don’t remember the older boys being so busy when they were little. We can’t decide if these two are really that much more of a challenge, or if it’s just that we’re that much older! :-D They love to play football, and will spend inordinate amounts of time kicking, throwing and running the ball ~ especially if there is a big brother to play with them!
The Lord has chosen to bless us once again ~ this time with a Valentine! This pregnancy has been a challenge; I have been fighting high blood pressure, and that along with my “advanced maternal age” has made this a high risk pregnancy. I spent some time in the hospital in October, and at that time we found out that our son has a congenital heart defect. Known as Ebstein’s Abnormality, it only occurs in 1 in every 210,000 births. The pediatric cardiologist believes that he will be severely affected by it, as his heart is already enlarged. There is a possibility he won’t make it to birth, and if he does, he will likely be a very sick baby and immediately take up residence in the NICU. We would greatly appreciate prayers for baby Jethro’s heart. I want to share how thankful we are to have found out about his heart ahead of time. We can make preparations for an NICU stay after the birth, we were able to change what hospital we are delivering at, so I won’t be in a different hospital from the baby, and we can prepare the children ahead of time as well. God is FAITHFUL and we know that He will carry us through this, whatever His will is.
We pray that this finds you healthy and joyful, rejoicing in the ultimate gift of a Savior. Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Update
Monday I had an appt with the OB and yesterday I had perinatalogist and cardiologist appts. A couple of long days made worse by my fall on Sunday. :-(
Everything looks pretty good. I have cut back on my BP meds, and my BP is still lower, so that is wonderful. I am not nearly so totally wiped out at the lower dosage which has been great. I don't know what it is, but our boys do not like being listened to, and Monday, when the dr. tried to listen to Jethro's heart, he pitched a fit. It was really kind of amusing, he was all over the place, kicking and throwing his arms ~ he absolutely did not want to be listened to.
I am finding myself more and more frustrated with not having a homebirth. Obviously, that is just not a possibility this time around, but midwives are just so much better than OBs! Every single appt, I have to ask, "What am I measuring?" "What is the baby's heart rate?" There's not even any point in asking anything about the baby ~ because drs don't know how to do anything ~ like palpate a baby.
So, yesterday, we get to Deaconess for the appt with the perinatalogist. Which means an ultrasound. I was not looking forward to it. My tailbone is extremely sore, and the thought of two long u/s on hard tables was not my idea of a good time. Well, we ended up in one of the post-partum rooms and it had a wonderful, soft bed! I was very comfortable during the u/s ~ it was one of those things that I like to call a "God hug". :-) Just a little thing that let me know that God knows I'm hurting and cares. Then the u/s tech wanted to know if this baby has been breech. I said, "No. Is he breech now?" Yes, he is. Very frustrating. I told Mike, if I had had an appt with my midwife instead of an OB on Monday, we would have already known that the baby was breech. Right now, he's apparently 2 weeks ahead in growth, but I don't really pay a lot of attention to that kind of thing, because babies in utero have growth spurts just like they do after they're born. And we don't tend to have "little" babies anyway. After the u/s was done, they couldn't locate the dr., so they sent us on our way with instructions to call the drs secretary today. Baby looks good enough that we are done with the perinatalogist! So that was definitely good news.
After lunch we went over to the cardiologist's office. They were running about an hour behind, so we were able to get a tour of Sacred Heart's L&D, post-partum, NICU and PICU. Even though it was just a walk-through, it still provides a little familiarity for when Jethro is born. The co-ordinator that gave us the tour made sure that we knew we can call anytime with questions, and she will get back to us ASAP with answers. I was thankful to find out that vaccinations are not going to be an issue as far as the younger children being able to visit the baby, and especially if it looks like he won't make it, they will do everything within their power to make sure we have time together as a family. I don't think I have the words to express what a comfort that is to my Mama heart. It is definitely something that has been weighing pretty heavily on my heart.
After our tour, we went back up to the Center for Congenital Heart Defects and had another ultrasound. These u/s are totally centered on his heart ~ they don't really look at anything else. The cardiologist was encouraged that the growth of his heart is not over and above his overall growth. She is still very cautious, thinking that he will be severely affected by this defect. We are also likely dealing with Pulmonary Stenosis along with the Ebstein's. Although we probably won't know for sure until he is born. Once he is born, they will do an echo on his heart to have a better idea what exactly we're dealing with.
The cardiologist would really like to see labor induced at about 38 weeks, so everything can be "controlled". She is very concerned that we live an hour away from the hospital. I tried to tell her that after giving birth as many times as I have, the likelihood of labor catching me by surprise, and us not making it to the hospital probably isn't real likely. She suggested that we might want to stay in Spokane the week I'm due, but I know I will be gone from the children after Jethro is born, so I just can't be gone ahead of time as well.
This is something we would really appreciate prayer about. I do not want to be induced as it will increase my chances of a uterine rupture, it increases the chances for another c-sec., it means that they would have to constantly monitor the baby, so I would be tied to the bed instead of being able to move around. There are just many reasons why I would much rather go into labor on my own. We obviously want to do what is best for this baby, but within that, I want things done as naturally as possible. I hate being messed with during labor; and pretty much nothing has gone right in this pregnancy, so the thought of them "managing" or "controlling" labor makes me very leery ~ I just don't think we would have a very good outcome. So, this is something that Mike and I will be praying about quite a bit, seeking wisdom.
Everything looks pretty good. I have cut back on my BP meds, and my BP is still lower, so that is wonderful. I am not nearly so totally wiped out at the lower dosage which has been great. I don't know what it is, but our boys do not like being listened to, and Monday, when the dr. tried to listen to Jethro's heart, he pitched a fit. It was really kind of amusing, he was all over the place, kicking and throwing his arms ~ he absolutely did not want to be listened to.
I am finding myself more and more frustrated with not having a homebirth. Obviously, that is just not a possibility this time around, but midwives are just so much better than OBs! Every single appt, I have to ask, "What am I measuring?" "What is the baby's heart rate?" There's not even any point in asking anything about the baby ~ because drs don't know how to do anything ~ like palpate a baby.
So, yesterday, we get to Deaconess for the appt with the perinatalogist. Which means an ultrasound. I was not looking forward to it. My tailbone is extremely sore, and the thought of two long u/s on hard tables was not my idea of a good time. Well, we ended up in one of the post-partum rooms and it had a wonderful, soft bed! I was very comfortable during the u/s ~ it was one of those things that I like to call a "God hug". :-) Just a little thing that let me know that God knows I'm hurting and cares. Then the u/s tech wanted to know if this baby has been breech. I said, "No. Is he breech now?" Yes, he is. Very frustrating. I told Mike, if I had had an appt with my midwife instead of an OB on Monday, we would have already known that the baby was breech. Right now, he's apparently 2 weeks ahead in growth, but I don't really pay a lot of attention to that kind of thing, because babies in utero have growth spurts just like they do after they're born. And we don't tend to have "little" babies anyway. After the u/s was done, they couldn't locate the dr., so they sent us on our way with instructions to call the drs secretary today. Baby looks good enough that we are done with the perinatalogist! So that was definitely good news.
After lunch we went over to the cardiologist's office. They were running about an hour behind, so we were able to get a tour of Sacred Heart's L&D, post-partum, NICU and PICU. Even though it was just a walk-through, it still provides a little familiarity for when Jethro is born. The co-ordinator that gave us the tour made sure that we knew we can call anytime with questions, and she will get back to us ASAP with answers. I was thankful to find out that vaccinations are not going to be an issue as far as the younger children being able to visit the baby, and especially if it looks like he won't make it, they will do everything within their power to make sure we have time together as a family. I don't think I have the words to express what a comfort that is to my Mama heart. It is definitely something that has been weighing pretty heavily on my heart.
After our tour, we went back up to the Center for Congenital Heart Defects and had another ultrasound. These u/s are totally centered on his heart ~ they don't really look at anything else. The cardiologist was encouraged that the growth of his heart is not over and above his overall growth. She is still very cautious, thinking that he will be severely affected by this defect. We are also likely dealing with Pulmonary Stenosis along with the Ebstein's. Although we probably won't know for sure until he is born. Once he is born, they will do an echo on his heart to have a better idea what exactly we're dealing with.
The cardiologist would really like to see labor induced at about 38 weeks, so everything can be "controlled". She is very concerned that we live an hour away from the hospital. I tried to tell her that after giving birth as many times as I have, the likelihood of labor catching me by surprise, and us not making it to the hospital probably isn't real likely. She suggested that we might want to stay in Spokane the week I'm due, but I know I will be gone from the children after Jethro is born, so I just can't be gone ahead of time as well.
This is something we would really appreciate prayer about. I do not want to be induced as it will increase my chances of a uterine rupture, it increases the chances for another c-sec., it means that they would have to constantly monitor the baby, so I would be tied to the bed instead of being able to move around. There are just many reasons why I would much rather go into labor on my own. We obviously want to do what is best for this baby, but within that, I want things done as naturally as possible. I hate being messed with during labor; and pretty much nothing has gone right in this pregnancy, so the thought of them "managing" or "controlling" labor makes me very leery ~ I just don't think we would have a very good outcome. So, this is something that Mike and I will be praying about quite a bit, seeking wisdom.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Update later this week
Just a quick note. We have a perinatalogist and cardiologist appt on Tuesday. Hopefully we will find out more, and prayerfully, Jethro's heart will look better. I'll post and update either Tuesday or Wednesday to let everyone know what we found out.
I'd appreciate prayers for these appts. I'm sure they will both entail ultra sounds, and that makes for a long, sore day for me. To further complicate matters, I slipped going down our bedroom stairs this morning and went down on my tailbone...all the way to the floor. I am extremely sore and afraid I have broke my tailbone. It's going to make being on my back for extended periods very difficult.
Thanks.
I'd appreciate prayers for these appts. I'm sure they will both entail ultra sounds, and that makes for a long, sore day for me. To further complicate matters, I slipped going down our bedroom stairs this morning and went down on my tailbone...all the way to the floor. I am extremely sore and afraid I have broke my tailbone. It's going to make being on my back for extended periods very difficult.
Thanks.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Post by Will
Will didn't write this for the blog, but after reading it, I asked him if I could post it here. It's thought provoking, and downright convicting. Here then, is a great (if I do say so myself :-)) article by my eldest son.
So this is mostly just writing to myself...but honestly most of what I write is, I comprehend and process better if I have to put things into words. So I shall attempt to share the lesson God has been teaching me of late. The subject is holiness.
We shall start with our premise that we, by nature, are sinners condemned to hell. We are condemned to hell because God is holy and perfect and cannot tolerate sin. But because in addition to His holiness and justice, God is also loving and merciful, He offers His son Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sin, and faith in the redeeming work of Christ is the only way to heaven. Once we have by faith accepted that covering for our sin, we are promised a place in heaven. And we are called to be saints...which is where the fun begins...
Like I said, this is something that I have struggled a lot with lately. Mostly because I love my sin. Sin is quite often fun. I mean, some of it isn't, and then there are consequences you have to deal with afterward...but lets be honest, if there wasn't some enjoyable quality to most sin, wouldn't everyone be perfect? And so, I have been trying to walk sideways on the slippery slope of sinning whilst trying to maintain my relationship with Christ. Some people call this walking the fence, but I like the slope analogy better, just because it makes it obvious that it will all lead in one direction. But back to the point. I have really felt God calling me into ministry (not sure what capacity yet, we shall see), and so I've been trying to study more and really grow in Him. And interestingly enough, all at once, He has sent influences from every side, whether it be sermons, to sermons I listen to online, to Bible study, to casual conversations...and it keeps boiling down to one thing. We must live holy, set apart lives for Christ. Which is a hard concept for me, but here's what I've been learning.
As I've been hammered with this subject I have found it interesting the large number of different passages that directly address the issue. Let's go over a few of my favorites...
Ephesians 1:4-"just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love..." He chose us before the foundation of the world. To be holy. To be without blame. Wow. I don't know about you, but this makes me feel two big things right off the bat-1)how amazing that the God of the universe cares enough about me that before the foundations of our very planet were laid He picked me out to be one of His chosen holy. What an amazing privilege. 2)What a huge responsibility. God went to the trouble of making me, calling me to be like Him, and all I can muster is some half hearted attempt to be better than the Jones the street. How pathetic I am. But despite how much of a loser I am, there is hope. And we will get to that in a bit, but first let's look more into holiness.
Ephesians 4:20-24-"But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." This one is quite interesting to me, because a slight rabbit trail that my brain has been taking with this is the whole idea of "being true to yourself". Everywhere we turn that's what talked about, our entire culture is built upon being yourself and doing what you want. Well I want to propose something here. That the concept of, "being you" is both undesirable and unbiblical. "You" (and me, and anyone walking this earth) are a sinner. Our hearts are corrupt and deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), beyond repair. We in ourselves, have nothing. There is no good, no commendable qualities to pursue. But there is a second part to that verse in Ephesians, which closely parallels a more familiar Romans passage...
Romans 12:1,2-" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." God doesn't just sit there and tell us how bad we are, but He'll save us anyway. No, he says, yes I saved you from that. I have called you out of the pit and into light-now turn from your wicked ways! Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This blows my mind, people always talk about how Christianity is a set of rules, just ties you down...it's the exact opposite! Jesus offers ultimate freedom, freedom from ourselves. Freedom from the bondage that is sin.
Romans 6:14-"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." God pulls us out of sin and allows us to chose life, and choose to follow him, how freeing is that?
My point in all of this is to say that God has called us, as men and women of His, to a higher standard. This isn't just for Pastors, youth leaders, or "spiritual" people. This is everyone who calls themselves a Christian. This world needs change people. This world needs hope. And that is only going to come through the Gospel, and we will only be effective in spreading that if we are living the life that He has called us to live. Holy. Set apart. Saints of God.
Will Dole
So this is mostly just writing to myself...but honestly most of what I write is, I comprehend and process better if I have to put things into words. So I shall attempt to share the lesson God has been teaching me of late. The subject is holiness.
We shall start with our premise that we, by nature, are sinners condemned to hell. We are condemned to hell because God is holy and perfect and cannot tolerate sin. But because in addition to His holiness and justice, God is also loving and merciful, He offers His son Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sin, and faith in the redeeming work of Christ is the only way to heaven. Once we have by faith accepted that covering for our sin, we are promised a place in heaven. And we are called to be saints...which is where the fun begins...
Like I said, this is something that I have struggled a lot with lately. Mostly because I love my sin. Sin is quite often fun. I mean, some of it isn't, and then there are consequences you have to deal with afterward...but lets be honest, if there wasn't some enjoyable quality to most sin, wouldn't everyone be perfect? And so, I have been trying to walk sideways on the slippery slope of sinning whilst trying to maintain my relationship with Christ. Some people call this walking the fence, but I like the slope analogy better, just because it makes it obvious that it will all lead in one direction. But back to the point. I have really felt God calling me into ministry (not sure what capacity yet, we shall see), and so I've been trying to study more and really grow in Him. And interestingly enough, all at once, He has sent influences from every side, whether it be sermons, to sermons I listen to online, to Bible study, to casual conversations...and it keeps boiling down to one thing. We must live holy, set apart lives for Christ. Which is a hard concept for me, but here's what I've been learning.
As I've been hammered with this subject I have found it interesting the large number of different passages that directly address the issue. Let's go over a few of my favorites...
Ephesians 1:4-"just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love..." He chose us before the foundation of the world. To be holy. To be without blame. Wow. I don't know about you, but this makes me feel two big things right off the bat-1)how amazing that the God of the universe cares enough about me that before the foundations of our very planet were laid He picked me out to be one of His chosen holy. What an amazing privilege. 2)What a huge responsibility. God went to the trouble of making me, calling me to be like Him, and all I can muster is some half hearted attempt to be better than the Jones the street. How pathetic I am. But despite how much of a loser I am, there is hope. And we will get to that in a bit, but first let's look more into holiness.
Ephesians 4:20-24-"But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." This one is quite interesting to me, because a slight rabbit trail that my brain has been taking with this is the whole idea of "being true to yourself". Everywhere we turn that's what talked about, our entire culture is built upon being yourself and doing what you want. Well I want to propose something here. That the concept of, "being you" is both undesirable and unbiblical. "You" (and me, and anyone walking this earth) are a sinner. Our hearts are corrupt and deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), beyond repair. We in ourselves, have nothing. There is no good, no commendable qualities to pursue. But there is a second part to that verse in Ephesians, which closely parallels a more familiar Romans passage...
Romans 12:1,2-" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." God doesn't just sit there and tell us how bad we are, but He'll save us anyway. No, he says, yes I saved you from that. I have called you out of the pit and into light-now turn from your wicked ways! Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This blows my mind, people always talk about how Christianity is a set of rules, just ties you down...it's the exact opposite! Jesus offers ultimate freedom, freedom from ourselves. Freedom from the bondage that is sin.
Romans 6:14-"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." God pulls us out of sin and allows us to chose life, and choose to follow him, how freeing is that?
My point in all of this is to say that God has called us, as men and women of His, to a higher standard. This isn't just for Pastors, youth leaders, or "spiritual" people. This is everyone who calls themselves a Christian. This world needs change people. This world needs hope. And that is only going to come through the Gospel, and we will only be effective in spreading that if we are living the life that He has called us to live. Holy. Set apart. Saints of God.
Will Dole
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Prayers Needed
Well, I've never gotten around to posting about the boys last game. I will still try to do that, but won't make any promises toward it. :-)
Right now, I want to share what's going on and ask for your prayers. Thursday, we had an appointment with the perinatalogist. After a fairly long ultrasound, they sent us on to the pediatric cardiologist (not in the "plan" for the day). There, they did another lengthy ultrasound (I spent the better part of 3 hours total on my back!), and then we got hit with the diagnosis for our son.
He has what is known as Ebstein's Malformation of Tricuspid Valve. It is a rare defect, affecting about 1 in 210,000 births. While it can be so mild that it isn't even detected until a child is older, or even adult; the cardiologist believes that our son will be severely affected by it at birth, because his heart is already enlarged. The enlargement of the heart can impede the development of the lungs, and so, often these babies are not just dealing with a heart issue, but also have underdeveloped lungs.
Here is a short description of what we are dealing with: Ebstein's Abnormality The Dr. gave us worse case scenario which included our son not even making it full term, and if he does survive to birth, very possibly dieing within the first week. Most likely he will be a very sick baby when he is born, and will immediately take up residence in the NICU.
Our delivery plans have changed once again ~ did I mention I DON'T like change? But of course our top priority is doing what is best for this son. We will be delivering at Sacred Heart so that he will have access to the best heart Dr.s and medical care from the start. One of the things I am thankful for is that heart babies tend to do much better when born naturally, so it looks like my hope for a VBAC will be buoyed by what's best for baby.
We are praying for healing for his heart. But, we realize that God's will may not be to heal him. So, we are also praying for the faith, strength, grace and mercy that we need to walk the path our feet are set upon. Our "secondary" prayer, if you will, is that his heart will not enlarge to the point of impeding lung development.
We have much to be thankful for, in the midst of all this. While a part of us would like to be oblivious to what's going on, we are thankful that we know ahead of time. We can deliver in the hospital where baby will need to be, and I won't have to be separated from him because he has to be transported. We can plan for an extended stay, and prepare not only ourselves but the other children. Because we know there is a problem, we can pray knowledgeably for this baby. And, we are thankful to once again have the opportunity to walk in trust and faith ~ this is not to say that we are happy about our son having a congenital heart defect. But we know that God allows different trials in our lives to glorify Himself and to conform us further into the image of his Son. I am thankful that He loves us enough to do that!
We have a wonderful church family who has surrounded us with their love and prayers. We are blessed with friends and family who love us and pray for us. We are blessed with brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who love us and pray for us, even though we have never met face to face! I sat here in tears yesterday morning, reading emails and Facebook messages from friends far flung ~ letting me know that they are praying for our son's heart and for comfort, peace and wisdom for Mike and I. What a blessing! How humbling to know that the God of creation, He who rules the universe cares enough about what's going on in my little world, that He would move his children from various places in this world to pray for my unborn son. I stand in awe of Him.
We will have another cardiologist appointment at the beginning of December, and hopefully will know a little more at that point. Right now we're in a 'wait and see' mode. I am eternally grateful that we know the One who knows the outcome, and that we can fully trust in Him.
Right now, I want to share what's going on and ask for your prayers. Thursday, we had an appointment with the perinatalogist. After a fairly long ultrasound, they sent us on to the pediatric cardiologist (not in the "plan" for the day). There, they did another lengthy ultrasound (I spent the better part of 3 hours total on my back!), and then we got hit with the diagnosis for our son.
He has what is known as Ebstein's Malformation of Tricuspid Valve. It is a rare defect, affecting about 1 in 210,000 births. While it can be so mild that it isn't even detected until a child is older, or even adult; the cardiologist believes that our son will be severely affected by it at birth, because his heart is already enlarged. The enlargement of the heart can impede the development of the lungs, and so, often these babies are not just dealing with a heart issue, but also have underdeveloped lungs.
Here is a short description of what we are dealing with: Ebstein's Abnormality The Dr. gave us worse case scenario which included our son not even making it full term, and if he does survive to birth, very possibly dieing within the first week. Most likely he will be a very sick baby when he is born, and will immediately take up residence in the NICU.
Our delivery plans have changed once again ~ did I mention I DON'T like change? But of course our top priority is doing what is best for this son. We will be delivering at Sacred Heart so that he will have access to the best heart Dr.s and medical care from the start. One of the things I am thankful for is that heart babies tend to do much better when born naturally, so it looks like my hope for a VBAC will be buoyed by what's best for baby.
We are praying for healing for his heart. But, we realize that God's will may not be to heal him. So, we are also praying for the faith, strength, grace and mercy that we need to walk the path our feet are set upon. Our "secondary" prayer, if you will, is that his heart will not enlarge to the point of impeding lung development.
We have much to be thankful for, in the midst of all this. While a part of us would like to be oblivious to what's going on, we are thankful that we know ahead of time. We can deliver in the hospital where baby will need to be, and I won't have to be separated from him because he has to be transported. We can plan for an extended stay, and prepare not only ourselves but the other children. Because we know there is a problem, we can pray knowledgeably for this baby. And, we are thankful to once again have the opportunity to walk in trust and faith ~ this is not to say that we are happy about our son having a congenital heart defect. But we know that God allows different trials in our lives to glorify Himself and to conform us further into the image of his Son. I am thankful that He loves us enough to do that!
We have a wonderful church family who has surrounded us with their love and prayers. We are blessed with friends and family who love us and pray for us. We are blessed with brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who love us and pray for us, even though we have never met face to face! I sat here in tears yesterday morning, reading emails and Facebook messages from friends far flung ~ letting me know that they are praying for our son's heart and for comfort, peace and wisdom for Mike and I. What a blessing! How humbling to know that the God of creation, He who rules the universe cares enough about what's going on in my little world, that He would move his children from various places in this world to pray for my unborn son. I stand in awe of Him.
We will have another cardiologist appointment at the beginning of December, and hopefully will know a little more at that point. Right now we're in a 'wait and see' mode. I am eternally grateful that we know the One who knows the outcome, and that we can fully trust in Him.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Here he is...
Here is the newest picture of our little Valentine. There is an update post below this one, letting you know what's going on.We are so appreciative of the prayers that folks are sending up on our behalf. We know that God has gone before us in all that we are going through, and that we are walking this path for His glory and our good.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Update
Goodness! I can't believe it's been a month since I posted. Things have been busy, with football and being pregnant. I will post a "football" post in the next day or two, but not now.
I ended up having to transfer my care from my wonderful, dearly loved midwife to an OB, due to high blood pressure. I had my first appt a week ago Thursday. As usual, my BP spiked at the drs. office, and they were sure I was on the verge of a stroke or something, so they admitted me directly into the hospital to run tests and try to get my BP down. Of course, the way it was done, kept my BP high, because I don't do instant change well. :-)
So, I was in the hospital until Saturday. I missed the first football game in 8 years ~ and missed Garth's debut as starting Quarterback. :-(
While in the hospital, they did an ultrasound on baby. Part of the concern with high BP, is that the placenta is not getting fed properly by mama's body, so they wanted to check on the placenta, and baby's growth. We had a very thorough ultrasound, and I suspected something was up when the u/s tech spent a great deal of time looking at baby's heart. After the u/s was over, the Perinatalogist came in and talked with me. It looks like our baby has a congenital heart defect. At this point, we are not sure just how serious it is ~ we will be going in for another appt. on the 5th of November. We would surely appreciate prayers for baby's heart and for wisdom for the dr. to know just exactly what is going on.
And, we also found out that the first u/s was wrong ~ we are not having a girl, we are having another little boy! The boys were ecstatic. :-) The girls adjusted quickly. Garth told me, "I knew it. I just knew it had to be a boy ~ I kept the faith, and I was right!" :-D Just a little dramatic. ;-)
I am also going to be able to see one of the midwives that works in the OB's office and delivers in the hospital. I did meet her briefly while I was in the hospital, and I am looking forward to my first appt with her. The dr. I saw initially just was not a good fit ~ he's used to making decisions and giving orders; I am used to being informed and being in on the decision making. I am limited to the office I am going to ~ they are the only ones in the Spokane area that do VBACs, but I can't work with a dr. who will not listen or take into consideration the person that I am, and after our initial dealings with him, I just do not want him involved in my care in any way.
This pregnancy is definitely going to be a challenge for me. I am not used to being "managed" while pregnant, and this is by necessity going to have to be a "managed" pregnancy ~ with my BP and the baby's heart problem. We obviously want what is best for both of us, and that would include a good working relationship with the dr. and midwife.
I do have a newer "picture" of our little one ~ a 3D shot. I will post it separately.
I ended up having to transfer my care from my wonderful, dearly loved midwife to an OB, due to high blood pressure. I had my first appt a week ago Thursday. As usual, my BP spiked at the drs. office, and they were sure I was on the verge of a stroke or something, so they admitted me directly into the hospital to run tests and try to get my BP down. Of course, the way it was done, kept my BP high, because I don't do instant change well. :-)
So, I was in the hospital until Saturday. I missed the first football game in 8 years ~ and missed Garth's debut as starting Quarterback. :-(
While in the hospital, they did an ultrasound on baby. Part of the concern with high BP, is that the placenta is not getting fed properly by mama's body, so they wanted to check on the placenta, and baby's growth. We had a very thorough ultrasound, and I suspected something was up when the u/s tech spent a great deal of time looking at baby's heart. After the u/s was over, the Perinatalogist came in and talked with me. It looks like our baby has a congenital heart defect. At this point, we are not sure just how serious it is ~ we will be going in for another appt. on the 5th of November. We would surely appreciate prayers for baby's heart and for wisdom for the dr. to know just exactly what is going on.
And, we also found out that the first u/s was wrong ~ we are not having a girl, we are having another little boy! The boys were ecstatic. :-) The girls adjusted quickly. Garth told me, "I knew it. I just knew it had to be a boy ~ I kept the faith, and I was right!" :-D Just a little dramatic. ;-)
I am also going to be able to see one of the midwives that works in the OB's office and delivers in the hospital. I did meet her briefly while I was in the hospital, and I am looking forward to my first appt with her. The dr. I saw initially just was not a good fit ~ he's used to making decisions and giving orders; I am used to being informed and being in on the decision making. I am limited to the office I am going to ~ they are the only ones in the Spokane area that do VBACs, but I can't work with a dr. who will not listen or take into consideration the person that I am, and after our initial dealings with him, I just do not want him involved in my care in any way.
This pregnancy is definitely going to be a challenge for me. I am not used to being "managed" while pregnant, and this is by necessity going to have to be a "managed" pregnancy ~ with my BP and the baby's heart problem. We obviously want what is best for both of us, and that would include a good working relationship with the dr. and midwife.
I do have a newer "picture" of our little one ~ a 3D shot. I will post it separately.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
An eventful Friday
This is going to be a little more than a football update. :-) Friday didn't quite go as planned ~ well, as *I* had planned ~ but, I know it went how God had it planned.
SLY had planned a 5th Qtr party for after the game. I had said that I would help supply finger foods, so while trying to get the girls through their school work, I was baking cupcakes. After I got them decorated, I figured I would fry some chicken for dinner and maybe bake some cookies as well. That was early afternoon.
Along about 2:30, my belly started to hurt. It felt like one long, continuous contraction that would not let up, intermingled with sharper pains. I tried lying down, but it didn't relieve the pain at all. Mike was farming, but I decided to try to get ahold of him. I got him, but he didn't have enough reception to actually communicate with him. I tried him a couple more times, but just got his voice mail. So, I called my midwife to see what she thought. She thought I should go in and have an ultrasound done to see what was going on. I knew that I was in too much pain to drive myself anywhere and none of my other drivers were home. So, I began to pray that God would give Mike reception. I don't know how many times I called him, and didn't get him.
It was getting late enough that I decided maybe he would be at the football field for middle school practice. I called Garth and asked him if he was at the football field. No, but he would be shortly. So, I told him if his Dad was there, to have him call me immediately. Then, I decided to call Mike one more time. BINGO! I got him. I told him what was going on and that I needed him at home. He was here within minutes. We loaded up kids and headed for Coeur d' Alene ~ dropping kids off with my Mom.
As usual, our trip to the hospital did not produce any answers as to what was going on. By the time we got there, I was feeling much better. Still hurting, but I think it was residual pain from the "contraction" ~ it had lasted for over an hour. They did do an ultrasound ~ very educational! Our ultrasound tech is also a teacher so it was the most informative ultrasound I have ever had ~ and I've had a few! :-) They decided that I have an infection but they couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me if that was what caused all the pain. My midwife said, "Yes. And infection will do that." I've had that confirmed by some other moms, so I am confident that that was the problem. It would be nice however, if drs. at hospitals would give you something in the way of an answer! I find it highly frustrating that they expect you to pay them the kind of money they want, and yet they won't even venture a guess as to what is wrong. :-/ We did come away with peace of mind, because with the ultrasound, we know that everything looks good with baby and placenta, and I'm right on with my dates.
We missed the first quarter of the game (VERY disappointing! Garth was getting to start on both offense and defense), and I didn't have the camera because of having to leave home like we did. I was very bummed about not getting any pictures. The game did not go as well as hoped for. The way our league is currently set up, the only team in the league we have to beat is Wallace. Well, we lost to them. The boys played a good game, they were just...off. And it cost them the game. One of the boys on the team got his arm broke, so that was a bummer too. Final score was 22-18 Wallace. I don't even know what my boys' stats were ~ how sad is that?
So. We didn't get any football pictures Friday. BUT we did get a picture of our little Valentine. Here she is:
This is a head-on picture of her face. You can see her eyes and nose and mouth, and down toward the right hand bottom is her little hand. It's not the 3D pictures I was hoping for, but we'll take it. :-)
SLY had planned a 5th Qtr party for after the game. I had said that I would help supply finger foods, so while trying to get the girls through their school work, I was baking cupcakes. After I got them decorated, I figured I would fry some chicken for dinner and maybe bake some cookies as well. That was early afternoon.
Along about 2:30, my belly started to hurt. It felt like one long, continuous contraction that would not let up, intermingled with sharper pains. I tried lying down, but it didn't relieve the pain at all. Mike was farming, but I decided to try to get ahold of him. I got him, but he didn't have enough reception to actually communicate with him. I tried him a couple more times, but just got his voice mail. So, I called my midwife to see what she thought. She thought I should go in and have an ultrasound done to see what was going on. I knew that I was in too much pain to drive myself anywhere and none of my other drivers were home. So, I began to pray that God would give Mike reception. I don't know how many times I called him, and didn't get him.
It was getting late enough that I decided maybe he would be at the football field for middle school practice. I called Garth and asked him if he was at the football field. No, but he would be shortly. So, I told him if his Dad was there, to have him call me immediately. Then, I decided to call Mike one more time. BINGO! I got him. I told him what was going on and that I needed him at home. He was here within minutes. We loaded up kids and headed for Coeur d' Alene ~ dropping kids off with my Mom.
As usual, our trip to the hospital did not produce any answers as to what was going on. By the time we got there, I was feeling much better. Still hurting, but I think it was residual pain from the "contraction" ~ it had lasted for over an hour. They did do an ultrasound ~ very educational! Our ultrasound tech is also a teacher so it was the most informative ultrasound I have ever had ~ and I've had a few! :-) They decided that I have an infection but they couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me if that was what caused all the pain. My midwife said, "Yes. And infection will do that." I've had that confirmed by some other moms, so I am confident that that was the problem. It would be nice however, if drs. at hospitals would give you something in the way of an answer! I find it highly frustrating that they expect you to pay them the kind of money they want, and yet they won't even venture a guess as to what is wrong. :-/ We did come away with peace of mind, because with the ultrasound, we know that everything looks good with baby and placenta, and I'm right on with my dates.
We missed the first quarter of the game (VERY disappointing! Garth was getting to start on both offense and defense), and I didn't have the camera because of having to leave home like we did. I was very bummed about not getting any pictures. The game did not go as well as hoped for. The way our league is currently set up, the only team in the league we have to beat is Wallace. Well, we lost to them. The boys played a good game, they were just...off. And it cost them the game. One of the boys on the team got his arm broke, so that was a bummer too. Final score was 22-18 Wallace. I don't even know what my boys' stats were ~ how sad is that?
So. We didn't get any football pictures Friday. BUT we did get a picture of our little Valentine. Here she is:
This is a head-on picture of her face. You can see her eyes and nose and mouth, and down toward the right hand bottom is her little hand. It's not the 3D pictures I was hoping for, but we'll take it. :-)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What translation is he using????
Josiah passed out between the legs of Bob's elephant.I was helping Josiah work on his memory verse for Sunday School. Psalm 23:1 ~ "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
He's not talking real clearly yet, so it comes out: "The Lord Shepherd, I want." So, I was trying to help him get more of the verse into "his" version. I was a little more concerned about the second half of the verse, so that is what we were working on.
Mama: I shall
Si: I shall
Mama: Not
Si: Do it!
Logan was concerned enough that he told him there were warnings in Scripture about adding to it. ;-) Anyway, we're still working on it.
He's not talking real clearly yet, so it comes out: "The Lord Shepherd, I want." So, I was trying to help him get more of the verse into "his" version. I was a little more concerned about the second half of the verse, so that is what we were working on.
Mama: I shall
Si: I shall
Mama: Not
Si: Do it!
Logan was concerned enough that he told him there were warnings in Scripture about adding to it. ;-) Anyway, we're still working on it.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tigers Fall to the Knights!!
Garth, PJ and Levi during pregame warm-ups.Last night we played at home against the Mullan Tigers. The first have was a much more closely fought battle than I thought it would be. Last year, we came close to 45-ing them, and this year our team is even better, so I thought it would be a quick game. :-)
Garth was given the opportunity to start in last night's game, and he played well. Coach Miller doesn't really like to play freshmen very much, so although he's gotten some playing time, he's mostly been on kick-off return teams. Last night though, he got to play the majority of the game.
Garth was given the opportunity to start in last night's game, and he played well. Coach Miller doesn't really like to play freshmen very much, so although he's gotten some playing time, he's mostly been on kick-off return teams. Last night though, he got to play the majority of the game.
Levi on defenseLevi had to take it easy most of the week, due to his thigh; but he played well, and made 4 TDs although one was called back. :-( #10, T.M., had a stellar game, running for almost 300 yds and making 7 TDs. I prefer to see my boys do that ;-), but it is exciting to see any of our boys have such an amazing game. Levi had 179 yards on 9 rushes, and 60 yards on two catches and scored 3 TDs.
ARGH!! I had a picture of Garth here, but I just lost it. :-/ It's such a pain to move pictures once they are uploaded, so the picture of him from before the game will have to do.
As I already mentioned, Garth played really well last night. I think/hope that he has earned himself some real playing time for the rest of the season. He also got his first high school TD last night! He was the receiver on a 52 yd pass (not a very good pass either), and then took it on in for a TD!! It was an amazing catch! All the coaches on the sideline (ours) were wondering who's kid he is, because Dole's can't catch. ;-) I was VERY excited for him. It was definitely one of those moments that I wish I would have been in the right spot to get on camera.
All through the first half, it looked iffy; I wasn't sure that we would win. But, in the second half, we really came out strong and played well. Here's the final score:
As I already mentioned, Garth played really well last night. I think/hope that he has earned himself some real playing time for the rest of the season. He also got his first high school TD last night! He was the receiver on a 52 yd pass (not a very good pass either), and then took it on in for a TD!! It was an amazing catch! All the coaches on the sideline (ours) were wondering who's kid he is, because Dole's can't catch. ;-) I was VERY excited for him. It was definitely one of those moments that I wish I would have been in the right spot to get on camera.
All through the first half, it looked iffy; I wasn't sure that we would win. But, in the second half, we really came out strong and played well. Here's the final score:
Next week we're at home against Wallace. Game time is 7pm.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Max Preps and Dr. Update
Well, apparently Levi's stats are being put on Max Preps this year. I'm still working on getting them on Idaho Sports. I'll share the link for Max Preps later ~ the person that is in charge of putting stats up has shorted Levi 47 yards and 4 TDs. Once he gets that righted, I'll share the link. ;-) Between Daddy and me, it should get corrected fairly quickly.
Levi went to the Dr. yesterday and he is to take it easy at practice this week and apply heat to his thigh. Hopefully the rest will be enough to get him healthy ~ if he can make that many yards when he's not 100%, then I really want to see what he can do when he's feeling his best!
Boy, I sound like a pushy sports mom, don't I? :-) I'm not really ~ but I know that his stats are important to him as well, and so I'm just advocating for him. ;-)
Levi went to the Dr. yesterday and he is to take it easy at practice this week and apply heat to his thigh. Hopefully the rest will be enough to get him healthy ~ if he can make that many yards when he's not 100%, then I really want to see what he can do when he's feeling his best!
Boy, I sound like a pushy sports mom, don't I? :-) I'm not really ~ but I know that his stats are important to him as well, and so I'm just advocating for him. ;-)
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Disappointing Loss
Levi (24) making a block
Garth (15) going for a tackleBefore the game started, Mike came over to me and told me that Levi has a diagonal ridge on his right thigh. One of the coaches wants him to be seen by a Dr. He doesn't think that it's a torn muscle because of the way it's lying, but he's not sure what it is, so Tuesday we will be going to the clinic. We would appreciate prayers for wisdom for the Dr and healing for Levi's leg. Last Friday, Levi cramped up several times during the game, and that didn't happen this week, but he was not 100%. Their other running back got his bell rung in the 2d quarter, and so he wasn't running at 100% either. Had they been, we would have had a different outcome to our game.
Levi running for a touchdownLevi ran for 202 yards and made 4 touchdowns, and I think also had a 2 point conversion. Not bad for running on one leg! His stats weren't up yet on Friday, but I believe that you will be able to track him on IdahoSports.com . If you click that link, it will take you right to the football stats page. I just checked (Monday afternoon) and somebody who will remain nameless, has yet to enter Levi's stats. I'll be making a phone call. ;-) Not to worry, I'll keep you updated! So, that is 427 yards on the season, and 8 TDs.
Garth running the ball on a kick-off returnGarth was the receiver on a kick-off return and ran the ball for about 15 yards. I was really happy with that, although he was so upset about the loss that all he could see was the mistakes he made. :-(
This Friday is a home game against Mullan ~ who has traditionally been our biggest rival. However, last year we 45'd them, so we'll see how quick a game it is on Friday.
Final score of Friday's game was 50-48 Kootenai.
This Friday is a home game against Mullan ~ who has traditionally been our biggest rival. However, last year we 45'd them, so we'll see how quick a game it is on Friday.
Final score of Friday's game was 50-48 Kootenai.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
WE WON!!!!
Last night was the first game of the season. It was stinking hot all day ~ 106* where Mike was cutting wheat. I think it "only" registered in the 90's here, but our thermometer is in the shade. But, by game time it had cooled down some, and ended up being a beautiful night to watch football.
Here is Levi ~ 2d from the left. They are setting up for a defensive play here. Levi had a great game, 4 touchdowns and he ran for 225 yards! He could/would have run for more and possibly even had another touchdown, but he kept cramping up. We need to adjust his supplements I think.
Garth did really well in his first high school game. He mostly played special teams, but he did get on the field for some other plays. He's pretty athletic and I think he's going to have a very nice little high school career in football. :-)
Here is Levi ~ 2d from the left. They are setting up for a defensive play here. Levi had a great game, 4 touchdowns and he ran for 225 yards! He could/would have run for more and possibly even had another touchdown, but he kept cramping up. We need to adjust his supplements I think.
Garth did really well in his first high school game. He mostly played special teams, but he did get on the field for some other plays. He's pretty athletic and I think he's going to have a very nice little high school career in football. :-)
And here is the final score! Yes, we won (which is already obvious from this post's title). I'm not sure how many years it's been since we won the season opener, but it felt GREAT last night! Our next game is next Friday at Kootenai.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
And so it begins...
Yes, we are into football season! We are two days away from the first game of the season. We'll be playing at home against Clark Fork. The boys are very excited to be playing again, and Will has even been helping out at practices. He says it's the best team they've had in years.
Mike talked with Coach Miller the other night and came home and said, "You're going to see some exciting football this year!" I didn't tell him that as long as my boys are playing, I always think it's exciting. ;-)
I'm going to try to be good about getting pictures and posting after games. After the season Levi had last year, I'm really looking forward to this season!
Mike talked with Coach Miller the other night and came home and said, "You're going to see some exciting football this year!" I didn't tell him that as long as my boys are playing, I always think it's exciting. ;-)
I'm going to try to be good about getting pictures and posting after games. After the season Levi had last year, I'm really looking forward to this season!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Summer of the Wives
This summer has been a blessing to me in that I have gotten to meet some of "my" ladies. :-) I am on an email list called The Patriarch's Wives. It is a Titus 2 list, and I have been a part of it since Kathleen was a baby. My ladies are very special to me. A good number of them have been through the good times and bad with me ~ offering support, encouragement and prayers as we have walked through some of the greatest blessings we have experienced, and some of the deepest grief we have experienced.
I always love having a chance to meet any of them! We had a quick get-together at the homeschool conference in April, but it was so short, there really wasn't time to visit, and we didn't get pictures! :-( But, this summer, I have remembered to at least get one picture at each meeting! :-)
The Haroldson's are on the road full time with their family band. They came to our church in August, and spent the weekend at our house. We thoroughly enjoyed being able to host them, and get to know them a little bit. Our girls had the best time with their youngest. The night before they left, Bob looked at me and said (very sadly), "We're never going to see them again, are we?" So, we definitely hope they at least make it back up this way for vacation!
This is a picture of me, Amber K, and Tracy H. It's taken outside of our church, after their concert.
Yesterday, I got to meet some more of my ladies! Grace M and her family are down from Alaska, so we had a get-together in Coeur d' Alene at the city park. Some left earlier than others, but some of us were at the park for over 5 hours! The day flew by, and I was shocked to see how long we had been there. We had a lovely afternoon visiting, and the kids had a great time playing together!
Left to right:
Grace M from Alaska, Martha A from Montana, and from Idaho :-) ~ Amber K, Julianne P, me, and Katherine S.
I always love having a chance to meet any of them! We had a quick get-together at the homeschool conference in April, but it was so short, there really wasn't time to visit, and we didn't get pictures! :-( But, this summer, I have remembered to at least get one picture at each meeting! :-)
The Haroldson's are on the road full time with their family band. They came to our church in August, and spent the weekend at our house. We thoroughly enjoyed being able to host them, and get to know them a little bit. Our girls had the best time with their youngest. The night before they left, Bob looked at me and said (very sadly), "We're never going to see them again, are we?" So, we definitely hope they at least make it back up this way for vacation!
This is a picture of me, Amber K, and Tracy H. It's taken outside of our church, after their concert.
Yesterday, I got to meet some more of my ladies! Grace M and her family are down from Alaska, so we had a get-together in Coeur d' Alene at the city park. Some left earlier than others, but some of us were at the park for over 5 hours! The day flew by, and I was shocked to see how long we had been there. We had a lovely afternoon visiting, and the kids had a great time playing together!
Left to right:
Grace M from Alaska, Martha A from Montana, and from Idaho :-) ~ Amber K, Julianne P, me, and Katherine S.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Heard recently in our home...
Edited (for Shawn! :-))
Logan (13): You know why there aren't unicorns anymore?
Bob (7): Because they never existed?
Logan (13): You know why there aren't unicorns anymore?
Bob (7): Because they never existed?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Special Delivery
We are pleased to announce that we have been blessed with a Valentine! I stand in awe that our beloved Heavenly Father would choose to bless us with another child, and pray that we are doing a good job in raising them up for His glory.
Estimated arrival of our special Valentine is the 20th of February 2010. We'll keep you updated!
Estimated arrival of our special Valentine is the 20th of February 2010. We'll keep you updated!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Please Pray...
for Noah Estes. He is a very sick little boy and is being admitted to the hospital once again today. This is admission #6 since Easter. You can find out more at their blog by clicking on the Pray for Noah button to the right.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Bob is 7!
Bob turned 7 last week, and to celebrate, we went to Manito Park and had tea in the rose garden. We invited a couple of the girls' friends and had a wonderful, fun, girls day. :-) That's right, no boys ~ not even Ezra!
We were thrilled to find that they have added a picnic table in one of the lower corners of the rose garden. I had planned on using the quilt to sit on, but since there was a table, we used it for our cloth!
The formal garden is lovely with it's semetrical plantings, the large Davenport fountain in the center and the gazebo at the far end. The girls were totally enthralled with the fountain! We had to stay through 3 cycles of the fountain. 
The girls had so much fun running and chasing and singing. The mamas had an enjoyable time visiting. :-)
We were thrilled to find that they have added a picnic table in one of the lower corners of the rose garden. I had planned on using the quilt to sit on, but since there was a table, we used it for our cloth! We had chocolate chip scones, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, grapes, and coffee/chocolate cupcakes for dessert. Per Bob's request, we had Evening In Missoula herbal tea.
After we got the tea all cleaned up, we walked through the rose garden, and then the perennial garden, and finally the formal garden.
The formal garden is lovely with it's semetrical plantings, the large Davenport fountain in the center and the gazebo at the far end. The girls were totally enthralled with the fountain! We had to stay through 3 cycles of the fountain.
Being country girls, they couldn't help but play in the water! One of the girls even stuck her feet in ~ which horrified her mama :-), but I want to do that everytime we go there! The only thing that stops me is being a grown-up. ;-)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to the new home of our family blog! Below you'll find a repeat of the Missoula Children's Theatre post I had over on Homeschoolblogger. I actually got the video to imbed here, so you can watch it!
I am hoping to keep on top of updating this now that it's settled in, here at blogger. Be sure to check back in with us. :-)
I am hoping to keep on top of updating this now that it's settled in, here at blogger. Be sure to check back in with us. :-)
Missoula Children's Theatre
This year, when MCT came to town, they brought in "The Princess and The Pea". Not a lot of kids tried out, so parts that usually go to bigger kids went to the not-so-big kids. Kathleen ended up with one of the lead roles ~ the Pea! Bob was a tree biter (we're still not totally sure *what* that is! ) 
Kathleen "The Pea", and Bob "Tree Biter"
They both did a terrific job! One other special thing about this year is that the PBS program, Newshour with Jim Lehrer did a special on MCT. Correspondent Jeffrey Brown came to Plummer, and interviewed some of the kids (Kathleen was one), Miss Lori, and the MCT directors. They taped the kids doing their play, and as a result, our girls were on TV tonight!
We don't get TV , so we had to watch it on the computer. I thought I would share it here. It runs about 8 1/2 minutes, and if your internet speed is anything like ours, it'll probably take it an hour to buffer, but it's a neat little piece. Hopefully I can get it to work!
We don't get TV , so we had to watch it on the computer. I thought I would share it here. It runs about 8 1/2 minutes, and if your internet speed is anything like ours, it'll probably take it an hour to buffer, but it's a neat little piece. Hopefully I can get it to work!
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