mimi's corner

Mother's Day...

2011-05-07T20:49:00.004-05:00

Today, while at Target for a few groceries, I passed the greeting card area. I actually paused a moment and took it all in. Little groups of children looking for that perfect card...new daddies with their little ones, perhaps choosing his wife's first Mother's Day Card, and on and on. I got so tickled at these 3 little girls trying to find that perfect card. It brought back sweet memories of years gone by. Saturday before Mother's Day at our house was like Christmas Eve. My first Mothers Day, we lived in Grinnell, Iowa and Roy took Christine to the mall in Des Moines to get that perfect gift. In the years that followed, he would get the kids up, load them in the car, usually go for breakfast somewhere and then set off for Olla Padrida, a little shopping mall in Dallas that is no longer there. He would let each one of them choose a gift, a card and wrapping materials before heading home, where they would set up a special ops room, complete with signs that read 'Mommy, do not enter...please'. Always good manners, of course. I'd hear the giggles, kids would run through looking for markers, then tape, then scissors. They'd have such a hard time not spilling the beans about the goods they had purchased. Then, very early on Sunday morning, some form of breakfast would be brought to me...usually donuts and milk...enough for everyone...and we'd all pile on the bed for a special breakfast and...the presents. Little squeals of 'mommy, open mine first' resounded until all the paper was ripped off and my little pile of treasures laid before me. Their smiles said it all...they felt victorious...they'd done it...they were so proud. Roy was very intentional about days like Mother's Day...and for me, that was gift enough. He wanted our kids to know that these days were created for making memories, and each year, that's exactly what he did.

As I grew up, Mother's Day was also a special day! My daddy would usually help us pick something out and we'd make cards for our mama. We'd go to my grannie's for a big lunch, and when I got older, I thought that was so funny because the moms did all the work! Alot of people think the greeting card companies created this day just to make money, and based on the cost of a card today, that may play into it! But I LOVE days like these. I love picking out that perfect card...and I love celebrating my mama. Some years, we are together on this
day...some years not. But no matter where we are, I celebrate her. As a little girl, I thought my mom was the most beautiful lady I'd ever seen (and she was...still is!). She always cooked dinner and we always sat down together...she never helped her plate until we were almost done eating...and years later, I realized she was waiting to make sure we'd had all we wanted. She sewed dresses for us that you could've
never matched at a department store. She made memories with each of us that we all carry today. She loves our daddy. She made sure
we knew how much God loves us...and that hard work is part of growing. When each of us got married, she worked her magic...Donna got
married in Searcy, so she loaded up the car and put on a long distance wedding, long before that was normal...she stayed up most of the
night before my wedding finishing dress alterations and preparing food...she toted her crock pot to Wisconsin for Davids wedding so she
could make pulled pork, in the hotel room, for the rehearsal dinner...she made sure there was something special for Marianne's 1st graders at her wedding. Her love for each of us is only outshined by her love for our daddy! And that's one of the most important lessons she ever taught us. Many people compare others to the woman in Proverbs 31, but seriously, that could've been written just for her.

I love how others love her too! When I go to Glen Rose to church, everyone tells me 'we love your mom and dad'. That's no surprise but it's so nice to hear. I have watched her take care of other's children...my grannie...my daddy...and 18 months ago, she stepped in and took care of me again. Roy LOVED my mama! He had lost his mom before we married, but he felt he had found another in my mom. Even though they weren't that far apart in age, she treated him like he was one of her own. When he died, she walked that road with me, and continues to do so today. She has 4 kids, 4 sons/daughters in law, 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who 'arise and call her blessed'. She is an amazing woman of God, and the queen of our hearts! Happy Mother's Day, Mama...thanks for teaching us what love is...

Anticipation...

2011-03-30T08:55:00.006-05:00

I originally posted this on Friday, but had to take it down, because it looked like Clint would not make it home on Saturday...but, thank God, he did...and now my post has an extra special ending...

You remember...you were little...it was almost Christmas...and every night you went to bed got you closer to Christmas Eve. It was all about the anticipation! No matter what's going around us, there are always things to anticipate...spring, vacation, a new baby, payday, a good Saturday afternoon nap...those things that we look so forward to because they are just slightly different from the everyday norm. Sometimes those things can make our hearts race a little...make us a little nervous, excited, overwhelmed. I remember so many sweet times watching our kiddos anticipate...whether it was the school musical for Christine, a big basketball game for Emily, or any sporting event for Brad...you could see all the emotions...and sometimes, I could feel their butterflies myself!

In the past year, I have learned a new meaning for anticipating heaven...thought I cannot wait to meet Jesus...I also anticipate being reunited with my sweet Roy...and THAT gets me through as I continue my journey here on earth.

But, today, our anticipation is for a return...there are butterflies racing through all our tummies...there are yellow bows tied to trees and porch and railing, there is an American flag flying proudly by the front step, and there is a precious girl...my Emily...waiting for her soldier. He's on his way home...at some point today, he'll land on American soil...and in the morning, he'll be met by a wild crowd at DFW...armed with signs, video cameras, and hearts overflowing with love and relief!

Though Roy was in Vietnam, we were not together at that time. His homecoming, however, was very different...no public welcome home...no hurray! But, yesterday, Emily and I both had the same thought at the same time...he would have LOVED being a part of Clint's WELCOME HOME! And, of course, he will be there with us...

Please keep Clint in your prayers as he returns home...for safe travel...for an absolutely overwhelming outpouring of love and appreciation from those he holds so dear...a comfortable readjustment period...and rest...from the weariness of war...and being away from his girl.

Athena and Lily have kept Emily company for these long 6 months...those cute dogs! But now, it's their turn! Can't wait to watch her run into his arms...right where she belongs...counting the hours...in anticipation...

SO.....on Friday afternoon, Emily called and said "he's not gonna be home tomorrow". So, quickly, I took this post down! I had no idea what to say to her...such disappointment...but still hopeful that he would get home soon!

Around lunchtime on Saturday, Christine texted me and said "hey, we're all going to go to Emily and Clint's for lunch around 2:00...to cheer her up..." And, so I got some dessert together...she wanted bar-b-que...so Matt and Christine took care of that. On my way, I stopped to pick up paper towels and toilet paper (this information totally plays into the story...).

When I got there, my arms were loaded with the paper goods and I had a bag with the dessert stuff in it. I walked in, trying to think of what encouraging words I could offer to my Em. I looked up and Clint walked around the corner. I don't know exactly what happened next, but apparently, I dropped everything in my arms. And then I just remember hugging him...and crying...SO HAPPY! Apparently, he flew all through the night trying to get home and only had a little bit of time to get a hold of Emily...so they had a sweet reunion at the airport and then...pulled a fast one on all of us!

I can't even put into words the thankfulness that poured from my heart...both for Clint's safe return...and for the answered prayers to GET HIM HOME.

I love anticipation...those warm, happy feelings it gives you...but in this case, I love the end result better...WELCOME HOME, Clinton!

Blogging again...

2011-03-22T20:38:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to blog again...I have even thought about what I will share...of course, there will be plenty Mimi/Grandma Mindy stories...but alot of my writing will be about my journey during these past 17 months...a journey, I now realize, that will be part of my forever journey. I have prayed...and asked God to guide me...and maybe even help someone else...some of it may not be pretty, but it will be honest...and real. For those of you who have asked me to do this...and encouraged me...thank you. Still Mimi's Corner, what I share about my loss will be called 'Dancing Through My Grief.' Why? For several reasons...on our first date, we danced...in the wee hours of the morning he died, we danced...all dressed up-he in that groovy hospital gown, me-in some very attractive sweats...one of the sweetest memories ever...

Blessings to share...

2010-05-18T03:17:00.002-05:00

Over the past several months, I've had the chance for reflection...and lots of it. There are so many things I am capable of doing...but the events last fall totally shook my confidence. I am beginning to rebuild my life, slowly, but deliberately. It's time to try to reengage in things we did as a couple and find mysel a place as just one. One...very blessed one. Later today, I will begin my trip to Nashville that I have wanted to take for months, but scheduling was another matter. But, because of that, I have the unique opportunity to take some much needed supplies to some flood victims, in particular, to families at a school where my niece teaches. These families were hit hard and are struggling to rebuild their lives. There's a similarity there to my life...and I believe God guided me to do this to remind me there are many hurting people in this country! I collected some things on my own, and later this morning, I will head to Fort Worth Christian School to pick up some things they have collected there. My prayer for my trip is that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone there. On a brighter note, I will be getting some much needed sister time with my older sister, Donna, and her family. Blessings to share...sure, lots of them, but the blessings I share will pale in comparison to the ones I will receive. I'll post pictures along the way. Please pray for safe travel for me...and don't forget to pray for the people of Middle Tennessee...blessings...

Let's help Nashville!

2010-05-06T21:54:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile and I have missed blogging! So I am back! This post is a plea for help for the wonderful people of Nashville and surrounding towns. By now, we've all heard about the flooding there...even though the news was a bit slow getting the story out! My older sister lives in Franklin and has seen the devastation firsthand! My niece is student teaching in an area where people lost everything! Please help 'Pack my Expedition' for these good people! Dropoff at my house on Tuesday, May 11, Wednesday, May 12, or Thursday, May 13 from 2-5 PM. If those times don't work for you, call me and I'll come pick it up! Here's the list...it grows every day so keep checking back... I am hoping I get so much I have to rent a UHaul!!!
Clorox wipes, trash age, sox, underwear and tshirts size 6- Adult, ALL toiletries. Toothbrushes and toothpaste, snack foods, paper towels, hand sanitized and hand soap, small toys such as hot wheels, Polly pockets, colors and coloring books, books. We also need giftcards to Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes. I will keep adding things...come on TEXAS...let's help our friends in Tennessee! Be blessed!

I miss you...

2009-10-31T04:30:00.002-05:00

Later this morning, i will go and do the most difficult thing i have ever had to do...make funeral arrangements for the love of my life. My precious, precious Roy passed away during a catastrophic triple bypass on Thursday night. Oh, how my heart aches to just have a little more time with the only man i have every loved. But I know that he is whole again, and that he is loving being with his dad, who he lost at the tender age of 16. I am certain that his dad and mom met him at the gates to the most beautiful kingdom he has every seen, and ushered their firstborn into his new home. I know that God will guide us down this difficult road, but i miss him...terribly. My heart is broken...i just wasn't ready for him to go...but he was. His fight had been difficult...too many battles for one man to face...and his sweet body just gave out. He blessed my life for 30 years and gave me 3 wonderful children, 2 amazing stepsons and 6 beautiful grandchildren. I miss him...so much.

Our help comes from the Lord...

2009-10-28T09:32:00.003-05:00

Originally posted on facebook on Tuesday, October 27

As I sit in the dark of a cool, quiet hospital room, listening to the love of my life work on every breath he takes, I am reminded of all the sweet times the Lord has been our help..in times of trouble, in times of plenty, in times of sorrow, in times of despair, in times like this.
After a very long night last night, we prayed the morning would bring us answers. Those answers weren't quite what we thought they'd be, but they were the very answers that would save his life. Last night, his heart enzymes were normal, and the thought was possibly pneumonia, problems due to congestive heart failure, fluid buildup, but the heart looked okay...on the ekg, the bloodwork, with the stethescope. His blood pressure was high but with the breathing difficulty, that was expected. His blood sugar soared to a final high of 334, for no apparent reason, and has bobbled up and down all day, even with the insulin. His sweet nurse, Sondra, came in and said they were going to draw the enzymes again just to be sure and in just a short time, she was back telling us that they were re-drawing them and that we were going to the cath lab...WHAT????? Dr. Duran, Roy's longtime cardiologist, came and explained that Roy was having a heart attack at that moment and that they had to go in and fix whatever was going on or risk more heart damage. Everything moved quickly and we settled in with friends and family to wait for the call. When they called us back, Emily and I waited to speak with the doctor. Not the usual routine...usually we were led right to Roy to discuss what he had done to "fix" things. Instead, we saw somber faces and no one said anything. When the doc came out he told us to come on back. I stood at my precious love's side with our Emily right there...and then he said it...we have a problem, several of them. Roy already knew what he was going to say and tears streamed down his face. And then I knew...Roy would need another bypass operation to save his life. The bypasses from 1999 have long since scarred over and peripheral veins have formed to compensate. But the other 3 are now affected. And it's the big ones. I thought he was going to tell me that he had put more stents in..that's what he always says. But not this time...he needs the surgery and he needs as soon as possible. Roy's heart has functioned at a low capacity for quite a while...the reason they put in a defribillator in 2007. Now, it is pumping at about 20%. His heart is so sick. But, first, the other problems have to be addressed...and fast. So, we began making the calls to Christine, Brad, Roy's sons Mike and Mark, who live so far away. And then we spent the afternoon and evening together making lists...lots of them. My sister, Marianne, would handle things at my house...Christine would begin copying down all the little notes that I have made on scrap paper and keep up with everything that is said...Emily spent the whole day with me, encouraged us all, along with sweet Clint. Brad arrived with the laptop so we can watch movies, listen to all his Christian/Gospel music on his computer, cure my insomnia with a bit of facebook! Melissa Jo and Mary Kate brought their precious smiles and loved on Uncle Roy. Jack and Sam came up and performed shows behind the pull curtain by the door. Christine brought a casserole and they even let Roy eat a little. Key family members were missing but not far away in our hearts. People came and went...each offering such sweet prayers for all of us...and our sweet precious Roy. The surgeon came by...love him! He stayed a long time and answered our questions. Told us that we're shooting for Thursday. So the journey continues...tomorrow will be tests, bloodwork, lung evaluation, sugar checks, and the continual friend, Mr. Oxygen.
I won't tell you I'm okay with this...we've dealt with this for many years...he's our rock...he's our hero...he's dad, daddy, grandpa, pappy, "hey you", brother, son, American hero...with a heart so sweet that it seems so wrong that it is so broken.
But, we know...our help comes from the Lord. We will continue to pray and enjoy laughter and smiles and hugs...and we will give this to Him. We will wait for His answer...we will trust that He will be with the doctors, nurses, techs, and anyone else who is involved with this...and with Roy. When we give our "see you later" kisses and hugs, we will wait...and pray..and hope...and think of the wonderful blessing he is to so many. Please join us at any time in a continual season of prayer until the last tube has been removed, the last cut healed, the last IV removed, until we have our Roy back with us.

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus...when I am alone, give me Jesus...you can have all of this world...but give me Jesus.

You be blessed today...you are all such blessings to us...

Word of God...Speak

2009-09-25T15:51:00.005-05:00

I love this song. While I can't put my thoughts and feelings into words right now, this song says it all for me. It'll take a while to listen to it, but I hope you are as blessed by it as I am.

"...finding myself, at a loss for words...and the funny thing...it's okay."

Be blessed today...

A Tale from Seussville...

2009-08-17T23:43:00.007-05:00

Waiting for weeks for the big celebration...when everyone finally got back from vacation. The party was planned, with so much to do...to celebrate our sweet Thing 1 and Thing 2!

For Jack who turned 5 and Sam who turned 2, this was more than the regular hoop-de-doo! Now Jack, he loves the Cat in the Hat...and really, what could be better than that! And for those who love Green Eggs and Ham...we have the real Sam-I-Am!

Who would have thought with all there was to do...mommy would have time to find THE cake for Thing 1 and Thing 2! (and boy, was it yummy...for all of our tummies!)

Thing 1 and Thing 2 arrived in style...with a hand-me-down jeep, and tons of great smiles!

From Spiderman to Seuss, the pinata changed in a flash, too! Aunt Whitney and Shelby knew just what to do! Swinging at it as it turned round and round...the best part about it was when the candy hit the ground!

Sack races and baseball, who needs more than that....

Except for maybe...a visit from the Cat in the Hat!!!!

With our friends and family, we celebrated the fun...and then when the party and eating was done...

We sat back and smiled and realized how true...we are so very blessed by Thing 1 and Thing 2!

Seriously?

2009-06-03T00:03:00.003-05:00

It's been a while...so much has been happening. It's been an "up and down" couple of months, but God is good and we are hanging in there.

We are totally immersed in Summer Spectacular at church and so excited to see all that God will do this year, as the story of Esther comes to life. Childcare is in full swing, and the classes are full. My staff continues to amaze me with their dedication to their work and their love for the kids and their desire to share God's sweet words with them. I am blessed...

My uncle Bill lost his valiant fight earlier this spring, and it was painful for us. But, for him, the battle is over and the victory belongs to him and he now feels no more pain and his body is whole. I was able to travel with my parents and my uncle Charles to Houma, LA for his funeral and though the circumstances were sad, the time together was so sweet. Perhaps one of the sweetest things was when we were all in the backyard together and the grandchildren released balloons to heaven with messages to their pappy. I'll never look at a balloon in the sky the same again...

Our family enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day holiday at the farm and almost 40 of us hung out together, visited, ate, fished, and realized how fast time flies by...

These past few days have been a little rough for me - I haven't been feeling that well, and I hate it when this happens. I always feel bad complaining because there are others in far worse situations than I am in...but dealing with chronic back pain and asthma can sometimes be just exhausting. I love Paul's writing where he reminds me that he learned to be content in his circumstances, and I try to do that. But, sometimes, I just get tired. Tonight, after dealing with a horrible headache all day, that is still hanging on, which came as a result of a treatment to make my back feel better (seriously?), I began to talk to God and just tell Him thank you for all my sweet blessings...you know, instead of counting sheep? That has never worked for me.

And here are a few that caused me to get up and get on the computer...things I wanted to write down...because they were just too important...

I love my sweet husband, Roy. This man works like a horse, loves unconditionally, cares beyond measure, and has a loyalty that cannot be measured. He endures criticism, curt remarks, and sarcasm from people who should not be dishing it out...and yet, he never says a bad word about them or the things that may have hurt his feelings. He's a good guy...and I would not be the person I am today had he not been in my life...

I love my kids. I am so happy for Christine and for the fact that she seems to be feeling a little better these days. I love to watch her mother her boys, and be a wife who loves her husband. These days, that is really something to see. Jack and Sam...our eternal gifts of promise. I love how she is a fighter...she doesn't give up on herself or anyone else. Her boys and her husband are her priority and her love for the Lord is so evident in all she does. Her unfailing devotion to family and friends is remarkable...and she married a prince. I love my sweet Emily...born to be a servant. In a world where people are always looking out for number one...she works to make others feel like they are number one. She is fun, fun-loving, loyal, silly, and someday, when her prince comes...he will one lucky guy! I love Bradley...he hates that I call him a mama's boy...but he is always willing to do whatever I need him to do. He's not afraid to stand up for his dad and his sisters...and for his mama. He, too, will make someone a good prince one day...but she'll have to be pretty special.

I love my parents...they were picked especially for me...I love my older sister, and her wonderful husband...she lives too far away, and has blessed me with 5 wonderful nieces and nephews, whose lives I have missed way too much of...but I love them so...I love my baby brother and his sweet wife and their 3 boys...3 examples that God's love is a continual stream of blessing...and my baby sister...wow, what would life be without her...God knew we needed her in our lives...and her sweet husband and their precious little girls. My only "great" nephew...Noah...growing up too fast...doesn't really know me, but his name is on my lips in prayer every day. He's precious...

Blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family, precious friends, a church family that steps out into this world and loves God's people...I wonder sometimes how I got so lucky...then I remember, it's not luck...but sheer blessing.

I hope you count your blessings today...

My faith looks up to Thee...

2009-03-15T22:24:00.007-05:00

These words have been fresh on my heart for several weeks now. One of my favorite "old" hymns that still says it all today..."my faith looks up to Thee, thou lamb of Calvary...Savior divine..."

The past few weeks have been difficult. My sweet Uncle Al was seriously injured in a car accident, suffering a broken neck, broken back, a "degloved" hand, and a broken arm. He is so very special to me. When Roy, Christine and I moved back to Texas from Iowa, we lived with Uncle Al and Aunt Nini and their girls, Leann and Kristi. They are such a wonderful part of our family and I pray daily for his complete recovery.

In early February, our family lost a precious friend...Suity. We lived across the alley in Whitewright, Texas for several years while my daddy coached there. I remember so much about her. She had the most gorgeous red hair, the most infectious laugh, and was such a lady. She is the first woman I can remember being allowed to call by her first name, instead of "Mrs...". Her daughter, Tressa, affectionately known to all then as Dumpy (short for Dumpling), babysat us, was a cheerleader, and went to the prom with my Uncle Al who lived with us for a time. Her son, Will, was my sister's first crush...don't deny it, Donna! He didn't get to play for my dad, because we had moved away from there before he had the chance, but he did play at East Texas and for the Cleveland Browns and we followed him closely in both places. Truth be told, he was probably my first crush too! Her husband, Joe, adored her. Her trusty beagles obeyed her. And we all cried when we lost her.

When we went back for her funeral service, my brother, David, and I stood in her back yard and looked across the alley at the yard where we had played, skinned knees, waited for warm sugar cookies at the neighbor's house. We remembered Arnold and Frances, who so lovingly cared for David when we were in school, and who became extra grandparents to each of us...they moved into our old house and lived there in their later years. We drove downtown where Donna and I could walk, barefoot, to the snowcone stand, or go to the drugstore for a milkshake, or walk to the feed store and visit mama. We passed the old football field where we watched so many practices and cheered at so many games. As we drove out of town, we looked at all the "old" places, some now replaced with "new" places...some the same as when we left. And even though we wouldn't change anything we have in our lives now, it was kind of sad. It's like the town stopped in the 60's...when innocence was the norm and kids were safe. When I think of Whitewright, Texas, I will always remember Suity...and I will miss her.

We lost a precious newborn in our church family who fought valiantly for 13 days. I was at the hospital when Cash Samuel Collins was born and we all prayed that his fight would be strong and that God would heal him. And when he went home to be with Jesus, sadness overwhelmed us. So tiny, so new, so fresh...and now so safely in the arms of Jesus.

"...now hear me while me while I pray...take all my guilt away..."

On the same day Cash was born, my daddy had his eye operation. He has healed beautifully, and we are so thankful for that. And so thankful for my mama...his very own "Florence Nightingale"!

My dear friend, Sharon Washburn, was also diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. She is one of those friends who you don't have to see all the time. We became friends when our daughters, Taylor and Emily, were friends at FWC. She always has the sweetest smile and warmest hugs. She has been such an encouragement to me through Christine's trials. She loves Christine so deeply and even while Sharon is suffering through the unknown, sitting in the chemo chair, she is praying for my daughter and for others who need the Lord's help. Her fight is just beginning, but her warrior is the One who can win all battles, all wars. We will stand in the gap with her and I ask you to pray for her each and every day.

My precious Uncle Bill, my mama's older brother, is very ill also. He has fought with his health for many years and valiantly fought through removal of part of his lung this past year. His body is tired...he has fought the good fight. I pray that God will carry him through these days with a loving hand and a knowledge that his heavenly home is waiting. I miss him...praying that I can make a quick trip with my parents down there very soon.

And, for the past 4 weeks, I have been fighting the flu, which was accompanied by bronchitis. This past week, I was rushed in an ambulance to the hospital with heart attack symptoms, but which actually turned out to be a serious asthma attack. I have suffered through a stroke, a heart attack, my husband's illness, my daughter's chronic suffering, my parent's illnesses, 2 very premature grandbabies,and so many other things, but I don't think I have ever been that afraid. Asthma is tricky in adults. It can shut you down in literally minutes. I don't want to be afraid, for I know that God is certainly in control.

"oh...let me from this day...be wholly thine." Be WHOLLY thine...completely belong to the Father...let Him work His plan and be a willing servant when He calls. And do not fear...

I don't post this for sympathy, or for the "oh, poor you" response...but this reason alone...

"MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE"...the one who can heal each of us...and the one who comforts us when He cannot.

Be blessed today...

To my 3 readers....

2009-01-06T21:49:00.003-06:00

Okay, for all of you who have been holding your breath, waiting with much anticipation, about to give up...here it is...my holiday post.

It began with the Fort Worth Christmas Parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving...what fun!

Marianne, M Jo and M Kate went along and we sure had fun! (the look on M Kate's face cracks me up!!!)

And on the day of the Cookie Swap (earlier post below), we went to the Mall to see Melissa Jo sing with the Fort Worth Christian Honor Choir...so proud of her! Our favorite Santa showed up too!

At the Cookie Swap, the whole family got in on the fun!

The Cookie Swap began with Emily and Melissa Jo Emily coming up with the idea 5 years ago...

In this family, Christmas is celebrated on more than one day, depending on whose year it is to be here, etc. In late October, since Matt and Christine would be spending Christmas with the Pinson/Whitfield family this year, Emily suggested that me and Roy and she and Brad travel to South Dakota to visit our son, Mike and his family. So we did. But, before we left, we had our Christmas celebration with our immediate family in Grapevine at my brother David's house. This is always lots of fun, because my sister-in-law, Lisa, prepares lots of yummy snacks and her house is always so pretty. We just love this time together.

Sam loves his great-grandpoppa...

Getting ready for our fabulous meal...

Me, my girls and my sweet Mama...

Sam and his buddy Nathan...

Waiting for presents...

Uncle David gave Jack these glasses to protect him from his fear of the dog...they light up and before the night was over, he didn't need them anymore!

Auntie Emily just can't get enough of her Jack...

And Sam loved his UNC Tarheel ball from cousin Noah...

The very next morning, we were off for South Dakota...

And even though it was Christmas, Logan wanted to make sure we got a good look at his Halloween costume...

One of the sweetest moments of the holiday, and I think of my life, was when Roy gave Jackson one of his war medals. In Vietnam, Roy was a helicopter pilot and was awarded the Air Medal for completing over 900 hours of combat flight. Jackson was so touched by this gift and it was so sweet to see Roy, Mike and Jackson share a bit of the past together. Mike was just over a year old when Roy was in Vietnam.

The snow was good and the sledding was fun...

Our time together was priceless...

Driving home in a blizzard was not such fun...but did make a great photo!

New Year's Eve was a sweet celebration for Roy and I and our favorite little Pinsons...

New Year's Day was another huge family celebration with lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, and our final Christmas with Jack and Sam...

Jack and I love to cook together, so these great aprons will come in handy!

Yes, they are all adults, but I am always looking for a photo op...

I love my sweet family...

Well, if you made it all the way through, congratulations. This may be a record post for me!

Be blessed...

I got tagged...

2009-01-05T15:28:00.003-06:00

I've never been tagged before, so this is exciting! (Doesn't take much to excite me these days!!!) My sweet friend, Kristin H. tagged me, so here goes...

4 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY...
Went back to work after a nice break; hung out with 43 of my favorite babies in the Nursery; cooked a very yummy roast; went to bed at 8:20 PM (really!)

4 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST...(this was probably for Christmas, but I always have a wish list!)
A car that runs; continued improved health for our Christine (how fun that she made it through the holidays! This is BIG, folks!); a healthy year for our family, immediate and extended; for the Cowboys to remember that they are being paid the big bucks to actually PLAY football...

4 RESTAURANTS I LIKE...Chili's (this seems to be a standard answer on these things); La Madeleine; Celebrity Cafe; Del Frisco (only been once and only because I had a gift card - will probably NEVER go again, but I loved it!!!)

4 FAVORITE TV SHOWS...The Office; Grey's Anatomy; anytime UNC is playing basketball; Law and Order SVU

4 PEOPLE I TAG...Lynn D., Kathy P., Christine, Emily Mc

Happy New Year...

2008-12-31T22:59:00.002-06:00

Jack and Sam are excited to welcome 2009! A little bigger, a lot smarter, and a healthier mommy! Our cups runneth over...

Jack loves Sam more than the sunshine!!!

Be blessed in 2009!

The Cookie Swap...

2008-12-19T00:02:00.003-06:00

We had another great time this year at our annual Christmas Cookie Swap! Each year, it is just so fun and the kids seem to really enjoy it. When I got ready to post, I thought it would be fun to go back and remember our past parties. I am missing the first year where all the kids were dressed in green velvet with white fur...Jack and Mary Kate were only 5 and 6 months old. Our sister, Donna, who lives too far away, is responsible for all the cute outfits! Unfortunately, Sam is missing from these photos, because he's usually crashed in nap mode during the party...

Enjoy...

Christmas 2005

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008

Each year, we ask our guests to bring a book, or a small gift...this year it was gloves. We package them up and donate them to someone who needs them. This year, they brought gloves and made little bags with gloves, pencils and candy in them. Maelie's daddy is taking care of getting them to some very special children. I love the hearts of these little ones...they love to receive, of course...what child doesn't. But what is so wonderful, is that they love to give, more. God bless them...and their sweet parents who are teaching them the true meaning of Christmas.

Whether you are baking cookies, wrapping packages, listening to some great Christmas music...whatever, I pray that you will take the time to enjoy the sweet "little" things about this season that make it so wonderful! Most of all, remember that sweet little blessing that God gave this world so many years ago...we are so blessed.

Merry Christmas...

What a difference a year makes...

2008-12-02T14:28:00.004-06:00

I keep checking my blog to see if anyone has updated it and since no one has since September 24, I guess I better get going!

I love this time of year! Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday! No expectations...just family, good food, games, fun, football. You don't have to worry if you have the scariest costume, or the cutest...you don't have to worry about having the perfect present...it's the best day!

For me, it is that time of year I begin to really reflect on what has happened in our lives over the past year. And...wow...what a year!

This year, I am so very thankful for so many things! Roy and I have been blessed with good jobs and though he has to work so hard, he hangs in there. On that awful day in April, the Lord reached His hands down and held Emily's head after a serious accident. In May, my dad's "normal day" turned into a 5-bypass operation. In August, Christine was about at the end of her rope. But, as always, God is faithful and blessed her with some relief. And though she continues to deal with so much, she is so much better and able to be a mommy to our little guys! I have been struggling with some health issues, but again, He is faithful to me and I am so blessed!

The best part, though, is watching these 2 little guys grow up!

Jack is 4 and just amazes me all the time. I know...I'm the Mimi and I'm supposed to say that, but he really does! He has begun to read and it is like an adventure wherever we are! No matter where we are, he wants to know "what it says". I love that! When Christine couldn't do anything but lay on the couch, she was reading with her boys and you can tell! He loves his family and his friends, especially his friend John. They are definitely 2 peas in a pod! On the day he was born I told him I loved him more than the sunshine and have told him that everyday since then. He now shares that with others and it is just so precious! The sunshine cannot hold all the love I have for my Jack!

Sam is moving right along...literally. On the move...constantly. And so cute when he says "want that". He is still a little guy but he doesn't think so! I love how when you walk in the room, here he comes! Always has a cuddle and a giggle. He loves his big brother and they love to be together. I remember when Sam was so tiny and Jack was so afraid of him - didn't want to touch him. Now, they are buddies. I knew this day would come...and it is so sweet.

We also are missing our other grandsons! But, we are excited that we will see Jackson and Logan at Christmas, and just can't wait! Our time together will be precious, as it is way too long between visits! We are hoping to see Zach and Jacob in the summer - they, too, are growing way too fast!

Emily seems to be enjoying her job with the JPS Health Network...and Miss Lily is still our only granddaughterdog! Brad just finished his second season coaching football at Liberty Christian. They made it all the way to the semi-finals this year and it was just so much fun to be a part of that again.

I pray that as this holiday season unfolds for your family that God will bless you with all that you dream of. I especially ask you to join me in remembering those in need, as well as those who are serving our country in the military who won't be spending the holidays with their loved ones.

No matter what gifts are under your tree, there is no gift that can come close to the one our Father gave us so many years ago in Bethlehem. Jesus' birth was an event that changed the world...and the celebration of it now can do the same.

Happy Holidays...be blessed!

A graduate, a Senior, and a 4 year old...

2008-09-24T22:32:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, we attended homecoming at Fort Worth Christian. It is their 50th anniversary year, and so they invited the former homecoming queens to come back and be a part of the celebration at halftime of the homecoming game. Emily was homecoming queen in 2000 and so she asked our little man to be her escort. It was absolutely precious how he did exactly as we had been coaching him all week! And, it was extra special because this year is Aunt Whitney's senior year! So, he enjoyed some sweet time with both aunties...and the Cardinal!

And...how about that haircut! He's growing up fast!

Blessings...

Praising my Lord...

2008-09-21T18:02:00.000-05:00

I will continue to add verses for sweet Ella in the post below, however, I want to invite you to link to Christine's blog to see what's new in her life. This week has been a week of faith, hope, perseverance, new beginnings, and so much more. Oh, my post is coming...but for now, you can keep up with us at Mommy Mumblings!

Blessing...

God's words for Ella Hope...

2008-09-10T15:20:00.010-05:00

This began on my earlier post, and now will continue here until Rick and Amy bring sweet Ella home...isn't it wonderful how many times her little name appears in the Bible! How fitting that a child who caused all of us to pray a little harder is the very definition of the word..."HOPE is a desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment, an expectation of fulfillment or success". He continues to answer our prayers, and for that, we are thankful!

His words continue...

August 28, 2008..."Let us hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for He who promised is faithful..." Hebrews 10:23
August 29, 2008..."Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer..." Romans 12:12
August 30, 2008..."The Lord is good to those who HOPE in Him, to the one who seeks Him..." Lamen. 3:25
August 31, 2008..."We wait in HOPE for the Lord; He is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20
September 1, 2008..."But if we HOPE for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25
September 2, 2008..."I will praise you forever for what you have done, in your name I will HOPE, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." Psalm 52:9
September 3, 2008..."But as for me, I will always have HOPE; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14
September 4, 2008..."May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we pur our HOPE in you." Psalm 33:22
September 5, 2008..."Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my HOPE comes from Him." Psalm 62:5
September 6, 2008..."Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24
September 7, 2008..."Now faith is being sure of what we HOPE for, and certain of what we do notsee." Hebrews 11:1
September 8, 2008..."The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their HOPE in His unfailing love." Psalm 147:11
September 9, 2008..."But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose HOPE is in His unfailing love." Psalm 33:18
September 10, 2008..."We who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the HOPE that lies before us. This HOPE is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain...into God's inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6:18-19
September 11, 2008..."You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my HOPE in your word." Psa. 119:114
September 12, 2008..."guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my HOPE is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5
September 13, 2008..."For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future." Jer. 29:11
September 14, 2008..."we have put our HOPE in the living God." I Tim. 4:10
September 15, 2008..."HOPE does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts..." Romans 5:5
September 16, 2008..."May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..." Romans 15:13
September 17, 2008...I Pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you will know the HOPE to which He has called you..." Eph. 1:18
September 18, 2008..."...we have HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." Hebrews 6:19
September 19, 2008..."may integrity and uprightness protect me, because my HOPE is in you." Psalm 25:21
September 20, 2008..."Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord." Psalm 31:24
Setember 21, 2008..."You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O god, the HOPE of all the ends of the earth..." Psalm 65:5
September 22, 2008..."...for you have been my HOPE, O Lord, my confidence since my youth." Psalm 71:5
September 23, 2008..."We have fixed our HOPE on the living God." I Tim. 4:10
September 24, 2008..."Now, to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God the Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good HOPE by grace." 2 Thes. 2:16

Ella Hope

2008-08-27T22:10:00.016-05:00

UPDATE Tuesday, September 2...Ella's surgery was today and went very well. Praise God for this sweet little miracle!

UPDATE....8:45 PM, Sunday, August 31 - Baby Ella Hope is here! She was born about an hour ago and weighs 4 lb., 3 oz. Amy and Ella are doing well - she may have her surgery tomorrow - more details to follow. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY!

This post is going to be ongoing for the next two weeks...as we wait for the birth of Ella Hope! Ella Hope Carder is scheduled to arrive via c-section on Monday, September 8 at noon. You can read more about Ella Hope on Amy's blog, listed on my links.

Each day, I will add a scripture and ask you to pray that over the entire Carder family. They do not know what the next few weeks will hold, but they do know and are assured of a God who is faithful, no matter what our circumstances may be. Each verse contains Ella's middle name...fitting for a child who's parent's hope in the Lord is what sustains them.

August 28, 2008..."Let us hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for He who promised is faithful..." Hebrews 10:23
August 29, 2008..."Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer..." Romans 12:12
August 30, 2008..."The Lord is good to those who HOPE in Him, to the one who seeks Him..." Lamen. 3:25
August 31, 2008..."We wait in HOPE for the Lord; He is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20
September 1, 2008..."But if we HOPE for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25
September 2, 2008..."I will praise you forever for what you have done, in your name I will HOPE, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." Psalm 52:9
September 3, 2008..."But as for me, I will always have HOPE; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14
September 4, 2008..."May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we pur our HOPE in you." Psalm 33:22
September 5, 2008..."Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my HOPE comes from Him." Psalm 62:5
September 6, 2008..."Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24
September 7, 2008..."Now faith is being sure of what we HOPE for, and certain of what we do notsee." Hebrews 11:1
September 8, 2008..."The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their HOPE in His unfailing love." Psalm 147:11
September 9, 2008..."But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose HOPE is in His unfailing love." Psalm 33:18

You may sign up for a continuous prayer chain for this precious family by clicking here.

Be blessed today...and keep praying for a miracle!

What I learned watching the Olympics...

2008-08-25T23:24:00.004-05:00

Kind of sad it's over, but it was fun while it lasted! Here are a few things that wowed me at the Olympics this year...

- That it's actually the BALYMPICS, according to Jack, and Michael Phelps swims REAL fast!

- Michael Phelps is just one of a kind. You can't explain it, you don't understand it, but he is SO FUN TO WATCH!!! I love that he still kind of has a "sheepish" grin, seems quite humble, and hugs his mama!

- Nastia Liukin may be from Texas, but I just loved watching Shawn Johnson (from Iowa - Tine's birth state!). Her story is so amazing - she loves what she does, and her smile melted my heart!

- Nastia Liukin is from Texas. She made us proud...and I still think she was robbed.

- Doesn't matter how young they MAY look, the date on the passport is FINAL.

- After attending the Texas Relays for MANY years, because my dad was an official, made me a true fan of track and field. My sister was a hurdler and a relay runner, but I was just a spectator. I remembered why i love it so much when i saw those runners go airborne at every hurdle and made it look easy.

- Pole Vaulting is amazing. And now, women participate??? How great is that!

- I am now a HUGE fan of Beach Volleyball - Go Misty and Keri!!!!! I couldn't get enough!

- I think they should have let the little girl who was actually singing the song at the Opening Ceremony SING THE SONG, instead of putting someone "cuter" in to lip-sing! That little girl who WAS singing was adorable!!! Come on people...what about self-esteem!!!

- Water Polo is pretty fun to watch, but those caps are really funny! Takes a real man to wear one of those...tied in a bow.

- I still get sad when the torch goes out...

- And, I still cry every time I hear our National Anthem.

What were your favorite things?

This and that...

2008-08-14T12:58:00.002-05:00

Some of you have been wondering about me (thanks for that!!!). Well, for the past 2 weeks, I have been dealing with a very painful kidney stone! One surgery down and another one possible next week. It is amazing to me that something the size of a pencil eraser can completely shut a person down! And, I am not easy to shut down. But, I am praying for a resolution soon!

We've had a busy summer - Summer Spectacular, Mother's Day Out and a growing Nursery at church! Lots of other exciting things going on at RHCC these days, too and it is such a blessing to be there! Roy's busy selling sand and gravel and sharing his faith with all the truck drivers - I love this man! Christine takes baby steps toward better health and we continue to pray for a miracle! Emily loves her new job and is a social butterfly - makes me tired to hear all she's doing. Brad is fully entrenched back into football - Go Liberty Warriors!

Jack celebrated #4 with his buddies John and Bryson and we missed little Miss Hadley. Cousins JoJo and Mary Kate and other family members helped us celebrate at Giggi's pool and the WALLE Robot arrived FedEx just in time!!! He amazes me every day! Yesterday, I went over to share the couch with Christine and Jack started reading me a book - WOW - when did that happen! Sam is growing and into everything and eating everything! He yells Da-DEEEEEEEEEEE at everyone and is just a funny little guy! Who knew this Mimi business would be such fun!

Through everything, we continue to be blessed by our faithful Father and cherish our times together.

You be blessed today...

Happy Anniversary!

2008-07-19T09:33:00.002-05:00

Wow! It is so hard to believe that today is Matt and Christine's 5th Anniversary. No one could have known all that would happen in those five years, but one thing is for sure...in a world where a vow is easily broken, these two have lived their vows in ways we could have never anticipated! That was such a fun time for all of us! Yes, I admit, it was a little over the top, but we were celebrating so much more than their marriage...we were celebrating miracles! God had given us a miracle of Christine recuperating from a devastating illness 4 years earlier. He had brought me to work at FWC, where Matt just happened to be a Senior, the year she was hospitalized, and as Student Body President, he prayed for Mrs. Tyndall's daughter every day. Hmmm.... They were friends for the first few years at ACU, went through what they call the "awkward phase", and then, well, you know the story! They married, and then, much to all our surprise, the girl who might have trouble getting pregnant due to her health, didn't have any trouble at all! Next miracle...Jack! And then a few short years later, Sam! And through all the happiness they have had, they had experienced great suffering due to the unbelievable health problems Christine has gone through and continues to deal with.
One of the greatest miracles of all is my precious son-in-law, Matt! Christine and I have talked often about his dedication to and love for her and their family. Christine's strength has gotten her through so much and we have had to be strong for her so many times. When Matt signed on, he knew her past. He knew because he had taken her to the ER numerous times in Abilene and still, his love for her was greater than the burden of her illness. There is not a day that goes by that I do not go to my knees and thank God for Matt Pinson - and for the fact that he has honored his commitment to my daughter. I read and hear about people who desert their marriages for a lot of things, giving little thought to the fact that they stood before God and family and friends and promised not to. I am thankful for a son-in-law who made a promise and knows that a promise is for keeps. When I tell him how blessed Christine is to have such a loving and faithful husband, he tells me he is the one who is blessed. Be still my heart! And I am thankful for his family, who has taken Christine as their own daughter and loves her unconditionally.
Today, they celebrate five years and as of last night, Christine was feeling well enough to maybe go out for dinner. I prayed all night long that she would be able to!
And now, added to my prayers that the Lord will heal her, I also thank Him for the sweet little Pinson family and all the blessings they bring to each of us!
Anniversary blessings to you both!!!!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Sam!

2008-06-18T08:42:00.003-05:00

Wow...what a difference a year makes! Today, this sweet boy celebrates one year of healthy life and what a blessing he is to all our families!

This morning, his sweet mommy finally got admitted to the Medical School Hospital and we are praying that this day will be not only the beginning of a new year for Sam, but for a new year for Christine, Matt and Jack also...a new year of better health and happiness for each of them.

But, for now, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweet Sam...

Just a little catch up therapy...

2008-06-13T17:15:00.005-05:00

Wow...I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month! But, things have been very busy! My dad's surgery went very well! He was a trooper! That day was one of the longest of my life and the surgery took SO long, but we were blessed by sweet friends and family all day and it made it all more bearable! He spent a few days in the ICU and then went to a room. After a week, he was released and he and my mom are living in the area for the next several months while they transition to the area permanently. He is currently doing cardiac rehab and everything is going really well!

One of my very dearest friends, Elizabeth, moved away, and it has been difficult for me. She is one of those girls who is a friend of my daughter, but has become a good friend to me, and was also a co-worker. Elizabeth is one of those people who just shows up...you don't know how she knows, but she does. I love her and her sweet family so much and there is a hole the size of Tennessee in my heart!

Christine continues to struggle and has been in and out of the hospital. My heart just breaks for her and I continue to cry out to God to relieve her of some of her misery. I want so badly for her to enjoy mommyhood and I just am so sad that she just cannot seem to move forward into better health. This past week, they have begun the referral process to a "teaching" hospital where there are many, many people on the cutting edge of all things medical. In 1989, I suffered a stroke and after laying in a community hospital for a couple of weeks, I was transferred to a teaching hospital and even though it took months, I was able to recover, thanks first of all to the grace of God, but also because about every hour, students, interns and residents were coming in and out my room checking things and each one of them was a different pair of eyes and a different perspective. I believe this could be a breakthrough for my girl. I continually thank God for sweet Matt, who keeps everything going...I know his faith is carrying him and I am so thankful for a merciful God. Keep praying about this, please!

We are fully into Summer Spectacular at church and have been having continual childcare for our volunteers so that they could get their work done during the day instead of spending long hours in the evenings and being away from their families. It has been so much fun to have the kids up here watching everything go up. Their little eyes look each day for a new facet of the "whale of a tale" they are about to experience, and it has been a great adventure. We are all tired, as we are each year, but SO pumped about what God is going to do over the 3 day event. We are already WAY over our final number last year, so we are a little overwhelmed with the prospect, but we know that GOD is in control and everyone who walks through the door...He brought them!

Emily's new job is going GREAT! She loves it and stopped by to see me today, because everytime she calls, I say "gotta go - gotta go help with the kids...gotta go paint, etc." and she was so sweet to come by for a face to face! And, Patty recruited Brad to help with lots of projects so he has been up here all week. And, since Christine was not feeling so well and Giggi is on mission trip, the boys came every day and that was a treat for me to get to be with them, even though I was at work.

The highlight of the week was the day Jack got to go play with best buddy John! Courtney was so sweet to give Jack a break from being up here all day and he got to spend the whole day with his friend. Today, he could not stop talking about all they did together. I am so happy that God has blessed these little boys with such a special friendship - I know that it will be so fun to watch them grow up together and spend lots of special times as friends. And, Sam made a new friend in Eva this week when he went to her house to help her practice being a big sister! Apparently, they had a great time, too!

Wow...this is a lot of information, but I am glad I had a minute to post. I know so many of you have been in prayer for our family and I am so blessed by that!

You be blessed, too!

A moment I'll always remember...

2008-05-04T21:38:00.004-05:00

This morning at church, one of our ministers, Ricky, brought me a "portable" communion set that belonged to his grandfather. He loaned it to me so that I could take it up to the hospital for my daddy and mama. We put the necessary things in the little case and took it to the hospital.

Melissa Jo was so proud to carry it into the room. After a little while, my daddy told everyone in the room that he needed to talk to his kids and my mama. For the first time in a very long time, it was just the 6 of us. He told us he had some things he wanted to say to us and then he read a letter he had penned earlier in the day. These were difficult things for him to say, I am sure, but equally difficult to hear. But, there was such a peace in the room after he finished. Then, kind of spontaneously, the 6 of us took communion together.

I don't remember the last time we all did this together. But, I do know that because someone knew it would be important to my parents, we were able to do so. That is a moment I'll always remember. Thanks...Ricky and Alison for sharing such a sweet treasure with our family!

I am a little fidgety tonight. The two most important men in my life are sick. I am looking to God to give me strength, just as He always has. Last night at church, David F. talked about "last words about first things" and how we should always make sure we remember what is really important.

This is what I know...God loves us. God will be in control in that operating room tomorrow and in the waiting room, also. My daddy knows that we love him, and we know that he loves us. He also knows that no matter the outcome of tomorrow, his salvation is sure. What a blessed and comforting thought.

Whenever you might come upon this post, please lift my family up in prayer. We are honored to serve such a loving and merciful God...and tonight, I am asking for an extra measure of mercy for my daddy.

Be blessed...

My daddy...

2008-04-30T21:46:00.004-05:00

Just a quick post to ask you to pray for my daddy tonight. He came up for an angiogram today after an "episode" yesterday. He fully expected to be out and on his way home and ready to start a track meet on Friday morning.

The results showed 6 spots that are 90% blocked and 1 that is 70% blocked. On Friday morning, he will have quadruple bypass. (UPDATE...Thursday...surgery has been rescheduled until Monday due to some "irregular" blood work.) My sister is here from Tennessee and we are all praising God for the "episode" that brought him to the hospital. Now we are praying for hands of the surgeon, doctors, medical staff...but more than anything, that the hands of God will be on my daddy during this journey.

Please raise him and my sweet mama up as they go through this. We have been down this road with Roy before and it is scary. But, we know that God is going to bless many through my daddy - he is a man of great determination and great faith...and for that example, I am thankful.

Be blessed....

Updating Emily...

2008-04-28T21:29:00.002-05:00

Many of you have asked so I thought I'd post a little update on sweet Emily. She continues to improve, but has a long road ahead of her. Earlier this evening, when I talked to her, she was just crying and tired of feeling bad and it occurred to me that she rarely feels bad. Even when she does, you rarely know it, because she just carries on. Last week, the doctor told her it could take a whole month to really feel better again and for her, that is a VERY long time.

I was thinking how sometimes when God slows us down, it is harder than we think it will be. A very dear friend of mine is pregnant and has had to slow down the last few days. How do you tell someone to slow down who has two little ones not even in school yet? How does Emily slow down when she knows that LOTS and lots of kids are depending on her at her job? How do you do this without feeling guilty or just plain mad?

Then I read this..."He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty..." Psalm 91:1
How wonderful to know that those who trust in God are secure...that God allows us to rest in Him. I am praying for my Emily that she will allow God time to heal her from her physical injuries, as well as the memory of this accident. And, that, in His time, she will be able to return to her normal activities. In the meantime, I am praying that God will remove any guilt she is feeling about asking for help. One of her most amazing qualities is that she is so very independent, and when you are that way, I believe it is more difficult to be in her present condition.

Keep her in your prayers...
Be blessed.

This is my song...

2008-04-22T22:48:00.007-05:00

Our minister, Rick, is currently preaching a series called "This is my song", based on Psalm 23. I have always loved this passage...memorized it as a child...sang it as a member of the Texas Girls Choir...and tucked it away in my heart as a comfort during so many times in my life. But, it took on a whole new meaning this past Sunday, April 20.

Most of you have read about my sweet Emily...daughter #2...amazing Christian...more like her mom that she wants to admit (that's a whole other post!) - she's just amazing. Emily is the person you want in our corner...the one who brings reason to the table and compassion into lives.

This is Emily and her boyfriend, Clay. They have been in each other's lives for over two years now. They love to hang out with friends, go the the creek, try new recipes, play with Lily (Em's little dog), and spend free time together.

This past Sunday, Clay was preparing to leave town for his job for a while and so after church, they decided to ride bikes on a local bike trail. Just after beginning their ride, another rider came upon them riding very erratically. After swerving to miss Clay, he ran into Emily. Emily was thrown from her bicycle and landed on her head and slid several feet on the concrete. The initial impact knocked her out and after Clay got up from also wrecking his bike (to avoid hurting Emily), and went to her, he realized she was unconscious and was blue...not breathing. He immediately went into a mode that even he cannot explain. He gently immobilized her and about that time, a jogger came upon them and she just happened to be a paramedic. Coincidence? I don't think so. Clay had already called 911 and so with the help of the paramedic, they began to work on Emily, clearing her airway and keeping her still . Because of the remote nature of the trail, the fire and EMS teams were unable to get the trucks to her, and so the first fireman on the scene borrowed a bike from another rider and the remainder of the firemen came in the back of someone's 4-wheel drive pickup. At the same time, a young man came upon them and began to pray for Emily's salvation. He realized the seriousness of what he was witnessing and felt moved to pray for her. Other bikers stopped and circled them in prayer. The paramedics worked to immobilize her and she came in and out of consciousness. The entire time, Clay stayed at her head talking to her and reassuring her. She was loaded onto CareFlight and taken to the local county hospital which has a level one trauma unit.

Clay called me and told me that Emily had been injured and was being taken to the hospital. He held off on the details so that I wouldn't go nuts! After getting to the hospital, it was a waiting game. Clay had watched the copter take off and had no idea of her condition. When he got the hospital, we just waited. After over an hour, they allowed me and Christine to go back and see her briefly. She was in pretty rough shape, but she was talking and I knew God had given me a miracle. Amazingly, she was released later that night and we took her home. She has a severe concussion and some serious burns from he impact on her face, head, shoulder, torso, hip, knees, and hands. She has no memory of the accident...and for now, that is a blessing.

"And though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil...for thou art with me..." - that verse kept ringing over and over in my mind while I waited to learn Emily's condition. God gave me that verse as comfort and I just kept thinking it over and over.

Our family has dealt with so much illness and I am ashamed to say that sometimes it just seems normal. I pray daily for God to heal Christine and Roy. But nothing I know can explain the emotions I felt on that day when I didn't even know if my Emily would be my Emily anymore. Everyone we have talked to, doctors included, cannot explain why her injuries were not more severe. Our own doctor said "her head should be mush...". God's hand was on that pavement before Emily hit it on Sunday and for that, I will be forever thankful. His grace never ceases to amaze me. "...my cup runneth over."

Emily walked around her apartment today talking to God asking Him to reveal to her the reason this happened. She knows that His purpose is far greater than she may ever know. But, I know one thing...on that day, as my daughter laid unconscious, not breathing, she was cared for by the great physician. All those people who tended to her, first and foremost...Clay, worked to keep her safe and alive until help arrived. Those people who prayed for her while she laid there took her to the Father without even knowing how special she is. To all those people, my hearts cries out with thanks.

And to Emily's friends and family who have offered help, support, prayers unending...thank you! Some events in our lives become defining moments...this is one of those times. Emily, though in great pain and with a long recovery ahead, knows that God has worked a miracle in her life. "...surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."

Emily asked me to post a couple of photos...show them to your kids and remind them why you make them wear a helmet! The last one is one of my very favorites...it is my sweet Emily!

Keep her in your prayers...you are always in ours.

Be blessed...

Team Brock and Brody...

2008-04-16T10:55:00.004-05:00

In just a little over a week, I will amaze even myself as I participate in a 5-mile walk in Houston for the March of Dimes MARCH FOR BABIES. This team was organized by Matt's cousin, Ashley, and her husband, who lost sweet Brock and Brody just a few months before Jack was born. It's been four years now, but not a day goes by that they do not come to mind to this sweet family.

I don't remember dealing with premature births before Ashley's babies were born. I had known people who had babies early, but nothing quite so life-shattering as when she lost her boys. Then Jack was born early. We stood by for months as they tried to keep him from being born too soon. Thankfully, though early, he was healthy. Then, Sam's saga began. And while that was going on, sweet Jaymie had her babies too early - Jayde went to heaven and Kanyon began his long battle with life...one that he is winning! Then Sam was born and had to be in the NICU - a very scary place, but also a place where miracles happen every day. I remember all the March of Dimes posters and pamphlets and I thought back to a time in high school when a bunch of my friends and I walked through Forest Park for the March of Dimes. I remember thinking "I should do that again...for sweet Sam". As my awareness has grown of so many others who have lost babies in our church and in our circle of friends, I have longed to do something to honor these precious souls.

And then Ashley began to post. Finally after four long years and a sweet, precious little girl, she is ready to walk. And we will walk with her. We will walk for those who are with Jesus...Brock and Brody and Jayde...and for those who are with us now...Jack and Sam and Kanyon. We will walk for all the healthy babies...Avery, Reese, Riley, Brooks, Macy, Reid and Jaxon. We will walk for those yet to be born. We will walk to raise money for an organization that works tirelessly to bring education and hope to families waiting for babies.

If you can contribute money to this cause, please do so. BUT, more importantly...please raise our team up in prayer over the next few days. Say a special prayer for Ashley, BA and Avery...their courage has been an inspiration to each of us to make the walk and I could not be prouder to walk with them.

GO TEAM BROCK AND BRODY!

Be blessed...

A letter to my babies...

2008-04-09T22:18:00.006-05:00

Sweet, precious ones...
I was so proud of you tonight! You came in to church in your sweetest clothes, brought mommy and daddy and some of you even had your grandparents there! You smiled, cooed and giggled right on cue. We worked hard all day to decorate just right so that our celebration of YOU would be just perfect. Sifting through photos, decorating tables, sorting out your bibles and crosses...all these tasks were simply filled with joy, because we were doing it for you. You are so important to Jesus. I love how our church honors you on this special night of Baby Dedication. I love that I get to be the Nursery Director and get to be a part of your lives. As I watched our shepherds pray blessings over you and your families tonight, I was moved to tears at times because I am so proud of your mommies and daddies for raising you to know Jesus. It was such fun to walk around and have you reach out for me...I realized you actually have grown to know and trust me. And what a mighty responsibility that is for me. I love everything about each baby I know...and I pray for those who are yet to be born. I love how we got to celebrate sweet Manning's first birthday tonight, how Mary Kate giggled out loud when I spoke to her and how even though he had to miss a flight, James got to be there to pray a blessing over Manning, Mary Kate and sweet Andrew. I am amazed at how Ansley is growing so fast and so sweet, how Charlie smiled when I said his name, and how his big sister, Abby, was sweetly dedicated right along with him. I love how Owen has grown "into the nursery" and smiles so sweetly when we see each other, and how Sydney is such a sweet reflection of her sister Gracie Claire. One of my favorite moments was watching my sweet Sam and Patty's precious Mitchell giggling at each other while having their pictures taken. I love how Kinley has begun to recognize me and smile at me without any prompting. I love Haven - she is getting so big and she loves coming to see me now in the Nursery! I love Lael and how even though she didn't even know me just a few short months ago, we have become such good buddies. (I love Jonathan, Timo and Tori, too - what sweet brothers and sisters!) Annie looked adorable, as usual, and was so cuddly! I missed Ryder, but he was busy welcoming a new cousin into the family...so it will be fun to watch him grow and share this special night next year with his buddy, Colter. I love how John and Kailey came and helped us clean everything up with their mommy and daddy, because they are being taught servanthood early in life. Of my 84 sweet and precious babies, I could never pick just one. But I do lift each and every one of you up to the Father every day. And I thank Him that I get to be a part of your lives. So, be blessed every day and remember you are "precious in His sight"...

Sweet boys...

2008-04-02T14:51:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, the sweetest blessings in life are the littlest ones...

Those New York models have nothing on Jack...he has his own fashion consultant in his great auntie Donna, who keeps him looking totally GQ! Chocolate brown seersucker and topsiders and blonde curly hair...it just doesn't get any better!

And, little Sam was all smiles for his great-grandPoppa Joe! And he totally matched big brother Jack in his seersucker overalls (from Auntie Donna also).

I believe that Kathy, known these days as Giggi, and I could totally win the "most giggly grannies" award! Jack keeps us in stitches and Sam keeps us smiling constantly. The other day, I was bringing Jack to his school and he was telling me which way to turn. When I would ask him "this way?", he would reply "correct, Mimi...very good". Then he told me how his chapel teacher, Miss Tracy, sings all the Jesus songs very correct. What a funny little guy!

Sam has started crawling and climbing and is now a whopping 17 pounds...he is actually on the growth curve now! He's still a little guy, but he does have some rolls!

It's difficult to imagine life before Jack and Sam, although I know I did have one! But, it just seems so much sweeter now. I am blessed...

You be blessed, too!

Held...

2008-03-26T08:40:00.003-05:00

Dear Jayde...
You never knew me on this earth, but I certainly knew you. I remember the day you were born. I remember that you were born too soon. I remember that in the midst of being at the hospital begging God to spare the life of my own little grandson, and keep him in my daughter's womb a little longer, how I wandered into the corridor in the middle of the night while she slept. It was March and it was cold. The linoleum floors held the cold and it was dark and quiet. I fell to my knees and begged the Father to watch over you and your brother, Kanyon. I cried out to Him on your behalf. I cried for hours. I could not even imagine a baby born at 25 weeks...especially twins. But, I did know that with all the amazing science there is now, that there are ways to keep babies on this earth. I asked everyone I knew to pray hard and continuously, and watched in amazement as the prayer map filled up. So many people lifting up your family to our Father. As I wrestled with your pain that night, I could not even begin to imagine what your mommy and daddy and your family was going through. All I knew was that the information on your mommy's blog was positive...the calls we were receiving shared hope. I remember when we found out that you were gone. I wondered how your mommy would ever survive such a loss. I pictured in my mind God's decision to reach down and bring your little soul into His arms...and I wept.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I have followed your brother's life very closely through your mommy's writings. I have watched him grow in photos. I am filled with such joy every time I read about a new milestone - laughter at his funny expressions - and thankfulness everytime I remember how God has blessed your family's life through him. I even got to see your sweet mommy a few weeks ago when she came to town. And, every time I read about Kanyon, I think of you. I think of how you must be smiling down on your brother...his own little guardian angel. I know you are such a big part of all that Kanyon is - your sweet little spirit has been in him as he has fought his way through his first year. And he is so strong. And so are your daddy and mommy and all your family.
You are held by our Father...you are already experiencing the kingdom that we all look forward to. I imagine you there with all of your mommy and daddy's relatives who are there, too. I imagine Jesus gathering all the little ones around Him and sharing sweet stories and I know you are right there.
Today is your brother's birthday...your's too. And even though you are not here to celebrate this day, you are still a reason to celebrate. You are the hope we all have of seeing the Father. You will be there when your family comes and they will know you fully. And, I like to think that I will have the privilege of knowing you, too. You fought the good fight bravely...and you finished the race...and now you have the prize we all seek.
So, happy birthday, sweet Jayde. I pray that you will move in your mommy and daddy's hearts today and they will be comforted by knowing that you are being held in the arms of Jesus.

If you have never read Kanyon's and Jayde's story, check out their blog at http://www.thephillipsphamily.blogspot.com/ - you'll be so blessed by this continuing journey of faith, sadness, healing, hope and love.

On a hill, far away...

2008-03-16T18:25:00.009-05:00

He died here. And then they put him in a tomb. He rose and though no one saw it, I believe it.

I love Easter...I love everything about it. I love getting together with family, letting the kids hunt all the eggs filled with candy, dressing in our Sunday best. I love the ruffles, the white patent shoes...how Jack's eyes widened when he saw the "Easter Bunny" at the playscape last week!

But what I love most of all is knowing that Jesus is my Savior and that my God knew how important it was for Him to be born, to live on this earth, to die, and then to be raised to live forever. I love how God has "wired" us so that no matter where we are in our life, days like Easter reach into our souls and touch us and cause us to look to the cross. I grew up thinking that we shouldn't celebrate Easter as the time that Jesus went to the cross, the tomb and then rose - because we didn't "really know". But as I grew older, I came to believe that if there is a weekend where people who don't really even have a faith turn their eyes to the true "miracle of Easter", then that in itself is a reason to celebrate. God is stirring hearts!

Christine sang the song that is playing at church last Saturday night - I love it's Easter message!

Easter blessings to you...

A year to remember....

2008-01-27T21:04:00.000-06:00

It's almost February and I cannot believe 2007 is over and we are a month into the new year! Last week, we were getting ready for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at church and someone reminded me that it was this very weekend one year ago that Christine's pregnancy took a turn that lasted for the remainder of the pregnancy and then some. My sweet boss, Patty, said "wow...think about what you've been through in a year!!!". So, I did. January...Christine enters the hospital for what would be pretty much a 5 month stay...my daddy is still recovering from a near fatal car wreck in December. February...Roy has a defribillator/pacemaker implanted into his chest to keep his very sick heart working. March...Brad comes home from school. Emily dives in to helping with Christine and Jack. April...Christine's pregnancy takes a serious turn. May...Roy gets laid off from his job and begins what would be 7 months of unemployment. June...I pick up a 2nd job, while helping take care of Jack and Christine. BUT...red letter day...June 18...our little man comes into this world FAST and small, but strong! Brad starts at UNT. July...Sam comes home. August...I take on a 3rd job as Roy continues to look for work. Christine re-enters the hospital. Kathy, God love her, pretty much cares for the boys, and I do what I can, around my 3 jobs. September...Christine has her liver surgery repeated. Our sweet Logan is very ill with a viral cardiac illness...and we are too far away! October...we are stuggling. November...Sam develops RSV and Christine is still quite ill. Thanksgiving is near, and we all gather around to remember that through it all, our family is still blessed. AND, I am blessed with a full time opportunity at church and things are looking up! December...I turned 50! Not so bad! Christine back in the hospital...but a new test shows a new answer. Roy is blessed with a job...much different than anything he has ever done, but nevertheless, a blessing! Our Christmas (photos to come!) is wonderful and we said goodbye to 2007 with a huge sigh. Here are a few photos of the last year...

Jackson and Logan...real Cowboy fans!

Mark, Roy's oldest son, and our boys...Zachary and Jacob!

Jack helping daddy get the house ready for baby brother!

Our little Samuel...

Christmas at the family farm...look at that sunset!

Life is hard...but God is so good. We are all so blessed as we anticipate a healthier 2008 and lots of great opportunities to share all that God has done and continues to do for our family. Be blessed...

Noah, part 2

2008-01-23T23:02:00.001-06:00

I recently received more photos of my little great-nephew, and I am just in love with him! Lots of you have heard me talk (alot) about my sister, Donna, and her family. This post will introduce them to you, and then, what you will really love, my most recent photos of Noah.

Here's the family at a Titans game! My sister is in the middle, surrounded by their 5 kids and her husband, Dan, holding sweet Noah. Aren't they a beautiful family? Noah's mommy, Bonnie, is sitting next to her dad.

Check out this hat! Someone made it for him, and I think he looks pretty happy, huh!

Look at these good habits he's forming!

Tennessee Titans littlest fan!

When I see pictures of Noah, I just smile. He is so happy...and I am so proud of his mommy. She is a great mommy and is doing such a wonderful job raising him.

When Jack was born, some very special friends shared a verse with Matt and Christine that they actually used on his birth announcement. It has become a favorite for me...and I think it is a good verse for Noah and Bonnie, too!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children a gift from Him. Like arrows in the hands of warriors are sons born in one's youth." ~Psalm 127:3-4

What a sweet and precious gift God has given Bonnie...and our entire family. God has blessed so many through this little boy, and I just know that God has wonderful plans and blessings ahead for Bonnie and Noah.

May you, too, be blessed by the children in your life...

Looking back...

2008-01-11T20:05:00.000-06:00

I am going to go backwards in order to catch up...if that makes any sense. I have been trying to find time to post these photos and so here goes...

This first photo is for my older sister...I had the honor of decorating a table with Christine for a Ladies Fall Renewal Dinner at our church. Donna gave me some ideas and Christine and I mixed ours in and here's what we got...hope you approve, sis!

On to Thanksgiving...these 2 turkeys always seem to show up...and that makes me so happy! (Again, thanks Auntie Donna for the headwear!)

Next on the calendar was my 50th birthday! And who better to celebrate it with than this little man!

My children and family surprised me at Pappasito's - Emily did a great job of totally throwing me off and well...I was surprised. This does not happen often, so my kids were totally successful! What fun! And, look how Sam I Am is growing!

Next, we all traveled to Temple to see Liberty Christian beat Dallas Christian in the State Championship Game! Brad had a great first season coaching and we were kind of sad to see the season end!

The next weekend, we held our Annual Cookie Swap, which began when Melissa Jo was just 4 years old. Each year, it is more and more fun and this year was no different! Even Jack and Mary Kate got to invite friends this year and we had such fun! (Again, very cute outfits for the girls with a monogrammed shirt for Jack supplied by none other than Aunt Donna!)

It's always so funny to me to think that Jack and Mary Kate are just 6 weeks apart in age, yet they are 2 different generations!

Jack could hardly wait to get to the best part...the snacks!

Look at all the pretty cookies and treats...

The next week, after collecting books and toys at the Cookie Swap, and a few trips to Target and the mall, Melissa Jo and Mary Kate, and Marianne and I went to Emily's school to take Christmas presents and decorations to a family we had adopted through her school. What fun and what a blessing to be able to share during a season where God shared the greatest gift of all with each of us!

Unloading the car...

Visiting Emily in her office...

Looking at all the gifts...

This is all I have ready to go right now, but check back soon! We spent an amazing Christmas day at our family farm in Bowie and it was such a wonderful time!

Reflections...

2007-12-31T23:21:00.000-06:00

Well, the ball has dropped in New York, people in Australia are well into 2008 already and I have just gotten Sam to sleep and am waiting to celebrate the end of 2007 and welcome, with much anticipation, 2008! Pappy and Jack gave it up a while ago, and so I have some quiet moments before my body remembers that it needs sleep. This year has been a difficult one. But, with difficulty comes blessings and our cup overflows. Roy recently went back to work after seven long months of unemployment and me working 3 jobs. I, too, have been blessed with one full-time job and that starts this week! He and I have talked about how the Lord has used this time to humble us...and we have learned so much from our experience. I pray that you and your precious families are blessed beyond measure during the coming year and that with each blessing will come a defining moment of thankfulness to our Lord. In the coming weeks, I will post LOTS of photos and bring you all up to date on all the happenings in our family...but, for now, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Noah

2007-12-16T21:41:00.000-06:00

I have been working on this post for a few weeks...there is so much going on in my life right now, but that is another post...a long one...later!

One of my very favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Noah. I love everything about this story. I love how Noah was the underdog, kind of. I love how he did what God told him to do, certainly at the expense of some friendships. I love how God used him to show His great power. I love rainbows!

But, my very favorite Noah is a little Noah. My sister, Donna, lives in another state, and has 5 fabulous kids! Her oldest, Bonnie, is the mommy of Noah. Bonnie was the first of 13 grandchildren, and those grandchildren's births span 24 years. Noah is great-granchild #2 and lives far too many miles away for Auntie Mindy to spoil him properly. Many of you have prayed for sweet Bonnie and Noah. I always love to open emails from my sister, because they usually contain photos of this cute little guy!

Told you he is cute!

Anyway, the other day, his mommy was getting ready to go to work and Noah got really quiet! Seems he was making a discovery in the laundry room. Here is what she found...

Seems Noah loves shoes, no matter whose they are! And..I'm a little jealous! I love those pink crocs!

It is so difficult to be separated by miles from those we love. Two sons who live in states across the country, a sister who lives farther than a day's drive, and a niece and her little Noah who live on the other side of America! I especially miss my Bonnie at this time of the year. The very first Christmas after she was born, we all came to Texas. She and I took some very long naps together on that old twin bed at Grannie's house and her smile just melted my heart. Noah's smile reminds me of that Christmas! I miss him...and love him and his mommy with all my heart!

This holiday season always reminds me of those simple things that bring so much joy...a child's laughter, "extra" family time, baking cookies...and eating them, and photos of those we love. These photos are some of those really wonderful simple joys that just make me so happy!

Be blessed...

Friday Nights in Texas...

2007-10-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

You're probably getting sick of me writing about FOOTBALL, or my kids, so if you are, redirect yourself away...QUICK!!!

On Friday night, we attended a game that made for an interesting night. Bradley, a graduate of Fort Worth Christian, coaches at Liberty Christian, as I have told you before. These two schools played this past Friday and here are some photos from the fun night!

This is Melissa Jo...she goes to Fort Worth Christian, but attended the game with Aunt Mindy, who sat on the Liberty side...confusing!

This is Pappy and Jack - Jack loved the ballgame, but couldn't figure out why Uncle Brad was coaching Liberty and Aunt Whitney was cheering for Fort Worth Christian!

But, when it was all over, Brad and Whitney are still friends!

This is Aunt Emily with Baby Sam - trying to convince him that to be in this family, you must LOVE football! He was a trooper!

These are my precious girls - no words needed!

The night was long and cold, so Matt and Christine and the boys had to leave early, but after the game, I got a great shot of Em and Brad! They are amazing!

And, my kids still humor me by letting me have other people take pictures of us after the games...Melissa Jo took this...she did a great job!

Emily loves to tell Melissa Jo how she, Christine & Brad used to run down the field after Poppa's games when she was a little girl! So, they tried it together! What sweethearts!

Just another chance to make some great family memories!
Be blessed today!

Autumn memories...

2007-10-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

I am loving this cooler weather we are having this week. Last Sunday, in the 90's...this morning, in the 40's! I know all the people up north just laugh at us when we get our jackets out and it's 50, but that's okay...after 90's, 40's are chilly! I have so many wonderful memories tied to Autumn. Of course, Football season. Growing up with a daddy who was a head football coach and a mother who took us to every game, we have grown up with such a love of this sport! When I was in 2nd grade and we lived in Comanche, Texas, we lived just on the other side of the football field. You crossed through this little wooded area (wouldn't be allowed to do that these days, but back then, we could) and then to the field to see daddy in the afternoons. They had these huge ice blocks that they chipped away ice from for the players, and we would have these big chunks of ice to eat and that was a treat! I am pretty sure that is why I am so addicted to Sonic ice today! I remember my mother making REAL hot chocolate and putting it into the thermos and taking it to the games for us to drink to keep warm on those chilly nights. We also attended TCU football games when I was a little girl and that was always fun. Though our family pretty much bled purple, my sister, Donna, loved the Longhorns. At that time, the Southwest Conference was still intact and there was nothing like a Saturday afternoon at Amon Carter Stadium when the Longhorn band took the field. Through the years, Autumn has always signaled football and it is one of my favorite things about the season! I also LOVE Thanksgiving! I always feel kind of sad that the world seems to skip right to Christmas, because I love everything about Thanksgiving! I especially love it now, because we celebrate it at our house and it so fun getting everything all ready for the big day. Sometimes, my parents will come up and spend the night and mom and I will get everything going. I love all the smells, the great tasting food, the afternoon filled with Cowboy football, nighttime leftovers and of course, board games! I love watching all the kids play football in the back yard, and I love sifting through the memories with my mom, my girls, sisters and all the family! I also love the smell of the fireplaces starting to burn, all the amazing pumpkins in the yards, and the giggles of children as they get ready for lots of fun.
I believe Autumn has always been viewed as the season where things begin to die, where winter is just around the corner and the sun may be in hiding more than we want. But, I choose to think of Autumn as one of God's most beautiful masterpieces...the most vibrant colors in the trees and the landscape, lingering sunsets, and cooler weather.
I pray that Autumn will bring many blessings to your life!

23 Things I Love About Bradley...

2007-09-27T00:19:00.000-05:00

1. He is an amazing young man!

2. He never minded the little suits I made him wear (at least for as long as I could catch him!)

3. He still loves to hang out at home and watch TV.

4. He loves fishing, and always has!

5. He called himself Bradley Hardin Tyndall Ralph for a long time! (he was named "Hardin" for his great uncle Ralph and just thought he'd tag on Ralph for good measure!) By the way, that's uncle Ralph and Cousin Beau in the boat in the above photo - way over in the lake!

6. He'll eat leftovers...and lots of them!

7. He has a passion for sports - he used to memorize box scores and sit and recite them to anyone who would listen - including his Elementary School Counselor! Loves football...any time, any place...can dream up amazing defensive plays!

8. He'll do just about anything you ask of him...sometimes, he gets a little grumpy, but he always gets it done!

9. He's a mama's boy!!!

10. He loved playing football for his poppa in high school! And he loved having his dad there as his biggest fan!

11. He loves the Lord. And that's the best thing a mama could hope for!

12. He is a good friend. He still hangs out with long-time friends and makes new ones. His best friend since 8th grade is also his college roommate!

13. He loves kids! No matter how many nephews, cousins or any others climb all over him, and ask him to play, he obliges.

14. He is not afraid to admit when he is wrong.

15. He will come in a minute if someone needs him.

16. He loves to sleep late! ("snooze" is his favorite clock setting!)

17. He's not afraid to admit that he is on the 5-1/2 year college plan! ACU was a great experience for him, and now, he is finishing up at UNT. (Had he not made the decision to come home, there would be a different #19 - and I LIKE this #19.)

18. He has searched for what he wants to do with his life, tried lots of things, prayed about it, and finally decided what we thought we knew all along...he wants to teach and coach! (he was on the sidelines with my daddy from the time he was about 2-3 years old - that's when he learned to love DEFENSE!)

19. He stepped out in faith and accepted a job with one of his high school's biggest rivalries - and he's having the time of his life! He is also growing spiritually because of the relationships he is forming with his mentor coaches. I am so thankful for these amazing Christian men who are helping my son continue to grow in his walk with the Lord. I have also met some of the mothers of some of his players and when I tell them who I am, they tell me how much their kids love Brad! What a blessing!

20. His dad's still his biggest fan...and that's okay with him!

21. He loves his sisters...he would do anything for them!

22. He's just plain cute. And those eyes...

23. He doesn't mind his mama writing a birthday blog for him!

Happy 23rd birthday, Bradley...you are my heart!

My new grandpuppygirl...

2007-09-24T19:55:00.000-05:00

This is Lily. She is the newest member of our family!

Emily has recently made some changes in her life and so she thought she would get a puppy - a little companion. Last Thursday, she said, "mom, I think I am going to get a puppy"...to which I replied, "we have plenty over here - come and get one." But, since ours are getting on up in the years, she decided she would just get a new one.

On Friday, she called and told me she was getting a Dorkie - a cross between a Dachshund (which is what we have) and a Yorkie. At first, I was a little frightened - why do people keep breeding these "weird" dogs? But as you can see, she is precious. Melissa Jo helped pick out her name and Jack thinks she is okay. Of course, Pappy is offering free babysitting. (She is pretty cute!)

Lily and Emily are enjoying each other's company...and that makes me SO happy!

Blessings...

Click your heels together 3 times...

2007-09-12T22:03:00.000-05:00

...and say, there's no place like home. And we are praying that is where she will stay!

Christine came home from the hospital yesterday...we are so very thankful to you for all your prayers and faithfulness to our family during a very difficult year. The journey is far from over, but coming home is a big step! Please keep this sweet angel and her precious family in your prayers. I stopped by to see her on the way home from church tonight and she was feeding sweet Sam a bottle and before I left, she was laying down with Jack, singing a lullaby, I am sure. I just know that the blessings these little ones will feel over the next few days will be multiplied by having their mommy home! And Matt has such a look of relief on his face...they truly are "a cord of three strands"...

Be blessed today...

More later...

2007-09-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

My title...that refers to the trip to the farm this past weekend with Jack and Sam and all the fun that Jack had there!

But for those of you who are looking for an update on Christine, here is is...she is still in the hospital. The liver is a funny organ - sometimes it gets sicker after being messed with, so it is taking it's time healing. Her liver enzyme number continues to fluctuate and she won't be released until it is stabilized. In the meantime, when they took her off the blood thinners for her surgery, it became evident that the blood clots are still causing problems. She is back on those and the swelling she experienced is better, however, she is having some bleeding also. She will have to be on those for several months and we pray that her body will adjust and she won't have any negative affects from those. We are prayerful that God will just fix all this and she can get home. Thanks for all your sweet prayers and concern.

I would also ask that you pray for my good friend and co-worker, Judy Parish, who just found she has breast cancer and it is quite aggressive. We are asking God to show His healing hand in this and heal her. She and her family will appreciate all your prayers and good thoughts! (Update...already! Judy went to the doc today and she will have a lumpectomy in a couple of weeks, followed by chemo and radiation. She and Ronnie are feeling very optimistic! Praise God!)

Be blessed today...
(by the way...link to Becky's blog on the side of mine and be blessed in an amazing way by a video she has posted!)

Thankful...

2007-08-30T19:20:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that Christine came through her liver surgery yesterday just fine. She went to Methodist in Dallas for the surgery and then was transported back to Ft. Worth. I was hoping to post the pictures they took of the repair, but I will save that and let her do it!
Basically, her main bile duct in the liver was completely scarred over. You couldn't even see the opening in it and it had also scarred inside the duct. Her pressures were very high, meaning things were really backing up, and that also causes extreme pain. Couple that with her scar tissue adhesions and she was in bad shape! This does not take away all her pain - that will occur from time to time when her adhesions are irritated, as they are now. So, she is still in quite a bit of pain from that and also some surgical pain. Her doctor, a specialist in the field of this dysfunction, said he had thought it might just be subtle blockage, but he told the GI doctor "it was NOT subtle". To answer the question many have already asked, yes, this can happen again. But, if it does, hopefully she won't be so sick beforehand and have all the problems she has encountered with blood clots, etc. He made a significant cut in the duct and cleaned out as much of the scarring as he could and hopefully, that will hold for a long time. In the meantime, they have had to halt the blood thinners because last year after this surgery, she bled internally. The blood clots are still there and they will watch her for any problems with those. Hopefully, she'll get home soon and get to be with her sweet babies.
In the meantime, please keep her in your prayers, as well as her entire family, and we will watch for God's answer in His time.
Blessings to you...

In all things, give thanks....

2007-08-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

This thought has come to me so many times in my life. I remember hearing this alot as a child around Thanksgiving. And, as I have grown, many people have shared this thought with me during times of trial. I always try to apply it, no matter how difficult the situation may be. Lately, I have had difficulty with it. How am I to be thankful for the situation that Christine is in? I am thankful that she is still alive...I am thankful that Kathy is a strong and healthy person, because right now, I am working 3 jobs and can't help with my grandbabies at all...and for all of you who know me, that makes my heart ache, because I love those boys! I am thankful for the medical personnel who are trying to help and find answers and I pray for them continually. I am thankful that I have such good friends and wonderful family who join us all in prayer continually for her. I am thankful for my other children who have grown into responsible adults and realize that helping family is very important.

I also am having trouble being thankful in our little Logan's situation right now. He is sick...really sick. Maybe Kawasaki, maybe not. His little heart has some irregularities right now...blood count fluctuating too much. His parents are exhausted, and we are way too far away.

Despite my difficulty with thankfulness in these situations, I am thankful for a God who listens to my cries, day and night, and for His tender hand that reaches down to me in my darkest despair. I am thankful that in my fear, others have reached out to me and encouraged me.

I came upon this verse quite by accident earlier tonight and it just jumped right out to me...

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Even God, in His word, knows my difficulty...and, tonight, these words are written just for me.

Be blessed today...

Happy Birthday, Mama

2007-08-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

My earliest memories always include my mother. The smell of roast cooking on Sunday mornings, the beautiful dresses that she let us use to play dress-up, the lullabies she sang to us each night after patiently saying goodnight to all my imaginary friends...lullabies I didn't hear anywhere else...walking downtown in Whitewright, Texas with no fear to get a coke at the drug store, warm cookies, clothes on the clothesline outside, beautiful brown hair and an amazing voice, a coach's wife who never said anything bad about the refs (not in public, anyway). She never filled her plate until she was sure we had all we wanted. Most of the vegetables we ate in the winter were ones she had grown and put up in the summer. Our home was always clean and welcoming...there was always room for one more at the dinner table. She can quote scripture and lives it, rarely criticizes and if she does, it is with the utmost tact and for a good reason, still can prepare a meal for many and never complain, loves unconditionally...to understand this completely, you'd have to know all of us she has loved over the years, Grandma to my kids...Babs to Jack (and only Jack could pull that one off, I think!). Her life was very difficult as a child, yet she never fails to remind us of all the good things that were in her life, and are, still.
My favorite things about her...her laugh...she can crack us all up when she starts laughing and can't stop; her 7-Up cake...not her recipe, but always perfect; her spirit...she lives for Christ; she loves my daddy.

What a blessing you are, sweet mama. Happy Birthday!

Whenever I post...there's always an UPDATE...

2007-08-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

Logan is home! Praise God! He is doing better. He will go to the cardiologist on Wednesday to have some cardiac issues checked and we are just going to pray that there will be no damage to his little heart.

Christine is still in the hospital. She had an endoscopy today to make sure there wasn't anything "new" going on, and it looked okay. Tummy and esophagus a little irritated, but that is normal with as sick as she has been. The thought seems to be that the scar tissue adhesions are greatly aggravated and causing all this pain...again. She is sleeping right now and seems peaceful at this moment. I am staying the night so that Matt can get some sleep tonight. Jack is on his way home from Smithville where he travelled this weekend with Pawpaw and Giggi for his great-grandfather, Poppi's, birthday bash! Lots of cousins, fun and I am sure some great stories from Giggi and Aunties Lynn and Jody are coming! I am sure he will be happy to have his daddy with him tonight!

We are hoping Christine will feel better and get to come home in the next couple of days. She is so looking forward to her shower next weekend, and we are hopeful she will be feeling much better by then! Please keep her in your prayers.

And just another little "thankfulness" note...this morning when Christine went for her endoscopy, the on-call nurse was her sweet friend, Jamie. God is so good, isn't he!

Keep me in your prayers, too...Brad moves up to Denton next week to begin his senior year at UNT. He is coaching at Liberty Christian School this fall and so far, he is really enjoying it. Though I know this is why we raise them up, I will miss him. We have enjoyed having him back home for a few months! I guess the empty nest thing is for real now!

Emily has been a sweetie to help with Jack and Sam over the past few weeks and this weekend, has had Sam solo! What a good auntie! She starts back to work tomorrow and I am praying for a wonderful school year for her, too!

So many things to be thankful for...be blessed today!

Sweet, little Logan...

2007-08-10T21:47:00.000-05:00

We got a call from Mike just a little while ago, and our little grandson, Logan, is in the hospital in Rapid City, SD. Logan is our little angel who had the surgery at Mayo last year...he will be 2 soon! The diagnosis at this time is Kawasaki disease, which you can read about on the internet. They have him on medications and are keeping a watchful eye on him. Kawasaki can cause cardiac problems and that is of great concern. He has been through so much in his little life.

I know that we will never fully understand God's plan in this lifetime. I have a whole new perspective on the phrase "Lord, come quickly".

Logan being ill is especially painful for us because we are so far away. We want so badly to be there to help out and to comfort Mike and Shelly, but that is just not possible. So, please join us in prayer for our little angel, Logan, and for his parents and for his brother, Jackson. In less than a year, Shelly has gone through Logan's trials with his surgery, lost her father, gone through her younger brother having triple bypass surgery and losing her grandmother. I am thankful that her mom and Mike's mom are close enough to be there to help out. Shelly is a very precious soul and I just miss being there for her.

Thank you for continuing to pray for our family...blessings to you...

I lost a friend today...

2007-08-10T00:35:00.000-05:00

Today has been a very sad day for me. I know in my head that my friend is in the home he has traveled toward all his life. But, my heart is sad.
We first met Dennis and Annette Thompson in the early 1980's while attending Webb Chapel Church of Christ in Farmers Branch, Texas. We quickly became friends - Annette and I taught the "Tabitha" class together and our kids loved each other. When I had to return to work when my kids were VERY little, it was Annette who babysat them and loved them as if they were her own. Dennis was a quiet guy...until you got to know him. He had the best sense of humor. Their kids, Amy and Jason, were equally quiet, unless you happened upon them in the middle of a pillow fight with my Emily and Brad. Dennis' sister, Mitzi, was Brad's 1st grade teacher, and she even babysat our kids when we went on a couple of trips. My heart is hurting for her.
Dennis developed ulcerative colitis several years, but seemed to have that under some control. My information came from my sweet friend, Patti, but I don't know if I have the timeline exactly right. He had back surgery a few months back and then another surgery to repair something from the first surgery just a little while ago. Something went wrong then, also and so he had to have another procedure to "repair" that. He then had to be on his back for 5 days in the hospital, and according to what I've been told, was playing cards with his dad just a couple of days ago. That all began to fall apart yesterday afternoon. As the day progressed, it became evident that our Lord was calling Dennis home. Jason was in Oklahoma, but flew home and got to be with his dad. Their family was all together when Dennis passed from this life at 6:20 this morning. I am sad because we haven't seen them in so long. Pretty much the only place we would run into them was at a wedding, or sadly, at a funeral. Dennis was such an amazing student of the Bible. He was one of the smartest guys I have ever known, but his knowledge of the Bible was astounding. I have a feeling there are a few Old Testament "guys" sitting at his feet right now, amazed at all he has learned through study.
I am sad for Annette, because she LOVED her husband. He was "her guy". I know she knows where he is, but he was only 49 years old. My age.
Roy and I will go to the Memorial Service on Saturday and it will be difficult, even though we KNOW where he is. It will be extra difficult because we didn't take the time over the past few years to go visit more...to catch up with old friends...to share in joys and sorrows over the years. The only comfort I feel right now is that we WILL get to see him again someday. Right now, I am asking for you to pray for the Thompson family. Their loss is so great...but Dennis' gain is also great. I love this family and my sadness just overflows. There was a dark time in our lives several years ago, where Dennis was a constant source of encouragement...constant. As I drove home tonight after helping my sister work on her classroom, KLTY was having one of those nightly call-in shows, asking listeners to call in and talk about a special single parent. A woman's voice came on and she asked for prayers for a woman who became a single parent today, and then went on to talk about how Dennis had touched her life and the lives of so many. I had to pull my car over and stop...I couldn't stop crying. That's how much this man, and his family, means to so many people. I am just so sad.
Blessings to you...

"Handle With Prayer"

2007-08-02T20:00:00.000-05:00

Roy and I are enjoying time with our small group on Wednesday evenings watching Rick's series on prayer, titled appropriately "Handle With Prayer". There are 10 or so of us and the videos are amazing, but the questions that follow provoke among us deep thoughts, great discussions, sweet memories, and a bonding that might not have happened in another setting. Our group is what some call "eclectic"...so many different personalities, lifestyles...we are not a group that came together by friendship, necessarily, but we are definitely growing into a sweet circle of friends. Don't get me wrong...I think that the small groups that have evolved out of friendship are amazing and wonderful. It's just that I think friendship can definitely be the result of a small group. Through our prayers for each other, we are learning so much about our group. We have a sweet little 14 month old girl, Lauren, in our group (she brings her parents, too!). Lauren has a hole in her heart and may require surgery in the future for that. We are praying that God will seal up that hole and bring peace to her sweet parents. At first, her daddy was concerned she might "disturb" our time together. No way! She reminds us who have grown children what joy a little one in the room can bring. We also have a wonderful soon-to-be 4th grader, Maurice, in our group. He comes with his grandma. He watches the videos with us, and even adds to our discussions in a way that sometimes seem way beyond his years. Last night, one of the questions was something like this..."how do you praise God in dark times?" In our sharing, there were tears...sick children, grown children struggling with difficult pregnancies, dealing with loss in our lives, some untold struggles that you knew were on hearts because of the tears that were flowing. And in the middle of our sharing, Maurice said, "I have something to say"...and this is what he said..."You know, in the movie "Facing the Giants", they said, if we win...we'll praise God; if we lose...we'll praise God. I just think that's how it should be." Aren't children a blessing!

We have so many things to ask of God each week...but we also have so many reasons to praise Him. What a wonderful gift to be able to share these times with "the small group".

I am in the middle of writing a curriculum for our elementary kids for Wednesday nights based on Rick's series. It has been so much fun doing this, because it is something I absolutely LOVE to do. As I have been writing this, God has called me to prayer so many times. I know He wants for our ministry to help parents teach children how to pray, how to understand why we pray, how to watch for God's answers, and help them to understand the difficult concept of why bad things sometime happen to good people. We also want the kids to feel the utter joy of praying for others. I think it is going to be a great series and such a great opportunity for kids to get to share their prayers with their peers. Will you pray about this?

I also want to ask a very special prayer for Katie and Stephen. Katie is Patty & Wade's daughter and is coming near to the end of her pregnancy. This has been a very difficult pregnancy and Katie has toxemia and has had it for a while now. This Monday, she will be 38 weeks and that is the absolute last day she will have to go. She has been in and out of the hospital many times over the last few months. Their fear runs deep...they have suffered loss in the past. But, Patty shared something with us last night that has stuck with me. Katie told her that she had committed the passage in Daniel to her heart...that just as Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego were faced with a fearful situation, they kept God in their hearts and that they never lost their joy in serving Him. She and Stephen trust God and are joyful that sweet, baby Mitchell has come this far on the inside. Now, they need our prayers more than ever. Will you join me and our small group and many others in storming the throne of God, once again, with prayer? Please pray for Katie, that God will keep the effects of the toxemia to a minimum, that her pulse will go down (it was 160 today), that she will have the strength to bring Mitchell into this world. She is ready to be a mommy to baby Mitchell. Please pray for Stephen as he is so ready to be a daddy. He loves Katie and is devoted to her and it is so hard when a husband has to watch his wife endure so much. Please pray that Mitchell will stay strong and healthy. Pray for the medical team...that they will be given wisdom by God and that they will use all their human skills in such a way that Mitchell will come into this world with as little intervention as possible. Pray for Wade and Patty and for Stephen's parents...it is so difficult when our child is suffering. This is not a situation that I would have chosen to "share" with Patty, but we have been able to lean hard on each other over the last months, through Christine's and Katie's pregnancies. Pray that Katie can go until Monday, but if she can't, that God will ease her stress and anxiety and that she will be able to enjoy the birth of her much awaited angel.

I love that the "blog" venue has allowed me to learn to share so much so openly. I also love watching the POSITIVE power of the internet...I know that before this night is over, there will be multitudes praying for this sweet family.

I love reading from The Message, a version of God's word that blesses me. Reading James 5:16 from this version puts this verse in a very powerful light..."The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with..." Please pray hard!

Be blessed this day....

Happy Birthday, Christine

2007-07-29T14:33:00.000-05:00

A daughter is so many things to a mother...and here's a few of my favorites...
You were my first baby...you came into my life and I have never looked back.
You are the best BIG SISTER...Emily and Brad are blessed to have you.
You never really disappointed us as you grew up. Oh sure, there were times we shook our heads, but who doesn't?
You are an amazing musician...I love to hear you sing. I know you don't always want me to listen, but I just love watching old videos of the musical productions you were in during high school and college. And now, I love hearing you praise the Lord in such a phenomenal way. Do you know how many lives you bless by sharing your sweet voice?
I love your faith. When I thought I would lose you to catastrophic health issues, I just didn't think I could go on. You were the one who encouraged me during those times as you trusted God to carry you.
You are such a good wife and mother. Despite all the adversity in illness, you and Matt continue to be such examples of faith and optimism. Jack and Sam are blessed. You are doing a great job!
You encourage me now. These are tough times, and you are such a blessing to your dad and me. God knew we needed you so many years ago.
You bless your big brothers. Though they are so far away in miles, I know you carved out a special place in their hearts, and in the hearts of their families. What a blessing it is that your dad brought them into our lives.
I love this picture of me and you when you were just 3 days old. I love that you still love the old orange crushed velvet rocking loveseat. I love you!

Happy Birthday, Jack

2007-07-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Jack...I can hardly believe you are 3 years old today! What a fun day it was with your Mickey party and all your friends and family! Can you believe daddy found a Mickey jump house? He's the greatest! And that mommy...she decorated everything so pretty and made your favorite foods and got you cupcakes...yummy! She's amazing! Little brother Sam...he was an angel and slept through the whole party!

Now let's talk about YOU! Do you know how many people love and adore you? Wasn't it fun to have so many friends and cousins at your house today! I know how much you love Peter, Nathan, Jared, Melissa Jo and Mary Kate! And...you are blessed that you had 2 of your 3 sets of GREAT-GRANDPARENTS there...WOW! (You got to celebrate with your other set last week in Smithville-how lucky are you!).
I love this photo of you and me. I chose it because it brings me so many sweet memories of when you were so small. And now, you are growing so big and I know we are going to have so many more fun times! How cool was it that Jonathan came to his FIRST birthday party at your house...we are so happy he is home from Benin! And how great is it that your friend, Benjamin, brought him to the party! Didn't you love seeing little John and his sweet sister Kailey, and Anna Claire? Aren't you happy that Eva and Elizabeth and Mailie came too? What pretty little girls! It was great to see Hayley and Jack, too! Wasn't it fun to have Bryson over to show him your playroom...I think playdates are in your future! Wasn't it fun to have one of your best buddies, Korben, there too? And what would a jump house be WITHOUT Isabella! If I missed someone, it was because I was having so much fun with Giggi watching you have SO MUCH FUN!
The next few years are going to be so much fun for you as you grow bigger and learn so much! I can hardly wait to take the journey with you!
You are my angel boy, and I love you!

Happy Birthday, sweet friend...

2007-07-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

I am blessed in so many ways! One of my favorite blessings is that I have such a sweet friendship with my daughter's mother-in-law, Kathy. People have often told me that we are so lucky that we all get along, and I agree. But, it goes so much deeper than that. Kathy was a friend before our children "connected". When they got engaged, we got to share that time with Matt as he prepared to pop the question. We went together when Christine picked out her dress. We went together when she had her bridal portraits made. We spent the day together at her house addressing the wedding invitations. We shared many happy times leading up to and during the wedding week!
We now share 2 little grandsons, Jack and Sam. Through each pregnancy, we have spent many tense moments together...many hours in prayer. We got to be in the room together when Jack was born. We stood together outside the doors waiting for Sam's arrival, and prayed that God would bring him into this world safely as we watched through the windows while many hospital personnel went in and out of the room. We shared our first NICU experience together. We share our hugs with Jack and with each other.
There are lots of things I have learned from my friend...how to make microwave tea, how to thoroughly enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the afternoon, how to juggle whatever life throws at you...gracefully, how to love unconditionally, patience in adversity, that slice and bake are as good as scratch, and so much more!
I wish everyone was blessed with a Kathy in their lives! Since I learned how to put music on my blog, I thought this song was most fitting for the birthday girl - she brings light wherever she goes!
I am blessed...happy birthday, sweet friend!

Happy Anniversary, Matt & Christine...

2007-07-19T09:17:00.000-05:00

After waking up about every 2 hours last night looking for a bassinet, I finally got comfortable and slept a couple of hours. One of the things that was keeping me up was thinking about a few days four years ago when two families became one.
Most of you know Matt and Christine's story from reading their blogs and their sweet tributes to each other over the last couple of years. But, there is a new chapter waiting to be written and I can't wait for them to share their latest part of the journey.
But for today...I'll just say...Happy Anniversary to such a sweet couple...you have come a long way from the steps of First Christian Church downtown! Christine...I will never forget Matt's reaction when he realized you really did sing to him on that day. I truly believe this quote I heard recently..."When our children find true love, parents find true joy." It was so much fun reliving that sweet time watching the video at your house, while loving on my two sweet grandbabies!
Continue to serve the Lord and make this amazing journey together with your boys!
"Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Love you so much...

I'm the big brother....Jack's thoughts...

2007-07-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been at it for about 4 weeks now and my brother is still way too tiny to watch videos, play basketball, go to Wiggles Playland, etc. You know how it is being "almost 3" and having a new brother. Everyone asks about him and I am plenty happy to share information with you, but come on, I'm "almost 3". I'm having a Mickey Mouse party. I have a new playroom. I have a great backyard. AND, I have a great pool...of course, it is at Papaw and Giggi's house, but who cares? Aunt Whitney has given me exclusive use of all floaties and I am the man! What is all the fuss? In a couple of years, I'll give the kid all my "cool" Jack tips, but for now, let's get one thing straight! I'm "almost 3" and now that Sam is here and doing good, can we please focus on my birthday? I mean, how many times is a kid "almost 3"? Please don't get me wrong...I am loving having someone else to share the attention with, but really, do we have to hold him ALL DAY????? When I come downstairs in the morning, Mimi, can you please put him in his swing or something? Is anyone aware that Uncle Brad is now my napping buddy? You know, because everyone else is holding you-know-who. Really, I am okay with all this, but please don't forget that I am "almost 3". I am worried that I haven't seen ANY boxes with Mickey Mouse ears being delivered by the man in the brown truck! And, my Aunt Emily is at the beach in Florida with some of my favorite relatives...is there a reason for that? Does she understand that I am "almost 3"? I am at my wits end...so I am going to play with my friend John tomorrow and maybe he can explain this "sibling" thing...WHAT IS A SIBLING????? He and I are going to have some serious guy time...

My cup runneth over...

2007-07-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

The last few months have been a blur. I appreciate all of you who have quietly overlooked my misspelled words, poor grammar, etc.
But, today, my eyes were perfectly focused on some of my favorite people! I went to Jack's house today to stay with him while Auntie Emily took his mommy and baby Sam to the doctor (he weighed 4 lb. 8 oz. - yahoo!!!). When Jack woke up and I was laying beside him, we had a serious snuggle session, followed by a "mimi breakfast", which includes powdered donuts and chocolate milk (and some grapes to make it healthy!). Then he got dressed and Miss Shelly and his good friend Hayley and her little brother, the "other Jack", picked him up and they went to the Wiggles Playland in Frisco. Shelly was sweet enough to invite him to join her and some of her family and friends. He had a blast! Shelly said one of the best parts was listening to him and Hayley have conversations in the car - I can only imagine. Of course, between Em and myself, I don't think Sam ever laid down today, but oh, well, you can never love on them too much! Christine is going to get some much needed rest this week and I am going to play with the boys!!! Jack and I are going to get his playroom organized and play with every toy we can find! Giggi also stopped by to get some hugs, too! I love the way Jack loves us - we always get a hug and a kiss and lots of giggles! Then, Miss Courtney and Kailey came by and brought over some fruit and she and Christine had a good visit. You can't buy that kind of medicine!
As my day winds down and I try to get some sleep so I can go at full speed again tomorrow, I just am so reminded of how God fills up our lives with so much good! I have lots of things to write about and lots of photos to share, but on this night, I will simply share this thought...
My cup runneth over...and I am blessed...

Beanie Babies, Bottles and Sam

2007-07-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, so some of you know that I have not gotten to go and see the peanut since he was 2 days old! I have continued to fight a bad upper respiratory infection, which has pretty much grounded Mimi. Tonight, I got to hang with Jack while Matt and Christine went to see Sam. Boy, I have missed him!
So many of you have been asking for more photos, which I don't have, but I did get to scan in a couple that Christine and Matt have taken. The "most asked" question....exactly how big IS he?

This monkey...it's a Beanie Baby!

And, this is a full size bottle!

I love this photo! Look at those eyes. This little guy has some serious eyes, don't you think? And isn't his hair amazing?

Oh well, enjoy the photos...and keep praying for this little man. If he continues to gain weight and take his feeds, he could come home as early as next weekend!
Blessings to you!

Some great stuff!!!

2007-06-22T19:59:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to update you on a couple of things! After talking to the Nurse Practitioner, who is also the wife of the Neonatologist, Matt and Christine were relieved to find out that the tremors and twitching that Sam is having is NOT any withdrawal, but just an underdeveloped muscular/skeletal issue. Very normal in preemies this age! She also said that if he was going to have withdrawal issues, they would have seen this already. Also, that the medicine that she has been on most recently and will continue to be on for a while as she recovers has the very least affect on the mother's milk, so she can continue to save her milk and it will be fed to him! This is great news! But, the best of all is that she got to hold him today! He has to stay wrapped up, but who cares? He's in her arms. Aunt Whitney got home from Mission Trip and got to see him for a little while. What a sweet moment that was! Christine told me they took a whole roll of film today, so hopefully she'll get those up in the next few days. I haven't gotten to see Sam for a couple of days due to some respiratory stuff I am fighting. But, after a couple of days of steroids and an antibiotic, hopefully, I'll get to go seem him in a few days. A little Jack note...yesterday's fishing trip with Pappy and Uncle Brad yielded a turtle! Jack was amazed to see a turtle on his fishing pole. Today Aunt Emily took him to the mall for some auntie time and they went to Build-A-Bear. Em was a little confused as to why Jack picked out a turtle. Now she understands. By the way, Jack named the turtle "Sam"!
Be blessed today...

Mommy Mumblings...

2007-06-21T15:49:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...this is the name of Christine's blog...and I am using it today because she has asked me to post some requests to you! Before I do that, let me first say a big THANKS to each of you for your faithful prayers for Christine and her sweet family over the past 9 months. Yes, 9 months, because it was about that time that she got sick last fall and she has pretty much been in and out of the hospital since then. The latest hospitalization, however, has brought with it a gift that is eternal. Sweet little Samuel is doing well. Born at 3 lbs. 13.6 oz., he has been a fighter since conception. Since drawing his first breath on Monday, June 18, he has continued to fight and has impressed quite a few nurses and doctors! Christine has been doing well since then, until yesterday, when she got very sick with pain, and then the vomiting that follows that. She is a fragile little soul and today has asked me to post a few things about Samuel, and also some specific prayer requests that she and Matt have.

Today, he weighed 3 lb. 8.9 oz. That is quite remarkable that he has lost so little weight over the past couple of days. He is having trouble with his feeds, which is expected, and has begun to have some tremors, which is the withdrawal from the meds that Christine had to be given during her pregnancy. She wrote to me today in an email..."I know he is going to be alright...it is hard to watch him go through anything that was was caused by the medicine I was on...I am trying to remember what you said mom...that if I hadn't had that medicine, he and I might not be here at all...". That is what she is going through.

Sam is now in a little isolette instead of the open table-type bed he has been on under phototherapy lights. That is actually a step up! In the isolette, he can have clothing on. It is difficult, though, because they can't touch him. He is still breathing on his own and requires no IV. I have tried to encourage her with remembering that she actually got to hold him at birth and a couple of more times, and that the time IS coming where she will be able to hold him all the time. But, if you've ever given birth, you know...all you want to do is hold and touch your baby.

She also wrote this..."I would love for people to know what to pray for, for him and for me after finding out yesterday that my recovery obviously isn't going to happen in 2 days. I knew that, but I guess I just forgot that I'd been sick for over 8 months. It is harder to ask for prayers for myself when he (Sam) is going through so much. He really is a strong little guy, the nurse said this morning. She said he is just a little peanut!"

She has been encouraged by her sweet friend, Jaymie, who has exchanged emails and calls with her. Jaymie and her family have been on a NICU journey for months, and her sharing of those experiences has helped our entire family understand so much that would have probably been much more frightening for us had Jaymie and Kory chosen not to share Kanyon's story! Thank you sweet Phillips family! We keep you all close in prayer.

Christine has always been a prayer warrior and has believed in the power of prayer. Samuel is such evidence of the power of God and the power of prayer. All of us have been blessed by the prayers of people all over the world who have stopped and prayed for her and Sam without fail. And now, she is in need of your prayers in a mighty way. They are discharging her tonight and she will come home for some much needed rest. This day will be difficult, even knowing this is what is best for Sam and for her. She has been able to pretty much stay in the NICU constantly. But, her body needs healing and rest and she will not get that in the hospital. We have promised that we will joyfully make the trips with her each day to see "our little peanut", and that as she grows stronger and he does too, the days will be shorter as the time comes for him to come home and be with his sweet family.

I told her today that I believe God chose her as the vessel to bring Samuel into this world. The battles they are fighting right now will make them all stronger as he grows.

And of course, no post would be complete without a little note about Jack. He is doing well, but is ready for daddy and mommy to be at home. The next few weeks will surely be precious as he has some special time with them. We are making a picture for Sam to be put on his isolette so that he will know what a GREAT big brother he has!

He's here!!!!

2007-06-18T20:59:00.000-05:00

Check Kathy's blog later tonight for photos, but Samuel is here! He arrived at 3:51 PM today, weighing in at 3 lb. 14 oz, and 16 in long. With his little legs drawn up, he is shorter than a ruler! However, he is doing well at this hour. He is in the NICU, but Matt and Christine have already been able to spend some time with him and we've seen the video and he is precious!!! Lots of hair and perfectly formed, just as we've prayed for! He is breathing room air, and has no IV, which is by itself pretty amazing, or so we have been told! I don't if you've ever noticed how very small Christine's hands are, but when she put her hand on his back, it covered his back and his little bum. He is TINY...but so strong.
Coming into this world had its bumps today, and there were a few tense moments, but Samuel amazed us all again, as did his sweet mommy, and fought hard to get here!
Jack is slightly impressed -- maybe when he gets to see him in person, it will become more real. He loved all the prizes today, though! As usual, "my Brenda" took care of him and dressed him special in his Big Brother shirt and Mickey crocs and he pranced in with Uncle Brad at about 3:30. About a half hour later, he got to go and see mommy and that was wonderful. It seems that Sam brought along a soccer ball for his big brother...hmmm!!!!
Matt was a champ, as usual, and was by her side through it all. The nurse was sweet enough to take a family photo...none of us were in there, obviously, but there were about 10-11 other people in there to offer the best care. And, her doctor blew through all speed radars and made it here about 11 minutes before he arrived!
We are blessed tonight...Christine is feeling good and they are anxious for another visit to see sweet Samuel Ray Pinson!
Happy Birthday, Sam...

One more post...

2007-06-17T22:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it is hard to believe, but it's here! Samuel will be coming into our lives in just a short time. We have prayed so hard for this sweet little soul and continue to pray that God will bless him and his mommy as he completes this amazing journey. I just left Christine and she and Matt are anxious. I'm going over early in the morning to stay with Jack until he wakes up, since they have to leave at 6AM. I know she is struggling with being away from him and so I am praying that God will connect them in a special way tomorrow. Uncle Brad is bringing him up after his nap. We are pretty sure it will be a long day...the doctor has told them that much. Even though they are inducing her, they will let Sam be in charge for as long as they can. We are all packing our toothbrushes and pillows for the long haul, but that is okay with us. We want God's timing in all of this and so we will wait anxiously, but patiently.
Please continue to join our families as we wait for the moment that this little one will be delivered.
Peace and blessings to each of you...

Counting the days...

2007-06-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in quite a while, because I have been totally immersed in Summer Spectacular (VBS)! Working in Children's Ministry is such a blessing, and I love being involved with "Outreach". Each time we have a Worship time, we have guests and I just love getting to meet the kids and visit with them. Summer Spectacular, however, isn't your normal "event". Our Children's Minister, Patty Weaver, is amazing. Her brain never stops working and her heart never stops giving. Each night, Monday through Wednesday, we were over 2,000! Wednesday night was close to 2,500! Our featured character this year was DANIEL...GOD'S MANE MAN. The decorations, the classes, the volunteers, the "Broadway-style" musical, the "Lion Dancers" (think of the Chinese dragon dancers, but lions!), the cast who stayed late each night so that the kids could get their shirts signed...all of these things, and more, made this year's event UNFORGETTABLE! Literally thousands of manhours are put into this special event and we work alongside each other to reach out to our members and to our community. Some of my favorite times were as I sat at the "Throne Room" while the kids stood in line to get the King's autograph (different king each night!). We give out little trinkets to the kids as they come through and visit with them as they are waiting. At my station, however, they got Ring Pops. I was very popular!!! On the 2nd night, a little boy asked me if I would sign his shirt. I told him I wasn't in the musical, and he said he wanted me to sign his shirt so he could remember me. Be still my heart! My job is a gift from God and I am so blessed.

Now, for the title of this post...Monday, June 18th is the day sweet Samuel will come into this world. He and his mommy have had a tough journey together and I believe he already possesses a strength that is incomprehensible, because of all the bumps along the way. Christine and I have talked about what a difficult time this has been, but what a sweet time she has had with Samuel already. Matt has continued to work at his job, get a house ready, make endless runs to and from the hospital, and through it all, he has remained faithful to his vow, "in sickness and in health". There aren't a lot of Matt's in the world, so count your blessings if you have one! Giggy has taken care of Jack and Christine for the past few weeks because of my work schedule. I am thankful for her, so thankful.

On Monday, we'll all be together waiting for Sam to arrive. Jack is ready for his little brother, but we'll revisit that when he realizes that Sam will take alot of mommy's time! He is going to be one terrific big brother. We ask that you join us as we pray without ceasing in the next couple of days. A few things we will be specifically praying about...that Samuel will be delivered safely and in good health, that Christine will continue to endure and that God will heal her body completely in the days to come, that God will guide her doctor and those who will participate in her care. We also are lifting up Matt, who is a constant strength to Christine, that God will give him rest over the weekend, so that he, too, will be healthy on Monday. We are praying for Jack that the day will be a sweet one, and that when the time is right, he can come up and join us. And, we lift up our precious Samuel Ray, who is already loved so very much and who, we know, will bring much joy to his parents and all his family. Matt and Christine have prayed Hannah's prayer thoughout this entire pregnancy, and what a precious prayer it is...
1 Samuel 1:27-28 (New International Version)
27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.

Of course, we'll let everyone know when he arrives...but until he does, keep all of this family in your prayers...you remain in ours.

Memorial Day, what it means to me...

2007-05-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

Quite a few of my very close relatives have served in peace and in wartime. My uncle Jerry was a Marine in Vietnam, and Roy was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He would fly in, draw the fire, and get out of there. He also usually had someone higher up in the bird with him, so skill was always important. Roy recently began to share some experiences and each of us feel we have a piece of him that was missing before the stories! Alot of friends he had died - several he tried to save. But the wonderful thing is that while I was learning about Math and Science at 10 years old, my future husband was fighting for our country. I just love that. (and it doesn't bother him anymore, anyway!). So here are my memorial day thoughts...

If you are a member of this country, no matter how you got here, and no matter if you are judged by your culture...HANG YOUR FLAG EVERY MEMORIAL DAY! Do you know why that is so important? Because for those of us who have loved ones who were there, and did come home, we know that there are so many whose loved ones returned in a body bag or are still MIA.

Find a group of friends or gather your family around and tell stories of people you knew who fought in any war, and how that affected your life. In years to come, the "good" stories won't be around...only all the politics that surrounds any military assignment. Bring some good food, find a place where you can wander free and see God's amazing creation and how so very blessed we are that we seem to be safe.

Now these are my favorite cuties...pre-Brad! Hanging out at the farm in the summer 1983, riding in the back of Uncle Ralph's old blue ford pickup!

Remembering is so much fun! Weren't they cute? Christine insisted that little sissy wear a hat because she was so bald and might get sunburn. Let the insult's begin!

Sweet sweet memories to anyone who reads this!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Some days are just better than others...

2007-05-25T23:06:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks have been pretty tough. Not just with Christine and all she is going through, but a lot of "stuff" happening that just makes me remember that we are constantly under attack by Satan. I am a patient person...haven't always been, but patience is a gift God has granted me in the past few years in a really visible way. I know we have been asking alot of God lately...and through it all, we have learned in a whole new way what it means to wait. Yesterday, Roy came home and told me he was being laid off, again. Now, here is a man who is 62 years old, with serious heart problems and declining health, and he has to go out and find a job. I'm sorry, but that just stinks! And as I sat up on the couch at 2 AM this morning, asking God to help me understand all that is going on, I realized that He is. He's also watching for that patience thing He has been trying to grow in me for many years. I don't know what things "mean" that are going on, but I do know that God is in control and He is going to show me and my precious family something wonderful through all this.

But tonight...I've been blessed. Jack and I are having a slumber party. It' s already ended for Jack, and I am praying for some restful sleep, too. Roy & Brad are at the farm for the long weekend and the annual "All Boys Campout...No Girls Allowed", begun when Brad was just 4 (he's now almost 23). Jack and I will go up on Monday for the day with my sister and Melissa Jo & Mary Kate. I have read through all my favorite blogs and have answered emails and now, I think I'll go fix a cup of hot tea and finish this evening with some quiet time. Jack brings me such peace. Just being around him, though he is SO energetic, reminds me of what is really important. He is going to be such a great big brother...he has the most amazing capacity to love and be loved. What a blessing he is!
These are a couple of photos from last year's Memorial Day at the farm...Jack has changed so much! But, I know he will be so excited to eat the fresh roasted corn on the floor in the cabin he loves so much!

And I can hardly wait to get another photo of "the cousins" riding the gator to the lake for some good fishing! What fun!

I am praying tonight that you will be blessed with a wonderful "long weekend" and that you will be blessed beyond measure by our God who loves us so much!

For all the mothers in my life...

2007-05-10T23:42:00.000-05:00

Beginning with the first one I ever knew...my own. Affectionately known as mama, mother, mom, grandma, aunt barbara, and to Jack, "Babs" (thanks for letting him call you that!) Still gives her all, even though she is tired. I always wondered why she was the last one to finish eating on those occasions we got to go out to eat...was it because she was so busy tending to all of us, or because she wanted to make sure we had all we wanted before ever taking her first bite. I learned the meaning of love from her.

My girls...Christine and Shelly. Christine...you are on a journey that God is guiding. You have blessed us with Jack and we anticipate our newest little one, when the time is right. But, for this time, take good care and remember how very much you are loved. Shelly...precious daughter-in-law, wife of Mike, mommy to Jackson and Logan, WAY too many miles separate us, but you are always in our heart. This year has been bittersweet for you...but God has shone in you. Praying now for your brother and his surgery. Do you know how much you are loved!
(Note to reader...Emily, our daughter, is not a mommy yet. But she mothers so many through her job as a Social Worker. She also runs, not walks, to the rescue to help with Jack. There is no doubt, God has a special plan for her, and I just cannot wait to watch it continue to unfold!)

My sisters, Donna and Marianne, and my sister-in-law, Lisa. Amazing moms, different hurdles, same result...such an encouragement to me...EVERY day! Donna...let's see, where do I begin. Devoted wife, "mama" of 5, nana to Noah; my personal "interior decorator", in my home, and in my heart. Too far away...her hugs are super wonderful...but someday, we'll be together with our grandmothers and we can sit on the porch and catch up! Marianne...most people think she is my daughter and that is a compliment, but sorry, I don't get to take the credit. She IS however, mother to two of my FAVORITE people, Melissa Jo and Mary Kate. She leads the pack in bravery, and I just love to watch her live! Lisa...mother of 3 boys, who are amazing, and a wonderful "homemaker" ( you would LOVE her house and would never imagine she lives with 4 males), works fulltime, carpools to all the events, and loves my brother (who, by the way, brought her into this family and I will be forever grateful for that!)

My grandmothers, who even though they are in heaven, I continue to celebrate them. They brought my parents into this world.

My aunts...both sides...times together are so few now, but precious each time. Aunt Sarah...even though you took DONNA to see Paul Revere and the Raiders, I'm okay with that. You remind me of my grannie when I was a little girl...beautiful smile, amazing hair; and always reminding me that during a dark time, I helped your precious babies, and THAT was my honor. Aunt Nini...WHAT "almost 50" year old calls her aunt named Anita, Nini? I do, and I am proud of it! You welcomed us into your home with grace and love. My children love you, and so do I. Aunt Nan...undoubtedly one of the most gracious women I have ever met. Raised an amazing family in south Louisiana and even though we haven't been together "physically" in many years, you have a special place in the center of my heart. I miss you! "Aunt Donna"...many of you are amazed when I tell you that this sweetheart is my aunt! We are actually quite close in age, but, she married my uncle, so technically, she is my aunt. She is a "fashion world expert", travels with my uncle and finds all kinds of neat stuff in the most "off the main highway" places. She can make my grandma's fruit salad EXACTLY as I remember it as a child, and Christmas at her house is pretty much the only time we get together. The sad part...we live about 10 minutes apart. I love her so much. Someday, we'll keep the promise to see each other more often.

My "other girls"...cousins Leann, Kristi and Cami. Leann...you are the post in the barbed-wire fence, and only YOU will understand that. (Note to reader...in our family, this IS a compliment!) Mommy to Kaylee and Hannah Christine...who knew the parallel we'd we be drawing now when you gave her that name! Kristi...the baby...but so grown up. You are doing a GREAT job with your boys and I am SO proud of you! Cami...stretched, but not broken...YOU are a witness of faith in the face of fear. Sidenote...all of the children of these girls, who are technically my 2nd cousins, removed, whatever...they call me Aunt Mindy. I LOVE that!!!

Roy's mom passed away before we married. I really missed having a mother-in-law. I always thought that would be so neat! And from the stories I have heard about her, and the influence she had on my sweet husband, she was really something. Roy's dad died when Roy was 16 and he was the oldest child of 3. Roy's mom never learned to drive, so the first family car was Roy's Carolina Blue '57 Chevy. He rose to the challenge of being the "man" in the family, attended THE University of North Carolina and was a cheerleader (another story for another time, but a very enterprising way to get to see great basketball for FREE!). He served in the Army for 6 years, 2 of those as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. If you asked him who the greatest influence in his life was, he would tell you it was "mom". I will just love sitting on the porch with her, too!

Speaking of "mother-in-laws", my daughter Christine has one of the BEST in Kathy. We are blessed to not only be joined by our children, but as friends and sisters in the Lord. She is one of my very favorite people, and I just love the way she "mothers" my daughter. YOU are a blessing!

To all the other mothers in my life...from my old friends to my precious co-workers, sweet young mothers who have become my friends, friends I have made over the years, who wake up every day to live another Mother's day...I celebrate you. You are living out the examples God gave us in the Bible to inspire us to be the best mothers we can be.

Be blessed this Mother's Day and every day...there is no "job" more important than the one you are doing at home.

Happy Mother's Day...and, as usual, LOTS of hugs!

Baby Kanyon...

2007-05-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

Many of you have been keeping up with the Phillips family and their journey with Kanyon, "their little preemie". Tomorrow, Kanyon will have his heart surgery -he has been moved to Dallas and everyone is just waiting to see God's glory in another miracle for this family.

They have a special site where you can read all about this sweet family and also commit to pray specifically for him tomorrow...

http://www.thephillipsphamily.blogspot.com/

Blessings to you...

It may be Friday, but Sunday's coming...

2007-05-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

I have always loved this phrase. And even though I was introduced to it around Easter time several years ago, I have learned over the years to use it anytime I need to especially be aware of the power of God.

Today has been a day of emotion. For anyone who has ever dealt with serious illness in your family, you know these days.

Imagine yourself confined to a 12 x 12 space for 3 months. Family comes and goes, but you have to stay. You "hear" about what's going on outside, but you don't really experience it. You haven't done anything wrong, but it's your own type of prison. You are hooked up to tubes and monitors, which limits your moving about, so you really never get to go anywhere. Add to this the fact that you are not only dealing with your own life, but that of your unborn son.

The constant pain and throwing up has been tamed by the care you are receiving. And then, one day, with little warning, you are released.

Praise God for the sweet reunion with your husband and your precious little boy. Thank the Lord for the shorter distance for visits by friends and family. But, the physical pain, the nausea, they continue. To be more specific, she has lost 11 pounds since she came home. God continues to grow Samuel to be the strong child we know he will be, and He continues to offer His comfort to Christine, but physically, she is just whipped.

Satan wants his own piece of this story and he is undermining her and her feelings relentlessly. I pray continually for God to provide a hedge of protection around her and her baby, Matt, and Jack.

I ask you to continue to stand in the gap with our families as we continue to "storm the heavens" with prayers that only our God can answer.

Isaiah 40 poignantly reminds me of a time several years ago when we laid our broken child at the feet of the Father, and once again, I find myself there.

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Living a life of grace...

2007-05-07T23:07:00.000-05:00

"Let your conversation be always full of grace..." Colossians 4:6

It has been a difficult few months. I have found myself asking "why" way too many times. I have seen serious illness all my life...my mother, my grandmothers, my grandfathers, even myself. But, there is just nothing like how I have felt during this season of illness in my daughter.

I have tried all my life to model my mother...a woman who loves the Lord and her family and does all that she does with grace. She has been through so much, from her childhood through her becoming a great-grandmother. She always reminds me, ALWAYS reminds me, that God works everything for good...and she lives by this. I wish I was more like her. I remember her sitting at my bedside after I had my stroke and reminding me gently that it didn't really matter how much I didn't want all that to be going on...it was. And how I dealt with it would be an example to my children and to so many others. I have thought about those conversations with my mom and tried to be the same strength to Christine.

I remember her telling me not too long ago that it was okay to be tired and to cry and to just let it go. She listened patiently over the phone and then she reminded me how very much I am loved, by the Lord, and by her. Just a couple of days later, I received a note from her, reminding me of this.

She always endures with grace. There have been instances where I know she was disappointed in a situation, but she just reminded whoever was struggling that the grace of God covers all situations and believing that will give us peace, and help us through our troubles. She has been a constant source of encouragement for my children, and especially recently for Christine. When Christine was born, there was no question that she would be named for my mother, whose middle name is Christine.

As I have tried to work through my own feelings, I have been blessed by my mother's "conversations filled with grace".

And each day, I become more aware of how blessed I am to have a mother who knows the true meaning of living a life of grace.

He always hears us...

2007-05-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

I have a favorite site I love to use at work and at home and if you haven't used it, it is wonderful! It is called Bible Gateway.com. Each day, it has a verse for the day. Many days, I use that verse as my focus.
Today, when I went into work for the first time in a few days, I had a lot on my mind. When I opened my computer and this site popped up, this verse is the first thing I saw...

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”- 1 John 5:14-15

For those of you who are not yet aware of this, Christine was released from the hospital today. While we were questioning this decision last night, we all became very aware that it was God who was controlling this situation. For weeks, we have begged God to make a change in the way things were going for her, to give her a rest, to help Sam develop a little faster, so many things we have asked of the Father.

And then, this morning, this verse. I have read this verse my entire life. I have memorized it, dissected it, used it to encourage others, studied it...and today, it took on a whole new meaning. She is "home", which will be at Ray and Kathy's for a couple of weeks and then hopefully to their new home, which is still in the process of being finished. If all goes well, Sam will make his appearance during the first week of June, 5 weeks further along than he is now.

Confidence in the approach, asking according to His will, waiting for His answer, recognizing the blessing.

Tonight, as storms blanketed the area, our Emily had stopped to see Christine on her way home from work. As she headed to her apartment, she got caught in the storm. I was so concerned for her, because we were watching the news and in her very area, there was intense flooding. And then, "the verse" came to me again. I let go of my fear and worry and just asked God to get her home safely. Just a few minutes later, she called. She was home, and safe.

He always hears us...how very blessed we are.

Blessings on Sam...

2007-04-29T18:21:00.000-05:00

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before any of them came to be." Psalms 139:15-16

Christine is being moved to Labor and Delivery to receive Magnesium Sulfate to stop her contractions. She is not in labor, but requires one on one nursing for this process. Sam seems to be wanting to be on his way, and we know and believe God's timing will bless this family.

Pray hard!

A precious time...

2007-04-27T23:00:00.000-05:00

I am a pushover for romance. I love weddings, new babies, and beautiful flowers. For almost 10 years, I worked for a florist in Dallas and loved every minute of it. Since that time, I have been blessed to help friends and friends of my girls have beautiful flowers for their big day!
Well, today, I have spent my day doing just that! I got up early, headed to Dallas to pick up flowers and then spent the rest of the day making bouquets, 4 giant arrangements, and with the help of my sweet sister, Marianne, 16 table arrangements...in my house. Lots of boutinieers, corsages, cake flowers, etc. I never get tired of the beauty God blesses us with in flowers. SEVERAL years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of decorating a wagon for little Miss Tori Vaughn to ride in down the aisle at Aunt Becky's wedding. Tonight I was doing the same thing for Avery Van Hoose, who will be a very big part of her mommy and daddy's big day tomorrow.
I have been so blessed by Heather and Diane and have enjoyed helping them with this. I have a unique connection to Heather and so we have had some great visits.
Tomorrow, she'll marry her prince and the princess will come in on her chariot to become a new family!
I pray God's richest blessings on Grayson, Heather and Avery...
Happy Wedding Day!

A visit to see mommy!

2007-04-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

It's always good when Christine has a good day and even if it doesn't last all day, the good part is so good...and so it was today when Jack and I went over with a few goodies!
First of all, she looked great in a very cute maternity outfit Giggi got her - that's so much better than gowns all the time! Jack thought mommy would like some grapes from the fruit stand!

CHOCOLATE! This is a favorite treat for Jack AND mommy AND Sam!

I am in awe of the strength of my daughter. She has had such a "medically fragile" life and I just praise God for a visit where we smiled, laughed and shared a few moments "away" from the reality of this time. We are all going into the next few weeks with positive thoughts and constant prayer. Please continue to pray for Christine, Jack and Matt, and for Sam, that he will grow stronger so that when God's time is right, he can be delivered safely and in good health.

On our knees...we are thankful for each of you who continue to be prayer warriors for our family and ask that in the next few weeks, you offer up special prayers that whatever happens, God will bless this sweet family with a healthy baby AND a healthy mommy!

Days...and more days...

2007-04-19T22:04:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd give a quick update! Hopefully, Kathy and I will get a good photo of Christine in maternity clothes to post, because it looks doubtful that the outside world will see her any other way! And that's okay. She's looking quite pregnant and Sam is a mover. Everytime they try to get a heart rate check, he takes off! He's already got such a way about him, and we are just praying that God will continue to bless him as he grows and gets ready to come and see us.
Just as the hyper-emesis seems to be cooling a little, Sam is getting so big and stretching things and now the scar tissue is a problem. She, at least, is enjoying a day here and there of not throwing up, all day. The neonatologist came and talked with M and C just to let them kind of know where things stand. They would really like her to get to 30 weeks - further if possible and that is what we are praying so hard for. She is going into week 25 and as much as we want this to last way beyond 30, 30 is not very far away!
The work at their house progresses and Matt has been videotaping the goings-on. You can tell when he is really tired, because the tape gets real funny and doorknobs get put on backwards, etc. Jack is finally okay with the big bed being in his room, however, Matt has been sleeping in there some at night. When Jack went over there last night, he walked into his room, right up to the bed and said "Who's been sleeping in my bed?!"
It's my shift for a few days to give Giggi a break and just let me say, we are two amazing grannies, if I do say so myself! Maybe we'll write a book together someday with that title. We laugh at the changing of the goods at all hours of the day and night, at church, at my Brenda's, in the driveway, wherever works out. Some precious ladies from her Bible Class are bringing us dinner two nights a week and since my house if centrally located to them, they drop both meals here. I call Kathy...say "Dinner's here", and whoever is in the car comes and gets it or drops it off. What a blessing our church family has been to all of us.
Jack continues to amaze us and we praise God for his sweet little heart and wonderful disposition.
Thanks to everyone for their continuous prayers and good thoughts...we are being blessed in so many ways and we are grateful for each of you.

Be blessed today...

Daddy's Little Helper

2007-04-09T21:47:00.001-05:00

And here he is today...painting baby Sam's room! He never goes to the new house without his Elmo toolbelt, because there might be some hammering to be done! He is wondering, however, why mommy and daddy's old bed is in HIS room and HIS bed is in Sam's room. So many blessings...
May you be blessed with a Jack in your life!!!

Daddy's Little Helper
Originally uploaded by mindytyndall.

So tiny!

2007-04-09T21:44:00.001-05:00

It was just 3 years ago that Christine was trying to finish her senior year at ACU, and pregnant with Jack! Pretty much the same scenario as this time. But, oh the gift was wonderful! This little man was very early, but healthy. And, so that is our prayer for little Sam...stay put, little one. We will wait for you...
Blessings
So tiny!
Originally uploaded by mindytyndall.

Follow me...

2007-03-31T22:08:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite stories as a child was the story of how Jesus went about and chose His disciples. Not many questions, few words needed, an "I'll be there" attitude, hard workers, faithful friends... Still is one of my favorites!
Today, I saw this story come to life. This morning, I got Jack up and we headed over to the "new" house to see Daddy. When I pulled up, I couldn't find a parking spot. Cars, trucks everywhere...people in every room, in the yard, upstairs, downstairs. Many of their friends came over and painted, cleaned up the yard (and I mean, it looks great!), did everything needed to get this house ready. After we went to see Christine, we stopped back by and there were MORE people there, everyone working so hard.
I had calls today to see when friends can come over to the "other" house to get it packed up. When can we bring meals? Can we do laundry? What about Jack...can we take him for an afternoon? There have been literally hundreds who have committed to praying us through this.
We are so blessed to have a precious caretaker for Jack during the day..."My Brenda" as Jack calls her...Emily McKillip's mom. She has taken care of Jack since Christine went to work last August, and has continued to take care of him now...the stability for him is a blessing. Tomorrow, the McKillips and the Bankes' are taking Jack along for a trip to the zoo. He is so excited! There is not a day that goes by without someone calling to see what can be done. While it is difficult for us to be away from Christine, we know she is being well cared for. Thank you for taking care of Matt and Jack. What a blessing it will be to Jack as he grows and remembers the day that daddy's and mommy's friends and family painted his house!

It must have been a thrill to all those men called by Jesus to follow Him. It is such a thrill for me to see these young families doing the very same thing.

God bless each of you...YOU are being Jesus to this family.

Who WAS that man?

2007-03-30T22:28:00.000-05:00

As many of you may know, we are getting some much needed rain the the metroplex, and in some areas, maybe a little too much. But, I won't complain...we'll be wanting it in the middle of June!
Tonight, I ventured over to the hospital with Jack to see his mommy. It was raining, but it seemed manageable. When we got there, it was raining, so I loaded everything into the stroller and carried Jack under the unbrella. We had a great visit - Jack enjoyed alot, since we took a "molten chocolate cake" from Chili's with us to mommy to go with her kids mac-n-cheese! Jack loves him some chocolate!! He also was so proud to show her his new crocs - red with mickey, instead of just holes - cute, cute cute!!
We got ready to go and I loaded him in the stroller and went downstairs. We walked out and it was just sprinkling and so I decided to go for it. I put the umbrella down over the front of the stroller and began to walk down a little hill toward the parking lot. A gust of wind blew in and the umbrella flew back and hit me, I fell and pulled the stroller back with me, then let go of it and it began to roll down the hill. Out of nowhere, a man ran up and stopped the stroller and helped me up. I was startled and just wanted to get to the car, so I thanked him and took off. When I got to the parking lot, I turned around and he was gone. As I fumbled to get everything in the car and Jack was getting soaked and screaming, I could feel my blood pressure going up! When I got in the car, I turned on the heater and tried to calm Jack down and then called Kathy and had a meltdown.
We tried to get on the highway, but decided to wait it out in a restaurant parking lot, and then got back on our way. I began to think about this man. Under normal circumstances, I would have probably started screaming, called 911, hit him with the umbrella, etc. But I stayed calm. And so did he. Suddenly, I got a chill - and it wasn't from being soaked.
At the moment I needed it most, God sent someone to me to make sure that Jack did not get hurt. Because of the rain, and the traffic in the parking lot, that could have happened so easily.
As I rocked him to sleep tonight, I told him how thankful I am that God gave him to all of us. And I am so thankful that God got us safely home in the storm. And then Jack said his thanks...thank you for mommy, daddy, sam, giggi, papa, mimi, pappy, baby reese, whitney, brad, kyle, pokey, emily, clay, and the angels.

That is all I have for tonight! I'll let you figure it out...
Be blessed...and pray hard.

Precious little babies...

2007-03-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to Christine's friend, Jaymie, who had the twins on Sunday.

Pray hard!!!

http://www.thephillipsphamily.blogspot.com/

When Mothers Pray...

2007-03-27T10:43:00.001-05:00

I am going to post a wonderful passage from this book later this evening, but wanted to post a quick update in case any of you needed items on your prayer list today...

Please pray for The Phillips family...friends of Matt and Christine. You can link on my blog for information.

Christine's wonderful friend, Jenna, who is also Matt's cousin, is due any day with baby girl Reese Cope. Lord...reach down and bless them.

Matt's cousin, Ashley, and one of Christine's favorite people, is due to have a baby girl any day now. She and her husband have waited years for this little blessing, and for now, she is called "Possum" - God...give this sweet family peace and joy.

Matt's grandmother, Nana, who lives in Smithville, and is 80, was knocking doors yesterday and slipped and fell - required 40 stitches in her head and a trip to the hospital to do a cat-scan. She didn't break anything, but is really sore - Lyn, Kathy's sister, and Jody, Kathy's sister, are also the moms of Jenna, Ashley and JD, who are all expecting little girls. And of course, Kathy, affectionately know as Giggi, is waiting for Sam, and concerned about her sweet, precious mom.

And, last night, Roy took a bad fall on our porch. He is fine, but sore. But - a scary thing, since I was at the hospital and Brad was helping Matt at the house. My sweet sister, Marianne, went over and checked him out and then Matt and Brad called it quits for the night and went to hang with him.

Can you pray also for Kathy and me? Our homes are in disarray, and we are okay with that, but we are just trying to find a balance. (We both agreed that when you have to stop to purchase undies at Walmart, it is time to do the laundry!)

And, for Matt, the magnificent. My "favorite" son-in-law, precious son of Kathy and Ray. He's trying to juggle too much. He needs strength. He is tired, but so devoted and we are thankful for that. Can you ask God to bless him with peace about what he needs to get done - and then pray for him to not be afraid to ask for help. We just love him so much!

And, finally, a rude comment from a nurse left Christine in tears this morning after a very rough night. We slept a total of about 2 hours off and on and I came home for a nap, before going to work. It was hard to leave her, but my precious 2 cousins work there and are going to check on her. She had to be catherized, her pic line is not functioning well, she is tired, sick at her stomach, hurting, and missing her boys. She is exhausted and I am praying that God will just reach down and lift her sweet soul up and give her a peace about what she is going through. She knows in her head, but needs to feel it in her heart.

Is this too much to ask? I don't think so. Our prayer warriors have carried us for so long. And Jesus is walking right here with us.

Blessings to you, wherever you are. Your prayers are sustaining our family.

Pray hard...

Two posts in one day?

2007-03-25T21:58:00.000-05:00

Most of you know...I DO NOT have too much time on my hands...but had to share a bedtime moment. (By the way - Giggi and Mimi are trying to figure out all Christine's bedtime songs - some she wrote herself just for Jack - but in the mean time, we sing our own!)
Some of those include...blanket song, Giggi song, Mimi song, Mommy has a baby Sam in her tummy song (that's word for word). We just kind of make them up as we go.
Tonight, however, I chose some "worship" songs and one of our favorites is "Blessed is the Lord...who would not give us up..." - very appropriate right now. I started to sing it, and Jack dropped his blanket, the contraband pacifier, and stood up in my lap and raised up his hands. When I realized what he was doing, I melted. And in a moment...I forgot everything around me, except watching my grandson praise God in such a precious way.

Blessings abound...

Sunday update...

2007-03-25T20:23:00.000-05:00

Just got home from taking Jack to see Mommy and then going to see Daddy at the new house, where demolition is still taking place so it will be ready for the Contractor first thing in the morning.
Christine had a rough night last night, but seems a little better today. I think it will be a few more days.
Many of you have told me that you have been trying to call her and Matt, but the phones go to voice mail. They have been with "another network" and are switching to Cingular this week. Their phones from the "other network" are about worn out and will not hold a charge - their new phones start April 1 - same phone numbers. In the meantime, you can reach her by calling the hospital and asking for room 265.
We are all hopeful that things will improve enough this week for her to be able to come home, but if necessary, she will stay there. Some of her friends have offered to start packing up their house and we will be taking them up on that this week - they have to be out of the rent house by April 10.
So much is going on...I will continue to try to post daily to keep everyone up to date on the the latest. Each day that she is at home is a good day, but each day she is not in preterm labor is a GREAT day. So, for now, we will continue to ask the Father to bless her as He has been doing and give each of us an extra measure of strength to keep up the pace.
We are blessed by each of you who are praying for all of us, and by those of you who are offering help.
Also, wanted to give you an update on Roy...thanks for continuing to pray for him and his health issues. This is a struggle for him and just adds to the physical problems he has. He is and has always been a "hands-on" father and tries to take the shifts at the hospital on his days off. I am so thankful for that. And I am thankful for Ray, Matt's dad, who has been helping so much at the new house...he even went over yesterday and began working on the flower beds. Giggi and Mimi...well you know...
Our son, Brad, who recently withdrew at ACU and came home to try to help out with all this, has been a blessing - taking Jack to the hospital to see Christine and helping Matt out at the house.
All the friends who went over to the house on the opening day of demolition made it kind of a therapeutic activity - who knew a sledgehammer against old tile and cabinets could work out such frustration and stress!
And to our "Super Supper" Angels - WOW! You have blessed us beyond measure!

Be blessed today - we give thanks to God daily for each of you...

Pray hard!

Here he is...

2007-03-24T23:04:00.000-05:00

Christine gave me permission to share the photo of this wonderful little soul with all of you who have been praying so hard for their sweet family!

This is Sam and we are so thankful that God has brought him to 20 weeks. Our prayer now is that he will continue to grow and that Christine will be blessed with better health. She did not get to come home today, but that is okay. For now, she needs to be there. Kate and Leah came from Abilene and Jocelyn came over from Dallas and they had a "girl's visit" - perfect medicine! Thank you so much for ministering to her!

It WAS a little funny when Matt called and was trying to get hold of Christine so he could describe faucets and fixtures at Home Depot for her. Bless his heart...he wants to get all this done for her and their family. He's a treasure!

Jack and I went over tonight and he made an Easter picture (lots of glue and stickers) with his mommy for Giggi. He sat up in the bed with her and watched Boz the Bear and then patted her tummy and said "I love you, Sam". Be still my heart! We are thankful for all your prayers and ask that you continue to keep this precious little family in your daily prayers. Each week is a benchmark for Christine and that is what we are trying to get through...one day at a time. Pre-term labor began at 18 weeks with Jack and then again at 28 weeks. But, we won't worry about that. God's plan will unfold as He sees fit. Blessings to each of you and to your families...

Pray hard...

Answered Prayers....

2007-03-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

It is Friday night and I just tucked Jack in and thought I'd give you an update! Christine may get to come home tomorrow and we are all praying that she will feel good enough to do that. I have not gotten to see her since Wednesday, because I had a back injection on Thursday and have been down for 2 days. However, her dad, sister and brother have made the trip for me and keep me posted.
Jack walked in tonight and told me his baby brother's name is Sam...that's right...if you haven't heard - it's a boy!! And a healthy boy! Samuel Ray Pinson is due in August and we are praying that he will stay put for a good while! I know that Christine will post when she gets home and give you a glimpse of him via the sonogram photo.
Roy and I and Ray and Kathy and our entire families THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all yours prayers, calls, offers of help, DELICIOUS food and visits. We ask that you continue to lift Matt, Christine, Jack and baby Sam up to the Father daily. The doctor feels that Christine might have to spend some of her pregnancy in the hospital and that we may be looking at another premature birth, however, we are praying that God will show us a miracle!
The Father is blessing each of us daily and you are certainly one of our best blessings.
Pray hard...

You are invited...

2007-03-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

I am inviting each of you to join Roy and I, Ray and Kathy, Emily, Brad, Kyle and Whitney, Matt, Christine and Jack...please join us at the the feet of our Father...

Christine is so sick. So many of you have been praying, but we are inviting you to a much deeper commitment...a commitment to pray without ceasing for our precious daughter, wife, sister, mommy, friend, shining example. She has been back in the hospital since last Friday and we thought that would be for only 24 hours. It is now Monday night and she is still there.

I have been searching for some words of encouragement and came upon a scripture in Job, one of my long-standing favorite books, that is a prayer that fits her so well, for what she is feeling at this very moment...
"...What did I do to deserve this? Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help? Haven't I wept for those who live a hard life, been heartsick over the lot of the poor?...My stomach's in a constant churning, never settles down. Each day confronts me with more suffering." Job 30:20ff...The Message

We are all well aware of the plight of Job, but I thought this was an amazing scripture, one I had never read in this way. And then of course, God's answer...
"I lift my eyes to the hills...where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121:1,2. If you have ever been blessed to see her sing, and live, you know Christine's eyes are always on the Father.

On Sunday night, at a very late hour, Ray, Kathy, Whitney and I had gathered around with Matt and Christine to pray a very loud and begging prayer to our God. Our sweet Jack was in the precious care of Pappy and Uncle Brad. The door opened and in walked my sweet precious boss, mentor, friend and sister Patty Weaver, her wonderful husband Wade, our new Singles Minister Cary Branscum and one of our very favorite people...Johnny Willbanks.

For an hour, prayer was POURED out, tears flowed...we all ached for our angel. As we were all gathered around, I held her hand, and the more prayers that were offered, the more relaxed her arm and hand became. After an amazing example of "prayer in action", Christine was able to relax and sleep for a few hours, Matt went home and got some well-deserved sleep and even though the "moms" lingered in prayer, we, too, got some rest.

At about 4:00 AM, Christine sat up and had a 5-hour episode of vomiting and extreme pain...the fear is that the stint that was placed in her liver may have clogged. But more that that, the pregnancy is taking its toll. She has a condition called hyper-emesis, and if you don't know what this is, Kathy will give you a website where you can read how serious and agonizing this is. This baby is strong. It is determined to hang in with it's mommy. And that is a blesssing.

But, for now, we just want her to be able to enjoy Jack, Matt, their life together, and their new home, that they closed on TODAY, IN THE HOSPITAL. Isn't that amazing? They have an unbelievable friend and agent, Micah Beck, who has been unceasing in his efforts to get this done, even getting the Title Agent to the hospital! God bless him...

Tonight, as I got ready to come home and sleep a little, there was a knock on the door and there stood Morton Jeffrey and Mike Bell, fearless elders and leaders at RHCC. They had come to share the Word and a time of prayer. I decided to go ahead and leave and let Matt and Christine be immersed in this outpouring of love. What an amazing example this is for us who dare to approach the throne with the desires of our hearts.

Just a few minutes after that, Giggy (that's Kathy) and Jack walked in and I know that will help Christine rest better tonight.

I know that Christine and Matt's friends and family have been praying and their offering of help has been unconditional. And we all appreciate that...more than you can know.

This is the request the Pinson and Tyndall families have of you...
If you come upon this post, please share it with anyone you can, wherever they may be. Ask them to join us in our request of the Father that Christine be granted rest from this weariness and that she and Matt both be blessed by the Father for their example of perseverance with grace. Please pray that this baby keeps growing and remains strong, and that Jack continues to be the precious little man that he is, praying for his mommy at the most amazing times...in the Target cart, at Chick-Fil-A, and in the bathtub.

Be blessed today....you bless each of us.

Some of you have wondered...

2007-02-09T18:39:00.000-06:00

I refuse to call this "Update on Christine" one more time, but I probably will. As many of you know, she was readmitted to the hospital yesterday (Thursday), dehydrated and in pain. The Zofran pump has certainly been helpful, but she is just so fragile, it happens so quick. It took quite a while to get her comfortable, finally resorting to a pic line. I stayed with her last night, so Matt could get some rest. He had much to do at work today, but will now be able to stay with her through the weekend. Earliest she'll go home...Monday or Tuesday.
Needless to say, this sweet family needs prayers, prayers, prayers. Jack laid on the ottoman last night and said..."Mommy's sick...". Sweet sister and auntie Emily came over with Clay and helped him get all ready for bed last night and then he spent the night with Pappy! Today, after some waffles for breakfast, Pappy took him to his Brenda's and tomorrow morning, Emily McKillip and Maelie will entertain him, while I get some last minute things ready for our new Saturday service. He does well with all the shuffling, but wants to go to "Jack's house". I think we'll go over there for naptime tomorrow. Then, a change of pace when Pawpaw and Giggy get home from Midland and Lubbock and Whitney's basketball games, and he can go over there and chase poor puppy Pokey around the house! Such sweet, sweet friends and sisters who love our daughter so much and are so willing to help...thank you, thank you!

Be blessed today!

Where is God on Saturday?

2007-02-06T18:43:00.000-06:00

"Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor." James 3:17-18 The Message

I have been taught all my life that living a life in Christ, wisely and honestly, serving God and others, is just about the most important thing there is. My parents are amazing. Even today, they continue to teach this to us through their lives, and our children are so blessed to have them as an example.

I am honored to work in Children's Ministry at a church where God is first, period. I get to go to work and be around people who have made it their life's work to serve God and others in a church setting. God's wisdom is so evident in our leadership. They are honest, loving and seek to honor God in all that is done. Over the past three years, they have spent much time in prayer and time in fasting to get us where we are today. This Saturday, we step out in faith and begin a new service, complete with instrumental music, which is a change for us, and an amazing program for our children and the children of the community. Our doors are open to any who want to come. If you would like to read more about this decision, I would encourage you to go to www.rhchurch.org and click on "The Both/And Church". We also have two Sunday morning services, as we have for many years.

The point of my post, however is this. When this was announced and preparations began to welcome even more people to hear the message of Jesus, I was having a conversation with my precious, precious niece, Melissa Jo. She had come over to help me clean up my house (something she really loves to do!), and I asked her if she had any questions about all the changes that are going on at church. Her only question was this..."Is God there on Saturday?". I stopped what I was doing and sat down with her. She knew this answer. She is a wonderful worker in the kingdom at the tender age of 6 (and a half!). But, still, I asked her if she really wondered about this. She said that someone had told her that you only go to church on Sunday, because that's when God is there. She said she knew that wasn't true, but it made her sad. When I asked her why, she said to me..."Aunt Mindy, God is everywhere, even on Saturday! It makes me sad that everyone doesn't know this. We need to tell them!" I prayed with JoJo that night. A grown-up prayer, kind of. She joined in and asked God to let everyone know that He will be there on Saturday. When we finished our talk, our prayer, and got back to the cleaning, she was smiling so big. I asked her what she was up to. She told me that she loved going to church....ANY day!

That night, I thanked God, once again, for my parents, for the faith they introduced us to, for the example they set for our children. I thanked Him for my "little sister", Marianne, and her husband, Jeff, and for the way they are leading their precious girls. I thanked Him for letting us all grow at our own pace and in His time. I thanked Him for wisdom, and peace.

No matter where we are in our faith, God's plan is unfolding all the time. It is a plan that knows no bounds in reaching others.

"...a healthy, robust community that lives right with God, and enjoys getting along, treating each other with dignity and honor..." That's right where I want to be.

Be blessed today!

Update on Christine

2007-01-26T19:27:00.000-06:00

Some of you have heard that Christine is in the hospital. She has had quite a bit of sickness with this pregnancy and has become very dehydrated. She has lost 3-1/2 lbs. since Wednesday of this week. She is Medical Center of Arlington under the care of her OB/GYN, who is wonderful! He delivered Jack, too! They are giving her IV fluids and we are prayerful that she will feel better in a couple of days (or sooner!) She is also experiencing some abdominal pain due to the continued vomiting she has had. The doctor says the baby's heartbeat is strong and that right now, Christine needs to take of Christine!
Please keep her and Matt in your prayers, as he is staying with her. Jack is at our house and is doing well. When he said his prayers, he said "Dear God...thank you for this day, help mommy feel good and my baby and my daddy...amen!" Out of the mouths of babes...
May your days always be blessed...

2007....

2007-01-23T21:42:00.000-06:00

We're more than half-way through January and I can't believe it. 2007 has already been eventful for our family. I thank all of you for your precious prayers and constant faith during Roy's surgery this past Friday. The surgery went well, and he is on the mend. The defribillator is much larger than we had anticipated...he enjoys showing off his new "pec", though he is a little lopsided right now! We are hopeful for an improved quality of life and more time to enjoy our kids and grandkids...by the way, in case you haven't heard...there's another little Pinson on the way! About the size of a gummy bear right now, he or she will be born in late July or early August. We are prayerful that Christine will feel better with this pregnancy and that she will be able to enjoy the anticipation of a new little one. Jack is busy! I called the other night to just say hi and when they asked if he wanted to say hi to Mimi, he said "no...I'm watching Deal or No Deal!" Oh well...
I am excited about all that this New Year will bring...I am praying that God will continue to bless us in our walk and that we will grow in Him. We hope that this year will bring much good to you and your family!
Be blessed...

I Remember...

2006-12-03T20:38:00.000-06:00

I'm "borrowing" this from a friend!

Hot chocolate or eggnog? Hot Chocolate with mini marshmallows, lots of them, and a spoon! Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Each stocking is laid in a certain place and that is where the gifts are put. Colored lights on your tree/house or white? I love colored, but my kids say NO. So we use all white! Do you hang mistletoe? Sometimes When do you put up decorations? Thanksgiving weekend, and this year it was 80 degrees! What does your favorite christmas meal include? We go to our family farm on Christmas day and a couple of years ago, we started deep frying a turkey...yummy! Everyone brings their favorite side dishes, ranging from cranberry salad to tamales! We love variety! Favorite christmas memory from childhood? When I was growing up, we spent Christmas at my dad's parents house, and it was such fun! But, one year, we went to my Grandma Sally's house (my mom's mom). She lived in a little 2 bedroom house in south Dallas. Lots of memories were made there, but this Christmas is one that I will never forget. When we got there, she had orange peels, cloves and cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove. It's one of my very favorite memories! How and when did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth? Did something happen to Santa? Please...let me know!!! Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? It depends on where we are. Sometimes we'll open one just for fun! How do you decorate your christmas tree? With TONS of stuff, from items our kids made, ornaments given to us over the years, and my favorites...3 Baby's First Christmas! They made our Christmases so great! Snow! Love it or leave it? Love it! But, Texans need to learn to S L O W DOWN while driving on ice and snow. Can you ice skate? Absolutely not. I fall down for no reason on a regular basis. Do you remember your favorite gift? The one I remember is when I got my first hot rollers...wow, they've come a long way. AND, when I was very little, my older sister and I got a kitchen set and baby cribs for our dolls, and apparently I climbed over all of it and got the bottle of bubbles out of my stocking and was perfectly happy! What's the most important thing about christmas for you? I love being with my family, even some we don't see very often. But, as I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize how very much I enjoy the celebration of Jesus' birth on that day. He is the ULTIMATE Christmas gift! What is your favorite christmas tradition? We're actually building our tradition since our kids have grown up. We go to Christmas Eve Service and then come home, get on the pajamas, and have a huge breakfast! (And of course, my favorite tradition is the one where Jack gets to be at Mimi's and Pappy's every other Christmas morning!) What tops your tree? Big plaid bows. We used to have an angel for the top, but she got broken! What is your favorite christmas song? Silent Night, hands down. But I also love the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing "Happy Birthday Jesus" and also the song "Here With Us".

What about you?

My prayer for each person who reads this and enjoys the memories is that you will truly feel the spirit of Christmas this year. God gave us His Son, and He is best gift anyone could receive!
Be blessed...

I love Thanksgiving...

2006-11-26T22:18:00.000-06:00

It IS my favorite holiday! I remember that, as a child, we had certain things we did on certain holidays. Thanksgiving was a time to go to my dad's cousin's house in Dallas. After lunch, the guys would go to the Cowboy game and the girls would go to NorthPark to see the decorations. Large gatherings, lots of family, limitless food, and so much fun! Over the years, it eventually came to my house and so now, my family comes here for the annual holiday!
This year, I had not been feeling well, so my girls and my sister dove right in and got the house ready, shopped for groceries and helped with all the details. And, as always, it was so much fun! My parents came up on Wednesday and my mom made the turkey and dressing! Just watching Jack's and Mary Kate's eyes looking at the dessert table made it fun! (Who doesn't love a good dessert table!) The weather was beautiful and so the kids, little AND big, played football in the backyard, laid in the hammock and had fun in the swings! Matt and Brad and my nephew Peter went to the Cowboy game with my dad's cousin. And at the end of the day, most of the nieces and nephews were asleep somewhere in my house. I just love Thanksgiving!
But, Friday morning brought something very unsettling. During the night, while we slept, someone was bold enough to come onto our driveway and slash (and I mean this in the worst possible way!) the tires on my Expedition and Emily's Explorer. We were horrified. I can't really explain it, but as I began to think about it, I was just so sad. What would possess someone to do this? When the police came, the first question was "Have you made someone mad?". The conclusion was that this was a random act of violence and had occurred elsewhere in the area.
I couldn't sleep Friday night...I kept looking out the window. Would they come back? Was this a case of mistaken identity? Did they think someone else lived here? It didn't matter. It happened.
As difficult as it was, I began to pray for this person(s)and asked God to take away my fear AND my anger. This was ALOT of money! And money aside, it caused fear to bubble up inside me and I don't like that. I know that God will use this experience to help me grow and maybe somewhere down the road, the one or ones who did this will feel some remorse and turn to God for forgiveness. That's what I am praying for.
I still love Thanksgiving...because I know it is about something far greater than any possession that I have. I am thankful for my family, my friends, and a God of comfort who reminds me that HE is always here.
Be blessed today!

Happy Birthday Emily!

2006-11-19T22:22:00.000-06:00

As my children get older, the birthdays get harder. That sounds ridiculous, I am sure. I am so proud of my children and so happy that they have grown into adults who love the Lord and serve Him with all their being. I guess the difficulty I have is that the years remove us more and more from the time when they were little, and I loved that time!!
Emily was a surprise package! I had a miscarriage the December before I got pregnant with her in February and didn't even know if I could carry another child. But we were blessed and she was born on November 19, 1982, just 6 weeks after we had moved back to Texas from Iowa.

Emily was a born princess. Not the snobby one...the sweet one.Her favorite thing to wear were dresses, preferably ones that twirled! She is the middle child and I do believe in the "middle child" stuff! She had a sister who people stopped to watch sing and act, and a baby brother who came along before she was even 2.
But, she adjusted. She is the source of many happy and fun memories that we relive often by just getting out the old video tapes. Her storytelling about the most "beautifullest princess" was a favorite...guess what the princess's name was?
She recently moved out after being home for about a year working on her Masters. She has a cute efficiency in the Cultural District in Ft. Worth and loves her job as a Social Worker. But, I miss her. I admit...I was ill-prepared for the move!
She has overcome difficult situations in her life by just being Emily! When she had to move to a new high school as a Sophomore, a decision based alot on her sister's illness, she never complained. As a Senior at Fort Worth Christian, she was Homecoming Queen and Miss Ft. Worth Christian! That's the kind of girl she is...wherever she is, she is loved. She has brought so much joy to everyone who knows her! She loves tenderly and fiercely and is her baby brother's and big sister's biggest cheerleader.

From a pretty little princess to a beautiful young woman, she has grown with grace. Her love for the Lord is her priority and I am just so proud of her!

Happy birthday Em...you are still the princess!

How has the Lord worked in your life?

2006-10-18T22:17:00.000-05:00

Tonight at church, Rick had the most wonderful lesson. This is not unusual. What was unusual was that he asked for people to share what the Lord had done in their life recently.
He first called on Matt, our precious son "in law". Matt stood and begin to speak of how God had worked through the past few weeks in his family's life. He told of how God's timing had doctors present when Christine experienced one of her "spells" of great pain and agony...yes, agony. He told how that because of this timing, the doctors were able to identify the source of this problem. It's been 8 years! He shared the grief that has gripped each of us for so long as we watched her suffer. He told of how there happened to be a doctor in Dallas who performs the procedure that fixes this problem on people from around the world. He told of how that doctor was able to fit Christine into his busy schedule, while she was having these symptoms. The diagnosis was clear, the problem was evident, and the hand of God reached down and guided the doctors hands in correcting the problem. He shared more and then, he reached down to the very depth of his soul and said...She is my heart. His voice cracked, and then he thanked everyone for bathing the family, and especially him, Christine and Jack, in their prayers.
Matt has been aware of Christine's medically fragile history since before he even knew her. He has loved and cared for her in a way that has shown us that God picked him especially for our daughter. He's blessed as well. They have made a home together and given us such a precious grandson.
How do I know when God works in my life? I saw a wonderful example of it tonight...
May God bless YOU with a "Matt" in your life...

My cup runneth over...

2006-10-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year...and these are 2 of my favorite blessings! I just love all the colors that the changing season brings, the cool weather that follows unbearable Texas summers, and the opportunities we have to spend extra special time with family and friends. I agree with my mother, who also loves the fall, especially Thanksgiving...by the time we see fall, stores already have Christmas displays out and some of the most beautiful times we have to be together are sometimes hurried and rushed.
Logan celebrated his first birthday in September and Jackson turned five in October! As you can see, South Dakota is already looking like fall - I'm a little jealous! It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since Logan came into the world. And, it's amazing and miraculous what has happened in his life in that year! Jackson continues to grow and we just feel so blessed by these two little boys!

Jackson turns 5!

Logan turns 1!

During this upcoming holiday season, I pray that your family feels the blessings and has extra special time to enjoy them! This has been a year of ups and downs for our entire family. There have been several occasions where we felt more than overwhelmed. This year, I will thanking God in a special way for the way He has remained faithful to us.

May your days be blessed...

God is so good...

2006-10-10T13:40:00.000-05:00

Well, after I posted, there was another scare. Christine was re-admitted to the hospital on Sunday night with internal bleeding. Quick thinking and a wonderful doctor, and the grace of our God, helped to diagnose this quickly and treat it. Christine is now back home and we are just praising God for His intervention time and time again. I have watched her long journey with such grief - grief that she had to suffer so long, and grief as Emily and Brad had to deal with the grave issues their sister was facing, grief that Matt has had to watch his precious bride suffer so much, and grief that Jack was missing his mommy so much. On Sunday night, when Auntie Emily brought him to our house and tried to get him to go to bed, she told him that mommy was sick and they needed to pray for her. Her heart broke as Jack broke down into tears and cried and said "oh, no mommy...mommy's sick". He fell asleep snuggled up with Auntie around 2 AM.
But now, joy replaces that sadness. I know that God is blessing so many through the trials that Christine has faced and that He is so pleased at how she handled them. She has never lost faith, doubted God, or questioned Him in her suffering. She has just prayed for healing.
I am so thankful for all her precious friends, her Christian sisters, her devoted family and mostly for the God of all goodness. To all her friends and sisters and family...you have encouraged Christine so much, and I have been encouraged by your sweetness and love for her and her family. All of you who have called, visited, sent cards, prepared meals, and PRAYED without ceasing...may God bless you continually as you serve Him so graciously.
May His blessings be yours today!

A scary day...

2006-10-06T18:08:00.000-05:00

Many of you have already heard that Christine spent the afternoon in the Emergency Room. She has a blood clot in her arm from around where her pic line was. Her symptoms were scary, but they sent her home with blood thinners. She will go in and see the doctor on Monday morning. If she has any funny feelings until then, she is to return to the ER.
We are all prayerful that this is just a small bump in the road.
Keep her in your prayers!
Blessings to you...

A New Season...

2006-10-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

I won't write much. I am hoping Christine will post soon. She is home! Matt brought her home tonight and she is resting. Jack and Boz welcomed them home, along with Mimi, Giggi and Pawpaw.
I am praying for a new season for Christine. She has suffered far too long. This is not a "fix-all", but certainly is a huge step and she is already beginning to feel the difference. Christine, Matt and Jack deserve the sweetness of a life full of joy and peace, and God has blessed them in the past and will bless them in the future. Now, hopefully, they can start a new chapter, where Mommy feels so much better.
Over the last couple of weeks, in the wee hours, while I watched her sleep, I asked myself over and over why we didn't seek this answer years ago. I was comforted by Patty's words that God had used Christine to minister to others through her pain and her past. The type of problem she has is not common and takes a highly specialized doctor to treat it. She is blessed by wonderful doctors, Dr. Greve, Dr. Buksh, Dr. Nackley, and Dr. Tarnasky. They have stayed with her on this journey and helped her get to the bottom of a rare illness. And now I feel a peace about that. God has a new season for the Pinson family and it starts now.
Thanks for all your prayers! Be blessed today...

An update on Christine...

2006-09-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

So many of you have asked and so many of you are praying, and so I thought I would give an update on Christine. She entered the hospital on Wednesday, September 20 and is still there. She is in extreme pain and unable to function, basically. They put in a pic line on Tuesday, to avoid a blood clot in her neck, which is where her 4th or 5th IV had been put. Many of you know that Christine has battled pancreatitis for many years and other health issues that have compounded. Right now, the doctors seem to be in agreement that she has Celiac Sprue, which is the body's inability to process gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, oats - all that stuff they say we should be eating!). She also has a liver issue which she will be operated on for in a few weeks.
Christine has been fighting a physical battle for years and so I would just ask that you all pray that God will bless her with some relief when she has this procedure done and is on the gluten-free diet. She wants so much to be home with her precious family.
It is difficult when your "child" is sick, but such a great blessing that she is married to Matt, an amazing man. Jack is doing well and goes to see her every day. He usually marches in and says "HI, Mommy!" Then, if she has peas or mashed potatoes on her plate, he is more than happy to climb right up in the bed with her. Giggi and Mimi are switching off and we are happy to be here to do that.
But, we are ready to have her healthy, too! (Matt is getting tired of making out lesson plans, too!) Jack also has an amazing sitter, Miss Brenda, whom he just loves and that has helped that he has been able to go and play with his friends!
I just know that any day, Christine will be posting again and we will all be blessed with her amazing insight.
Pray hard!
May God bless you for doing so!

Home is where your story begins...

2006-09-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

I have a little plaque in my office that says "Home is where your story begins...". I just love it. I see it every morning when I go in and many times, when I look up at it, a memory will come to me. My first home was in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I was born in a clinic, lived in an army barrack with my parents, my big sister and her dog! Many different homes followed, but they were always okay, because my daddy and mama were there!

Some of the things I love most about my home are...

This man. He is a rock. He is a Christian first, an amazing husband, wonderful father, precious pappy/grandpa, loyal friend, patient fisherman, comic,and so much more. God has blessed our lives with Roy.

Jack Swanklin (Franklin). Named for his pappy, he wears his name proudly. It takes a special boy to carry such a big name. And what could be better than baseball? Baseball with Pappy Swanklin!

My precious children. Born in this order...Christine, Emily, Brad...but loved equally! Matt joined the crew when he married Christine - and now they have Jack!

New friends. This is Jack's friend, Clay. Or, so you would think! Actually he is Emily's boyfriend and a guy who is welcome in our home ANY time! We just love him!

Jojo and MKate. Better known as Melissa Jo and Mary Kate, my precious little nieces! They bring laughter and joy to our home and we are always happy to see them!

Another thought comes to mind...and I think about the phrase "Home is where your story begins" again. My story on this earth is long, with bumps and valleys, but many happy times recorded in my life. Home will also be where my story will continue...my heavenly home. I can hardly wait to see those who have already gone there! The stories we will share then!

It seems so sad when we lose someone we care about to death. But then I try to remember that their "new story" is about to begin. And that is so with our friend and brother, Byron Nelson. He left this earth, but his story continues. As amazing as his life in golf was, his life for the Lord was so much more! And now he is receiving an eternal reward. Bless you Byron, for touching our lives in so many ways!

May you all be blessed today!