Two Kids in Braces!

Yes, this week both Tiffany and Winter got braces. I'm very fortunate to have an orthodonist who appreciates large families and offers family discounts, as these are our third and fourth patients for him! I'm also fortunate that neither one of them are complaining at all! I hope it's not because they are in too much pain to talk, but I don't think so. They're doing great! The down-side is trying to save the pudding and yogurt and ice-cream for them. The older ones that have "been there done that" have plenty of advice, but mostly are just torturing them. This should prove to be an interesting few months.

Grief Share

Ever hear of this program? I've been privileged to attend some of their meetings, and I have been so blessed. If anyone has experienced the loss of a loved one, I encourage you to see if there is a group that meets near you. It is a faith-based, Christ-centered program that is meant to help one not only survive their grief experience, but to grow through it. I have learned so much.

The Grief Share website can give you more info: http://www.griefshare.org/

I thought I would begin sharing some of my Grief Share experience. One of the first things I learned with Grief Share was not to run or ignore or numb the pain I feel. Acknowledge it and go through it, leaning on God for your strength, is what the "professionals" said. I found when the pain came, it felt unbearable for me, so I would busy myself with other things (the children) and try to ignore the pain. It hurt too much. A good friend reminded me of the ocean and the waves again. When the waves come, what do I do? I lean into them and that's exactly what I need to do with the pain. As my friend noted, "Turn your back, lean into it, and find that God will carry you through."

It's a good lesson. I'm still learning. It hurts.

More to come...

My brother, the author

Yes, my brother is very excited about his latest writing for the "Paws4Prisons" program. My brother is an inmate in WV and has been chosen to participate in this program. He was excited about that, but now he's excited about writing for the program. Here's his first blog writing: http://www.freewebs.com/paws4prisons/campnewsviews.htm

Anyway, just thought I would share his excitement with everyone. I'm proud of him, too! He did well.

Student of the Month...

This was an easy one. Tiffany has to be my student of the month. Today I saw her report card and it was all A's!!! She's taking advanced courses, and how in the world did she get a 100% in French II?? wooooo hooooo!! I'm so proud of Tiff. She works hard every day with her school work....definitely my Student of the Month for January!

too funny

We received a card from Comcast after recently switching to another company. The kids and I got a good laugh out of this. It's just too funny:



The top part says, Without you...

...the neighborhood just isn't the same for us.

Dear Todd Radle,
Just a note to tell you that we're sorry about losing you as a customer. If there's anything we can do to get you back, we're just a phone call away.
Your Friends at Comcast
1-800-COMCAST

If only it were that simple...

The Picture

This family picture was taken when Winter Hope was 2 1/2 years old. Todd had wanted a family picture taken when Winter turned one, but I refused. This may sound awful, but I couldn't stand the thought of having a family picture hanging on the wall with one of us not here any longer, and in Winter's first year of life, we never knew if she would make it through the next night. (see Weathering Winter for Winter's story)

Todd would often tell me that I needed to trust God, that I needed to allow God to work, and that I needed to accept the reality that Winter may not be here on this earth with us for long. "But if that is going to happen," Todd would say, "it was because it was God's plan, and that would be ok." He wanted a family picture for the memories. I did not want the picture for the same reason. We had a different viewpoint. He already saw the good memories of Winter's life, and I was consumed with the dread of losing her, imagining the bad memories a picture like that would bring for me.

When Winter was 2 and a half, God gave me a peace to have the picture taken. Winter was no longer on an apnea monitor. She was doing well, but not without those occasional "episodes" that would fill us with panic and fear. God was in control. And He still is.

That family picture was the largest we have ever purchased. It still hangs over our fireplace. I'm thankful for the man holding our precious Winter Hope: for his faith, for his trust, and for his love for God. I'm thankful I can look at that picture and know that one day we will all be together again as a family.

I'm also thankful for these 10 years with Winter Hope! Happy Birthday, Winter!!

Happy 10th Birthday, Winter Hope!

Today Winter Hope turned 10!! As she puts it, she's now in the "double digits!" Happy Birthday, Winter!

Two New Websites!!

This is not a "normal" post for me. I guess it is more of an advertisement, but I am thrilled to be able to share with you two new websites that God has allowed me to have a small part in creating and getting up on the web!

The first is called, The Christian StandPoint, and is several pastors who have gotten together to let folks know where Christians stand on key issues. Check it out: Christian StandPoint

Another one is a video presentation of the gospel, pure and simple, given by Dr. Allen Griffith. This one is called Christianity Pure & Simple, and can be used as a great tool to help spread the Good News. This is at: Christianity Pure & Simple

Let 2009 be one of opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ and what the true meaning of "Christianity" is all about! My prayer is that you will use these sites and pass them on to others. Thank you!