Happy Harvest!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Okay so I'm not a big fan of "Haloween" I don't like all the scary, evil stuff. Dressing up is fun and I only wish there was another reason to do it! Tonight we are going to our Church's version of Trick or Treating and it's called Trunk or Treat. Everyone will back their cars in and open their decorated trunks and the kids go from trunk to trunk for their treats! No scary nothin'! We haven't been to this before but I'm really looking forward to it. Sounds like afterwards the youth band plays and everyone rocks out. 

Jade went to school in her costume today. They've been practicing Halloween songs for a month or more now and they went to an retirement community home to sing. How cute! Later at the school there is a Halloween costumer parade. I'll get pictures. Jade was so excited to be a dragon again this year. And I'm beside myself thrilled because it didn't cost us anything . . . it's the same costume she wore last year! woohoo! Wonder if we can get away with that a third year in a row?! Ha!

Okay now for pictures of the wedding we attended last Saturday. Everyone had a grand time and Jade pretty much thought the entire day was about her - sorry Melissa! It was great . . . I just love weddings and all they stand for . . .  family, new beginnings, life, good times and sticking through the bad. Melissa and Lincoln make a beautiful couple . . . but I guess I was a bit obsessed with taking pictures of Jade because I have none of them. OOps! That's why they hired a professional. Oh and wait until I get the copies of and share the pictures the pros took . . . tears! So here's our girl - she looks so beautiful. Makes my heart hurt. We are blessed.

Jade took it upon herself to sign the guest book!

Her signiture! I couldn't stand it - I have never seen her sign her name like this before. She knew it was special book. So cool!

Oh ya, Gary was in the wedding too. Isn't he handsome!

The back of her dress

And I have to add this little video shot of Jade after the wedding! Such a happy kid! When she asks oh so patiently (not!) "where are they?" She asking about Uncle Dean, Aunt LeeAnn, Whitney and Gracie who she was going to have a sleep over with after the reception. Thanks for hanging with her guys! Gary and I had a (much needed) fun evening.

And quickly - Ellie's back in the hospital. Pray for a quick recovery and this nasty cold plaguing every GOES AWAY! 

Cold Season

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Cold season is here and I have my first one. I'm sure I caught it from my darling daughter, who, thank God, seems to be getting over hers. Last Wednesday I volunteered in her class for a few hours and it sounded a little bit like I was sitting in an urgent care waiting room. All the sniffles, coughing and sneezing. How do teachers stay healthy?

Gary is in the process of avoiding me like the plague. I think if it weren't so far to drive he'd go stay with his parents when we're sick. It's kind of funny because he walks way around me to avoid even being in the same air space. I'm not going to complain though! It gets me out of having to do things! Hee, Hee! 

This is a funny picture of Gary attempting to do Jades hair last Saturday. I had to show him how to use a hair binder of all things!

Alrighty, I'm off to take an Epsom salt bath and go to bed. 

Don't forget to check in on Ellie . . . it sounds like she did well and God is being glorified in many ways. I know I don't have to ask but it makes me feel better to do so. . . please continue to pray boldly. If you wouldn't mind throwing up a few prayers for my cold and glum mood that'd be appreciated too. We have a big weekend coming up and I want to be at my best!

Pikin' Punkins

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Here's a movie of Jade out picking pumpkins - kind of goes back to an entry from below. 

Make sure to read down a few entries - I did a lot tonight! And I'm saving some for later. ;>)

Train Chasing

A few weeks ago, a few hours before we went to "court" about Gary's work comp claim, Gary and I went train chasing. Here is the train we waited to see for about 30 minutes. Its was a big deal to see because it's one of the biggest steam local motives (or train as I know it) still running. And Gary is standing here and would like me to add it's called the Challenger. It used to be coal now it's converted to diesel. AND NOW back to my story . . . it went by so quickly that we decided to try and see it at the next stop. We hopped in our car and raced to the next intersection a few miles away and we just missed it so we sped further down the line to the next intersection and missed it again! By this time it was late and we had to go home and get ready for court but what fun! Gary, his dad and brother Leo had done this a few years ago with this same train. If I had known what fun I missed out on I would've gone along!

Sharing

So tonight we went through the McDonalds drive through. And they forgot to give Gary his french fries. BUT we were on our way to the St. Peter/LeSueur Foot Ball game and we were running late so we (I) decided there was no time to turn around. Jade heard us grumbling about missing the salty goodness of our french fries when she says, "here you go mommy you can have some fries." And she hands me two nice sized fries. As we travel a little further down the road Gary decides to ask Jade, "honey, can I have some of your french fries?" To which she replies, "sure!" and hands him ONE. Ha! Cracks me up every time. Her idea of sharing is a bit warped. . .but she's just a little girl living in an adult world! 

You have to look very closely at this photo. It was chalk drawing of a unicorn Jade did on the driveway. Yes Gary finally lets her use chalk on the driveway! ha! Anyway I was very impressed with this. She's been a little creative bee lately. Even when she's watching TV she's got a pen and paper in hand drawing or writing. She's learned how to spell mine and Gary's names and writes them (mostly mine!) all over everything. When she writes my name it's usually surrounded by lots of hearts.

This was a duck she made using paper and post-it notes. See the green eyes, the bill and the wings and it's ruffled tail with slits in the paper to resemble feathers? Quite creative.

The next few photos were taken one night when we were bored. Jade likes "posing" for the camera.

Update

Saturday, October 11, 2008

You can read Ellie's blog but the information from the MRI was not good. I refuse to accept this as gospel and will continue to expect a miracle. I don't know what else to say. We are confused and tired and we're just her aunt and uncle. Niki and Pat are such pillars of strength with what they face every day - that in and of itself is a miracle.

Jade, Ellie, Desi and Ashley all hung out together for a sleep over on Friday and into Saturday. Aunt Gloria took all of these glorious girls on (brave woman!) and Jade had a blast. . .they watched movies, made crafts, went to a punkin patch, ate at Culvers (I told Glo to be careful with giving Jade sugar! ha!). Wow.  I love that she gets to spend time with her cousins and aunts. It is so important, especially since she will most likely always be an only child. 

I know I owe everyone pictures and I will get them posted but it's late and I'm tired. Perhaps tomorrow. Thanks everyone for checking in even though the updates have been somewhat infrequent. 

I love you all.

Please pray Boldly for my Niece Ellie

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

My niece Ellie will undergo another MRI tomorrow and I feel compelled to pray boldly so that we don't bow to the spirit of fear and doubt . . .  Adopted from the book Prayers that avail much - Lets all pray like this: Father, we come before you boldly and confidently, knowing that you are not a man that You should lie and that You watch over Your Word to perform it. Therefore, father, we bring before You, Ellie. Father, by the authority of Your word, we know without a doubt that it is Your will for Ellie to be made completely whole and restored in the name of Jesus. Although satan, the god of this world, comes against Your handiwork, we know you are the God of miracles, the God of love, power and might. Through Your redemptive plan, we are redeemed from the curse of the law. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. Ellie, Niki, Pat, Desi and Cole are seated with Christ in heavenly places far above all satanic forces. We bring those who have been attacked mercilessly before Your throne of grace. We intercede on their behalf, and for their families and loved ones. We proclaim the victory of Jesus won at Calvary when He disarmed the principalities and powers that were waged against us. We believe that everyone who has the opportunity this day to make Jesus their Lord and Saviour will call upon His name and be saved. WE bind their spirits, souls and bodies to the will of God to the blood of Jesus, to mercy, grace and truth. We destroy strongholds of unforgiveness, fear, and distrust. In the name of Jesus, we loose unbelief, fear, discouragement, tradition, depression and oppression from the minds of Niki and Pat, Ellie and all people involved. Father, we speak words of life and say that Ellie shall live in victory in this life and not die. We speak perfect soundness of mind and wholeness in body and spirit. We say demons are cast out, bowing to the name of Jesus. We speak deliverance to Ellie's body and mind for You Lord God are the Help of her countenance and the Lifter of those bowed down - the joy of the Lord is their strength and stronghold! We commission God's ministering spirits to go forth as they hearken to God's Word to provide the necessary help and assistance to those for whom we are praying! Father, no word of Yours is void of the power that it takes to cause itself to come to pass! We establish Your Word on this earth, for it is already forever settled in heaven. Nothing is too hard or impossible for You. All things are possible to us who believe. We pray for more intercessor to stand with us. Let our prayers be set forth as incense before You, a sweet fragrance for You! Praise the Lord! In Your name we pray, amen.