Saturday, March 30, 2013

Easter Eggs

Have you seen the shaving cream colored eggs on facebook? We decided to give it a try. Here is our results...



Dakota getting ready.
What you need:
-Eggs     -something to cover your table (dollar store table cover)     -vinegar     

 -toothpick/knife     -Food coloring     -plain, unscented cheap shaving cream     -preferably 

throw away containers 

The vinegar it what causes the color to stick to the eggs. So we tried to let them soak for about a minute each. 

You squirt the shaving cream into the containers and put a few drops of food coloring then you need something to swirl it with (toothpick, knife, etc). We did a back and forth motion so that it made a neat pattern and slightly mixed the colors together. But you don't want to mix and stir otherwise the colors just mix together and don't leave the fun pattern.

Rolling the egg.

Roll the egg around nice and good.




Careful it is VERY tempting to play in the shaving cream after! *smile*



Green monster!!

Imitating "green monster!" :)
Then we layed it them on a cooling rack to dry. It takes along time to dry. So we did it in the evening and let them dry over night.


Eggs ready to dry.

Voila! Our eggs the next morning!




For His Glory,


Friday, March 22, 2013

Hosanna in the Highest!

Photo credit:tiemanddate.com

"So the disciples went and did a s Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them.

And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.


Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who come in
the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!"

And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?"

So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Matt. 21:6-11

Photo credit: wbcjax.com


    Praise be to God that He was not just a prophet...but the SON of GOD!! He came down to earth as a human, fully man...fully God. He led a sinless life and willingly suffered torture and death. All in order to conquer death for US! He was the ultimate sacrifice...for OUR sins!


I hope you have a wonderful Palm Sunday!


For His Glory,



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Easter Baskets

Photo credit: Punchbowl.com
   

     I like to try and keep our Easter baskets Christ centered. Since Easter isn't REALLY about the Easter bunny or baskets. I certainly don't mind giving them a little candy and perhaps some small toys. Everyone is different. Some people might not do baskets, others, might do something small, and others might really get into it.

     I like to include a little candy, with one larger piece of chocolate (my mom always bought us a big chocolate shaped into something fancy, (such as a car, etc.) from the local homemade candy store.) We can't afford that at this time. But I like to go to the dollar store, the Dollar Tree to be exact. They sell chocolate in the shape of crosses! My oldest loves white chocolate so she gets one, while my youngest daughter gets a milk chocolate one.

Chocolate crosses.

     I then might buy something like peeps (gross! but my oldest loves them) to add to it and either a spring outfit or some toys. Such as sidewalk chalk, squirt guns, coloring books, etc. most items you can buy at the Dollar Tree as well. Plus if we do an East egg hunt, they get candy from that as well.

      My mom had a bag of Dove chocolates she gave me to add (thank you mom!) and I have some videos from Voice of the Martyrs. I had bought the movies about a year or two ago and have been slowly giving them as gifts. I'm planning on adding two of them movies to their gift bags. If I had money, I would buy them one of the beautiful books they offer for children. Check them out!



     Which by the way, this year I am just giving them brown paper lunch bags to decorate with markers and stickers. I know nothing fancy! But, that's not the purpose of Easter anyway. *wink*

Do you do Easter baskets? If so what are your plans?

For His Glory,


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

To Eat or Not to Eat?



     Well Josiah stopped attempting to eat out of a haberman feeder after his lanthem device surgery. A haberman feeder is a special bottle designed for babies with eating problems such as a cleft lip. It has a long nipple. If your baby doesn't have a palate or Josiah's case a partial palate, you need the lip nipple to hit further back so they can suck. You can also get something for your breast, if you're breast feeding (Josiah wasn't physically able to).


Haberman Feeder


     After his surgeries we really wanted to work towards getting him to fully eat orally,, so we can get the feeding tube removed. Unfortunately he still has major problems with gagging and choking, especially with liquids. Here are some of the devices we used to try and get him to drink .



 They didn't work so well. :(

     Josiah's therapist gave us the juice box to work with. After giving it a try, she decided it was best to get a swallow test done with his feeding specialist! *wink* He choked his way through a few swallows. Which we had to squeeze it up, since he can't suck.


     The specialist from the plastic surgeons office said she has only known one other child (and people come from all over the country to see this surgeon, he is one of the best. We are blessed to have him do the surgeries) to have this problem and suggested the Tilty cup, which worked for this other family. We didn't even bother and I'm glad, because I now know it wouldn't have worked.

     Praise the Lord, for Judy, out feeding specialist! She came over right after Christmas to observe him eating and immediately said, yup somethings wrong and scheduled a swallow study. Once again, Praise God! There was a cancellation and we got to have the study done at the beginning of Feb instead of March. It almost got canceled, since it was during a blizzard! *smile* But we got in and out safely and before everyone was snowed in.

     Judy, Marge (nutritionist), an intern, and Melissa (therapist) came over last week and we watched the video. (For the swallow test I had to feed him different consistencies of food and liquid while the x-ray machine basically took a video.) I will share with you later the findings, what it means, and am working on getting a copy of the video to share. I do have to say that God is merciful! Josiah really enjoys trying to eat and wants to eat. Which is HUGE, I mean HUGE! Everyone kept commenting how blessed we are with that and that already gives us a "heads start" compared to other children. We just have to be careful not to push him and turn him off from enjoying food. *smile*

     Anyway...most will probably find this boring, but I want to share our struggles, problems, journey and new knowledge in case there are more mamas out there in the "same boat." *smile*

Have you had similar issues or know of anyone who has?

For His Glory,



Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Easter Ideas

                                 Share "Jesus is the Good News"
                                                 This Easter!

   

 Over the next two weeks I thought it would be fun to share with you some Easter gift ideas. I usually give a little candy and then something else (Which I will share more later).


The creator of Veggie Tales had created a new series called, Whats in The Bible.


I think this would make a GREAT Easter "basket" gift! I wish I could purchase some for my girls.












You can check them out and make a purchase here: Whats in the Bible 20% off


For His Glory,



Monday, March 18, 2013

One Year Later Part 5


Whew! Sorry this is SO late!.
Today is day 5 and the final part in my week long story of my son's 1st year of life. You can read the first four parts by clicking here:

getting ready to come home.




     It's funny I thought bringing Josiah home wouldn't be that big of a deal. Ha! Was I wrong! *smile* I was planning on coming alone with the girls and packing him and his stuff up and leaving. Praise God. my mom offered to come with us!!! First off, once again they want to go over everything, finish getting him ready and fed for the trip. There is ALL kinds of paper work to go over and sign. Our car seat didn't pass the inspection and I kind of panicked because we couldn't afford to buy a new one on our way to the hospital. The hospital provided a free one.Thank you Lord! The problem...it's one for bigger babies and sat straight up. And I me STRAIGHT up. Even my girls car seats recline some what. It took me FOREVER to get it buckled in, because it had to face backward and the straps weren't long enough. Augh! Then it took several trips and finally my van was FULL of baby items, oxygen tanks, and medical equipment. A couple of hours later, we were ready to leave! I was so excited and nervous!!

Our very own oximeter

Our hospital grade suction machine.
Josiah's new feeding machine.


     With my mom and a nurses to help we got the kids down to the car. It was freezing out and Josiah couldn't breath in the cold hair. So I was trying to hurry and get everyone settled so we could be on our way. WELL....the straps were too tight and I couldn't get him in all the way. I was already worried because no one knew how he'd handle driving in the car.Would his oxygen drop? Would he scream? Would he go into distress and stop breathing? I started to get very upset at that point and was in tears. I couldn't figure out how to loosen the straps!! He looked so uncomfortable sitting straight up like that and I was worried he would have trouble breathing. I finally got him strapped in good enough to drive home. It was the LONGEST drive home of my life!!



Josiah at home. His special sling is above him.
     We finally got home and my dad was there to help me unload the car and get us settled in. I am so thankful to the Lord for his help! Josiah started screaming and I couldn't get him to stop. It took my dad many, many strips to unload the car (we live on the second floor). By the time he was done, there where boxes piled up every where! It finally found some items that I would need for the night. Such as, his feeding machine, oxygen, monitor, and his special formula and meds. I really wanted and needed a good cry! But, I didn't want to upset the girls. It was overwhelming to say the least and a long night!! But we survived! *smile*

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6


     When Josiah came home he was still on oxygen and strapped to a monitor to check his heart rate and oxygen level. He was on a G-tube feeding machine and a STRICT eating and medicine schedule. He had to eat every 3 hours, 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, 12am and repeat. *smile* It was exhausting and I started to sleep through my alarm at night and would miss feeds. Because, start the feed, say at 9pm. Then the machine goes off an hour later to say it's done and you have to get up and shut it off. Then two hours later at 12 you have to start it again.   There was a lot to do and a lot to learn. We didn't leave the house expect for doctor appointments (which there where MANY of those).It took a while to get use to traveling with Josiah and all his equipment when we would head into Boston. Sometime's it felt like we lived there! But it got easier as time went on.


Grammy and Naomi checking on Josiah.



     During that first winter Josiah got sick once and almost had to be hospitalized (he was so fragile and a cold could be deadly). It was nerve racking. But I have gotten use to what the warning signs are and not to panic so quickly. He has to sleep elevated and had a special pillow that elevates his mattress  As time has gone on I have learned that it's better for him to sleep in his little reclining seat because it doesn't irritate his feeding tube site. We had to have the site cauterized at one point, because it was so irritated! I have also learned not to worry so quickly when it does become irritated and he to treat and help heal it.


Dakota, Dad, and Josiah.

     We've had lots of help, from visiting nurses, to therapists and feeding specialist, to all kinds of different doctors and nutritionists. Josiah finally came off the oxygen in August and has FINALLY gained weight after losing it and then getting "stuck" at that weight. He had 4 different surgeries, but each time there was more then one surgery scheduled for that day. Now that we are done with surgeries for a while, we have been able to start teaching him how to orally eat. Praise God!!
"Rock on"

A VERY tired Mommy and Josiah.



 














        The Lord is merciful and mighty to save! He has given us a son with such a sweet disposition and fighting spirit. People have wondered why God has given us so much to handle as a family. I don’t have the answer to that question, all I know is that God promises to not give us more then we can handle. Throughout everything one of my biggest concerns was pointing the way back to Christ through my actions and attitudes. When we weren't sure if Josiah would make it or not, I wanted the medical world to know that we wanted him to live and would fight for that precious life, but ultimately God is in control and we would submit to His will. I am so thankful that God has answered our prayers and allowed our son to live!


before first lip surgery.
Before the palate surgery.


















"Beware of fretting, murmuring, complaining, and giving way to an impatient spirit. Regard your sickness as a blessing in disguise – a good and not an evil – a friend and not an enemy. No doubt we should all prefer to learn spiritual lessons in the school of ease and not under the rod. But rest assured that God knows better than we do how to teach us. The light of the last day will show you that there was a meaning and a “need be” in all your bodily ailments. The lessons that we learn on a sick-bed, when we are shut out from the world, are often lessons which we should never learn elsewhere. "

~ J.C. Ryle

I loved that quote, what a great reminder whether it's you that is not well or a child, God is using it to sanctified.


Thursday, March 14, 2013

Interview

Hello ladies


I just wanted to ask for prayer, my husband has a job interview tomorrow, Friday the 16th!! Please be praying for him, the interview, and the Lord's will. That if it is His will that my husband gets the job! 

Thank you!

It has been a crazy week! Josiah had the stomach and has spent most of the week crying/whining. Which means very little sleep for my husband and I. *smile* We are just praising God that Josiah is doing better. His body is still so fragile and it takes a toll on him.

Today we had several specialist come over to go over the swallow test we had done, so Lord willing, I'm planning on sharing with you all updates and what's going on with our little guy. We still can't believe his on a feeding machine, but we are thankful that he is interested in learning to eat. That is HUGE!

Anyway, I can't wait to share it with ya'll. Thank you for your prayers!


For His Glory,


Monday, March 11, 2013

God is Bigger


Do you spend more time telling God how big your problems are, or telling your problems how big your God is? - Jason Meyer

I've been really having a hard time with everything. I was especially struggling the beginning half of last week. The tension was think in the air and I wasn't sleeping well. I would wake up with feelings of anxiety. Psalm 37:8 I struggled with fear, anxiety, bitterness, anger, hurt, betrayal, etc. 

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

I know it's wrong and I am struggling with feeling terrible about it! I don't want to question and worry! I want to keep my eyes focused on the Lord and trust Him in ALL things!

"Trust in HIM at all times, you people; pour out your heart before HIM; GOD is a refuge for us. Selah" Psalm 62:8

God has been showing and reminding me this week that I am not fully trusting Him and that HE is BIGGER then everything that is going on! He is perfectly able to change hearts and protect the vulnerable, that He will provide for our needs. We/I just need to trust and keep my eyes above.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. " Col. 3:2

 I was talking to a friend and she was sharing her struggles and her husbands lack of employment the past couple of years and she said, "I can attest to the fact that  God is BIGGER than I ever gave Him credit for."

"Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

I realized that I was telling God how big my problems are and not remembering that God is BIGGER!! Eph. 3:20 I keep focusing on the fact that my trials include hearts and children, not just unemployment, not just me...and well...that scares me! But God is bigger then anything! He created everything and can change hearts...and protect the hearts of children...and provide all our material needs...provide employment...and strengthen my marriage. 

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:6

I know God is using this time to sanctify me and make me more in His image. 

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Heb. 12:6

Though I'd rather not have to go through these trying times, BUT I know they are for my good! I can find peace and joy in that!

"My brethren  count is all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3


Here are some wonderful reminders from Michelle at Above Rubies:

He is able to:
do exceedingly abundantly above all! Eph 3:20
Make all grace abound! 2 Cor 9:8
Aid those tempted! Heb. 2:18
Save to the uttermost! Heb 7:25
Keep you from stumbling!
Present you faultless! Jude 2:4
Keep us until the Day! 2 Tim 1:12
Subdue all things! Phil 3:21
His ability has no end, and He lives in us!
"According to your faith let it be to you." Matt. 9:28-29

What has the Lord been teaching you lately?

For His Glory,



Thursday, March 7, 2013

Hear My Cry

Credit: scripture prayer

God has given me "one" particular verse (actually it's 4 verses) during these very trying times. I keep crying out these verses over and over again.


Credit: Pegitboard


Hear my cray, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cray to You, 
when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher then I.


For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your 
tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

Psalm 61:1-4




Has God given you any particular verses during trying times?

For His Glory,



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Acne Face Mask


Acne Face Mask



Here is a great all natural recipe, with ingredients you can find in your home.


Ingredients:

-         1 avocado
-          egg
-         Honey

Why it will help acne:    

     Mash the avocado. Mix in the egg and about a tablespoon of honey. Apply it to your face (WARNING: It will make you look like a green monster and may frighten your husband or children. *wink*) and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

      Honey helps kill bacteria and is used in many natural remedies to help kill the bacteria. The honey kills the bacteria by dehydrating it.
    
       Eggs are rich in retinol (vitamin A), which helps heal your skin. But make sure you use the right part of the egg for your skin type. If you have oily skin, use the egg whites. It acts as an astringent. The egg yolk is high in fat, so is good for dry skin.
       
     The avocado moisturizes the skin.

Enjoy! How did it work for your?


For His Glory,



Monday, March 4, 2013

You are Mine

Credit; juliefor jesus


Happy Monday!

Well, life has been really hard and challenging. We have been going through several trials. My husband still doesn't have a job, there is almost no money coming in and that alone is scary! We have been in the middle of two other trials on top of it. I can't really talk about it. But trust me... it's HARD!!



The Lord is using this time to draw me near to Him. Though some days I want to give up, He reminds me that He is here and He alone is my strength and protector.

Here is a beautiful verse that I find as an encouragement and I hope it ministers to you as well.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Isaiah 43:1-3





For His Glory,



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