camping

We went camping in Ramona. It took us over 2 hours to get at the campgrounds. We were following the GPS which took us to a one way private road. We had the motorhome pulling the Jeep, and Matt can't back up when he is towing the Jeep. We had to unhook the Jeep, drive it down the road, back up the motorhome, and hook up the Jeep again. Once we arrived at the campground, we set up camp, got back in the Jeep and drove and hour and a half back towards home so Matt could teach his college class. The kids and I ate dinner while he taught. Then we got back in the Jeep and drove back to the campsite. That was a long time riding!
We had such a great time camping. The kids enjoyed the playground, miniature golf, basketball, hiking trails, fishing at the lake, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and playing games.  The pool was cold, so we didn't swim. No one enjoyed the bike ride. The campground is uphill both ways. When Matt was riding downhill, his chain got caught and snapped the spokes on his wheel. We won't be taking the bikes there again. I love spending time as a family.

I'm back

We have had issues with our Verizon service for years. My internet has been down for a while. I wasn't able to blog. They seemed to have fixed a wire that was cut, so now I am able to blog again!

Our Birthday

It is our birthday today. I celebrated my birthday by eating. My father-in-law took me to Mimi's for breakfast. The kids and I took balloons and Almond Joy candy bars to daddy while he was at work. My grandma stopped by and visited before she headed home. She brought us some snacks that we munched on while we talked. Matt's parents watched the kids so the two of us could go out to dinner. Matt got out of work early and we headed over to Cold Stone for our free birthday ice cream. It was worth every penny. My parents every year give us dollars that are the same amount as our age. We went shopping to see if we could spend some of our birthday money. We went to Black Angus and received our free birthday dinner. I feel older today because all that eating really made me tired.

"That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever." Psalm 30:12

61. God's goodness
62. God hears the voice of my supplications when I cry to Him
63. My friend, Deb, who gives up time to minister to me
64. Benedryl which quickly calms the egg allergy symptoms
65. My mom who gives up time to sit in the allergy department for 3 hours
66. My husband who calls often to find out test results
67. The enjoyment of the family watching a goat deliver two kids
68. My grandma will be spending 3 days with us
69. The smiles of my children
70. Last minute picnic lunches that we enjoyed with my dad and the Meyer family

I am so blessed!

It has been almost 5 months since Madi's last MRI. It is always a difficult time leading up to the appointment. I try to rest fully in the Lord, but I know I stress about things. I start noticing things like when she writes a letter backwards or has a hard time whistling, and immediately wonder what will happen at the next doctor visit. Yesterday, Grandma, Madi and I went in for her MRI. Madi was measured by her endocrynologist and still shows little growth compared to other kids her age. The doctor talked to us about growth hormones and showed us the needle that would be used daily to inject the hormone. We will still wait on making that decision. We met up with Stephanie, the Child Life Specialist from the hospital. We really enjoy seeing her. It has been a while since we have seen her. She is a special person to Madi and our family. The oncologist was pleased with Madi's improvements. Madi will need to have a follow-up with the audiologist to monitor her high frequency hearing loss. She will also have her neuro-psych testing each year to monitor her development. We visited with Diane, a dear friend and nurse from Radiation. Madi loves her. We all love her and enjoy seeing her each MRI appointment. The MRI was scheduled in the new building at 3:00. The technicians in the building were not familiar with Madi. They didn't believe she could lay still during her MRI. She proved them wrong. She did great. After they had taken the IV out and let us go, they called her back in for more scans. They had to put in another IV and re-scan. This immediately put a lump in my throat. My heart rate was increased and I had a heavy feeling in my gut. The scans were complete and they asked if the neurosurgeon would contact us. Oh, this is the place where I can only find comfort in my Savior. I prayed. It is times like these where I catch a glimps of what life is all about. We were made for God's glory. He is the God of all generations. We belong to Him. He gives life. I pray. I love. Today, we rest. We wait. Schedules don't matter. School books and lessons don't matter. House cleaning and chores don't matter. We spend time together. We enjoy the smiles, hugs, singing, laughter, tears. Each time the phone rings, my heart pounds. Finally, today at 4:15pm, the doctor calls. NO CHANGE. Everything looks great. I give praise to the Lord. I have tears of joy. I look at the blessing the Lord has given me. Everything is fresh. The books scattered all over the floor, the crumbs on the counter, the laundry pile, the dirty car, etc. are such blessings. I am so blessed. I thank you, Lord.

Manners Banquet

Madi and Hunter have been attending a manners class every Wednesday for the past 6 weeks.  They have learned manners such as setting the table, using the napkin properly, sittting in a chair properly, eating proper amounts, speaking properly to the host, placing the silverwear and napkin on the plate when the meal is over. The teacher of the class put on a banquet at the end of the session. The students put on their best clothes, had formal pictures taken, and attended the banquet. Each boy entered the room with a rose, they bowed to each other, and the boy escorted the girl to her seat. The boy pulled out the chair for the girl and then seated himself once she was properly seated. The children were served a three course meal. This was a wonderful experience for the kids. Madi and her best friend, Dallas, were partners. Dallas was a little nervous, so he sat down quickly. Madi reminded him to pull the chair out for her. Hunter and his cousin, Karissa, were partners. They had so much fun eating and talking. I am pleased with the outcome of the classes.

Endless Thanks

51.God's glory
52. The perfect weather we were able to enjoy this last week.
53. God's lovingkindness
54. The Lord's guidance
55. To be woken up at 4:00 am by Parker
56. Clipping 50 fingernails and toenails
57. That we have no need to worry
58. To be home with my family
59. Vacation days that allows my hubby to be home
60. The Financial Freedom series and the conviction of the Holy Spirit

Future Pianists

I admit, I quite often think my children are talented. I am amazed at my twins and their piano playing ability. Many people can play the piano "by ear", meaning they use their ears to play music instead of reading music. Well, my 2 year old twins can play the piano "by rear"!
 
I think they may have a future in this.

Solitude and Silence

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."

In the book Six Secrets to a Powerful Quiet Time, Catherine Martin recommends having a set place with all your necessary materials at hand. I have found my quiet time place. I have moved here and there around the house until I found the perfect place. My quiet time place tucked inside our walk-in closet allows me to shut out the world and open my heart to God. I tried it out yesterday while my mother-in-law had my kids.
It isn't always quiet, but it is my place to meet with my Savior.

My list of thanks

41.God's lovingkindness

42.The Lord knows the plan before we know the facts

43. Washable paint

44. First signs of spring

45. Dates with my hubby

46. The Lord's guidance

47. My caring friend Deb

48. Schedules

49. Grandpa making a swing with the kids.

50. Cutting 50 little nails each week