My not so popular opinion.: September 2008

A call to prayer.

Yesterday we came home from an almost restful vacation to St.Louis. I say almost restful because quite frankly, there isn't alot of rest when you are travelling with 5 children and your spouse is basically working 8 hours per day. He was gone and my youngest darling didn't know what was going on. She was frustrated with the fact that everything was new and things as simple as her bed were missing. BUT we did have a great time, and it was wonderful for the girls to experience what a vacation feels like, or a hotel for an extended stay, or the numerous museums, animals and dining out! Two of them didn't want to come home, one of them was so excited to come home and get back to school, and the other two well, they are here with me trying to get back into our routine!

When we got home my mom came over to catch up and see the girls. She told me when she came that my grandma(dad's side) was in the hospital last week because she thought she was having a heart attack. Thankfully, she was not and was given a clean bill of health except for the mass that was found on her kidney. So, I ask you to pray! Because I know that God heals and that he can move mountains I ask that you pray with the belief that he will heal her and is already doing so. The Bible clearly speaks to us about casting our cares on him, FEARING NOT and about how God knows the plans and that they are for our good. So, I am claiming his promises. God is not surprised about this, he is still here and knows what is going on. And because I could spend alot of time worrying about what could happen, I am choosing to believe that he is going to do what he promises! And I ask that you join me in doing so. And for those of you who don't know my grandma, I can't begin to tell you how really amazing she is. She has never been a typical grandma. She has a creative flare that is to be desired by all and loves others with the love of Jesus. Truly one of God's chosen to be a light on this earth!

And because I know you read this grandma, please know that YOU ROCK! Love you!!!!

I just joined!

Check out Nate's latest posting about entering the Bone Marrow Donation program. It is free right now and was a pretty simple task to complete the registration information. I have always wanted to sign up but didn't want to pay the $50 to join.

Here's the linky
And the promo code that I used to get it free is NASC262101

My book girl

Certainly not my first book girl! She found her way to the love seat as I was working on an order today and piled up the books next to her.

What do you do for fun???

I entertain 2 year olds!!!!!

Update on the chip in!

((emailed out this afternoon))

I just want to take a minute and thank all of you who have given so far to this family! We are at 26% of the goal needed and I am just blown away by the generosity of those who I know can relate with this family.

I am also so thankful to those of you who have sent information about possible jobs, side jobs, and other places of "help" for this family. All of these have been passed along and the family is a bit more optimistic because of you! Those of you who are praying for this family are so needed! I believe so strongly in the power of prayer and so does this family. Believe it or not but the prayer is of the same value as the monetary gifts.

For those of you who haven't had a chance to give to this wonderful family, I urge you to think about a donation. Perhaps like us some of your bills were suprisingly not as high as expected. This money would mean the difference of electricity, a vehicle to drive and apply places, a phone line to call for job updates, and food for this family. Not to mention the security of knowing that there are those out there who care enough about fellow american's that they were willing to give of themselves. That can be an extreme moral boost during trying times.

Please continue to check out this calculator to see where we are "at", and spread the word to those who might be able to help!

http://www.chipin.com/mywidgets/id/7f1954418a96f265

I really do thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I pray that God blesses you over and again because of your gifts!

Chip in to this needy family!

(Emailed out this afternoon)
Hello Everyone-

It is with a thankful heart that I come to you all asking you to consider helping out a family in need.

I don't know about you but I feel so blessed at this time. My husband has a stable job, my business is booming, my children are beautiful, healthy and happy and yet there are so many who wish that they could have a list like ours.

One of these families is very dear to my heart. They are a twenty something couple from Harvard who have three small children(4,3,1). Last week the husband got laid off from his construction job and they are in the "limbo" weeks waiting for the unemployment checks to kick in. In the meantime they are both applying like crazy for jobs and trying to find side work in an economy that is unstable at best. They were the very first family who gave to our family when my husband was without an income due to his injury. At the time I was amazed because they are a young family themselves.

Their next immediate need are their September monthly bills. The need for this is $730. They do not expect the unemployment to kick in for another two weeks and these bills are due next week.

If you have any extra money to spare ($3, $5, what you can), please consider giving it to them using this "chip in" button. This money will go automatically into this families paypal account through your paypal account. If you have questions you can call me directly at 815/337-9613. This family DID NOT ask me to do this.

http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/7f1954418a96f265

I am so thankful that there are those who I know will help this family out. And I thank you so much for reading this!

If you can't give financially please consider praying for this family or passing this email along to someone who might have a side job or know of a union carpenter company who is hiring.

Thanks again!

GO PINK PANTHERS!!!!!

Here are just a few pictures from Kellyn and Kiara's very first ever soccer game.(and a few of the others who just had to be in on the action!) For those who don't know Kellyn is the one with the "tuft" of hair usually hanging down her forehead.(we are not allowed to talk about why though!!!LOL)

Time for Fly-La!

Wow...she thought this day would never come! Kyla started kindergarten this week. She would say, "no mom, ALL DAY kindergarten!" if she heard me say that. The twins started second grade and are off to a great start as well!Here are some of our favorite pictures from the first days of school this week!

Just before going on Tuesday.