Coming back...

So many changes - and so much has happened over the last THREE YEARS (almost... that's kind of embarassing...). I want to start out with some old posts that I still hold close to my heart. This one kind of has a part two in that we moved that peony right up by our door, and my lilac is just getting ready to bloom again. Here is a repost from 2012 - and His faithfulness is still the greatest constant in our lives!

May 10, 2012

Well - I'm musing again....  : ) 

           We have been in a holding pattern for a bit now - still waiting for dates for assorted things, and trying to forget about them (except when we need to).  Working through some mindset challenges that I have at times.  Doing a lot of looking downward (navel gazing, I think they call it : )  ).  Just all in all blah.  Kind of saw this coming - it is my "way".  I tend to start to be overwhelmed after everything is over.  I just had to realize that that is what I was doing I guess.  And it happened in an unexpected way....

         

         It's been raining around here as of late.  Mike and I just finished putting in the first of our plants in the veggie garden (3 tomatoes, and I don't even want to think about how many pumpkin and melon plants!!) when the first drops started on Monday.  Deck was all down, wood neatly piled, plants in.  Check......

        House becomes unbelievably muggy.  First sign something is wrong - asthma starts to act up.  It's the humidity coupled with the fact that my stress levels have finally hit a high (along with some other levels....).  We button down the house and make sure the dehumidifier is working as efficiently as possible.  Albuterol administered.  Crisis averted.  

      Next day rain continues.  Humidity levels are up, but the temperature has dropped.  No air-conditioners have been installed yet (and that is usually done my now since with 2 asthmatics and high pollen counts, that's usually our only source of outside air or coolness..).  Interestingly enough, I have had the windows opened a lot this spring - and up until now neither Michael Ben nor I have had any problems with our breathing.  Knowing I am already compromised, I make the decision to open the windows to let the cooler air in.  The air isn't the only thing that comes in through that open window....

             This is my lilac bush.  Yes - MY Lilac bush.  We actually have two of them - one in the back which is bloomed and done, and one in the front which blooms later.  Although they were both gifts to me from my husband, this one is particularly special.  It was planted by me, on purpose, under that front window, 13 years ago.  The thought was that in the spring I could open the front window and smell lilac - one of my favorite smells.  This bush is a miniature, and will only get to be about 6 feet.  Seemed perfect.  What I didn't know was that the idea hadn't been thought out completely.  Our house SHADES that area (hence the late blooming), and my bush has seen some very slow growth as a result.  About 2 years ago, it "broke" the shade of the house, and the growth since has been extraordinary!  And the blooms went absolutely crazy this year.  I've never been able to enjoy them because of our health "issues", but again - this year is different for some reason.  And add to that the rain which "washes" the pollen out of the air.  Well......  heavenly.  And more than that.  One of my first thoughts was "I've been waiting 13 years for this."  Truly.  13 years.  Funniest thing is that I did absolutely nothing but wait.  Nothing.  Planted it, checked in on occasion (like that time the contractor putting on our siding almost trampled it to death...  : P ), and did nothing else.  Most of the time it wasn't even a thought.  It was just there - part of my life.  But growing, changing and becoming a dream.  Fulfilled.  At just the right time.  When I really needed to look outside.  It was there.  And it changed my gaze.  Made me giddy.  Reminded me of a God who is always there and perfectly faithful.  Who reveals Himself at just the right time and, well, He makes me giddy too......   Here's another reason.....

See that flower that doesn't match the others?  The tight purple bud?  My next surprise.  I LOVE Peonies!!  I planted three bushes near the lilac.  They were beautiful for about three years.  Then something happened.  They caught some kind of mold.  they would come up looking OK, then they would turn white with powdery mold.  The flowers were OK I guess, but the leaves were always damaged.  I eventually had to accept the fact that they were not salvageable.  I had to pull them out.  Another dream - another favorite.  Unfulfilled.  Destroyed.  It broke my heart to tear out those plants.  I had planted them, tended them, and tried to save them.  And they didn't come out easy either.  They had been there awhile.  Put down deep roots.  And it wasn't going to be a clean break.  We have to rip them up in pieces.   Truth be told - Mike did.  I cried.  The other day when we got home,  I noticed "one of these things is not like the others"....  Wait a minute.  Not possible!  We ripped them out.  They were damaged.  They were also LIGHT pink......

That is definitely a Peony plant.  It sheltered under the lilac.  It is healthy.  I cannot wait to see it "in all it's glory".  Dream returned.  Small in the starting.  But leads to a hope and excitement to see it in fruition.  Not from my hand.  From my Father's hand.  Just for me to enjoy......     

OK - more flower pictures.... what is this one?  These two are survivors.  Transplants.  "Dreams" from someone else's garden.  Plants a friend had tended in their garden and the plants had spread so thoroughly that they had to "share their dream" with others.  They gave us some.  They were not in good shape after spending 45 minutes in a car on a hot day. I dropped them in my garden and hoped for the best.  There were three different types of plants.  This one is the only one I have seen so far this year.  But they are rooting in our garden.  We have something - a part of our friend's garden growing in ours.  A shared vision and dream.  One of my other "loves" - κοινωνία (koinonia).  

All of these thought applied to a lot of what was going on in my head. And the thing that came through all the details and webs that wove their way around my heart - was that all of this - from the simple - like gardening - to the great - like the details of my life (surgeries, employment, housing, location, involvement, etc.) have another loving hand that is working toward my good and His glory.  My good and HIS GLORY!!  Even when it is "just a part of my life" that becomes something instantly beautiful. Even when it is something I have had to loose.  And regain.  Even if it is something given that takes root.  He is in it.  All of it.  GREAT is HIS FAITHFULNESS!!

This Summer - 2014

Well - truth be told it is pretty much over. I mentioned to a friend that it feels like the summer that there was no summer. We experienced many transitions over the last month, and looking back - MUCh to be thankful for. God is good even when we don't acknowledge Him - and for that I am grateful. I will be spending the next few days reliving those moments - pictures and all...  : ) Stay tuned!

Crossway Book Review - What's Your Worldview?

On occasion we are sent a book from Crossway to review and comment on. We had the opportunity to review an AWESOME book this time. It was called "What's Your Worldview" and it immediately caught my attention - and also my husband's. He wanted to write the review on it this time - that's how impressed he was! So - here's a "guest post" by my husband, Michael.

"What’s Your Worldview?: An Interactive Approach to Life’s Big Questions  by James N Anderson is an excellent addition to your bookshelf and should be kept handy for all sorts of conversations.

Why this book was so engaging is that it combines one of my favorite forms of literature from my younger years, the “Choose Your Own Adventure” format, with a current passion of mine, theology.  It is winsome in its presentation and intelligent in its form: engaging the reader from the outset and each page summarizing and accurately guiding people through the each worldview crossroad. 

I found it fascinating how changing just one detail along one’s thought and belief process quickly finds you in a different place than you anticipate.

I highly recommend this book for your collection and frequent use." 

Enough said, right? This book is fantastic! You are guided through pages, and at the bottom there are two views - you turn to the page listed next to the one you most agree with - and you're off! And - through this Tuesday, Westminster Bookstore is offering it for 50% off ($5.50). Here is a link to their site with the information to order, but also more reviews and a sample of the book. Definitely something to check in to!

http://www.wtsbooks.com/whats-your-worldview-an-interactive-approach-to-lifes-big-questions-james-n-anderson-9781433538926

Post Op Grace!

Well, I suppose I should also talk about Chris surgery...

This has been over a 2 year process. To read about where Chris "has been" in the whole clef repair process (with pictures!), please feel free to click this link:

http://psalm-8410.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-assorted-upcoming-surgeries-no.html

Obviously we got our dates!

Yesterday could not have gone any better. Truly.  It was really great to see Chris' surgeon, Dr. Seldomridge in his element.  The respectful way he treats everyone, including his team at the hospital, as well as their respect for him was really wonderful to observe.  He was operated on at Lancaster General Hospital - it was SO easy to get in there, everyone went above and beyond to help us and make sure Chris and we were OK.

We arrived a half hour early, and were taken right back.  The check in lady walked us to the next stage and as she left called back "God bless you!" which really stood out to Chris - he has since begun to pray for the woman (whose name we don't know!).  The nurses were patient and gracious.  The IV process was the worst part (for Chris and the nurse who patiently worked with him).  They talked to him, and answered SO many questions from all three of us.  They allowed him to have his custom pillow case (something we picked up from CHOP and Katie - thanks Mrs. Landis!) and his bunny (whom he has had for the last 9 years!) when he went back for the procedure.  When we visited the gift shop I had brought with us the balloon that hung over his bed at his last surgery 9 years ago! They tried to fill it for us (at no charge and with other customers waiting!), then patiently explained to the crazy worried mom (I call myself sentimental. I think they maybe would drop the "senti" part) that helium balloons frequently don't hold air after nine years (see what I mean - ABOVE and BEYOND!).

He was a little longer than expected, but when we were finally called back it was to dress him and be escorted out. No calling for transport either - his nurse walked us down to the waiting car. Just an over all wonderful experience. Here are some pictures from the day...

MY bags packed and ready - both made by dear friends. Moral support (really! See... sentimental) - and that shiny blue in the front? Yup - that balloon...

Before anything - and dreading the IV...

After and waiting for us to get him out of there!

And - another stunner, but somewhat "normal" for Chris... He is on NO pain medications. He has had 3 teeth pulled, a lip fistula repaired, and a bone graft in his upper jaw, and the little man keeps stating that other than a bit sore, he is FINE. No meds needed (other than his antibiotics!).

We have to be careful that NOTHING (not even his crazy tongue!) bothers that graft site. He also has to be immaculate in his mouth until at least Sunday afternoon, so he is on a clear liquid (and liquid ONLY - no jello) until that time. That's been his biggest hurdle. He is pretty swollen up, but experiencing no bruising (which we were warned about and is pretty common after this type of event). After Sunday, he can have food again - all must be soft, and NO BITING. Very similar to the protocol for the palate repair. By Youth Camp and Wildwood he shouldn't have ANY restrictions. What a vacation that will be! 

We go back to Rothsville for a check up next Friday to have his sites checked, and again the week after (Wed.) to have his stitches removed. I can not believe this is over!!  SO grateful.

Lititz Trips for Chris surgery consultations and what we do for fun!

One perk of our visits to Lancaster for Chris' consulatations? The Rothsville office is right outside of the town of Lititz. We have grown to love Lititz. It is a great place to walk around to pass some time before a 2 hour ride home. Here are some pictures we took while we were there for our "final" surgery consultation...

On the way into the park...

These are some trained ducks - they can spot a tourist anywhere. Wondered why they were so friendly - then Mike spotted the food dispenser. So, being tourists and all, we caved...

Kate the Duck whisperer...

A picture of ALL SIX of us!!!  Note the REALLY short lady on the right... Not long now before I will need stilts. And btw - I am on raised flip flops and trying to stand as straight as possible. Note Kate's bent knees? I am telling you - everyone got Mike's tall genes.

Walking down the park's stream...

To the fountain head...

Where the springs really leave the cave... 

The "friend" Stephen found... We put him back - he was very patient!

The original "Lititz Lion" and the granite sculpture added after the original was defaced.

"In addition to its beautiful stream, its shaded walkways and its well-kept, natural environment, the Park was decorated in 1857 by a lion's head elegantly carved by J. Augustus Beck, a native of Lititz; and strategically placed to the right of the spring-head near the steps. Sometime later, Paul E. Beck, his father, Abraham; and his brother, Herbert, put a stone tablet into the wall at the Springs' head-end, upon which was engraved a German inscription, Gottes Brunnlein hat Wasser die Fulle ("God's Fount is never failing.")" 
( http://www.lititzspringspark.org/lsphistory.html )

AMEN!! Love this plaque!

They have a railroad car that has been turned into a museum as well. It was always closed when we went before. We caught it open!

And we NEVER leave Lititz without a visit to Wilbur chocolate museum!!!!!!

It's a fascinating place! And gives us something to munch on the way home...

Of course these next posts will be the size of a small novel!

It's been a while since I have posted. Life does that sometimes. Also, well, Facebook is back over here, and it is easier to simply do a sentence or two. But I am not a fan of writing small novels on Facebook as posts (I know - wouldn't know that from my small novels on Facebook...), plus there is SO much to say today I decided to do an update. Or a series of them. Or something.

This past week was a big week for us. As most of you know, Christopher, after 2 years of preparation, has finally had his jaw reconstructed. It is over. I will go into a whole lot more detail on that later, but suffice it to say that sometimes you have no idea how much something has become a part of your life until it is no longer a part of your life. I will give his "big day" its own post. Before we go there though (since I am unable to do things out of order...  : ) ), I have to do a "remember when" that really served to encourage me this week!

On June 12th of last year, Katie was in CHOP having a cath/ablation procedure. This is Katie the morning after the procedure.... It's SO Kate! Remember that law that states "An object in motion tends to stay in motion". That was written for my daughter and was why we went ahead with surgery over medication. The child NEVER stops!!!

Unless she has a book in her hands....

And this is her this year... Taller than me by 2 inches (at least!), sharing my shoes, and making our lives more exciting every day. How we LOVE this girl (young woman... )!!! 

 
As we visited the library for some books for the week and Mike and I were attempting to keep up with the kids walking home (hey - we were carrying the books - and they were HEAVY! ), I finally gave Kate the keys and sent her running full till down our street to unlock the door. It was then it occurred to me that she was in the hospital exactly one year ago that day. We have been SO blessed. That whole experience really did give us strength for that day and bright hope for tomorrow (in this case, Chris procedure - June 13th this year.). He has been good to us and our family!

Done school for the year!!

OK - I'll clarify I guess.  Done for the calendar year.  Ever since we started the surgery for Mike circuit, we decided to cancel all breaks.  That meant that Thanksgiving week was a normal week for us - BUT - we are taking December off.  ALL OF IT.  Sooooo - we are done for the calendar year.  Can you possibly hear through the fonts how excited the teacher is??????? SOOOOOO Excited!!!!  Kids over the top happy right now too. We are DONE! So what happens now? I start deep cleaning, of course. And we are starting Christmas decorating (early for us - we try to wait until after Michael Ben has his birthday so things don't all run together, but this year no one seems to mind).  And can I add a little confession here?  The other exciting thing is that we get Mike home for most of the month as well.

The last two days, they cancelled his OT and had him coach people instead. On a strange schedule. It was 11:30 AM until 8 PM. He did go in early to catch up on paper work, but still, the later morning gave us an idea of what having him home means to us. And let me tell you - it means A LOT.  Knowing of course that he will not be "himself" - especially at first.  Still we can't help it.  Mike here adds a level of joy that is missing. And we have missed him.

I have 4 more days to get us ready - and one with him in one piece to get us "set up" before he becomes  one of the kids for a bit. Then again - Michael Ben is getting to the point where he can do a lot of things that used to be squarely in Mike's realm. That will also help. We may have time to rest this season after all - and we sometimes need those rests forced on us - we can be foolish with our time at times.  So - is that bad that I am looking forward to him being here and the forced reduction of schedule?  I'm not convinced it is!!

I'll finish with a picture from "Christmas past"... Hoping to get one this year before the fun starts, but great memories!!