It's been quite some time since I truly sat down and blogged. For a long time I couldn't figure out why I stopped. I've realized as things in my life got too difficult to bear it became more and more difficult to share openly and honestly. It became a chore to share my heart. I got scared... scared of the sin in my life becoming common knowledge (like it wasn't already), scared of being judged, scared of my sin and the sin around me being used by people as an excuse not to trust God... I was scared. and if I'm totally honest I still am!
That last 2 or 3 years have been tough. Our family has gone through some serious emotional turmoil. Our marriage was in jeapordy, our family was falling apart. Friendships were broken. Trust was destroyed. I was on the verge of giving up. There are days that I still am. Adoption is tough... being a mom to 9 is tough... being a mom to children with huge emotional hurt is tough. Being me is tough!! I am my own worst enemy.
When we returned from Haiti and started looking for help for our family it got even harder. Hearing words like ADHD, ADD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Mood Disorders, Bi-Polar being used about your family is tough. When you start to realize that maybe your own behavior could be factor in all this it gets tougher. When trusting God is a day to day struggle, it's nearly impossible to trust other human beings. Trust becomes a huge issue!
As Jody and I wade through the day to day struggles we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. We see hope blossoming. We see trust building . We see a positive legacy growing. It's not an easy job. Some days we truly want to give up and walk away. Those days are tough to get through. But we press on. What choice do we have?
Once our family heals, my hope is to return to blogging. I love to write. I love to share our story but for now our focus is on healing. And trusting. And learning to be a healthy family once again.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
One People United
Saturday February 27, 2010 5:00 pm
Come join us at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Vacaville for a fundraiser for Heartline Ministries www.heartlineministries.org
If you can't make the fundraiser you can still donate by contacting me at gailgray1016@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Come join us at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Vacaville for a fundraiser for Heartline Ministries www.heartlineministries.org
If you can't make the fundraiser you can still donate by contacting me at gailgray1016@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Reality check...
Hotel Montana, enjoyed many dinners here as well as watching the 2007 and 2008 Super Bowl
UN Headquarters at the Hotel Christopher (We know 4 of the people in this photo and Jody often worked out of this building)
Jody's office in Villa Privee, above Canape Vert
St. Joseph's Guest House (we stayed here a least a dozen times)
Canape Vert (Sutton and Isaiah's mom lives here, we still have not heard from her)
Caribbean Market, where we did most of our grocery shopping
These pictures are heartbreaking for us. This is our "home"... it is where our hearts are. And we feel so helpless! There is nothing we can do right now except pray. And raise awareness! And raise money.
We are currently working on a fundraiser to be held in Vacaville. We are hoping to raise $30,000 for HeartLine Ministries ( heartlineministries.org ) . If you would like to help in anyway, please e-mail me at gailgray1016@hotmail.com. We are looking for people to donate items for a raffle, donate money to offset some of the expenses involved and to donate directly to HeartLine. As well as people to help set-up, serve and clean up after the dinner. We do not have a confirmed date yet but are hoping for Feb. 20th.
Monday, January 18, 2010
rambling thoughts
so many thoughts...
We heard from Jimmy twice! He called Saturday afternoon. He is alive but homeless and hungry! He is scared of what is happening now and what will happen in the coming months. He was going to volunteer as a translator today. He called us again Sunday morning. He was with the kids from Three Angels. I was also able to talk to Denise Blesh. Her and her husband kept Isaiah for us the last month he was in Haiti. They are fine. The school site is being used to house orphans, as a surgery center and to house rescue workers.
We also heard today that all 26 children from Three Angels were granted visas to travel to the US!! They are on their way now. Such a God thing!
Today at 2 pm we will be having a meeting for a fundraiser for Heart Line Ministry. If you want to help come to Green Beans coffee. You can also donate directly to HeartLine at heartlineministries.org
I am so saddened by what I'm hearing in the media. So many people second guessing what is happening there. So many people who have never been to Haiti. I can not begin to imagine how bad it really is. I hear people trying to compare the rescue effort to the rescue effort after hurricane Katrina. It's comparing apples and oranges. Haiti is the size of Maryland! There is no where to build another runway. There is no where to send people to get them out of Port au Prince. There is no where for them to go!!
I had to turn the news off. It hurts to see the country I love so completely devastated. We have to continue to pray!!!
We heard from Jimmy twice! He called Saturday afternoon. He is alive but homeless and hungry! He is scared of what is happening now and what will happen in the coming months. He was going to volunteer as a translator today. He called us again Sunday morning. He was with the kids from Three Angels. I was also able to talk to Denise Blesh. Her and her husband kept Isaiah for us the last month he was in Haiti. They are fine. The school site is being used to house orphans, as a surgery center and to house rescue workers.
We also heard today that all 26 children from Three Angels were granted visas to travel to the US!! They are on their way now. Such a God thing!
Today at 2 pm we will be having a meeting for a fundraiser for Heart Line Ministry. If you want to help come to Green Beans coffee. You can also donate directly to HeartLine at heartlineministries.org
I am so saddened by what I'm hearing in the media. So many people second guessing what is happening there. So many people who have never been to Haiti. I can not begin to imagine how bad it really is. I hear people trying to compare the rescue effort to the rescue effort after hurricane Katrina. It's comparing apples and oranges. Haiti is the size of Maryland! There is no where to build another runway. There is no where to send people to get them out of Port au Prince. There is no where for them to go!!
I had to turn the news off. It hurts to see the country I love so completely devastated. We have to continue to pray!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
It was another mostly sleepless night. I fall asleep and then wake up convinced the phone is ringing… it never is. I have dreams of Jimmy and others we know. Last night I dreamt of Jessica and Diana, Sutton and Isaiah’s birth siblings. They were wandering the streets trying to find their mother, Roseline. I woke up in tears. The hardest part is in reality this dream may actually be true…if not for these two precious girls then many others.
Yesterday we were interviewed by three separate news channels, KCRA 3 and Fox 40 news out of Sacramento and Channel 7 news out of San Francisco. They picked up the story from a newspaper interview we did for The Vacaville Reporter. There were several other stations that called as well. We had to say no. We are exhausted. The kids are confused. It’s just too much. BUT… what we are feeling is nothing compared to what many of our friends are feeling that live in Haiti. Last night at midnight the Livesays put 5 of their 6 kids in a SUV headed to a plane. The kids are now in New Jersey. One of their children is still with them in Haiti because her adoption isn’t finished yet. The Tluceks were in the states when the earthquake hit… their 5 children, all under the age of 9, were in Haiti. Four of the children are now on their way to the states, one left behind again because her adoption isn’t finished. As hard as it is for these families they at least have the option of sending their children somewhere safe. The majority of the people do not.
We still haven’t heard from Jimmy. We were told from a friend that she was told that someone saw him. Third hand information… we just don’t know if it’s true or not. So we wait and pray!
We have a military friend who was in the Hotel Montana when the earthquake hit. He was on the 5th floor, by the time it was over he had “surfed” the building to the 2nd floor. He suffered a broken arm and some major cuts and bruises. He was medi- Evac’d to a hospital in another country and should be home with his family by the end of the week.
Another friend in the military is on his way to Haiti right now. He has Jimmy’s information with him as well as a picture. He can not simply go look for him for us because of his duties there but as he goes about his job he will try to find Jimmy and get word to us that he is safe.
Jody and I have been planning a weekend away since Christmas. After much prayer we have decide to still go. We will have our cell phones with us and Carsen will be checking our e-mails and facebook accounts for any news. We know that as much as we want to help there is nothing we can do right now. Our sitting at home watching CNN hoping to see Jimmy’s face is not doing any of us any good. If there was a way for us to be on a plane today we would go. But, the truth is we would just be an added burden to an already taxed country. We are not doctors, heavy equipment operators or medics. That is what is needed there. Not just people with good intentions. They need people with specific skills that aid the people of Haiti.
We will take a break from the media, a break from over checking electronic communications.
Please, do NOT stop praying!! The country and people of Haiti need our prayers and will need them for many, many months to come.
Yesterday we were interviewed by three separate news channels, KCRA 3 and Fox 40 news out of Sacramento and Channel 7 news out of San Francisco. They picked up the story from a newspaper interview we did for The Vacaville Reporter. There were several other stations that called as well. We had to say no. We are exhausted. The kids are confused. It’s just too much. BUT… what we are feeling is nothing compared to what many of our friends are feeling that live in Haiti. Last night at midnight the Livesays put 5 of their 6 kids in a SUV headed to a plane. The kids are now in New Jersey. One of their children is still with them in Haiti because her adoption isn’t finished yet. The Tluceks were in the states when the earthquake hit… their 5 children, all under the age of 9, were in Haiti. Four of the children are now on their way to the states, one left behind again because her adoption isn’t finished. As hard as it is for these families they at least have the option of sending their children somewhere safe. The majority of the people do not.
We still haven’t heard from Jimmy. We were told from a friend that she was told that someone saw him. Third hand information… we just don’t know if it’s true or not. So we wait and pray!
We have a military friend who was in the Hotel Montana when the earthquake hit. He was on the 5th floor, by the time it was over he had “surfed” the building to the 2nd floor. He suffered a broken arm and some major cuts and bruises. He was medi- Evac’d to a hospital in another country and should be home with his family by the end of the week.
Another friend in the military is on his way to Haiti right now. He has Jimmy’s information with him as well as a picture. He can not simply go look for him for us because of his duties there but as he goes about his job he will try to find Jimmy and get word to us that he is safe.
Jody and I have been planning a weekend away since Christmas. After much prayer we have decide to still go. We will have our cell phones with us and Carsen will be checking our e-mails and facebook accounts for any news. We know that as much as we want to help there is nothing we can do right now. Our sitting at home watching CNN hoping to see Jimmy’s face is not doing any of us any good. If there was a way for us to be on a plane today we would go. But, the truth is we would just be an added burden to an already taxed country. We are not doctors, heavy equipment operators or medics. That is what is needed there. Not just people with good intentions. They need people with specific skills that aid the people of Haiti.
We will take a break from the media, a break from over checking electronic communications.
Please, do NOT stop praying!! The country and people of Haiti need our prayers and will need them for many, many months to come.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
no news
Still no word. We know that it will be nearly impossible for Jimmy to call us so we have tried his home and cell phone every 15 minutes today. If we are able to get an international line the phone just rings and rings.
Jody and I both spent a lot of time in prayer today. We both feel strongly that Jimmy is fine. We truly believe that if he was hurt or worse we would know it!!
We ask all of you to keep Jimmy in prayer. My heart tells me he is out in the streets helping people. Serving the people of Haiti.
We also pray for the entire nation! The next few weeks are going to be as tough as this nation has ever experienced.
Jody and I both spent a lot of time in prayer today. We both feel strongly that Jimmy is fine. We truly believe that if he was hurt or worse we would know it!!
We ask all of you to keep Jimmy in prayer. My heart tells me he is out in the streets helping people. Serving the people of Haiti.
We also pray for the entire nation! The next few weeks are going to be as tough as this nation has ever experienced.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Earthquake in Haiti
We are trying hard to put into words all that we are feeling and thinking at this time. This may end up being nothing but rambling but I will try to explain what we know, what we feel and what we are praying for.
First and foremost we know without a shadow of a doubt that God is in control. God will use this tragedy to bring people closer to Him. Our faith is in Him. We will cling to Our Father in Heaven!
What else we know…
Most of the Americans we know in Haiti are accounted for. However, Jimmy is still not! We have no idea where he is now or where he was when the earthquake hit. I do know that at some time in the morning yesterday he was in town at a cyber café. We received an e-mail from him with a time stamp of 8:15 am. He was asking about school and the family, telling us he loved us. That is the last contact we have had with him. He lives just outside Petionville. The report is there has been some serious damage to that area.
Three Angels orphanage, where Landon, Sutton and Isaiah lived, is OK. The children still there are all OK. St. Joseph’s Guest house where we often stayed with missions teams has collapsed. Most of the people at the guest house were not in the building however, Bill (the drummer for the dance team) was there. He was able to get out with only minor injuries. The last I heard there was still a guest missing. The Caribbean Market where we did most of our shopping also collapsed. It was described by a friend as “looking like ground zero”. The UN headquarters where Jody worked has sustained major damage. We were watching CNN news and saw people we worked with from the UN helping with the rescue effort. Quisqueya Christian School appears to be fine. I’m told most of the staff is accounted for.
Our prayers…
For the entire country to come together and assist one another no matter their income or religious beliefs. For the US and other countries to act quickly to provide assistance. For the Haitian people to remain calm after the shock wears off. For God to provide a way for Jimmy to reach us soon!
First and foremost we know without a shadow of a doubt that God is in control. God will use this tragedy to bring people closer to Him. Our faith is in Him. We will cling to Our Father in Heaven!
What else we know…
Most of the Americans we know in Haiti are accounted for. However, Jimmy is still not! We have no idea where he is now or where he was when the earthquake hit. I do know that at some time in the morning yesterday he was in town at a cyber café. We received an e-mail from him with a time stamp of 8:15 am. He was asking about school and the family, telling us he loved us. That is the last contact we have had with him. He lives just outside Petionville. The report is there has been some serious damage to that area.
Three Angels orphanage, where Landon, Sutton and Isaiah lived, is OK. The children still there are all OK. St. Joseph’s Guest house where we often stayed with missions teams has collapsed. Most of the people at the guest house were not in the building however, Bill (the drummer for the dance team) was there. He was able to get out with only minor injuries. The last I heard there was still a guest missing. The Caribbean Market where we did most of our shopping also collapsed. It was described by a friend as “looking like ground zero”. The UN headquarters where Jody worked has sustained major damage. We were watching CNN news and saw people we worked with from the UN helping with the rescue effort. Quisqueya Christian School appears to be fine. I’m told most of the staff is accounted for.
Our prayers…
For the entire country to come together and assist one another no matter their income or religious beliefs. For the US and other countries to act quickly to provide assistance. For the Haitian people to remain calm after the shock wears off. For God to provide a way for Jimmy to reach us soon!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Jimmy
As most of you know Jimmy is not our legal son, but in our hearts he is as much our son as any of our boys. He is going through some really hard times right now and it's hard for us to know he is suffering and there isn't much we can do to help.
He is no longer employed. He is trying to get a visa to come visit but money is tight for everyone. If we can get him here to the states he can take the tests necessary to get into college. He would need to return to Haiti in order to get a student visa but could return and get his degree. His dream is to return to Haiti and do something to make a difference for his country. He wants to get married, raise a family and live in Haiti.
We love Jimmy and really want to help him make this dream a reality. The hard part is knowing when to help and when not to. Money is always a factor for us. We are horrible at managing it!! We know that the majority (if not, ALL) our financial difficulties are because of us. not the economy. not the job market. not the government. US! We are working on changing that. Working within a budget. Working with God's help to be good stewards of the things He gives us. The reality is we do not have the financial resources to help Jimmy. We do not know how he will get here. We do not know how tuition can be paid for. We do not know where the money for his ticket will come from. HOWEVER, we do know that if it is God's will, it will happen. God will provide the funds. We have open and willing hearts, we have the space for Jimmy. We want to be here for him the way his birth family isn't able to be. We are trusting that God has Jimmy in the palm of His hand. We are trusting the God will open doors and close others as needed. God is in the paving business, we just have to give Him the space necessary to to the paving.
He is no longer employed. He is trying to get a visa to come visit but money is tight for everyone. If we can get him here to the states he can take the tests necessary to get into college. He would need to return to Haiti in order to get a student visa but could return and get his degree. His dream is to return to Haiti and do something to make a difference for his country. He wants to get married, raise a family and live in Haiti.
We love Jimmy and really want to help him make this dream a reality. The hard part is knowing when to help and when not to. Money is always a factor for us. We are horrible at managing it!! We know that the majority (if not, ALL) our financial difficulties are because of us. not the economy. not the job market. not the government. US! We are working on changing that. Working within a budget. Working with God's help to be good stewards of the things He gives us. The reality is we do not have the financial resources to help Jimmy. We do not know how he will get here. We do not know how tuition can be paid for. We do not know where the money for his ticket will come from. HOWEVER, we do know that if it is God's will, it will happen. God will provide the funds. We have open and willing hearts, we have the space for Jimmy. We want to be here for him the way his birth family isn't able to be. We are trusting that God has Jimmy in the palm of His hand. We are trusting the God will open doors and close others as needed. God is in the paving business, we just have to give Him the space necessary to to the paving.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 09, 2009
no surgery needed!
We just got back from the surgery center. Shane did not need the procedure!!!! Sometime during the night his jaw re-located on it's own! He has full motion with only minimal pain. He will need to protect his jaw for awhile. Soft foods and a helmet at all times during practice. He is already eaten a huge plate of scrambled eggs and a soft nectarine. Hopefully the feeding frenzy will end soon. Thanks for the prayers. We serve a mighty God who provides us with the miracles we need.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Shane
I got a call around 4:30 today from Shane's football coach. He told me Shane got kicked in the face by another player during drills. Shane was in some pain and he couldn't close his mouth all the way. The coaches thought Shane's jaw might be dislocated and felt he needed to see a doctor right away.
After 3 hours at urgent care it was determined that he had indeed dislocated his jaw. In order for it to be "re-located" (I have no idea the proper medical terminology for this procedure, sorry) he will need to be sedated. There was no way to do it at the facility we were at since all the surgeons had gone home. Our choice was to drive 45 minutes to the ER and wait who knows how long for a surgeon and an anesthesiologist to be available to reset his jaw OR wait til tomorrow at 10 and drive less than 1 mile to the surgeon center. We opted for the surgery center.
Shane is uncomfortable and hungry but doing OK. He has pain meds for the night.
Please, pray he is able to sleep and has minimal pain. Pray that the procedure goes well and does not require jaw wiring. Thanks!
After 3 hours at urgent care it was determined that he had indeed dislocated his jaw. In order for it to be "re-located" (I have no idea the proper medical terminology for this procedure, sorry) he will need to be sedated. There was no way to do it at the facility we were at since all the surgeons had gone home. Our choice was to drive 45 minutes to the ER and wait who knows how long for a surgeon and an anesthesiologist to be available to reset his jaw OR wait til tomorrow at 10 and drive less than 1 mile to the surgeon center. We opted for the surgery center.
Shane is uncomfortable and hungry but doing OK. He has pain meds for the night.
Please, pray he is able to sleep and has minimal pain. Pray that the procedure goes well and does not require jaw wiring. Thanks!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Going Private
We have decided to make our blog non-public. With Jody's profession and the issues we have with RAD we feel it is in the families best interest to keep our life to those we know.
If you would like to continue reading this blog you will need to e-mail me at grayfamilyinhaiti@hotmail.com before July 10th. You will be required to sign in to read, but I'm sure it will be worth the effort. I'm hoping to be able to post more photos etc. in the future.
If you do not know us personally, please introduce yourself. We want to know who you are!!! We are happy to include you on our friends list.
If you would like to continue reading this blog you will need to e-mail me at grayfamilyinhaiti@hotmail.com before July 10th. You will be required to sign in to read, but I'm sure it will be worth the effort. I'm hoping to be able to post more photos etc. in the future.
If you do not know us personally, please introduce yourself. We want to know who you are!!! We are happy to include you on our friends list.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michelle Cundiff inspired me to try to post an update... so here goes.
Isaiah is getting so big! He weighs almost as much as Sutton does. His language skills are improving everyday. He is every bit the "baby" however. He often whines when words would work. We are working really hard to be consistent with him, he must use his words in order to get what he wants. Dinner time is often difficult for him. He still gorges on food and gets so angry if we don't give him more of what he wants. He is learning to wait his turn, something that is a must with 6 siblings to compete with. He is such a love bug, kisses and hugs abound!!
Sutton is also growing so much. She is still very petite but is one solid girl. Her RAD is still an issue everyday, home life is difficult. She is doing great at school for the most part. She struggles to sit in a chair throughout an activity but is doing better. She loves her pre-school teacher, I hope she has the same relationship with her kindergarten teacher. I can't believe she starts in August. Has it really been 4 years since we brought her home??
Landon is looking more and more like a boy... no more baby face for him. He struggled tons in kindergarten so he will be repeating it next year. He is growing in so many ways though. He asked Jody to take off his training wheels the other day. Jody wasn't sure if Landon would be able to ride the bike without them but figured "what the heck". Landon hopped on and rode away!! The only problem is he has so little awareness of his surroundings that he isn't able to ride the bike out front. He has rode his bike right in front of cars, ran people walking on the sidewalks over and even ran into a stop sign! His body may be capable but common sense just isn't there. Landon is also a love bug and loves to give hugs and kisses. His smile melts hearts!
Kynsley is turning into such a mommas girl. She loves to help me run errands and bake. She is struggling a little in school and really needed summer school but the district canceled it due to budget cuts. So, we are doing a little homeschooling this summer to get her ready for 4th grade. She gives 100% to learning it's just little slow going for her. Math is her biggest struggle so we are focusing on multiplication and division. We go to the library often so her reading is improving everyday.
Dylan did great this year at school. He loves to read and is reading at a 9th grade level. He's not fond of memorization so he is also working on multiplication over the summer. It amazes me everyday how tall he is. My guess is he will pass me up by the end of the year! He loves to hang out with his big brother and is great with Isaiah. Landon and Dylan butt heads constantly but we are working with a counselor to help improve their relationship.
Shane is such a bright young man. Things come pretty easy for him. If we could get him to remember to turn in his work, his grades would be through the roof ;) He had his wisdom teeth out last week and recovered really fast. Football started this week and he is really sore but LOVES to play. His IPod and phone are his constant companions but he is really great about helping with his siblings and hanging with dad.
The other 3 are doing great. You can read about Carsen's life at: http://www.whateverchristian.blogspot.com/
Andrew is busy working and raising 2 small boys! We are really hoping to see him this summer. Jimmy is hoping to come to the US for school soon. He has such a strong desire to get an education in order to go back to Haiti and do something to make a difference.
Jody and I are doing great. Life is busy and we have very little time just for us but make a point to have date night at least once a week. We love our new house and are having fun decorating. We are looking forward to a week on the Oregon coast in July with the whole family.
WOW! I did it!! Sorry, no pictures though. I lost my camera in Haiti and still haven't replaced it.
Isaiah is getting so big! He weighs almost as much as Sutton does. His language skills are improving everyday. He is every bit the "baby" however. He often whines when words would work. We are working really hard to be consistent with him, he must use his words in order to get what he wants. Dinner time is often difficult for him. He still gorges on food and gets so angry if we don't give him more of what he wants. He is learning to wait his turn, something that is a must with 6 siblings to compete with. He is such a love bug, kisses and hugs abound!!
Sutton is also growing so much. She is still very petite but is one solid girl. Her RAD is still an issue everyday, home life is difficult. She is doing great at school for the most part. She struggles to sit in a chair throughout an activity but is doing better. She loves her pre-school teacher, I hope she has the same relationship with her kindergarten teacher. I can't believe she starts in August. Has it really been 4 years since we brought her home??
Landon is looking more and more like a boy... no more baby face for him. He struggled tons in kindergarten so he will be repeating it next year. He is growing in so many ways though. He asked Jody to take off his training wheels the other day. Jody wasn't sure if Landon would be able to ride the bike without them but figured "what the heck". Landon hopped on and rode away!! The only problem is he has so little awareness of his surroundings that he isn't able to ride the bike out front. He has rode his bike right in front of cars, ran people walking on the sidewalks over and even ran into a stop sign! His body may be capable but common sense just isn't there. Landon is also a love bug and loves to give hugs and kisses. His smile melts hearts!
Kynsley is turning into such a mommas girl. She loves to help me run errands and bake. She is struggling a little in school and really needed summer school but the district canceled it due to budget cuts. So, we are doing a little homeschooling this summer to get her ready for 4th grade. She gives 100% to learning it's just little slow going for her. Math is her biggest struggle so we are focusing on multiplication and division. We go to the library often so her reading is improving everyday.
Dylan did great this year at school. He loves to read and is reading at a 9th grade level. He's not fond of memorization so he is also working on multiplication over the summer. It amazes me everyday how tall he is. My guess is he will pass me up by the end of the year! He loves to hang out with his big brother and is great with Isaiah. Landon and Dylan butt heads constantly but we are working with a counselor to help improve their relationship.
Shane is such a bright young man. Things come pretty easy for him. If we could get him to remember to turn in his work, his grades would be through the roof ;) He had his wisdom teeth out last week and recovered really fast. Football started this week and he is really sore but LOVES to play. His IPod and phone are his constant companions but he is really great about helping with his siblings and hanging with dad.
The other 3 are doing great. You can read about Carsen's life at: http://www.whateverchristian.blogspot.com/
Andrew is busy working and raising 2 small boys! We are really hoping to see him this summer. Jimmy is hoping to come to the US for school soon. He has such a strong desire to get an education in order to go back to Haiti and do something to make a difference.
Jody and I are doing great. Life is busy and we have very little time just for us but make a point to have date night at least once a week. We love our new house and are having fun decorating. We are looking forward to a week on the Oregon coast in July with the whole family.
WOW! I did it!! Sorry, no pictures though. I lost my camera in Haiti and still haven't replaced it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Fathers Day
To all the fathers out there, I hope your day is blessed beyond measure. You are a blessing to your children!
G-pa... we miss you and wish we could be with you today. Have a wonderful day!
Jody... thank you for being such a great dad. Thank you for loving all of us even when we act "unlovable". Hope you have a blessed day.
Father's Day is always a hard day for me. It always reminds me how much I miss my dad. He's been gone for 13 years and it hasn't gotten easy. I try really hard to help the kids focus on their daddy but I think I fail miserably at it.
Dad... I miss you more than words can say. You would be so proud of your grand kids and great-grand kids! I wish you were here to see them grow. I know we will see you again someday. I love you, Dad!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
prayer request
****Updated below at 12:45 p.m.*****
****Updated below at 11:30 p.m.*****
Today Shane will have all 4 wisdom teeth removed. The dentist said they should have come out over a year ago and the roots are longer than he has ever seen on a 15 year old. They are expecting a difficult surgery.
Also.... we just found out that Andrew and Jackie will be parents in the next few hours (or days???). Labor began early this morning, yesterday at her regular OB appointment she was at 2 cm. Contractions are at 7 mins right now so they are still at home. They will head to the hospital when the contractions are regular at 5 mins. The baby is measuring very large so there is a possibility of a C-section.
Please, pray that baby, Andrew Jaxon Gray, arrives quickly and easily as well as healthy!!! Also, pray that Shane's surgery goes well and he has minimal discomfort.
Thank you!!
Shane is home and sleeping. Surgery went well, much easier than expected. He was so funny when he was coming to!!! Wish I had the video camera with me :)
Still no word from Andrew yet.
Andrew Jaxon Gray was born at 11:07 p.m. He is 22 inches long (no official weight yet) Mom and baby are both doing great and daddy sounds beyond excited!!! We will post pictures as soon as we get some. A.J. and parents are needing some serious rest after a long hard labor.
****Updated below at 11:30 p.m.*****
Today Shane will have all 4 wisdom teeth removed. The dentist said they should have come out over a year ago and the roots are longer than he has ever seen on a 15 year old. They are expecting a difficult surgery.
Also.... we just found out that Andrew and Jackie will be parents in the next few hours (or days???). Labor began early this morning, yesterday at her regular OB appointment she was at 2 cm. Contractions are at 7 mins right now so they are still at home. They will head to the hospital when the contractions are regular at 5 mins. The baby is measuring very large so there is a possibility of a C-section.
Please, pray that baby, Andrew Jaxon Gray, arrives quickly and easily as well as healthy!!! Also, pray that Shane's surgery goes well and he has minimal discomfort.
Thank you!!
Shane is home and sleeping. Surgery went well, much easier than expected. He was so funny when he was coming to!!! Wish I had the video camera with me :)
Still no word from Andrew yet.
Andrew Jaxon Gray was born at 11:07 p.m. He is 22 inches long (no official weight yet) Mom and baby are both doing great and daddy sounds beyond excited!!! We will post pictures as soon as we get some. A.J. and parents are needing some serious rest after a long hard labor.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
2 minute update
Yep... I have exactly 2 minutes to get this posted...
It's moving week. I meet the landlord today to get the keys woo-hoo!!!! We are beyond excited.
The furniture refinishing was put on hold for awhile since it was raining. It's sunny again and we are almost finished with the china cabinet. We will wait until our new kitchen table comes in to tackle the dining room table. I hate to do it, but I guess I do need a place for everyone to sit to eat until then.
Kynsley got her cast off yesterday. Found out from the x-ray that she actually broke 3 bones not 2. Doctor said if it had been an adult it would have taken months to heal. That girl is one tough cookie!
The whole family has caught a nasty head cold... not fun for moving time!
That's all I have time for! I'll post pictures of the new house and finished china cabinet as soon as I can!
It's moving week. I meet the landlord today to get the keys woo-hoo!!!! We are beyond excited.
The furniture refinishing was put on hold for awhile since it was raining. It's sunny again and we are almost finished with the china cabinet. We will wait until our new kitchen table comes in to tackle the dining room table. I hate to do it, but I guess I do need a place for everyone to sit to eat until then.
Kynsley got her cast off yesterday. Found out from the x-ray that she actually broke 3 bones not 2. Doctor said if it had been an adult it would have taken months to heal. That girl is one tough cookie!
The whole family has caught a nasty head cold... not fun for moving time!
That's all I have time for! I'll post pictures of the new house and finished china cabinet as soon as I can!
Monday, April 27, 2009
We are 99% sure we are moving to a larger house on May 16th... as long as the IRS comes through with our refund ;)
In preparation for the move, I've decided to refinish our seriously dinged up dining room furniture. Shane (with the help of a few of his siblings) has done most of the prep work. He shows some real talent at wood working and seems to enjoy doing it. His papa would be so proud of him!! (For those of you who don't know, my dad was really into woodworking before he died.)
Prayers would be appreciated for the funds to arrive quickly! Thanks!!!
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