Pierce Pad

Sad, but true...the reason I have not been posting...

2009-08-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

My computer is barely hanging on by a thread. I am not able to to do much of anything with it. We can't access ANYTHING!!! We don't even have any desktop anymore. I can only get on line by accident. I thought the "key command" for "shut down" was windows + U + enter. (I thought maybe re starting would help.) Turns out, that command (either in all computers or by fault in mine) really takes you to some program that is for visually impaired, so it narrates EVERYTHING (it's this really sad robotic voice!) Anyhow, the narration screen that pops up using that command has a little blue link for further on-line help. To get on line (which is the only thing I am able to do because that is the only command this thing obeys-and I'm not sure if it is even obeying the way it is supposed to) I click the link and then it takes me to it's web site and I can navigate on line from there. As soon as we have the cash to either attempt to do a little "CPR" on this thing or buy a new computer, I can't do anything with pictures or do any anything! *pout*

2009-06-11T09:17:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Baby at 16 weeks!

2009-01-04T05:07:00.000-08:00

Who built the Ark?

2008-07-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Brother Noah built the Ark!

Our church decided to put a float in the parade this year. So they asked my children's Hot Papa to build an ark. And so he did. Karla did an awesome job with the animals. Many paople have been working on this since last winter. The children made tie dye t-shirts to wear while the rode the ark and threw candy. The adults wore red t-shirts that said "I'm a team player at...Abundant Life Community Church" each with a different number on the back, like a team jersey. It was a lot of fun and a great way to reach out to the community, whith hundreds of people watching the parade...some who don't know the Lord or have a home church.
So, after months of preparation and team work, here are the results...
*you can view details by clicking on pictures for full screen view*

2008-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

The night before the parade, I thought it would be cute to decorate our stroller to follow behind the Ark. So after supper Tim cut two whales out of old paneling, while I went to wal mart to pick up some cheap paint. I spent all morning, before the parade, painting whales. So Charles got to join in the fun. He rode in the belly of the whale! *smile*

*these whale pictures were taken while we waited for the parade to start*

It was a really fun time for everybody!

Mothers Day

2008-05-13T14:21:00.001-07:00

Janelle asked permission from Papa to pick some flowers from our garden so she could make a beautiful boquet for me. She is so sweet! Saturday morning Tim built an arbor for me for a mothers day gift. Then he officially gave it to me on Sunday.
After he gave it to me, we went to dunkin donuts, then to the local greenery to pick out some flowering vines to grow on it. Timmy and Janelle helped plant some of them in a hanging basket so they would quickly spread across the roof. And then we planted one on each side to grow up the sides.

This is a picture of my children's Hot Papa and his bride standing under the arbor, just before we left for church. The wind chimes hanging on the right side was their birthday gift to me last fall when I turned 26. They sound so beautiful! I like to think of the music I hear, as a song from heaven, just for me. After all, it is the Lord who tells the wind which way to blow...

2008-05-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

After we were finished planting all the new vines, Janelle and Timmy gave me a beautiful manicure & pedicure...with 3 different nail polishes! I had the prettiest nails in church that evening. *smile* To me they were beautiful - puddles, runns and smudges...BEAUTIFUL!

After my manicure and pedicure we all snuggled up on the love seat and watched "Little House on the Prarie" It was a perfect day...absolutely perfect. I am truly blessed!!!

Sometimes my heart still hurts...

2008-05-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

...When I remember...

*Looking back...April 2006*

(journal entry below)

Your Papa wanted Mama to surprise him with the wonderful news that you were on your way when the Lord saw fit to bless us with another precious gift...you!

I called a nice restaurant, Steak 'N Brew, and with their help and enthusiasm we planned a delicious dinner with a baby theme. They even mailed us a gift certificate that said we won a drawing to get us there without Papa getting suspicious! When it arrived, I called your Papa at work pretending to be all excited about wining this drawing. It worked! He told me to make the reservations. What he didn't know is that I really already had everything all set and ready for us. I called him back a while later and told him we had to choose between chicken or ribs, so I chose ribs because we have chicken all the time. He fell for it!

Finally, it was 5:00pm April, 31st (2006) We sat down to a lovely meal of baby back ribs, glazed baby carrots, rice and salad. I started many conversations about babies and our server along with a few other employees asked us several times how our baby carrots were and how our baby back ribs were. Then it was time for our dessert (a baby themed cake). I had the camera hiding and ready. When I saw our dessert coming, I pulled the camera out and focused on your Papa! He was a little choked up when he asked "what are you up to?" Then I asked him "What did you have for dinner?" He looked at me kind of puzzled when he answered "I don't know." I said "You had baby back ribs and you had glazed baby carrots...and you are going to have a...BABY!

Papa's first expression...Absolutely elated!

Another Journal Entry...

May 4, 2006 at 6:00am Tim and I experienced on of the most terrifying things expecting parents could possibly face. The doctor told us to prepare ourselves to loose the precious life within my womb. The roller coaster of emotions, questions, confusion, fear, feelings of failure, etc. were spinning and twisting full speed. The next few days were absolute torture. The fear of the unknown was almost unbearable. Finally Saturday, May 6th we were given the dreaded news that it was over and my womb was lifeless.

Sunday, May 7th I passed our precious little Jayme. I held that sweet lifeless child in my hand and my heart was ripped out as my eyes took in Jayme's tiny head, arms and legs...so vivid and real. Only half the length of my pinky, Jayme was a tiny little person with a soul, a Savior and a Mother & Father who loved him with a passion.

*A letter read at Jayme's memorial Service*

Mommy, please don't cry...a beautiful angel carried me here!

I met Jesus today, Mommy! He cradled me in His big, strong, arms. He made me feel so happy inside.

Mommy, please don't cry...Heaven is a wonderful place! Did you know the streets are made of gold? Real gold!

I have lots of friends, Mommy. We run and play. We giggle and laugh. I can't wait to show you all my secret hideouts!

Mommy, please don't cry...When I fall it doesn't hurt! There are no tears in Heaven.

I've met a man named Noah. He told me about his big boat, all the animals, and the very first rainbow. Have you heard of Noah, Mommy?

Mommy, please don't cry...we have lots of parties here; with streamers and hats, and the best chocolate cake ever!

When it's time to rest angels tuck us in. I never get scared Mommy, there is no darkness here! Jesus is the light of Heaven.

Mommy, please don't cry...the angels are always singing. I love to sing with the angels! You'd be proud of me. I have a pretty good voice. I must have gotten it from you.

There is a river, Mommy, in the most beautiful garden you could ever imagine...and a huge tree with yummy fruit. The angels call it the tree of life.

Mommy, it's so wonderful to be alive in Heaven!

Mommy, please don't cry...sometimes I just like to be by myself. That's when I think of you. Someday, Mommy, we will hold each other tight! Then you will cradle me in your arms, and stroke my hair...and once again, our hearts will beat together.

Mommy, please don't cry...I'll wait right here for you.

A letter from Papa

(read at Jayme's memorial service)

Dear Jayme,

Your time with us on this earth was short. We loved you dearly. We were very excited about your arrival, anticipating it with much joy.

Farewell my dear. You are not with us, but you will never be forgotten. This crab apple tree is a reminder to us of your time here. Every spring, when it blooms, your Mama and I will remember you and think about the beauty you are enjoying in heaven, and how special you are to us.

Again, farewell. We will see you again one day. Until then...

I LOVE YOU.

Papa

All pictures (accept for the one of Tim) were taken this morning of Jayme's memorial right next to our home. We chose to build it there to always be near us. Every time we go somewhere we walk right by. I like it that way. Jayme is always close and part of the beauty that we enjoy every spring. And as his Papa said, it's a reminder of the beauty he is enjoying in Heaven. That is a comfort to me, especially on days like today...when it still hurts.

I don't even know what to title this!

2008-05-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, my otherwise predictable husband, gets this raging desire to do something really stupid. He just gets this little idea and does it, no matter who might see him. So yesterday he went about his normal day...prancing through town, Men's Bible study/breakfast (at a restaurant!), the lumber yards, on the job, etc. all the while, sporting nothing less than a mohawk! Not kidding! He even threatened to shave his whole body that way! Have you ever seen a mohawked CHEST?!! Thank the Lord, he came to his senses before he actually went through with it! This has got to be one of the stupidest/funniest things he has done-by far.

I took pictures, but didn't do a very good job...I got a lot of shadow, but you can at least get an idea of what you would have seen, had you been in town yesterday!

Now, this one really gets me! So he will prance around looking like a real...something...but then I want him to be a real sport while taking pictures and make some really silly faces, mean faces, etc. He acted all embarrassed then...and this is the best I got from him! LOL!

Real scary. I SOOOO love my husband! It's this crazy side of him that keeps me laughing and entertained. He is also such a fun dad, as you can imagine! We have such a great time in our family! I am blessed! Truly blessed!!!

A stroll through our garden

2008-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of a few blooms we have been enjoying this past week. I just LOVE spring!

To be continued...

Spring Planting

2008-05-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last week Janelle and Timmy were VERY BIG helpers in the garden! They went through the garden picking out the big rocks and old corn stalks to make my job of wrestling the rototiller a little easier. They really worked very hard and got a lot done, especially for a 3 & 4 year old!

Charles was such a good boy. He played in his walker and watched us for a few hours while we worked the ground and proceded to start the spring planting. Everyone was taking a break and enjoying a popcicle while Mama worked at planting.

More fun outside!

2008-05-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE this picture of all four of my treasures on the slide!

Timmy and Janelle love taking "butterfly rides" with Mama while we sing silly songs.

I just love my little girl! We have so much fun together! (Janelle's new thing is to make silly faces for pictures...don't know where she would get the idea to do that-certainly not from such a sophisticated mother!)

Best Friends

Charles has this thing for stones. Notice him showing you his little treasure. I must say...He sure is cute! He gets that from his Hot Papa!

Charles' first ride down the slide!

2008-05-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

Tim started building a play ground for our kids a couple falls ago. He hasn't worked on it for a while! Hopefully this spring/summer he can get more done on it. But for now, we have a fun slide, swings and sand box.

A couple weeks ago the Howell family stayed with us (more on that later) So we were able to have Amber get pictures of Charles' first ride down the slide. It would have bee pretty tricky to get them otherwise, because Tim took charles to the top and I had to catch him. So thanks to Amber we were able to catch yet another "first" moment on camera.

Charles is looking out at the top of the tower that leads to the slide.

He looks a little scared when he gets to the bottom.

He is looking at the slide, not too sure about what just happened.

We decided that Tim better take him down again right away, so he gets a ride that feels safe so he won't be afraid of it all summer. It worked. He loved it after that.

Surprise!

2008-05-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I mentioned a while back that our family was growing by four feet. True indeed. Now, my friend Karla has been trying her very best to get me to spill the beans. She wants to know if the four feet are on our dog, or in my womb.

Well...it's like this. We did get a dog around Easter time. A great dog. Very calm, gentle, house broke, etc. She is absolutely wonderful. Janelle named her "Princess Angela" Right now, Janelle is really into dress up, and princesses, etc. So it didn't really come as a surprise when she was absolutely elaited that we got a girl and wanted to name her Princess Angela. She didn't want "Jack" (the choice name from Timmy)

So, all this fun and games! I couldn't resist giving you a tease. Mostly for Karla. She thinks it's about that time again for our family. So she has been trying her hardest to figure out my due date, or if I even have one. LOL! I love Karla, she is a dear friend...I couldn't resist the opportunity to get her at her own game.

*Side note-just want you all to know that I'm just having fun. Karla is NOT in any way bothering me with her teasing to know. She is a wonderful person, and I enjoy her friendship and even her pestering. *grin* So, here are the pictures that she has been anxiously waiting for! And as far as any feet in the womb...well, I guess you will have to just wait and see! HA!

Princess Angela meeting her new family...

All that excitment makes everyone a little sleepy and snuggly.

New Blogger!

2008-04-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my good friend Karla to the blogging world! I have added her to my list of "Blogger Buddies" You can view her blog by clicking "Todd & Karla Green" Hop on over welcome her.

FINALLY!!!

2008-04-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little Charles was exactly 13 months and 9 days old when he finally got his very first tooth!!! If you look close (or if you click on the picture you can view it full screen) you can see it! I was begining to think he would be potty trained before he got a tooth! *grin*

AUGHH...Disgusting Child(ren)!!!

2008-04-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

This past week Janelle came bouncing through the door, all excited...hollaring for me to come quick and see the treasure she found! I assure you, this is NOT what I expected to find...not from her anyways...

She brought me a dead squirrel! She was so proud of her find!

Then yesterday...

Timmy came bouncing through the door. He was all happy, telling me about a yummy worm that he just ATE!!! Seriously, it makes me sick just to think about it!

These are pictures of the evidence on his face! Gross! You can almost visualize the worm... wiggling for dear life, as he was being slurpped into the mouth of a three year old boy like a piece of spagetti, leaving behind a trail of who knows what, on the side of his lip!

Yummy...NOT!
I have failed as a mother!

Family News!

2008-04-13T05:37:00.000-07:00

Our family is growing...by FOUR feet! Update and pictures soon to come! Stay tuned...you're in for a surprise...watch for post titled "surprise"

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-04-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

I know this is almost a month late...but I'm going to try to catch up a little this week.
So...Every year my Grandparents save all their change, then they fill plastic easter eggs and all the "great-grandchildren" get to hunt for them after a nice Easter dinner. Then we (at least our family) takes their change to the bank to add to their savings accounts. The kids love it! Being that Easter was early this year, it was really cold for the hunt!

This is a picture of Charles with his find...

Janelle

Timmy

My neice, Kaitlyn

Charles, again

Sweat Pants & Camel Back

2008-03-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, that was my means of existence for more than a week! Sweat pants and one of those water bladders used for hiking (that way I could sip water without having to sit up)I woke up a couple Saturdays ago...so sick! I spent 6 straight days in bed. Not kidding. I got up to visit Miss Suzie and that's about it! Tim took a couple days off to take care of me and our children...and the house! The 7th day He took the kids to his parents. The 8th day I was on my own, so I moved from our bedroom to the sofa. He relieved me at lunch time for the rest of the day. Then it was the weekend again. Praise the Lord. So, by then I was feeling a little better, but still absolutely drained! Day 9 I sprained my ankle. I couldn't even walk. That night I crawled, but only when absolutely necessary to move. Today is day 14. My throat is still a little sore-but not too bad, and as long as I wear this huge moon boot cast/brace thingy I can make it through the day walking without too much pain. I have a lot more energy. I hope to bake something really special for my sweet husband today. He took such good care of me. He got the laundry caught up, and kept the house tidy, cooked and even baked a couple pies! So, I am blogging today to brag about my wonderful husband to all who choose to read this blog. And to publicly say thank you! I have never been so sick, and I don't know how I would have managed without his help, and him waiting on my every little desire. In sickness and in health. He promised me that over 6 years ago. Now that I'm pretty healthy again, I want the world to know how thankful I am(to my husband for being such a good one, and to God for blessing me with him!)...and how much I love my wonderful husband. I truly am blessed!

Me?...Break the Law?!

2008-03-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

So...Charles turned 1 year old on March 14th! Those of you who have been keeping up with this blog already know that. You also know that we did a photo shoot that morning. My strategic plan was to upload them and order them at our local Wal-Mart 1 hour photo...that way I could pass them out at his party that night. I figured I would save postage if I didn't have to mail them, and I would save gas if I wouldn't have to deliver them! I really am brilliant! (ha, ha) Being even cheaper...I was able to con my grandparents into stopping on their way to the party to pick them up for me considering that I had already paid for them when I placed the order.

So...back to the photo shoot. We recently did (still doing) some remodeling up-stairs at our house. I decided to use the freshly painted walls of the boys room (red and latte) and our room (foe finish) as the "backgrounds" So I dragged the furniture out of the way to clear a spot to take pictures. Previous post shows some of the results. I was irritated at myself for accidentally getting the outlet in one of our favorite pictures, but I figured I could just crop it out before I ordered them. That afternoon I went on line and did my thing...in about 4 clicks of the mouse I had a keeper.

Back to the party...My grandparents show up without the pictures. So I asked them ( I thought maybe they just forgot) They gave me the message from the photo department. "It is ILLEGAL to reproduce copy writed pictures from professional photographers and studios!" I laughed and said "You have got to be kidding me! I just moved our dressers and took those pictures this morning in our bedrooms!" They said I was supposed to call the photo department. After the party I called. I explained our photo shoot and it's location. I offered to bring the chair that he was kneeling on and our camera to the store if that would be proof enough that they were indeed just snap shots taken at home. Then I remembered that wretched little outlet that irritated me so! I explained that before I used the on-line enhancements that the wall was red behind him and even had a white outlet in the lower left corner that I just cropped out. I explained that a studio surely wouldn't have an outlet in the middle of their pictures! ( I would have politely invited the manager to come to our home and show her the location in person if that would prove that I was a law abiding citizen!) They put me on hold for about 10-15 minutes. Finally I convinced them that they were just snap shots and they said that I would be allowed to pick them up. I didn't even have to take the chair! All is well that ends well, and I didn't land myself in jail! LOL! I decided to post the before and after...Enjoy! *grin*

Before...
After!

Happy Birthday Son!

2008-03-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Some of these pictures are doubled in the posts below, but please just put up with me. You know I just can't help myself! I just love these slide show things...but in order to explain some pictures in detail you almost have to do a regular post too. *grin* So, just for you...the best of both worlds!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Charles 1st Birthday Party!

2008-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a John Deere theme for Charles birthday. I didn't think the tractor was enough cake, so I decided to make a barn to go with it. The frosting recipe I used tasted absolutely wonderful, but it was NOT ideal for piping! As evidenced by the picture. It was too soft. It was hard to make nice detail because it just kind of melted and sagged together. So I wasn't very happy with how it turned out, but it sure tasted yummy!Charles went right for the candle, of course. Notice I'm laughing...Janelle looks terrified! *grin*
He wasn't very impressed with frosting on his fingers.
He was very cautious...but, he decided to try again.
Nope. Still not impressed! He looks repulsed by the whole idea.

2008-03-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

He is probably thinking..."This whole birthday thing is over-rated!" Definately NOT liking the whole cake thing!
It's his party, and he'll cry if he wants to!
He was much happier with a balloon! Too bad the only reason he even had that little bit of frosting on him was because he was rubbing his face and eyes while he was crying.
He was VERY happy to get a bath! He loved it, and was splashing water all over the bathroom. *grin*

Happy 1st Birthday Charles!

2008-03-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures from our photo shoot today! *grin* I don't have time right now to crop and do fun stuff to them. So, here he is...1 year old!

Morning view from our bedroom...

2008-03-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

These pictures don't do justice at all! When I woke up this morning the "after storm" view from our bedroom was absolutely beautiful. All the colors from the sunrise didn't show up on the picture. This picture is the same view, just zoomed in. Notice the wind mills. These are actually 15-20 miles away from our house! You sould see them up close! We stood directly at the base of one of them a couple summers ago. I can't even tell you how enormous they are. They are actually pretty cool. So this is the view we wake up to every morning. *grin*

A little sister for Janelle...

2008-03-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Janelle has been making her desire for a little sister very well known for quite some time now. Every time we are in Wal Mart she is picking out little baby outfits-not for Charles...for her sister! I remind her that we don't have a little baby girl. Finally, this last time, she was so frustrated with hearing that, she said "but Mama...I've been wishing for a little sister!" She cried that night. I tried to explain the best I could at a 4 year old level, and we prayed about it. She hasn't given up the idea, but now she is praying ...every day, and asking...every day. Bless her heart! So last week she brought me this picture she drew. It is a picture of me...pregnant! Can you guess who is inside that bulging tummy she drew...her sister! Yes, her sister and I are standing amidst wild flowers with a balloon in tow, surrounded by butterflies and bees. She is so sweet! I can't help but hope that God answers her very heartfelt prayers. *grin*

Don't Forget...

2008-03-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

Before you view my slide shows and scrapbooks, you need to scroll down to "my music" on the side bar. Click the pause button twice. Once to wake it up, and once to make it obey. *grin* If you don't, there will be two songs trying to play at the same time...what a terrible racket that would be!
Enjoy!

Almost 8,000 homes without power!

2008-03-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Rideau Canal

2008-03-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Charles is almost 1 year old!

2008-03-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

A day of surprises...

2008-03-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

This morning was absolutely beautiful!!!! We got up to 43.5 degrees! Huge! I opened the windows, turned the radio up, and up some more. Janelle and I started "spring cleaning" while Timmy enjoyed a play date with Grammy. Do you have any idea what I saw when I was washing the windows? MUD! I was so excited I started singing! So we got two rooms finished today, and we even re-arranged our living room.

Then Tim & Tim (ha, ha) For those of you who don' t know...We named our first son after his Hot Papa! So anyways...they got home early! That's always a special surprise!

So then we decided to take some things to the Dunkles that I intended on delivering Wednesday when some of the girls and I went to see her at Syracuse hospital...but we had a terrible snow storm and decided not to go. In the mean time, Leann came home (and Tom went to the hospital) so she could spend a little time with the children, especially their oldest-who turns six tomorrow. So we all head out to our van and it is SNOWING! HUGE, FAT, FLUFFY, SNOW!! Typically, this is my favorite kind of snow-normally I think it is sooo beautiful and it makes me want to sing. I almost could have cried. So we get to the Dunkles, and by now it is snowing so hard we can hardly see, and it is slicker than snot! So, my hubby, being the gentleman that he is, offers to take the goods inside while I wait in the van with our children. I was glad to accept his kind offer!

A few minutes later he got back in the van. He shut the door and said "you might want to go in there." So I did. Do you know what I found when I walked in the door? A five pound bundle of answered prayers! My eyes are stinging as I type, trying to hold back the tears! Surprise of the day! Guess what else, Leann got the same surprise I did, when Tom walked in the door this evening WITH little Ian Shepherd! Remember I said that he was at the hospital today. Long story short, they decided to discharge Ian today. Praise God! Tom didn't call Leann to tell her. He surprised her. What a precious memory! I know they are enjoying their very first night all together, as a family of 7! Praise God for all he has done! Thank you all so much for your prayers. I truly believe all your prayers joined with hundreds of others has helped bring the Dunkles together tonight...as a family, complete!

Ian Shepherd Dunkle

2008-03-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Leann just returned my call...the news is absolutely wonderful! Little Ian is off all machines, tubes, oxygen, etc. He has moved to a regular haspital crib and is on his own, no incubator-and maintaining his own body temperature! He doesn't have any more IV's and is nursing like a trooper now (which means he has learned to suck and breathe at the same time) I don't remember if I mentioned that was a problem earlier. Not any more. Looks like the little guy may be able jo join his Mama & Papa and four other brothers & sisters REALLY SOON-possibly even tomorrow! Praise God! And thank you to all who have been praying! Please continue to do so!

If I have his parents permission, I would like to post some pictures as soon as possible.

Stay tuned...

Baby Dunkle

2008-03-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

I have gotten some phone calls wondering about the Dunkle family and especially their baby. I haven't posted because I didn't really have any new information yet. I have been in contact...the update was "still doing well". Which is absolutely wonderful! But not much new info. Please keep praying. I hope to talk with Leann this evening. Hopefully she will have some wonderful new news for me to share with all of you! *grin*

Another Update!

2008-03-01T08:59:00.001-08:00

I talked to Leann on the phone for just a couple minutes this morning. She was doing well. She said she has her teary moments (of course) but over all she senses Gods peace. She is getting ready to be discharged from Lowville hospital. I'm sure that is exciting for her. She is going to make a stop at home to be with their other 4 children for a little while. I'm sure they need her. She was taken to the hospital very unexpectedly in an emergency. I'm sure that is very scary for a child (especially all being under 6 years old) They don't understand whats happening. So it is important for her to spend a little time with them before heading to Syracuse. They need to be held by her and know she is safe. Leann said the baby (still haven't heard a name) is making text book progress. She said it's scary for them, but to the doctors that means things are going well. Of course they are wishing for miraculous healing type of progress. But text book is good...it's progress, and that is what counts at this point. She said at this point they have inserted a cathedar into his umbilical cord so they don't have to keep sticking him with needles, because the need constant oxygen level tests. She was somehow soothed by that. Every mommy could relate to that feeling. Mothers are protective of their children. I have yet to see my children in pain that I haven't wished to take away for them. Like every other mother, I too, find myself in tears over their pain. So for Leann, this cathedar thing is so soothing. Her little guy is going through enough without having to be pricked every little while. She asked us to pray specifically for Gods peace during all this and the ability to reach out and hold on to that peace, that gift from God, that is there for them, waiting to be accepted.

Update on Urgent prayer request!

2008-02-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the hospital. I had a nice visit with Leann. They have a new little boy! No name yet. *grin* The baby was taken by ambulence to Syracuse hospital a couple of hours after birth. Leann is still in Lowville hospital. Baby is doing fairly well. Better than I expected. Praise God! Some breathing trouble. Waiting on test results and chest x-rays to determine the cause. Possibly penumonia (not sure of spelling) which is worst case...best case cause would be the normal amniotic fluid tha is in the lungs of even full term babies, but usually gets squeezed out when the baby squeezes through the birth canal. Doctors are hopeful that it is just from the fluid thing. Won't have results until tomorrow. He is not weezing as bad. And his oxygen levels are going up and carbon dioxide levles going down. Great news!!! He is still on oxygen, but down to 23% We breathe at 21% So that is also great progress!! He is not out of the woods yet, but things are looking much brighter. God is good! Leann seems to be doing well, and is in good spirits even though her arms are empty right now. She is happy that "Daddy" can be with baby now. It appears that her arms will only be empty for a little while...Praise God! She has a picture-so that helps. Please continue to pray for them.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!

2008-02-28T12:29:00.001-08:00

Dear readers of this blog, and fellow Christians:

I ask for your prayers right now. It only takes a minuite to stop and pray! We recieved word a little while ago that a good friend of ours was on her way to the hospital. This is their 5th pregnancy. Leann hadn't felt the baby moving for a while. They discovered that her amniotic fluid was gone and she needs to be induced and deliver their baby within 48 hours...5 WEEKS EARLY!!! Please pray for them...how scary! And of course pray for their baby! You may not know them, but God does! Let us come together as one in Christ and lift this family up in prayer. Please pass this request on to other blogs, e-mails, friends, church prayer chains, etc. Let's get Christians all over the world praying for Tom & Leann and their precious baby!

I will keep you posted.

Family Night

2008-02-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Timmy cutting up peppers
Janelle's dough covered hands.
Team work!
Almost ready for the oven...
Time to taste a job well done!

This family night we decided to make a pizza together (making a pizza together offers a lot more "togetherness and family fun" than ordering one or using a store bought one!) and then enjoyed watching "The Sound of Music" while we ate our work of art. Our children are not allowed to watch TV (we allow one movie per week) so this was a real treat for us. We had a great time together! And we are still bouncing through the house singing all the songs from the movie. These moments make treasured memories for our family!

Valentine's Day

2008-02-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Tim bought a corsage for the ladies he loves! (I was holding Janelle's straight because it kept tipping over for the picture)
Janelle took a picture of Mama & Papa. She did a pretty good job. I think she will be the photographer of the family.

Tim and I got to spend Valentines Day with our doctor! Yes, we had physicals and SHOTS! What a romantic way to spend the aftrenoon. I still have a sore spot on my arm from that! Tim bought me a beautiful flowering plant and a card...and you saw the corsage. Those were intended for us to wear to church, however, we had a really bad snow storm and church was cancelled. So we dressed up and wore them anyways. Then yesterday I remembered some gifts that I forgot about with all of the craziness. I picked up some bubble bath, massage oil, etc. and a little chocolate fondu pot for dipping strawberries, and some sparkling grape juice. I was planning for a romantic bubble bath together in our new bathroom. Oops! So I guess I am either ahead of the game for next year or I could plan for the kids to have a sleep over with Grammy and have a romantic date night!!! I like the sleep over idea better than waiting a whole year! After all that..we are still very much in love-and who needs Valentines Day anyways when you're a hopeless romantic? *grin*

Tid Bits

2008-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

Timmy & Janelle reading before bed time.
Charles is learning how to make messes now. Here he is tormenting his brother who is trying to color. This is only the beginning...Timmy will soon learn how his sister feels when he is constantly tormenting her!
Timmy is trying on Papa's swimming trunks! *grin*

I wish our savings account would accumulate this fast!

2008-02-27T05:28:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when a family of five gets behind on laundry for a couple of days! Sad thing is that this picture is lacking the other four loads that were not yet clean and dry!

While they were sleeping...

2008-02-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

What precious treasures God has given us! Let us remember to PRAY for our children!

Little Boca Boy

2008-02-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

Charles and I went shopping one very cold day. Shortly after we started our journey up and down the aisles, I noticed him sitting there in the cart all snuggled in with his little hands folded like such a little gentleman. I thought he was sooo cute!
Little Cha Cha loves music. As soon as you start singing or he hears music, he starts clapping and bouncing. I do believe there is hope after all - for the musical family that I always dreamed of having. *grin*

A little closer...

2008-02-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Janelle was helping pull out the card board Tim used as tile spacers
This is a picture of the tub wall without grout
View of tub from standing in the doorway to the walk-in tub/shower
Not a very good picture of partially tiled shower walls. View from in the tub. Looking straight ahead will be mirror inside that diamond. There will be two shower/body spas where the other openings are-one to the left and one to the right.

I THINK EVERY MOM HAS A DAY NOW AND THEN WHEN SHE FEELS LIKE SHE IS ONE OF THESE POOR CHICKENS!

2008-02-03T05:16:00.000-08:00

We raise chickens every year. Tim is researching info about how to build an automatic chicken plucker. This is a picture of the "plucker" in action with 3 chickens in it. Funny thing is that when I saw the chaos that appeared to be in that "little world" I blurted out "that is how I FELT yesterday!" Well, if you are feeling like this today-hang in there-this too shall pass, and morning is coming. And it is sure to bring with it a fresh perspective :o) ***Disclaimer-this is to be taken completely in humor! I absolutely love my "job" as a wife and mother! Fact is-we all have "those days" now and then - when it seems like everthing is going crazy and wrong all at once.!!

Help Wanted!

2008-02-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

This mama is NOT prejudiced! I will take all the help I can get! Even if it comes from a Dinosaur!

From the mouths of babes.....

2008-02-02T05:03:00.000-08:00

I still can't believe that we actually caught this moment on camera! Our family was saying our meal time prayer together before supper one night. I looked up once and saw Charles folding his hands too! It amazes me how quickly they learn and start mimicking what they see.

Remodeling progress...

2008-02-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

Tim invited me to join him for our first bath in our very UN-finished new Master Bath Suite.
Charles helping Papa.......An extra man on the job will help get things done faster!
Time for a water break! All that hard work makes a guy thirsty!

Thank You Sharron!

2008-02-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my cousin Sharron, my little "new blogger" problem is solved. Now my slide shows will stay in order, and all is well! Never underestimate her excellence! If you have questions-ask Sharron!

Precious Memories

2008-02-01T22:10:00.001-08:00

Snuggle your children now...Tomorrow they will be grown!

2008-02-01T22:08:00.001-08:00

Ice Fishing

2008-02-01T22:04:00.001-08:00

Mother's Love

2008-02-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

We have been doing a lot of remodeling lately. Our whole upstairs-we out grew the downstairs. In the process of it all, Janelle ended up sharing her bedroom with Timmy for several months. Now that the boys new room is finished (well, finished enough to move in to) Timmy has moved out of her room and Charles has moved out of our room. So for the last 4 or 5 weeks she has been alone. She was fine with it at first, but now she is feeling pretty lonely. I feel bad because she is the only one with nobody to sleep with. She kept asking for me to stay with her and visit and snuggle. I decided to try giving her one of my sweaters after I sprayed it with one of my favorite perfumes. That way shee could feel closer to me even after I left. It worked! She slept well and was content and happy to snuggle my sweater. Now she takes it to bed with her every night. She let's me know every couple days that I need to give it a fresh squirt of perfume. It makes me feel special that part of "me" makes her feel so happy and safe. I pray that we will always share that kind of friendship, that just being close, will comfort her.

Still learning how to blog!

2008-02-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of pics for each title. I thought a slide show would be the most effective way to display them. I wish I could put more space between them, but haven't figured that out yet. I'm also concerned that new posts will go under ther slide shows, so somebody may check my blog and think nothing has changed unless they scroll down past the slide shows. So, I hope they are not confusing being close like that. I'm very new at this blog thing, so any advice is welcome!

Welcome Home Papa!!!

2008-01-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

This is a typical "welcome home" for Tim. Our kids call him "Papa" We sure do miss him while he is at work! We look forward to every evening around 5:30 when comes home. As soon as he gets on the floor, he is burried in children! Notice the first picture...you can just see Charles feet sticking out by Tim's foot. He was working on crawling on top of his Papa when all of the sudden his sister came diving through Papa's legs. Thankfully he was just out of the way enough that he wasn't crushed or hurt-just surprised! It happened so fast that Tim could do nothing but watch with his hands full of Timmy. All is well that ends well. They had a great time with Papa-as usual!

A fairy tale picnic

2008-01-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

Lately we have been having a picnic lunch on our living room floor every day, considering it will be another 3 or 4 months before it's warm enough around here to go to the park for a picnic. Janelle and Timmy love to play dress up. So Charles and I went dining with a princess and a dinosaur. Poor little guy was all tuckered out after all that-not enough energy left to even drink his juice upright!

More ice skating pictures

2008-01-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

1. This particular lesson happened to be on Timmy's 3rd Birthday (notice the little ribbon on his coat) Janelle is on the left. These are little walker things they will use until they get a little more comfortable on the ice. And of course, safety first-helmets are required!

2. Charles is very happy to be towed around all evening.

3. I could possibly avoid frost bite if I would wear my gloves on my hands rather than hanging them out my pockets!

4. Janelle is doing surprisingly well! She can skate pretty good without a walker now and loves to tow her baby brother around. ;o)

*Sorry I got these two posts out of order. I didnt know you had to kind of work backwards. I'll try to do better next time!

Caught messing around!

2008-01-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

Tim is one of the teachers at our local "Learn to Skate" program. A friend took these pictures of him not doing his job! *grin*

Here goes nothin!

2008-01-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I can't promise much, this is my first time at this and I don't have anybody to guide me through this, but I think I may have figure at least some of this out. Woo Hoo! So does this mean that we are officially "Bloggers"? Now I will have to ask my cousin Sharron Teed to help me with some of the fun stuff I have seen on other blogs. After all, she is the one who suggested that I do this. I was just too impatient to wait for her next visit to give it a try. So for now this will have to do. Sweet dreams to you all. I am going to bed now! (I know my computer clock says that it is only like 8:00pm Just so you all don't think that I really go to bed that early I will let you know that our computer clock is messed up and I have yet to figure out how to fix it and make it STAY fixed. It is really 11:00pm and my pillow is calling me. Not that I really had to explain myself, but now you know :o) Good Night!