Quick update...

My Grandma has her 1st test (stress test) scheduled for this Monday and then the bone marrow test scheduled for the 10th. They originally wanted to do both on the same day, but the unit supervisor called her yesterday to let her know that it would be way too much radiation in her body to do both too close together. She will not have the standard treadmill stress test. I guess there is a chemical way to bring your heart rate up and down. Technology is so bizarre. As of yesterday the place doing the colonoscopy still had not gotten the orders from the dr. doing the surgery that they needed to fit her in asap. The plan is still before Christmas for everything. She had asked the dr. again at her appointment on Wed. if she could wait until after Christmas. He strongly advised against it. After a conversation with my Uncle and Aunt...it seems she has resigned herself to the fact that it is better to follow his orders and not wait. She is so grateful that there are so many people praying for her, even those she doesn't know...and she told me last night that she believes in miracles and is going to try and not let it bother her too much.

This weekend brings us an indoor game tonight and birthday party sleep over for Isaiah, 8th grade reunion party for Jordyn, basketball tournament for Elijah, Teen MOPS Christmas party for me and prison for Marlon. Just a couple of things...lol. Somewhere in there I am getting out my Christmas stuff!!

Have a wonderful weekend! It's a good weekend for cocoa and jammies!!

Prayer please.........

Please pray for my Grandma, Amelia Calderon. She asked tonight that I get this out to as many people as possible for prayer. She went for MRA results today for a mass on her kidney. She had to have my aunt tell me, but the dr. believes the tumor to be cancerous and wants it removed asap. Because of her diabetes, the dr. has several tests that need to be done first--just to be proactive in case when they go in they need to take one of her kidneys. She asked to wait until after Christmas--the dr. said no. She is really afraid. I've only ever seen my Grandma cry from sadness/fear very, very few times so it was hard to see. She actually said that if she had a choice between surgery and only 5 years left on earth she'd take the 5 years. She has always been someone who prays and talks to God---but I don't think she is in that place for herself right now.

Please pray for her to rely on God in this. For all of us to be a support for her and not to fall apart as we find out more. Pray for wisdom for her doctors and also clarity as they explain things to her. Pray for me to be strong and supportive for my family--much of whom are not believers.

Thanks. It means a lot to be able to get this out to you and know that there are people who will pray for her.

Date Nite Update!!

So if you're interested, here's the updated info for the date night Marlon and I will be speaking at. Click here> January 19th Date Nite

Would love to see you there!!

It will be a fun night with great food and music and probably a few funny stories from Marlon and I!

It's here!!

Christmas season is officially here! :) I love this time of year as I've said before, but now that Thanksgiving has passed I can celebrate it, sing carols and put up decorations without my husband thinking I'm crazy...lol!! Saturday was another low key day and I almost contemplated getting the decorations out, but I was so enjoying just being lazy and hanging out with Marlon and the boys that I didn't even have the energy. It was nice to just sit and relax. Isaiah did have a basketball game and it was so fun for the boys because two of the staff from Camp Vertical last year came to the game and then took the boys out for ice cream afterwards. Ellie is a total sports girl and so they of course think she's awesome--plus she is just hilarious. Ilisa is a hoot too and Isaiah thinks she is just beautiful...so of course he was grinning from ear to ear and blushing all day. That I think is one of the best after effects from Camp---meeting such great, positive young people. It's so easy in our society to always focus on sex crazed, drinking, partying young college students and think that is all they are in their late teens and young 20s...these two young ladies are great reminders that there is more than that out there.
Sunday my cousin and her husband had their son Tomas dedicated. Such a sweet ceremony. It was exciting for me to see some of my family there and his as well. There is strong catholic tradition in my family---even though there is not true relationship with Christ or even connection to a church---that baptism is often seen as what you need to do for your child to go to heaven. This is such a misconception. The bible is clear that baptism is not a necessary to have salvation and does not state that this is necessary at birth or infancy...to the contrary--when it's talked about the individuals are grown. Anyway.....back to what I was saying.....it was great for some of my family to see that it wasn't any strange cult experience.
Today I am excited because I see joy in my husband's eyes for the first time in a longgggggggggg time. While's he's been coming out of his funk for the last few months...today was the first time that he has some pep in his step and joy in his eyes. We had a great talk last night on the way home from prison, he had a great talk with his mentor and friend, Doug and has made some concrete decisions regarding school/ministry/travel for 2008 so that's good. By Jan 2009 he plans to be DONE with school. This will take focus, committment and attention to schoolwork as a job---not something that is fit into the schedule but truly a part of his work day. We know it is a necessary step that he must complete for him to move onto the next steps that God has planned for us. It is not enough for him to want to finish school. As a family we need to give it the importance it deserves and help him, allow him to stay on task. As a wife I must encourage rather than discourage, build up rather than tear down, believe in rather than doubt. He's practical and I'm spiritual. That's how we are and Doug told him this morning, that it sounds like we're a great match for each other to balance each other out. :) I agree.

Could it be a relaxing Friday?????????

What a great day so far. Got to sleep in (9:00!!!) and then got up and made breakfast for the boys and Marlon. (Jordyn went to her daddy's for Thanksgiving and is staying through the weekend---while I do miss her when she's gone--I know that she loves spending time there and never want her to feel like she's doing something wrong by choosing to go there instead of staying home.)
We all vegged on the couch watching Ninja Warrior and then Izzy and I headed to Wal-Mart to get his friend a gift, after which I dropped him off at the party. Marlon left at 2:30 with Elijah to the basketball tournament at Arrowhead, I went to snag Izzy from the party and now we'll leave at 5:15 for Isaiah's indoor soccer game...lol. Kind of busy middle and end of the day, but I think the relaxing morning is making it not seem so hectic.

Yesterday was a load of fun. I just really enjoy holidays with our family. We left about noon and got home about 10:30pm. Again--I hope you all had fun with your family and friends as well!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In the midst of pain there is laughter
In the midst of frustration there is tenderness
In the midst of fear there is comfort
In the midst of life---there must be thanksgiving.

I love this time of year as it runs into Christmas. There is something powerful that affects me greatly. My childhood memories of this time of year are very happy--so I know that has something to do with it...but since becoming a Christian it means even more. Part of my love also comes from knowing that this is a raw time of year for many people and they are open to hearing the gospel and accepting kindness and love in ways they aren't during the rest of the year.

He is Creator of all. He is the beginning and the end. He always sees the big picture and always has our best interest in mind. He will always be our rock and shield. He expects us to do great things and rejoices with us when we make good decisions and turn from sin. He gives and takes away.

Things I am Thankful For: My Salvation---that He cared enough for me to lay down His life so that I might live eternally with Him in Heaven. My husband---while we drive each other crazy at times, he is my forever love. My children---their laughter, their love of life, their joy...My family---we are so close and each has such a special place/relationship. That my needs are met on a daily basis. That I have gifts I can use to help others know about Christ. That He loves me!!!.........

Couldn't we all go on and on and on and on....yes we could. On the flip side, I have to challenge myself not to allow myself to become complacent and live in a bubble where because I am thankful for those things...I forget that there is a whole big world out there that doesn't enjoy those things...that doesn't have the hope of a future...that doesn't know the freedom they can have in Christ. For me, this is easy to remember because my first mission field is my extended family. Let me never become complacent in my joy of Christ. Let me never be selfish with my thankfulness.

Enjoy your day today, however you "celebrate". Take a minute to really, really thank God!!

Much love :)

A little of this and that.......

So I haven't really had a chance yet to share the amazing day we had on Sat. So I'll do that now.

As part of Harvest Fest at Elmbrook, the "Kids Fest" always chooses a ministry to sponsor and gather donations for. This year, a great local mission was chosen, John Ross Ministries. If you've never heard of it, it's run by Maurice and Deborah Ross. This "church on wheels" goes to area parks, churches and parking lots and offers everything from food to testimonies to necessities to evenagelizing. We were going to assist with their Thanksgiving Outreach, that was going to be held in conjunction with World Outreach Center. After discussion, the Kids Fest team decided to not just support by sending donations, but also open up invitation to Elmbrook families to come and partner with JR Ministries and World Outreach Center on the day of the event. Wonderfully, 15 families stepped forward to help. I must say that I was a little worried that nobody would see value in this. There is that fear of Milwaukee, there is fear of being with a lot of black people. Let's not mince words here. (Like I ever do that...lol) So it was refreshing and promising to see families step out of their comfort zone to do something totally new. Children's Ministry has not done something like this before. The gathering of donations for places in Milwaukee-yes. The driving together to deliver the items-yes. But the joining together with the body of Christ to reach people for Christ-no. I was so excited.
Due to a basketball tournament, only Izzy was able to come with me...but we had an amazing time. It really recharged me and reinforced how much I miss the city. I miss messy ministry where everything is not so poised and polished. I miss the energy that comes from different folks with different points of view and different stories to tell. It really was wonderful and I hated to leave.
I see more and more how bridges are needed to join together groups that I love so. I love the friends and much of what I've experienced here at Elmbrook. But what I don't see is a lot of partnering with ministries in the city. We are all the body of Christ. It's mine and Marlon's heart cry that there would be no color boundaries in worshipping Christ. (now I'm not talkin' about music here---ALL aspects of worship) That we could unite in bringing the gospel to those who need it and all see our place in that.
A little off topic...My friend made a great point that poor does not mean sin. Without coming right out and saying that...I think that's what many people think. Like those living in desperate financial situations are there simply because of their own sin. While this can be the case at times...there are also many, many other reasons that people are poor. And it doesn't matter ANYWAY. Think of the revival and redemption that can occur when someone is extended love, acceptance and the mercy of Christ. When someone understands for the first time that their circumstance is only temporary and that eternal life in Christ is waiting for them...oh how joyous that is!

ok---lol---back to Sat. Anyway, there's great commentary on this event on a new missions blog that has been started, The Borderless Journey. If you've ever been interested in what missions is, why people care so much about it, how you might fit into it...check it out!!

On a 2nd note, please pray for my Grandma. During a CT scan of her chest area (where they found a small tear in her esophagous) they also discovered a mass on her kidney. She is having an MRA done today so they can figure out what's up. She's already digging her feet in that if they say she needs surgery she is not going to have it. Ay yi yi--that woman. So pray that whatever they find---she is open to accept help. He is God of all---even her kidney and no request is too large for Him.

Anway---have a good day!

Four Things.....

Here we go again....somebody stop me!!! (not really....lol)

Four jobs I've had:
1. I worked as a cashier at Pick N Save all through high school.
2. I was an Activity Aide at Bethesda Lutheran Homes in Watertown with developmentally disabled adults. LOVED THAT JOB!
3. Case worker for W2 in Milwaukee. Had many different "titles" and actually worked for three different agencies but this was my job from 95' to 02'. Sometimes I really miss those relationships.
4. Independant Living Specialist. Worked for 2 1/2 years with the foster care system in Milwaukee, helping youth that were aging out of foster care. The most heart wrenching job I probably will ever have.

Four Movies I can Watch Over and Over: (I love movies--so I can actually watch a lot more than four...but these are four of my favorites)
1) Grease
2) Halloween
3) The Color Purple
4) Elf

Four TV Shows I Love To Watch
1) Survivor
2) The Amazing Race
3) American Idol
4) Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Four places I've been on vacation
1) Orlando, FL
2) Wilderness in WI Dells....oh my goodness we love that place!
3) Chico, CA (for my cousin's wedding, but still a vacation)
4) Mexico City

Four tunes that get stuck in my head fairly often:
1) Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
2) Still Not a Playa
3) I am Telling You (for some reason I sing this non stop at work...lol)


Four Favorite Dishes
1) Fried Chicken
2) Grandma Nickel's casserole
3) my mom's tuna fish casserole----ooooo, it's so good!!
4) any mexican dish

Four Websites I Visit Daily
1) Facebook
2) my blog
3) Amy's blog
4) Beth's blog

Four Books I Love. (ok--i'm doing other than the bible here)
1) Bridge to Terabithia
2) Renewal on the Run by Jill Briscoe
3) all of the Little House on the Prairie books
4) The Fire that Ignites: Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Four Places I'd Rather Be
1) snuggled in bed with Marlon
2) on a cruise
3) worshipping at Nairobi Chapel
4) the Wilderness with Marlon and the kids

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging.
1) Amy
2) Beth
3) Michelle
4) Any of you phantom readers out there who read my blog :)

Now off to gather all of our warm stuff for the parade. We've already got the chairs set up, but we need to gather the blankets, hats, etc.

Have a good, warm evening. Much love!

Gotta brag just a bit...

Ok. Gonna do that braggin' momma thing a bit. Forgive me.

Report cards. As I posted on Wed. Jordyn continues to excel and is such an amazing student. She really loves learning and is a very conscientious student. The boys often do well...but this time around...

Izzy---all 3s and 4s---teacher comment: Izzy is off to a great start in 3rd grade. He is a pure joy to have in class!

Elijah---all As and Bs---teacher comment: Elijah has done a great job this quarter. He has worked hard on a writing piece for our Writer's Workshop. He likes to participate well during discussions. He is well prepared for reading discussion times. Elijah did a very good job on his Leaf Project for Science.

Isaiah---all As and Bs---teacher 1 comment: What a nice young man, a pleasure to have in class. I like his effort and attitude=both top-notch.
teacher 2 comment: Isaiah without a doubt is one of my favorite students I've ever had in my seventeen years of teaching. His effort is great and he's very respectful and helpful, hard qualities to find in a boy at times. If he continues this way he'll have a very bright future ahead for himself. Thanks for being a great role model for the other students Isaiah!

Words can't express. I pray that God continues to protect them and guide them. And yes---it brought tears to this mommies eyes.

Okay....I think I'm addicted....lol

ok. so these questionairre memes are hilarious to me for some reason. also, they serve as a mindless outlet when i have a little time to waste and don't want to catch up on laundry!!

My dream house could be described as: anyone that's paid off!! lol

My mother once: had a humongous ice ball fall on her from a super tall building in downtown Milwaukee

I wish our president: would just be left alone

A million dollars would best be used: donating a lot, paying for a bunch of college tuitions, funding dozens of trips to other countries and never having to work again

In ten years I will be: 46. wow.

My favorite age was/is __ because: oh--I've loved so many ages. 10 cause I had some great friends in 5th grade, 18 cause I LOVED my freshman year of college, early 20s cause I had sooo much fun, was a new mommy and finished college, and now because I'm so much more settled in life than I've ever been

If I could just kiss: Marlon without having a kid hanging all over us...lol

Myspace would be better if: ?? think it's fine

If I could rid the world of one living thing it would be: after seeing the Bee movie, I guess nothing cuz it was a good reminder that there's a reason for every living thing---sappy I know----so sue me...lol

At Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts I normally order: caramel frapiccino

The best dream I ever had involved: can't say. young ones may read this :)

My favorite photograph: one of the four kids right after izzy was born. they look soooo cute!

The most recent phone call I received: Marlon just called like 5 minutes ago

I could only compare the feeling of being loved to: being loved?

When I hear the word 'eject' I automatically think of: a CD player

I never want to die by: car accident

If I was ever accused of a crime I didn't commit: I'd do a lot of praying

The most fun I ever had was: when Marlon and I first met and I went down to visit him in North Carolina

I want to visit ____ because: Israel....there's so many things I want to see

If I could travel back in time I would: try to talk my Grandfather out of killing himself

The smell of ____ reminds me of: metal....reminds me of my daddy coming home from the factory when I was a little girl

12879862 + 2908282 = 15788144 (no clue if this is right---did it in my head)

In my favorite book, the main character: is a little girl with an amazing personality who helps a young boy get through a really rough time in his life---and then she dies

Five songs that would be on the soundtrack of my life would be: Tenderoni, Do You Remember Me, When I Think About the Lord, Dancing Queen, Ain't No Rock

I once ate: fish eyes.

I will never ever: do that again......lol

When I was nine years old, I learned: that sometimes your dad will call you out at home plate even when you are safe...lol

If my house was burning down, one thing I would grab would definitely be: well, other than my family....nothing. honestly---i'd just be out.

I will always regret: how wild I got at Whitewater

I am currently: completing a survey

One Halloween, I: never really did anything too outlandish on Halloween

The best gift I ever gave to someone was: scrapbooks I made for my Grandma, parents and sister

My best friend: has changed through out the years

The worst day I ever had in school: in 9th grade when I started getting so sick of ppl talking about the way I dressed...just that whole time was hard---even though I did love school

I love: my kids

This one time I was at the beach and: my friend and I fell asleep and I got sooooo red (in Mexico)

Piercings are: sexy

Music is a/an _____ part of my life. important

If marijuana was legalized: I'd have a lot of happy cousins!

I once tried to: yodel

The one person I can always count on would be: God

Winter is: fun except for driving in the snow

At 2:00pm I am usually: am working

My dream job: would be to have no job...lol...just volunteer for all of the things I love to do

The last thing that goes through my mind before I fall asleep: wow--it's late

I was once dared to: run around our dorm in my skibbies. and yes, I did it.

There should be a holiday for: moms that need just one day to themselves

If I could speak another language fluently it would be: spanish

My father once: drove all the way up north to pick me up in the middle of the night from my Grandma's house because I was lonely and had tummy pains. (i was pregnant with Jordyn)

The best ten seconds of my life: right after pushing out a baby :)

My bedroom is missing: curtains

Wal-Mart is: a life saver

The most over-used phrase would have to be: whateva

I am addicted to: food

I am guilty of: gossipping

I wish I never said: oh boy---if I had a nickel for all of things I could fill in there!!!

One CD I could listen to on repeat without skipping tracks would be: Silk

If a day was 35 hours long instead of 24: that would be great!

Next summer I will: be able to relax much more

Before I die, I have to: nothing I HAVE to do....what I'd LIKE to do is climb to the top of a mountain