Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'm thankful for:

*My Lord Jesus...for saving me and showing me how to live a good life

*My husband, Mark--the best in the world!

*My awesome kids :)

*My family

*My church family

*The ability to have a good job

*My RA isn't too awful bad

*MUSIC

*Refridgerators

*My warm bed

*Comfort foods

*That my kids are all pretty healthy

*And MUCH MORE!

Thank you Lord...for giving to me Your love, grace and abundant blessing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Peeking In...

Here's a peek into what we've been up to!!

THREE birthdays!

*Alyssa-October 18, 15 years old.

*Alex-October 30, 19 years old.

*Gabriel-November 8, 7 years old!

Whew!!

Oh...and Halloween :)

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

P.S. Please excuse my messy house! (7 children...remember the 7 children!)

I Wish...

I wish I could say that our engagement spot still looked this beautiful....

I took this picture from my phone as I sat on the bench where Mark proposed to me 3 years ago. It (the picture day) was in September...around the beginning of the month. Last night, our low here was 32 degrees!

Needless to say, Winter is well on it's way!

Blessings!! (Brrrrr!!!)

~Bethany :)

Hiney Shot

No...there isn't a picture of a hiney on here! lol

But yesterday, I was able to get a shot in my hiney! That means, my RA will subside for awhile until I can get an infusion at the hospital. Sheesh!

I talked with someone in the billing department at the hospital and she said to go ahead and get my infusion and they will wait to bill Medicare. Hopefully, Part B will be reinstated soon!

The other issue is I have a cold. I cannot get an infusion if I am sick. Nor can I get a flu shot. So, for now, I am 'on hold'.

Speaking of 'on hold', I am at work and my client and I are 'on hold' as I write! Ahh...the life of a phone operator for the deaf.

Tonight, we are going to take Sam out to dinner and to Target to buy a little something for his b-day...which was 2 weeks ago. We are planning to go to church as well. Gabe memorized two verses this week for Awana. Pretty soon, he'll get a new patch! :)

Not much news from Alex. I keep trying to call him but he doesn't answer or call back :( He was fighting a cold too...last I heard.

That's all for now!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Vent Session

Do you mind if I just VENT for a moment (or two!)?

Maybe I shouldn't though....I mean, God has blessed me with a wonderful life. I shouldn't complain. Really.

Okay...but just for a moment.

Just don't think that I don't appreciate all the wonderful parts of my life!!!

I have Medicare because I don't have insurance at my job. I recently learned that although we pay the Medicare premium, someone decided to CUT my Part B....which pays for doctor visits AND my infusion medication. The thing is, I am DUE for an infusion. I mean, I am struggling!

And guess what else? The lady I spoke with at the Social Security office said that it could take up to 90 days....yes....90 DAYS...to get Part B reinstated.

Now what I am supposed to do??

I need benefits! I need a job with good insurance. I'm just not sure how to do that. What a pain!!

Okay. I'm done. That's my moment!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

*Really...I DO have a great life!

New Pics :)

PICTURES!!!

The Detroit Zoo, Mark's big bike race and our new marching band kid!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Busy Days...

HELLO!

I haven't written much lately. We've been busy with school, work, etc.

The most exciting venture is Mark's new bicycle repair business--more on that soon!

I don't seem to have time to blog in the evening. We are busy EVERY night!

Monday - Small Group
Tuesday - Mark has class
Wednesday - Awana/Oasis (aka--church!)
Thursday - Mark has class and I have choir (can you believe that practice has started for the CHRISTMAS PROGRAM?????)
Friday - Arrival of step-children (meaning....more busy times!)

I feel like I have SO much to do-especially regarding 'paperwork'. Such as, Medicare apparently stopped providing me with doctor visits (Part B). Why? I have to call them when I am done with work today. I'm sure there is no easy solution. We pay them. Why is there a problem?

Yeah....'issues' such as these keep popping up and they are quickly growing into a huge pile of issues.

Oh well.

Alex is doing well in college! And the other kids haven't complained once about their new school year! Gabe has a runny nose though....he usually gets sick within the 1st few weeks.

I'll post more soon---and some new pics too!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Moving (IN) Day ~ MSU 09'

Blog Templates?

I am having the toughest time trying to figure out a good template for my blog! Sheesh! I mean, Blogspot offers some nice choices....but none of them are really....me.

I haven't posted for awhile...and I am working now and won't be able to type much. We are all fine!

TWO more days til' Alex moves into State! Yikes. Poor thing....he didn't pass his driver's ed test the other day. He's so disappointed. Stupid parallel parking!!

Hope all is well!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

A Visit to the DIA

I took the boys....just my three sons (get it??) to the Detroit Institute of Art. After all, I am one of those 'artsy' types (or, at least a 'wannabe'!).

Gabe enjoyed the part where he could practice his drawing skills. Sam...well, he wasn't bored per se. He did enjoy parts of the visit!

(sorry about the poor picture quality...I had to use the cell phone again!)

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

(in) courage

COURAGE.

What does courage mean to me?

Automatically, I think of my favorite "Wizard of Oz" character...he tried so hard to be brave. When the rubber met the road, he failed miserably!

Sometimes courage happens as a result of no other option.

Sometimes, I don't want to be courageous. I have to. I don't have a choice.

Sometimes, I muster up courage through my faith in God. He guides me. He give me strength to have courage.

Since being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I have learned to lean on Him. I do not know what the future holds for me physically, but I know that I can have the courage to enjoy each day that God gives me.

Sometimes, I am scared.

Sometimes, I need courage to let my children be independent. It isn't easy!

Sometimes, being in a stepfamily isn't easy either. It takes courage to deal with issues that are not relevant to 'traditional' families. It takes patience, trust in my Lord, humbleness....did I say patience?

More than anything, COURAGE means that I have to LET GO.

That is what courage means to me!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

P.S. Check out the link for (in) courage--it's on the toolbar on the left! Or go to: http://www.incourage.me/

"Not Me" Monday!

(I've never done this before--how exciting!)

This is a game that MckMamma created so that we can all have the opportunity to

'voice' our mistakes/mishaps.....do I really want to join???

SURE! Why not??

Here it goes....

~I did NOT eat a huge chocolate chip cookie and a handful of Bugles last night at the Loscher's home. NO way...not after doing so well eating healthy for these past 3 weeks. Not me!

~I did not get to work today, set up my station and cringe when I saw myself on the video phone....I was not horrified by the unsightly cellulite on my upper arms. Nope...it didn't bother me whatsoever.

~I never check on my 6 year old son to see if he is breathing each night....he's too old for me to do that. I'm never paranoid about our kids and their safety!

~I am also not upset about my oldest son going to college in a few weeks. I am CONFIDENT he will always have good food to eat, clean clothes to wear and wonderful, Christian friends to hang out with. I am not concerned about his safety AT ALL.

~I did NOT enjoy singing in the choir at church this past weekend....those people drive me insane! :)

Okay...there you have it. My first "Not Me" Monday entry. That wasn't too tough....all that lying! lol

Next time, I'm sure I will have more to offer.

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

The Days of Our Lives

And these...are the days of our lives! (At least, most recently!)

*No more training wheels! Yep--Gabe and Jordan are riding fancy and free these days! Here is a proud Gaby with Mark a few weeks ago.

NOTE: As I attempt to write this post, I seem to be unable to format it to my liking--UGH! Well, anyway, I'll explain the pictures in the awkward way! (Everytime I post a picture, it moves everything around!)

*Those huge inflatable balls? Alyssa and Sam are in there. Isn't that a strange toy? We had a lot of fun at Mark's brother's lake house a few weeks ago...all kinds of things to do!

*Those bikers are Alex and Mark. The past several months have been filled with biking trails, getting muddy and spending ungodly amounts of money on bicycles and parts! But...they are having fun! I have even joined in and have been riding my bike a few times a week. We have ventured out with all the kids a few times as well.....do you know how difficult it is to tote 9 bicycles in two cars?? It's insane. Truly.

*Just for fun, I gave Gabe a mohawk a week or so ago. He looks adorable :)

Jordan was really digging it and wanted to get chopped as well, but alas, his mother was not in favor of the drastic change. We respected her wishes and opted for lots of gel and hairspray instead. (another one of those step-family issues....you can't just cut hair whenever you please!).

Their 'after' picture is at the top.

Yeah...so, I posted the pictures with the intent of writing explainations beside (or under) each. I have to figure out how to format this a bit better.

SO...these pictures offer a little insight as to the current "Day's of Our Lives"!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Yipee!

Stellan is feeling better!!! Yipee!

(I hope MckMama doesn't mind that I copy and paste her blog pictures to my blog!!).

Praise God!!

The pic above is of Jules and her friend. It was a birthday surprise! We invited Lindsey secretly to join us at the waterpark. They were wearing the same coverup...very cool :)

The boy in the mask is Josh. We have been swimming a few days a week all summer--all the kids are swimming very well now!

Have a beautiful day!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

"My Father's House"

Alex has been back for a few weeks now....he had a wonderful experience in JAMAICA! It was fun to see his friends from the mission trip come to his graduation party. What a great group of kids!

I thought I would post info on where Alex went. I will try to create a link here!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Stellan

I'm so bummed....Stellan is back in the hospital. This poor baby has a severe heart problem and needs lots of prayer!! I know that very few people read my blog, but if you do---PRAY!!!

I can't imagine....

Dear Lord....please hold Stellan close. Be with his mom and dad. Help them to gain strength from You...strength and hope. Stellan has been holding on for all of these months....keep him strong. Help his heart to stay in perfect rhythm. Be with the Doctors and make them understand what Stellan needs. Give them wisdom dear Lord. This situation is in Your hands. Thank you for hearing our prayers for Stellan.

In Jesus' name, AMEN.

I'll keep you posted. OR, you can visit Mckmama's website....www.mycharmingkids.net.

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

AHHHH!!!!

My current life activity consists of the following...

*Alex's graduation party is in two days. I have not, I repeat, HAVE NOT done much of anything to prepare for this day! My biggest concern is making a photo banner for Alex. That will take some time and effort!!

*My dad is recovering from surgery in the hospital and I have to visit with him and take care of his dog. Unfortunately, I ran off this morning with Dad's house key and Mark could not walk Buddy....he is going to be holding it for awhile while I work and then visit dad today. Poor thing....

*Mark left. He went with his brother Brad to Kentucky for a funeral this morning and will not be back until tomorrow night.

*I MUST send Alex's scholarship checks to MSU today. I must also send copies of financial records to Kentucky Child Support. I don't have time for this today!!!

*I haven't seen my children in two days. Literally. Two days. The next 48 hours do not look very promising either.

*While all this is going on....Sam is at Young Artists Camp at Woodside this week and he needs to be picked up each day at 4:30 p.m. Tonight, Alex and I need to pick up a tent and deliver it to the Harris's for the grad party Saturday. Did I mention it is supposed to rain Saturday??

I'm whiny today...and tired. I haven't slept much. I'm at work, struggling to stay awake!

I started Weight Watchers a week ago. I am bummed because I haven't had any opportunity to excerise in the past two days....I had been doing SO well!!

AHHHHH!!!!!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

All Grown Up

I found this picture on our church website. The kids in the youth group try to find creative ways to present announcements each Sunday....this particular time, Alex and his friend Brad told announcements as though they were heralds of sort, playing fanfare music between each announcement.

He's always doing cool things like that :)

It's a strange time in our home. It feels weird to know that Alex is going to college. Yesterday, we were talking about October 25th....David Crowder will be coming to our church for a concert. I told Alex not to worry, he could come home that weekend and go with us. He said, "Oh yeah. I'll be in college then". It's just weird. Odd. I can't quite grasp it!

When I graduated high school, I absolutely could not WAIT to go to college. I was living with my father at that time, had no real relationship with my mother and I felt excited to be moving on to bigger and better things! I love my father and all, but my stepmother at the time wasn't the nicest person in the world. And we weren't a very close family. I was more than ready to go.

With Alex, it's different. He will be missed. I think Alex is feeling a bit stressed about the impending change as well. I mean, he's excited to go, don't get me wrong, but his emotions seem to be a bit off right now.

I am sure that when he actually goes and settles in, all will be fine. I mean, he is going to be coming back home. And he isn't going to be that far away.

Alex is all grown up.

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

This isn't the family picture I was hoping for!

You know how we were supposed to get a family picture taken? Well...that didn't really happen. Instead, we have this beauty taken from my CELL PHONE!

My friend from work forgot about us that day :( Oh well...I guess we'll have to try again another time.

Mark just took Alex down to Ram's Horn to meet up with the Jamaica mission team. I'm a little worried...I know I shouldn't be, but Alex is still my baby!!!

That's all for now...it's getting close to 3 a.m. and Mark should be home soon.

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July!

We saw fireworks last night. We were joking about them being 4-D---we could hear them, feel them...taste them! Ha! They were literally chunks of firework pieces falling on us! Weird....

But we managed to leave without much harm done. And Josh has more things to add to his collection of 'stuff'. I've never had that happen before!

We had a good time last night. We had Steve and Monica over and they have their 3 adorable kids, all of our kids and then, Rob and Lisa came too...with their daughter, Megan. Mark grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and brauts (spelling?). It was a lot of fun!! I am so thankful that we have friends and there are folks that like to hang out with us :)

Last Saturday, I graduated with my Masters! Praise the Lord! Now, I have a few months before I have to start paying on my loans. That will be a bummer....

I am at work today...yes...on the holiday. We celebrated yesterday, so that is okay. Alex is getting ready to leave on his mission trip. Last Monday, I was walking to the mailbox with Mark and the kids....praying that Alex's passport would be there. It was!!! God answered those prayers for sure. He is set to leave EARLY in the morning. Mark is going to take him to Ram's Horn (a 24-hour restaurant) at 2 a.m. and his flight will leave at 6 a.m.-ish. He is a little nervous, but excited! I'm praying for his safety and for his confidence as he shares the gospel. He is going to present a short message on Sunday at the church that the orphans attend. He will do great, I'm sure!

Everything else is normal....somewhat. We are having a few issues with teenage children and hormones. Yes....it is inevitable I suppose. Mark and I have told the kids that we do not agree with dating or anything associated with dating....until they are at least 16 years old. That's the rule. But a couple of the kids have had a crush and they have contact with their 'significant other' via emails and texts. Not good. When they do that, they are feeding the relationship....and it gets too involved. One of the boys was pretty upset when his 'friend' (they always say, "we're just friends!", don't they? I did!), decided she didn't like him so much that way anymore. We do not need extra drama in the teenage life! That is for sure. The less, the better. SO...Mark is planning to review our terms for dating. Even going with their family somewhere....or the other person joining our family....it's just too much like dating. Thankfully, Alex has succeeded in keeping himself from the drama. We'll see how it goes in college!! Just 6 more teenagers to go through!!!!

Better go for now!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Father's Day, etc.

I'm not exactly sure what to do for Father's Day.... Mark is an incredible dad and I don't think that anything I do will be adequate. I have a plan for the kids to make him a card...which we need to do quickly. And I thought about making quiche for breakfast...which he would really like. But I need to go to the grocery store....and right now, I am working. When I am done working at 7 p.m., I need to get home so we can go visit our friends. We're going to their house to have a bonfire and make smores! When will I go to the grocery store?

What about MY father? Sheesh.

On Monday, we are getting a family picture taken at a local park. My friend at work, she is an amatuer photographer. She took pics for our wedding too. That was the last time the whole family was in some type of formal group shot! Do you know how difficult it is to find clothing for this type of event??? I decided on natural-looking colors....yellows, browns, and orange...then, we could all wear khaki on the bottom (shorts, capris, etc.). I was going to take the two girls to get their hair styled...but I can't find the phone number of the girl who does it out of her home. And I sure can't afford it at the salon! SO....looks like I will be doing hair that day too! Jules is easy...last week, we tried to 'flip up' her ends and it worked! Looked really cute. Alyssa is a different story...she has stubborn hair! I think I'll just try to straighten it and then maybe put a few pins in to keep it out of her face.

I'll post it here after I get copies!

Yeah...so, I am not ready for Father's Day. And Stellan (the baby at the top right of my blog) is sick again and in the hospital. That is frustrating.

Other than that---did I tell you how relieved I am to be DONE WITH STUDENT TEACHING!!!???

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

RELIEF

RELIEF is the one word to describe how I feel after finishing student teaching--that's right--I'm DONE!!! I cannot explain how happy I am to be free from college! I thought student teaching would be different. I was excited about it at first. After a few weeks, I found that it was going to be quite different than what I had imagined! There are a lot of negative topics I could discuss, but ah...it's not worth it.

I have neglected my blog for so long! I know...nobody reads it, but still!

Let's see....instead of elaborating on all that has been happening, I'll do bullet points :)
(okay..so they are asterisks--sue me!)
*Today, I am officially done with my Masters program.
*On June 5th, Alex, the 18 year old son, graduated from high school with honors.
*On June 2nd, Sam, the 13 year old son, sang a solo-"Yesterday" (The Beatles song)-and played guitar at his spring choir concert.
*Alyssa, the 14 year old daughter, started pre-band camp today for marching band. She is officially starting high school!
*On June 27th, I will graduate at Ford Field (I am wearing a hood on my gown!).
*July 5th, Alex leaves for a mission trip to JAMAICA!!
*On July 22nd, we are having Alex's graduation party.

Other than that, there is not much new! Gabe finished Kindergarten and Jordan finished 1st grade. Jules will be going to MIDDLE SCHOOL...which is insane!!! The kids are all moving on up to bigger and better things! Lord...keep them near!!

That is all for now!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Busy Busy!

For the two people that read this Blog (or maybe 3!), I'm sorry I haven't kept up with it much lately! Life is kind of crazy for now...

Stellan, the sick baby boy that I mentioned before, is doing a little better. He still has a major heart problem, but everything is under control for now. Well, God is in control! We're still gonna keep prayin'!

I am just getting over a stomach virus of some sort! I was out for several days....meaning, not functioning well enough to do much of anything. What a pain! Poor Mark. Yesterday morning, I had been up all night (it wasn't pretty) and at 4:30 a.m., I decided I couldn't take it anymore and I asked him to take me to the ER. I really didn't want to do that. I took two bags of fluid though and felt much better. I was dehydrated :(

And the party continues!

Julianna was sick too....she is recovering from bronchitis. Mark's stomach is making funny noises....I hope he doesn't get my sickness!!!

Student teaching is okay. I don't know. I am struggling a little. It will be nice to have this portion complete!

Plus, I don't love English.

I love working with kids.

Maybe I should reconsider!?? Sheesh.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO????!!!!

I am working til' midnight. We are going to try to take the kids to see a movie tomorrow (Monsters & Aliens).

I need to try to get some homework done while I make calls...it can be rather tricky :)

God Bless!

~Bethany :)

Long Time No Post!

Actually, it is going to be even longer before I can post anything of length! Life is still crazy...yep! And it is going to get worse :) That's okay though.

One of my favorite blogs is www.mycharmingkids.net. The sweet lady that writes this blog has a new baby that is struggling with a heart issue. It is quite serious. I am going to put a pic on my sidebar so we can remember to pray for Stellan. He's SO adorable and God has done miraculous healing in his life thus far. We pray that He will continue to allow Stellan to stay with his family and do great things in the future! You can click on his picture there and read updates and so forth.

We are all still plugging along! I have to get back to homework :(

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

BLURBS

Okay...I don't have much time, but I wanted to post a few updates...

First of all, I am EXHAUSTED. I have been student teaching for 8 days. I am now working my 'real job' as I write and I started my class yesterday. Yep. I am physically tired and a bit emotionally tired! But I have decided to 'count it all JOY' -- and I am stickin' to it!

Sam has been on the new meds for a few weeks now. We think it is helping! Still a little too soon to know for sure, but he is much more patient with the other kids and he got a B+ on his last Math quiz.

Mark is now able to type 40 words a minute on his stenograph machine. Now, he needs to up it to about 225 or something crazy like that. He's on his way!!

Did I tell you I am exhausted????

Blessings!

~Bethany

Busy Week!

I made it through ONE WHOLE WEEK of student teaching! Woo hoo! And guess what? I actually taught today :) I taught a room full of 11th graders all about concubines. Can you imagine a better subject?? HA! Actually, it wasn't too bad. I even learned a few things myself :)

I do like it though. I'm getting to know my mentoring teacher better....she is great! I really like her. What a relief!! And I am pretty sure she likes me too, which makes it even better.

I have new information regarding the MEGA Reunion. I sent a group email out to all the members and asked their thoughts about where to have the event. I specifically asked one man, Don, if he knew of a farm (thinking that he may even OWN a farm) and he responded almost immediately. He said he would LOVE to have it at his place! There ya go! I just hope, if there are 600 people there, that we can accommodate!!!

Better go...I'm at work (my 'real' job)!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Student Teaching Update

Hello!

Well, I have been a 'student teacher' for all of TWO days!

Yesterday, my mentoring teacher was absent....which was a little awkward! I sat in the classroom with a sub for the day.

Today was good. I really like my mentoring teacher, Sara. She is quite a bit younger than me as well (no surprise) but we seem to click pretty well. Funny....while I was introducing myself to one of the classes, I told them I have a son that is a Senior there. They thought that was 'cool'. And I added, jokingly, "I know I don't look old enough to have a Senior....". DEAD SILENCE. The poor things didn't know what to say! I shouldn't do that to teenagers....it's not right :)

I am at work now at my 'real job' until 10 p.m. On Thursday, I will go in to the hospital for my 2nd infusion. I am glad because the pain is returning...

I talked with a man from Southland today...you know, the church where I grew up....where we want to have the MEGA Reunion? It appears we need to find a new location. They just don't have events like that on the grounds. SO....I am going to write our Facebook group a note and see what ideas we can come up with.

I'll keep you posted :)

Alex, the oldest, is going on a 4-day trip with school tomorrow....he is in Youth In Government. I suppose he will be doing debates and other political-type duties. I'm sure he will have a good time!

That's all for now....

Blessings!!

~Bethany :)

Quick Notes...

This reunion that must happen....it is definitely going to take a LOT of people pitching in to help!
I made contact with my home church. I thought the best place to have it would be there on the grounds. The person that wrote me said that probably can't happen....I don't understand why. He gave me his phone number, so I am going to call him next week and see how that works. Why couldn't we have it there? Hmmmm....

Gabe is feeling MUCH better :)

Comedy For A Cause was great fun last night! Taylor Mason was there...he is a RIOT. I'll have to see if he is on YouTube.

I had that headache forever it seemed but it finally went away later this morning. Thank the Lord!

OH....we had a rough morning. Sam was scheduled to be in Solo & Ensemble. He's been practicing for weeks with 4 other people in his choir. Well, we went to the school where the event was held and found that we had missed it completely! His group was scheduled for 9:25 a.m. and Sam was sure that his time was 10:45 a.m. It was HORRIBLE!!! We talked to his teacher....she felt so bad. You know, because of Sam's ADHD, he doesn't do well with times. I mean, it is his fault for getting the time wrong, but I should have double checked....I knew that this was a possibility but I wanted to be able to trust Sam to get the right time. What a drag :(
He feels terrible because he didn't get a medal with the rest of the group AND he had a duet with a girl for one song and she ended up singing alone. I felt so badly for him. Why didn't I just double check the time????

That's gonna take a while to get over....

Better go.

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

The Dream ~ MEGA Southland Youth Reunion ~ The Brewster Years

I haven't posted for awhile....I've been busy with poor Gabe. He is better now :) I took him to the Dr. and they did a blood test for mono (!) and it came back negative. They also did a urine test, which was fine too. The Dr. concluded that he got a virus on top of the strep. Go figure.

I took him to Disney on Ice last night. Or should I say, he took me? I've always wanted to go! We were up kind of high, in the 'cheap seats', but it was still fun! I'm glad we had the experience but I don't think I'll be going again until I have grandchildren to spoil :)

Something else that has kept me busy the past few days is this grand idea that I have....to create a MEGA youth reunion in 2010 for everyone that went to my home church. Everyone that had Brewster for a youth minister. Brewster McLeod has been on staff at Southland Christian Church since 1979 (he actually started as an intern in 1977 I believe). He ministered to hundreds of 'kids'! I am one of those kids.

SO, I posted a note and created a 'group' on Facebook. I titled it the same title as this post. Around 90 people have joined in just 2 days! It's very exciting!!! Next, I have to set a date....talk to someone from Southland to reserve the grounds and such....I have no idea what I am doing, but I know it must be done!!!

I'll keep you posted :)

I am working for a few hours then heading to church for Comedy for a Cause...which is always a fun-filled evening. Except that I have a headache....which I am praying goes away very soon!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Sickness & Student Teaching

Gabe is sick :(

Remember, I took him to the Dr. last Saturday? The Dr. took one look at his throat and said it was sure to be strep. I started him on the medication...he was better the next day....then, this past Friday night, he climbed into bed early and went to sleep, all on his own! That's not Gabe. Then, yesterday, he got a fever. Last night, I had him sleep with me, just to make sure I could keep watch over him (yes, I am paranoid!). I don't like it when he is sick because it doesn't happen often....and he still has a tough time explaining what hurts. I don't understand how he could be taking an antibiotic and still run a fever. What's up with that?

I guess I will be calling the Dr. tomorrow.

I received confirmation for student teaching! Woohoo! I start March 2nd and will continue until June 5th (which is Alex's graduation day....not sure how that will work!). I'm kind of nervous...this is a whole new adventure!!! I truly have NO idea what I am doing!! I just hope Sara (my mentoring teacher) likes me!!! (I'm so needy, eh??)

Have a blessed evening!!

~Bethany :)

More Snow...

We are getting hit with more snow today. Although it is beautiful, I am sick of it. It took me an hour to get to work....twice as long as normal! At least I got here safely. We will see how it goes at midnight when I try to drive back home!!! UGH.

Mark's birthday went well :) Our friends, Rob and Lisa, came over for dinner. They were entertained by all of our children....at least I hope they considered that entertainment! The lasagna and key lime pie turned out rather nice too. I gave Mark one of those memory foam pillows....and a Bible Explorer CD-Rom....which came in the mail the next day. I think there are a lot of different translations of the Bible on it or something...I'm not sure! Mark said he had wanted it so I ordered it for him from CBD (Christian Book Distributers).

Rob and Lisa brought him a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee...a new coffee cup, and a book. Funny, Mark didn't drink coffee before he met me! I've ruined him!

Yesterday, I took 3 of our brood to catch a bus from church to a winter retreat. Our church was kind enough to give us scholarships so they could attend. So, Alex, Sam and Alyssa should be enjoying a day full of tubing, rock wall climbing and worship. The camp where they went looked beautiful from what I saw online. I hope Alyssa is making some friends...she struggles in that department...the social department. I hope she grows out of it. Anyway, we will get a report sometime tomorrow evening!

I went in for my infusion this past Thursday. I can't really tell if it did anything or not. It may take a few time before I see a major difference. It took 3 hours!

More news later...gotta work!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Gloom...

I don't know why....

I feel very gloomy. The past few days, I'm just not myself.

I guess it could be the weather. It's February....cold, rainy, snowy....the opposite of what I would prefer! Maybe I am frustrated with my RA. My body doesn't feel that great. I am getting my first infusion tomorrow morning and have mixed feelings....I mean, I am happy that this is an option. I am concerned about side-effects.

Tomorrow is Mark's birthday and I am planning to make lasagna and key lime pie :) That is, if the infusion doesn't do anything weird to me! I really don't believe it will....but still.

Maybe I am feeling sorry for myself!! I shouldn't. God has blessed me more than I deserve.

I am almost done with work. I am going to Target to print off some photos from a disk. I told Jordan we would scrapbook sometime this weekend.....maybe that will boost my spirits!

Blessings!!

~Bethany :)

President's Day

Well, today is apparently 'President's Day'.

My kids are off of school today and tomorrow....my stepkids are off ALL week. The stepkids have a dental appointment today....so Mark took them there and their mom is supposed to meet him. Mark has class tonight, so we really can't keep the kids since he will not be home. We will probably get them back by Wednesday or so....

Seems we are always trying to arrange schedules--I suppose that is normal for any family!

Mark's birthday is Thursday. He will be 37. I am a year and 5 months older than him, so for a few months now, I will appear to only be one year older :) I can't believe I will be 39 this year!
UGH. Anyway, I am not sure what to do for Mark's big day.... I ordered him something online, but I have a bad feeling it won't arrive in time. Either way, all of us will be together and cake will be made....ice cream will be served! Possibly lasagna :) (Mark's favorite)

I found another new friend on Facebook! Her name is Kelly and we were friends in 8th-10th grade. We had some fun times together! She lives in Texas now. We are attempting to catch up, but there is so much time to cover! I'm sure we are both much different than we were last time we chatted....time truly changes us. We will see!

I'm feeling ill-ish today......I am SO ready to have treatments again. I mean, I am scared of the side-effects, but it doesn't really matter anymore. I talked to the Rheumatologist this morning and I am set for an infusion this Thursday morning (Mark's birthday!). We'll have to pray that my body receives it well!!!

Since Mark has class tonight, I am going to try to spend some time with the boys. Maybe eat out...go shopping? I checked the movie listing and there isn't anything they all would like.

My friend at work gave me a Kohl's card with $45 on it! That is SO helpful since Alex is going on a 3 day trip in a few weeks....he is involved with Youth In Government and will be mentored by a Senator! He really needed some new pants and a button-down. God just keeps blessing me!!!

I better go! Almost time to leave work!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I hope everyone was able to eat CHOCOLATE today :)

Mark gave me a really beautiful, fragrant, purple flower (a Hyacinth?). He also gave me some chocolate...special, fancy mint M & M's and Starbucks truffles of some sort....very yummy! And a sweet card of course...he always knows just what to say! I am very blessed to have such a wonderful husband...I know that sounds corny, but it is the complete TRUTH! I just gave him lots of candy :)

There wasn't much time to prepare for Valentine's Day this year. Sheesh. What a week.

THEN...to make matters worse, Gabe got sick! Mark had to pick him up from school yesterday because he had thrown up :( I took him into the Dr.'s this morning....strep throat again!! This is the 3rd time this school year. I think some parents are allowing their wee ones to go to Kindergarden sick.

So, yesterday, Mark's ex wasn't feeling so well either. It sounded like she was coming down with a stomach flu...which is not good...since the kids could all get hit with it. We decided NOT to pick up the kids last night due to their mom's mystery sickness and Gabe's. This morning, we checked on the ex and she was still feeling bad, but the kids seemed fine....although we still had the issue with Gabe. When we found out it was strep, we still thought it best to not pick up the kids....since he will be contagious until he's on medication for 24 hours.

Here I am...working a few hours, while Mark and my boys are home. It's so weird because, on Saturdays, the house is always bustling with all our 7 kids! And today, it was so very quiet.

Maybe we will get them tomorrow...

Spring cannot come fast enough!!

Again, Happy Valentine's Day--I pray you feel loved today!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

HOPE Does Not Disappoint!

Romans 5
Peace and Joy

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

I am at work today....

I have to admit, I am not feeling all that well. I woke up at 3 a.m.(or was it 4?) with some significant pain in my wrist. I am SO scared that pain will hit me again! So, Mark got me some medicine. I was able to sleep until 7:30 or so. I've been working for almost 2 1/2 hours....it isn't unbearable, but I am struggling.

I was reading the selection above this morning. I've read it many times. It never gets old! I love where it says that hope does not disappoint us....God has poured His love into us!

There is a much bigger picture than what we see here on this ol' Earth!

Whatever you are struggling with...physically, emotionally...let us HOPE. We won't be disappointed! We are LOVED!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

Notes From The Hospital Bed

Hello!

Yes, I am still here!

Before I explain the reason in greater detail, I would like to mention that I finally set up the link to serious.life magazine on my link bar to the right. Check it out! The little girl on this month's cover is fighting Leukemia...she is 4 and is just the sweetest thing. We are praying for her to get through a frightful round of chemo...she is suffering, but hanging on.

And here I am...in the hospital for something not so serious (or it would seem). Yes, it could be serious....but the worse result would be to lost my wrist joint. And I doubt that will happen since I am getting injected with two very strong antibiotics.

Let me go back to the beginning of this adventure! At approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, I woke up from a sound sleep to an excruciating pain. I've never felt this type of pain before. It was in my right wrist. Now, for a few years now, my RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) has been aggressive in attacking my wrists, so I do have pain and swelling...but nothing like this! After trying to fend it off with steroids and a pain pill, it was obvious that it wasn't going to go away. Somehow, Mark got me into the car (apparently, I passed out twice on the way!), we left Alex in charge of the kids (all 7 were home!) and were on our way. I cannot explain this pain. I would rather have given birth to 10 babies in one day that endure that again---I mean it!

The ER Dr. took a biopsy of my swollen wrist (again, excruciating!) and sent it off to the lab. In the meantime, I was admitted and given pain meds and antibiotics. By 7 p.m. that evening, I was feeling MUCH better. Not perfect, but good! I didn't need pain medicine. I thought..."Oh, I bet I will only have to stay here one night". Didn't happen! See, my white blood cell count was 23000 (or 23) when I arrived to the ER. The next morning, it was at 19. Now, it is around 16.3. A 'normal' count is anywhere from 4-10. I am not in the normal range, so they are making me stay.

The biopsy is still negative....so there doesn't appear to be an infection. So, why is my white blood cell count still high? Is that 'normal' for me? Because of the RA? Because I haven't had my injections in almost a month? These are all questions that we do not know the answer.

Basically, I am doing okay. I am just waiting! I will miss 3 days of work. I miss being home. I miss the kids. I have too much to do to be here! BUT, I do not want pain like that again. How can I prevent this?

What will likely happen is that I will have to start taking an infusion-type drug instead of the injections. These infusions take about a 1/2 hour and I think I have to start off going to the hospital every two weeks. There are worse side-effects with these types of drugs, so I will have to be careful.

I was never sick until this hit! Oh well. Poor little Abby....think of all the children that fight life threatening diseases every day....how can I complain??

I'll keep ya posted.

Blessings!

~Bethany :)

*P.S. My roomie is gone. I'll have to tell you about her on another post!