God Answers Prayers

The boys prayed Tuesday night that it would snow. As we woke up Wednesday morning, Meleah looked out the window and says, "Snow! Mom, we need to wake up the boys right now! We are so lucky!" I thought I would try to get them to do a little school before going out because it still was coming down. Nope. I couldn't even get them to eat breakfast. It sure is pretty when it sits on the trees. Bob was supposed to do Wildland Fire Training. He asked the Instructor if they normally had to shovel snow before the drill.

The boys picked out these winter coats. I tried to get them to get something that was different from each other but winter camo. was all they would agree to. They threw many snowballs. The day wasn't over before they were enemies because one of them got snow down the other's shirt. The sad thing is the snow was pretty much gone by evening. Maybe we will get a little more today.

I think this is Meleah. She is the only one with purple on her coat. The kids now recognize snow clouds. They are different from rain clouds. They are gray and they are looking forward to seeing them more often.

The mountains sure do look pretty covered in snow. It just makes everything look pretty. It covers all the ugly in a pretty blanket of white.

Help us name this guy. I would call him a snowman but he doesn't quite fit the mold. Maybe a snow cone? Snow pillar? Snow puppy? Popsicle? It was sad, at dinner the kids looked out and watched him do a face plant. Poor snow puppy???

Am I more Eagle or Chicken?

We weren't able to go to church today so we listened to one of the online sermons. It was a good one by Brandon Tarbell, The Real Thing With A Better Idea. It was based on an e-mail about a teacher that asked a class to compare slogans to God. Some examples were:

• God is like Scotch tape. You can't see Him but you know He is there.
• God is like Tide, He gets the stains out that others leave behind.
• God is like Coca Cola, He is the Real Thing.
• God is like Bayer Aspirin, He performs miracles.
• God is like Dial Soap, Aren't you glad you know Him and don't you wish everyone did?

He tied everyone of those things to scripture. At the end, Brandon made a comment about Eagles and Chickens. He was quoting something but I missed the source. It reminded me of Glenn's sermon. It really struck me. The story was pointing out how chickens fret and fuss trying to fly and never get off the ground. Eagles, however, wait for the right moment until the wings of God lift them up.But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

I think I have been thinking more like a chicken lately than an eagle. Feeling overwhelmed with the cares and concerns that come our way. Bob's health, the four weeks left of his Academy, the house that we will need to live in in 2 months, trying to make sure I teach the children, support and encourage the local here, etc. It does sound like a chicken list. I needed the reminder to rely on God and not our own strength.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

Peach Trees in the Fall

Just pretty.

Is he taller?

It seems to me, everytime that I look at him he is taller. Since we were sick, Cody went to work with Russell Bell. He got up, made his lunch, got his stuff together. Maybe I have just had more time to notice in the last week.

Cody is now reading the Henty books-historical fiction, boy adventures. He will go through his school reading books like lightning. He would love to learn how to use the chainsaw and is upset that his mother got to learn how to use it before he did. He would love to get a dog-it has to wait until we are not renting. He is excited for snow because we have a great hill on our land. He is building a fort in one of the barns. He would love to have a cell phone, Facebook account and his own blog but, unfortuately, you have to be 13 to sign any contract/agreement. Bummer. He is also very good at assembling things. He could probably hire himself out to assemble bikes for Christmas or something. He put our tv/computer/VCR/DVD player back together when we moved and is the one that took it down and packed it in Arizona.

He is very homesick for his friends and life in Arizona. We are counting the days until Reunion.

Swine Flu Survivors

At least, I hope so. We both have been sick. I know I had the swine flu. I have lost this whole week to it. It robbed me of company this weekend. Bob is trying desperately to avoid contact with us so that he doesn't get it.

He just found out Friday that he can go back to light PT. He is very excited and doesn't want the flu to interfere.

So far the boys have seemed to avoid it, for now anyway. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Meleah had it less severe but still slowed her down a bit.

We wore our masks when not in the "sick room". Today, Saturday, we still have coughs. Haven't check our temp. yet though. Ready to be done. I told Amy Moser she should come up with a Swine Flu Survivor t-shirt. It could give hope to the world. Well, at least there is a large target group.

An Inviting Leaf Pile

What could be more inviting than a pile of leaves? Travis didn't have to be persuaded to rake these leaves into a pile. Here in the city, they have a special leaf vacuum that comes once a week to suck up the leaves. Well Travis and Meleah had to take advantage of them before they were swept into the street.

Here is Meleah, getting ready to jump. You can't really tell that she still has a 99 degree fever but maybe the exercise will help stimulate her immune system.

This is just about how I feel when seeing all the beautiful leaves.

Here comes Travis. He thought he should start from the other side of the street. The pile is just so huge.

His form is good. I do think I would have gone with more of the Meleah style myself. A little easier on the knees perhaps.

The tree was in the way in this picture. This was just one of the many jumps that were enjoyed Friday.

Travis has been so helpful. He has been disinfecting everything for us. Refilling our water and bringing us food. He is a wonderful boy to have around.

Scripture of the Day

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Lamentations 3:22-25

I have been feeling a great spiritual battle in my mind and getting discouraged but I will share my testimony about it another time. This scripture is what I felt I should read this morning. At church yesterday, we were reminded of the days we are living in and the adversary is trying to deceive the very elect. The verse before the ones quoted above says,"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."

Great Aunt Amy

My parents have made the decision to move Amy into an Assisted Living Group Home. Crystal tells me that they have been taking her during the day this week to help her transition. She was shocked at Amy's response. She took extra time getting ready. The home she will be in has a few other ladies. She ate more than she ever would at my Mom and Dad's. They were having a difficult time getting her to eat anything. In fact, Crystal was getting ready to take her home one day and she didn't want to leave. She was planning on staying. I think this will be a good move for everyone. A move, I know, my Mom needs and Crystal as well. It will be for everyone's good.


I came across one of her Sunday School lessons and found this poem-unknown who the author is.

Neighbor

Neighbor, it is to you I look,

As I glance up from my book;

That Book of books, where lies the plan

To save the soul of human man.

Neighbor, if you cause me to love

You, as upon the earth you move.

You will help me reach the goal

Which holds safety for the soul.

Or if by bearing trials sore,

You chance to make me love you more,

Again you brighten my prospects

Of doing as the Lord directs.

Yet if you hate me at your will,

And I can aught but love thee still,

'Tis best, the record will say of me,

That I have loved an enemy.

Be what you may, do what you will,

'Tis still by you I climb the hill,

Where Christ may say the words himself:

"You've loved thy neighbor as thyself."

Monday, 13 years ago...

Bob and I just celebrated 13 years of marriage. That thirteenth year was a crazy one. The first time Bob was in the hospital, moving the family for the first time, buying a house, remodeling a house and fixing it all up. Just a big year. We were joking that now that we are entering into year 14 things will be different. Maybe just a little hopeful knowing that the Electritian, Plumber, Sheetrockers and who knows who else will all come asking us for money. Not sure how that could be better but there shouldn't be anymore crazy house suprises, right? Just that awful 13 number.

Whatever God throws our way, I am blessed to be able to share it with Bob.

This tree, above and below, holds almost all the fall colors. It is amazing.

Just more lovely colors. God's creation is beyond comprehension.

Fall is my favorite season.

This is one of our trees. I missed getting it at it's most brilliant color but still pretty.

I missed fall the most in Arizona.

Popeye Syndrome

Popeye Syndrome and Rambodosis were my personal favorite mix-ups for Rhabdomyolysis. I guess according to one Cross-Fit trainer, it is caused by simple, repetitive movements-push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, etc. Well that is the workout that the guys did. Something like run a mile, 100 push-ups, 200 pull-ups, 300 squats, run a mile. (I get mixed up which one is which exercise but needless to say it was repetitive and the pull-ups did him in.) One doctor said that the use of ibuprofen(for his back) contributed to it as well. Now he isn't allowed to use ibuprofen or tylenol. Anyway, they seem to be making it work for Bob at the Fire Academy but the other guys still get to be blasted while Bob is only allowed to watch. He said it is almost harder to watch them. Yesterday, they were rapelling and his did wish he could have joined them for that training.


Here I am between visits to the hospital. Updates via text messages. I love it. The kids and I went to Chin-Chin, the closest thing to Panda Express. Not as cheap or quick, yet tasty.

Friday morning in this picture. The kids really didn't enjoy seeing Bob in the hospital. They loved playing with the bed and all the gadgets. This was Bob's first experience being a patient and he doesn't want to repeat it. This hospital made us appreciate private rooms.

His arms swelled up and it felt like his skin was going to start gushing if it was poked. By the time he left the hospital, he was so full of fluids he said that his back even jiggled. He gained ten pounds while in the hospital.

This was the first night, Thursday. (Still haven't figured out how to put the pictures in the order I want them.)

This was Monday, the crazy workout day. Here are the blisters, that were from the original injury. I thought it was amazing the difference in this picture and the one in the hospital. Look how little his forearms are here and how big they were in the hospital.

We are almost back to this. Still a little puffy around the knuckles. He will see the kidney doctor today. He still has waves of nausea, which David Larsen said he had for a year and a half. Usually, just in the morning.

I never imagined that I would ever hear Bob ask me, "Did you see how clear my urine is?" Nice. It could be worse I am sure.

I am thankful that they did catch it so quickly. I know that there is a reason behind this and I praise God for His guidance and comfort through it all.

Thanks for your prayers, texts, phone calls and love! I love our church family.

Ancient Egyptian Honey Cakes Anyone?

For school this year we are studying World History. Right now we are just finishing the time period of the Egyptians. Our Sonlight Curriculum uses Historical Fiction to supplement their text book. One of the main characters couldn't wait to have Honey Cakes at the major Festival to celebrate the flooding of the Nile. Keep in mind his main diet included raw onions, lentils and bread. We read that they only used honey to sweeten things. In the Sonlight Cooks cookbook there was a recipe so we thought we would try it out. Usually, when cooking, I only let one of them help at a time because it can be crazy but this time I just supervised. The kids each did their part.
Travis, the organizer, is telling Cody which ones to dip in the Honey Syrup. The ones in the front were still hot.

Travis is stirring the honey syrup.

Meleah is taking pictures.

Cody is doing the measuring. A good lesson in fractions.

Travis decides he would rather read the directions than measure. Some of the words were unfamiliar. "Mom, we need grat-ed clawv-es." Grated cloves.


The finished product.

Ancient Honey Cakes.

I have a whole container of them. They are sickeningly sweet. Bob could only eat half of one. The kids liked them. They were kind of like a sweet granola bar dipped in cinnamon honey syrup. It was fun to make them. The kids did a great job, even cleaned up-being directed by mom. They can help in the kitchen without ending up with a mess all over the place.

Week three of the Academy

Bob is in pretty rough shape. They have been running-crazy running, all the Fire training stuff, pulling hoses, raising ladders, doing the Cross-Fit workouts(If you don't know what that is: 200 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, enough pull-ups to create all the blisters you see below, run so far, kettle bell swings-the ones that created the last back injury- and other stuff I am sure. Then the next day is something like row for a distance of 200-400 meters as fast as you can plus a bunch of other stuff. It changes everyday.)

You know Bob, he doesn't complain. Karen Bell says that she hasn't seen him smile for two months now. He can't straighten his arms. His muscles are all tightened up and so the best he can do is look like a gorilla. His hands hurt and so he has to pick stuff up differently. Then he has to face the fact that he doesn't have time to mow the grass because he has tests to study for and papers to write and a sermon to prepare and his wife does it.(I should have the boys mow, that might go over better.) In a nutshell, he is having a rough time.

Here is where they have been running. Bob compares it to Squaw Peak. Listen to all the names. This trail is located in the Devil's Kitchen area, the trail is called Serpent's Trail, and they run up to Hell's Gate. Sounds like fun. The first week they ran up really quick. The second week Bob said he started out to fast, trying to keep up, and they get back to the bottom and they start up the SECOND time. He was dry heaving and didn't do so well. He said the instructor said something like, the first week we ran up once, the second week we ran up twice, so what do you think we will do the third week?

This is when he reminds himself of why he is doing this. Could we live on his retirement? Etc. I think that it is harder than he even thought. Yet, the 20 something guy is having just as difficult a time as Bob. They had to help each other into their turnout gear the other day.

Keep praying. Seven more weeks to go. (One guy told him that it takes six weeks for your Cardiovascular system to catch up-they aren't going to worry about that, I guess.)