Showing posts with label Good Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Good Friends. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Dear Friend

I got a phone call a while ago, and I've been trying to process it ever since.  It was my dear friend, Nancy, who is truly like a sister to me (we are that close).  


She was at the hospital with her husband, Aaron.  The doctors have found a mass, or a tumor, on his lung.  They are meeting with specialists tomorrow to determine what the next step is.  I say all this to just please ask you to pray.  They have a little girl who is just precious....and they just need to be lifted up right now.  This Christmas has been particularly rough, and it seems like bad news just keeps hitting us up one side and down the other until all I really want to do is go to bed and sleep until it's all over.  BUT all things are possible with Him, right?  And all things work out for good, right?  He is in control, even when it's hard to see that....(tears).  Ok, I truly am headed to bed now.  Love you all.  

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Merry SITSmas!


Merry Christmas to all my SITStas, from our family to yours!  I hope you have a fabulous Christmas with your families and that you just relax and enjoy every single second.  We are all decorated up, besides the outside Christmas lights.  Be sure to stop by next week for some great Christmas giveaways, a Christmas tour of homes, and much more holiday fun during A Very Merry Heart Prints Christmas.:)  Merry SITSmas!


For more Merry SITSmas fun and to join a wonderful blogging community, visit The Secret is in the Sauce!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Friday Funnies- Choir "Dress Rehearsal"


This is my first year with the choir, but it has been so much fun, that I never want to quit....it's almost like a second family.  We laugh and laugh so much every single week, and everyone is "so exuberant" as our choir director put it one night.:)  Anyway, we had a "dress rehearsal" last night, where everyone dressed up in costumes....it was hilarious!  From Dolly Parton to Granny Hattie to Glenda the Good Witch to Raggedy Ann & Andy to the bride of Frankenstein to the nerd couple, we had a blast!:)  Enjoy the pics....they might give you a giggle or two.  




This is our choir director, Jeff....now how were we supposed to keep a straight face through rehearsal?  



Oh, and when this guy showed up in a completely full set of red long underwear, well, we all just lost it....

Finally, Dan and I went as Little Red Riding Hood and Granny Wolf (yes, I dragged him in on this)....I had a dress for the costume that said one size fits most.....but let's just say it should have read one size fits supermodel.....so I had to settle for just the cape (corny, I know).  


It cracks me up how Jaden had to keep looking to make sure it was truly Daddy under that wolf mask....LOL.


For more Friday Funnies, visit Kim at Homesteaders Heart.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

One Lovely Blog Award

This morning I got up to find a nice surprise in my inbox. Heather, at My Red Apron, chose to give Heart Prints the One Lovely Blog Award. Thank you, Heather! That was really sweet of you.This award comes with just a few rules, though, which make it really fun.
1) Accept the award.
2) Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, along with his/her blog link.

3) Pass the award on to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered (Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award).

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Gratituesday: Good Friends

On this Gratituesday, I am just so thankful for good friends. There's one friend in particular that I am so thankful for. In fact, this friend has been around since college, and we've never lost touch. On busy days that are hectic and when it seems like we are going crazy, we keep each other grounded. At least, she helps to keep me grounded.:) Her name is Nancy, and she too is a fellow blogger over at My Family and Books, Blogging, and the Beach.

When I first met Nancy, we were at our first ever dorm meeting at college.We didn't know each other, but we were thrown headfirst into performing a skit together to illustrate a point our dorm mom had to make. I had to dress up like a guy, and Nancy had to be my girlfriend. We have laughed and laughed over that silly skit....and no, I don't have any pictures, but I so wish I did. Nancy had the famous yellow dress on that night, the same dress we used even later on down the road when we tried our hand at making a silly movie at camp.

We spent a summer together working at Camp Streamside, teaching our campers the YMCA from the porch railings of our cabins. We even rode a train from New York to Missouri, snoring Amishmen and all. One summer, we both stayed in the dorms, just us two. We worked during the days, but in the evenings, we caught up on old movies and just hung out. I seem to remember sneaking a couple of cats into the dorm that summer, one of which is still living with my mom, seeing as I got caught red-handed one day when my stereo alarm went off while I was at work, blasting loud music right above the vice-president's office. Yeah, that was fun.:)LOL

Nancy and I got ourselves into so many "pickles" in college, but we had so much fun together. Now, we're both married and mommies too....There's not a day goes by that I don't get on to talk to Nancy. She keeps me sane on those hairy days, and she's just such an encouragement. Through our struggles to lose weight and eat healthy to our struggles just as Christian women, we're there for each other as sisters and friends. I wish we could live next door to each other, Nancy. I miss ya so much, but every day just knowing that you're going to be online makes my day ever so much brighter. I love ya, sista!

For more Gratituesday, link up with Heavenly Homemakers.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Please Pray!

I just have a simple prayer request. A good friend of mine, Missie, is in surgery right now; the doctor is saying she had a tubal pregnancy/miscarriage, and her fallopian tube has burst. Please pray for Missie and her family right now. She has really been through so much in her life; just pray for physical healing for her, as well as emotional healing; and just that God will get her through all of this safely. Thanks so much.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Honest Scrap!

Noel over at Bloom Where You're Planted! gave me the Honest Scrap award....thanks, Noel! She listed 10 honest things about herself, so now it's my turn to do the same....hmmmm.....

1) I am scared of the dark....when Dan has to be working at night, I keep my cell phone in bed....and I used to sleep with a baseball bat next to the bed when Mom and Dad would leave me home alone as a teenager.:)
2) I have quite a temper....let's just leave it at that....at least I'm honest. Cleaning is one thing that can get done really fast if something's bothering me.:)
3) My kids are such a soft spot in my heart.....I can't imagine not being at home with them; I just am so content to spend my days loving them and being with them.
4) I'm a bit of a germophobe; I used to be a lot worse when working as a nurse, but it has gotten sooooo much better. I no longer carry Clorox wipes in my car.
5) I enjoy going barefoot whenever possible, unless going outside (germophobe rears its head at that).
6) One major fear I have is that my kids will not learn enough to want to live for God....I just want them to have assurance of their faith and live their faith throughout their lives; it's the one thing I want most for them.
7) I love love love Jaden's naptime because it means writing and blogging time for Mommy.:)
8) I am trying to get motivated to exercise....but I really don't like to exercise.
9) Noel had one about herself and her husband, and it kind of prompted this one: My husband says the reason we argue so much (yes, we do argue; Dan is very analytical, and I'm just stubborn, but we desperately love each other) is that we are so alike, and I have to say that he is right on that; yes, we might have different learning styles and ways of thinking, but when it comes down to it, we are definitely alike in so many ways. LOL (Yep, I'm admitting you are right, honey).
10) Sometimes I think about how old I might live to be, and when I think of it in terms of, say, "When Jacob is 20, I'll be 44; or when my sister is 70, I'll be 55," I do get a little sad because really, that's not that far away, and it goes so quick....LOL Crazy thoughts!

Ok, so now it's time to pass this award on to 7 people on my followers list; it's ok if you don't have time to do it, but if you do, go ahead and let me know, so I can read them!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Two of a Kind

I'm finally getting around to posting pics from our trip to "Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain!" It was a really fun trip....Jacob made his first best friend, Noah, and they have already talked on the phone, since we have gotten home. They formed a bond right away, and they were inseparable the whole time. From eating in their playhouse to riding fourwheelers and sleeping in the tent, they had a blast together. Jacob is rarin' to go back. Sarah and Gareth are really good friends of ours....Sarah and I went to our senior year of high school together, and that was the best year of school, I just have to say. We had so much fun! We were double trouble, walking through the door. Then we went on missions trips to Papua New Guinea together, where I might add, she met Gareth, who is from England. I still remember that plane ride home, Sarah.... I wish we could live closer to each other, especially for our sons' sakes. It was such a refreshing trip, to just be with friends and relax and know that our kids were having fun....and to just be able to talk into the wee hours, even though we were all falling asleep on the couches.....just making memories. Dan just fell in love with Rosie; I think we all did. She and Jaden seemed to play together quite a bit. I'll post Rosie's story either sometime this week or early next week....she is such a sweetheart.
We ended up going out on Saturday; we visited the Oklahoma Aquarium and the Riverwalk in Tulsa. At the Riverwalk, the kids got to splash around on the splash pads, and then we sat and ate gelatto. We got up close and personal with some sharks at the aquarium, which was just the coolest thing! We took the initiative to name this fish Wanda....Sarah's idea, actually!:) Doesn't she look like a Wanda?
The kids got to pet stingrays and feed them too, which was quite the adventure. I think Jaden just had fun splashing.
Anyway, I just have to say that it is a blessing to have good friends, friends who share like values and desire to raise their kids for Christ. We will truly miss Sarah and Gareth when we move....

Friday, May 29, 2009

Road Trip!

Well, I probably won't be online too much over the weekend, because we are off to "Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain" for a day or two. I'm so excited because we are going to see my bestest friend from high school, Sarah, and her wonderful family. I also get to spend more time getting to know not only her boys, Noah and Nathan, but that little girl in the middle....Rosie,whom they just adopted from Ethiopia 6 weeks ago.You can read their story over onSarah's blog, Mommy's Musings. Sarah tells all about the adoption process with Rosie, and I absolutely love her post on "why" they adopted. It's very thought-provoking and heart-provoking too.....


I couldn't help but to post this picture of when Sarah and Rosie first met....brings tears....


Anyway, we're excited to get away, even for just 2 days! Yea!!!!! Who knows, though? You might see me; you know me, can't stay away from this for too long....will have pics posted when we get back! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Paige Strackman- Free Download!

If you've ever travelled down towards the bottom of my blog, you've probably noticed the sampling of Paige Strackman's latest cd, which is just amazing and inspiring to listen to. Paige wanted me to share this on my blog or through email, so enjoy the following!:)

Proceeds from Paige Strackman's Gospel CD
"Who Can Compare To You?" have helped purchase
ALMOST 2,000 POUNDS OF FOOD for children in Haiti since its release!

To CELEBRATE, here is a free download for one of the most popular songs from the CD to say
THANK YOU for your support!

To get your FREE download go to:
http://www.volummonster.com
Enter code: Paige

*Please feel free to forward to friends*

www.paigestrackman.com
__________________________

________________________

If you'd like to further help children in Haiti,
you can make a
tax deductible contribution at
https://artistsforcommunity.ejoinme.org/mypages/tabid/118792/Default.aspx
Under donation category, scroll down and select Paige Strackman! The money will be spent on food for the children in Haiti!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Things I Love Thursday- Neighbors and Porch Swings

Today was one of those warm spring days when all the neighbors are starting to come out of their houses and sit on their front porches. Windows are open, dogs are barking, lawn mowers are running, and neighbors are chatting. One of our neighbors is Sylvia, who is always asking us to come over or bringing us treats to eat. She is one of those neighbors that everyone loves.She loves to sit out on her porch swing when it gets warmer, and tonight I didn't get to go over, since I was at the grocery store, but Dan and the boys went over to chat with her and visit.Dan told me later that she told him to have me come over some evening and sit on her porch swing with her. I'm thinking that is a wonderful idea, and I can't wait for another warm evening!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Urgent Prayer Request

We have an urgent prayer request, and I'm just asking everyone who reads this to say a prayer today, to say many prayers on the behalf of a college friend, Matthew Grubb. He is very sick right now with what they think is bacterial meningitis, and he is in a comatose state right now, is what I'm hearing from others around him. Just please be in prayer for him, as he also has a wife, Mandy, and three daughters, a really beautiful family. Just pray for his complete healing and for God's will to be done through all of this....thank you.

Update:
Received this news on Facebook today; keep praying!

Jared was at the hospital with Matt all day yesterday. They diagnosed him with a viral form of Meningitis (infection in his brain). He is sedated and on a ventilator in order to help him rest and keep his airways clean in order to help his body focus on fighting the infection. He had an MRI done last night but the results will not be in until much later today (usually 24 hours). At first everyone had to wear full coverings, masks, & goggles to see him, but now they do not have to wear the goggles or masks as the expert on contagious illnesses has said he is not a contagious threat and that Mandy and the girls should not be at risk. He is in the ICU right now. Jared and I are planning on visiting later today and I can give you updates as I find out.

Another update:

Here's an update on Matt & Mandy Grubb...Matt Grubb continues to fight his pneumonia. The doctors made an initial diagnosis of aseptic meningitis, however, now that the cultures have matured in the lab, they have come to rule that out. They are saying that he has an infection in his brain that is tied to walking pneumonia which Matt has more than likely had for the last 3 months. Matt continues to be on antibiotics that are helping restore his health and he continues to breathe with the support of the ventilator while under heavy sedation. The doctors want him to rest, rest, rest! That's what he needs most in order to fight this infection and heal from this pneumonia.The doctors continue to have an optimism about Matt's recovery and so does Mandy and the family. The reality is that he is young, strong, and healthy and is expected to make a full recovery, however, this typically takes quite awhile. The doctors are estimating that Matt could be in the hospital recovering for as much as a month, with even more recovery time to follow at home. This is not uncommon for someone in Matt's condition.Here's what you can do to help the Grubb's:1. PRAY, PRAY PRAY! God is the Great Doctor, the loving Daddy, and the Sovereign All-Powerful LORD, who tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Christ-followers have an all-access pass to this Holy God. Let's use it!2. Please do not come to the hospital to visit unless you are a family member of the family or pastoral team. (While Matt is sedated, the doctors believe he can still hear some of what's going on around him, which creates in him a desire to respond, and therefore he becomes agitated and breaks out of his resting cycle.) Also, many family members are in town and they need to be together as a family. And just a reminder, Matt is still in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) which is a unit with restrictions for the good of the patient. So, please continue to love from distance. I know that that is difficult as Matt & Mandy are so deeply loved and respected by so many, but it really is what is best for them right now.3. Be selective in your phone calls and texts to Mandy. She has her plate full and while she desires to respond to everyone, she has a number of other priorities right now.3. Offer assistance with meals and domestic support. Matt and Mandy are running a marathon, not a sprint in this recovery race. Meals are currently being arranged by Karen Eastham. Contact Karen at karen.eastham@bridgewayonline.org.4. Send cards or write notes to the Grubbs. You can send them to Bridgeway and our pastoral staff and student ministries team will make sure they get the Grubbs. Bridgeway Community Church, 9189 Red Branch Rd. Columbia, MD 21045 410.992.5832 Or you can drop them off at the reception desk of our administrative offices or at the Bridgeway Student Ministries table in the Lobby before & after services, Fusion & Common Ground.5. Be ready! In the near future, out-of-town family will need to get back to their families and responsibilities. We want to be ready to fill any of those voids for the Grubb family. Right now, sit tight, pray, and be ready. We will keep you posted.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at bridgedm@aol.com.Blessings!
P. Mich

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

GratiTuesday- Mrs. Nancy Bailey

People come in and out of our lives, almost like seasons. I believe that God has a reason for every single person that crosses our path. Today, I am thankful for Mrs. Nancy Bailey. Back in college, when I was going through a particularly life-changing, very sticky, very rough situation, she was one person who was there to just listen and give little tidbits of advice. She was the mom of a good friend, Tim, and I remember going over and having a holiday dinner with them and also going over after this very sticky situation had begun. I sat on their front steps, sort of pouring my heart out, feeling like my life was over (I was young and very naive), and she was just there. There are times in our lives where we need others in our lives who will just be there, and she was.

Now she needs our prayers. Here is an email I got from Tim and Steph last night:

Hey this is an urgent prayer request,
It's major because of the high risk posed. Tim's mom (Nancy Bailey) is dealing with some restrictive health issues. She has also given permission to Tim to share this for prayer.

1) Osteomalacia which is basically a softening of the bones, it makes them more prone to breakage. This could be why her sternum broke as bad as it did when she had the car accident last winter 2008 and why she is having such trouble with her knees since her fall in church and elbows now.

2) New to all of us is Carotid Artery Stenosis. This is where the high risk comes in as it can be suddenly deadly if something loosens up ( a clot ) as it can go to her brain or heart. A recent ultrasound showed solid spots on both sides of her neck. Surgery is basically the only thing to do, but very risky. Complicating this surgery is high cholesterol and high blood pressure, she is having issues with these again. They lose their insurance the end of this month. So Dad is trying to figure that part out.
Updates will come as we learn more. Thank you to all for your prayers. This is what the body of Christ is supposed to be doing for each other. Let's keep it up and pray more.

Blessings,

Tim and Stephanie Bailey

So, today, I'm going to pray for her; she may not know how much of an impact she had on my life, but she truly did, and I'm so thankful for her.
For more GratiTuesday, link up with Heavenly Homemakers.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Ruth's Recipe

Today, we had a little family get-together at my Aunt Nancy's house for our cousin, Amanda, who is going to Japan for 6 months at the end of June; she is going to serve with SEND International as a short-term missionary. Anyway, I made Ruth's Chicken Wing Superbowl Snack, and everyone was asking for the recipe (by the way, instead of hot sauce and blue cheese, I've been using barbecue sauce and Ranch dressing like Ruth suggests, since my boys don't exactly like "hot" stuff). Ruth is a friend of ours who we went to college with, and she is now a wife and mom of two boys....check out her blog over at Thoughts of the Heart. I have to say that every one of her recipes that I have made so far have been so delicious. Ruth, I too wish we would have gotten to know each other more in college, although I'm so glad that we have that opportunity now. Enjoy Ruth's blog; it's very inspiring and has so many tidbits of wisdom all throughout. Have a great rest of the weekend!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tickle Your Memory Tuesday

Last night I was supposed to get together with my best friend from high school; she was in town visiting her family for Christmas. We weren't able to, though, because Jaden was sick, and she was also sick. It still didn't stop me from thinking of some really funny memories that we, no doubt, would have rehashed if we had gotten together. She had come up at Thanksgiving too, and we had laughed and laughed over some of the things we did "way back when." Sarah and I both apprenticed with a vet our senior year, and we would go every Wednesday to the doc's office. Usually, we weren't at the office; we were out running around to different farms to work. This one particular time, we were again chasing the vet down this country gravel road, trying to keep up with her; we could never keep up with her and were always getting lost way out in the boonies. We were in my little Chevy Luv pickup, and all of a sudden, we heard this pop, and Sarah looked back, and the bed had fallen off of my pickup! Yep, you read that right; it fell plumb off. My brother ended up having to help us get it welded back on, but I had forgotten all about this, and I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time, just picturing that happening all over again. It was hilarious, almost like one of those old Disney comedies you would see.

Then there were the Saturday nights where I was at her house, and we would make sure to have the dishes all done, showers done, etc, just in time to sit down to our can't miss episodes of "Walker, Texas Ranger." I know, what in the world? But we loved that show and even had the song to it memorized, and I can still probably sing that song today. LOL
Anyway, it's fun rehashing old memories; since I've had kids, I feel like part of my brain cells have died away or something. I can't remember anything to save my life, but every once in a while, something will happen to bring back old familiar feelings and memories. What funny memories do you have from high school? I would love to hear them....once you remember one thing, it's likely a host of things will come back to you. Have a great day!

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