Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Blue Bubbles
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| A birthday gift from Sam A blue bubble blowing machine |
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| What happens when the Bubble machine goes crazy... a Blue kid |
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sea Isle 2011 Vacation
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| Beach time with Brayden and Jess |
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| The making of a great sand castle |
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| It takes a lot of digging and sculpting... |
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| The Atlantic Ocean is pretty cold. Let's share a sun-warmed beach towel! |
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| All the guys are digging the sand fort |
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| The ocean seeped in... |
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| Katie digs a deeper mote... |
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| Sunning Cow Girl |
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| Eden bails out some water from inside the castle |
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| Happy Birthday to Debbie |
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| Pop Pop & Curtis watch from the side |
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| Birthday Cake for Corey |
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| Joe fries up some eggs |
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| Make a Wish |
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| the deep hole |
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| Watching bill Nye the Science guy in the evening |
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| Family movie and Popcorn in the Living Room with Pop Pop |
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| Drawing the Tazmanian Devil for AM activities |
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| Greg and Sarah Marie |
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| Jewelry making in the evening... |
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| A good time ad creative giving (bracelets for the girls were made and given) |
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| I love to see happy children busily playing on the Beach! |
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
You couldn't stop this kid from learning if you tried...
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| Here he is comparing rocks and "minerals" to some he found and had researched on the computer. I was able to wash 2 loads of laundry, finish washing the dishes, and mop the kitchen floor. All the while the science researcher was hard at work on the computer! |
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
My Cup Runneth Over
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| Once again there are lots of children here at Blueberry Cottage |
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| After prayerful consideration, we have decided to start babysitting regularly this summer. |
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| Our first day brought 3 more children into our home |
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| This was Heaven for Blaine, to have kids to play with from moring til evening. Pray for me to keep fit and be able to continue this wonderful opportunity! |
Monday, March 28, 2011
Recent Advice from a Wise Woman:
Make radical decisions based
on your faith and live them out in front of your kids.
Infect them with your faith.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sarah Speaks! Day 16 Update
"Surely YOU have granted us eternal blessings
and made us glad with the joy of YOUR Presence."
Psalm 21:6, NIV)
"Sarah, it's Aunt Dawnie... How are you feeling today?"
"I don't feel well."
"I'm sorry, Sarah. I am praying for you."
"Thanks, I can't talk right now."
It's ok, Sarah. I love you."
"I love you, Aunt Dawnie."
I have never been more happy to hear those last five words in all my life! I still have a huge lump in my
throat as I write. But it is a "good" lump. Mom said that last night when it was time to leave, Sarah seemed to be resting peacefully, so Mom quietly started to walk to the door to go to the Hospitality House for the night.
"Grandma, aren't you going to say Goodnight to me?" Sarah said in that raspy, weak voice.
Mom ran back to her bed and gave her a gentle hug & apologized, explaining that she thought Sarah was asleep & did not want to awaken her.
Barbara is supposed to be at the Hospital today, too. Barb & I were able to have a long talk yesterday on the phone. She is comforted somewhat in seeing Sarah's progress and ability to speak and start to understand all the happenings of the accident.
Note to our Prayer Warriors: I thank the LORD for the glimpses of HIS presence, and for giving our family obvious reflections of HIS Love through other people's actions and words of encouragement. Please continue to pray for Sarah, Barbara, Curtis, Debbie, and Jess.
Late Note: 11:50pm Sunday -I just learned that Mr. Hamilton and Mr.Dowler from the Camp Hill Church of Christ Congregation are driving to Charlotte right now. Pray for safe travel, and for open hearts when they arrive. I am hoping that Barbara will be there, too. My father and brother are currently on their way back to PA (driving... more prayers needed, please). My mother and Debbie will remain for the week to be with Sarah. Barbara has an exam on Monday, but will be there as much as she is able this week.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Update on Sarah
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
-Walter Elliott (The Spiritual Life)
Sarah Update: Sarah was moved to a "Step-down" Intermediate Care Unit early yesterday. Curtis said that she is talking and learning more about the accident, and grieving. She still has a feeding tube in her nose, Oxygen per nasal cannula, a chest tube and wraps/splints around both arms. Several times she has attempted to remove the tubes on her own, so sometimes she is given meds to help her not do that, & to rest. At some point, the nurses applied soft restraints to help Sarah remember not to pull tubes. Curtis said Sarah woke up in the late afternoon after a brief nap and said, "Dad, do you have your pocket knife? Cut these things off of my arms!" If you know Sarah, you now know that her feisty spirit is still strongly intact.
"... it has not yet been revealed what we shall be..." (I John 3:2)
Note to Prayer Warriors: Pray for Sarah to grieve in a healthy way, and have support for this natural reaction to the experience. Neither our family, nor the physicians are able to accurately forecast what will happen next. We are taking it day by day. But uncertainty is not always a bad thing. The Bible teaches us that the nature of the spiritual life is that we are to remain certain in our uncertainty. "To be certain in GOD means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing exactly what tomorrow may bring." (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest). We choose to remain Faithful to and in Christ. Please pray that the LOVE & Presence of GOD will be so strongly evident in the lives of Sarah, Curtis, Deb, Barbara, and Jessica that they will be irresistibly drawn to HIM. I am so grateful for the prayers of my Brethren.
"... believe also in ME..." -Jesus (John 14:1)
-Walter Elliott (The Spiritual Life)
Sarah Update: Sarah was moved to a "Step-down" Intermediate Care Unit early yesterday. Curtis said that she is talking and learning more about the accident, and grieving. She still has a feeding tube in her nose, Oxygen per nasal cannula, a chest tube and wraps/splints around both arms. Several times she has attempted to remove the tubes on her own, so sometimes she is given meds to help her not do that, & to rest. At some point, the nurses applied soft restraints to help Sarah remember not to pull tubes. Curtis said Sarah woke up in the late afternoon after a brief nap and said, "Dad, do you have your pocket knife? Cut these things off of my arms!" If you know Sarah, you now know that her feisty spirit is still strongly intact.
"... it has not yet been revealed what we shall be..." (I John 3:2)
Note to Prayer Warriors: Pray for Sarah to grieve in a healthy way, and have support for this natural reaction to the experience. Neither our family, nor the physicians are able to accurately forecast what will happen next. We are taking it day by day. But uncertainty is not always a bad thing. The Bible teaches us that the nature of the spiritual life is that we are to remain certain in our uncertainty. "To be certain in GOD means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing exactly what tomorrow may bring." (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest). We choose to remain Faithful to and in Christ. Please pray that the LOVE & Presence of GOD will be so strongly evident in the lives of Sarah, Curtis, Deb, Barbara, and Jessica that they will be irresistibly drawn to HIM. I am so grateful for the prayers of my Brethren.
"... believe also in ME..." -Jesus (John 14:1)
Except one more day...
My friend Heather wrote this very touching poem, I wanted to share it:
*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
*Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever.
*I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly.
*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............
*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
*Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever.
*I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly.
*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Time out for a good Laugh
His First Grade Teacher called earlier to tell me that he had some trouble today. I was confused because she was laughing as she spoke. It seems that they were studying earth science: the Theory of Global Warming. she noticed that Blaine seemed irritated and was squirming around in his chair as the lesson went on. Soon the children beside him at his table were distracted and seemed to be listening to Blaine talk, not paying attention to the presentation. She called him on it, and Blaine proclaimed confidently and loudly, "What you are saying is just gibberish. We know that global Warming is just a myth." I know, I know, a re-educating on respecting authority is definitely called for tonight when we review the day with Blaine... and I will follow-through on that. But "gibberish???" Where does a kid hear words like that? I now know that he is listening to my AM Talk Radio Issues program, too. The teacher said that I should at least be recognized for teaching Blaine critical thinking skills! Home Education is looking better and better.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day six Sarah update
"Indeed, we have received grace after grace from HIS fullness." --John 1:16
Sarah is continuing to improve. There was a minor surgery today to improve the circulation/vessels in her
right hand/arm. They say it went well. She will have surgery tomorrow on her shattered pelvis. Pray that the
surgeons will focus and put things back together the way they need to be. A metal plate will be inserted
into her posterior pelvic area for stability. She will be on her stomach for 3-6 hours for the surgery. Pray her heart and body will tolerate such a position.
Friends, Family, and Church Family have been such a help and encouragement to my family. Please continue the cards and phone calls. I have heard positive feedback from Curtis, Debbie, and my Mother. I know the kindness and caring have also touched My father, Tom. I believe faith is being born anew and strengthened in my loved one's hearts. Glory to GOD!
"There is a Name above all names
Let mine be lost in HIS
Hide me in HIS crimson heart
Oh, way of secret bliss.
One life alone is worth the find
Nail mine onto the tree
Till Jesus ever shining here
Is all beheld in me.
Bring HIM forth each day I live
And leave me in the tomb
I seek no other glory here
Make not the smallest room.
Blessed anonymity!
Count my life but loss.
JESUS the One and Only
Tread over me, Dear Cross."
Jesus is all we need... Thank you all for your prayers.
Sarah is continuing to improve. There was a minor surgery today to improve the circulation/vessels in her
right hand/arm. They say it went well. She will have surgery tomorrow on her shattered pelvis. Pray that the
surgeons will focus and put things back together the way they need to be. A metal plate will be inserted
into her posterior pelvic area for stability. She will be on her stomach for 3-6 hours for the surgery. Pray her heart and body will tolerate such a position.
Friends, Family, and Church Family have been such a help and encouragement to my family. Please continue the cards and phone calls. I have heard positive feedback from Curtis, Debbie, and my Mother. I know the kindness and caring have also touched My father, Tom. I believe faith is being born anew and strengthened in my loved one's hearts. Glory to GOD!
"There is a Name above all names
Let mine be lost in HIS
Hide me in HIS crimson heart
Oh, way of secret bliss.
One life alone is worth the find
Nail mine onto the tree
Till Jesus ever shining here
Is all beheld in me.
Bring HIM forth each day I live
And leave me in the tomb
I seek no other glory here
Make not the smallest room.
Blessed anonymity!
Count my life but loss.
JESUS the One and Only
Tread over me, Dear Cross."
Jesus is all we need... Thank you all for your prayers.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 3 Sarah update
Again I thank everyone sincerely for prayers on behalf of Sarah and my family. I have received information
regarding Sarah's health status from multiple sources, and the following is my understanding of the challenges she will face in the coming days and weeks. Two of the fingers on Sarah's right hand were torn off in the accident. They were not recovered. She will live the rest of her life with only her right thumb and
first and second fingers on her right hand. Much of the skin and some of the muscles of her right forearm were scraped off in the slide across the freeway after Sarah was ejected from the Ford Explorer.
Unfortunately, she was not wearing her seatbelt. One of the main arteries of Sarah's right arm was completel severed, and she lost at least 18 units of blood. Her right forearm and hand are not being perfused (circulation) as they normally would, and she is at risk of amputation of her right hand (Sarah is right handed).
Sarah will need multiple skin grafts before her right hand and forearm are healed completely. Skin from
her neck and back and right forehead were also abraded in the accident. Several of Sarah's thoracic vertebrae were fractured, and her posterior pelvis was shattered. She remains in traction in the ICU today, and was taken to surgery for some preliminary repairs to her right hand and forearm this morning. Her left arm was also fractured, but has not been re-set to date.
All of this is incredibly overwhelming to me, and to members of my family. However, we see glimmers of God's Hand of Hope in the reports...
Sarah is able to move her arms slightly, and moves her toes very slightly when asked to do so. She has opened her eyes and tried to speak (she is intubated and on the ventilator) on several occasions. My Father, Curtis, and Debbie have experienced many difficulties together in the past, and have always maintained a close and strong relationship throughout the challenges of the past. They lean on each other and trust each other.
I am glad they are there together now. My mother is keeping the Home Fires burning presently, but will join them (or swap off with my Father) when the time is right. I praise our GOD for these evidences of His Care and Love. I beg Him to bring ALL of my family to a SAVING FAITH in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Please pray most avidly for this... that something marvelous would come of this, specifically
that the prodigals will come HOME to our MOST HOLY FATHER GOD! This is my first and most ardent prayer, and has been for 22 years. Please join me!
"GOD is our Refuge and our Strength, a very Present help in time of trouble." --Psalm 46:1
regarding Sarah's health status from multiple sources, and the following is my understanding of the challenges she will face in the coming days and weeks. Two of the fingers on Sarah's right hand were torn off in the accident. They were not recovered. She will live the rest of her life with only her right thumb and
first and second fingers on her right hand. Much of the skin and some of the muscles of her right forearm were scraped off in the slide across the freeway after Sarah was ejected from the Ford Explorer.
Unfortunately, she was not wearing her seatbelt. One of the main arteries of Sarah's right arm was completel severed, and she lost at least 18 units of blood. Her right forearm and hand are not being perfused (circulation) as they normally would, and she is at risk of amputation of her right hand (Sarah is right handed).
Sarah will need multiple skin grafts before her right hand and forearm are healed completely. Skin from
her neck and back and right forehead were also abraded in the accident. Several of Sarah's thoracic vertebrae were fractured, and her posterior pelvis was shattered. She remains in traction in the ICU today, and was taken to surgery for some preliminary repairs to her right hand and forearm this morning. Her left arm was also fractured, but has not been re-set to date.
All of this is incredibly overwhelming to me, and to members of my family. However, we see glimmers of God's Hand of Hope in the reports...
Sarah is able to move her arms slightly, and moves her toes very slightly when asked to do so. She has opened her eyes and tried to speak (she is intubated and on the ventilator) on several occasions. My Father, Curtis, and Debbie have experienced many difficulties together in the past, and have always maintained a close and strong relationship throughout the challenges of the past. They lean on each other and trust each other.
I am glad they are there together now. My mother is keeping the Home Fires burning presently, but will join them (or swap off with my Father) when the time is right. I praise our GOD for these evidences of His Care and Love. I beg Him to bring ALL of my family to a SAVING FAITH in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Please pray most avidly for this... that something marvelous would come of this, specifically
that the prodigals will come HOME to our MOST HOLY FATHER GOD! This is my first and most ardent prayer, and has been for 22 years. Please join me!
"GOD is our Refuge and our Strength, a very Present help in time of trouble." --Psalm 46:1
Day 2 Sarah update
Thank you to all who have stormed the gates of heaven on behalf of my family and especially my niece, Sarah. It is nothing short of a miracle that she survived the night. Thanks be to God! She was in surgery for 6 hours as they discovered
a bleeder in her brain, along with 2 skull fractures, damage to the frontal lobe, and cerebral edema. At the moment,she is in critical condition in the Trauma ICU at the Carolina's Medical Center of
N Carolina. Praise Our Father God that the First Responders made the judgement call
to fly her by helicopter to this most excellent trauma center instead of taking her
elsewhere for care... had they taken her elsewhere, she would have died (as her 6 physicians
indicated to my brother today). Glory to God that there is a Hospitality House for my family
to sleep comfortably at night close to the medical center and Sarah at a reasonable cost. I am so grateful
to the Nurses and Physicians who are taking such excellent care of Sarah.
Another prayer request: For Barbara, Sarah's sister and the driver of the SUV that flipped (4 times, I am told). It is complicated, but for now I need to simply ask for serious prayers for Barbara. She has been through much guilt and trauma, and more difficulties await her in the near future. Pray that she seeks her Creator for help, strength, and meaning in all of this.
"If ye shall ask anything in MY NAME... I will do it." (John 14:14). Please continue to
ask our powerful God for Sarah to recover fully and have the opportunity to live a meaningful life,
and may she decide to devote the rest of her life fully to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ! Please
petition God for endurance, courage, and faith for my family, especially Curtis, Debbie, Barbara, and
Jessica. Thank you.
a bleeder in her brain, along with 2 skull fractures, damage to the frontal lobe, and cerebral edema. At the moment,she is in critical condition in the Trauma ICU at the Carolina's Medical Center of
N Carolina. Praise Our Father God that the First Responders made the judgement call
to fly her by helicopter to this most excellent trauma center instead of taking her
elsewhere for care... had they taken her elsewhere, she would have died (as her 6 physicians
indicated to my brother today). Glory to God that there is a Hospitality House for my family
to sleep comfortably at night close to the medical center and Sarah at a reasonable cost. I am so grateful
to the Nurses and Physicians who are taking such excellent care of Sarah.
Another prayer request: For Barbara, Sarah's sister and the driver of the SUV that flipped (4 times, I am told). It is complicated, but for now I need to simply ask for serious prayers for Barbara. She has been through much guilt and trauma, and more difficulties await her in the near future. Pray that she seeks her Creator for help, strength, and meaning in all of this.
"If ye shall ask anything in MY NAME... I will do it." (John 14:14). Please continue to
ask our powerful God for Sarah to recover fully and have the opportunity to live a meaningful life,
and may she decide to devote the rest of her life fully to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ! Please
petition God for endurance, courage, and faith for my family, especially Curtis, Debbie, Barbara, and
Jessica. Thank you.
Friday, March 11, 2011
I am in desperate need of the prayers of every reader of this blog.
Friday, March 11, 2011Need for Prayers!
My 20 year old niece, Sarah, was in a terrible car accident in North Carolina at about 2:15 this
afternoon. She was ejected from the vehicle and thrown quite a distance. She has
multiple fractures and has lost exorbitant amounts of blood. My brother (Curtis) and wife (Debbie)
are flying down from PA with my Father at this moment. The officer who called themsaid it is extremely critical... life threatening.
There is more heart-ache to the situation, however, I am not at liberty to share this. Please pray for the LORD to save Sarah's life, and to comfort my brother, sister in law, and Sarah's two sisters, and my parents. Pray for strength and faith and hope for the journey they face.
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
My 20 year old niece, Sarah, was in a terrible car accident in North Carolina at about 2:15 this
afternoon. She was ejected from the vehicle and thrown quite a distance. She has
multiple fractures and has lost exorbitant amounts of blood. My brother (Curtis) and wife (Debbie)
are flying down from PA with my Father at this moment. The officer who called themsaid it is extremely critical... life threatening.
There is more heart-ache to the situation, however, I am not at liberty to share this. Please pray for the LORD to save Sarah's life, and to comfort my brother, sister in law, and Sarah's two sisters, and my parents. Pray for strength and faith and hope for the journey they face.
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
First Grade Play: Telling Time
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| Mrs. Mote with Blaine and Jon Caleb |
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| Blaine reads his Part- a hopping Frog |
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| The Cast |
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| Boys in First Grade Class |
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| Good Friend Andrew |
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| Blaine in Chapel |
Saturday, February 26, 2011
More fun in the snow!
We love to get out in the snow and be pulled by "the Mule," a golf cart-like vehicle that Mike uses for hunting, camping, etc. Here is our little dare-devil on the Snow Tube. He just couldn't get enough!
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| Duck Decoys await a hunting session |
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