The Robertson Crew

It is all Good: You are my strength, my portion, my Deliverer.

2009-06-22T10:04:00.004-05:00

God has been moving in our lives, in the midst of loss of health, financial security, and other areas. I can truly praise Him because He alone is good no matter what our earthly circumstances pose. He is good all the time, all the time He is good. In the midst of pain and suffering, He is refining and loving and showing us more of Him and prayerfully changing us to be more like Him. We begin to see truth as we have never known it before and know beyond a shadow of a doubt all things pale compared to knowing and living for the One True God. It is a humbling experience to be broken but the True Gospel has a healing balm for all believers. We were created to glorify Him and this is my prayer in all of my life that I may bring Him glory no matter what the "circumstances" around me may be.

We have sold our home to a dear Christian couple. We are moving sometime in the next month or so to somewhere :) Jim is interviewing for several different jobs. A few that would require him to travel again. We are all disheartened by the thought that he would be on the road again, but if this is "the job" I know that several people need to hear about our Lord. He is also interviewing this morning for a job in Tulsa that we are praying for. I am joking now that we are "jobless and homeless" but it is a great, freeing, humbling place to be. I KNOW God as our provider and sustainer. This experience has brought me to know new truths of our Lord and I am so grateful.

My strength, my portion, my help in time of need

I will trust Him at all times.
He has delivered me from all fear.
He has set my feet upon a rock.
And I will not be moved,
And I'll say of the Lord:

You are my shield,
My strength, my portion, Deliverer.
My shelter, strong tower,
My very present help in time of need.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
There's none I desire besides You.
And You have made me glad
And I'll say of the Lord:

My very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.

Here is a post from John Piper that I took from my friend Marci's face book page. He is powerful and speaks a truth that is real.

Falling on My Knees

2009-05-22T08:51:00.003-05:00

Nope, we have not heard a word. Silence on the job front line. Still waiting. A few leads here and there. I am ready to see what God provides for us, but He has us in a holding pattern. I am still trusting alone in His provision. I know His time is not our time, probably a very good thing indeed. I would rush and jump in and then think about it with regret later. I have been falling on my knees a lot, wrestling with anxiety, hope, trust, faith, mixed in with worry.

You know I can't finish without another worship song that tugs at my heart and puts my mind in focus.

Hungry by Kathryn Scott
Hungry, I come to you
For I know You satisfy
I am empty, but I know
Your love does not run dry

So I wait for you
So I wait for You
I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You’re all this heart is living for

Broken, I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary, but I know
Your touch restores my life

So I wait for you
So I wait for You
I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You’re all this heart is living for

Desert Song

2009-05-16T20:49:00.004-05:00

I was listening to the words of this song tonight and my heart cried out echoing them. We touched on this in our Saturday morning bible study today. Here are the lyrics:

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

May's Birthday Celebration

2009-05-05T12:58:00.003-05:00

My baby turns 10 this month! I can't believe it. I just finished my desktop screensaver from the shabby shoppe and wanted to share! She looks so grown up. Sniffle, Sniffle!

Ethiopia or Bust

2009-05-04T21:21:00.016-05:00

Ethiopian Orphans from Simon Scionka on Vimeo.

I have recently gotten back in touch with my friend Tanya. Tanya and her husband Tony are an amazing couple. They were high school sweethearts who married out of school. They both attended KU and Tony went on to medical school and is now a pediatric physician. Tanya and I grew up together in Bartlesville and as little girls we took ballet together. Later God wove our path together at KU as we both worked toward our OT degrees at KU medical center. After Jim and I were married, we spent a lot of time with Tony and Tanya as newlywed couples at Heartland Community Church in Kansas City. As God has moved our families to different parts of the country, it is really fun to reconnect and see how God is working in their lives. Currently, they are on a journey to adopt and bring home a child from Ethiopia. The Pruitt's journey is amazing and I wanted to include a link to her blog http://sixpruitts.blogspot.com/ named A Long Obedience. Take some time and check it out. Grab your kleenex box and be ready for God to move in your heart.

Scared - A Novel on the Edge of the World from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

Here are some unknown facts about Ethiopia.

* Did you know in Ethiopia
* * There is approx. 1 doctor for every 24,000 children
* * Ethiopia has approx. 4.3 million orphans and the country is twice the size of Texas
* * Half the children in Ethiopia will never attend school. 88% will never attend secondary school
* * The median age in Ethiopia is 18
* * 1 in 6 children die before their fifth birthday
* * 1 in 10 children die before their first birthday

If you are called to make a difference, check out these websites:
http://www.adoptionsbygladney.com
http://www.compassion.com/
http://www.shoesfororphansouls.org/
http://www.ahopeforchildren.org/
http://www.mochaclub.org/
http://www.5for50.com/
http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/
http://www.charitywater.org/
http://www.worldorphans.com/

Blessed Be Your Name

2009-05-03T14:58:00.002-05:00

Here are two of my favorite worship songs. I am worshiping God today for who He is. I am humbled by His provision and His Love.

Waiting, Melting, and Being Challenged

2009-04-30T08:09:00.006-05:00

"I wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. " Psalm 62:5

One of the hardest things to do in life, is to wait. Especially for me. I have NO patience. Our very nature wants what it wants when we want it. When our deliverance from a situation seems to take longer than we think it should, the battle rages in our mind between trust and fear. This is exactly where I am, in a battle between trust and fear.

My husband got home Tuesday night from his interview and he said it went well. Yeah! This would normally be good news for most people. I just happened to choose that moment to have a spiritual and emotional "melt down". See, I didn't get as much information from him as I would have liked. (Wives do we ever?) I also realized in that moment, that I had another unknown date to wait for until he A. got a phone call that offered him the job and B. well you know, the other alternative. Inside, I was broken that we didn't seem to be any closer to the end of this particular journey and honestly I was a little peeved.

After Carter's diagnosis and all of our crazy history, I rarely cry any more, but the past few days I think the flood gate has broken loose. My husband is unsure of what to do with me and is keeping a healthy and safe distance. He really is a wise man :) I can relate highly to Psalms 69:2-3 which states "I sink in deep mire, Where there is not standing; I have come into deep waters, Where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for God." As I have been chewing on this verse, I realized that my eyes do NEED to fail me. Because if I look at my circumstances with human eyes, I can mire in worry, anxiety, and fear but If I trust in His Name, His AMAZING Provision and His plan for the Robertson family then I have no fear. It is through this journey that Faith is being built, prayerfully His character being developed, and I am being changed more like Him and less like my selfish nature.

I also realized that I am such an Israelite wandering in the desert. God has continuously blessed our family in amazing ways and yet, I am still quietly grumbling over His plan. So I had another heart to heart today laying everything out on the floor broken in front of me. The I don't want to move from this house, I don't want to move from this city, I don't want to, I don't want to, I don't want to...you get the picture. (Yes the house IS God's house and I would give it up if I am called. Honestly, I am just too darn lazy/weary and tired to pack up this family of 6 for the 6th time in 8 years. Especially now that my awesome momma organized my house and I can actually find something and we just planted a garden). I digress. The underlying root of my three year old rant is lack of TRUST in my Lord and still fear of the unknown. As I was reading today through different articles on learning to wait on God, I was reminded of David who throughout the Psalms had to convince himself anew EVERYDAY that God would take care of him. Of course I am thankful that I literally am not being hunted and marked for death, but I was reminded of what a spiritual battle that I am in. My eyes need to be blinded to the things around so that my HEART can worship and Trust in God's Amazing Plan and His Amazing Provision, no matter where that is or what that looks like. Hmmm, easier to write out than to live out in the flesh:)

Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."

Isaiah 26:3-5
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

Lamentations 3:21-26
21 But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 27:13-14
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord in the
land of the living
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!

I will end with this quote mainly for my own benefit!! "God is never late, but seldom early".

Praying Today for My Husband

2009-04-28T13:49:00.003-05:00

"All Your Worries" by Thao Cosgrove
www.scrapgirls.com

God's Amazing Provision for Our Lives

2009-04-26T23:13:00.004-05:00

"Wait Upon the Lord, Be strong and take Heart and wait upon the Lord" Psalm 27:14

We have been waiting upon the Lord for His provision of a job for Jim. It has been hard for me to wait but it has challenged my faith and courage to know for sure that my amazing God is really who He says He is. God's provision for our everyday needs has blown me away and strengthened Jim and I in countless ways. Below are some of the things I have learned and the amazing ways God has provided for our needs and humbled my heart.

First of all, I have learned with every hardship comes blessings. Our blessing through not having a job right now, equates lots of family time. Though there were growing pains to begin with, we have adapted into quite a comfortable routine. I love having my husband home and watching him interact with the kids. I also love having him around for myself as well. We are the best of friends. Bionic man is also a pretty handsome guy and it has been great to fall in love with him all over again. We have had really good discussions, challenged each other spiritually in different areas, handled the kids like a professional parenting team "What did your dad say about that?" and also fought like cats and dogs :) Which in turn reveals my sinful nature and the need I have for my Savior! I will really miss him when he returns to work full time :) (Which again will be a HUGE BLESSING!)

One of the things Jim and I have learned over the past few weeks is how faithful God is. During a precepts bible study with Carter this month, one of the topics we discussed was not taking the Lord's name in vain. Exodus 20:7 states "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in Vain. The lesson went on to say "Taking God's name in vain is the opposite of hallowing it. When you take God's name in vain, you are disbelieving, denying, and distorting the truth about God. The name of the Lord is not just a title, but it is how God makes Himself known to us. His name tells us WHO He is. It tells us about His character.

When you don't believe what God says about Himself, then you are taking His name in vain because you are thinking wrong thoughts about Him. An example of disbelieving God would be to say, "God , doesn't care about my needs." Did you know one of God's names means He is our Provider? So when you say God doesn't care about my needs, you are thinking wrong thoughts about God and are disbelieving Him and his provision. You are taking His name in vain. "

Kay Arthur "Lord, Teach Me to Pray for Kids" p.42

Jim and I were both kind of stunned with that. It sunk in that when we allow anxiety and worry to creep into our thoughts about the future and how are needs are going to be met, we are literally taking His name in vain by not trusting in Him as our Jehovah Jireh (provider). So every time we start to get anxious about a job, money, insurance, health etc...we remind ourselves and each other who are provider is. And you know what, in comes this amazing peace and sense of security as we have been learning to lean on God.

On that note, I want to share some of the AMAZING ways God has provided for our family during the past month or so. Some of this has been hard for me to except as I feel like we are not desperate, deserving because there are so many others who are suffering, or poverty stricken. God has been teaching me though to rely on Him for everything moment to moment. This is one area, he has really stretched me in.

First, a friend of ours provided us with half of a cow for our freezer.

Second, we had grocery money given/forced upon us for two weeks worth of groceries. I say forced because it was SO hard for me to except it thinking we didn't need that just yet...we still have savings and severance to live off of. Now in July, it may be a different story :) But God was providing manna for us and so I praised Him for expanding my box of comfort.

Third, our garage sale was overwhelmingly fruitful. Huge praises to my mom who gave us hours of her time to force me to reconcile with the stuff and chaos in my house! When we were done, I even alphabetized our books and CD collection.

Fourth, a friend called me out of the blue and gave me a load of new or hardly worn size 8 shorts and clothes for Carter that are "so cool and camo".

Fifth, we were able to get our air conditioner fixed in the suburban for under $100. WhooHoo! Your body does adjust to wind and warmth but it is really nice to be cool...actually I am freezing now but what a blessing! We were willing to go without a.c. this summer thinking it was going to be a thousand plus expense.

Sixth, a dear friend dropped off bread in our mailbox from the Harvest Bread Company.

Seventh, our electric meter apparently wasn't working for a time. The guy who checks the meters, knocked on the door last month to let me know he was replacing ours. I was really nervous thinking our bill was going to be ASTRONOMICAL. I prayed about it and when I got the bill this month, we had actually been OVERPAYING and our bill was only, drum roll please...$8.00. Seriously only God can do that!

Last, I wanted to stop at Sonic the other day during happy hour, my wise husband looked at me and I realized that it was really not a "need". We came home and walked in the door and what do you know...our neighbor called out of the blue with 2 large cherry limeades that he bought for his family. Apparently, when he got home with the drinks, his family was not there. For those that know me, I really was blown away by this little "coincidence"

My point is that I have kept God in a box for way to long. I have been humbled and blown away by His love, grace, and continued provision and protection of our family. I was able to challenge a friend the other day going through a difficult trial and questioning her need for control over finances and need to make money. I asked her "Is God really who He says He is in your life, if He is than you have to release control and trust Him to provide." He will do it in unbelievable and surprising ways and He will met your NEEDS. Sometimes not your "wants" but your needs.

On that note, Jim has a job interview on Tuesday that we would appreciate prayers for. If this is the new tapestry that God is weaving in our lives, I will have a very cool story to blog about :) This interview has been in the makings for almost 5 months now. God has impressed the lesson on my heart of waiting for His timing and praising Him in the meantime. Please see my earlier posts. The interview was scheduled almost 4 weeks ago. Again, I had to put on my waiting stance. I realized though that this has given Jim's hair an opportunity to grow out over his incisions and will help him avoid the questions of "Did you have brain surgery lately or what !" So that is probably a very good thing :) We are really excited and hopeful about the opportunity for Jim to possibly work at this company. It has some really neat Godly men and is still located in Oklahoma :) So if it is God's will, please pray that He will find a place to use my husbands talents in this company for His glory and be offered the job. We continue to "wait upon the Lord, and be strong and take heart, and wait upon the Lord." Psalm 27:14

I also have another prayer request regarding Carter's pump supplies. We have a very low supply of transfer sets which is the tubing that connects from the pump to the infusion set he wears in his body. I called the diabetic supply office trying to get a refill on just the transfer sets and apparently the company quit selling those individually. I heard as well that they are discontinuing the pump that Carter wears. (You would think I would get better at changes, but this one is hard for me). Long story as short as possible, I have to get a new script from the doctor tomorrow to try and beat the insurance clock so that we can continue to get the supplies covered under Durable Medical Equipment. Without that approval, his pump supplies almost equal a small house payment. :( So if you would pray for that to be approved that would be very helpful. I know regardless, God will take care of my little man and all of his diabetic needs. I take comfort in the fact that God loves and cares for him even more than I do. He is in His hands. I also know that He alone will provide for Carter's needs. I am sure I will have a neat story to share about that as well :)

We are still here, waiting upon the Lord for His plan and His purpose for our lives. We appreciate your prayers. He is Good all the time, All the Time, He is Good!

John Waller - While I'm Waiting Lyrics

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Spring Cleaning Mania! Beware

2009-04-26T21:37:00.012-05:00

This is Little Red and the contents of her purse aka hidden treasures. Can you believe all of the stuff she crams in there and all of the RANDOM things she does put in there! It is really fun when she carries it to various places and proceeds to empty the contents and play with them. :)

It has been a while since I have posted. We have been busy tearing through our house and cleaning with my mom's amazing help. I have seen places of this house I have not seen since we moved in. My poor mother..."she didn't raise me this way" but let me just say with four kiddos, homeschooling, and really LIVING LIFE everyday in our house chaos sometimes wins over. So she put on a brave front and kept us going and working through the worst of it. Sometimes, I wanted to close the door and NEVER look back. I had that feeling in the girls room. The little packrats had "stuff" everywhere. Let me warn you it was quite the challenge. After 5 very long hours, we had things sorted, trashed, and piled in heaps for the garage sale. Little Red still has her "stash" to keep her sane with her 5 year old nesting habits but I can finally breathe relief when I step in their room.
Emma's box of stuff?

Things we found under the beds and in the corners of dark, scary places :(

Making progress. Emma is just like me and wanted to take off constantly during the cleaning process. We both are way to easily distracted!

We got it done and 3 weeks later it is still in fairly good shape. That makes me peaceful. Mainly because I don't want to go in that room again and do it over.

Our Fieldtrip to the Oklahoma Aquarium April 2009

2009-04-24T02:53:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Easter

2009-04-07T08:37:00.005-05:00

Here are my two Easter Eggs and bunnies decorated all by themselves for Easter. I don't think I could have done a better job myself! Below is a picture that just cracks me up. I secretly love chickens and miss my Bantam hens a lot so this picture always gives me lots to smile about.

I have been spending this week reflecting and looking toward the future. Some dear friends and I are going to start studying Revelations together. The song "People get ready, Jesus is coming soon we will be going home" has been burned into my mind lately. To me Easter is the most important time of the year as I reflect on the gift of LIFE that I have been given through my Saviour. This world is temporary and soon we are all going home. I am excited!

Lord I'm ready now,
I'm waiting for your triumphant return.
Your coming soon.
This world has nothing for me, I find my peace and joy soley in you.
(Only in you)
I want the world to see, your alive and living well in me.
Let me be apart of the harvest, for the days are few.
Your coming soon.
So people get ready, Jesus is coming.
Soon we'll be going home.
People get ready, Jesus is coming to take from the world his own.
Peple get ready, Jesus is coming.
Soon we'll be going home.
People get ready, Jesus is coming.
Soon we'll be going home.
(We'll be going home.)
There's a day that comes,
when we will be divided right and left...
For those who know him (those who do not know)
Those who know him well will meet him in the air HALeLUja!
God is with us!
Those who do not know...
They will hear, "Depart.. I know you not."
For all my friends, you see...
There will be a day when we'll be counted..
So know him well.... Know him well!
(Chorus)
To take his own (to take his own)
To take his own (to take his own)
We'll be going home ( We'll be going home)
We'll be going home ( We'll be going home)
We'll be going home!
For my friends, you see
There will be a day when we'll be counted.
So know him well, Know him well!
(Chorus)
People get ready!

History Repeats Itself

2009-03-30T06:49:00.000-05:00

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
by
Bodie and Brock Thoene

Dear Thoene Friend,
Scripture tells us, “Woe to those who call good ‘evil,’ and who call evil, ‘good.’”

Those of you who have read The Zion Covenant have already seen and recognized in our own time that the history of tyranny is indeed repeating itself.

Over the course of 25 years we have researched and written about the destruction of the German Republic and its constitution….THROUGH LEGISLATION!

You asked us for specifics. Is there any historical precedent for the present Democrat-controlled U.S. Congress giving massive bailout loans to banks and to industry?

Back to that question in a moment.

This week the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Geitner, demanded from Congress that he be given the PERSONAL power to regulate and nationalize U.S. banks and all financial institutions. The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury also wants to have the power to decide what is a “good” business and which businesses should be taken over by the government!

President Obama agrees with this! Obama believes Geitner, the tax evader, should have this power over U.S. business!
At Obama’s demand Geitner’s power would include the authority to shut down U.S. companies at a whim! Do you own a small business? Mr. Geitner would be able to shut you down!

The magnitude of the Obama Administration’s tyrannical power-grab has never before been witnessed in American history.

Review this example:
Obama forces Wagoner out as GM CEO; 31-year career is over
by JUSTIN HYDE and TIM HIGGINS • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITERS • March 29, 2009

President Barack Obama's rescue plan for Detroit automakers will be unveiled Monday, but one condition became clear today: the resignation of General Motors Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner.

As a condition for additional government aid to GM, the Obama administration asked Wagoner to step aside, which Wagoner agreed to do today, people familiar with the plan said. Wagoner’s move, effective immediately, ends a 31-year career with GM.

Not since President Franklin Roosevelt considered taking control of Ford Motor Co. in 1943 from a failing Henry Ford has the federal government pushed for such sway in the management of Detroit’s automakers. (emphasis added)

The tack suggests a hard-nosed approach from the Obama administration toward the automakers, bondholders and the UAW, all of whom have yet to reach agreements on key concessions, despite months of talks.

Obama will unveil the new rescue plan for GM and Chrysler in a White House ceremony this morning.

And there you have it. The President of the United States is now DICTATING who will run General Motors. Obama is saying there will be NO Government FINANCIAL HELP FOR General Motors UNLESS they dump the CEO! Obama has the power to destroy the 31-year-career of a man who ran a great American company while the corrupt U.S. Congress ran the business of America into the ground.

We will say this plainly: Barak Hussein Obama has, in nine weeks, proven to us that he is a tyrant. He is now assuming dictatorial powers over our lives and businesses which NO PRESIDENT has EVER assumed in the history of our nation. BY new LAWS enacted by a Democrat Congress, Obama, son of a Kenyan Muslim, is now ignoring WE THE PEOPLE and taking over every corner of our lives. Our Constitutional rights are in shambles.

Has anything like this ever happened in another country? If so, what was the result?

We searched our historical news files and found this headline from Germany in 1935….

Wireless to THE NEW YORK TIMES.
February 22, 1935, Friday
Page 11, 598 words

HITLER AUTHORIZES HUGE FORCED LOAN; Gives Finance Minister Wide Power to Raise Up to Billion Marks to Provide Jobs.

BERLIN, Feb. 21. -- Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler empowered the Finance Minister, in a decree passed by the Cabinet today, to float a new loan of between 750,000,000 and 1,000,000,000 marks. [The mark was quoted here yesterday at 40.28 cents.]

It isn’t really necessary to spell out the conclusion of the comparison is it?

To sum up:
Do not be silent. You must not remain silent. Tyranny threatens your American Constitution. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin would not believe what these Democrat-agogues are doing to Freedom today!

Stand and be heard, Americans! Your nation and the world are in peril!

Blessings in The Mighty Name of Jesus!

Bodie and Brock
www.familyaudiolibrary.com

My Husband, The Bionic Man

2009-03-19T21:01:00.008-05:00

My husband, Bionic Man, is in a clinical trial for Occipital Nerve Implants. The implants are being studied to reduce or eliminate quickly hemiplegic migraines and cluster migraines. So as a friend of mine reminded me, we are braving the new frontier of science to prayerfully help those who suffer from these things in the future. The great part about the implants is that they are working. When Bionic man gets a headache, he turns on his little machine and waves it over the battery. The battery turns on and the electric wires up his spine and into his head send out electric impulses into the occipital nerve that quickly diminish the pain from the headache. This is a great thing for him since these headaches when they persist for days on end cause paralysis in the right side of his body and other fun symptoms. :) Obviously, the symptoms go away in time but it is really not a fun condition for him to live with. Bionic man is TOUGH and RARELY complains of a headache or quits working. This is probably to his detriment. So we usually all figure it out as the right side of his face is drooping as well as his speech.
Bionic man had the initial surgery the first part of January. It is a blind study in which some of the patients received a placebo device that was not activated. God heard our pleading and allowed himto have a device that was turned on and it worked!!! After three weeks, the electrodes slipped out and moved down into his left shoulder. When he turned on his machine, he got a nice electric shock in his left shoulder that sent him to the floor. It was actually quite amusing if you have our twisted since of humor. The second part wasn't so fun though as we had to go back to Springfield in February and have the electrodes re-anchored into his skull. This time, they used very large anchors to get it to "stick." It stuck so well, that the wire on the left side of his head decided to expose itself on the outside of Bionic man's skin. (Not a good thing :( ) At this point, I guess the risk of infection was HUGE and the neurosurgeon and his staff were pretty much freaking out telling us to get back to Springfield ASAP. Easier said than done with 4 kids to take care of but I am grateful for all the help :)

Currently, we are HOME from Springfield. The Bionic Man is all intact. He no longer has any wires that are poking out of his head. This obviously is a good thing. We checked into the hospital at 1 pm yesterday with no time to spare. They were already paging us to the surgical area :) Once we got settled (I say we) I really meant Bionic man back into his handsome hospital gown with the giant gap in the back, everyone wanted to see the Bionic Man with the wires sticking out the back of his head. After the novelty wore off, the charge nurse read the order for the day's surgery which included removing the entire device. She explained we would have the option of coming back in two or three months and redoing the entire thing. At this point, I got into my pitbull with lipstick mind frame and apologized for my rant ahead of time and said "Oh no, we are NOT going to go home without this device because it is working (PTL). I said they were going to have to talk with the neurosurgeon and come up with a different answer for us because that wasn't going to work."

The neurosurgeon came in to talk with us. He was already scheduled for another surgery before ours and that patient had to wait a bit. Doc used several colorful words to describe what he saw in Bionic man's head. He could not believe that we were back and that the wire was exposed. Doc scratched his head and was as frustrated as we felt. He tugged on the exposed wire in Bionic man's head hard and it didn't budge. Doc was rather pleased with the anchors he put in last time. "Hell they are strong." he said. Doc laid out our options, stated the risk for infection with the exposed wire, stated his inability to tell whether it was connected to the right or the left side. Listened to our impassioned pleas and said he would go ahead and redo the entire surgery again with new wires and electrodes. I will spare you the rest of the gory, long details but after 3 long hours, he was reattached and the device was buzzing in his head just fine. Doc told me that Bionic Man scars "like a freakin mother" He said he was amazed at how much scar tissue the man had and that he just kept having to use his knife to cut it all away. I said I believed it. He always has bad keloid scars. So here is what Bionic Man looks like right now with a ton of wire hidden up under his skin and a battery as big as a cell phone in his back. Isn't that cool? I love technology. I think it is amazing how well this works. So here is to future research...clinical trials.... and prayerfully no more hemiplegic migraines. Please continue to pray that his body does not reject any of these foreign objects and that no wires come to the surface again.
This is where the battery for the device is and where the wires are screwed in that run up the spine.
These are the beautiful incisions where the wires attach to the electrodes and where the electrodes are anchored to his skull. Doc was able to use the original anchors because they were fastened in so tightly!

While We are Waiting

2009-03-17T12:29:00.005-05:00

We had the opportunity to share Sunday night about our homeschool journey to parents who are interested in knowing more about it. One of the questions that was posed to Jim and I and another couple was "How do you expose them to the real problems of life? I mean they are never going to experience the conflicts that kids deal with today in the schools. How are they going to grow and mature as Christians?" After a pause to reflect, I answered to him that we literally live LIFE with our children. In the past 4 years, my husband has had a stroke and literally the Lord only know how many surgeries, my son has been diagnosed with a high maintenance incurable disease, we have had dear friends lose their children, my husband has traveled on the road for 10 years Sunday thru Thursday, we had 4 kids somehow during that time, and currently we are trusting God for employment. I don't know how much "realer" life gets than that I said, but we have walked this road as a family. I encourage my children to see God's hand in all of these things and how He has used it for His glory. They have seen the good, the bad, and the really sinful side of their mom and dad but most of all I pray that when they go through hard times (and they will), they will know that they can always "Trust in the name of the Lord our God."

We are going back to Springfield. We need prayers today. Jim asked me to look at one of the incisions on his head last night. Low and behold, the wire is sticking out through the scar. There is close to an inch of exposed wire. After calling Clinvest last night, we got an urgent phone call this morning asking for Jim to come back in immediately. Apparently the risk of infection is VERY high and we have to go back to Springfield tomorrow and have yet another surgery. Right now the neurosurgeon is saying that he will have to remove the lead (leed) and that Jim can have ANOTHER surgery later to have them put back in. We DON”T want this to happen. We are praying that they can just move the lead over to another incision site instead of removing everything. The device is working amazingly well. So please pray that God will take Jim’s body under his amazing protection and there will be no risk of infection to his brain or anywhere else. The staff at Clinvest and the Neurosurgeon are kind of freaking out about the risk of infection. Pray that Dr. Baker won’t have to remove everything and that the device can stay intact. Please pray for my sanity. Please pray for anything else that may come to mind as I really can’t think.

Regarding our current job situation or lack there of :). Jim has a strong lead that we have been praying for. If this is an open door for Jim, then it will all work in His time and would be amazing. If not, there is a different plan and direction and we will continue to trust in His provision for our family. I appreciate your prayers and would ask that everyone would continue to hold us up in prayer as we seek to go where God ultimately desires us to be. I know the next chapter is bound to be exciting. The growth that is occurring personally in our lives right now during these challenges is important and prayerfully a witness to those around us. My heart is that this will all be used for His glory in spite of ourselves. My praise is that I love having Jim home with us and so do the kids. What a blessing this time is and God is providing for our needs.

I love the following scriptures. They have challenged me the past few weeks, reminding me that again I am not in control and that I am to "wait for the Lord." His plan is amazing, His grace is sufficient, and He is the only one that can ever meet my needs. The house we live in is His house, the things that we have our His, the food that we eat are His, and I want most of all for me and the rest of my family to be all His. I hope these are encouraging verses for you as they are for me. Blessings to you my friends (and I don't mean materially, I mean the blessing of the Lord spiritually). Again, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Psalm 25:4-5
"Make me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your Truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day."

Psalm 25:12-22
"Who is the man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
My eyes are continually toward the Lord,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distress.
Look upon my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.
Look upon my enemies, for they are many,
And they hate me with violent hatred.
Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I Wait for You.
Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of his troubles."

Psalm 27:5-6
"For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord."

Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord."

In the meantime we are waiting. That would be a good scene to describe us. I pray that we will move forward serving and worshiping as God would intend us to no matter what our earthly circumstances are.

What Does it Really Mean part 2!

2009-03-07T22:05:00.004-06:00

A couple of days ago, I had the arrogance to post a blog pointing out someone's error in spelling and grammatical context. I was having fun laughing through it. Then God has a sense of humor...ha ha ha! I attempted to be creative the other morning to ease my stress level. (I have to create something to relax) Needless to say my dear friend Brenda is having a Q & A for a group of couples at her church who are exploring homeschooling. I thought it would be fun to make a flier on photoshop to share with other friends who may be interested in coming. After reading this through 3 times in Adobe Photoshop, this is what I sent out. Can you catch all of my spelling errors? I don't even want to know about the grammatical ones!

Yep, I dun one smart homeshooling mama! The most frustrating thing besides actually sending this out to lots of people, is that it literally takes an hour for me to fix it in photoshop. There is no spell check and when you use Adobe, you literally are scrapbooking a bunch of different layers to a page. When you think you are finished, you hit merge! It is like sending the page through a laminating machine. There ain't no way you can dun go back! It is sure gonna be hard to fix when that there thing is all smashed and glued together!

So lessons of the day. DON'T make fun of something you will probably end up doing yourself. Always have your friends like Dalene, Christy, and Kipplyn edit and proof read your work before hand and last always save a sample of the thing you is workin on in photoshop in a layered form so you can dun go in a fix it!

Thanks to all my amazing and gracious friends who lovingly emailed me with the correct spelling and grammatical changes. You guys even gave me great excuses to why I had failed to do it right (thanks Kristen and Laura). You guys are awesome.

By the way, if the new one has any errors on it...I am resigning!

Do You Know?

2009-03-07T21:38:00.006-06:00

I originally saw this on the Life Church blog update that I get everyday. I was emailed it again this evening and was able to show my hubby. We both agreed that it was worth a blog post. By Karl Frich and Scott McLeod

The Little Mr. Conservative

2009-03-07T14:50:00.002-06:00

A NY Times article
By JAN HOFFMAN
Published: March 6, 2009

SITTING in the back seat of his mother’s van as she drives through Atlanta suburbs, Jonathan Krohn is about to sign off with a conservative radio talk show host in Florida. In the 40 minutes he’s been on the air, with the help of his mother’s cellphone, this hyper-articulate Georgia eighth grader has attacked the stimulus bill, identified leaders he thinks will salvage the Republican Party’s image, and assessed the legitimacy of Barack Obama’s birth certificate.

The show’s host chuckles and asks whether President Obama has called Jonathan “a little fascist.”

“The president hasn’t come after me yet,” Jonathan says chummily, “but we’ve had other people come after me!”

“Jonathan!” his mother hisses from the driver’s seat.

The interview concluded, Jonathan wistfully handed his mother her cellphone. His parents still won’t let him have one, even though he turned 14 last Sunday, right after he became an instant news media darling and the conservative movement’s underage graybeard at last weekend’s Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington.

The annual convention brings in the movement’s grand old lions, like Rush Limbaugh, as well as cubs to rally 8,500 of the faithful, who were shaken by the election of Barack Obama. Jonathan, a slight, home-schooled only child whose teeth are in braces, is so passionate about his beliefs that he spent his summer writing “Define Conservatism,” an 86-page book outlining what he says are its core values. In January, he contacted CPAC organizers, asking to speak there.

With some skepticism, they gave him a spot on a Friday panel of grassroots activists. But Jonathan, an experienced child actor, rocked the house with a three-minute speech, which was remarkable not so much for what he said, but his electrifying delivery. The speech was part pep talk, part book promotion. By Saturday morning, an archdeacon of the movement was saying, “I’m Bill Bennett: I used to work for Ronald Reagan and now I’m a colleague of Jonathan Krohn’s!”

As video of the speech coursed through the Internet, radio talk show hosts and television reporters at the conference sought him eagerly.

In less than a week, Jonathan appeared on “Fox and Friends” and CNN, and broadcast network anchors requested interviews. He has lost count of the number of radio shows he has spoken on. Though his family has received hate mail, accusing them of brainwashing their son, a Jonathan Krohn fan club has sprung up on Facebook. High honors: Jon Stewart has already poked fun at him.

And the invitations have only snowballed since the family returned to their modest house in a subdivision here.

Why just that morning, his mother, Marla Krohn, marveled, a staff member for a potential candidate for Georgia governor asked for a meeting with Jonathan. In her gentle drawl, Mrs. Krohn said cautiously, “I’m not sure I’m a supporter of his.”

“Neither am I,” Jonathan piped in.

“But I’m a voter,” Mrs. Krohn reminded him firmly.

Jonathan retorted, “Now that I’m a political pundit, I have the ability to influence people. I have to think about it!”

But first, his mother reminded him, he had some homework to finish.

He’s an unusual kid with an unusual background. Jonathan’s parents, Doug, a computer systems integrator, and Marla, a sales representative and former actress who teaches drama and speech to middle-school students, have been home-schooling their bright, curious son since the sixth grade. On Fridays, Jonathan joins 10 middle-school students at the Classical School in Woodstock, where classes are taught from a Christian perspective, for five hours of study, including Latin. They have two 10-minute recesses for tag, said Jonathan’s teacher, Stephen P. Gilchrist. Lunch is eaten at their desks while they work.

“Other children his age are not quite sure how to take him,” Mr. Gilchrist said. “Jonathan is so intense, so verbal and a strong personality. But as they get to know him, they respect him for what he is. And he is tons of fun.”

Jonathan’s father oversees his math; he studies Arabic with a tutor.

“Before I got into politics,” Jonathan said as he sat with his parents in the study of their home, “I wanted to be a missionary to people in the Middle East. I thought it would be better to speak with them in their own language.” The family are active members of Peachtree Corners Baptist Church in Norcross, Ga.

That was several careers ago. But he is sticking with Arabic, because, “it’s important to talk with our allies in their language.”

Although the Krohns are conservative, they say Jonathan’s passion for politics is largely his. “Politics bore me,” his mother said flatly. “I’ve learned a lot from Jonathan about the candidates I’ve voted for.” Doug Krohn said he listened to talk radio, but with his Iowa-born soft-sell manner, he’s hardly the pontificating firebrand his son is.

Jonathan said he became a political enthusiast at 8, after hearing about a Democratic filibuster on judicial nominations. “I thought, ‘Who goes to work saying, ‘I’m going to filibuster today?’ ” he said.

Mr. Krohn, looking bleary-eyed by recent events, muttered, “And now he can filibuster with the best of them.”

Jonathan would wake up at 6 a.m. to listen to Bill Bennett’s “Morning in America” show and became riveted by politics and American history. Soon, Mr. Bennett, whom Jonathan now describes as, “my mentor and very good friend,” was taking Jonathan’s calls.

“Jonathan was an extraordinary boy, very special,” Mr. Bennett said, in a phone interview. “He wowed my audience, he wowed me. He’s very engaging and learned. He’s got staying power.”

Last spring, as the presidential campaign was in full roar, Jonathan decided the term conservatism was so misused that he needed to write a book explaining it. He received a computer from his maternal grandfather for his 13th birthday. “In the Jewish culture in which my mom was raised, 13 is a big deal,” he said. “But since I’m a Jewish Christian, I don’t do a bar mitzvah.” (Decades ago, his mother became a Baptist.)

Although the family said they hired an editor to go over grammar, Jonathan, they said, wrote the book himself. “My mom would get tough,” Jonathan said. “She’d say, ‘If you don’t stop writing now and go outside and get some exercise, I won’t let you finish this book!’ ”

The family said Jonathan paid to have the book published with his own savings, earned from writing and performing on a syndicated radio Bible show for children.

His father made a spreadsheet of their contacts for publicity, and then Jonathan went to work, glad-handing. He already had developed poise, as he put it, “during the 20 or 30 productions I was in during my acting career” — he’d performed in Christian Youth Theater plays and regional shows.

Jonathan apologetically described the book as a “first effort.” The second edition, he said, will have less about Thomas Jefferson and more about Alexander Hamilton and James Monroe.

But as Lisa De Pasquale, director of CPAC, noted, he is still a kid.

“He seems to at least have a historical perspective,” she said. “But at 13, there’s not a lot of life experience yet. But as he attends more conferences, he’ll have more ammunition and education, and see that there are more than black and white viewpoints.”

Jonathan also sees room for improvement: “I have good voice inflection, that’s why I’m good on radio,” he said “But on TV, I look too big because I move my hands around a lot.”

He still has the zeal of a missionary. His voice rising to a wobbly squeak, he grabs any opening to press the cause. “Barack Obama is the most left-wing president in my lifetime,” he said.

Mr. Krohn buried his face in his hands. “Oh, Jonathan,” he sighed.

Friendship

2009-03-06T15:55:00.004-06:00

A couple of my friends and I have had a really hard week. To cheer me up today, especially today, my friend Kipplyn sent me a poem to make me smile.

This is for you my friend! :-)

None of that 'Sis'-sy Stuff

Are you tired of those

/ *sissy*/* 'friendship' poems*

that always sound good,

but never actually come close

*to reality?*

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of

*True Friendship.*

You WON'T see

*cutesy little smiley faces*

on this card-

Just the stone cold truth

of our great friendship.

1.* When you are sad,

I will jump on the person

who made you sad

like a spider monkey

jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

*2.* When you are blue,

I will try to dislodge

whatever is choking you.

*3.* When you smile,

I will know you are

plotting something

that I must be involved in.

*4.* When you're scared,

we will high tail it out of here.

*5.* When you are worried,

I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse

it could be until you

quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

*6.* When you are confused,

I will use little words.

*7.* When you are sick,

Stay away from me

until you are well again.

I don't want whatever you have.

*8.* When you fall,

I'll pick you up

and dust you off--

After I laugh my rear off!!

*9.* This is my oath...

I pledge it to the end.

'Why?' you may ask;

-- because _you_ are _my_ FRIEND!

***********************

Friendship is like peeing your pants,

everyone can see it,

b ut only */YOU/*

can feel the

true warmth.

An interview about mom with my kids

2009-03-05T12:40:00.003-06:00

With some trepidation, I embarked on this challenge to find out some of the thoughts of my children. I sat down with Carter at 6:15 this morning and finished with the last kid at 8 am. Here is how the interview went :)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Emma age 9: thank you
Carter age 8: Be Quiet!
Hope age 5: hmmmm, always be sweet
Eli age 3: I don't know

2. What makes mom happy?
Emma: When the house is clean
Carter: when we all work together
Hope: to be sweet all day
Eli: underwear (now let me clarify that he had been streaking around the kitchen all morning long )

3. What makes mom sad?
Emma: if we fight
Carter: when Emma scratches me
Hope: to not be sweet all day
Eli: spanks

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?
Emma:When mom says she is a dork and is a comedian
Carter: tickling me
Hope: tickles
Eli: tickle

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Emma: silly
Carter: "I have no idea!"
Hope: a baby
Eli: liked presents

6. How old is your mom?
Emma: 36
Carter: 35 (he's right)
Hope: I don't know. My guess 60
Eli: I don't know how old you are

7. How tall is your mom?
Emma: I don't know, 5.7" wait I mean 5.7 feet
Carter: How tall are you?
Hope: 61
Eli: this tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Emma: relax!
Carter: on the computer, read your bible, read a book, play with family
Hope: do school, computer, and church
Eli: do school with me and Hopey, Emma, and Carter

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Emma: clean the house
Carter: read
Hope: find me
Eli: go back home

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Emma: comedy, singing, and dancing ( I think she was self-imposing her dreams on the last two :)
Carter: the longest one on the computer (Ouch!)
Hope: church
Eli: ummm, how bout Jesus

11. What is your mom really good at?
Emma: loving God
Carter: teaching school to us
Hope: school
Eli: teaching school, games, and making dinner

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Emma: controlling your temper
Carter: sports
Hope: messing up papers
Eli: I really don't know

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Emma: clean the house
Carter: clean
Hope: work
Eli: do laundry

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Emma: coke, sushi
Carter: tomato's maybe
Hope: basghetti, meatballs, macaroni and cheese
Eli: everything

15. What makes mommy proud of you?
Emma: when I clean and don't fight
Carter: when I do what she says
Hope: cleaning up the whole house
Eli: cleaning up

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Emma: The Pink Panther
Carter: Penelope Pitstop
Hope: a mommy
Eli, number 95 Lightening McQueen

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Emma: go to Sonic and talk
Carter: play games and do school
Hope: cut out things
Eli: play games

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Emma: we both like a clean house and we both love God
Carter: I have No idea...wait, we both like HOT water!
Hope: we have the same skin
Eli: I don't know

19. How are you and your mom different?
Emma: your older, I'm younger
Carter: you have long hair and I have short hair
Hope: I'm short and your tall
Eli: I don't know

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Emma: cause she does
Carter: well I don't know, cause you hug me and your my mom
Hope: because I work so hard
Eli: a hug, and a kiss, and a little bit of this (he is shaking his booty)

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Emma: hang out with friends and Cancun
Carter: Sushi Train and K-Kauai
Hope: the store
Eli: wal-mart

What does that really mean?

2009-03-03T13:48:00.003-06:00

I came across this today in an article. It made me laugh but at the same time made me think Oh My Goodness! I am by far, one of the worst with run on sentences and fragments. I am also very grateful for spellcheck. Can you find the error in this below? Do you really want to purchase this item to help your child get better test scores on the SAT?

I borrowed this from the blog A Word Aptly Written. These were actual signs that were posted in various places. Enjoy!

In an office:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER…… PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN’T WORK)

Our Handmade Valentine's Boxes

2009-02-26T19:29:00.003-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Well better late than never. I wasn't able to upload these the last few weeks because my card reader somehow became disconnected on my computer. I can't even imagine how that could happen with 4 children all vying for a turn on the computer :) Even so, we had a grand time the Sunday before Valentine's. Jim even got in on the action and Carter and he went to town designing the greatest Chief's stadium Valentine box I have ever seen. Eli stuck with something that is close to his heart...The Cars movie and thus his box...Race Cars with love. Hope used her glitter, paint, hearts, and princesses to decorate her special box. Last but not least Emma went to town designing her own Valentine house for dogs. It was a fun day and a great way to play together creatively for our family. I love messes and glitter, sparkle, scissors, and paint are right up my alley. The kids even did fairly well helping to clean up.

Everything is so amazing, and nobody is happy

2009-02-25T16:33:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus

I tired to embed this video but there was no code. Please click on the title and it will take you to watch this video. It is really good take on humanity with a dose of humor for 2009.

Dr. Seuss Meets the CPSIA

2009-02-23T15:45:00.005-06:00

This post was sent to me today. My friend Nicole and I have been befuddled by a little known law that went into effect February 10th. It had originally been designed to protect all children under the age of 12 from poisonous plastics and lead. Though the intent was great, somewhere down the line of goverment things went haywire which I am sure is a HUGE shock to many. :) Anyways, on with the fun...this post is great. Please check out their websites for more information on CPSIA and other great homeschooling material.

"Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) wrote children's stories that were also often social commentary. Here is a great activity for creative students who love the style of Dr. Seuss. Pick a current event or controversy in the news today (ie: illegal aliens, health care, etc.) and write an imaginary story in classic Seuss style!

I have chosen to write a story myself that demonstrates my strong feelings about a law I do not agree with -- the CPSIA." You can read more about that law at the following links:

Children's Books to Be Banned
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
Guidance from the CPSC

The following story was written by me, Heather Idoni, of The Homeschooler's Notebook and BelovedBooks.com, with help from my wonderful friend, Jodi Whisler, of HomeGrownHearts.com . It was really fun to write, and I hope you enjoy it! (P.S. If you have feedback or a suggestion for a title, please write to me at feedback@easyfunschool.com.

[slightly revised 2/21/2009] Working title: "The Trouble with String"]

In the town of Beddubble, far out on the Moor,
there lived a small tot, who was not more than four.

Little Annabelle Ruth (her close friends would recall)
had swallowed the string from a dilly-dunk ball.

And then in the Spring of two thousand ought one,
she died of the thing that the string must have done.

They were sure of this fact, though the details were thin --

"Something HAS to be done, we have GOT to begin!"

Those dilly-dunk balls that tots spin on a string
are quite dangerous toys -- What a horrible thing!

We'll form a committee to draft legislation --
The Dilly-Dunk String Tot Protection Foundation.

There is no time to waste, get the paper and ink --
This string must be stopped, there is no time to THINK!

Every dilly-dunk ball in the town of Beddubble
(no matter the cost and no matter the trouble) --

must be taken by dumpers to tops of high hills
and dumped there -- forever to rot in the 'fills.

The law with the rules that they hurriedly drafted,
so brilliantly worded and carefully crafted,

Would certainly solve this great problem they had --
Who would complain? How could it be bad?

"Out with the bathwater, baby and all"
was the rallying cry from the town's city hall

"Every dilly-dunk ball shall be gathered and trashed --
and before that is done, they'll be burned up and mashed."

No matter the cost and no matter the trouble,
they must be got rid of -- right now on the double!

The Mayor and the Dilly-Dunk String Tot Protectors
made ready to send out their troops of inspectors

to check all the stores in the Bedubble Mall
to make sure not one ball was for sale in them all.

What they saw on the shelves brought great cause for alarm --
more toys with more strings that could bring greater harm!

They called for the head Dilly-Dunk Tot Protector,
who brought out his big STRING INSPECTION DETECTOR --

and he looked in their books and the shelves full of clothes --
Why this string was in EVERYTHING under his nose!

We must ban these toys, all the clothes, every book --
We can't keep all this dangerous gobbledygook!

For in memory of little tot Annabelle Ruth,
we must keep our promise, we must tell the truth.

So because of a tot (who supposedly died)
from a string on a thing that got tangled inside,

the girls and the boys of a town called Beddubble
were in big piles of mess and a big heap of trouble.

For how would they learn now? And what would they wear?
Without books to read and with no clothes to spare?

They had no intentions of swallowing strings --
and tangling them up -- and dying of things!

Books were to read; clothes to wear, toys to play.
This law must be STOPPED -- it's plain silly, okay?

But the law was the law -- and what more could be done?

Well --

They put in a call to the mayor's only son.

Little Jimmy was all alone in his room playing --
when a boy rang him up and -- now, WHAT was he saying?

"What a strange silly law!" Jimmy thought to himself,
and he took down his favorite book off the shelf --

And he read and he thunk and he thunk and he read
'til his thinker was sore and his brain hurt his head.

What could HE do -- he was just the mayor's son --
Just one voice, just one person -- what more could be done?

Then he got an idea... a strange, happy idea --
That boy got a crazy, amazing idea!

He packed up a sack with some snacks and a peach
and headed out south toward this shack on the beach

Where he'd heard a girl lived by herself all alone,
since she'd left years ago from her childhood home

After causing a stir with some string from a ball --
Why that girl wasn't dead as they said -- not at all!

He wrote down her story and headed back north
and gathered the Council in town and so forth --

With his notes in his hand and a smile on his face,
he told the town council, "I'll now state my case."

(And his dad, the Lord Mayor sat patiently listening
til the sweat on his face was all silvery and glistening)

"Now you know, since these men did not research their facts
before they enacted their laws and their acts,

a strange, silly ruling has come into play
and our fine and fair citizens now rue the day

that they ever elected this great legislature
who think up strange laws that have gone against nature.

For Miss Annabelle Ruth (she never did marry)
Had a time with that string (oh, yes, it was scary)

But swallow it she never did, not at all --
that string from the 'dangerous' dilly-dunk ball.

In fact, that small youth, little Annabelle Ruth
had only just tangled it up 'round her tooth!

And that testimony, my friends, is the proof
That the law that you made is not based on the truth."

The men all just stared, their lips trembling with shame --
they glanced 'round the room seeking someone to blame

But the shame came in waves on the men in their places,
whose hats from their heads were now hiding red faces.

Then the mayor spoke up proudly, "My son you've done well...
You've made our stupidity clear as a bell.

This law must be changed, be un-done, un-enacted --
It's clear that the lawmakers overreacted!

I hereby decree throughout all of Beddubble
this string ban is ceased -- there will be no more trouble.

Call all of your friends to a huge celebration --
we'll build a great fire for this bad legislation!

So each girl and each boy brought a dilly-dunk ball
and they had a great feast at the city's town hall.

And Miss Annabelle Ruth carved a roast Beezle duck --
and she kissed all their cheeks and she wished them good luck.

-----

Copyright 2009 Heather Idoni and Jodi Whisler - All Rights Reserved - EasyFunSchool.com
Link to this page: The CPSIA Meets Dr. Seuss

Life in a Fallen World

2009-02-21T09:22:00.003-06:00

Jim and I faced another bitter disappointment yesterday. The wounds from the world can sting and smart. Why is it that I so expect the very best from people? I expect people to be inherently good, moral, honest and to do the right thing. I should know from my own heart that I am not inherently any of those qualities. I am a selfish sinner saved only by grace through the blood of Christ. The following is an encouraging quote that touched my heart this morning while I was reading.

We often expect too much but "Life is not like that. Christ calls us to be willing servants. He commands us to accept our humanness and the thorns which this world presses into our flesh... We are called to accept the imperfections life casts upon us and look to Him for strength and wisdom. We must accept that we cannot arrange the world as we would like, and that at times logic will not supply the proper course, nor will our deepest desires be entirely met. This is life in a fallen world, where wars come and go, where nations rage and people cry in torment. We must be strong, not in ourselves, but in Him. And trust that His love and His wisdom and His light will see us through."

from The Beloved Land by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn

The Mom Song

2009-02-20T19:57:00.004-06:00

Many of you have seen this. It really sums up my week :) I think I have said most of this a million times this week! Enjoy!

The Mom Song (Video and Lyrics)In this video, Anita Renfro, Christian comedian, musician, author, and speaker, sings her own lyrics to the tune of the William Tell Overture.

Here are the lyrics:

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepy head
Here’s your clothes
And your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now
Get up and make your bed
Are you hot?
Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where’s your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat
Don’t forget you got to feed the cat
Eat your breakfast
The experts tell us it’s the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at three today?
Don’t forget your piano lesson is this afternoon

So you must play
Don’t shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside
Don’t play rough
Would you just play fair?
Be polite
Make a friend
Don’t forget to share
Work it out
Wait your turn
Never take a dare
Get along
Don’t make me come down there
Clean your room
Fold your clothes
Put your stuff away
Make your bed
Do it now
Do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn?
Would you like some hay
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone
Get Off the phone
Don’t sit so close
Turn it down
No texting at the table
No more computer time tonight
Your iPod’s my iPod if you don’t listen up

Where you going and with whom and what time do you think you’re coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me
Makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You’ll appreciate my wisdom
Someday when you’re older and you’re grown
Can’t wait ’til you have a couple little children of your own
You’ll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now
I thank you NOT to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew
Would appreciate
Take a bite
Maybe two
Of the stuff you hate
Use your fork
Do not you burp
Or I’ll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an egg A, Get the door
Don’t get smart with me
Get a Grip
Get in here I’ll count to 3
Get a job
Get a life
Get a PhD
Get a dose of reality
I don’t care who started it
You’re grounded until your 36
Get your story straight
And tell the truth for once for heaven’s sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff
Would you jump too?

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said at least a thousand times before that
You’re too old to act this way
It must be your father’s DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straight when you walk
A place for everything
And everything must be in place
Stop crying or I’ll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth
Wash your face
Get your PJs on
Get in bed
Get a hug
Say a prayer with Mom
Don’t forget
I love you
**KISS**
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom’s work never ends
You don’t need the reason why
Because
Because
Because
Because
I said so
I said so
I said so
I said so
I’m the Mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
Ta-da

Blessings

2009-02-18T21:47:00.002-06:00

"Part of learning to count my blessings is accepting that many of them I would not have chosen if it had been left to me. I must first give up any attempt to compare what was with what might have been. By accepting God as my Shepherd, I must also accept the path He sets me upon--and the blessings from whatever circumstances of life."

A quote from "The Sacred Shore" by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn

Giving the State a Grasp on Your Kids

2009-02-17T11:57:00.003-06:00

Senator Barbara Boxer is getting ready to introduce the "Rights of the Child" a bill that has been ratified by the United Nations. If this becomes the law of the land, this bill has dangerous and far reaching consequences for our children. Please visit www.parentalrights.org to see what you can do to help support an amendment for parental rights. The only solution to the attack on the child-parent relationship is the Parental Rights Amendment -- securing the rights of parents to raise their children. This is an excerpt from the parental rights website today.

Giving the State a Grasp on Your Kids

Part II of an in-depth look at Article 18 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

When Kevin and Peggy Lewis volunteered their child for special education services, they never dreamed they would need a lawyer if they wanted to change their minds.

After their son developed several learning issues, including an inability to focus in class and difficulty processing and understanding oral and written communication, the Lewis's turned to the Cohasset Middle School in Massachusetts for help.1 But after a year in the school's special education program, their son was not improving academically, and felt harassed by school officials who were closely monitoring and reporting on his behavior - everything from chewing gum in class to forgetting his pencil.2

Initially, the Lewis's requested that the school pay for private tutoring, but as their relationship with the administration continued to decline, the exasperated parents finally decided to withdraw their son from the school's program and to pay for private tutoring out of their own pockets.3

Apparently, that option wasn't good enough for the school.
In December 2007, Cohasset hauled Kevin and Peggy into court, claiming that the parents were interfering with their son's "constitutional right to a free and appropriate education."4

After a day-and-a-half of argument, the judge sided with the school in an unwritten opinion.5

"This is truly devastating to all parents who have children on an IEP," Peggy said, referring to the individual education plans for special education students. "What it means in fact when you sign an IEP for your child, you sign away your parental rights. . . . Now Cohasset has their grasp on my kid."6

"Help" for Parents
At first glance, it seems odd that a school would take parents to court to compel them to accept state services. After all, as observers of the case commented, schools usually objects when parents demand more aid for their children, not when the parents try to withdraw their child from the program.7

But according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ,once parents have asked the state for assistance in raising their children, the state has both the responsibility and the authority to see the job through - even if the parents no longer support the state's solution.

In addition to imposing legally-enforceable "responsibilities" on parents, Article 18 of the Convention also requires states to "render appropriate assistance to parents and legal guardians in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities," and to establish "institutions, facilities and services for the care of children."8

At first glance, the offer of "assistance" to parents may appear harmless, and even generous, but appearances are often deceiving. While the government may claim to offer services to parents on a purely "voluntary" basis, parents soon discover that government "assistance" isn't always free.

When "voluntary" doesn't mean "voluntary"
For examples of this dangerous trend, one need look no further than the nation of Sweden, the first western nation to ratify the Convention.

In addition to mandatory sex-education, free child care for working parents, and a national ban on corporal punishment, Sweden's local municipalities are also required by law to offer parents a broad array of "voluntary" services that promote "the favourable development of children and young persons."9 Unfortunately, according to Swedish attorney and activist Ruby Harrold-Claesson, voluntary care "in no way is voluntary since the social workers threaten the parents to either give up their child voluntarily or the child will be taken into compulsory care."10

If the state determines at a later date that the "voluntary" services are not helping, the municipality has both the responsibility and the authority to physically "take a child into care and place him in a foster home, a children's home or another suitable institution."11 According to Harrold-Claesson, since the emergence of such programs, "children are being taken from their parents on a more routine basis."12

Unfortunately, these disturbing trends are not confined to Sweden. Even here in the United States, "voluntary" services for parents are often the first step toward state control of families.

Holding Children Hostage

As a young mother of three, "Katianne H." faced tremendous difficulties in making ends meet.13 Although she was never unemployed, Katianne had difficulty putting her job ahead of the needs of her young family. So when her three-month-old son Xavier developed severe allergies to milk and soy protein, her pediatrician recommended that she relieve some of the pressure placed upon her by requesting that her son be placed in "temporary out-of-home care."14 Thinking such a placement was truly "voluntary," Katianne agreed.

Within a few months, Xavier was weaned from the feeding tube to a bottle, but when Katianne sought to bring him home, the state refused.

It would take more than two-and-a-half years - and a decision from the Nebraska Supreme Court - before Katianne would win her baby boy back.15

In a unanimous ruling, the court said the child should have been returned to his mother as soon as his medical condition was resolved. Instead, state authorities drew up a detailed plan requiring the mother to maintain steady employment, attend therapy and parenting classes, pay her bills on time, keep her house clean, improve her time management, and be cooperative with social workers. When she failed to fully comply with all these obligations within fifteen months, her parental rights were terminated.16

The Court condemned the state for keeping Xavier "out of the home once the reasons for his removal had been resolved," and warned that a child should never be "held hostage to compel a parent's compliance with a case plan" when the child could safely be returned home.17

A familiar pattern

According to studies, scholars, lawyers, and advocates, voluntary placement in the United States - like "voluntary" placement in Sweden - is often the first step toward the state getting a grasp on children. Here are just a few examples from within our own borders:
A 1994 study in New Jersey found that "parents often report signing placement agreements under the threat that court action against them will be taken if they do not sign," particularly parents who have "language or other barriers making it difficult or impossible for them to read and understand the agreement they were signing."18 There are also no "clear legal standards to protect a family once it has entered the system," even if it enters voluntarily: "existing legislation grants judges and caseworkers virtually unrestricted dispositional authority."19
In 1998, Melville D. Miller, President and General Counsel of Legal Services of New Jersey, warned that when parents sign voluntary placement agreements, parents give the state "custody of their children without any decision by the court that they have abused or neglected them."20 In addition, voluntary placement often waives a family's opportunity for free legal representation in court, leaving families - particularly poor families - with "no assistance in advocating for what they need" when disputes with the state arise.21
In 1999, Dr. Frank J. Dyer, author and member of the American Board of Professional Psychology, warned that parents can be "intimidated into "voluntarily" signing placement agreements out of a fear that they will lose their children," and that in his professional counseling experience, birth parents frequently complain that "if they had known from the outset that the document that they were signing for temporary placement of their children into foster care gave the state such enormous power over them, they would have refused to sign and would have sought to resist the placement legally."22
The Child Welfare League of America, in its 2004 Family's Guide to the Child Welfare System, reassures parents that the state "do[es] not have to pursue termination of parental rights," as long as the state feels that "there is a compelling reason why terminating parental rights would not be in the best interest of the child."23 If parents and social workers disagree about the fate of a child in "voluntary placement," the CWLA simply states that "if you decide to bring your child home, and the agency believes that this would interfere with your child's safety, it has the right to ask the court to intervene. You also have the right to explain to the court why your child's safety would not be in jeopardy if he came home."24
The National Crittenton Foundation, in a web booklet published for young, expectant mothers who are currently in the foster care system, warns in large, bold print that by signing a voluntary placement agreement, "you will most likely lose all custody of your baby, even if you want to regain custody of your baby after you turn 18."25

Never Too Late

If one can learn anything from the stories of the Lewises, Katianne, and the plight of Swedish parents, it is that the government wields incredible power over parents who have "voluntarily" accepted its aid when caring for their children. These parents are often poor, struggling, and searching for the means to keep their families together, but instead of helping them, the open hand of the state can easily become a clenched fist, either bullying parents into submission or forcibly taking their children from them.

Thankfully, it is not too late to protect children and their families by protecting the fundamental right of parents to raise their children, and to reject government programs that are unneeded or unwanted. The state should only interfere with the family for the most compelling reasons - not because loving parents were misled about the true nature of "voluntary" care.

Please consider sending this message to your friends and urging them to sign the Petition to Protect Parental Rights.

This article was written for ParentalRights.org by Peter Kamakawiwoole, Jan. 29, 2009.

Funnies from Our House

2009-02-17T07:59:00.006-06:00

This sketch makes me laugh. Laughter is medicine for the soul. Enjoy!

The latest funny quotes from the Robertson house. I am hopping around the kitchen this morning laughing that I need to exercise to take off 10 extra pounds. Emma tells me in a joking voice that I am a dork. I respond that God made me special. She said "Alright, your a special dork."!

Secondly, I am getting after the boys for not washing Hope's hair last night when I was gone with Emma. Hope says to me, "Carter did wash my hair!" I simply asked then why is it still in the same pony tail? Carter yells from the next room, "I don't know much about girls, their different.!!" I think I split a gut laughing.

Sneezing

2009-02-16T22:55:00.002-06:00

Oh the things that make me laugh...

God's Will or My Will?

2009-02-14T05:00:00.006-06:00

Today, I am going to take a more spiritual approach than yesterday. I often have a wrestling match throughout the day as I struggle between choosing "my will" versus "God's will." My heart of course wants to do God's will and live it out in my life. My flesh of course prefers things to be much more comfortable. In fact, as I write this I am dreaming of a way to escape to Mexico with my family and play on the beach with not a care in the world. But that isn't real life... life is messy and full of opportunities to struggle and grow. The realness of life has broken me in many areas the past few years. My heart has been shattered and my naive preconceived ideas of life have taken on new eyes. The one thing I know to be true is that my God is good all the time and All the time God is good. NO MATTER WHAT. :)

I have begun to read The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan and am amazed how true his words ring today of the battle of flesh and spirit. I am also reading From Sea to Shining Sea by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. During the time of the 1600's, a great battle was taking place within men in Europe. Many were forced to choose between the conscience of the Holy Spirit and the forced worship of the church of England. Those who choose to be Separatists and Pilgrim's often paid dearly with their lives, livelihood, and families. Here is a long quote from Sea to Shining Sea. I thought it was encouraging and inspiring of the journey of life for those who are seeking Him.

"It is not natural to go God's way; we naturally prefer our own. Yet even with His infinite grace and mercy available to us, to choose God over self, the selfless way over the selfish way, is an extraordinary difficult thing to do. Which was why those who choose to go that way usually do so in the company of others so inclined and why God often calls groups of people to go His way together, that they might support one another along the path and show the way to others.

It is in this community of fellow believers in Christ that His followers have daily opportunity to put into practice this new covenant life based on the two great commandments: "Though shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self" It was a dual covenant, with a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with other people."

Can I just have an amen for my amazing group of friends!!! I love you girls!

Secondly "Whenever anyone sets his will to follow in Christ's footsteps, that person becomes a powerful instrument of the Light__and thus active threat to the Prince of Darkness. For his example may well lead others into the same commitment. So that person-or group of people or church --comes under the harassment of the evil one, who will do all in his power to thwart and divert, tempt and seduce, discourage and destroy this new found determination to walk in the Light.

And God allows it: He permits the devil to try the determination of the pilgrim, for without this testing, the Christian's faith cannot be refined and matured. As much as he knows in his head that Jesus if Victor, as much as he reads it in the Bible and hears of it in the testimony of others, until he walks through the fire himself, he will not own it in his heart. As John Bunyan dramatically narrated, there will be wide and joyous places in the path of the pilgrim, to balance the hard and narrow ones, and God's grace will always be commensurate to the task or challenge. But there are no shortcuts to the Celestial City, no painless, easy ways. Those determined to live in the Light must be prepared to walk through valleys of darkness. Indeed, to some extent, the rest of their lives will be a struggle between the Light and the darkness."

So what are your thoughts friends? I would love to read your comments and hear your hearts.
Speaking of hearts, I am wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

I'll have a ...

2009-02-13T13:55:00.006-06:00

It's Friday. Yeah the week is over. To celebrate, I think I will borrow a quote from my facebook button and say "I'll have a Cafe Mocha Vodka, Valium, Latte to go please." Seriously, it has been one of those weeks :) Or I may escape to my own little world where only I the crazy person lives! Or better yet, I will borrow from Gladys the 88 year old lady on Ellen the other day who helped me split a gut laughing when she said "I love Jesus, but I drink a little." :)

Let me quickly summarize the journey of the past few days.

Friday the 6th, we visit the Headache Care Center in Springfield for Jim's follow-up appointment from surgery. The electrodes from the occipital nerve have slipped down into his left shoulder. Hmmm that is why he twitches when we turn on the machine :) Solution, another surgery soon to fix that.

Saturday: Upwards basketball, soccer games, family birthday party in Skiatook. Busy day but great fun. Little big man now scored 4 baskets and then his 1st indoor soccer goal! He rocked the day.

Sunday: The weather changed and it got warm! My son could not keep his blood sugar above 70 no matter what he seemed to eat or drink that day. Seriously close to having a seizure at one point. Jim held him while I poured honey in his mouth. Crazy huh! Googled weather and blood sugar later and found out that it DOES have an effect on blood sugar.

Monday: I am cranky and achy but not thinking much about it. Carter isn't feeling well and I am more concerned about his blood sugar and overall health. Jim checks Carter for a fever Monday night and then tests the thermometer on me. Sure enough, I am the one running the fever. What mom has time for that do I dare ask?

Tuesday: Hope, Elijah, and I are all running fevers...yuck! Jim calls and says his surgery is scheduled for the next day in Springfield. Hmmmm, what to do as I am still cruddy. Thankfully, Martin Smith offers to drive with my husband to Springfield and bring him back home. I send out prayer requests emails asking for the neurosurgeon to literally use gorilla glue to keep the electrodes in place. Also ask for prayer for our job situation.

Wednesday: Still feel yucky and a little stir-crazy. My house is a MESS from allowing the kids to be in charge while I was under the weather. In all fairness, my spunky 9 year old really did try. Boy she can give orders like me :) I might need to sound a little nicer next time I need things done. I decided it is really hard to wait to hear the news about your husband over the telephone while he is in surgery. Finally, I get the call that all went well and he is one his way home. The surgeon used larger anchors to fasten the electrodes in place. Jim said there were also two more patients in the pre-op room that were going in again for the same thing. The great news about all of this, is that the occiptal nerve stimulator will once again be working and eliminating Jim's migraine's within 10 minutes of using it. That part also rocks!

Thursday: Day one of Jim's recovery and he is sore. I am finally starting to feel human again except for a raging headache. I think God is reminding me to have some more compassion for my husband. I don't take suffering and physical pain very well. I am a whiny sick person :) He on the other hand has an amazing pain threshold. That man is TOUGH! God bless him!

Friday: We have made it back to Friday....wow has it only been a week? I need to pick up and clean my entire house. Does anyone have any energy I can borrow?

My friend sent me a funny picture for Jim. I love it! As you laugh at it, please say a prayer that these electrodes stay put...FOREVER :)

Jehovah Jireh

2009-02-04T23:46:00.000-06:00

I have been studying these past few weeks on the names of God. My families personal needs right now are focused on several aspects of God as we are dependent solely on His grace and mercy. God is my Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Jireh. We are facing uncertain times economically at the Robertson household again, as are many people. Uncertainty of the future requires that I remember all of the times every day that my amazing Lord provides for my needs abundantly. I wish I could reflect and praise Him of His abundant provision of everything I "NEED" everyday instead of being distracted and focused on myself. But, I digress. I want to share with you an exert from the website bible.org on a study on Jehovah

The Revelation of the Name Jehovah-Jireh, Genesis 22:12-14. The meaning of this name is The Lord Who Provides. The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. This is what we long for when we have a need that is personal and special; One who will see to our needs and provide for us. This is what Jehovah-Jireh means; the Lord Who will see to it that my every need is met. One Who knows my need because He sees. One Who is able to meet my need in just the right time as He did for Abraham, and One Who can meet it fully. For Abraham, it was the ram caught in the thicket that was offered in Isaac's place. For us it is whatever we need.

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith? 6:31 So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 6:32 For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 6:33 But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 6:34 So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 37:4 Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers.

The name Jehovah-Jireh is a name that is crucial for us today as we seek to know the Father. It is a name that assures us that our Heavenly Father is able to provide any need we have. Trust Him for that!

I am fervently trusting in His provision for our family. I am praying that we will hear His voice above all others. In a way, it is another Great Adventure and exciting to see how the Lord will work all of these things out for His glory. There used to be a time when I would try and control as much of it as I possibly could refusing to release everything to Him. It is much more freeing to finally be able to say, not my will but YOURS be done. No matter what the future holds for our family, God is good all the time. All the time, God is good. Please pray that I can walk forward in faith, trusting and praising Him, no matter what lies ahead. May He receive all Glory and Honor and Praise.

When Random isn't random enough!

2009-01-31T11:56:00.002-06:00

I was challenged on facebook to write 25 random things about myself by Kipplyn Summers and Kristy Hewitt. My first list wasn't random enough for my friend Kipplyn so I tried harder to come up with a more unique list. Reader beware, you may learn more about me than you EVER cared to know!

1. My ipod has classical music, bluegrass, 90's rock, worship songs, and rap on it all mixed together in an odd playlist.
2. While watching American Idol last night one of the girls who made it walked barefoot everywhere. During the audition her black bottom feet showed and my skin was CRAWLING!!! Jim laughed at me.
3. Please, please, please don't ask me to sleep overnight in a tent or go camping without a nice hotel attatched to it. I spent 4 days down in the Black Canyon with my husband and brother drinking water from the stream and cooking up fish to eat and then hiking back up to the top again. Been there, done that.
4. That being said, I do love to fish and want to fly-fish better like my amazing brother. Catching a nice bass is quite fun as well as a beautiful rainbow trout.
5. I want to take a long cruise to Alaska and spend a week at the Biltmore estate touring the gardens.
6. I CAN"T sleep without a sound machine.
7. Chalk and chalkboards give me the heebeegeebees. I hold sidewalk chalk with a paper-towel and you won't ever see me using chalk in the school room. Makes my skin crawl again.....
8. I love my dad and we both enjoy eating smoked oysters, Stilton cheese, with a side of Irish Cream. I still can't quite do the pickled herring thing yet though :) EWWW the smell!
9. I don't like U2 or any hard rock music. My husband is still sad about that.
10. My husband bought me a mountain bike for our engagment....I rode it one time and flew over the handle bars in some state park while off-roading it in the woods. (Oh ya...I cussed him out all the way up every big hill. ) He bought me another bike after I had Hope...I also only rode it one time (around the parking lot of REI in Franklin, TN.) He bought me ANOTHER bike and now I actually ride a little with the kids. I am not exactly the wife he had in his dream world that would ride in a triatholon, run a marathon with him or exercise alongside him. 16 years later, he still loves me :).
11. I have a book I bought last year on snowflakes.... The SnowFlake Winter's Secret Beauty by Kenneth Libbrecht. It has amazing pictures.
12. My motto for myself and the friends I love dearly is let's keep it real.
13. I can't stand it when people inhale their snot deeply into their throats.
14. Never take ambien and then stay up shopping online...it can get you in really big trouble!
15. I can pretty much use anyone's toothbrush in my family and not care. Jim happens to REALLY care however when I use his :)
16. After turning 35 years of age....my washing machine and dryer now shrink every pair of pants I own.
17. I can read a 400 page historical fiction novel in 3.5 hours if I am really into it.
18. When Jim and I were dating, Jim took me to water-ski with friends at Beaver Lake...apparently I came up out of the water but my top didn't come up with me. The worst part was that I didn't notice right away and didn't let go of the rope.
19. I used to eat my cereal and let the cat drink the milk out of the bowl too. :)
20. I like archery and can sail a sailboat by myself.
21. In one weekend, I went from being blond, to green, to red.
22. I get nervous in a room full of people.
23. I don't care for crowds at all or a bunch of traffic. Living in a big city again would drive me insane.
24. I would have a Christmas tree in every room of my house if I could.
25. I have a desire to paint a room of my house coral pink and have it be completely frilly and girly :)
26. One exception to the camping thing, I would gladly sleep in any tent in a 3rd world country if I could go on a mission trip and serve.
27. Do you know most of us in the United States live better than any King or Queen did 200 years ago.

Six word summary challenge for 2008

2009-01-03T09:07:00.001-06:00

Life is hard, God is good.

Robertson Family Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T21:06:00.002-06:00

What great memories....and how quickly it all passes. Looking forward to a brand new year filled with new journeys. Blessings to everyone.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-24T23:17:00.005-06:00

These cute pictures and the card are by my friend Andrea Mann. If you would like to check out her photography go to www.andreamannphoto.com. Merry Christmas!

Attempting the Family Christmas Picture!!!

2008-12-23T23:10:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

I would add commentary...but I think it is more fun to go with the first impressions that pop into your head :)

Mercy Me Bring the Rain

2008-12-19T17:54:00.003-06:00

This song hit me today while I was driving. I have heard it before, but today the words seemed to be speaking right to me. Who "enjoys" the rain that comes into our lives? However through that rain, God is reaching out to us, our hearts, and changing us. There is Christmas and then the real celebration of Easter is right around the corner. I want to share this letter written by MaryBeth Chapman. I pray it will touch your heart like it did mine and give you a renewed vision of what LIFE in Him is all about as we all walk through the rain. Blessings.

MARY (beth's) CHRISTMAS LETTER
I have been impressed for quite some time now to write a letter to all of you who have been so present with us in prayer during these last several months as we have grieved and come to terms with the reality that Maria is gone from us, but present with Christ. We honestly don’t like that very much. As we enter this Christmas season and all of the festivities that it brings, it also makes the point even louder that one of us is missing. A stocking that won’t be filled, and less presents under the tree. Maria had a contagious giggle that would fill the room over the wonderment of finding the elf that moves to a different spot every day during the month of December. The reality that the precious laughter of Maria won’t be heard for awhile has been a quiet loudness that screams for Jesus to come quickly…not as a baby in a humble manger, but as the King of all Kings that will wipe all of the confusion and tears from this sad mother’s eyes! I am eagerly anticipating His arrival, but in the meantime, I thought that I would and should update you all on the Chapman family from a mother’s point of view…. in kind of a Merry Christmas fashion!

M – Maria and Stevey asked Jesus into their hearts on February 20th. They wanted to be sure that they were going to SEE God’s BIG BIG House with lots and lots of food!

E – Emily and Tanner were engaged on May 17th - their one-year of dating anniversary. Tanner took Emily to SEE Maine, where his precious grandmother lived. He proposed to her on an airplane…. long story…maybe another day!

R – Ruthy and Will Franklin started dating in March. She is an awesome young woman and has been an unbelievable support to Will during this very difficult time in his life. They are SEEking Christ with their relationship and we love her so much!

R - “Roo”, or Caleb to you all (don’t ask how he got that nickname), graduated from high school in May. He chose to be homeschooled, but CPA (where he attended K-11) invited him to sing at graduation. The Toy Story song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, and a self-penned song titled “Goodbye” were his selections. It was the day after Maria’s funeral and I was so proud of him for following through with his commitment to sing. The funeral was in the exact same sanctuary, and out of respect to our family, the entire graduating class were barefoot in honor of our sweet Maria. You could SEE Christ at work that day!

Y – Yeah Team! GO CPA! Ok, I am a little excited. Will Franklin chose to go back to CPA for his senior year. He decided to play basketball this one last time. For those of you who don’t know, Willy is a talented player who was starting on the team as a sophomore before he decided to homeschool and play drums for Dad. He now starts as a senior, voted a captain, and his team is a state contending team! The best part is that the entire team wear an “M” on their Jersey every game in honor of Maria. They want as many people as possible to SEE Jesus in this story.

C – Caleb and Julia are engaged! November 21st! I tell everyone that Caleb and Julia are elementary sweethearts. They have known each other since elementary school and have been best friends forever. They have only dated each other, and it is about the coolest thing ever! Julia’s family are super close to us and it just doesn’t get much sweeter! Caleb took Julia to Paducah and proposed to her at the exact same spot where Steven proposed to me! I have SEEn God protect and safeguard them. I know He has great plans for their life together!

H – Head em up and move em out! The tour buses that is… Caleb and Will both homeschooled last year so that they could work at what they love! Music! They were hired by a tough boss, SCC, to play in the band. Out they went on the “This Moment” tour. SCC says there is nothing better than to SEE his sons on stage with him. When Will returned to school in the Fall, Caleb continued to play on the “United” tour with SCC and a new boss, affectionately known as Michael W. He enjoyed working with both of these…how should I say it…. Patriarchs!

R – Relationships are all that matter! That is what the Chapmans SEE as one of the main things learned from this year. Things can change so quickly! Do we love well those who are in our circle and out of our circle? Christ put specific people in our path for a specific time and reason. Let’s make sure we SEE every opportunity that comes our way to LOVE WELL!

I – Inspiring. My three oldest children are simply inspiring. Watching first hand and up close my 22, 19, and 17 year olds handle the press as it related to our loss of Maria was simply…. INSPIRING. I watched my children interview with Good Morning America, People Magazine, and Larry King Live. Enough to make a seasoned interviewee struggle with their answers. Not Emily, Caleb, and Will Franklin. The poise and gentleness that they fielded the questions with was simply amazing. They loved well each other, and to watch how they honored their Savior with how they answered the questions was quite humbling. Lots of questions, but the faith they have was definitely displayed for the world to SEE.

S – Stevey and Maria graduated from Pre-school on May 15th. All dressed in caps and gowns! Quite the day to celebrate the upcoming Kindergarten year. They were both presented with diplomas, Bibles, and hugs as they walked across the stage. Stevey said she wanted to be a lifeguard when she grew up. Maria said she wanted to be a ballerina when she grew up. I’d say Maria is dancing right now in the most beautiful of tutus. I only wish I could SEE it!

T – Tanner and Emily were married on October 4th. What a glorious day! Not a cloud in the sky and the weather was perfect. An outdoor ceremony where Stevey Joy released a butterfly in memory of the absent flower girl, Maria. Emily was an absolutely stunning bride, and Tanner was a handsome groom. We celebrated this new family with food and dancing at our barn afterwards. I think it was a picture of what heaven will be like when we are reunited with Christ and the loved ones that we miss so much. Can you imagine what it will be like when we finally get to SEE them again?

M – May 13th Maria turned 5. May 21st Maria left for heaven. We don’t like it at all, and wish with all the wish in us that God would’ve spared us this cross, but for some reason beyond understanding, our family was chosen to walk this journey of suffering out in front of the world. Our only hope is that Christ Himself has been SEEn. Your prayers have been felt. Thanks from the deepest part of our hearts!

A – ASIA. China to be exact! Steven, Caleb, Will, and I went with several others to China for 2 weeks so that Steven could do concerts there! He got to perform at 3 different universities in different parts of China as well as a couple other venues there. We don’t exactly understand why or how (well, God Himself has given favor), but Steven is always welcomed there and is always allowed to sing and perform the exact songs that he would do here in the States. We have huge hearts for China and hope to be spending more time there in the future. You can SEE God at work in the people of China and we feel privileged to be a small part of what He is doing there.

S – Shaohannahs Hope! Continues to be a place where you SEE God himself smile! Emily, Caleb, and Julia have all started to work there this year which is so cool to see your kids loving something so near and dear to your heart. Emily is the International Programs Director and as I write, is meeting with the First Lady of Honduras in Honduras to discuss adoption and orphan care there! Caleb does all the sweet media clips that you SEE about SH! He loves “creating” visual pieces that communicate the SH vision. Julia is the organizational queen administrator! What would we do without someone that is punctual and organized? Maria’s Miracle Fund was established in honor of Maria this year. To date, about $765,000 has been given in her name! Thank you so much for keeping the memory of her full life alive so that others too will live!

As we look to 2009, we have much to be grateful for. Emily and Tanner are praying about Bible College in Ireland, Caleb will marry his lifelong sweetheart, Julia, Will Franklin graduates from high school, Shaoey is going to be double digits (10), and Stevey Joy graduates from Kindergarten! Steven and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage in 2009 as well. I am anticipating a long vacation somewhere warm!

As I anticipate Christmas 2008, I have many thoughts flying through my heart and head. The last several days, my mind has not been able to stop thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pregnant and scared, knowing that the baby she was carrying eventually would pay the ultimate price of His life. How would I have lived differently if I knew that my time with Maria was going to be this short? Regretfully, I would have lived much differently. I would have purposely hugged and kissed more. I would have tried to memorize and lock away in my heart certain smells and smiles. I would have colored more and worked less. I would have laughed more and fussed less. Bedtime wouldn’t have become a chore to check off the list of things to get done. Instead it would have been more of an opportunity to listen about the day and offer whatever words were needed. The swimming pool wouldn’t have been too cold to swim in. The flowers in the garden would have all been picked, and definitely more ice cream would have been consumed!
I wonder what it was like for Mary after her son’s death. I know she saw him resurrected and was certain of the fact that she would she him again, but she was still his mom. Mary found favor with God; therefore she was chosen to be Jesus’ mom. But because God favored Mary, she was also chosen to suffer. Not just at the crucifixion, but her whole life. She was chosen to carry a baby in her womb, be persecuted and give birth in a dirty stable. Most of the time at Christmas we end the story there…. in the stable, with Mary, Joseph and Jesus receiving their company. Wise men, shepherds, and angels - you get the picture in your head right? The star, the animals, the Nativity! What about the rest of it? Mary, mothering the Son of God! She was human, she had a baby, and she raised that baby with the heaviness that she was to see him suffer and thus she too would suffer. I think when Mary was hiding things in her heart; it was a lot more than the reality of whom she carried in her womb. I am certain that she was hiding away the memories of first smiles and steps, as well as the first tears and tumbles. Knowing what was to come, did Mary have the opportunity to live differently as a mom to her little boy? I believe she did. I am sure that she watched him differently, taught him differently, and prayed differently. I can only imagine the discussions that she and Joseph would have when their son wasn’t listening, how they probably begged God to let the cup pass from them, but in the end yielding up the prayer we all hesitate to pray when it comes to our children…. Your will be done. UGGHH!!!! I don’t want to. I didn’t want to on May 21st, and I still don’t want to now. Yet somehow we did, and somehow we will continue to. I am reminded more than ever this Christmas, that it doesn’t end at the Nativity in Bethlehem in a cozy manger… it is a journey all the way to the cross on the hill in Golgotha on Good Friday.

Christmas for the Chapmans this year represents suffering. For that matter, from here on may we always remember that it represents the ultimate suffering that came. But isn’t it amazing that it is called GOOD Friday? Why is it good if it is full of suffering? Because Easter came on Sunday and what Satan intended for evil, God intended for GOOD! Christmas ultimately ends at Easter and the reality that we will see Maria again! If we are to live as Christ, then we will suffer like Christ. I am thankful this Christmas more than ever for Easter. When all the questions I have will be answered and all the tears I have will be wiped away. Until then, Merry Christmas with the reality that Easter came and all of this suffering will someday be gone in a moment, and all things will become new and right and awesome!
Thanks for your prayers during this journey. It isn’t an easy one and your love and support is continually needed. May you be richly blessed for gracing us with your love.

Longing to be washing dishes in heaven with Maria,
Mary Beth for all the Chapman family

Update on our trip to Springfield

2008-12-18T22:40:00.006-06:00

For those of you who don't know, Jim has been accepted into a National Clinical Trial for hemiplegic migraine sufferers. The Headache Care Facility is in Springfield, MO. It is headed by Dr. Curtis Schreiber who is the wonderful man we saw four years ago after we started on this journey. In 2004, Jim had a stroke induced by the medicine he was taking at the time for a hemiplegic migraine. Ever since, we have been searching for triggers and relief that will prevent/lessen these non stop headaches that affect his speech, cause right sided facial and body paralysis, and disrupt his cognitive thinking not to mention incredible pain which he is so good at covering. This man is NOT a complainer. The only reason I can guess he has a headache sometime is when his face is literally drooping.

Jim, Carter, Emma, and I drove to Springfield from Independence, KS on Sunday night. We were so blessed not to have driven in any bad weather. The second after we walked into our room at the Residence Inn, it started to POUR rain, then sleet, and then snow. Jim started his long day with 5 doctors on Monday morning. After many tests, questionnaires, exams, he seemed to them to be the "perfect" candidate for this clinical trial. He was sent home with an electronic diary and he has to record how he feels every day and to qualify for the surgery in January has to have a minimum of 15 headaches out of the next 30 days. (Sadly, that won't be a problem for him.) If all goes as planned, he will have a surgery on January 14th to implant a peripheral nerve stimulation device permanently in his body called an "Advanced Neuromodulation System". The device will be placed under the skin in his hip or back and then a wire the size of yarn, will be threaded up his back and then 4 electrodes will be placed into the occipital area of his brain specifically the occipital and facial nerve area. It is the hope that with the device activated, it will electronically keep the nerve from firing and decrease the pain and the symptoms that occur from the headaches. Though it is outpatient, he will have 3 incisions and is required to shave the back of his head. He is also going to be given local anesthesia because he must be conscious for the entire procedure in order to communicate with the doctor. The neurosurgeon we met with at the end of the day was really great and I feel completely comfortable with him doing the surgery. He was very jovial and friendly.

One of the catches because this is a clinical trial, is that the doctor and us will not know if the actual device they implant is going to be turned on because they need to have a few placebos in the trial. My prayer is that after all of this, we are so hopeful for relief that Jim device will actually be turned on. Please join me in praying for that. 12 weeks after the surgery, all the devices will be turned on however I am specifically praying that the one Jim has is "turned on" at the time of surgery. We are both looking at this as an amazing opportunity that God has provided as a prayerfully a "miracle" cure from all of this. It will also allow him to hopefully get off all of the medicine he is currently on to help curb these headaches and the awful side effects. One of the most amazing parts is this surgery literally costs several hundred thousand dollars and because it is a clinical trial, we don't have to pay a dime. Insurance doesn't cover things like this because it is considered "experimental" so we are grateful for God in opening the door. Now honestly, I am anxious.....seeing the actual device and hearing what they were going to do was a lot more invasive than I had even imagined....even to the point of shaving the hair off with the incisions....but we are really praying this is THE CURE to all of this for Jim.

He won't be able to have an MRI or go through the airport security system because he will have an implanted device but those are just minor things compared to living without pain :)

On another note, Jim and I know that 2009 will bring changes in his job. Whether we are blessed to stay at COP or are employed with someone else please pray that we will listen as God directs our steps (specifically Jim's) and that God will place Jim exactly where he can best be used to glorify Him. I know God will provide for our needs as He is Faithful. It is uneasy to face such things in times of economic chaos in our country and world (especially for me as we have two family members with great medical needs and insurance coverage for Carter and Jim is really a blessing). If God leads Jim to resume traveling every week, please pray for our family unit as we have really grown spoiled to being able to see daddy home most nights now. Pray for me not to be anxious as we face these two huge things.....I must confess I am a little overwhelmed with life this week. As I struggle with my humanness, my sinfulness, and battle my lack of faith, I am reminded constantly as I look back over our lives at God's amazing provision, his love, and how He works ALL things for His glory. Change is the only thing that is guaranteed in this life. I pray every change and road I walk in this life brings me one step closer to Him. We are SO AMAZINGLY BLESSED and I am SPOILED!

I will close with a little letter Emma and I got from Manchona today. I sat on the floor with Emma brought to tears in humility over the things I was worried about reading her letter. Manchona is our 5 year old girl who we sponsor in Zambia.... Emma, "Greetings to you and your immediate family in the name of our Lord Jesus. I sincerely thank you for picking me from among many children as your child in this sponsorship programme. I live with my parents and my young brother in a rural community about 69KM east of Lusaka our major city. I live in a two roomed house made of burnt bricks and a roof of iron sheets. My parents are peasant farmers who grow maise, groundnuts, beans, vegetables, and sweet potatoes. We keep a few goats and chickens as livestock. I enjoy play with toys and baby sitting my younger brother. I would be pleased to hear from you any thing any time. May God bless you. " The sponsor goes on to share how the families here now have clean water to drink because of improved water systems and malnutrition among the children is decreasing because they are teaching them better farming techniques.

The letter ended with a verse that just JUMPED off the page to me. It reminded me as I had literally been in a spiritual wrestling match with my anxiety today that I am to place my Faith in Him with everything....it is an adventure Isaiah 43:19 "Watch for the new thing I am going to do........" That is exciting to me....may I be moldable, flexible, and willing to go, to do, to change.

Now I am Going to Sing Joy To The World :)

2008-12-05T23:32:00.004-06:00

Okay my blog all appeared again magically :) Yeah!

My favorite season is here. I LOVE Christmas. I love everything about Christmas minus the chaos of a gazillion activities we seem to entrap ourselves into ....but I do LOVE this season. We baked our first batch of green spritz cookies today. It was a crazy chaotic kitchen with all 5 of us. Emma used her math to double the fractions and tell me what we were going to need to measure out. We talked about the science behind the baking powder and baking soda and just had a great morning. Eli left his imprint all over the kitchen as he got into the food coloring. Around noon, I left everything in a mid stand still to pick up my husband from the ER. I guess he thought it would be okay to sneak down there without telling anyone this morning and get treatment for the migraine he has had for the past 3 weeks. God bless his soul...he needs it for when he wakes up tomorrow, he is going to have to face one mighty ticked off wife.... only for the fact that he 1. drove himself to the ER in the middle of a hemiplegic migraine 2. Told no one and 3. Didn't call until they refused to release him to drive himself home....I am truly thinking these migraines cause a tad bit of cognitive impairment. I don't think I would be so hoppin steamin at him right now if I didn't love him so dog gone much. :) You all know what I mean.

Anyways, tomorrow we have 2 Christmas shows that all of my darlings are in! I had no idea that God would give me such a bunch of showkids. They love to be on stage. All four of them in their own way shine :) I will try and post some video of the performance on Sunday. We are off to indoor soccer on Sunday and then I am going to collapse on Monday, happy for a break from the chaos.
On a more spiritual note, I have found myself battling some depression this week over the various health issues that go on in our family. I have been praying through it and I know the solution for me is to not focus on myself but to get out and serve those God has put in my path. I pray this season, I can look out with the eyes God has and see all of the people who need His extra love this season. I pray my children and I can serve together and look beyond our family to see how to minister to others around us. I encourage all of us to reflect on what God has done in our lives and praise Him for what He is and is going to do, to treasure moments with loved ones, to take a break from the chaos, enjoy your precious family, praise God for health, food to eat, and shelter. I am reminded to remember the broken-hearted, the down-cast, and those less fortunate than myself.

Thank you to those who have ministered to me this past week with your prayers for my boys (both big and little) and for your words of encouragment. Love to you all.

I really have screwed this up!

2008-12-05T23:18:00.003-06:00

I need the Geek Squad to come live at my house. I was trying to upload the "cutest" little template for my blog and I have managed to lose everything personal on this site and now I can't find the layout button! Oh dear. I will probably laugh about this tomorrow but right now I am whining about technology being so incomprehensible to me. UGH!

7 Random Things about Me

2008-11-09T13:24:00.007-06:00

Hmmmm, here I go.

1. I hate my feet to be dirty and am very OCD about having socks or shoes on. It is a RARE day that you will catch me barefoot. I usually wear tennis shoes from the moment I wake up until the moment I take a bath at night. Then it is socks usually with slippers. Yes, I have actually gotten into the bathtub before with my socks on, accidentally of course! :) This one is for my friend Dalene who doesn't have any OCD tendencies :)

2. I lived in Tehran, Iran as a small child. I was kidnapped for a day in Iran by my بچه نگهدار (babysitter in Farsi) because I had blond hair and green eyes. She wanted to keep me.

3. I LOVE to be alone and it rarely ever happens :)

4. I LOVE a clean house though you would never know it by the state it is always in.

5. I currently have 7 different flavors of coffee creamer in my refrigerator.

6. I have a huge heart for special needs kids, fuzzy creatures, my kids cute little buns, and holidays.

7. I hate to sweat.

I tag Erika my SIL, my husband, and Marci Holley.

Religious Right R.I.P.

2008-11-09T13:18:00.003-06:00

I had a chance to actually read the paper this morning and this article by Cal Thomas hit a homerun. I remember having this conversation with the husband of a family I babysat for in college. He was passionate about the church taking responsibility and not relying on government. His words have always resonated in my heart and mind along with scripture.

RELIGIOUS RIGHT R.I.P.

By Cal Thomas

Tribune Media Services

When Barack Obama takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009, he will do so in the 30th anniversary year of the founding of the so-called Religious Right. Born in 1979 and midwifed by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Religious Right was a reincarnation of previous religious-social movements that sought moral improvement through legislation and court rulings. Those earlier movements — from abolition (successful) to Prohibition (unsuccessful) — had mixed results.

Social movements that relied mainly on political power to enforce a conservative moral code weren’t anywhere near as successful as those that focused on changing hearts. The four religious revivals, from the First Great Awakening in the 1730s and 1740s to the Fourth Great Awakening in the late 1960s and early ’70s, which touched America and instantly transformed millions of Americans (and American culture as a result), are testimony to that.

Thirty years of trying to use government to stop abortion, preserve opposite-sex marriage, improve television and movie content and transform culture into the conservative Evangelical image has failed. The question now becomes: should conservative Christians redouble their efforts, contributing more millions to radio and TV preachers and activists, or would they be wise to try something else?

I opt for trying something else.

Too many conservative Evangelicals have put too much faith in the power of government to transform culture. The futility inherent in such misplaced faith can be demonstrated by asking these activists a simple question: Does the secular left, when it holds power, persuade conservatives to live by their standards? Of course they do not. Why, then, would conservative Evangelicals expect people who do not share their worldview and view of God to accept their beliefs when they control government?

Too many conservative Evangelicals mistake political power for influence. Politicians who struggle with imposing a moral code on themselves are unlikely to succeed in their attempts to impose it on others. What is the answer, then, for conservative Evangelicals who are rightly concerned about the corrosion of culture, the indifference to the value of human life and the living arrangements of same- and opposite-sex couples?

The answer depends on the response to another question: do conservative Evangelicals want to feel good, or do they want to adopt a strategy that actually produces results? Clearly partisan politics have not achieved their objectives. Do they think they can succeed by committing themselves to 30 more years of the same?

If results are what conservative Evangelicals want, they already have a model. It is contained in the life and commands of Jesus of Nazareth. Suppose millions of conservative Evangelicals engaged in an old and proven type of radical behavior. Suppose they followed the admonition of Jesus to “love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and care for widows and orphans,” not as ends, as so many liberals do by using government, but as a means of demonstrating God’s love for the whole person in order that people might seek Him?

Such a strategy could be more “transformational” than electing a new president, even the first president of color. But in order to succeed, such a strategy would not be led by charismatic figures, who would raise lots of money, be interviewed on Sunday talk shows, author books and make gobs of money.

Scripture teaches that God’s power (if that is what conservative Evangelicals want and not their puny attempts at grabbing earthly power) is made perfect in weakness. He speaks of the tiny mustard seed, the seemingly worthless widow’s mite, of taking the last place at the table and the humbling of one’s self, the washing of feet and similar acts and attitudes; the still, small voice. How did conservative Evangelicals miss this and instead settle for a lesser power, which in reality is no power at all? When did they settle for an inferior “kingdom”?

Evangelicals are at a junction. They can take the path that will lead them to more futility and ineffective attempts to reform culture through government, or they can embrace the far more powerful methods outlined by the One they claim to follow. By following His example, they will decrease, but He will increase. They will get no credit, but they will see results. If conservative Evangelicals choose obscurity and seek to glorify God, they will get much of what they hope for, but can never achieve, in and through politics.

Updates on our Crew

2008-11-07T13:09:00.004-06:00

We are sick over here. It really makes me appreciate feeling great even more. I got step throat last week and started on amoxicillin at a very high dose. Then Monday I broke out in hives and an itchy rash. My prescription was changed to a Z-pack and that has helped but whatever I was battling moved down into my chest. So I finally am getting my energy back and just trying to deal with this annoying cough. Meanwhile, the munchkins have had head colds as well. Carter woke up at 3 am throwing up so we have been checking blood sugars and ketones since then. Thankfully his blood sugar has not been high. The challenge has been for me to keep it above 100. He doesn't feel like eating or drinking anything so I am coaxing him with ginger ale and saltine crackers. I usually stress a lot when he is sick, but I am just giving him over to God knowing it is one more situation that I can't even begin to "control". I was reflecting a little about that this morning in my quiet time and can say for certain that "I am not who I was" 5 years ago and for that I am truly grateful. The path has been hard, painful, and long and I am being changed and challenged daily. Funny how the more I grow, the more I am aware of the sinfulness that still abounds in my life. I am grateful for His unfailing love and forgiveness for me. If you want an encouraging word today, check out my friend Christy's blog at www.wildfamilychronicles.blogspot.com. Blessings friends.

Elijah's 3rd Birthday

2008-10-30T16:14:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-27T23:47:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Rosy

2008-10-19T19:49:00.003-05:00

Pinky De Hearts

2008-10-16T06:48:00.009-05:00

Sometimes you learn the darndest things from your kids. Last night I was talking to my little munchkin red head when she mentioned the name of her pink frog to me "Pinky de hearts". I was cracking up thinking she was a "Pink Lady" from Grease or something saying it to me in her deep 4 year old voice. As we sat on the couch for bedtime stories, she proceeded to show me how Pinky de Hearts wears "just a wittle bit" of wipsmackers wipgloss that is rubbed in ever so gently.

Little Red also has a very fond attachment to a small stuffed Chihuahua named "Rosy". Unfortunately for Hope the other day, our male corgi Brumley who is also attracted to small stuffed dogs got to spend some quality time with Rosy. After a bath in the washing machine and some TLC from Hope, this is Rosy with her "new" do. See the picture posted above.

Here are some things my kids have said that make me laugh.

According to the little munchkins we drive a "bourbon". When something is missing that took a road trip it is "in the bourbon" or the "red Bourbon."

The Pear trees that bloom in the spring are "popcorn" trees.

During school time, one of my dearies was answering a question that required measuring with a ruler. Apparently, the ruler they were using didn't measure inches correctly. According to them, only the blue ruler we have measures inches correctly. Now that I think about it, I am sure my tape measure that I use to measure my hips isn't correct either.

Little Red tells everyone that we are not allowed to eat at Old McDonalds.

And finally a question from out of nowhere!
From Little Red at the dinner table "Mommy do babies come out before the wedding sometimes.?" Hmmmmm

Job Description: MOM

2008-10-10T07:26:00.003-05:00

Position: Mother, Mom, Mommy, Mama

Job Description:

Long term team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings, weekends, & frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends, endless sports and/or dance tournaments, & theater plays. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

Responsibilities:

The rest of your life you must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite your tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule & be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, "this time", the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets & stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars & coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan & organize social gatherings for clients of all ages & mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly & product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, & battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance & janitorial work throughout the facility.

Possibility for Advancement & Promotion:

Virtually none...Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining & updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you. When they grow up & get married you eventually get a new title...which you may get to choose unless your new charge comes up with something original. However, common titles are "Grandmother", "Grandma", "Nana", "Meemaw", or "Grams".

Previous Experience:

None required! On the job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

Wages and Compensation:

Get this! YOU PAY THEM! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

Benefits:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth & free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Retirement Package:

None. Just when you think you are done you start all over with grand kids!

Author unknown but whoever she is I love this woman!

JDRF Walks

2008-10-08T21:24:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Carter's Crew and Forest's too

2008-10-02T22:26:00.006-05:00

I am always amazed and humbled to the point of tears at our amazing family and friends who gather to support us in this walk every year. Whether you donate money to JDRF, wear a Carter's Crew T-shirt, walk with us, or simply live life with us, from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! I can never tell you what it means to my little man and our family to see people wearing shirts and standing beside him. In situations that you can't "fix" standing quietly beside your friends means more than anything.

Today more than ever, I am wanting a cure. You get to a point where you become a little "numb" in order to maintain any sense of "normal". However the reality is this disease NEVER goes away, NEVER takes a break, and at ANY moment can get out of hand with NO warning. Our reminder of that came this morning when Carter's pump crashed. The battery part of it continued to power down sending out this unnerving alarm that could be heard over the entire house. I replaced the battery and it started up again only to do the same thing within 5 minutes. After a phone call to the pump manufacturer who asks very intelligent questions such as "Did you check the battery?" and "Has the pump been dropped?" (Um let's see to the first question YES and the second I am sure it has been dropped a million times as he is an 8 YEAR OLD BOY!!!) Needless to say a quick refresher course must occur as I had to fall back on shots. After the first injection of 6 units of Lantus and then trying to configure the insulin ratio to his carb ratio that literally changes 10 times a day, I am already worn out. I spent half the morning on the phone conversing with the diabetes care team. Carter is asking for Apple Juice and other food and I am losing it with my patience....thinking and impatiently saying WAIT... you can't eat anything yet until I add all the carbs, find the syringes, check the date on the insulin bottles, find the inject a pen, and then give you a shot. Thinking all the time to myself, and Laura if you screw this up he is going to crash (go low and have a seizure) or get really high. The irony to this thought is that can happen even if I do everything "right". So he did indeed crash after the first long lasting insulin injection. We got juice and food down him and got his blood sugar back up. This afternoon he was running in the 360 range with a headache. I drew up another unit and a half to correct him. We will be seeing a lot of each other tonight as I will sneak into his room, turn on the flashlight and prick his finger just to check his blood sugar and make sure that he will wake up "okay" tomorrow morning. Tomorrow I will sign for the pump that is being over-nighted to my house and we will get hooked back up to our "artificial" pancreas. I will take a deep breathe and thank God again for the research that has been done and the fact that a mini computer can figure out all of these things instead of me for another period of time. I will grieve a little bit longer tonight with the reminder that this is continuous and does not end until we are home. Then I will rebuke myself of my self pity and say a prayer of gratefulness for God's amazing provision and faithfulness to meet me right where I am at. I will also pray that somehow, I will be changed from my sinful, selfish, angry ways and that God will use this all for His glory in spite of me.

I am a desperate housewife

2008-10-02T21:29:00.007-05:00

My week has been a continual reflection on my brokenness and need for my Savior. I am reminded of the fact that I often run free on my own, then fall down, become broken, crawl on my hands and knees, and am lifted up time and time again by my loving Father. Here are two songs that have ministered to my heart this week. The first by Shawn McDonald "I Need You"

Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
‘Cause I cannot do it on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side ‘cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Without You I'm so alone
I am weak but You are strong
You pick me up when I'm falling down
And I am crying
Out to You inside of my heart
I need You, Lord, oh so, for the part
I want You to have my life, Jesus
I fall to my knees
And I'm begging You, please, oh, Lord
Won't You change me
Make me new from the inside out
I want to shout out Your name

Second is this song by Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I dont know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley
If You want me to

CHORUS:
Now I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to

JDRF Walk September 27th, 2008

2008-08-22T11:09:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends and Family,
We're writing to you to ask for your support in a very special cause. On September 27th, we are going to participate in our 3rd annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk “Campaign For A Cure.”
Two years ago in July, our son Carter was diagnosed at the age of 5 with Juvenile Diabetes. Since that time, we have adapted to a new “normal” of shots, blood sugar checks via finger pricks 6-8 times a day, and an insulin pump which Carter wears 24 hours a day.
This year, along with a half-million other walkers across the country our national goal is to raise $100 million to help fund research for a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications. Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly disease that affects millions of people - a large and growing percentage of them children. Many people think type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin. While insulin does keep people with type 1 diabetes alive, it is NOT a cure. Aside from the daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, there are many severe, often fatal, complications caused by the disease.
Juvenile Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. Insulin allows sugar to pass into our cells so that it can be “burned” for our energy. The cells are like a furnace, which burn fuel to make energy. Our bodies constantly need energy for all of our body functions. Sugar comes from two places. “Internal” sugar comes from our body’s own production in the liver or from the release of stored sugar from the liver. This sugar is released into the blood stream. “External” sugar comes from the food we eat. It enters the stomach and then moves into the intestine where it is absorbed. When people do not have diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin to regulate both internal and external sugar.
When people have juvenile diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. The blood sugar can’t pass into the body’s cells to be burned. Instead the blood sugar rises to a high level and overflows through the kidneys into the urine. When sugar enters the urine water is pulled from all over the body to go out with the sugar. This can quickly lead to extremely high blood sugars which starves the body and worst case if untreated will cause organ damage and potentially a coma. To counteract this disease, we check blood sugars six to eight times a day with a small finger prick in Carter’s fingers. We determine his blood sugar from the meter and enter it into his insulin pump and make adjustments to keep it within a good range of 70 to 180. For everything Carter eats or drinks, we count the carbohydrates and enter the information into his pump so that the pump can figure out how much insulin to administer.
Many people often ask if Carter’s diabetes is under control or stabilized. We often don’t know how to answer that question. Diabetes never takes a break or vacation. Diabetes doesn’t get better or is cured. It is not a disease that is “controlled”. Everyday stresses, emotions, hormones, excitement, exercise, and food all play into how the body responds. No two days are alike. As a parent it is extremely frustrating as we can “do” everything right one day and have perfect sugars all day long. Then can do the exact same things the next and have extremely high or extremely low blood sugars. Illness also affects these children quickly. When they get the flu or even a cold, the body has to fight extra hard to battle the illness and blood sugars often soar to high levels.
Two years ago in July, Laura was at a homeschool meeting at our dear friend Christy Cook’s house. While she was there, she got the heart wrenching phone call of Carter’s diagnosis. Two years later, our dear friends Christy and Tim are walking this path personally with their sweet 8 month old son Forest. He was diagnosed 3 weeks ago after having dangerously high blood sugars. Christy and Tim are traveling the same road of grief, stress, anger, and anxiety that we have felt. Imagine checking blood sugar levels on their dear baby boy 10-15 times a day and injecting insulin 3-7 times a day.
Sixteen years ago, Laura lived with a family and babysat their 4 amazing children which were all in my wedding. Their family played a huge role in mentoring her. Their youngest daughter Emmy was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes just this past February. She is having to learn to cope with this as a young adult and all the social, emotional, and physical challenges it entails as she heads off for her freshman year at KU.
As parents, overnight we turn into nurses, mathematicians, dieticians, and technical gurus all the while trying to keep from hitting the panic button as you read crazy blood sugar readings. Sometimes the pump doesn’t work or the body isn’t responding due to illness and we have to respond by administering shots many times throughout the day as well. We're writing to ask for your support because now more than ever, EACH of us can be a part of bringing about a cure. Each of us can make a real difference.
The good news, though, is that a cure for Type 1 diabetes is within reach. In fact, JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in Type 1 diabetes research to date. And JDRF funds a major portion of all Type 1 diabetes research worldwide, more than any other charity.
What can you do to help? First I would ask that you consider joining us on this walk September 27th as your presence provides amazing support and encouragement for these children and their families.
Secondly, I would ask you to consider donating to JDRF as they continue to pursue a cure for those affected with this disease. Won't you please give to JDRF as generously as you're able? http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87057623
Third, we have designed JDRF walk t-shirts for Carter and Forest. Would you consider purchasing a T-shirt or several to wear and raise public awareness and support for Juvenile Diabetes? Adult shirts are $15 and children’s shirts are $13. Any extra money raised from these shirt sales will go towards JDRF. Shirts can be ordered by emailing Laura at robertsonlaurac@cableone.net Adult sizes are $15 and Child sizes are $13 each. A picture of the shirt can be found at http://robertsonlaurac.blogspot.com
Lastly, and most importantly, we ask for your prayers that God will keep these children healthy and use this disease in their lives for His glory. Also that He will help us as parents to trust Him for his care and provision of these children so anxiety and fear does not rule our days.
If you'd like to join us on the walk to support Carter and Forest, it will be held in Tulsa at the OU-Schusterman Center on September 27th from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Together, we can make the cure a reality.
Thank you,
Jim & Laura Robertson
Tim & Christy Cook
Please visit our Walk Web page if you would like to donate online or see how close we are to reaching our personal goals:
http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87057623

K-Kauai

2008-08-14T22:50:00.017-05:00

Our family has been to K-Kauai family Kamp and it was a one in a million experience. Here are a few highlights from our trip! Enjoy :)

Emma above with her other favorite counselor Crystal.

Hope busted out of her shell and rocked the wall! She amazed us all for being only 4! You go girl!

"I don't wanna go home boom boom I'm having a wonderful time. "

"I'll hide right here under my blanket and maybe they'll leave me behind"
A+ for creative thinking.

Emma and her Kamp friends Josie and RandiKate

Hillbilly Hawaiian Hullabaloo

Elijah and Hope's favorite pastime.

Notice Eli's shirt..."My parents are exhausted"
Our buddy Jansen with Eli. Jansen hung out with Carter the whole time and watched out for any blood sugar swings. He was awesome!

Our silly friend Clay. Eli still looks at his face in a picture and makes funny noises at him.

Picture Perfect!

Gospel Walk "A Night of Second Chances" was amazingly powerful.

Arm wrestling during Hawaiian Hullabaloo night was a family favorite!

Playing monster golf was a huge hit with our family. I actually can hit the ball.

Giant Jenga!

Emma with one of her Riptide counselors Sarah. Emma would have lived at Kamp all summer long as she was really in her element.

Will Cunningham the director hugging on our kids telling Carter he can do anything he wants to do and encouraging him.

Three very silly, happy boys!

Shooting at the archery range was a FAVORITE thing to do!

Carter and I both had fun shooting the BB gun. I may be asking for a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas.

Our giggling, kool-aid stained 2 year old! Having a BLAST!!!!!!
Elijah thinks he owns the Kamp. He often would take himself on a walk through Kamp leaving our room when he felt like it. We could find him in places such as "The Bean" where we would hear stories of him leaning over a booth to tap our guest speaker on the shoulder, taking his face in his small hands and telling him excitedly "This place was closed but now it's Open!" We had several offers for him to join different families. I think this was due to his independent streak of wandering and exploring puddles, waterfalls, and high adventure areas. Someone should really talk to his parents about keeping a better eye on him. :)
Our family did the zipline, the ropes course, archery, riflery, canoeing, boat rides, rock wall climbing. Playing putt putt everyday was one of Carter's most favorite activities.

Here is Eli going off the high dive all by himself. I tell you what, this kid has no fear of heights!
We loved the awesome counselors who played with our kids and made them giggle, and giggle, and giggle. Jim and I were refreshed spiritually and renewed as we listened everyday to our guest speaker Rene Schlaepfer speak on Heaven. We loved playing together and having fun. Now we are all in recovery mode and catching up on many much needed ZZZZZ's. One of the highlights for me was how wonderful these college boys were with Carter. They really were on top of their game taking care of him and helping to manage his blood sugars during the morning hours. Jim and I were really grateful to see such amazing, servant hearts in these young men. They showed such compassion and maturity in making sure they took the best care of Carter. It was a blessing and made the week even better. I had to laugh when I told them to relax a bit and that everything was fine :) I have some more funny video clips I will post tomorrow.

For my Son and our little friend

2008-08-01T20:24:00.005-05:00

Here is a poem I found on a website tonight...it sums up in a nutshell how I feel at times. I am going to bleep out the expletive however at times I can echo the words she uses in my heart too.

A Mother's Promise
She walks down the hallway in silence so deep,
Keeping watch over him, as her little one sleeps.
With meter in hand, she opens his door,
Making sure not to wake him as she crosses the floor.
She sits on his bedside and brushes his hair,
As he dreams of shooting baskets, without a 'D' care.
She holds his hand softly; his fingers so small,
As she watches and wonders why 'D' came to call.
While she watches him sleeping, so peaceful and warm,
The forces inside him fight a constant 'D' storm.
Will he ever be free of shots and blood testing?
She sits and she wonders as she watches him resting.
The beep of the meter breaks the silence of the night,
A small drop of blood tells if everything's right.
The seconds count down to the final display,
I hate this xxxx meter; I want to throw it away.
The number is fine, one down, a lifetime to go,
As he turns in his sleep, will he ever know?
Why does this 'D' happen to someone so small?
My son is my hero, but my baby most of all.
She turns at his doorway, looking back one more time,
It's a nightly routine of the very worst kind.
She walks down the hallway and time passes by,
As she sits in dark silence and quietly cries.
I have to stay strong, and for him I will fight,
We'll battle this 'D' with all of our might.
I'll teach him to master and conquer this foe,
This 'D' will not stop him, I promised him so.

Friendship

2008-07-24T06:56:00.002-05:00

I read this quote this morning on the Heart of Wisdom website. I wanted to share it with my amazing, dear friends.

Henri Nouwen said this about the gift of friendship in Bread for the Journey:

"Friendship is being with the other in joy and sorrow, even when we cannot increase the joy or sorrow. It is a unity of souls that give us nobility and sincerity to love. Friendship makes all life shine brightly."

My sweet treasure

2008-07-08T21:05:00.004-05:00

Here is Eli singing his praise song for us. Enjoy! He loves to sing it for people.

Where's Waldo?

2008-06-12T12:16:00.007-05:00

Remember those books....I am Waldo....I am buried under a house of clutter, a mass of activities, and the business/chaos of running a zoo. I no longer blog because I can't get my computer working....I blame Dell. I also can't find it under all the piles on my counter!!! LOL I no longer read blogs because I can't find the time any longer to sit down. I am working out like crazy...my days are starting at 5:30 am walking with new friends in the neighborhood 4+ miles. I am drinking 120 oz of water a day and still gaining 10 pounds. What in the HECK is up with that!! I have given up my dearest friend Sonic cokes which I LOVE and am sadly going through withdrawals. My kids think it brings on more periods of Miss Cranky Pants during the day. I miss my cokes dearly! My closet sits full of clothes that no longer fit....my body is sorer than I ever remember. I finally get what people meant about "you need to stretch" I am 35 now...not in my 20's. Why does getting in shape hurt so much...if this is FUN...I would rather be unfun.

As I write this, Emma is reminding me that I am crabbing and not glorifying God right now in my words! So I need to get off of the computer and go work on my time with the Lord and hang out with these awesome kids I have been blessed with. The Flylady is back in my life and kicking my tail back in shape. We are de-cluttering our nest over here and getting rid of lots of stuff. Hopefully we will have the Madame Blueberry Stuffmart garage sale next Friday morning! If you don't hear from me for awhile...don't worry, I will be back sometime!

Meanwhile if you want check out the Flylady... http://www.flylady.net/ and her friend http://www.savingdinner.com/ Both have been very helpful lately in my life!

Okay I don't think I am playing the tag game this time around but I thought I would share some of my bad habits lately...
1. Not paying attention to detail while driving....I rear ended a man Monday night at Price and Silver Lake...That was a GREAT start to my week. :) So much for my perfect driving record. Also what I get for being impatient!
2. Poor conflict resolution: My kids are fighting and screaming during breakfast....I went upstairs and crawled back in bed....for 45 minutes.
3. While cutting fingernails and toenails I managed to make 4 toe's bleed and 2 fingers....who's next in line?
4. I have crankily, flushed 2 fish down the potty....cleaned up 3 piles of cat throw up and 1 dog bed with throw up. I can have a VERY Bad attitude towards these creatures that live in our house! We have LOTS of Flying Fur!
5. Again attention to detail... We have accidently thrown away 3 of Eli's swimsuits that were pooped....Really not an economically sound way of cleaning up :) I don't want to hear any potty training advice on this child...HE JUST DOESN'T CARE!!! :)
6. You know your pleasant when your kids start every sentence with "Mom, don't get mad But....." and to sum it all up Carter tells me one day "Mom, you kind of remind me of the white witch in Narnia" hmmmm beyond the blatant lack of respect it does make me ponder my tude!

Why Do Parents Think They Have a Right to Force Their Religion on Their Children

2008-05-20T07:37:00.003-05:00

I went to order a book on Amazon Monday morning. I ran across this discussion thread and was literally amazed at the posts. I emailed it out to a few of my friends and my amazing friend Christy had the most intelligent and logical response. She posted it on the thread. I just had to share it with you because she represented my heart so well with her words!

Here are the first few thoughts posted by this man : Riichard J. Collins says:
Other than tradition passed down from patriarchal societies when wives and children were considered chattel of their husbands to do with as they wished, why should modern parents believe they have unfettered rights to teach their children anything they want? Indeed what makes parents believe their children must believe the same way about politics or ethics as they do? Why not let them mature and make their own decisions? Here in the west we no longer believe we can force a woman to marry someone, or force a child to attend a certain university or take up a certain trade. Why does religion enjoy an exception to our otherwise fair minded thinking?

Riichard J. Collins says:
There is a time in a child's life when they are totally vulnerable to the ideas they are given by the adults around them. Religious institutions know this and that is why they begin on the children when they are barely out of diapers. Is it not immoral to take advantage of a vulnerable person? Parents may believe, as you say, that what they are doing springs from the best of motives. In fact I think this is the case. I read recently that some 80% of children raised in the Baptist faith walk away after they graduate from high school. So people argue there is nothing wrong with indoctrinating children at an early age. Except that attitude conveniently overlooks the stigma and shame attached to leaving a religious community. The kind of psychological abuse apostates are meted out leaving a church is anything by loving. For secular people to accept your argument that God has a plan for mankind, you first have to prove there is a god and give us good reasons why his plan is so good. Instead, we get worn out platitudes, earnest assurances and religious propaganda. If you can convincingly demonstrate there really is a god and that "his plan" is the way to go I am sure most fair minded people would go along with you. By the way, why has God been hiding since he last talked to Moses on the Mount? Suppose a parent chooses Christianity for a child and later when the child matures they decide they want to be a Muslim or any other of the various sects or religions. Many people stumble through all sorts of confused spiritual journeys simply because they were indoctrinated with the idea that there is a transcendent purpose in life. Why put children through this ordeal?

Riichard J. Collins says:
But you don't seem to want to understand that your child is an individual that has his own set of rights. One of those rights is his freedom of thought and religion. You have a responsibility to make decisions for him that do not restrict his freedoms or limit his future options. Forcing him into your religion may not be what he wants. What if he says to you (I don't know how old he is now) I don't want to go to a Catholic church. What is going to be your answer? Have you ever sat him down and asked him directly if he was enjoying his Catholic church experience? Did it ever even occur to you to do this? What if he tells you he wants out? Then what?What I want you to explain to me is why you will not respect his rights. Your reply didn't really hit the mark. Anecdotal evidence abounds that children don't like what they are subjected to by the church. Are you avoiding this reality?

After almost a thousand posts...my dear friend Christy replies with such wisdom
Christy G. Cook says:
Richard, I have been reading alot of these posts for the first time today. I have not yet read them all so forgive me if I say something that has already been said. I am a Christian Home schooling mother, so you might think that I would be getting ready to attack everything you have said, however, I find myself agreeing with a lot that you have to say. I have experienced the people who have told me to "stop thinking so much" and "just believe." Quite frankly, I find it a troubling "trend" in the church in America. If God is Omniscient and Omnipresent and created this amazing world, does He really intend for us to "blindly" follow Him and stop thinking?? How insulting.I personally am telling my children all the time to ask questions. I tell them that they should never just believe something because someone they like (or even love) said it. I tell them to think for themselves. I believe that God intends for us to question and seek out answers. By the way, in response to your "Superstition and science do not go well together" statement, I would encourage you to investigate how many early scientists (that have contributed to our wealth of knowledge today) were Christians. Begin with Copernicus and his theory that the world was NOT the center of the universe. Anyway, I digress, my point is that, you are right, our children have minds and they should USE them. If I believe I am teaching them about a God who cannot stand the test of "intelligent questioning" then I should re-evaluate what I am teaching. Too many of us are afraid to question our own beliefs. Really, when it comes right down to it, we are ALL taking a leap of faith. I have faith that there is a loving God who created this world and actually entered into it through the person of His son Jesus Christ and shed His blood to cover the patheticness of my sin. You have faith that there is NO God and that all of this world got here somehow by accident. Muslims have faith that there will be many virgins awaiting them after they press that button and blow themselves up. I guess we just have to choose which faith we will have. But, when it comes to my children, I will teach them what I believe. They will also know that there are many people out there who believe differently from their mother and father ( and most of them because they were taught from an early age to do so. ) I will also teach them to question, and reason and think for themselves. Ultimately, I think they will come to their own conclusion that God is real and He loves them. BUT, I cannot make them come to that conclusion. Have you ever heard of Classical education? Look it up. It is the only method of education that truly teaches children to think and reason for themselves. Thank you for your posts and this discussion that is SO absolutely necessary!God Bless.

To me here is the HUGE part...his response!!! Riichard J. Collins says:
Christy,If every parent thought like you do, we would have no problems. You obviously have a lot of insight into the issue and have adopted a course that is fair to your children and still allows you to guide them as you feel your parental duties dictate. This is exactly the balance we hope to see. Thank you for posting and please continue to share your thoughts.

Christy G. Cook says:
I'm very pleased to find you think I am balanced. However, I don't look at myself as "unique" in my perspective. I believe there are many parents out there who are thinking just like me. There is the "vocal" minority who fear the discussion and just lash out in defensive, angry rebuttal. Then there is the majority who are happily, peacefully enjoying their freedom to train their children in an intelligent manner. I hope you will find this in your "pursuit of the discussion."

Great Job Christy!
Here is the link for the thread : http://www.amazon.com/tag/parenting/forum/ref=cm_cd_pg_oldest?%5Fencoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx20C498EK5JY4S&cdPage=1&cdSort=newest&cdThread=Tx2CZZFKFXLZ0XM

Jay Cutler quarterback of Denver Broncos

2008-05-02T22:56:00.002-05:00

Jay Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes this past week. Here is a quote from his press conference. ""It's a big adjustment," Cutler said. "You're 25 years old, you're used to eating whatever you want, doing whatever you want. If you want to go out to lunch, go ahead and go. Now, you're counting carbs and eating healthier and injecting insulin at the table. You've got to have your insulin, your needles, your glucose meter, yeah, it's a big change. But it's something you have to deal with."
Eating less fast food is a silver lining to his diagnosis, said Cutler, who is looking into getting an insulin pump in the next month and plans to expand his charity work to include juvenile diabetes.
He also wants fans to know he's going to be all right.
"This is a serious, serious disease, and I'm going to have it for the rest of my life," Cutler said. "It's not going to change me on the field. I'm going to have some lifestyle changes, but I'm probably going to be a better quarterback this year than I was last year."

Carter, Jim, and I look forward to watching him on the field this next season praying that he can do amazingly well with his diabetes. It would be soooo encouraging to kids with diabetes to see other people with diabetes being able to do big things!

What a Whirlwind Month!

2008-05-02T10:45:00.001-05:00

I have been missing in action these past 4 weeks. Let me try and recap our lives quickly. I got out the clippers last week and shaved the boys hair...Elijah went first and it ended up being the shortest buzz cut imaginable. There was probably an inch and a half of hair in the sink. Carter was terrified that I was going to make him bald like Elijah!

Elijah has also discovered the simplicity of wearing cowboy boots. I decided to get him a pair of his own after he insisted on wearing Hope's hot pink boots everywhere this past week. He is now the proud owner of brown cowboy BOOOTs as he says! He loves them....they especially go well with his lack of hair!

Emma performed her solo and trio dance at the Stage Art productions banquet last Saturday. She did a beautiful job worshiping God throughout her dance and I loved watching her expressions. She has worked on her solo for more than a year with Ms. Kristy. The choreography is beautiful and I treasure all the time Kristy Hewitt has poured into my daughter's heart through her dance. My sweet friend Rachel also helped her to polish up a few things on the Friday before she danced and really poured into Emma's heart the meaning of the words in the song. I want to give a big Thank You to you friend for lifting her spirits!! Hopefully I can post the dance sometime soon on the blog. Hope also brought home an award from the banquet. She was named "TuTu cute". I thought that was great and fit her perfectly!

Last night Carter hit his first home run in coach pitch and we got to cheer him on as he rounded the bases! It was really fun. Jim and I told him how proud we were of him for his attitude both when he struck out twice as well as when he got a great hit. He grins no matter what and just loves playing the game. It was a great game to watch as he played his dear friends Charlie and John. They had an amazing team and gave our boys in outfield something to do for the first time!

We have two more weeks of activities and I can't wait for things to sloooow way down! We have dance costumes all over the house, baseball practices, soccer practices, piano, etc. In my spare time I escape outside tending to my flowers, shrubs, and anything else I can put my hands in to get dirty.

My dear friends and I celebrated my 35 birthday yesterday with lunch. I am blessed to have so many treasures in Godly friends. I love you guys! As I am playing in my dirt I will continue to lift all of you up in my prayers!

Carter has been having a rough month with his blood sugar and it has really kept me on my toes. This disease is soooo frustrating as it never allows a moment to take a break. He threw up a couple of weeks ago for the first time since he was diagnosed. He had moderate ketones which are dangerous for his body. I couldn't get his ketone meter to work and wasted valuable time on the phone with the help line before I could call the diabetes clinic with the information they needed. Ketones show up in the blood and are a sign the body is breaking itself down. Ketones can quickly cause a diabetic to go into a diabetic coma and cause permanent brain and organ damage. The diabetes clinic in Tulsa is AMAZING!!! They called every 45 minutes to check on Carter and tell me how much insulin to give him via shots. I was giving Carter shots of insulin every hour as well as his insulin pump delivering insulin and for about 6 hours NOTHING was working to bring down his blood sugar. Both he and I were praying a lot that everything would level out quickly. I loaded him with zofran to keep him from throwing up again and by Saturday he was feeling so much better. I have been checking him throughout the nights now though because it seems to randomly spike high and low during the night. There is nothing like having your finger pricked at 2 am and Carter gets just a tad bit testy with me kicking me and punching! I hope that I stay bigger than him for a while :) I have had to carry him on my back downstairs at times and literally force him awake to drink chocolate milk and eat peanut butter crackers because his blood sugar is so low. Again it is a battle to get him to wake up and want to eat and feel better! God has been really faithful though and given me a guidance through the Holy Spirit and I just feel sometimes that I need to check on Carter sometimes during the night. 99% of the time he is running very low or very high.

Ava

2008-04-06T21:45:00.005-05:00

Painting by Ron DiCianni
Sometimes there are no words but our Lord's "I saw a new heaven and a new earth...And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them...He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." Revelations 21:1,3-4

Baby Ava you touched all of our lives....you truly are a miracle and blessing to all.

You are very loved and missed...until we meet again precious one.

Getting in the Ocean for the First Time!

2008-04-04T13:28:00.002-05:00

You hear a very nervous mom in the background. I get so nervous about the kids being pulled under the waves. The undertow is amazingly strong....you can see the pull of the sand under the kids feet. That being said it is so fun to splash and play in the waves :)!

Hope getting her hair braided...torture!!!

2008-04-04T12:26:00.004-05:00

Let me just qualify this by saying that Hope wanted to get her hair braided! It is really sad to watch how miserable she is though! You hear me in the back ground bargaining out a price for her hair...I am still not sure I got a "good deal"!

More very sad tears!

Hope says "I love my hair" Mommy says "Really?" Was that really worth it???
Notice how drawn out her okie accent it!!!

Our Cancun Memories 2008

2008-04-01T22:23:00.009-05:00

Cancun Vacation 2008
The view at the Royal Sands from my parents villa where we stayed.
I love the colors God created when he made the Caribbean Sea! Aren't those blues AMAZING!
The view from the other side of The Royal Sands in Cancun.

Sister Brother Hugs (okay perhaps squeezes) !
Emma working hard on her sand art. (Hopefully Elijah isn't around!)
Mommy and Elijah painting some pottery.
The Kool Kids hanging out in my sun glasses.

Carter loved to snorkle and see the fish and sea creatures! He has no fear and doesn't even seem to mind the taste of salt water!
The brothers chilling out....won't be too long before they are annoyed by matching outfits!
Two of my crew chilling out with mommy! Emma has the camera :)
Our little cheese making his happy face after swimming all day long!
What a way to spend the day...hanging out and playing with my sweet family! Okay dear friends...I put this in because I just wanted you all to notice my feet....covered in sand!!!

Carter works diligently to build a sand castle at the Hacienda's in Playa del Carmen.
Elijah loves building sand castles and then smashing everyone elses!
Emma chills out in the pool at the Royal Hacienda's
The girls loved sharing a strawberry daiquiri!
Tutti Fruity Girl!

Trying to keep Hope covered from the sun was always a challenge! She does look pretty cute!
The girls start to play in the sand the first day. Hope isn't sure she likes being "messy"
Emma and Carter LOVED the ocean....they spent hours playing in the waves and the sand!
Here is a shot I am going to have framed for my fire place mantle. They look so peaceful don't they! Below is a face shot....never quite got one with everyone smiling!!! Go adobe photoshop!
Life has been flying by at the speed of light!! The first week home I think I needed a vacation from the vacation and spent time just catching up on sleep, laundry, school, and house hold things. Last week we were back full force into the swing of activities. I loved having two weeks of family time. Jim and I were so grateful to get to spend time with each of the kids and learn even more about their personalities, likes, and dislikes. Each of them are such amazing treasures from God. Carter and I got to go snorkeling out in the coral reefs with my dad. What an amazing adventure it was. I loved having those memories built with Carter. We saw all kinds of beautiful fish including barracuda's!! Emma got to go to a dancing show at La Hacienda Sisal with my parents and LOVED the Mexican dancing. Hope and Elijah became quite the fish and lived in the pools. Elijah even graduated from his floaties by the end of the trip. Jim and I read, read, and read several books and had time to just relax, hang out, and talk! I learned a few new Spanish words and even accidentally told one of our friends at the Sands that my new favorite thing in Cancun was "shut-up"...I had meant to say cajete (which is a Carmel made from goat's milk) and instead I said callete....which as you guessed means "shut up".... and for now that is what I am going to do and head to bed.

We love Mexico!!!

2008-03-20T21:05:00.004-05:00

We are back from two weeks of wonderful family time, amazingly warm and pleasant weather, and some of the most beautiful scenes that God has created. We enjoyed the sand, the sun, and the water and most of all we enjoyed the culture of the people in Mexico. I love how the culture of Mexico embraces children and celebrates them as important. What a far cry from our society of today in America. Everyone we met wanted to spend time with our kids and talk with them. I love the value that they placed on them as people. The highlight of the trip was getting to spend more time with a man named Balentino who my parents and I had met last year. To fill you in on the background of the story....the last night we were in Cancun in 2007, we ate dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Before the meal, we held hands and my dad said the prayer. Our waiter excitedly embraced us and exclaimed in his broken English "You too Christians" He proceeded to share about his life and his struggles and asked my dad to pray for him. It was an amazing conversation. Anyways, we returned their during our first few days and he came running to us and said "You remember me.....you ate here" and pointed to the table where we had eaten a year ago and prayed for him. We were able to tell him how we had continued to pray for him over the past year. My dad had brought him The Purpose Driven Life in Spanish and he was ecstatic to receive it. He invited my parents over to meet his new wife and 8 month old daughter. So my parents ventured to downtown Cancun to visit his home. It was very humbling to see where they lived with so few possessions and no refrigerator! My dad was able to share more and encourage him. My mom had taken a bible and highlighted some verses for him. Balentino was so hungry for the word of God and has such a thirst to grow in his faith. They shared some wonderful conversation and fellowship. Balentino asked for a study bible and wanted help to find some true churches in Cancun. We all were able to meet his wife and his daughter throughout the course of our trip. Balentino's wife was Chelly and the daughter was Maria Jose after Mary and Joseph. This experience has definitely made me desire to learn more Spanish so that I can communicate better the message of the gospel with others. What an amazing experience for my kids as well to see the way God's spirit has moved in the life of someone they met and had been praying for. We definetly look forward to seeing our dear friends again.

Carter

2008-02-18T22:00:00.004-06:00

Carter playing in the January snow and my little hero....diligently working on his math!

Ramblings from a tired mommy!

2008-02-18T21:31:00.005-06:00

Life has finally caught up to me and I have been under the weather. I am worn out and am dreaming of a 48 hour escape in my bedroom without any interruptions! LOL, not really I would miss my kids! Perhaps just a solid 8 hours of quiet time! Here are a few musings of the past few days from my kids that I wanted to keep fresh.

I tend to be a mothering monkey at times and spend few to many minutes "preening" over my children or as they call it "picking" on their skin, hair, ect. We have a rash of "bumpies" at our house that this mommy monkey can't seem to leave alone. Call it one of my many OCD tendencies. Well anyways, one of the nights this week....Hope had heard me bribe her brother Carter over something. So at the begining of one of my obsessive moments, Hope in her deep little voice completely serious says while I am trying to pick on her...."MOMMMMY....I want a dollar (pause) .........and a penny(pause) .......and a diamond and thennnn you can finish!." I better start praying more specifically for this girls future husband!!! Anyways, I got quite a kick out of it.

On a little more serious note, my sweet Carter has been having some sad moments lately. He is really frustrated over having to stop and check his blood sugar before eating something he is really excited about. He has been saying many times lately that he doesn't like being the only 7 year old boy he knows with diabetes and wants to meet a friend his age that has diabetes as well. He is tired of feeling and being "different" than his friends and standing out. Carter and I have begun to pray for opportunities for him to meet a friend his age that has diabetes. So please join me as I lift up his request and pray for God to bring an encourager into Carter's life and opportunities to meet and know other children with Juvenile Diabetes as well.

"Creative" Two's!!!

2008-02-04T21:29:00.000-06:00

I walked into the kitchen the other day to find some strange things happening to my dishwasher! Apparently Elijah decided to help mommy wash the dishes....this is what happens when you put dishsoap in the dishwasher FYI....it does remind me of an I Love Lucy show! I love how creative my little one is...he loves to explore and try things out! By the way, if you haven't figured it out...he is feeling MUCH better :) !

Update on Elijah

2008-02-02T21:00:00.000-06:00

Well we have made it through another week and I can finally say we have turned the corner and Elijah is feeling better! After battling with him to drink ANYTHING for days he finally began to start drinking this week. I was starting to worry about dehydration since he was only having one "sort of" wet diaper a day....compared to the usual soaking wet ones. Elijah has lost 4 pounds since surgery and his voice still sounds like he has swallowed the helium from 3 balloons but he is HAPPY at last. He has begun to play more and be less attatched from me. Here are the quotes from the last week...."Hold me mommy" "Mommy, I need you" "Hold me mommy, Rock the baby(that being him!)"

My little waif of a child 4 pounds lighter. There has never been a skin and bone Robertson child at 2 years of age...they all had the baby chub chub!
Again our little hide and seek child.....if he covered his eyes perhaps the world would leave him alone and not make him eat, drink, or take his medicines.

Wiped out in the chair from all the medications!

Jim and I filled every cup we could with different drinks trying to entice him to drink. He loved lining them up on the counter. He would organize, arrange, and change however not DRINK them!

A happy child at last with all of his drinks....this was the morning he began to turn around and drink fluids.

Elijah's not-so-fun Week

2008-01-25T07:51:00.000-06:00

This has been a HUGE week for our littlest one Elijah. Tuesday morning he went in to have his tonsils and adenoids taken out and new tubes put in his ears. He has been sick off and on since October with fluid behind his ears and tonsilitis. We knew this was coming as the rest of our kids have had to do the same thing. Little man has had it rough though and recovery has not come quickly. Our big drinker has been refusing to drink and really gets upset when we have to force down his medicine. I have spent many a hours in this chair holding Elijah trying to comfort him. Hopefully today will be the day he begins to bounces back to his sweet active self!

This is Elijah after his surgery hiding from everyone and everything under his blanket.

Elijah has spent many hours buried in his blanket this week. Especially when mommy has to force him to drink or take medicine! :( Poor little Elijah I think he feels like he is escaping buried in his blanket! Maybe we all will disappear!

Daddy holds Elijah before they come and take him for surgery.

Our little wildman before they sedated him for surgery. He was EVERYWHERE! Jim and I were actually hoping they would come with the happy/sleepy medicine QUICK! :)

Elijah before surgery when he is happy. We haven't seen much of this sweet face this week while he has been recovering!

Mommy and Elijah waiting for Dr. Holland to come in.

Trusting In Jesus

2008-01-14T20:54:00.000-06:00

Prayer for Trust in Jesus

O Christ Jesus,

When all is darkness

and we feel our weakness and helplessness,

give us the sense of Your presence,

Your love, and Your strength.

Help us to have perfect trust

in Your protecting love

and strengthening power,

so that nothing may frighten or worry us,

for, living close to You,

we shall see Your hand,

Your purpose, Your will through all things.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

I have always approached life through rose colored glasses or a fairytale reality where everything always "works out." I think I made it through the weekend between diagnosis and Carter's outpatient treatment with the same approach. In the back of my mind I continued to hope and pray that the tests were wrong, that it was a fluke, and that on Monday, the pediatric endocrinologist would just confirm the anomaly and everything would be okay with my precious son. One thing that I have wrestled in the depths of my soul these past few years is the reality of brokenness in this world and yet the awesome sovereignty of God. The God of creation who has the power to DO anything and yet sometimes in our eyes is quiet and still. I have prayed for miraculous healings that don't come, loved ones to not pass away, mommies not to lose their precious babies, thorns in the flesh to be removed. Good well meaning people have come up to our family sharing how they have prayed for us and specifically for healings over various things. How do you look people in the eye who say that they have prayed for healing and seem to be utterly disappointed and almost offended when it has not occurred for your family. Is my faith any less...? Is God still good when things don't turn out the way we have prayed. God has spoken to the brokenness of my heart challenging me to praise Him regardless of the outcome. Is the Almighty God of the Universe any less almighty if my prayers are not answered in the manner in which I think they ought to be. When the road is broken and difficult will I chose to praise him No Matter What? I had to lay my son on the alter that weekend and thank God for whatever He was going to do through this next path. Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane "Not my will, but yours be done." Giving my loved one back to God (as if he were "mine" to begin with) is what God called me to do, knowing and submitting to His will. I can't even find the words to express my heart over this matter, however I know that God has used this brokenness over my son to help me be more dependent on Him than I ever was. I have to give up my control freak nature and daily entrust Carter to Him. The crazy and cruel thing about Juvenile Diabetes is that it is unpredictable. You can DO everything correctly (diet, exercise, close monitoring of blood sugar) and end up with extreme blood sugar highs and lows. It never "levels" out or is in control for more than a few hours :) . I praise God that He always is!

The Next Day of our Journey

2008-01-12T21:27:00.000-06:00

We went into Dr. Reinhard's office the very next morning for our first insulin shot. Talk about being out of my comfort zone. One minute your an ordinary mommy and the next minute your a full time nurse required to give your child of all things SHOTS!!! After what felt like a microscopic lesson on how to give a shot, we were sent home with needles and a bottle of Lantus (long acting insulin) to give Carter every day. I was very surprised how little knowledge had been given to us on what a person with diabetes could and couldn't eat. We had three days to make it until outpatient therapy and I just laugh at what misconceptions I had for Carter. We pulled everything with any sugar from his diet including fruit and basically just fed him meat and cheese for a couple of days. The first time I had to give Carter a shot on my own, he ran screaming and crying from me and hid under the bed. I literally had to drag him out and hold him down. He was crying, I was crying (not to mentioned terrified and unsure about doing his shots myself) and the whole experience lead me utterly dreading the next time I had to give him a shot. My poor son really had a hard time grasping what was going on with him and it is really just heartwrenching as a parent to watch your child suffer and struggle with issues that you can't fix. Here is my email from the very next day.

"Hi friends....I just want to praise God and thank you for your prayers for Carter last night and today. After Friday morning's traumatic injection I truly didn't think we could both do it again. However thanks to your prayers we saw God's hand at work. Carter asked us first thing this morning when he was going to get his shot and then after I used the new "inject a pen" he said it didn't even hurt. Praise God! Literally an act of the Holy Spirit and day and night difference from Friday morning. Thank you guys! Please continue to pray for Carter for his little mind to slowly digest all of this information. Tonight at bedtime we were talking about how many more days until we go see Dr. Jelley. I told him that we were going to have to start monitoring his glucose levels probably in his finger....his reaction of course was "Does it hurt? Carter buddy...I really don't know but I promise you I will monitor mine as well so you are not alone." There is so much to comprehend. At times today honestly I was very discouraged. I went to the library and checked out a couple of "kids" books on juvenile diabetes and honestly I couldn't handle the negativity. I for sure am not reading them to Carter. I want us to tackle this thing through Christ's strength. My dear friend Christy Cook sent me a CD which has a song on it that truly sums up this...I will copy the words at the end of this email.

At bedtime tonight we read from Carter's bible on David and Goliath and how David had no fear because he knew God was bigger than Goliath. We talked about David being a true superhero because he trusted in God and overcame Goliath even when it seemed impossible. Carter and I talked about our "Goliath" being diabetes and that in God we are to have no fear. We worked on memorizing Nahum 1:7 which states "The Lord is good, When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge." Specific prayer requests for next week include :

1. God's covering and protection over Carter's body as we still seek healing and prayerfully a perfectly normal reading on Monday morning at Dr. Jelley. Emma, Hope, Jim, and I have been laying our hands on Carter and praying for healing. Pray for our experience with Dr. Jelley and divine wisdom for him as a physician. (On a side note, he does have a 9 year old son who has diabetes so we know that he has personal experience with all of this).

2. For the worry to subside for me as I am anxious about every morsel that goes into Carter's mouth right now not knowing if it has too much sugar or carbs for his little body to handle. I really am looking forward to a road map if indeed we are facing Juvenile Diabetes.

3. For Carter as he is really terrified of pain...they accidently forgot to run the growth hormone blood test last week so we might be facing another blood draw early this week. Let's just say that it was truly a nightmare for us both to get 3 vials of blood out of my 36 pound son while he was just screaming. Secondly if we are facing that again pray that he would not have such a severe reaction phsycially with headaches and emtionally with his fear of needles, shots, and pain.

4. Pray for the many people who are watching loved ones suffer through illness and trauma that the peace of Christ that truly transcend understanding will guard them and gird them as they walk through the days ahead. This week in particular seems to be full of people experiencing this.

Thank you dear friends in Christ, I could not walk this road without the body of Christ lifting us up.
Laura"

by Casting Crowns "Praise You in this Storm" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

"I was sure by now that you would have reached down and wiped our tears away. Stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining.
As the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands for You are .....who You are
no matter where I am. Every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand. You never left my side
and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry. You raised me up again. My strength is almost gone, how can I carry on if I can't find you.

I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am. Every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm."

The Robertson Crew

It is all Good: You are my strength, my portion, my Deliverer.

Falling on My Knees

Desert Song

May's Birthday Celebration

Ethiopia or Bust

Blessed Be Your Name

Waiting, Melting, and Being Challenged

Praying Today for My Husband

God's Amazing Provision for Our Lives

Spring Cleaning Mania! Beware

Our Fieldtrip to the Oklahoma Aquarium April 2009

Happy Easter

History Repeats Itself

My Husband, The Bionic Man

While We are Waiting

What Does it Really Mean part 2!

Do You Know?

The Little Mr. Conservative

Friendship

An interview about mom with my kids

What does that really mean?

Our Handmade Valentine's Boxes

Everything is so amazing, and nobody is happy

Dr. Seuss Meets the CPSIA

Life in a Fallen World

The Mom Song

The Mom Song (Video and Lyrics)In this video, Anita Renfro, Christian comedian, musician, author, and speaker, sings her own lyrics to the tune of the William Tell Overture.

Blessings

Giving the State a Grasp on Your Kids

Funnies from Our House

Sneezing

God's Will or My Will?

I'll have a ...

Jehovah Jireh

When Random isn't random enough!

Six word summary challenge for 2008

Robertson Family Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Attempting the Family Christmas Picture!!!

Mercy Me Bring the Rain

Update on our trip to Springfield

Now I am Going to Sing Joy To The World :)

I really have screwed this up!

7 Random Things about Me

Religious Right R.I.P.

Updates on our Crew

Elijah's 3rd Birthday

The Pumpkin Patch

Rosy

Pinky De Hearts

Job Description: MOM

JDRF Walks

Carter's Crew and Forest's too

I am a desperate housewife

JDRF Walk September 27th, 2008

More K-Kauia Video exerpts

K-Kauai

For my Son and our little friend

Friendship

My sweet treasure

Where's Waldo?

Why Do Parents Think They Have a Right to Force Their Religion on Their Children

Jay Cutler quarterback of Denver Broncos

What a Whirlwind Month!

Ava

Getting in the Ocean for the First Time!

Hope getting her hair braided...torture!!!

Our Cancun Memories 2008

We love Mexico!!!

Carter

Ramblings from a tired mommy!

"Creative" Two's!!!

Update on Elijah

Elijah's not-so-fun Week

Trusting In Jesus

The Next Day of our Journey