Well, 24 hours ago my life changed. During dinner, a mighty good dinner I might add, I had an episode. At least, that is what we call it. My vision became tunnel, my heart began to race and I thought I could fall over at any moment. I made it to my blood pressure machine to see what was going on. All the while the family is in disarray.
My blood pressure was 135/101 and my pulse was 165. I thought my heart was going to leap from my chest. I was in distress. Mark called someone to watch the boys. Oh, in the meantime of the episode. Stephen came over and began to vomit. He has had the stomach virus since last Saturday. We are one of the lucky ones to have the 7-10 day virus.
So, after working out a few details, Mark and I went to the ER on base. I was able to get in quite quickly and hooked up to monitors and oxygen. I thought I must look horrible. They ran a test on my upper body to look for blood clots. I didn't have one. They also ran a few blood and urine tests.
I praise God because the baby is good and I do not have preeclampsia. However, they are uncertain what is wrong. One theory is that I had a small blood clot that went through my lungs.
I am feeling well and my blood pressure and pulse are back to normal of 105/70 pulse 85. I am grateful for the ability to maneuver around.
I did see my ob/gyn today. I go on Monday to a cardiologist to do further evaluation. I did get to see our sweet baby on the screen. She/he was moving everywhere and playing with her/his hair and sucking her/his thumb. Sounds like a girl to me, but the umbilical cord was in the way and Mark could not tell. Sounds even more like a little girl to me.
So, please pray for me as I work through the situation and assimilate the images and feelings. I pray that I would not live in fear, but take full joy in every day stuff. Thank you Jesus that you did not fall off your throne the moment I became sick. He is still there and comforts my family through the trials and joy of this pregnancy.
I will try to keep you updated...Super Momma
Family of Warriors
Friday 27 February 2009
Thursday 26 February 2009
Micah and Stephen Update
I wanted to take some time out this morning to say thank you for all your prayers. I have been very blessed by them.
Micah is much better this morning. He woke up once last night, but went quickly back to sleep in his OWN bed. I praise God because Micah's bowels are not running anymore. I am thankful to God for the person who created the new rotovirus vaccine that he received as a small baby. It really does diminish the symptoms. He is still running a low fever and of course wants to be held today. I can deal with those symptoms fairly easy...I just might loose my ever loving mind though! However, at least I won't get sick with him.
Stephen is still suffering from running bowels and not eating much. We are watching his intake of liquids and he seems to be okay there. However, he is still running a low fever and is very irritable.
Once, again thanks for your prayers and concern. Kaleb and Joshua are doing well and have enjoyed the extra TV watching. Today is tough because I feel better (thanks to more sleep) which leads to less TV and more school. Poor boys!
Thanks for praying,
Super Momma
Micah is much better this morning. He woke up once last night, but went quickly back to sleep in his OWN bed. I praise God because Micah's bowels are not running anymore. I am thankful to God for the person who created the new rotovirus vaccine that he received as a small baby. It really does diminish the symptoms. He is still running a low fever and of course wants to be held today. I can deal with those symptoms fairly easy...I just might loose my ever loving mind though! However, at least I won't get sick with him.
Stephen is still suffering from running bowels and not eating much. We are watching his intake of liquids and he seems to be okay there. However, he is still running a low fever and is very irritable.
Once, again thanks for your prayers and concern. Kaleb and Joshua are doing well and have enjoyed the extra TV watching. Today is tough because I feel better (thanks to more sleep) which leads to less TV and more school. Poor boys!
Thanks for praying,
Super Momma
Wednesday 25 February 2009
Prayer Requests
Dear Family and Friends,
I could use some prayers right now. On Saturday, Stephen woke up in the middle of the night vomiting. However, we assumed he had food poisoning because of already having the virus run through our home. Well, this is Wednesday and he is still having issues with his bowels. We are able to keep him hydrated and hoped that it would end soon.
We were wrong. Micah woke up last night and began to vomit every 20-30 min. Not easy for a small tike. Nor for a Momma who gets sick easily and did! Poor Daddy. Did I tell you he is the Incredible Hunk?
Well, I am requesting prayer for Micah. He now has the watery bowels. It is easy to become dehydrated here because of the high altitude. We are taking steps to help prevent dehydration, but could use the healing touch of our Master.
Could you please pray for us as we battle this virus. Pray for strength and encouragement. Pray that I don't get it again. I have already been to the hospital on two separate occasions to get rehydrated and it is hard on our family. Please pray for Kaleb and Joshua to stay healthy. Pray for Mark for strength as he has gone without sleep and has no room for rest to the weary.
Thank you for your prayers in advance.
Much love to each of you,
Susan (aka Super Momma)
I could use some prayers right now. On Saturday, Stephen woke up in the middle of the night vomiting. However, we assumed he had food poisoning because of already having the virus run through our home. Well, this is Wednesday and he is still having issues with his bowels. We are able to keep him hydrated and hoped that it would end soon.
We were wrong. Micah woke up last night and began to vomit every 20-30 min. Not easy for a small tike. Nor for a Momma who gets sick easily and did! Poor Daddy. Did I tell you he is the Incredible Hunk?
Well, I am requesting prayer for Micah. He now has the watery bowels. It is easy to become dehydrated here because of the high altitude. We are taking steps to help prevent dehydration, but could use the healing touch of our Master.
Could you please pray for us as we battle this virus. Pray for strength and encouragement. Pray that I don't get it again. I have already been to the hospital on two separate occasions to get rehydrated and it is hard on our family. Please pray for Kaleb and Joshua to stay healthy. Pray for Mark for strength as he has gone without sleep and has no room for rest to the weary.
Thank you for your prayers in advance.
Much love to each of you,
Susan (aka Super Momma)
Thursday 19 February 2009
Darkness
I didn't know what to expect when I was pregnant with my first son, Kaleb. I was amazed at how elated I was and how good I felt. Until that frightful day, I was sick and it would not go away. It lasted for about 28 weeks. The days gradually got better, but the nights were still horrible. It was a dark time in my life. I hated that I could not make my bed, cook dinner, or even be the wife my husband deserved! It was a dark time in my life and my marriage. It was by the grace of God that we survived those weeks.
The next pregnancy was not easy, but easier and I could deal with it better. I thought I had the 'hang' of this thing. Joshua came and it was a cinch for the most part. Stephen, my 3rd pregnancy, was hard but manageable. I was on good drugs and they worked!
My fourth pregnancy was tough, but loosing the twins was tougher. So, the 'morning sickness' was overshadowed by great sorrow and despair.
Micah, my fifth pregnancy, was easy compared to the later. I did get sick the last part of the 1st trimester, but I was glad to be with child.
Now, I am pregnant for the sixth time. 'It has been tough' is an understatement. I have lived in a deep darkness since December. I am just starting to see light.
In the darkness, I was left to my self. Not a good thing. I was stuck with laying on the couch or laying in bed. I was glad to sleep--it was my relief from the complete nausea and headache from the high blood pressure. I was in utter dismay.
I lost all my 'normalcy!' ---I know normal is just a setting on the dryer! Anyways, I didn't do anything normal anymore. I couldn't change a diaper without getting sick. I couldn't make dinner. I didn't make my bed! I was in complete darkness from my normal life. I no longer woke up before my family to spend quality time with my God. I no longer cleaned the house before my children stirred! I was not myself. I was living a life that was just trying to survive. To say I was miserable would be an understatement. I was living with myself and I didn't even like me.
Gratefully, God lives in the darkness. He walked with me in the fire. He kept whispering to me the miracle that was within me. He kept me focused on the prize.
Mark, was gracious and knew the awesomeness of the task. He gave me the gift of time to make it through the darkness. He took over all the roles and worked from home to make sure I was okay! Then he had his Mom come out and help. She made dinner, washed clothes and watched grand kids as I began to slowly heal.
My darkness was only a portion of my life. It was overwhelming. It brought me to the core of who I was. I realized that I was horrible without God. My good works were like 'filthy rags'. It made me realize the power of grace and the gift it is to all who accept it. I was amazed at how vast God loves me and my family. I was grateful for His care of my family. I cried out to God and He heard my cry for help.
A verse that has brought comfort since my Mother's death is Psalms 71: 20-21.
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again, from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again."
"He restores my soul." Psalms 23:3
Also, I was reminded of a quote my Mother use to say during tough times. She was an optimistic person about people, life and old houses. She could always find the good. She use to say that the darkest night would be followed by the brightest morning. She was right. The darkness of the beginning of this pregnancy has ended in the brightest morning. I can feel the baby faintly. I hear the joy in the boys' voices over their elation of having another baby. I see the sparkle in Mark's eyes as he talks of holding this baby and loving this precious one. I remember what an awesome task that I have been given as well as 'my gift' from God.
The next pregnancy was not easy, but easier and I could deal with it better. I thought I had the 'hang' of this thing. Joshua came and it was a cinch for the most part. Stephen, my 3rd pregnancy, was hard but manageable. I was on good drugs and they worked!
My fourth pregnancy was tough, but loosing the twins was tougher. So, the 'morning sickness' was overshadowed by great sorrow and despair.
Micah, my fifth pregnancy, was easy compared to the later. I did get sick the last part of the 1st trimester, but I was glad to be with child.
Now, I am pregnant for the sixth time. 'It has been tough' is an understatement. I have lived in a deep darkness since December. I am just starting to see light.
In the darkness, I was left to my self. Not a good thing. I was stuck with laying on the couch or laying in bed. I was glad to sleep--it was my relief from the complete nausea and headache from the high blood pressure. I was in utter dismay.
I lost all my 'normalcy!' ---I know normal is just a setting on the dryer! Anyways, I didn't do anything normal anymore. I couldn't change a diaper without getting sick. I couldn't make dinner. I didn't make my bed! I was in complete darkness from my normal life. I no longer woke up before my family to spend quality time with my God. I no longer cleaned the house before my children stirred! I was not myself. I was living a life that was just trying to survive. To say I was miserable would be an understatement. I was living with myself and I didn't even like me.
Gratefully, God lives in the darkness. He walked with me in the fire. He kept whispering to me the miracle that was within me. He kept me focused on the prize.
Mark, was gracious and knew the awesomeness of the task. He gave me the gift of time to make it through the darkness. He took over all the roles and worked from home to make sure I was okay! Then he had his Mom come out and help. She made dinner, washed clothes and watched grand kids as I began to slowly heal.
My darkness was only a portion of my life. It was overwhelming. It brought me to the core of who I was. I realized that I was horrible without God. My good works were like 'filthy rags'. It made me realize the power of grace and the gift it is to all who accept it. I was amazed at how vast God loves me and my family. I was grateful for His care of my family. I cried out to God and He heard my cry for help.
A verse that has brought comfort since my Mother's death is Psalms 71: 20-21.
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again, from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again."
"He restores my soul." Psalms 23:3
Also, I was reminded of a quote my Mother use to say during tough times. She was an optimistic person about people, life and old houses. She could always find the good. She use to say that the darkest night would be followed by the brightest morning. She was right. The darkness of the beginning of this pregnancy has ended in the brightest morning. I can feel the baby faintly. I hear the joy in the boys' voices over their elation of having another baby. I see the sparkle in Mark's eyes as he talks of holding this baby and loving this precious one. I remember what an awesome task that I have been given as well as 'my gift' from God.
Saturday 14 February 2009
Kaleb Kristopher turns 3 in the Faith!
Today is an amazing day. Mark treats me extremely well everyday. So, we don't necessary need one day to lavish goods at each other. (Have you noticed how flowers and candy prices go up during this time?) It is a good thing that we are not focused on celebrating Valentine's Day the world's way.
You see, 3 years ago my oldest son Kaleb gave me the best gift ever. He became a child of faith. He personally accepted Christ into his heart. So, today he is 3 years old. He has grown spiritually during these past 3 years and he has become an amazing child of God. He loves God! He loves other! He searches to serve others despite his personal wants.
The day he accepted Christ, we had our pastor come over and make certain that Kaleb understood. After lots of questions, we were all certain of Kaleb's heart. Kaleb prayed the sinner prayer and we were all elated. Oh what a glorious day! Afterwards, we celebrated by going out to eat at a Seafood restaurant in our area.
So, today we celebrate the True Lover of our Souls. We celebrate forgiveness and hope. We celebrate by breaking bread together and rejoicing with one another.
I hope you enjoy the pics.
Thank you Jesus for your Salvation. I am elated that my son Kaleb will rejoice with You for eternity. I am delighted that You love him more than I ever could love him. Protect him Lord and give Him the daily desire to love You with all of his heart, mind, soul and strength. Amen
You see, 3 years ago my oldest son Kaleb gave me the best gift ever. He became a child of faith. He personally accepted Christ into his heart. So, today he is 3 years old. He has grown spiritually during these past 3 years and he has become an amazing child of God. He loves God! He loves other! He searches to serve others despite his personal wants.
The day he accepted Christ, we had our pastor come over and make certain that Kaleb understood. After lots of questions, we were all certain of Kaleb's heart. Kaleb prayed the sinner prayer and we were all elated. Oh what a glorious day! Afterwards, we celebrated by going out to eat at a Seafood restaurant in our area.
So, today we celebrate the True Lover of our Souls. We celebrate forgiveness and hope. We celebrate by breaking bread together and rejoicing with one another.
I hope you enjoy the pics.
Thank you Jesus for your Salvation. I am elated that my son Kaleb will rejoice with You for eternity. I am delighted that You love him more than I ever could love him. Protect him Lord and give Him the daily desire to love You with all of his heart, mind, soul and strength. Amen
Friday 13 February 2009
Joshua Samuel
Joshua turned 7 this past week and we are still celebrating what a blessing Joshua has been to our life. He came into this world and has followed the text book on everything. If he is sick, he runs a fever. He reached the miles stones of walking and running like the books suggests. He even has a huge love for ball. He almost always had a ball in his hand since he was a small tike. Josh Samuel as I call him is my sweet boy--he hates kisses but loves cuddling. He has done a fabulous job of blessing my heart. So, in honor of Josh Samuel I am going to celebrate through pictures. We bought our first digital camera right before he turned 2 and I have some great photos.
I hope you enjoy the younger years of Joshua Samuel....
Joshua received a swing set for his 2nd birthday. It stays at Mimi's house for all to have fun on!
Joshua's favorite game as always been basketball!
Joshua is serious about baseball too!
Joshua's dream is to be in the Army...I guess he started out young with the passion to be just like Daddy!
I hope you enjoy the younger years of Joshua Samuel....
Joshua isn't a fan of cake...but cookie is another story!
Joshua received a swing set for his 2nd birthday. It stays at Mimi's house for all to have fun on!
Joshua's favorite game as always been basketball!
Joshua is serious about baseball too!
Joshua's dream is to be in the Army...I guess he started out young with the passion to be just like Daddy!
Don't touch my ball!
Look how hot he is...Loving the coupe car that one day he will break his arm on!
Joshua's favorite person next to his Dad, of course, is his Uncle Bill. He just wants to be like him!
All smiles and giggles!
Loving the elephants with Daddy!
He caught the first fish and loved it! Although I must say he looks like he is in shock!
Cowboy at heart!
Joshua loves his sleep and he is able to sleep whenever and however!
All smiles for his Dallas Cowboy Cake!
Joshua's favorite outfit ever! He was quite upset when someone threw a snowball at his new threads!
Joshua chose his favorite restaurant to celebrate his birthday..The Big Noodle Place!
He loves his brothers because they are his best friends!
Wednesday 11 February 2009
Baby Update
Well, today was my 16 week check up and I am doing well. My blood pressure is in the mild range, which is good. The bad news is that I have gained 5 pounds in 4 weeks-YIKES! I can't blame that on the baby!
The baby is moving all over the place and it was hard to hear the heartbeat for a period of time. The baby's heart beat is in the 140's.
We get to go for an ultrasound in the next four weeks and then we will get another one at 28, 32, 36 and 38 weeks. Sounds like we are gonna get lots of pictures. The purpose of going so much is to watch the growth of the baby. Because of my high blood pressure and the meds I am on to control the high blood pressure, the baby has a higher chance of being below in his/her birth weight.
All in all, it was a great appointment. I am gonna try to update you guys as the pregnancy progresses. I am certain that as we go towards the end of the pregnancy I will need some extra prayers.
Thanks for your love and support, Super Momma
The baby is moving all over the place and it was hard to hear the heartbeat for a period of time. The baby's heart beat is in the 140's.
We get to go for an ultrasound in the next four weeks and then we will get another one at 28, 32, 36 and 38 weeks. Sounds like we are gonna get lots of pictures. The purpose of going so much is to watch the growth of the baby. Because of my high blood pressure and the meds I am on to control the high blood pressure, the baby has a higher chance of being below in his/her birth weight.
All in all, it was a great appointment. I am gonna try to update you guys as the pregnancy progresses. I am certain that as we go towards the end of the pregnancy I will need some extra prayers.
Thanks for your love and support, Super Momma
Monday 9 February 2009
Financial Freedom
Mark and I have had several ups and downs with our finances. We have been very poor and unable to pay rent or utilities. We have sold possessions to make ends meet and eaten lightly. We even went to a lawyer to discuss bankruptcy. It was tough years. Yes, years of uncomfortable poverty for God to get our attention.
God's conviction came through Scripture very clear. Mark and I needed to fast. We needed to fast specifically from eating out. After a deep look into the checkbook and an account of cash spent, we noticed that a huge amount of our money went to eating out. OUCH!
So, in talking with Mark we both knew what was needed. We could not eat out anymore. This made us plan every meal and go to the store and buy those items. It was the beginning of freedom. Thankfully, God released us from the fast and we have resumed to eating out in a reasonable way. Mainly, we have to stay in our budget. Soon God began phase 2 for blessing us with financial freedom.
God began to convict us on tithing the WHOLE amount with a cheerful heart. YIKES! How could I give such amount to the church when I barely had enough to make ends meet--much less be cheerful about it. Well, once again it was hard to argue with Scripture. Mark and I felt the extreme conviction that we should tithe on every amount given to us except for birthday and Christmas gifts. It was tough and hard, but we trusted God.
We have made it through rough patches with God being extremely faithful to us financially. One of the most memorable moments was when God moved us into the Army. We took a huge pay cut, but knew God to be faithful.
Every month I would get about $1500.00 a month. Sounds like a lot until you add groceries for 5 and a car payment. This is when another lesson came up...pay off debt quickly. We would receive lumps sums of money for moving and Income Tax and God would place it upon our hearts which debt to get rid.
On September 1, 2005, God placed it upon my heart to place the verse that convicted me and gave me the most Hope. So on the front of our budget file we placed a verse to say every time we pay bills.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
Malachi 3:10
It took awhile, but I think I finally learned the true meaning of this verse for my family. One day we didn't have enough room in the refrigerator for all our food and the pantry was overflowing to the cabinet. The boys drawers were too full of clothes and we didn't have enough hangers for their clothes. My bank account was the same, but all my needs and wants were met. We didn't have "room enough for it."
Mark and I don't have much money and we are still working on paying off bills. However, our hearts are cheerful! Our children are clothed nicely and our house overflows with wants. Yes, we are finding financial freedom through Christ.
Thank you Jesus for teaching me with such patience, love, and faithfulness.
God's conviction came through Scripture very clear. Mark and I needed to fast. We needed to fast specifically from eating out. After a deep look into the checkbook and an account of cash spent, we noticed that a huge amount of our money went to eating out. OUCH!
So, in talking with Mark we both knew what was needed. We could not eat out anymore. This made us plan every meal and go to the store and buy those items. It was the beginning of freedom. Thankfully, God released us from the fast and we have resumed to eating out in a reasonable way. Mainly, we have to stay in our budget. Soon God began phase 2 for blessing us with financial freedom.
God began to convict us on tithing the WHOLE amount with a cheerful heart. YIKES! How could I give such amount to the church when I barely had enough to make ends meet--much less be cheerful about it. Well, once again it was hard to argue with Scripture. Mark and I felt the extreme conviction that we should tithe on every amount given to us except for birthday and Christmas gifts. It was tough and hard, but we trusted God.
We have made it through rough patches with God being extremely faithful to us financially. One of the most memorable moments was when God moved us into the Army. We took a huge pay cut, but knew God to be faithful.
Every month I would get about $1500.00 a month. Sounds like a lot until you add groceries for 5 and a car payment. This is when another lesson came up...pay off debt quickly. We would receive lumps sums of money for moving and Income Tax and God would place it upon our hearts which debt to get rid.
On September 1, 2005, God placed it upon my heart to place the verse that convicted me and gave me the most Hope. So on the front of our budget file we placed a verse to say every time we pay bills.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
Malachi 3:10
It took awhile, but I think I finally learned the true meaning of this verse for my family. One day we didn't have enough room in the refrigerator for all our food and the pantry was overflowing to the cabinet. The boys drawers were too full of clothes and we didn't have enough hangers for their clothes. My bank account was the same, but all my needs and wants were met. We didn't have "room enough for it."
Mark and I don't have much money and we are still working on paying off bills. However, our hearts are cheerful! Our children are clothed nicely and our house overflows with wants. Yes, we are finding financial freedom through Christ.
Thank you Jesus for teaching me with such patience, love, and faithfulness.
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