Zane, You are my Hero!

Dearest Littlest Grandchild, My Zane.

Have I told you how proud of you I am? When your mommy said that you are working SO hard in your therapy sessions despite that fact that you dislike having to struggle to learn new things, oh happy you make me. I pray for you all the time little one, you are very close to my heart. Last Friday, I started my therapy to relearn how to walk correctly. And you know what? I didn't like it, and it is such a bother! But I pushed on, and have been faithful to follow through on my therapy at home, because of you. You are my hero! Every time I get lazy and want to stop I think of you, my 9 month old sweet baby who has been doing therapy for your entire precious life. So now, when I dread working on my PT I remember what your mommy said about everything you have to do every day and so I work hard without complaint. If my Zane has to do it, then I will do it too! For many years I have had it pretty good, but sure didn't appreciate it most of the time, and you, my love, have had to work hard since you were 2 weeks old.

The good news is, I hear that you are starting to reach more with that left hand, and rolling is becoming more natural. I also have heard that you are quite the little chatter box, definitely have an opinion about traveling (don't worry, you will grow to love it), recognize and demand foods when you see them coming your way, are very verbal, and smile tons. I even hear that you sometimes sit in a large plastic bin filled with dry macaroni and try to find toys hidden in the bottom of the bin! Wow! I bet you wonder why do they have to hide those toys all the time? But trust them, they are being creative in helping you realize you have a left hand.

Oh yes, and thank you for having a strong point of view and expressing yourself (although mommy says you can be quite demanding sometimes, that's okay with me). I love you so much, and I thank you for making me "get on with it" too. Thank you for being so brave and please continue to work hard so that some day you and I can talk about our "therapies" together. Ha! I pray for you daily and when I am doing my PT I push on, because if my Zane can do it at 9 months, I can do it at 55 years of age. Thank you sweet precious child! You ARE my hero! Much Love, Your Nonnie

On Fire!

Our "neck of the woods" is on fire here in Southern California. Once again. It is a tradition that comes in late summer and early fall, and we must have some fire or life would just become downright boring! I have to say what amazes me the most is how Californians just go about their business as if nothing is happening and yet there is plenty of smoke, ash, and orange skies while the firemen battle the blaze. Or should I say blazeS? There are approximately 9 fires in California right now which is pretty typical. However, the big fire which is closing in on my city is called the Station Fire. The name is chosen usually by the location of where the fire began. So far, the Station fire has burned 125,000 acres, several homes, and two firefighters have lost lives by accidentally driving over a cliff. Now our city has turned over one of our largest parks, which is about 1 mile from our home, to a large contingent of firefighters. They have made the park into a Command Center replete with a Shower House (Tent), Chow Hall (Tent) and Hotel (Tents). I find it comforting that they are so near, but unsettling that the fire which started 30 miles away is now finding it's way to our front door! Every year we go through this and every year we are blessed with safety and no personal loss. Our biggest inconvienence is having to pack up and evacuate if need be. Please keep those who have been dislocated, evacuated, lost their homes, or for the families who lost their family members in your prayers.

A Few More Pictures for Your Critique!

Hopefully you can see the wall color, a very light yellow called "Gold Coast White" and the fabrics, some are Waverly and Some are Liz Claiborne. All on sale 60% with regular prices ranging from $15.99 to $34.99! Such deal!

Better Pictures of Our Redecorated Family Room/Kitchen

I'm in Training

Dear Readers, I don't think I have told many of you about my latest endeavor. For about 6 years I have been assisting my friend Angela who is the Director of the Pregnancy Center here in our valley. She has often struggled to find great, godly employees and volunteers to help women in a crisis pregnancy. So occasionally she has called and ask for HR input on how to handle poor employees and/or recruit better ones, and also, together we have developed the future growth of the center. She says that I am on her "advisory board" as the HR representative. All good and fine.

Recently, however, the pregnancy center had a volunteer appreciation brunch and the guest speaker, Glenda, was amazing. She is an elegant, stately, gracious and godly, older women (older being maybe mid 60's) and I learned she used to be the director of the center, but has been leading in a volunteer position the Post Abortion Counseling and Education (PACE) part of the center. Well that piqued my interest because someone very close to me shared several years ago that she had had 2 abortions almost 30 years ago and I have witnessed upclose the damage that abortion wreaks. All that information leads up to what I am doing now. I have decided to facilitate counseling postabortion women and to encourage and assist them in making peace with the ramifications of that decision and reconciling with God. However, before I can do that, I need training! So far, that has required completing a very lengthy bible study booklet that the postabortion women will do, and attending 20 hours of training with a large binder brimming with information. The information includes: how to communicate, what to say when the woman lists reasons why she needs to abort, the legal aspects, and more. I haven't finished the training yet, but will this week. After that I will co-facilitate with another woman who has already led a group of postabortive women through the bible study.

My big concern is communicating lovingly, but firmly the truth of the Gospel to the PACE women. Can I do it? Will I cause more harm than good? Is this something God wants me to do or am I just doing it to be busy? I pray I do not come across judgemental or condescending, but confident that the Holy Spirit is in control and He will direct their paths. Oh that's right...He will direct mine too! Please pray for these women and all women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. That they will call on the LORD for help, for we know He will hear and rescue them. Get I get an Amen out there?

Bible Studies!

Well for those of you who live elsewhere you may not be aware that in the last 2 years something new has  been found growing in my pasture with the Lord!  It is green and pretty (amazing that is) and could only be because the Lord is involved.  

About 3 years ago I had such an ache to know God's Word better that I felt like something was sitting heavy in my heart and I couldn't shake it.  I knew I wanted to read God's words to me with better understanding, but the limited women's bible studies I had attended had left me cold and feeling very frustrated.  In the meantime many of my friends living elsewhere had already done several Beth Moore studies, including both my daughters.  And everyone just loved her gifted speaking, practical application of the Word, and meaningful homework.  I did some investigative work and discovered that in our local valley at the time, there were no Beth Moore studies available so I asked Robert to buy one of the studies for my birthday.  Well, he did, and then I was so scared and unsure of myself that I delayed attempting to do it solo for a few months, and then  when I decided to attempt to watch it and do it I realized that God wanted me to share this with other women.  What?  There is no way I can do that!  That's laughable!  Me?  A simple Catholic girl with no background or real knowledge or understanding of God's Word?  But, God would not let it go and with several other events occurring, I realized that I was suppose to have it in my home.  Then God set me up....  Yes He did!  He led me to think that Robert and I would be moving a month after the 11 week study ended.    So I mentioned to my friend Jan, that I was thinking of doing a Beth Moore study, and she said, "well if you ever do, I will do it with you, and I know Chris will too."  What?  Well, then I met a new lady my age, in our Sunday School class, Sandy, who was interested and had been praying for 2 years for women friends her own age. Viola!  Just like that God performs His miracle!  On July 2nd, of 2007 the 4 of us met for an 11 week study and I remember thinking  "if I flop, well... who cares?"  I figured no one would mind that I was moving right after that, or so I thought.  However, God had other plans.   Our move out of state dissipated, as often happens, and my fellow bible mates had loved the study so much they pitched in and bought another one of Beth's studies, at the same time Robert bought me another one for next my birthday!  We ended up doing 3 studies by May of '08!  We took the summer off, and then  us 4 plus 3 more joined went to a conference in Las Vegas, that included Beth, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shriner.  We had an exciting time, but only Chris and I would do a fall '08 study together.  Then February of '09  Sandy, and Jan rejoined along with another friend, Janiece.  After that study we did a short one, only 7 weeks, which brought still another lady named, Karen.  Whew!  

Now here we are taking this summer off, but God has not taken one second off.  He's been busy all along.  Several additional  friends had expressed interest in doing a Beth Moore study just not in the evening.  So I asked God to let me know if I should do a morning study, on Wednesdays, and asked my Monday night study friends to please pray about it. (Oh and by the way, I am not one to "recruit" women to join our study, I firmly believe that if God is working on their heart they will just ask if they can join the study- and that's exactly what is happening!) So here's how it looks for September of '09:  Monday night: Chris, Sandy D,  Karen, Janiece, Jan, Sue, Tammy, and me.  Wednesday morning will have all newbies:  Rozzie, Dawn, Julie, Sandy B., Kathy, Janelle (and me).  How can that be?  Only God is the answer.  He is the One.  And I have the honor of hosting  in my home.  One other thought comes to mind:  How many women have been "moved" by the Holy Spirit to dig deeper into His Word and how many are craving for fellowship with like-minded women.? 

If you are reading this I ask that you consider joining a bible study if you haven't already, and secondly that you would pray for God's hand to bless and protect those of us here in these two studies.  My final and most important thoughts about today's blog is this:  If you want God to "move" know that we serve a Mighty, and Awesome God and He will do it! Look what He has wrought!  I love HIM!  Blessed be His Name!

The Wood Shed

Today, Jesus had a little talk with me in back of the wood shed.  *sigh  "Sheesh what was I thinking?  Well, the truth, I wasn't, I just blurted it out.  Nancy, (I said to myself as I was putting my curlers in) when will you ever learn?  What is it that you needed to gain out of this? "   

 I could feel the  blush creeping up my neck (no hot flash this time).  It was embarrassment.  Not being nice or not holding one's tongue when as a Christian, I know better.  And really it wasn't a big deal and yet it was.  Something I said, which I shouldn't said, and He wouldn't let me forget about it.  I knew He was right, I had to fix it quick, which I did.  And all in all it was quick, simple and over and done.  In the world's view, it would probably be ridiculous to even make amends, it would be considered "insignificant."  In fact, the person I apologized to didn't even give it a second thought.  But from God's point of view, He knew the motives of my heart and sin is sin, which equals unholy.   Gotta' confess it quick, make restitution asap, and then ahhh...it feels so good to be back on the right track.

Search my heart O Lord, and may I be found righteous in your eyes.

This Makes My Heart Sing and Brings a Smile to My Face

My friend Charmaine sent this to me and I was so tickled I thought I would share it with you too! It is darling, so be sure to watch the whole thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

Glitches and Fritzes

I realize it's been a while since I posted anything, but the life of "excitement" I am currently living is less than fun! My 5 month old computer is on the fritz so it is in the shop, HR re certification deadline is looming at the end of the month and annoying physical ailments keeping smacking me in the face. Suffice to say the doctor and I have become such good friends, that yesterday she even gave me a hug when I left her office.

I cannot believe how much time I have spent with doctors over the last two years and I gotta' tell ya' - health is a very important part of living a great life. After having a tooth pulled (after 3 or 4 failed root canals), knee surgery, foot surgery, and physical therapy I was pretty sure I was good to go for a while so I hopped on my bicycle and took off like a crazed woman as I attempted to "beat the fat off." I have only fallen off it twice so far this year, with no serious ramifications other than some black and blue marks, so I was pleased with myself and wanted to keep going... "Well, not so fast, "my body said, "perhaps there might be some more problems." No! I don't think that is fair! Enough is enough! Besides summer is coming and I want to look and feel good. But, after the last 3-4 weeks I think my body has decided to take the more difficult, obstinate route to getting in shape. Let's see here: One eye infection, followed by dry eye syndrome (very painful- menopause causes this - isn't that nice?), followed by what I thought was a bladder infection for 3 weeks, turns out to be, are you ready for this? SPASMS. Oh yes, SPASMS. It seems that sometimes your bladder, as you age, let's not forget to add that into the equation, likes to do that. The medication to help the spasms subside causes a very interesting side effect....orange, and I mean bright orange-red, shall we say, output! Yikes! I thought for sure, I was bleeding to death. But I am not, and I will survive. I just need to take the pills until things settle down and I can even ride my bike if I want to. Problem is: Right now, I JUST DON"T KNOW IF I WANT TO. Sigh!
Psalm 121: "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth." O Lord help me!
Here's hoping your year is filled with good health. Mazel Tov!

March Mustache Madness (aka Mustacheness)

Well, I have been meaning to post this for some time just haven't had the time.  After all, the Esther study was very time consuming (a little tongue in cheek here.)   Anyway, here is what I get to put up with every year during the month of March.  My spouse is a huge basketball fan as are many of the guys at his work.  So every year during college basketball's "March Madness"  these guys all grow mustaches and compete to see who has the best at the end of the month. I have no idea what the winner wins, possibly a free facial and hair waxing?  I do know that they all take pictures of their mustache...so here is Robert's.  Ain't he cute?

Now I know that when my future husband and I were dating I liked his mustache very much.  But after he became an officer he decided for promotion purposes he needed to do away with it.  And besides, I thought he looked much younger without it.  So over the years I have not missed it and to let you in on a little secret...I still don't!  Last month that thing was so prickly I cringed whenever he leaned in for his kisses.  So needless to say there were many less kisses from the misses-- no doubt about it we were both kissing deprived.  However,  I told him if he wanted to keep it that was fine, but to my surprise he actually was ready to get rid of it also.  Why?  Well, as it turns out, his facial hair is turning gray and he said those gray ones were especially coarse and bothered and hurt his lips too!  Hooray for gray hair!  Who would have guessed that I would actually say that some day?  Hmmm!  

An Esther (Gen) Moment

Our Esther study finished last night and we couldn't resist celebrating our final video together by having our own Persian  banquet complete in full Esther regalia.  We dressed up in the royal colors, wore appropriate make up and jewelry and, of course, our crowns.  We also decorated the tables with lots of candles and the colors of gold, blue and and white.  Finally, we also enjoyed wine and Persian fare such as lamb, saffron rice, and lots of grilled vegetables.  Jan even brought "Haman's Ears" for dessert. We had so much fun and for one night we felt like we were in the KING of kings court.  We laughed, ate, and prayed together.  What an awesome study to learn about our own personal "destiny" in Christ.  We are pleased to say, "we stepped up, stepped in, and stepped through."  

In this photo going clockwise from the back row right is Janiece, Nancy, Sandy, Chris and Jan.  We call ourselves "HIS Princesses".  What a blast!

Now I Remember or I Know Where the Ranunculus Are!

Well, well, well. Guess I was right about one thing when it comes to gardening: If you forgot where you planted something don't worry, eventually they will bloom and you will then remember where you planted them. So, about those ranunculus. I found them planted at the front door of my house and they look beautiful along with the tulips I planted several years ago. I forgot about the tulips too, but my, don't you think they look pretty with the ranunculus? Ha!

Gardening 103 - Well I THOUGHT It Was A RANUNCULUS -

My friend Diane R. has gotten kick out of this so I thought I would share my ongoing gardening experience with all of you as well. She knows that I froze dahlia bulbs in my garage freezer section for quite awhile...like about a year and a half! (I didn't know they would die if they were in there too long, did you?) Only to discover that they weren't dahlia bulbs, but ranunculus bulbs (only I don't think they are called bulbs, but I don't know what they are called.) Anyway she is Miss Green Thumb and she laughed and laughed at my silly mistake, but together we planted them to see if they would bloom and the answer is: much to my sorrow they never did.

So guess what she sends me for my birthday last fall? Yes, that's right- the very thing I am loathe to talk about. But, I was dutiful, and I did have my weekly lawn crew guys plant those ranunculus bulbs a week later just to see if Diane's bulbs were better than the ones I bought. Ha! Well, a few weeks ago I told her, that I thought they were blooming, but honestly I don't remember where the guys planted those bulbs. I figure when they bloom I will then remember. Then this week I went to check on that plant and much to my disappointment it was not a ranunculus, but a common weed found here in So. CA! When I told Diane about another gardening mistake, note: this is a perpetual problem for me so I don't think I am a gardener do you? -- She, of course laughed and laughed again. Ain't it nice to know you can make someone happy?

In any event here is what ended up growing : Enjoy! I am okay about this really---Just don't send me any flower seeds, clippings, bulbs, or whatever, OK?

Fireproof song - "While I'm Waiting"

There is an awesome song in the movie Fireproof that I am just loving that encapsulates how a person may feel when in a situation, trial, difficult circumstance or process that will require waiting on the LORD for an answer or a resolution. So, here it is and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Nothun' Much Happenin' But We Are "Getting On With It"

I wish I had something really interesting or newsworthy to blog about, but honestly life is pretty quiet right now and maybe that is a good thing! Especially at this time with so much going on in the news politically and economically I am grateful for the quiet. I can hardly stand to read the newspaper, listen to the radio or watch TV because surely we could all die of heart attacks and/or stress with so much "doom and gloom" (not including the unethical and immoral behavior that is reported) that is out there. So we, my husband and I, have decided there won't be much TV, or news in our home. It contaminants our lives too much and "that ain't healthy." As a matter of fact I think it actually causes me to gain weight! So we are reading more, praying more, and thankfully trusting the LORD more. And that is a good thing. Some other good things are: Zane is still doing really well (which is always a big praise) Zane's daddy is house shopping in FL as I type this (another good thing), and everyone is doing well: healthy, working, and as favorite saying of mine goes is "getting on with it." My mom was big saying on that and I like to think that the pioneers who went West often said that after some major event, or trial came and went. Imagine the type of things those pioneer women must have seen, endured, and faced! And some how they did. I know sometimes it must have taken sheer grit, determination and trust in the LORD that somehow they would get through things. And you know what? They surely did! Now, in my fifties, I sometimes wondered how I got through some things, but some of my ancestors must have rubbed off on me because here I am, "getting on with it" too. Thank you God! So I pray any one or everyone reading this blog is doing well and "getting on with it" with sheer grit, determination, and faith that the Good Lord, our Shepherd, our Hope, our Peace, and our Protector is going to help us get through all of it. Many blessings.

Miles and Zane are moving to Florida with mommy and daddy!

Well it's a matter of fact: Miles, Zane and their parents are moving to Florida in the very new future, probably in April. The family is very excited because not only will Zane get the best treatment and early intervention available, but his daddy is going to get an terrific aircraft. So we are thanking God for this great news. On the other hand, it is not always easy for us grandparents to see the little ones move even farther away than they already are, but we want what is best for them, especially little Zane. So we are trusting the LORD for their (and our) future.

Zane is continuing to grow and thrive and so far all is well, but we are still taking it one day at a time. Please continue to remember them in your prayers and know how grateful we are for them and your genuine care and concern. It is so appreciated it.

Oh How We Love You Baby Zane!

Grandmas and grandfathers everywhere are especially proud when another little twig sprouts on the family tree! Here is the newest delight of our hearts with his grandfather and nonnie only two days old. Oh how we love him!

Home Sweet Home

Just wanted to let you know Robert and I arrived safely home this past Sunday afternoon. It was weird walking into the house with a Christmas tree still up and it's mid January and see a spider had declared his residence on top of the Angel. Never been this late putting Christmas things away, but Monday Robert was off and so we pushed ourselves to get it done, plus change the oil in the car, and get it washed. The best part of being home is having everything easily available and our own cozy bed, but all the while though our hearts are still in Texas. We are wondering how little Zane is doing, and how his new family is adjusting to his schedule and missing Miles terribly. Today, they are all back in San Antonio for more tests and we are praying that it is all good, and positive news. Thank you again for your prayers, and warm wishes they are so appreciated by us all.

More Good News!

Just a quick note to tell that baby Zane passed his more indepth hearing test today. Hopefully, his hearing will remain intact. Praise the LORD!

This is the day the LORD has made!

Just thought I would blog a little bit today for those of you who are not on Facebook or receiving updates via email. Zane is home with mommy, daddy, and big brother Miles and we are thrilled to see this family come together in their own home. There have been several ups and downs. but everyone is beginning to get into that "new baby" mode and Zane has been chowing down today. I will be staying in Texas for another week to care for Miles while Zane and his parents head back to San Antonio for two days of check ups and additional tests. For example: they have already checked his hearing once at the basic level, but will be checking it at a higher level to insure his brain is processing the sound. Many things remain undetermined at this time and the "wait and see" approach is the path we are taking. Debi went online today and discovered many other families with children who have had a "perinatal stroke" (as a matter of fact 1 in 5,000 babies have this occur) and came away encouraged at how well many of these children do over time. So, we will let Zane disclose himself to us on his terms and trust God for the rest. Zane is to us, a normal newborn and we don't think of him as anything other than that. He will tell his own story as he grows and matures. And LORD, willing it will be an amazing story! Lately, I have begun receiving emails from friends who relate a story of their child or grandchild where the doctors had no hope for them, and yet in each circumstance the child or grandchild has grown up to be a fully functioning adult. Walking miracles! So that's what we are praying for too! Meanwhile we celebrate today. "This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Many Blessings, and thank you for the ongoing prayers.

More News on Precious Zane

Dear Family and Friends, the words of encouragement and the prayers we have benefitted from certainly have given all us the needed wisdom and strength during this very unusual time. Before I write more about Zane's current situation let tell you can get your first glimpse of him at our daughter's blog site http://histreasuredpossession.blogspot.com That would Aunt Rachel and Zane you are looking at.

Update on Zane

Well little Zane is now 4 days old and at the moment is sedated as doctors perform an MRI on him to try and determine exactly what is going in his head. They will determine we hope, how much brain is missing, damaged and map the cysts they have seen on the ultrasound. What anything will mean long term no one can really say. They aren't even sure Zane can survive the sedation. Over all we are all doing well and my admiration for Debi and J. continues to grow as I watch them deal with all the issues surrounding Zane's birth. Debi is recovering from her C-section and has been released from the hospital. They are housed in AF housing only a block or two from the hospital so she and J. are going over there every three or four hours to try and nurse Zane. Miles is with us, and the rest of our families have headed home. Robert will probably head home Wed. since he has so little vacation time and needs to get back to the job. However, his company has been very gracious and understanding at the moment of which we are very grateful. I wish I could tell you how much your prayers, emails, and calls mean to us. We know that God is in charge and it is so nice to have others remind us of his love through their actions. Thank you so much.

We will continue to keep you posted as things develop and in the meantime, many blessings, and much love.

Tempering my last blog

Just want to continue to asking for prayers for little Zane...he is not out of the woods by a long shot!  He is alive and so far doing well, but there is much to test and figure out in the days and weeks ahead.  His head is measuring very large by newborn standards (5 centimeters bigger) and he is 3 weeks early.  His stats are:  8lbs 1 oz., 21.5 inches long.  His brother Miles was 9 lbs 14 oz, and 23,5 inches long...needless to say height will be no problem for these two.  I have seen photos of Zane, and tomorrow morning we hope to go in, one by one, gloved and suited up, for about a 3 minute introduction to Zane while he is in the NICU.  From what I can tell I think he looks alot like Debi.  

Rachel and Abel, arrived with 3 small, but beautiful, grandchildren in tow tonight so we are thrilled and very, very tired.  Our little treasure Miles with his cousins was a delight to our eyes.  Someday we hope Zane will join them....I say someday because J. and Debi are still very tentative about the next few weeks.  They are concerned that he could downhill very quickly...so please keep those prayers coming.  We are praising God that no serious decisions needed to be made today, and the doctors were delighted that Zane came out kicking and screaming, and then peed on them...another good sign.  Oh the simple things of life.  Thank you, for your loving concern...it is so appreciated.

Today we had a Christmas Miracle

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Amen, and Amen! Have we told you today what an amazing God we serve? Our older daughter, Rachel, reminded me of this verse earlier today when we discovered that our newest grand son, Zane Alexander, displayed no signs, thus far, of a stroke or other brain/physical problems. Could it be that the doctors were all wrong? Or, did God really perform a miracle for this sweet little family? As my one friend, Diane said, "God chose to perform a miracle." We are of course praising God and thanking Him for this special little boy. While more tests and observations need to be done over the next few days and weeks, we are so excited to see what God does next. Thank you Dear LORD for this little miracle baby. Bless his life, his parents, and may all the glory be yours.