Small Miracles

I just returned from a 3-day trip to meet and hold my precious nephew who is fighting for his life. It was a long, exhausting, and emotional weekend. And since I am worn out, I will save you all the details. The Cliff Notes version is this...the second MRI showed no improvement from last week, so Zoe was removed from the respirator. At which point the doctors expected, and we were prepared, to lose Zoe.

But we serve a miracle-working God. He and Zoe proved them wrong, and Zoe continues to breathe on his own...more than 48 hours after he was removed from the respirator. His condition is still very critical and we take it moment by moment. (There is so much more to the story. If you'd like more info, please visit Zoe's site.)

The doctors still believe his life will be short and the "quality of life" (their words, not mine) will be minimal. I know he has already touched more lives than most people who live for decades. For now, we are thankful for every moment we have him with us, and we continue to ask God for a miracle while we have the opportunity.


Sidenote: Rather than our entire family hovering around the hospital while waiting for the MRI and its results, we decided to get out and see the sites of Savannah. (It also helped keep our mind off things.) Savannah is a beautiful city, and I'd love to go back when I have time to really enjoy the history of it all. I'll post some pics as soon as I get a chance. (But since I came home to a sick Hubby and sick kiddos, I don't know when that will be....hopefully soon!)

Quote of the Week

photo by Omerad

“Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary
opportunity for the light to burn brighter.”

— Bono

Know and Tell Friday

It's Friday!!! I'm excited for two reasons....1. Hubby is on vacation all next week, and 2. That means it's time for Know and Tell Friday!!!

1. Are you right- or left-handed? I'm right-handed, but have a lot of "southpaw" relatives and friends.

2. Any nicknames they have (or have had) and the story behind them? Most commonly, just "Nance," my grandma used to call me "Nanny" (but she's the only one), and in college it was "Grace" because I was a bit of a klutz...not sure why specifically college, I guess those were my "awkward" years.

3. Do you need to do laundry right now? Nope... hallelujah!

4. What CD is in your CD player/music on your iPod right now? The new Hillsong worship CD (thanks to Hubby!)...not sure the name of it, but it's awesome! It's actually in BOTH my CD-player and on my MP3 player.

5. How/when did you learn to ride a bicycle? First grade, my dad taught me...the ol' "I'll hold on to you then let go without you knowing it" trick. It worked...I loved to ride bikes. Still do, but don't currently have one.

6. What is your favorite weird food combination? I don't think I have any weird food combinations, although Hubby would say it's my popcorn/M&M (or chocolate chips if we don't have M&Ms) combination. (He doesn't really get the whole salty & sweet appeal.)

7. What is something you have that is of sentimental value? The flag that was draped on my grandpa's casket (He served in the army and the navy when he was younger) and my grandmother's wedding ring.

For more Know and Tell Friday fun, check out Kickin' It In Crazyville.

Being Sure of What We Hope For

There are new results in Zoe's condition. Below is today's post by Zoe's dad, Jim, on Zoe's site. For the complete explanation, please visit www.prayforzoe.com.

If you have done much reading on Hydrops you have surely read about another
condition in which a male’s genitals do not fully develop and this causes a mistaken identity. With all of the swelling, there ended up being some confusion in determining Zoe’s sex. To help eliminate a chromosomal dysfunction the doctors ordered a chromosome test. Those results came back showing a perfectly normal boy. With this info in hand the doctors have determined that in fact Zoe’s testicles just haven’t dropped. This is something that can be easily corrected at a later date.

I continue to be encouraged and challenged by Jim and Carmen's faith and strength. (And, honestly, as her older sister I feel a bit guilty that it's not the other way around!) I'm sure they have their moments of weakness--moments when they must simply break down and hold each other and cry. But, even as her sister, I've rarely seen it (or heard about it) in the last week.

I shouldn't really be surprised. Afterall, they know Whom they serve. They know our God is a healing God--an all-knowing, all-powerful, never-making-a-mistake, able-to-heal-with-a-single-word, healing God.

But they are human, as we all are. And one can "know" those things and still be shaken to the core when faced with a giant like this. Maybe they are. If so, they sure don't show it. Instead, they are, in my opinion, the embodiment of faith...

"Being SURE of what we hope for and

CERTAIN of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1)

Please continue to pray for Baby Zoe and our family. If you'd like to encourage Jim & Carmen (or possibly be encouraged by them), please visit Zoe's site.

Menu Plan Monday

With all the sicknesses going on, we didn't get to two of the meals from last week, which made this week's menu planning a snap!

Monday: Farmer's Casserole (thanks Lora, it was delicious!), cheese biscuits, fresh fruit

Tuesday: Grilled burgers, french fries, corn on the cob (on the grill, of course!)

Wednesday: Tex Mex Tilapia, Spanish rice, salad

Thursday: Leftovers (we never eat a whole recipe's worth of anything!)

Friday: Family Night Out!!

Saturday: Homemade sloppy joes and veggies with dip (will post recipe later)

Sunday: Every man for himself...cause mama don't cook on Sundays!

For more great menu ideas, check out I'm and Organizing Junkie!

It's Been a Long Week

In the midst of praying for, worrying about, and keeping updated on Zoe's condition, we've had our own bouts of sickness here. Little Man ended up with a double ear infection, and I picked up some sort of sinus-infection-thingie along the way. Throw in a stressful week at work for Hubby and you've got the makings of one stressed-out family.

I'm ashamed to say we didn't necessarily handle it the best way, and I really have no one to blame but myself. Touting my sickness and mental and emotional exhaustion as an excuse, I once again lost the battle with my emotions. (See "Deep Thought Monday" for more info on the battle to control my emotional freight train.)

I was deeply convicted yesterday when I realized (yes, again) that my attitude sets the stage for the environment of my family. The old saying, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" carries more weight than most people realize. At least I never realized how appropriate it was, but I'm starting to.

That's why I was so encouraged once again by Sally Clarkson of I Take Joy. I was a bit behind in reading, so today I read her post from last week, "Fussing, fussing, fussing, and how to tame it!" (how appropriate, huh?). My favorite quote was:

I have been convicted over the years, that the first place of creating a peaceful environment in my home must start with me. I am responsible to God to seek to love and serve others because of His love for me.

Once again, Sally gives me something to think about...and something to strive for.

Hydrops?

Baby Zoe looking around for a few seconds!

Baby Zoe continues to make some minor improvements, but there are many questions still to be answered. The doctors have determined that Zoe suffers from Hydrops (the non-immune cause). There are many causes for the condition, and that is where they are having some difficulty. The very-cabable doctors have run several tests, and fortunately they have all come back negative. So, the good news is, they are ruling out several causes for the Hydrops, but they have yet to narrow in on THE cause for Zoe's case.

Jim and Carmen are meeting with the doctors on Monday to go over some more test results. They will have to ask some very difficult questions, and quite possibly make some very difficult decisions. They are asking that anyone who has ANY information concerning this condition, its causes, or treatments, please forward any information or research to them so they can be prepared.

You can find the latest of Zoe's updates, and leave comments for Jim and Carmen at Zoe's web site (click here), or encourage other's to visit it at http://www.prayforzoe.com/.

We Continue to Pray for Baby Zoe

Baby Zoe this morning

To follow Baby Zoe's story, visit the web site here.

Precious Life

Last night we got a call that my youngest sister had gone into labor at only 34 weeks. There was obvious worry and concern, coupled with much prayer for my sister and the baby. Because Sis and her family live in a small, rural town her doctor had to travel an hour to arrive at the hospital. When the doctor finally arrived, they decided to take deliver the baby via C-section.

The baby weighed 3 lb, 3 oz and had complications with many of his vital organs. He was on 100% oxygen and was rushed to another hospital with an excellent Neonatal ICU. Sis encouraged her Hubby to go with the baby while she stayed behind to recover from surgery. When Baby and Sis' Hubby arrived at the second hospital, the baby's heart, stomach, and lungs were all doing well. As of this morning, his oxygen support had been reduced to only 33% and his blood pressure was stable.

They have named the baby Zoe, which means "abundant life," and this precious, tiny one is fighting for his. Things have greatly improved since last night. My sister hopes to be released tomorrow to join her family with its newest addition. My parents are there now to offer their love and support. I hate that I live too far to just pick up and go at a moment's notice. But I offer my prayers and send my love across the miles.

We are all believing that Zoe will grow into a strong, vibrant young man. We serve an Amazing God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. I can't wait to see the story Zoe tells through his amazing life!

Welcome Little Zoe...hang in there, we're praying for you!

Menu Plan Monday

Short and sweet, here it is...

Monday: Italian baked chicken (chicken breast marinated in Italian dressing, then baked), pasta salad, green beans & carrots

Tuesday: Baked mostacolli, salad, garlic bread,

Wednesday: Farmer's Casserole (see recipe at My Blessed Life here), fruit salad

Thursday: Tex Mex Tilapia (see recipe here), Spanish rice, salad

Friday: Family Night Out

Saturday: Grilled brats w/buns, veggies & dip

Sunday: Whatever you can find in the fridge!

Hurtful Words

Words are a powerful thing. Whether spoken or written, they communicate a message. They have the power to hurt or heal, to encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down. You've heard it said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." We sometimes forget that spoken words carry the same weight. And hurtful words are the worst kind. They always result in one thing...pain.

As the receiver of hurtful words, the result of pain is obvious. You are wounded and cut deep by the words (either spoken or implied) of another. As the user of hurtful words, one may feel a moment of relief, even vindication. But once that moment is gone, the result is the same...pain. The words unleashed on another can do nothing to heal the pain that originally caused the outburst. Even if the words were justified, the potential hurt to another person (or relationship) is pain enough.

Maybe that's why the authors (and ultimately The Author) throughout the Bible spent so much time and effort reminding us to bridle our tongues, think before we speak, and consider how our words will be received by the intended hearer.

"The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." James 3:5

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Know and Tell Friday

More Friday fun from the girls at Kickin' It In Crazyville. Have fun!

1. My favorite bedtime attire is pajama pants and a T-shirt--comfy and cozy all the way!

2. The perfect meal would include any Mexican dish with a hearty side of tortilla chips and a big glass of Diet Pepsi (don't forget the fried ice cream for dessert!)

3. The most memorable girl's night out I've ever had was when my two best friends and I drove to a tourist town about 30 min away and had dinner at an upscale Mexican restaurant . That was in 2008 (March). I was 35-years-old. It was so memorable because all 3 of us mommies were out, away from our kids, all dressed up and did something totally spontaneous (hadn't planned on going so far for dinner).

4. My earliest memory is playing in our front yard and being afraid of the big bell tower at the church down the road b/c it looked like a big monster with eyes. (I was probably 2 or 3 at the time.)

5. The family is gone for the evening and I will spend my time sitting on the couch watching chick flics and eating ice cream.

6. Right now I am watching Dora with my Little Miss and realizing that my Little Man is waking up from his nap.

7. When I am done blogging, I am going to get Little Man up and take the kids outside to enjoy the unexpected break from the blistering heat!

Head on over to Kickin' It In Crazyville to join in the fun!

Quote and Pic of the Week

photo by Omerad

“Remember always that you not only have
the right to be an individual, you have an
obligation to be one.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Menu Plan Monday

Better late than never, I suppose...

Monday: Tacos
Tuesday: Brinner (Breakfast for dinner)--bacon, eggs, biscuits
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Pork Chops (link to recipe here)
Thursday: BLT sandwiches (with leftover bacon) and pasta salad
Friday: Family Night Out
Saturday: Something on the grill...still trying to figure this one out.

For more menu plans and recipe ideas, head on over to Org Junkie.

"Me" Time Makes for a Happier Mommy

When I was single, I had a lot of time to myself. While I managed to stay busy between my full-time job, freelance writing, volunteer work, and social events there was still plenty of time for me and my thoughts...driving alone in my car, lying in bed at night, sitting alone in my office, etc.
Now that my second child is almost a year old, I'm realizing it's been a long time since I've managed to have a complete, uninterrupted thought to myself. I usually wake up to the sound of a child's chatter (which continues non-stop throughout my day). Nap times and evenings are filled with endless "to do" lists and much-needed conversations with Hubby. Then I fall into bed drift off to sleep before any coherent thought has time to develop. My girlfriends and I try to get together regularly for a fun and refreshing night out. But it doesn't exactly qualify as "me" time as it's also filled with endless chatter.

When I became a mother, I felt guilty taking any time for myself. After all, there were children to be tended to, a house to be kept, and a husband to be nurtured. But recently, I've noticed that my lack of time to myself is taking it's toll. I feel more irritable and less focused on what's important. I begin to snap at others over the littlest things. Not long ago, I read that every mother should take 15 minutes for herself every day, 1-2 hours every week, and an overnight getaway every six months. That sounded great to me!

So, I've taken some steps to make sure I get some "quality" time alone, realizing that it helps me be a better wife and mother. I've also tried to recognize those times that I'm running on empty and need to take an evening to refuel. Some of these things have required some sacrifices in other areas, but they are all well worth it. Here are some things I've tried to do recently to get some "me" time:

• Walk the dog. Although I have to sacrifice sleep by getting up 30 minutes earlier, it's proven to help start me day right. Besides great "me" time, it's great exercise, and very energizing to get outside as the world is waking up.
  
• Take a nap. When my children were newborns, it was easy to forgo the laundry and dirty dishes to catch some zzzz's. But now that everyone sleeps through the night I feel guilty taking a nap, no matter how needed it is. However, I'm learning that a quick 15-20 minute nap can get me through the remainder of my day.
  
• Soak in a bubble bath. Again, this usually means sacrificing something on my evening "to do" list, but it makes me so much more relaxed for the evening (and the following day!).
  
• Be still and know God. I'm ashamed to admit that when my children came along, but prayer and Scripture-reading routine took a major blow. But I'm discovering that I don't have to mark out an hour of time for personal devotion. Ten to fifteen minutes in God's presence and a few verses from His Word helps me keep my perspective and gives me strength to carry on.
  
• Go to bed when the kids do. I'm a night-owl by nature, so turning in at 8:30 or 9:00 goes against everything in me. But on those nights when my body is screaming for rest and I don't know how I'll go on, I've learned it's better to just go to sleep than try to "push through the pain." (That benefits no one in the end...it only delays the inevitable, sleep-deprived meltdown!)
  
• Hide. If all else fails, and I can't seem to even catch 10 minutes alone, I've been known to locking myself in the bathroom for 5 minutes of peace and (somewhat) quiet. My house is childproofed, so leaving them to play in their rooms for 5 minutes while Mommy regains her sanity (still within earshot in case of an emergency) is sometimes the best thing I can do for my children.

I was very blessed this last weekend to have the entire weekend to myself. Hubby took the kids to Grandma and Grandpa's while I stayed behind to work our annual Yard Sale. It was an exhausting weekend of wheeling and dealing on the hottest two days on record this year. But it was nice to have the evenings (and nights) to myself and reclaim "my" time. I missed them all terribly, but I know it was good for us all as they came home to a more rested and happy Mommy.

How do you make time for yourself to "recharge"?