Saturday, May 30, 2009

Before and After! (great job Brian)

This is my dining room- before Brian completed our project.
Posted by Picasa
This is after!
It looks so good!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Lovely upsdate from Joshua's mom


During our stay here at TC Thompson Room 315, I couldn't help but look up and see a painted ceiling tile that said "Have Courage." At the time, it was painted by a cancer patient named Amy. She had a form of bone cancer. I studied on that tile the whole time we've been in the hospital this time. It's given me the extra courage I've needed to turn to the LORD for wisdom, guidance, love, understanding, and courage that only He can give us. When I was in the dumps the other day, I was making a journey out into the wide open spaces outside the hospital walls without my son and got down hearted that he wasn't with me because he was so sick then that's when I saw a fireman and his lovely girlfriend entering the same elevator that I was going to use to go back up to the 3rd floor where Joshua's room happened to be...I asked them if that was the same floor they needed...they said,"Yes." I commented on how hot it must be for him in uniform but he didn't seem to mind...he seemed to be very gracious as his girlfriend was too. We introduced ourselves...the fireman's name was Cody and the young lady's name was Amy. I learned that she was a fire fighter too. I asked them if they were visiting another patient and they said, "Yes." They said that the patient was in room 314. I asked if they wouldn't mind coming to our room...315 and that it would mean so much to my son, Joshua...he just loves firemen. With wide eyed wonder the young lady replied sure...that's where my painting is. With surprise, I asked her which one..was it a ceiling tile? She did not strike me as a cancer patient. She said yes it was the one that says, "Have Courage." I told her that ceiling tile was special to meand started to tear up. She said it would be okay and hugged me. When we exited the elevator I thanked them not knowing if they would be able to fulfil their promise but in a few minutes after they visited the other child in 314...I heard them knock at the door...I opened the door and with amazement there they both stood with a smile. I welcomed them in the room and Joshua was speechles that a real fire fighter came to see him all suited up. I took their picture and will put it on the site soon. God directs our steps and sends us special people to give us hope. Amy is cancer free and has been for 2 years. One of the nurses here that know Amy very well let me know that her mom has passed away within the last few weeks. She never mentioned a thing about her troubles while she visited us...she only offered a smile and hugs. She is a tough as nails young woman who needs your prayers too.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mesa

Unexplained love we share, not from where we expect.
Something we cannot understand, impossible to neglect.
We love our moms for our whole life, but suddenly it not the same.
When we become a mom ourselves, it changes the whole game.
Different-we look at her, and understand her more.
And all the advice she once gave, we no longer ignore.
her love, her strength, her every move, was motivated for us.
There are few in our lives that earn this rich and powerful trust.
So on the day we find ourselves, standing where she stood.
We pray that all we say and do is inspired by her "good"
Her good love, her good words, her good days of just "being".
I look back and realize, all the good that I was seeing.
So as we sometimes cross a road and part along our journey.
A mother's heart forever lives, in the good you see in me.

I love you Mesa. Your mom did a good job....


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

America as we know it...

It's changing, don't bury your head in the sand...

visit www.aclj.org and get involved!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Sidewalk Chalk Saturday


Saturday with no where to be...


I love today. I can do nothing, hang out with my girls, still in my pajamas and not feeling guilty about it. Brian and I will be married 7 years on Monday...what a perfect weekend!
BTW- if you want an amazing blessing, visit with a friend of mine from College...be strengthened by her faith... http://comfortsfromgod.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 21, 2009

SDWSC

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head, as he sat at table. But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “why this waste?” For this ointment might have been sold for a large sum, and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring the ointment on my body she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”


Mark 14:3-9 gives one of many accounts of Mary as she came and annointed Jesus with the preciouse ointment. I go to a goup called MOPS. (Mother's of Preschoolers) and yesterday, I heard a lesson on this story and a perspective I had never seen. In one account, she annoints his head, in another, his feet. She most likely did both, but it was seen from different view points and recorded in the Gospels.

So last night, I sat down and read all of the accounts and was so blessed by this woman's love for Jesus and His obvious love for her. There was an Alabaster Box/Jar- The Chanel Number 5 of her day. Worthy of a years wages and once the jar was broken, there was no way to close it. So all of it was spilled out that day. A Humble Woman- She knew she was out of place, but out of love, came boldly to Jesus. A Judgmental Crowd- Passing off their lack of understanding of her worship and her true Value to Christ, they mocked her gift and looked over their own greedy hearts by accusing her of being wasteful. A Protective and Grateful Savior- He knew where he was headed in two short weeks, and knew that she was preparing him.

SDWSC- She Did What She Could - Mark 14:9

Passing through the Crowd of men, this woman was out of place. Ignoring the questioning eyes, she quickened her steady pace. Clutching a treasured gift, her hands began to tremble. She would do what she came to do, it really was that simple.

The room seemed to ever widen, with every step she took. So she dropped her eyes to the floor, to avoid each questioning look. The smells of the hall were rising, the conversation louder still. Making her feet continue, took every bit of her will.

Finally she made it, to the feet of the one she sought. She opened her mouth to silence, for all her words were caught. In that moment the room, fell as silent a her voice. Before her sat the Savior and she knew she had no choice. While eyes were on her offering, she broke the priceless gift. Then with trembling hand, her ointment she would lift.

As long as it was silent, the fragrant oil would flow. The importance of this moment, only Christ could know. Their eyes would meet for a moment, then the crowd began to speak. As accusers began to yell, she began to weep. But Jesus rebuked them softly, never looking away. "This one has done a good work, and will be remembered from this day." Still dripping from her anointing, He spoke to the silent few. Reminding them with Authority, "This Woman Did What She Could Do."

I imagine those few weeks later, as He's dying on the cross. The ones who claimed to love him, had turned away and were lost. But as he dropped his head in surrender, a bead of sweat ran down his face. And the sweet aroma from her offering, mixed with the aroma of Grace. In this total darkness, as He died for me and you. He thought of the sweet anointing, from one who Did What She Could Do.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Kayliegh's Tell Them Tuesday

I am not doing a Tell Them Tuesday today, I want you to go and see what Adam and Aimee posted about the Memorial service and watch the videos. Remember to pause the music player before you watch the videos. http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/ And then share it...















My heart is heavy for ones in my life,
a child, a father, a mother, a wife...
Broken, dying, alone and grieving.
Battered by an enemy; a Master in decieving.









Crying for help, in a deafened world.
Mourning over cancers, death and turmoil.
Friends I love, I wish for them to know Christ.
But blinded in darkness, they're lost in this life.
I walk not this earth in my strength alone.
My hope's across Jordan, this World's not my home.
My voice, once quiet, is finding it's song.
The longer I'm here, I realize I don't belong.
Life I once lived is quickly, so quickly changing.
And things once held dear, are all quickly fading.
As the lost and the found, all around me are falling.
Closing their ears to a God who is calling.






I'll stand in the gap and lift them to the Throne.
A Marriage, a baby, a burden: they're not alone.










So this heavy heart, falls again at the Cross.
As I leave it there, I know it's not a loss.
For as He carries me through every day.
I commit myself to love them and pray.
Dear Jesus, use me and my burdened heart.
Give me a vision, let this be a start.
However you see fit to use me in their Story.
Whatever it takes. Bring Your Name the Glory!
My heart is heavy, for ones in my life...
a child...a father...a mother..a wife....







John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed"

Monday, May 18, 2009

Update on Joshua from his Mom







Today--While Still In The Hospital, Joshua Turns 3 Years Old
Posted 13 hours ago
Joshua has been very sick in the hospital for 5 days and 6 nights now but who's counting...huh? Joshua has been battling a very contagious stomach virus and now we learn that he has a cold that may causing all of his coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever, so he can't rest and neither can we because of no medicine. The doctors say that it is good that he cough in order to exercise his lungs and get out whatever is trying to go down in his lung. He has mucousitis which contributes to an inflimation that gives Joshua the urge to cough a lot. We've been changing diapers, washing out clothes from the diaper blow outs, changing the bed clothes, and keeping up with our sick, sick child...I'm exhausted but I know that I have to wipe our house down with bleach to kill this virus if it lurks somewhere there. There was a lot of contributing factors like the antibiotics he's taken and the fact that he's just getting over Roto Virus and slick gut. I can say I'm very tired...worn to a frazel. All I can do is my best and that's all I got.
We are going to have Joshua a welcome home birthday bash...the date TBA. We loved all the birthday wishes from everyone, especially Joshua! Thanks!
Christ...The Cure All,Nadene

Sawyer's b day party











Sunday, May 17, 2009

Good bye for now Kayleigh

Posted by Picasa
A memorial was held for Kayleigh today. and at 4 p.m., those of us who could not be there in Charlotte, released pink balloons at 4 p.m. Only for now, good bye little girl.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Wet and Happy


Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

These buckets are too cute....

You must go look at these beach buckets...too cute!

http://www.thepolkadotpress.com/category_123/Personalized-Sand-Pails.htm

Joshua in the news

There is a little segment on Joshua on this video link. It is at about the 8 minute 45 second mark that his part comes up. I could not find a fast forward but it goes by pretty quick. There is a segment on children's allergies before he is shown. I hope you will watch it.

http://media.myfoxchattanooga.com/special/localshows/CP/CPindex.html

You will also get to see sweet mommy, Nadene. They talk to her a little. Here is his update for today:

"Findings demonstrate continued improvement in response to recent therapy with decrease in the number and size of pulmonary nodules, and the size of the hepatic lesion since the prior exam. No new suspicious finding are identified."
This means that Joshua's tumors are going away, slowly but surely. AMEN PRAISE THE LORD!
We have a whole nother set of problems though. We found out that Joshua has a similar virus to the Rota that he just got over, it's called C. Dificile. Joshua has vomitted, diarreah We ask for no visitors during this time because the nature of the contagious nature, no antibacterial or hand sanitizers work to kill the virus...the only sure way to lessen your chances of contracting the virus is by washing your hands really well with soap and water. Dr. Gratias says that this is as the Roto virus, people with normal immune systems can fight it no problem but Joshua is immune compromised and it complicates matters for him and makes it much more dangerous. Please pray that he get well and soon.

You all keep praying!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Thoughtful Thursdays....

I am sad I only had a few weeks to do Thoughtful Thursdays' before Kayleigh went to be with they Lord. I hope you did a few of these with me over the past few weeks. And I hope you will continue to do them. Visit with her family if you have not already today... http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

Life is great. I know that more than ever today. God is awesome, I know that every day! Anna just did a little dance and giggle for me and it was just the most precious thing. Elizabeth is playing with her cars..yes, her cars, she loves them! It's a beautiful day and I am full of joy, despite so many people in my life hurting...simply because I serve a living God who, through His Son Jesus, has given me hope and a home in Heaven.

Pray for these names today:
Leah (waiting news from doctor)
Joshua (fighting cancer)
Aimee and Adam (Kayleigh's mom and dad)
Jen (Marriage)
Carman (marriage)
Tammy (not me, but her marriage as well)

God is good...say it with me- ALL THE TIME.

Update On Joshua In The Hospital (from Joshua's Mom)
Posted 1 day ago
The last few days Joshua has been keeping a small fever and not feeling like himself. His play level has gone down to barely nothing. He says it hurts to breath. He's had such a hard time being put under anesthesia and coming out that I think really had him reeling and acting unlike himself maybe contributed to this illness. He has fever still, mouth sores, and his G-tube site shows a little infection. Last night they took some blood work for cultures and other blood tests too. They now have him on antibiotic for his infections and are getting a cream for his G-tube site.
We got a report from the doctor today that Joshua's tumors are smaller in both his liver and lungs. Everyone's prayers for Joshua have been paying off. Thank you, saints, and Rraises to the LORD!
We pray that we're not going to be in the hospital long, not just having Joshua well but that his birthday is this weekend. Please help us pray about that too.
As we have more information, we will let everyone know. Please keep those prayers going up to our heavenly Father, Jehovah Rapha. We love you and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Christ...The Cure All,Nadene

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

My Father's Arms

I am sorry if I seem a little consumed by this story right now. But I had been following this family for months now and had such a hope that little Kayleigh would make it home. And those of us who have our hope in Christ, know that she did. Just not in the way her parents were hoping for. I love this photo. When I looked at it for the first time, it took my breath away. You see, Kayliegh has already passed in this photo, or so I understand. For on their blog, they talk of it being the first time they were able to hold her with no wires and tubes to separate them from her sweet hug. And when I looked at her daddy's face I saw absolute peace. Do you see it?
And then I thought of my Heavenly Father. And pictured him holding her the same way when she entered His presence. With the same look of love and peace on His face as well. And then I began to cry and suddenly saw myself in my Father's arms. Isn't that what He wants? Us in His arms, with nothing between Him and our whole self? He wants us, chest to chest, with no clings to this world. With no earthly treasures to bulk up between us. No claims to this earthly body or evaporating life. So I want to be that. Free to hold on to my father with nothing between us. Completely His to hold. Free in my Father's arms.

God be with Adam and Aimee as they find peace in the midst of this pain.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Memorial Information- Send a card...


To Kayleigh- http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/content/Kayleigh
Information from Kayleigh's family:
Memorial Information
The memorial celebration for Kayleigh's life will be held: Sunday, May 17th @ 1:00pm located at:
McEwen Funeral Service
Pineville Chapel
10500 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704)544-1412
Everyone who can attend is more than invited. We would love to share in this celebration of life with all of you who supported us through this journey. Many of you asked for our address and up until May 23rd (when we move), we will still be at our home located at:
12619 Frank Wiley Lane
Charlotte, NC 28278
Please don't forget to tune in tomorrow to see our story on "The Doctors." They already put up a sweet message about Kayleigh today on their website

Prayer Request and Tell Them Tuesday

Kayliegh went to be with Jesus yesterday- pray for her family http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/
Small part of Nadene's post, to remind you that they are suffering and need your prayers:
This had to be the hardest Monday of my life. Joshua was put under for a simple routine CT Scan, which he's had before, but before and after he was more than a handful. Anxiety plays a big role in the pain we suffer now. Our grievance is that this cancer thing is comparable to a freight train on a collision course for Joshua and we have no super human powers like SuperMan to fly in, stop the train, and save our son from all of this suffering but we know of the Jehovah Rapha...The Great Physician who can save our son not once but twice. Once through, Lord willing, Joshua's healing and secondly through the Salvation of His Son's precious shed blood. It seemed as if today my prayers for relief of the situation were bouncing off the ceiling and right back down in my face.......
Just remember to pray for them please. Joshua's b-day is Sunday. Let me know if you would like to send him a card. E-mail me today!
Tell Them Tuesday: http://www.tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to tell someone how much you love them today.
Pray for a Mother who is "waiting"-
I have a dear friend who wants to be pregnant and have another child. As of right now, it looks like she had miscarried and we covet your prayers. But we know she could go in the Doctors office, and find out all is well. We all want direction on how to pray the heart of God for her. So be in prayer with us. And whatever happens, the Grace of God to be her strength and give her a new vision for her growing family.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Free Summer Movies!

Governor's Square Stadium 12
1501 Governor's Sqaure BlvdTallahassee ,FL 32301850-878-7836
06/02/2009-06/03/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Nim's Island (PG)
06/09/2009-06/10/2009
Curious George (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
06/16/2009-06/17/2009
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)
06/23/2009-06/24/2009
Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
06/30/2009-07/01/2009
Arctic Tale (G)
Igor (PG)
07/07/2009-07/08/2009
Everyone's Hero (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009
Charlotte's Web (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Bee Movie (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)AMC Theatres
All admission proceeds* from AMC Summer MovieCamp will benefit
Variety – The Children's Charity and the Will Rogers Institute
Movie Schedule**
June 17:
Space Chimps
June 24:
Kung Fu Panda
July 1:
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
July 8:
Tale of Despereaux
July 15:
Horton Hears a Who
July 22:
The Spiderwick Chronicles
July 29:
Nim's Island
August 5:
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

May you find know the Source of Living Water....and never thirst again....
Posted by Picasa
We had a great time today with our family. We went to the park and fired up the grill! I love these pictures. Just a reminder of how fun being a kid can be. Hope you had a great Mother's day!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Block Party

Posted by Picasa
We have been blessed with such a great neighborhood. Our neighbors are friendly, caring and very social! We all got together last night to celebrate our neighbor Kenny. He is about to serve another year and we appreciate his service to our country. To show our support, we all got together and had a BBQ! it was a lot of fun and a good chance for all of us to catch up. I know you are all jealous...I wish everyone had neighbors like I do!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

This Mother's Day




Love your mother, love the mother's in your life. And love the fact that you are a mother. Getting pregnant and becoming a mother seemed a not brainer to me. You get pregnant, and 9 months later you bring home a bundle of joy, right? There are two Isaac's in Heaven, that say it's not the case. I want you to meet them both- http://thethreeroberts.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
I have friends, old and new, that understand this more than I do, because they are walking in the shoes of loss. Something I have never had to do.
I am not writing this post so I can be dramatic or morbid. I want you to understand that this year, my eyes were open to a whole new world. A beautiful world where parents who are, or have experienced tramendous loss, are using it to glorify the Giver of Life. Lifting up the name of the Lord and drawing people to the throne. Honoring their loss, by honoring their God.
So this Mother's day, I praise the name of the Lord. I have two beautiful little girls, I have never lost a child. And we are whole. Not more deserving than any of these mother's I love, but so blessed. And yet, I would say, they feel as blessed as I do. If you get a chance to look at their stories, they all bless the Lord for the children they have lost.
If you lost a child in a the womb, lost a child from your arms, had to say good-bye at the same time you said hello, or you are sitting next to your children right now. Be blessed this mother's day. Death may have a sting right now, but it has no Victory. Forever you are a Mother. Happy Mother's day sounds so vague. So what I pray, is that if but for a moment, you are overwhelmed with a super-natural joy, and you are able to find comfort for a while. I will be thinking of you, rejoicing with you and praying for you.
You are loved.
and one more thing... visit with kayleigh, she is a miracle! http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Joshua is turning 3!

Our little fighter is turning 3...calling all supporters of Joshua! Let's cover his mail box in packages and cards. His b day is May 17, e-mail me if you want his address.... let's do it!
tammythirtyone@aol.com

Joshua's Update and Prayer Request-From his Mom

After reading the update, don' forget to "Tell them Tuesday"...
Joshua Spirits Are Up & Prayer For 21 Days
Posted 20 hours ago
Joshua is doing so much better. His energy is through the roof and he is playing like his old self more and more everyday. We are so happy to see him smile and carry on like he used to. He's been able to keep us all on our toes like normal...but what is normal right? Who are we kidding he's about to drive us crazy like he always has. Just kidding. He's a joy to be around and he livens up any room with his presence. Everyday is an adventure with that kid...we never know what he's going to say or do that will make us fall down in the floor laughin' and rollin' around. We thank God everyday for our little blessing named Joshua.
Lord willing, we have 21 days to go for this cycle 4 of chemo. We pray that Joshua's lungs are clear for liver resegmentation or transplant. I've just been told by Dr. Gratias that they will scan Joshua this next Monday, May 11, 2009. Please pray that his liver tumor and the surrounding effected areas ESPECIALLY his lungs are clear enough to start planning for Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Joshua's progression has astounded us and even the doctors. We pray that Joshua will be a testament of God's healing grace and mercy.
We are in clinic right now getting admitted to the hospital for our 3 to 4 day inpatient chemo...so I will update more later. We love you and thanks for your continued prayer support and love.
Christ...The Cure All,
Nadene

Sunday, May 3, 2009

A lot to share...

I have a private blog with WAY more photos on it. But you have to be invited to see it. I have sent out an invitation to many of you, but you have not replied yet. It may be because it is coming from an e-mail you do not recognize. So e-mail me if you have not gotten your invitation yet. I really want you to see the rest of the photos!

More to come