Holiday Weekend

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

We enjoyed a celebration of our love on Valentines Day. We had a feast cooked up by good friends (Doug and Sally, thank you) and the family just enjoyed the evening together.
Susan has been on her new medicine for the nerve pain in her shoulder that often has gone up and down right arm. So far she has not seen much difference but we are hopeful that it just takes awhile to overcome the pain. In the meantime, we are using Lidocaine patches on her arm to sooth the nerve endings in the applied area. They have been working great but they are a 12 hours on, 12 hours off type of medication. So keep praying that the shoulder pain can be relieved with the medicine and that Susan can be comfortable.
Today we are going over to Leavenworth, WA to stay with Susan's sister-in-law's, sister Jan and her family. They are nestled in the Cascade Mountains and we are going over to enjoy the area, their family and do some sight seeing, shopping, etc. Leavenworth is a small Bavarian community that is a fun place to go see and experience. We will relax and enjoy. Mary, Laura and Kayla will go and will play with their kids. Susan will be comfortable with her meds. Pray all goes well on the road over (about 4 hours) and during the stay. We are really looking forward to it.
Here is a picture of Kayla, Laura and Susan working on a snowfort in front of our house. The winter lingers on and we look forward to Spring. Although Susan wants it to snow, snow, snow. Thanks to all who have been regulars to this blogsite and for the prayers. We are truly blessed to have you be a part of us.

"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." 2 Corinthians 4:17

Home School Mom's ReUnion

Last night Gwynne Fleener helped me organize an evening of fellowship with all my homeschool friends from way back in the early 90's. There were 16 of us mothers. We all went around and shared how our families were doing. It was such a blessing for me to see how God is still working in these families' lives. And the updates on all the kids was wonderful. Those were great days working with such Godly mothers.
Had a very encouraging doctors appointment today. My lungs show now new signs of fluid buildup. Also from what tumors he could see on my chest x-ray the cancer appears stable. I have been dealing with terrible pain in my right neck shoulder and upper forearm. he thinks maybe a tumor may be pushing on some nerves. We are hopeful a nerve medication will help. We walked out really rejoicing with the overall news and God's answered prayers. Thank you for all your prayers on my behalf.

Reflecting

My parents, Doug and I are still reflecting on our wonderful trip to Phoenix. Sarah was able to spend some nice time with her cousin Lindsey. So thankful I was able to go. Thank you for all your prayers to get us there and back.
My devotion for Feb 8th in Streams in the Desert was written just for ME.
"Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear. Instead, as they arise look at them with the full assurance that God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. Has'nt He kept you safe up to now? So hold His loving hand tightly, and He will lead you safely through all things. And when you cannot stand, He will carry you in His arms. Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today, will take care of you tomorrow and everyday. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it. Be at peace then and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries..."
I know this was lengthy and we thank you for taking time to read. It was just so appropriate for where Doug and I are in this journey. Please pray that we will keep our eyes on Jesus and keep our thougths focused on His Word.
"Surely I am with you always." Matthew 28:20

We are home sweet home!

Arrived home around 3pm. Just in time to start greeting the children as they arrived home from school. How good it felt to give each one a big hug. Everyone did great, animals were still alive and the house was clean. We are so thankful for the Yost's, Wilkey's and Nan Spinazza for helping us with the younger girls. Nathan took off on Monday, but was delayed in D.C. for one night. The airline put him up for the night. He was happy. He is flying right now to Kuwait.
Thank you for your prayers as we said our good-byes, my parents and I. They gave me a beautiful card which I will reread and cherish. It was such a nice trip, very relaxing. Doug & I had so much fun together. We all played games, did 2 jigsaw puzzles. So nice having that time with Sarah also.

"Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures." Psalm 119:89-90

Saying Goodbye

Things are winding down for our visit. Tonight we went to Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa for dinner. With us, in the picture, is Christian (my nephew) his wife Laurel and their two sons. Also my Mom and Dad, brother Rick and his wife Cheryl were along. We had a grand ole time listening to songs on a huge organ and other instruments to tunes of Phantom of the Opera, patriotic songs, polkas, etc. It was a sweet time together just having fun and talking between perfomances. We also said good byes to dear friends Roger, Lisa and Nick Dreckman that afternoon. Pray for me as I say good bye to my parents Tuesday morning. It will be difficult.

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!" 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Wow! What a game!

Doug and I watched the Super Bowl game at my parents house with my brother. We had a good jigsaw puzzle going which I delighted myself with during the game. Sarah was with the Dreckmans who had a wonderful Super Bowl party. My mom made some delicious appetizers and it all made for a lovely time had by all.
Started raining through the night and is still raining this morning. Makes for a cozy atmosphere visiting with Mom and Dad. Thank you for prayers. Children at home are all doing well. Nathan took off this morning as well from back home. He is heading back to Iraq. We had a wonderful time with him while he was home. God Bless you Nathan back in harms way.

Blue Sky

Saturday 8am, Blue Sky 43 degrees. Birds woke us up chirping outside. Yesterday we had a high of 63 degrees. Sarah and Doug got in a good hike yesterday afternoon while I took a nap. We then went down to the community pool and hot tub and laid in the sun. Felt so good having that sun shine down on our white little bodies.
I am just so very thankful God gave us this opportunity to come see Mom and Dad. We are having wonderful moments together.
Played games last night and are putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Today we hope to get out into the desert a bit and also see Doug's nephew Christian, Laurel and family who live in Maricopa. It is quite green here from all the rain.

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8