Rough week...tough post to write...

This week has been tough. I have been so incredibly sad for my sweet cousin Lindsay. The results of her pathology report did not come back the way we wanted, she had more cancer then we knew and she is now considered stage 3. This means cancer was found in the lymphnodes that were removed (2 out of the 4). She will now need radiation with chemo. My heart aches for her and her family. I know I must remain positive and I try, I really do. I know she's a daughter of God and she loves her Saviour. I know this is his plan and it will be resolved in his timing... I just can't get over this overpowering sadness. I'll just say it. It kills me that she has to go through this ugly disease when she has 5 children and a husband that need her so much. I'm scared that she has to wonder if she'll be around to see her children grow up. I fearful she has to face this at the age of 30. It breaks my heart that her little kiddos cried for their mommy while she was in the hospital and that she is too tired and has too much pain to lift them up for hugs...I must stop. I could go on and on but I just can't let myself go to far into the darkness of this. I know there are so many people just like Lindsay suffering through cancer and many other illnesses. I thank GOD for the health of my children, husband and myself. I can only hope and have faith that God will get her though this as quickly as possible ... I have not lost my faith, I just feel weak.

We covet all your continued prayers.

Below are some cute pictures of the family... enjoy ...Oh, and thanks for letting me vent. =)



I just love this picture of Rachel, she's my little angel that told me today when she grows up, she wants to work at a place that gives food to people who don't have any AND she'd like to be a dog catcher. I think she believes dog catchers get to keep all the dogs they catch because Rachel wants 64 dogs, 3 cats and a parrot!

This is a cute one, Linzhi is smiling while biting the glass table. I love her reflection!! =)

Tonight, we pretended to take "professional" pictures by the lit candle. I love seeing Rachel's grip on Linzhi (to keep her still) thru the glass table!

Our Handsome Trevor, asking me to stop taking pictures of him...oh well... LOL

Our precious Linzhi Rose Xiaoli

Our beautiful Rachel Catherine

The girls, swinging on G&G's swing with daddy...Their future husbands have BIG shoes to fill!

Thank you!

Thank you for all your prayers... Lindsay has made it out of surgery and is doing well. To get a complete update, please click the link to her Caring Bridge website in my post below...

Also, Trevor has made it to Maine, safe and sound. I know he's having a good time...he's with great friends and able to eat FRESH seafood!

Not too much going on around here, it's going to be a quiet week. We do have a play date with my friend Jen. She just started a blog, it is private but if you'd like to view it, let her know you visit mine. http://houseofyork.blogspot.com

Have a great rest of the week!

Blessings,

Two prayer requests...

I believe in the power of prayer and I know there are many that read my blog that are prayer WARRIORS!! I need a few and would gladly covet them all...

First, my sweet cousin is preparing for her double mastectomy tomorrow, July 28th. Her sister has created a site on Caringbridge. Here is the link if you'd like to check on her progress, she also has a guestbook.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindsayspringer

I know the Lord is holding her tightly as she struggles through surgery and recovery. I know we must praise him even in times of stormy weather. I know his will is perfect and I believe in my heart and soul, he will restore her body so she will be able to care for her 5 babies and husband. All we can do is have hope and pray.

Second request... My Trevor is leaving tomorrow for Maine. He was invited to go the the Lobster fest with good friends. I know he's going to have a great time...BUT this mama bear gets nervous when I know my child is traveling on highways, etc... If you could keep him in your prayers for safe travels, I would GREATLY appreciate it!!

Many blessings,

Thankful Thursday..Well, almost Friday =)

I find myself being more aware of the many blessings in my life and all the times I feel God has had my back. So here are a few of the things I'm thankful for on this Thursday...

I'm thankful I had the opportunity to go blueberry picking with my mom and sisters (Allison and Emily). We had a great time laughing, having breakfast, picking and eating blueberries...looking forward to next year!

I'm thankful for my health. My sweet cousin is having a double mastectomy on Monday. I cannot imagine what she's going through so all I can do is pray. Please keep her in your prayers, her name is Lindsay.

I'm thankful I got to catch up with my other sweet cousin Jenny on the phone the other day (Lindsay's sister). Jenny is going to have baby number 2!! We're all so happy for her, Shane and Brevik.

I'm thankful my daughter Linzhi has a strong will. I see, she needs it now more than ever as she struggles to get through a complete OT session without some tears. So much progress is being made but I see it's hard work for my little muffin.

I'm thankful for the health of all three of my babies and husband.

I'm thankful I got to have lunch with my neighbor who also attends the same church. We're connecting as Godly friends and I look forward to getting to know her better.

I'm thankful my mother and father-in-law take the girls every Tuesday. I love being home with the kids but it's nice to have a day to get things done for work and home.

I'm thankful for my salvation and the sacrifice Jesus made for little old me. =)

My baby's first car!!

OK, I must BREATHE.... Actually, we have until January before Trevor is officially behind the wheel without an adult but this mama bear is already praying for her little cub. I am so excited for him because I see the joy in his face not only for the car but that he's also growing up and able to be a little more independent. I find myself getting ready to open a new box of parenting "fears", all I can do is pray for my son. I know his heavenly father will be with him as he pulls out of the drive for the first time. So if the Lord is with Trevor, who will be scrapping me off the drive as I watch him drive away??? LOL... =)

Now, we were not planning on getting a car this soon but God had another plan. He blessed us with a well maintained car at a low price. It all worked out perfect. As I type this, he's out driving with CJ. They're driving over to all of his friends houses...Oh, how I remember those days... =)

Mom and Trevor getting ready to leave Aunt Onnie's house (my sister Allison)

Trevor and his Aunt Onnie... they have a special and unique bond.

First time Trevor laid eyes on his car. =)

First time sitting in his new car!

Asking mom to stop taking pictures....NO WAY JOSE!

Have a great weekend!

Getting ready before going to the "movie store" Family Video

My sweety pie Rachel just getting out of the pool and she is COLD!

Linzhi Lu Lu Belle and her beloved "Gold fish" crackers!!

The kid on the left is Trevor's best friend since kindergarten. His name is Alec and he's basically my fourth child. =)

Handsome Trevor pleading with me to not take his picture...there too far and few between for my liking so he'll jsut have to suffer through it...LOL

This one I snapped by mistake, I was fiddling with the camera and it went off... I thought it was a cute action shot. As I was taking it, Linzhi was asking for fruit snacks. I told her she had to wait until after lunch that explains the pouty face...LOL

Quilt give away...

OK, we just gutted our kitchen and I am now slowing putting it all back together. I love primitives but I think my style is more country chic. Anyway, I've come across some great blogs that have helped me with decorating ideas, I'm a bit challenged. I can buy all the stuff, coordinate colors, etc...but putting it all together, well that's where I struggle. So, this blog that I frequent is hosting a giveaway for a beautiful quilt...No, it's GORGEOUS! I had to share it with all my blogging girls. It's real easy to enter. Click this link. http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ =) GOOD LUCK!!

Here are some pictures of my kitchen...Any decorating suggestions would be greatly apprecaited!!

Not too much going on...

Linzhi sleeping with her book box and babies...She looks so peaceful when she sleeps.

Mom and Rachel muggy it for the camera. Rachel was sad because one of her fish passed away...3rd one in 2 weeks!

I really don't have much to say...not too much going on. Linzhi started OT and it seems to be going good. I could tell she was a little sore this evening so we went for a LONG walk with the girls to wind them down for the night. I just love summer evenings when you can hear the locust and it's a little muggy. It give the air a lush scent...OK, I know, I'm a dork...LOL...

A candle give away/poll

On one of my of my favorite crafting blogs, I came across a candlemakers blog and guess what?? She's holding a drawing for free candles. All you have to do is click her link, take a quick survey on candles scents and leave her a comment that you done it and there you go...your chance to win. I did it...join me ;)

http://dailydoseofmotherhood.blogspot.com/

Good luck!!

Tuesdays with G&G...

On Tuesdays, my girls go to Grandma Sharon and grandpa Willie's house for the day. This has become a special day for the girls as they look forward to crafts and outside activities. This past Tuesday they took a field trip to a forest not to far from G&G's house. They looked for all kinds of nature's treasure and found some lovely flowers, sticks and leaves for mommy. I will cherish my vase full of the things my babies picked for mommy and daddy. Here's a picture of their proud faces as they presented me with my gift. Aren't they the cutest!! =)

Fourth of July, Part 1

aahhh, I love the 4th of July! Every year we get together at our house with family and friends. Today was part 1. Tomorrow, we're hosting a family reunion for my father's side of the family. We should have 35-40 people here, so that will be part 2.

So today, my siblings and I took our annual picture in the same spot of the yard as we do every year and we line up it birth order. L to R... My beloved sister Allison who traveled with us to China. She is a successful businesswomen and my best friend. You all know me, then there's my brother Ryan who lives in Nashville. He's a wonderful and talented musician and also works for an archeologist firm. Emily is my beautiful baby sister, she is starting her fourth year at IIT, she is studying architecture and will go on to be very successful in her career. Last but not least, our baby brother Sean or as we call him Seany! Sean is the sweetest guy you could meet, he's never met a stranger and is loved my many. He too attends college in Chicago. We are all very unique but still we are so connected and close to each other. My world is a better place with all of them in it. God Bless!