Thank you so much for praying!

Seeing definite improvements in my children! Ron went to work as I knew he probably would. He is not a lazy guy, and he actually seems to like to work... whereever he is! He is not easy to get to sit down for long. I did finally go back to sleep, although whenever someone would disturb me, I was very grouchy! Too tired to be bothered. Today, I have actually relaxed and have hardly done a thing. Good thing, because I have a dr appointment this afternoon, and would not want to make doctor upset about my not resting. I actually feel really tired, and would love to sleep the day away.

I am so glad that my children seem to be getting well... Praise be to Jesus Who does hear and answer prayer. I hope croup never visits our home again... Faithy frightened me more than I can say! Thanks again for your prayers!

Continue to pray for Dad. He actually is still not feeling well! And, pray for that sort-of unspoken, unwritten, request that was mentioned in an earlier post!

By the way, the teens from our church who went to Youth Challenge did an excellent job speaking at our church last night! I wasn't able to go to Youth Challenge as I am sure you could imagine! But, their reports were beautiful! God is really doing great things in their lives, and I am excited to see what He is doing! Oh, and thank you to the teen girls who called me to say hi from Youth Challenge! They made my day! I was feeling so disconnected from them, and wanted so badly to be at Youth Challenge with them, but I really enjoyed their phone call, even if we missed the belching contest... Don't ask... yes, it is gross, but you never know what these girls are doing on their spare time :-) That was another year's memory!

My helpers for Children's Church are doing an excellent job as well. When we are through with the construction theme, we plan on doing a "Beginnings" theme. Thanks to Lauren M., Ron, Karen B., some teens, Electa H., and several others (especially Mel Y. who loaned and donated some material for our present theme), Children's Church marches on. All I really have to do is organize, plan, and hand out jobs (which is work, but kind-of fun!). They do the tough work. And, that is beautiful to me! And, more "restful." Hope to get some pictures posted of the construction theme soon.

The church had Pastor Appreciation night last night, and it was fun... for this was the first time in probably two weeks that I have gone to church, and I have missed it! (I don't usually make it a habit to miss church :-) but I didn't have much choice in the matter.) We have an awesome pastor and family, and I sure hope they enjoyed the fellowship and gifts. Their friendship means so much to our family!

Well, I need to go. Thanks again for all your prayers... Oh, and one more thing, I was told that they weren't able to do that surgery on my uncle... so keep praying for him, too. Well... there's the news... good and bad... but, we are marching on.

Calling all Believers to Prayer!

Please, help me pray! It is the middle of the night, and in answer to one child's cry, I found fever number one... low-grade, but very present- axillary 99.9 F, Charity! NOT HER TOO! Upon return to my bedroom, after giving infant Tylenol and water to baby, I discover that husband is hot to the touch! 99.8 F... orally, low-grade but very present! Second child, who already has croup awakens, coughs, and goes to bathroom... hot to touch! 99.7 F axillary... cries! Me, no fever, just tears! In case you are wondering, I did mine axillary as well and it is only 97.1. Yeah! Got a little tickle in the throat, but I am fine. I fear Charity is catching the croup as she did cough a bit, but Ron... well, his story is... well, I... oh, you don't want to know! It is not fun. I am scared. Yes, happy jolly Sarah is scared and I am not sure when I will be able to go back to sleep... bedrest is out of the question, unless I have some serious help today. I am sure Ron will probably feel a little better in the morning, I think he usually does, and he will probably go on to work. He's a pretty tough guy... I am not as tough... I need two or three to gather in Jesus' name for us... will you?

When it rains, it pours!

And, we are drenched here! I have not been obeying my doctor! You would just have had to be here to know why!

Believe it or not, FAITH HAS CROUP! It has been one of the more scary illnesses my children have ever had... It is a terrifying thing knowing your child can hardly breathe! And, the hoarse breathing with the barky cough is almost unnerving! She received an injection today and a breathing treatment, I don't know if it will be enough... we may need to go back for more!

My dad just got out of the hospital, and they couldn't find anything wrong... some believe God healed him... Perhaps so. They had fear congestive heart failure or something to do with the lungs because of the symptoms he was having... but, they couldn't find anything.

I was told my uncle was in the hospital at the same time, and facing surgery.

I sit here still wondering how I am to keep my blood pressure under control with all the stress. I am reminded of the song that says, "When All Around My Soul Gives Way, He Then Is All My Hope And Stay."

Please, please pray for us. Especially for another "unspoken" or "unwritten" request (very, very serious... perhaps more than any of the other things mentioned!) of a certain family member... this is extremely dear to my heart. This loved one doesn't wish to be broadcasted right now.

Gotta go... I am cramping and need to change positions!

Thanks for your prayers!

Happy Birthday, Ron!

First, I will say that I am doing a little better, and now have permission to go to calm and quiet places in a wheelchair! Ha! That shall be a sight to behold... and, what about home... it's not very calm and quiet! With two toddlers who love music (loud), Your Story Hour (loud), arguing (loud)... getting the point?!

For those who think I have become some veggie, think again! I have read a 400 and some page book, crocheted a baby bonnet, mittens, and booties, and worked some more on the baby blanket which I am nearly finished with! I also have broken the rules some, because I can hardly stand the main part of house house being disorderly... bad Sarah! The church is still bringing supper meals, and offering help... this is so very sweet of them! God's people are so wonderful... and, I know Who made them that way! Thank you, one and all!

You wouldn't believe what I accidently did to my 18 month old today while brushing her teeth! I made her gag, which caused her to vomit BIG time! Ooops!

Today, Ron and I both had doctor's appointments... and, THIS IS HIS BIRTHDAY! He is officially 32 years old... and, I want many more years with this wonderful man God has allowed me to be a help meet to. (Although, right now, I feel like he's MY helpmeet, with all the work he has to do for me since I am on bedrest.) I love him so much! I can't even begin to tell you just how much he means to me. Being married to him has made me so much a better and more mature person. If you knew me before marriage, well, you would know how silly and whimpy I was. He inspires me to do my best, and to be a better disciplined Christian! I love him for that! My girls adore him as well. We have been through some tough times in our marriage, and we've come out stronger through each trial. I don't know what I would do without him, for besides Jesus, Ron is my very best friend!

As you could imagine, I had a hard time making today special with all that is going on here... more than you all know about... but, I cheated on my bedrest and made him a cake and had his mother, sister and children, and our neighbor over for maybe 2 hours. Faith and Charity made birthday cards, and my gift to him is in the mail, and should arrive in a couple of days! Since I can't go out shopping, I ordered him a couple of missions books over the phone. I totally forgot to take pictures! My forgetter has not forgotten how to forget! (Hey, give me a point... I made that up all by myself!)

Ron, I love you so much! Thank you for being you! I have no desire for any other, for you are the best!

By the way, if you think that I mean that being married has made me shriveled up and no more interested in humor... think again! I just play my games more dignified! Ha!
Say, do you think Youth Challenge counts as being quiet and calm? ;-) I haven't quite made up my mind. Working with young people is about the quietest and calmest job I have ever had! Yeah, right! Ask the girls in our youth group how quiet we are... then again, please don't! They tend to stretch their stories about their youth pastor's wife, and I have a reputation to protect!
On a more serious note, please pray for one of our teen gals, Jennifer. Her grandfather was rushed to the hospital tonight with a possible heart attack. Her grandfather is a very faithful worker in our church.

We haven't been as in touch with our teens as we were, because now we have also been doing some children's ministry there... plus maintanance, plus taking care of our own children, plus this and that! But, we do schedule regular activities with the teens and have Sunday School with them. We also have been using some of them in Children's Church! They are really neat people! I sure hope they enjoy Youth Challenge this weekend!

Hope all my readers are doing well! Maybe someday I will return to posting pictures :-) Have a great evening! Take care. Signing off... Me

Bedrest blues

Okay, I am not too blue, for many people are stepping up to the plate, and bringing meals and helping with my children and house! Thank you, dearest family and friends.

Here is my Blue's Song:
Monday, I got put on bedrest, my fish died, and my van was still sitting at the church broken down. Tuesday, my little Charity got really sick and by the time she stopped vomiting the next day she had thrown up about 9 times, and wasn't even keeping fluids down. The presciption we got cost us $20 for two pills! Wednesday, I unhappily started a 24 hour urine collection for my BP test... do you know where I was told to store that thing? In my fridge! Yuck! When I get up for long I am miserable... Oh, I have got the blues! In a blessed sort of way :-) If it weren't for helpful family and friends, I would have the real blues... now, I am not feeling well, because I am sitting up longer than I ought... OOOOH! I REALLY MUST GO LIE DOWN! The hypertention blues!

resting... resting

Yes, I am on bedrest! Gotta go now... another dr visit!

Not Again!

Okay... I still have my internet, believe it or not! I still haven't made that phone call to cancel!
Been having some exciting days these past few days... Went to GBS Homecoming last night and it was fun! The crowds bothered me a bit, since it is not easy to get around 100s of people without loosing a toddler! But, we actually made it, and the singing was great! My kids were bad, and I could just imagine what the other folks around me were thinking when they saw suckers in my children's mouths during church. We sat against the wall and I really didn't want to get out of my seat to climb over a half a dozen people to take a child out for a "meeting." I could see myself tripping over someone's foot and making a loud exit as I scrambled back up huge bellied with two toddlers crying behind me for mercy... so I pacified my children with whatever I could to make it through the service... bad mommy! Oh, well! My oldest sang loudly with those who were singing "How Great Thou Art." At first I thought she was shouting! I had to laugh... she was so into the song!
There was someone dressed up like a cow in the gymnasium where the booths were, and Faith flipped out! She was so scared! There was no convincing her that it was safe, she was beside herself with fear! Inside I thought it was funny, but I felt bad for her too. It was about the first thing she mentioned to me when she got up this morning! I suppose it will be a while before she recovers! I told her it was a person playing dress up, and she said something about it being jammies (PJs). I think she is getting the idea now.
Oh, it was sure nice to see so many "old" friends. I honestly was impressed by some of you into deep thoughts! I realized that the marriages that I really held highly were my friends who were very happy... or at least acted like it, and were very respectful to one another... they still were in love and didn't have a panicked look. Not that their children were being little angels, or that they were feeling well, but they were calm and friendly... I don't know, maybe I need to take a chill pill, but I must confess that I don't think I smile enough, and relax... And, then I evaluated my actions toward Ron in public... Am I submissive and cheerful about it? Or, do I constantly give him that look? Ron is a very capable leader of a family and, you know, I do feel much more thankful and content when I let him do his job. Hmmm.... now you all didn't know you were such inspirations, did you?
Oh, guess what happened this morning!? I got this strange feeling... not a comfy one... especially when you are seeing spots and feeling like you must still down before your body explodes or you pass out! A warning signal went off in my head! For those who don't know I have had problem with high blood pressure at the end of each of my last two pregnancies and was put on bedrest! I did NOT feel well this morning... and, I just KNEW what was wrong... so, I called my nurse friends from church and asked if they would kindly stop by and check my blood pressure. 130/94 was the reading... and, that was even a few hours later when I was feeling better! Oh, no! What is my doctor going to say?! I usely have pretty BP readings except in late PG. This is high compared to my normal readings... I think I shall laugh if she tries to put me on bedrest. #1 I have 2 toddlers, a husband, and a house to care for.
#2 I don't sit still very well.
#3 I have many responsibilities at our church... and, did I mention that I can't sit still!?
At least the reading wasn't as bad as one time when I was pregnant with Charity and the bottom number was 101! My feet are not swollen, and I haven't spilled proteins according to my doctor at my last visit. I haven't called her yet, but I think I might have to soon... She tells me to "do that praying thing you do, it seems to work." Bless her heart, she doesn't realize in not my actions, but the Person I know who is helping me.
Do pray for me, I know that if it keeps going up, she is going to put me on bedrest, and I will not know how to control myself. I am very choosy about the care of my children, and I don't like people to see my house in an unheaval! Plus, meals, and all that stuff...
Uh Oh, I need to go, my children are raiding the refrigerator! They both just came in with chocolate syrup bottles in their hands, and Faith was licking the top of one! Aaaugh! Help! Like I said, "How could I go on bedrest?" NOT AGAIN!

Well, sort of

Okay, so I haven't been diligently using cloth diapers. Charity has a diaper rash and diarrhea, and I feel that it would be maybe better to use Luvs for a while... we were using some cloth diapers and some off-brand disposable, and it wouldn't be bad had she not got a stomach issue.... so, we are back to Luvs for a while.
Faith and I did alot of housework this morning and she got a sewing lesson from Mommy... yes, she is only three, but she thought it was fun! She is being a very big girl this morning, and you wouldn't believe the chores she was doing! She even mopped a few rooms! Charity helped put away blocks... but, that is about all for her this morning.
We still have our home phone, because Ron thinks it wise to keep it. But, we are planning to get rid of the internet at home and my Classmates account... Not because we are going under financially, but little things sure add up! I will plan to take trips to the library to keep you all informed about our lives!
Gotta go.... The girls are waiting to go play outside!

scroll down for a new post! Late Night Shopping Story

Started the post several days ago, that is why it is down further!

Making progress!

Worked so hard yesterday, and having trouble getting anything done today! Yesterday, I had Faithy doing several chores with me, and she usually enjoys it (except cleaning her room). I swept, steam cleaned, made a curtain (yes, I believe this is my first curtain) for the girls' bedroom, washed dishes, cleaned the bathroom, washed laundry, did some mopping, etc, etc. Plus, did some more reading.
Bad news is that my nerves are really short! I feel like a walking time bomb, and my children are asking me 1001 questions, and I feel like going on strike! Where's the duct tape?! Not really... but, if you have children, I am sure you know what I talking about. I played in their bedroom with them today for about an hour, and that was about all I could take... it was fun, but I am not sure what my problem is the past couple of days!
Good news is that I have come up with some neat ideas on how to save money... one of the most dramatic is going cloth diapers... well, I think that at bedtime, I still want disposable... we haven't completely decided on some of the stuff, but I brought some of my thoughts to Ron yesterday, and he is thinking about it. One thing is to get rid of the internet, and just go to the library, which is only a mile or less from our house anyway! There is much more, but I really would rather have my hubby around than all the luxeries. He has been working his full-time job, and several side jobs, and I would like to help ease the stress of the bills... not to mention, he is also very involved in ministries.
I am looking forward to our next series in Children's Church... it is a construction theme that was sent to us by our missionary friends, the Yates. Later, we may do a creation theme, but it will take alot of work to get it ready!
Well, if you have trouble reaching our home number in the future, you will need to get our cell numbers... not willing to put it on my blog because I am not sure I know who all gets on here... gotta be safe! Call my home number in the next few days and ask for my cell if you want the numbers. We may get rid of the home phone. We'll see. I don't really mind. I spend too much time on the computer and phone anyway. These were my ideas, so it doesn't mean it will happen, because the head of the house will be the final decision maker.
Well, on a more cheery note... (Not that I am sad about giving up the luxeries, I am actually very happy about it!), but I will plan to post a very interesting adventure that Sister Manley and I had this past Friday... you will want to read it, so come back and visit again soon!

Ouch, but Amen!

Almost through reading "Created To Be His Helpmeet." Great book, and very challenging! A must read! You must be tough, and willing to study and make necessary changes though. I already am finding more joy in my marriage!
I must confess to you, ladies, I was a wretched wife when I first got married. I am really embarrassed at how ignorant and childish I was. I made life miserable for my husband, children, and me... and, several women, I am sure, whom I kept calling and whining! Every little thing, I became a martyr! I am really embarrassed to confess my yelling and slamming doors when I didn't get my way... I was a toddler at best! But God... Praise His Name Forever has been cleansing that self-centerness away! (No, I didn't break things... but, I did break my husband's heart!) Now, I adore my husband... okay, sometimes he leaves his socks outside on the porch, and little things like that get on my nerves, but it really is not a big deal, and I don't throw a tantrum over it! You know, it actually seems that my husband is changing too. Maybe it is because God is making me to be more Christ-like and kind, and you know, Ron seems to love being around me even more... he likes me to follow him around sometimes in the house and hang out with him... he calls me numerous times throughout the day, sometimes just to say "I Love You," or "How is your day going? How are the kids?" I eat it up! Keep in mind that we haven't even been married five years yet. I am so glad that God is teaching me at an early stage, but sorry that I was terrible at the beginning. I couldn't ask for a better hubby or one who loves God more. He is a real minister, whether he is here or elsewhere! I am proud of him!
Okay, my point is... Get That Book! And, be willing to be changed forever!