I'd do just about anything for ya, friend. :)
What were you doing 10 years ago?
I had just graduated from IUP, living in the basement of the Dudleys (a super sweet family who used to attend what is now Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana), working as a Therapeutic Staff Support for "behaviorally challenged" kids.
Favorite Snacks
lately: popcorn (94% fat free)...I can eat an entire bag and have only consumed 120 calories and 0.5 g. of fat!!! How awesome is that?!!
To Do List
1. meal plan for the next two weeks and make grocery list
2. Fold lots of laundry
3. re-schedule Judah's tooth extraction
4. Send family recipes to my cousin for a cookbook she's putting together for another cousin
5. file my large pile of EOB's and medical receipts
6. Close my sister's Pampered Chef catalog show and submit by July 31st
7. Email a friend back
Jobs I Have Had
1. Dairy Queen/Stuckey's
2. Way-Har (a family owned icecream store/deli/quickmart type of place)
3. Hostess at Ground Round
4. Therapeutic Staff Support for behaviorally challenged kids
5. Campus Crusade for Christ at Towson University
6. 5th/6th grade teacher at Chesapeake Christian School
Places I Have Lived
Lehighton, PA
Bethel, PA
Indiana, PA
Baltimore, MD
Towson, MD
Abingdon, MD
Bad Habits
eating too much sugar
disrespecting my husband publicly (more like a grievous sin).
5 Random Things People May Not Know
1. I spent 6 weeks in China while in college.
2. I can become morbidly pre-occupied with my husband dying on me at an early age.
3. I was a very picky eater as a child and through college. I now love to try new foods and have come to LOVE asparagus among other once sworn off foods!!
4. I floss my teeth almost every night.
5. I don't want to live an especially long life.
CD I would want if stranded on an island
Come Weary Saints
What I’d Do if I Were a Billionaire
...after paying off my student loan debt and mortgage completely...
1. buy my in-laws a new home in a better neighborhood.
2. provide the rest of the support my brother, Garrett and SIL, Kristen need for their stint to the Ukraine.
3. support many good friends who work full time in missions or church planting
4. host lavish parties to express my affection and appreciation to all my friends and people who serve me and my family so sacrificially.
5. Take more get aways alone with my hubby.
6. Hire a full time maid and "grounds keeper".
7. Adopt babies from China.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
FREE Garden Fresh Veggies
I received a plethora of fresh veggies from Mr. Ralph Cook and want to share the wealth.
If you'd like to come by and help yourself to some fresh veggies (beans, snap peas, cucumbers, yellow squash), please do! We'll be leaving the boxes and some bags on our front steps.
If you'd like to come by and help yourself to some fresh veggies (beans, snap peas, cucumbers, yellow squash), please do! We'll be leaving the boxes and some bags on our front steps.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
An Almengor Update
Fun Family Nights:
We dressed up like cows and got a free combo meal each at Chick Fil-A!! We LOVE our Chick Fil-A.
Our friends, the Grigers, joined us. I thought Heather did a rather good job putting these outfits together last minute for her kiddos, Rudy and Lucy. Isn't that the cutest cow tail? :)
We've also spent some time out at our friends, the Neumann's, who are so generous to allow us to use their pool for some fun, free family nights!! The boys love going to "Miss De's" and especially when they get to jump on the trampoline they have. Glenn and De are among the most generous, kind hearted people we know. We are so grateful for the ways they've invested in our family.
Other happenings:
Lawrence was out of town for 2 weeks traveling for business. We missed him greatly while he was gone but were grateful that he was able to come home on the weekend between his two weeks on the road. One of my main concerns for while Lawrence was gone was that my back would hold up. I'm grateful to say God provided abundantly for our family, and my back was fine the entire time he was gone...even after driving to and from my mom's in PA!! I was amazed and grateful. While at my mom's, I had the privilege of learning how to can green beans.
My mom has had an older Mennonite woman come and clean for her on occasion ever since my parents were married. Her name is Wanda, and she has become a family friend. She often brings home baked goods when she comes to clean or something she picked up for my mom at a yardsale that she knew my mom was looking for. She is a very thoughtful, dear friend of the family, and in typical Wanda fashion, offered to come and help us can green beans. This, only a week after her mother passed away! I counted it quite a privilege to be learning from these two women who have spent their lives serving their families with excellence.
Doctor updates:
Well, we have had a lot of doctor's appointments lately. Judah saw his opthamologist last week, Dr. Abrams. His eyes look good, no signs of swelling on his optic nerve (an indicator of glaucoma) and his vision has remained about the same. The patching we've been doing has not improved his vision in the one eye since the last visit, but she wants us to continue patching to try to prevent decline. So, to my son's dismay, we will continue patching 2 hours a day (hopefully soon with a permanent patch rather than a disposable adhesive).
Judah also had a laser treatment last week on his bum. After showing pictures to Dr. Cohen from Judah's last treatment and having a discussion with him about the "diminishing return" of these treatments, he felt it best to spread Judah's treatments out further. So, gladly I cancelled the next two appointments and will not have to take Judah back until November!!!
Finally, Judah has his tooth extraction scheduled for Monday, July 28th. Unfortunately, he started with a cold yesterday which required some nebulizer treatments late last night. So, he will be on Pulmicort for this next week, and I'm hoping it will not complicate him going under anesthesia. Please pray for quick healing and that there will be no complications with this upcoming surgery.
We dressed up like cows and got a free combo meal each at Chick Fil-A!! We LOVE our Chick Fil-A.
Our friends, the Grigers, joined us. I thought Heather did a rather good job putting these outfits together last minute for her kiddos, Rudy and Lucy. Isn't that the cutest cow tail? :)
We've also spent some time out at our friends, the Neumann's, who are so generous to allow us to use their pool for some fun, free family nights!! The boys love going to "Miss De's" and especially when they get to jump on the trampoline they have. Glenn and De are among the most generous, kind hearted people we know. We are so grateful for the ways they've invested in our family.
Other happenings:
Lawrence was out of town for 2 weeks traveling for business. We missed him greatly while he was gone but were grateful that he was able to come home on the weekend between his two weeks on the road. One of my main concerns for while Lawrence was gone was that my back would hold up. I'm grateful to say God provided abundantly for our family, and my back was fine the entire time he was gone...even after driving to and from my mom's in PA!! I was amazed and grateful. While at my mom's, I had the privilege of learning how to can green beans.
My mom has had an older Mennonite woman come and clean for her on occasion ever since my parents were married. Her name is Wanda, and she has become a family friend. She often brings home baked goods when she comes to clean or something she picked up for my mom at a yardsale that she knew my mom was looking for. She is a very thoughtful, dear friend of the family, and in typical Wanda fashion, offered to come and help us can green beans. This, only a week after her mother passed away! I counted it quite a privilege to be learning from these two women who have spent their lives serving their families with excellence.
Doctor updates:
Well, we have had a lot of doctor's appointments lately. Judah saw his opthamologist last week, Dr. Abrams. His eyes look good, no signs of swelling on his optic nerve (an indicator of glaucoma) and his vision has remained about the same. The patching we've been doing has not improved his vision in the one eye since the last visit, but she wants us to continue patching to try to prevent decline. So, to my son's dismay, we will continue patching 2 hours a day (hopefully soon with a permanent patch rather than a disposable adhesive).
Judah also had a laser treatment last week on his bum. After showing pictures to Dr. Cohen from Judah's last treatment and having a discussion with him about the "diminishing return" of these treatments, he felt it best to spread Judah's treatments out further. So, gladly I cancelled the next two appointments and will not have to take Judah back until November!!!
Finally, Judah has his tooth extraction scheduled for Monday, July 28th. Unfortunately, he started with a cold yesterday which required some nebulizer treatments late last night. So, he will be on Pulmicort for this next week, and I'm hoping it will not complicate him going under anesthesia. Please pray for quick healing and that there will be no complications with this upcoming surgery.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Happy Birthday, Lawrence!!!
Today, my wonderful hubby turns another year older (we'll just leave it at that). :)
"Understated" is the best word to describe all that my husband naturally finds attractive which makes it quite a wonder that he married me (but that's for another post). It is also the word I'd use to describe my husband in so many ways.
Love, your patience toward me is nothing short of Christ-like. Your long suffering with me, the same. Your devotion to me and our family is way under-rated, and I have especially seen that grow over the last year. Your zeal to live a gospel-centered life and the steadfast way you plod through our sometimes challenging life is exemplary. I am so grateful that it is you who has the most profound influence on my life and walk with God of the many who do.
You are such a gift to me and our family. We love you. We celebrate your life today and thank God for granting you all these years. We pray there are many, many more birthdays to celebrate with you as you just seem to get better with age.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
"Understated" is the best word to describe all that my husband naturally finds attractive which makes it quite a wonder that he married me (but that's for another post). It is also the word I'd use to describe my husband in so many ways.
Love, your patience toward me is nothing short of Christ-like. Your long suffering with me, the same. Your devotion to me and our family is way under-rated, and I have especially seen that grow over the last year. Your zeal to live a gospel-centered life and the steadfast way you plod through our sometimes challenging life is exemplary. I am so grateful that it is you who has the most profound influence on my life and walk with God of the many who do.
You are such a gift to me and our family. We love you. We celebrate your life today and thank God for granting you all these years. We pray there are many, many more birthdays to celebrate with you as you just seem to get better with age.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Tooth Update
Judah and I found our way to the University of Maryland Medical Center today to see an oral surgeon. I must admit I have become a Hopkins snob. :) The UofMD Medical Center is amazingly gorgeous...really, if you haven't seen it; you'll just have to take my word for it. And, I hope you never get to see it. :) Nevertheless, Johns Hopkins feels a bit more like home for us. It's weird that in 4 years, I've become preferential regarding hospitals, but 'tis true.
Anyway, we saw the oral surgeon and he wants to have Judah's tooth extracted. Judah was a great patient as usual (after I assured him the doctor did not have a laser). YIKES! How he hates the laser. Judah allowed the doctor to root all around in his mouth, giving him a good look over. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to know my son is going to cooperate with the dr's exam. It relieves so much stress that Judah is typically a very good, endearing patient.
So, we're trying to get this scheduled for August as July was just too full. Pray that Judah will continue to do well with his tooth and that no infection will occur before or after his surgery.
Anyway, we saw the oral surgeon and he wants to have Judah's tooth extracted. Judah was a great patient as usual (after I assured him the doctor did not have a laser). YIKES! How he hates the laser. Judah allowed the doctor to root all around in his mouth, giving him a good look over. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to know my son is going to cooperate with the dr's exam. It relieves so much stress that Judah is typically a very good, endearing patient.
So, we're trying to get this scheduled for August as July was just too full. Pray that Judah will continue to do well with his tooth and that no infection will occur before or after his surgery.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Time To Trust
I've been reading through Genesis lately and recently read about Abraham and Sarah and the long awaited promise of a child being fulfilled in God's time. In her old age, much past the typical window of fertility and child bearing for a woman, Sarah conceived and bore Isaac.
As I meditated on this biblical account, I realized that God is often not in a hurry but instead often provides circumstances in our lives where we are asked to trust Him as time passes by. Problems don't often resolve themselves quite as quickly as we might like them to. Answers aren't given as readily or clearly sometimes in God's time table. Yet, He remains faithful, Sovereign and Good.
We are in this kind of situation with our children's health. We received good news from Judah's endocrinologist earlier this week regarding some follow up bloodwork that Judah had done recently. She said based on what she saw in the labs, she did not feel beginning growth hormone treatments was an urgent need for Judah and that we could have some more time to monitor his growth. So, while we remain uncertain whether or not Judah will ultimately have to go on growth hormone, we have been given time to wait on God, to pray for healing and to trust that God is working all things together for our good.
We are in a similar holding pattern with Bella. She continues with her reflux, though it does seem to be improving. She continues with her stridor (the noisy breathing), both things that typically would have resolved by this point in her life. At her last appointment with the pediatrician, I was sure he was going to send us to a specialist to have her scoped again, but he did not. He said instead that we could have until she turned 2 which buys us quite a bit of time before we might have to take her to a specialist.
Again...time to wait on God, time to pray, time to trust.
The outcomes may remain the same; my children may require intervention. We don't know. But, I'm grateful that God has given us time. I want to learn from Abraham and Sarah and not despise the days that go by where answers remain unclear and promises go unfulfilled. I want to grow in this time of waiting for my children's health issues to become more clear or better yet, resolved. I want to grow in trusting the God who sent His only Son to die for my sins. If He has done this, why will He not also along with Him, graciously give us every good thing?!
As I meditated on this biblical account, I realized that God is often not in a hurry but instead often provides circumstances in our lives where we are asked to trust Him as time passes by. Problems don't often resolve themselves quite as quickly as we might like them to. Answers aren't given as readily or clearly sometimes in God's time table. Yet, He remains faithful, Sovereign and Good.
We are in this kind of situation with our children's health. We received good news from Judah's endocrinologist earlier this week regarding some follow up bloodwork that Judah had done recently. She said based on what she saw in the labs, she did not feel beginning growth hormone treatments was an urgent need for Judah and that we could have some more time to monitor his growth. So, while we remain uncertain whether or not Judah will ultimately have to go on growth hormone, we have been given time to wait on God, to pray for healing and to trust that God is working all things together for our good.
We are in a similar holding pattern with Bella. She continues with her reflux, though it does seem to be improving. She continues with her stridor (the noisy breathing), both things that typically would have resolved by this point in her life. At her last appointment with the pediatrician, I was sure he was going to send us to a specialist to have her scoped again, but he did not. He said instead that we could have until she turned 2 which buys us quite a bit of time before we might have to take her to a specialist.
Again...time to wait on God, time to pray, time to trust.
The outcomes may remain the same; my children may require intervention. We don't know. But, I'm grateful that God has given us time. I want to learn from Abraham and Sarah and not despise the days that go by where answers remain unclear and promises go unfulfilled. I want to grow in this time of waiting for my children's health issues to become more clear or better yet, resolved. I want to grow in trusting the God who sent His only Son to die for my sins. If He has done this, why will He not also along with Him, graciously give us every good thing?!
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