Tim's Recovery

Well, I really thought that by Christmas I would be able to give you all a wonderful report about how miraculous Tim's surgery had been. We knew that recovery would be slow, but in many cases, it seems that it actually may have set Tim back. He is taking much more potent medications and is in A LOT more pain than before the surgery. He has a hard time standing or sitting too long, and it breaks my heart to see him when he wakes up in the morning. It takes him quite awhile to be able to get up and going due to the pain, and having to wait for the pain meds to kick in. It of course has affected every area of his life. He can't work to the degree he would like to work. He can't pick up his sons and play with them the way most Dad's get to. He can't ride the rides at Disneyland with Miguel and Karizma anymore. It also affects our relationship, because it can be so stressful and if we let it, can put a strain on our marriage. We have our bad days, but all in all, our days are blessed. I give all that credit to God and Tim. For Tim to remain so strong, and to continue to work through it all. It actually brings me to tears of absolute gratefulness for his dedication to this family. I know that God has a plan for us, JEREMIAH 29:11, and we will continue to count it all joy...although sometimes it is difficult to do.

I would like to reach out to you all and ask that you pray for Tim on a continual basis. He just doesn't seem to make any progress, is in so much pain, and the past week, or 2 have been very hard on him. We hold out for a miracle and ask Jesus to heal Tim and restore his life so that he can better serve the Lord and start to enjoy his life once again.

We are going to see another doctor for a second opinion and hope that he may be able to offer some options to help Tim manage his pain.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to pray for my husband. We are grateful for your continued support and love. It means so much more than you will ever know.

Their Dramatic Debut

Miguel and Karizma were in their homeschool center play tonight. They did a fantastic job! Miguel played Marty, a boy that attends school with Christy, the main character. He was also part of the band. Karizma played the part of Noelle, the Christmas Angel. She had a solo in the play and we were all shocked when we heard her sing. She definitely did NOT get her skills from me or Tim! This play was about the gift of Salvation: the true reason for Christmas. The reason Jesus came to earth, then died on the cross for each and every one of us!

We are so thankful to all that came out in support. It was a total of 20 people! Our kids were so blessed by your presence.

KARIZMA LOOKED AND SOUNDED LIKE AN ANGEL


MIGUEL 'PLAYED' A MEAN BASS


GRACE CHURCH YOUTH GROUP

Miguel and Karizma did an amazing job and Tim and I couldn't be prouder! The entire cast did great. We must admit that Jonathan Sweet, had us very entertained, too. Wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Rowe? They all were so cute and we were so impressed at how they memorized all their lines and pulled it off flawlessly!

Special thanks to: Grandmom, Auntie, cousins, Omi, and the entire Grace youth group, and even some of the moms, for coming out to support our children. We attend an awesome church and belong to the best family ever!!

The New And IMPROVED Jingle Bells

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jesus is on the way...
The little ones are weak
But He is strong
Jesus is on the way.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jesus is on the way...
We love Him
and we go to church
and we learn about Him-m-m.


This is the version of jingle bells that I caught Walker, our 4 year old, singing to himself earlier today. It made me realize how important it is to make sure we instill the importance of the real reason of Christmas in our children. Walker's song lifted me out of a 'mommy funk' and into a mode of rejoicing in the job the Lord has set before me: To raise up Godly children.

I still have faith in man

My good friend (motivator/encourager/etc.), Michelle O., has been 'mall-walking' and seeing results, so I decided to join her. I even took it upon myself one Saturday afternoon to go alone while Tim went to Costco. As I was walking around the mall, I would smile and say hello to everyone I would pass. I have really tried to extend the simple kindess of a smile wherever I go now. It really does wonders for me, and I hope for others. Well, today was confirmation to me that people are still willing to be friendly, and just need a little push sometimes.

I decided to take a little poll as I walked to see how many people would say hello back and how many would not. I did not have high expectations, but 9 out of 10 people not only said hello back, but smiled, too. It was such a nice way to spend my time as I was so bummed I had forgotten to bring my IPOD! I spent the time people watching, smiling, and praising Jesus for his gift of eternal life to me. What a blessing I have in His love, in His sacrifice for me, and the least I can do is spread that to others. I know that I should have stopped at some point and shared more than a smile, I should have shared Jesus...but I do believe a smile and a hello was a good place to start.

Sorry, sorry, sorry

I am so sorry it has been SO LONG since I have posted. To say I have been busy, would be saying the absolute least. It has been a good busy, though. Home schooling, playgroup events, church obligations, family get togethers, school meetings and tomorrow is Miguel and Karizma's first time in a play. Their dramatic debut. I can't wait to blog about that. Thanks for checking in on us, and for asking what was going on and why haven't I posted... It made me know how much you care.

Love you all!