Swymeler's.

Spring Break...We're Back!!

2009-04-15T20:54:00.004-04:00

Okay, We've been back for a couple of weeks but I am just getting caught up! We went to Destin, Florida with my parents and sister's family. We had a great time! The kids had a blast with their Kentucky cousins. We have learned that driving through the night is KEY in our family. I hope that you all have had relaxing Springs/Spring Breaks. I am ready for the warm weather to kick in. Here are some pictures from our trip... Enjoy

Love Ya Chris...

2009-03-24T12:52:00.004-04:00

Happy 12th Anniversary Chris!!!
Only a couple weeks late =)

March 8th was our 12th Anniversary! That seems crazy...12 years. But we have been through so much and God has only brought us closer together. At the time of our wedding I was 20, a few months away from turning 21 and Chris was 24. Here are a few pictures. Don't Laugh too hard....

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2 years Ago today.....

2009-03-02T11:01:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Carly!!!

2 years ago today we were blessed to Welcome Miss Carly into the Swymeler Family. Carly has been so much fun and has taught us so much! Here are some photos of sweet Carly...Enjoy!

Life Lessons...

2009-02-24T15:02:00.003-05:00

We have been having some hard days at our house. It just hurts me as a mom to see my kids suffer. It is the "Mama bear" instinct in me to want to protect and defend. Chris on the other hand feels a little bit of playful teasing is normal (because he was called Dumbo growing up). Personally, I don't like it at all. I think what bothers me the most is that they are making fun of Joe and his preemie shaped head and his eyes. They are all things that are medical issues (and not really a big deal) but he can't help them! Are kids just plain mean or what? So, if you think about it could you please say an extra prayer for Joe. He is being strong and doing good...but it's hard.

I have a favorite song that reminds me on Joe...It's called Little is Much by the Group, Downhere. It talks about how God uses even the smallest... people to be big. I think that is we sometimes forget about the "little people", the forgotten ones," (I know that I Do). It's something that I struggle with, the judgmental side.. just because I was born who I am I am no better than the next person. God doesn't think anymore of me than a homeless person under a bridge. He can use us all if we let him. He loves us all. Enjoy this video, it's great!

Who are these young people???

2009-02-09T19:36:00.003-05:00

Were we babies or what?

Chris with Hair!!! Long hair too!!

Look at that long hair...and now None!

Guess how long ago this was?

This is Chris's Baywatch pose....

Ahh... The poofy big bangs..Rave hairspray #4, yep those were the days. Ugh! So give me your best guess. These pictures were all taken on the same trip in Florida. How many years ago do you think this was?

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-04T21:04:00.005-05:00

"Praise ye the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."
Psalm 106:1

This has been a super long week! Sunday was Ryan's 8th birthday and Chris had to leave to go to California on Sunday as well. Chris was heartbroken to have to leave on Ryan's birthday (and Superbowl Sunday) but, Ryan had a party Saturday at Cinema grill with lots of family and friends, it was a really fun time! We watched Hotel for dogs and had a pizza party during the Movie! Chris left for California Sunday at 2pm. He then took the red eye home from San Fransisco Wednesday am and arrived home at 10 am and then was home until about 3pm and then had to hop back on to his company's jet to head out to DC until Thursday night. So he was home for for about 4 hours. Overall, the the kids have been good although they are wearing me down at times... I am starting to give in. "Mom can I have a snack?" after saying "no" about 13 times "Fine, just get something....whatever..." We are also in the process of finishing the basement and we are so close!! But, I can't send them down to the basement to run off some energy for awhile ugh.... Oh Well!! I can do this!

8 years ago today!!

2009-02-01T16:56:00.003-05:00

Happy 8th Birthday Ryan!! We are so proud of you! You are such a kind and caring young man who brings so much joys to others. God has BIG plans for you and we are so excited to see what lies ahead of you. We love you very much!

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

An Official Apology

2009-01-31T10:06:00.002-05:00

Dear family and fans of this testimony to God's grace and forgiveness.

It has come to my attention that my lovely and grace-filled wife has proposed a rather public poll. The contents of said poll described a rather personal and somewhat "heated" debate as to the villain in a rather sad and unfortunate case of camera cleansing via the washing machine.

It has also been drawn to my attention that perhaps the poll indicated that my perspective on the incident has been met with less than positive numbers. Although I usually take pride in my humble demeanor and would normally just say, " I am sorry." and get on with life, I have hereby decided to take a more juvenile approach and come up with my top 10 reasons it is not my fault. Hope you enjoy.

1. The pockets on my jeans are too tight, and the camera was impossibly wedged in. The hope was the warm water would loosen the stitching, thereby making it possible to remove.
2. Blue jeans are by nature, water resistant. I was merely scientifically testing the theory with an object of significance.
3. I was hoping to capture, from an inside perspective, the cause of recent odors that emanate from the washer drum. Apparently the timer doesn't work under soapy water.
4. What goes in the washer must go in the dryer. Obviously, because the camera was pulled out of the washer and never allowed it's due time in the dryer, the natural cycle of wet to dry was broken. Therefore, the camera doesn't work but only based on that premature cycle stopping.
5. The camera shoots color pictures. Our laundry detergent is generic. Had it been "Color fast All"...well that would have been a completely different story.
6. I lost a necklace down the drain. The camera was on a recognizance mission. I need pictures if I am to disassemble the plumbing...right?
7. I had just taken images of the lovely present I was going to buy for my wife. I had placed the camera in my shirt pocket to keep the surprise from her. Apparently it slipped out of my pocket while I was doing the laundry. I guess, because we had to replace the camera, the Lexus will just have to wait.
8. The copy on the side of the camera box when we bought it said to "Take it for a spin." I was just following orders.
9. I had been slaving all night cleaning the house, while my family slept. Apparently somewhere between the 3am toilet scrubbings and the 4:15am window washes, it slipped into a load of whites.
10. I love my wife. And she was frustrated with that camera anyway. I wanted her to have a new one, because she really does take great pictures. I knew she wouldn't just go out and buy one. She is too conscious of our finances to spend money frivolously on herself. This was the only way I could help her out.

How'd I do? Any of those sound familiar? I know, I know. Take it like a man. Therefore, honey, I am sorry. I was wrong to leave our camera in my pants. I didn't mean to ruin it. I will try to watch my pockets better in the future. I am grateful that you do so much around the house, like clean and wash the clothes. You are a great wife and great mother and great friend. I never want something as trivial as a camera to snuff out the love and commitment we have to one another. You are my soul mate, my gift from God.

I love you.

Chris

The Boys were Sledding....

2009-01-19T17:35:00.003-05:00

So here's the rest of the story.... Chris took the boys sledding and they had a Great time!! Some kids had built a ramp out of snow on one part of the hill... the boys of course had to give it a try. Even standing up on sleds, yeah these are my boys who have enough trouble walking...Joe was tried his heart out to nail the ramp but went off course and then there's Ryan..... Full speed nailed the ramp and flew head first face plant into the snow. Chris was cheering him on "Way to go...that was Awesome!!" another dad said I think his his nose is bleeding... Ryan took it well ( he couldn't cry in front of all the kids). And Chris was saying "Ryan blood, that is so cool." So if my camera hadn't gone through the wash you would have seen dried blood, chapped cheeks, and hot chocolate!! Classic Ryan gotta love that Boy!!

What was Ryan doing???

2009-01-18T16:52:00.004-05:00

Chris and the boys went out today....Can you guess where they were or what they did based on Ryan's face? Chris thought that Ryan may have broken his nose at one point, but he is fine. Give me your best guess! I just had to capture the moment which brings me to my next point.

Chris and I have a very pressing debate going on in our house....Please see our poll on the top right corner and vote!!!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-03T16:40:00.005-05:00

So I've been kind of busy with dolls orders but I wanted to take a few minutes to wish everyone a "Happy New Year!" I Can't believe it's 2009. It seems like it should be 2003 or something. I am getting old. It seems like the older you get the faster time goes... anyway. I haven't even shared any Christmas pictures on here yet so I guess better late never??? I hope you enjoy them.
Laura

Kindly Advice in the New Year.

2009-01-01T13:15:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

My beautiful bride has asked me to update the blog, so I hope I don't kill it with my uncommonly non-web-like savvy.

Here goes...

I am on the prayer chain at church. Nothing special....a lot of people are. Everyday I get a list of fine people from our church and the surrounding community. The list is usually compact and to the point. There are lots of chances to pray for lots of various ailments and situations. I like to pray for them in my car. I can be vocal and no one pays attention to me, but God.

On every list, Deb (this nice lady at church who types them up) puts a thought for the day. Usually they are fun quips or play on words that have a Jesus payoff. On the 29th of December, I got the best one I have ever read. It has bounced around in my head ever since I read it. It has stuck with me every time I go to the store, shake a hand, see my kids, chat with my wife. It rings louder and louder and I think it is my New Year's resolution. I think it is God whispering in my ear. It humbles me. It makes me see the world through others eyes. (Something I ain't gifted at...ask Laura)

Here it is.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Why does that rock my world so much? I think part of it is a realization that I am not alone. We all are fighting battles in our own worlds. We are all in need of love and civility beyond the norm. We are all precious to our Maker. And our sin has cast us all in the same crappy boat.

I hope this thought sticks with me. I hope it keeps influencing my life, because I think it is in the essence of Christ himself. He was kinder (not always nicer, ie: money changers) than we deserved. He gave his life, because He saw we were all fighting our battle with sin and He was the answer.

Happy New Year! I pray we will all shine the light of Christ in a new way this year. To Him be the Glory both now and for ever more.

A Christmas Read....

2008-12-22T10:25:00.002-05:00

IF YOU'RE MISSING BABY JESUS

by Jean Gietzen

About a week before Christmas the family bought a new nativity scene. When they unpacked it they found 2 figures of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must have packed this wrong," the mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have 2."

"You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7126."Put on your warm coats, it's freezing cold out there."

The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you're missing Baby Jesus, call 7126."

All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang mother would say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus,"but it never was. Father tried to explain there are thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be missing from a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time. He suggested just put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it. "Put Baby Jesus back in the box! What a terrible thing to do said the children." "Surely someone will call," mother said. "We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until someone calls."

When no call had come by 5:00 on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father "just run down to the store" to see if there were any sets left. "You can see them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If are all gone, I'll know someone is bound to call tonight." "Run down to the store?" father thundered. "It's 15 below zero out there!"

"Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered.

Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store window. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold."

"Hooray, Tommy said "The mystery will now be solved tonight!"

Father heard the news still a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home. When they got back into the house they noticed that mother was gone and so was the extra Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine," my father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I wrap mother's present."

Then the phone rang. Father yelled "answer the phone and tell'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk.

"Now what has she gotten us into?" my father groaned as we bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. And the wind is picking up. Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this."

When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment we set foot on the porch steps, my mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, Oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies."

"Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" my father asked. "We have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the way." "Never mind all that now," my mother interrupted. "There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy.

My mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The children's mother explained to my father that her husband had run off, taking bedding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all right until the furnace broke down.

"I been doin' washin' and ironin' for people and cleanin' the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there, on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going' through my mind. 7162 7162. "Said on the box that if a person was missin' Jesus, they should call you. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willin' to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So stopped at the grocery store tonight and I called your missus. I'm not missin' Jesus, mister, because I sure love the Lord. But I am missin' heat. I have no money to fix that furnace.

Okay, Okay said father. You've come to the right place. Now lets see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs."

Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother set before them.

Father finally got the oil burner working but said you need more oil. I'll make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes, sir, you came to the right place, father grinned.

On the way home father did not complain about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone.

Ed, hey, how are ya, Ed?" "Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here I know you've got that pickup truck. Do you still have some oil in that barrel on your truck? You do?

By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and gifts. Even though it was 30 below, father let them ride along in the back of the truck.

No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but as I grow older I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all. Jesus saves, that's what He does.

Holiday Happenings at our House...

2008-12-16T16:22:00.003-05:00

So we've been busy getting ready for Christmas. But we're getting there little by little. The cards are sent, the cookies are made, the presents are bought (almost). But we're trying real hard to keep the focus on the true meaning, Jesus' birth. Joe was telling me how the we talking at lunch and he has a friend who is Muslim and was gone earlier in the week to celebrate Eid. He asked Joe what he celebrated and Joe said "Christmas" and the boy asked why and Joe said "because that is the day that Jesus was born...it's a celebration of his birthday." So even though they may be crazed present hungry kids... the message is coming through! Here are some highlights from the last week. Have a blessed week!

Please Help!!

2008-12-11T08:17:00.006-05:00

As many of you may know Carley Hoffman is our Blessed Recipient for December at Baby Be Blessed. Carley Hoffman is the daughter of Joel and Christina (Berry) Hoffman. Christina is the daughter of Carl and Sue Berry, and a graduate of Central Lutheran School and New Haven High School.

On July 23rd 2008, Carley was diagnosed with high risk, stage four Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a childhood disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the nerve tissue of the adrenal gland, neck, chest, or spinal cord. In Carley's case, the cancer appears to have started in her spinal cord.

Carley will be having surgery Friday 12-12 at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis she will be having a tumor removed from her chest. The extent of the surgery is not known at this point Carley's but mom said that it will not be able to be done laparoscopically. At this point there is another tumor that has shown up on the scans that may require a possible 2nd surgery. Also, Carley's baby brother Ethan who is 3 month's old is also having some health concerns. Ethan's one eye has been dilated and is not changing.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers!

It would mean a lot to them to know that you are praying and thinking of them and I encourage you to visit Carley's Caringbridge page to leave them your encouraging words! Will you join with us to pray and help this family financially during this great time of need?! I praise God for all of you and that we can come together as the body of Christ to help and encourage one another!

Galations 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Friday Fun!

2008-12-05T08:56:00.002-05:00

Here's a Clip from one of our favorite movies.....
The last line is our favorite! Happy Friday!

Wow....Watch this!!!

2008-12-03T20:41:00.002-05:00

This video is SO neat!! Check it out.

Enjoy!!

Make sure to turn the music off at the bottom of the page!!

Advent Calendar...Swymeler Style

2008-11-30T19:14:00.006-05:00

I was looking for a different kind of Advent calendar and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. So me being the extremely artistic and crafty person I am (yah right) I made one of my own. Very, very, basic and the kids are SUPER excited. Here it is...

Baby Be Blessed Open House

2008-11-25T21:51:00.003-05:00

Please Join Us at Baby Be Blessed this Friday, as we Celebrate Christ!
There will be finished Dolls, Lambs, and Crowns available to purchase.

Please visit the Blog for fun ways to remember that "Christ comes first in Christmas"

The Elf....

2008-11-24T13:43:00.006-05:00

So I have always heard about this fun little tradition called "The Elf on the Shelf." So I looked around and found an adorable one on Etsy and thought we would give it a try. The basic premise is that the Elf appears at your house around Thanksgiving and watches the children and then leaves at night to report to Santa. He then reappears the next morning in a different location (usually a shelf). We are having tons of fun with our elf "Elmer". The kids are extremely well behaved and helpful when they remember he is watching.

The other morning the Elf had no yet made his trip to the North Pole and Ryan came to lay with me in bed and he said "Can I go hunt for the Elf now? It's 7:01...(We have a rule that you can't hunt for the elf until 7 am) Crap... " So I told him to wait for a minute that I wanted to snuggle a little bit but I had to go take some headache medicine. Of course the Elf was on the window above the front door and I couldn't reach him even when I jumped.... Crap.. (Chris is just too tall) so I had to sneak into the kitchen and grab a pair of tongs and not get busted by Joe who was not up yet!!! So I get it hidden and Joe comes down and i tell him to go in our room so we can snuggle. I go in my room and the boys say "you were hiding the Elf!!" I said " I'm not going to touch that thing I don't want to be on the naughty list, Anyway it's to high for me to reach remember where it was?" (AAAHHHH) My boys are at the age where they say that the kids at school say that your parents are Santa, I tell them that I still believe and that even if parents may bring presents I still believe in Santa. But, then we talked about the how Santa was really a minor role in the whole Christmas holiday and they understood ...whew. I want them to hang on to the childlike magic of Christmas as long as possible. Which brings me to this morning Chris left for work early and Joe and I could not find the Elf anywhere...And the saying says that if you touch him the magic will be gone. I could see Joe getting nervous. The Elf was in reach of the boys yesterday and so I started wonder.... so before I got into the shower I called Chris and he told me where it was and by then Joe was losing it saying "okay I touched it I'm not getting anything for Christmas...." Ryan was stressing that this would affect him as well. I then looked up and said hey look what I see and Ryan fell on the floor and said "Thank You Jesus, Thank you Jesus!!! Joe said..Oh I think maybe I didn't touch him.... So a few minutes later Ryan was at the kitchen table coloring a picture here's what he did!!

(The picture says...Dear Mr Elf We are so Sorry for tuching you!!! Your Friend Joe and Ryan) Ryan said that he wrote "we" because it sounded to weird to write Joe are so sorry for.....hummm???

Sometimes you just gotta laugh

2008-11-18T19:42:00.003-05:00

As with anything, Laura and I have been way behind the times on many of our silly mundane projects. One has been for the last year to archive our digital video files. We bought the camera a few years ago, super excited at the prospect of never dealing with video again. But, we forgot the software to actually download the videos. Until now. After a handy shareware download and after many, many months and many, many events...we finally got around to downloading the files.

It was fun to see old shots of sweet baby Carly cooing, and the boys playing outside. But, one video stood out above the rest. What you will see is a self-help video that Laura and I made this spring, as I battled allergies. I promise there is little to no value in watching it. There's no deep moral hidden it it's story. No beautiful anecdote to pull out. But, it will surely make you crack a smile. It did us. And, I guess that's worth something.

Our Singing Boys

2008-11-16T19:32:00.004-05:00

The boys helped me lead worship today at our church, The Chapel. As you can see by the video, they did a great job of clapping and singing their hearts out. It is an incredible feeling to see their young faith coming out. As a parent, there's not much better than that. We could not be prouder of them. If you are trying to find them in the video, Ryan is to the left on screen in a plaid short sleeve shirt, and Joe is more in the middle and has glasses.

(Reminder. You'll want to shut off our automatic music selection at the bottom of the blog before listening in.)

The Lord Reigns and we will sing and shout!

Missing Dad Flashback!!!

2008-11-14T16:47:00.005-05:00

Chris is out of town and we are all missing him!! Carly especially... every time someone comes in she runs to the door and says Da-Da!! So for my Flashback Friday I decided to put up some images of the good times with Dad!! We are all so excited for him to come back! Chris we Love you and Miss you and can't wait to have you home!!

Enjoy!!

Busy Week!!!

2008-11-07T21:15:00.004-05:00

We have been really busy this week..and today the boys were out of school and we just messed around. The kids played outside for a couple of hours this afternoon and we went out to eat for dinner and then to ....Target. I finally got smart and bought Carly some Color Wonder markers and the boys a Star Wars Clone Wars Dry Erase Marker set and they sat and colored for about an hour!! Sometimes it's the simple things.. so rather than Flashback Friday here are images from today!!!

2008-11-03T21:34:00.003-05:00

I came across this video sent to me in an email. It was put out by the Catholic church, and has a powerful message about coming together to take a stand & to SPEAK UP for what we believe in & what this country was founded upon!

(You will have to shut off the music from the player on the very bottom of the page)

Please go out & VOTE!!! May God Bless AMERICA!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T21:05:00.004-04:00

Here are the images of the Swymeler kids' Halloween. They had a Blast!!! The amount of candy they got was CRAZY and I am thoroughly enjoying it! The pizza is from Papa Murphy's isn't it just adorable! Let me tell you how much I miss the days of the sweet innocent costumes. Don't get me wrong the boys were a Gladiator and Anakin Skywalker(we have a strict no scary or evil costume rule in our house) but the pictures I posted earlier for Flashback Friday made me miss the days of frogs and cowboys....But I guess it's part of growing up. So here are the photos....

ENJOY!

Flashback Friday!!!

2008-10-31T12:23:00.004-04:00

It's time once again for Flashback Friday. So here are some of the Swymeler kids in their Halloween getups through the years..... Enjoy...

Questions...

2008-10-29T22:55:00.005-04:00

Questions, we all have them. So many times when we are experiencing trials or things don't go according to OUR plan we wonder why. Why do kids get cancer? Why do bad things happen to good people? ......... I know that I have talked about my struggle and questioning events surrounding Matthews death and Joe's struggle early on. I know in my heart that God has a plan for each of us and Matthew's life was just as God planned. I can sit and say what if...but the result would be the same, God plan is perfect whether we like it or not. But, for some strange reason being his mother I have this guilt and need within me to punish myself for not being able to protect him or Joe. Strange... Anyway, below is a devotional by Chuck Swindoll that just really spoke to my heart the first time I read it and I have since read it many, many times. Hopefully, it will be an encouragement to you as well.

INCAPABLE OF COMPREHENDING
by Charles R. Swindoll
Read Job 42:1--11
God's plans are beyond our understanding and too deep to explain. Perhaps God doesn't explain Himself because knowing and understanding His way may not help us all that much. Stop and ask yourself: Does knowing why really help? Is the pain removed by knowing the cause? Ours is a world filled with devastating catastrophes, random shootings by hidden snipers, jets crashing into tall buildings, deliberate poisoning of elderly people at rest homes, serial rapists and murderers, mothers who kill all of their own children, droughts and famines, wives in automobiles who run over their husbands, preachers who are fraudulent and phony, CEOs who take unfair advantage of their employees. The list doesn't end. How could God permit such things? Would it really help to know why? In a fallen world full of depraved people who act out their worst thoughts, would it change the wrong?
I'll go a step further. Maybe God doesn't explain Himself because we're incapable of comprehending His answers. Since He lives in an existence that is completely unlike ours and in a realm far beyond our comprehension, ours being tactile and limited by space and time, within the rigid boundaries of all the physical laws, how could we possibly understand? None of our limitations apply to Him, so what would enable us to grasp His plan?
What bothers us is that He doesn't act as we think He ought to act. He doesn't do what our earthly dads would have done in similar circumstances. While I'm at it, where was He when His own Son was crucified? To the surprise of many, He was there all the time working out His divine plan for our salvation. As the process was running its course, Jesus' own disciples didn't get it---they were the most disillusioned people on the planet. Do you remember what they were thinking? They were wondering how in the world they could have believed in a hoax. From their perspective, their Master's death didn't make any sense.
Do you know what Job finally sees? Job sees God, and that is enough. He doesn't see answers. He is to the place where he doesn't need answers. He has gotten a glimpse of the Almighty, and that is sufficient. Have you had glimpses of His glory?

The Vandal Struck Again!!!

2008-10-29T12:27:00.007-04:00

Did you ever have that feeling that something is just not right.... You know you can sense it. For me it was like UHHH..Ohhhh Carly's way to quiet all of the sudden. She was brushing her teeth in the bathroom, her absolute favorite activity(she brushes at least 20 times a day) I went to start a load of laundry and when I got to the Bathroom Carly had mascara everywhere. She was so proud of herself, as you can see by the pictures she was putting the mascara on as lipstick, ughhh. Carly, Carly, Carly.....

Super Fun Saturday!

2008-10-25T21:27:00.002-04:00

We are so happy to finally have Chris home. The boys had all kinds of plans for him which included getting pumpkins. So we headed to Hilgers and went to the Fall Festival. It was the perfect time to go, not to busy but very COLD. It did not bother the kids one bit. The all loved the ponies and warming up with hot chocolate. After we were done at the festival we went and picked out pumpkins. Carly had to lick a few pumpkins before picking out just the right one. Here are some photos from the morning. Enjoy!

Flashback Friday!!!

2008-10-24T11:18:00.004-04:00

It's time for Flashback Friday...Yeah!!! Wahoo!!! This has been a LONG week. Chris was out of town last Thursday and Friday and then home Saturday and Sunday. Off to DC Monday and home again Wednesday evening at 6pm. He then found out his grandpa in Missouri died. His grandpa had been sick and in a nursing home for a couple of years and this was really a blessing. Anyway, he and his brother took off Thursday morning at 4am and drove for 10 hours for the showing Thursday evening and the funeral this morning and will be leaving this afternoon. Please keep Chris and his family in your prayers as they travel home.

Here we go...
I'm having a Flashback....

My Senior Prom 1994

Our Engagement Picture Late 1996

Chris and I at Disney Feb, 2006 (before Chris lost about 60lbs he hates this picture)

Have a great Weekend! Lots of Love!
Laura

Obama or McCain??

2008-10-21T23:42:00.002-04:00

I took an online quiz that scored my resuts and then told me who I should vote for. My results are below... Interesting, let me know how you all do!

Your Issue Profile: 24% Obama, 76% McCain

When it gets down to it, you tend to best match John McCain.

But he's not the perfect candidate for you, and you may not be sold on him yet.

Obama shares a good number of your views too, so you might want to give him a second look.

It all comes down to which issues matter to you the most.

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?

Laura

Kids Fall Pictures

2008-10-19T20:12:00.003-04:00

The kids had their pictures taken this weekend with their cousins and here are a few of them!!!
Enjoy!

Flashback Friday!!!

2008-10-17T09:11:00.007-04:00

Okay you saw "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" of Me (Laura) and Chris loved it so he's in for today!! We had so much fun looking for pictures of him... Let me tell you it was a much harder task to find the ugly of him!! He was such a cute little stinker... My dear friends Carrie and Tina also did "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" on their Blogs!! But I still reign supreme... I have oodles of acid washed denim and big glasses so I don't think it's possible to beat my ugly.....

The Good

The Bad

The Ugly

The High School

I had to include the high school photo because Tina could not get the fake mullet High school image out of her head....

Have a Great Weekend!!
Laura

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

2008-10-15T10:09:00.005-04:00

Remembering Matthew Norman Swymeler.....and so many others...

Today is -National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
October 15 has been proclaimed by the United States Congress as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the United States.

I have really been thinking lately about just how blessed we are to be able to mourn our children so openly and receive such support and love from others. I have really been thinking of the mothers who lost babies in years past and how they were treated. They delivered their babies and many times had a blanket thrown over the baby so they would be spared from seeing the baby and that was it. Many times nothing more.....maybe footprints if they were lucky. It really makes me sad. That was it. These babies were just gone and forgotten to all but these mothers. I can't even begin to imagine the pain these ladies are carrying around inside. We cannot forget about the older ladies who may not be blogging or internet savvy.... Our mothers and grandmothers. I remember hearing a story one time that a older lady came into the hospital I worked at looking for her baby born many years earlier.... She was ready to take the baby home. She was walking around the birthing area of the hospital calling the baby's name. The baby had passed away shortly after birth....

Please pray specifically for all those mothers whose scars are deep and who need to mourn the loss of their little ones.

Flashback Friday!!!

2008-10-10T15:45:00.008-04:00

Announcing my newest feature....Flashback Friday!! Today you will be seeing the good, the Bad, and the VERY ugly of Laura!!!! Did I mention very ugly.....uhggg! Thank goodness we can laugh at ourselves!! Enjoy..

The Good

The Bad

The VERY UGLY

Your laughing with me right.....

Have a great weekend!!
Laura

Blackbirds and Bags

2008-10-07T21:30:00.007-04:00

Okay, So I guess the word got out....Laura thinks blackbirds are creepy! As I was talking with Tina on the phone Monday I looked out the window and it was like a flurry of blackbirds. They were everywhere. In the yard, the trees, the playset, and they were even sliding down the slide. Of course by the time I got the camera the majority flew to the tree and the neighbors yard but I still have proof. Beware of the birds!!!! See I told you all they we scary!!

Here is Carly with her new "purse." Chris took her to Walgreens Saturday morning and he said that she immediately picked up this tin Tinkerbell purse and said "Bye, Bye See Ya Later" and walked toward the front door. So Chris being the softie he is he of course bought it for her. So as I get out of the shower I hear a little knock on the door and there stood Carly with her new purse. She was so proud! Anyone who knows me knows that I am not into the whole Disney Princess thing, but she was so excited. She had a pacifier, pretend debit card, cell phone, keys and a rubber duckie(you know the essentials for the average 18 month old). But then my dear sister explained to me that Tinkerbell is not a princess, she is a fairy. ....I guess that makes it okay!!! I have so much to learn. Plus, she picked out green =)

Laura

6 Random things about myself (Chris)

2008-10-06T20:55:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure how this works, but my beautiful and long-tongued wife said I had to do this, or my foot will fall off or some such nonsense. I hope these will inspire some, gross out others, and generally leave most folks dazed and confused.

1. I eat peanut butter and jelly with cheese on it. Ya, I know it sounds gross, but you just have to try it.
2. After high school, I toured the country for 1 year with a drama ministry called "Covenant Players". I lived off of $800 for an entire year.
3. When I am in a creative zone, my left eye closes slightly more than my right. It drives Laura nuts. It has something to do with a dominant eye thing.
4. When I was 32, I had my tonsils out...and my uvula. I have no dangly thing in the back of my throat!
5. I have the uncanny ability to fall asleep, anytime, anywhere...very quickly. One time at work, I was challenged to fall asleep in 3 minutes while sitting at my chair. I did it. I just wish I had more time to pursue this gift.
6. I can't sit "indian style" or "criss-cross applesauce". My legs and back refuse to do it. I have tried, unsuccessfully since Junior high. I think it's hereditary. My brother's can't do it either.

and a bonus one....just cuz I can....I am terrified of bats. Beyond normal terrified. The kind of terrified where I scream in a very high pitched voice when I am near them. It is my deepest, darkest fobia...and now you know it.

Tagged- 6 Random Things About Me

2008-10-05T16:55:00.000-04:00

Okay... Carrie Nominated Me for 6 Random things about myself so Here I go.....

1. I have an unusual fear of birds. I think they are creepy.. I have always been terrified of Peacocks, but since we moved into our new house we constantly have birds fly into the windows and die!They leave feather on my window ewwww

2. My tongue... Chris says it is freakishly long... I can easily touch the top of my nose with it. hmmm is that weird??

3. I love the show the King of Queens....The father in the basement cracks me up. Watching it is one of my guilty pleasures.

4. I never ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich until I was 22 years old. My mom never made them for us when we were little (everyone thinks that's totally weird)

5. I have a "thing" about long nails (fingernails and toenails). They gross me out. BIG TIME. When I was in nursing school I about threw up when I saw how nasty some of the people were in the nursing home. So I would put on a surgical mask and glove and cut them. (Except the really thick yellow.....I got to stop my stomach feels queasy just thinking about them)

6. I don't eat seafood or fish (basically anything that swims underwater) or eggs.

I nominate....Chris, Tina, and Lisa

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-02T11:20:00.003-04:00

Sorry it has been so long.... Things have been somewhat uneventful. We had quite a scare earlier in the week. I guess I should say I had quite a scare, Chris was not worried. Anyway, here's how it went. Chris has a family history of colon cancer and so me being the paranoid wife, I made him an appointment to meet with the colorectal surgeon to find out about having a colonoscopy. Let me just say for the record he was not thrilled about going but didn't put up too much of a fight. In the process of doing a examination they found a mass in his neck, a mass we knew was there but Chris just assumed it was a Lipoma (a fatty tumor, he has a family history of these as well.) Well, the doctor was not so sure and brought in another surgeon and they were talking back and forth and the word "Carcinoma" was thrown out there. Sooooo....Chris was referred to a surgeon on Wed. He was at the colorectal doctor on Monday so I had enough time for my mind to go crazy.

I am a very "worrying doesn't prove anything and doesn't change anything person," but this really got too me. I had him diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (in my mind). I talked to my dear friend Katie on Wednesday morning (who is also a nurse....and who supported my diagnosis =) Anyway she was a huge encouragment to me. She knocked me back into reality with, "Worst possible scenerio he has it ... it's highly treatable, it's not a death sentance. Laura people beat theses things these days." Oh Yeah.... Isn't it nice when someone kinda lays it out to you and you get it!!!!

Anyway..Chris went to the doctor, who is confident that it's a Lipoma. He didn't really even think it needs to be removed. Chris is having a CAT can tommorow morning to put his wife's mind at ease. Praise God!!! I just need to trust him, like Chris who throughout the entire ordeal was not a bit worried.

But, this does't get Chris out of his Colonoscopy...He get's that pleasure in November! =)

So today I am so Thankful for Chris and his Health!!! And a God who is faithful to us!

I Love You Chris!

Soggy Cereal, Dry Toast and Whole Milk

2008-09-26T09:28:00.002-04:00

"Children are an inheritance from the LORD. They are a reward from him."
Psalm 127:3

This morning as I was getting out of the shower I heard a knock on the door I thought, "Ohh great they got Carly out of bed and now I am really behind." I quickly got dressed and to my surprise they had breakfast in bed for me. This is something they love to do. It just melted my heart! I have really been drilling my kids about being selfless vs selfish and the difference between needs vs wants. I think sometimes I forget that they are 7 and 9 and they do pretty good for their age and society we live in.

Well, on to breakfast...Ryan made me cereal which by this time was soggy which in not my favorite, but I ate it with a smile on my face! Joe made me plain toast no butter and I ate it as well. After getting ready I went out to the kitchen and smelled burnt toast....Joe said "Oh, I kinda burnt the first piece." Then I saw the carton of whole milk on the counter.......ugh Ryan put Carly's whole milk on my cereal. I'll be paying for that later, my stomach can't handle stuff like that! But all in all it was wonderful! Soggy Cereal, Dry Toast and Whole Milk from a pure and loving heart I'll take them any day!!! I wouldn't change a thing! What a special Friday morning blessing!

But did you see the Diet Coke in the picture????? Do my boys know me or what? What sweet boys!!!

Nothing New....

2008-09-24T13:31:00.007-04:00

Not much is going on in our house. The boys are loving school and Carly is adjusted to them being gone. She is back to being a crab. Her teeth have not all broken through and she is just pretty miserable. She is asserting her independence like never before. When she gets mad she will sit down and throw a fit. She has quickly learned that this doesn't work but, she's still trying!! She has also mastered "noodle legs" as Tina calls it. When she wants something and you pick her up to take her away from it and try to stand her up, her legs miraculously have turned to noodles. Hmmm...

She is so different from the boys. So stubborn. Yet so sweet..she loves her brothers and Dad. She gives each boy a kiss before school each morning and every afternoon she hears the bus and knows they are coming home. She is so excited to see them! She is also a daddy's girl. She and Chris have a great time together and she squeals with excitement when he is home at night. I am truly blessed. Even when it's crazy.

Calm....

2008-09-19T11:36:00.013-04:00

Carly has been a off lately, just cranky and crazy. So I guess the fact that she seems to be back to her normal level of crazy has been nice. I honestly thought I was in for it today as she woke up a 6am this morning screaming inconsoleable. I tried snuggling up with her, but she just wanted Chris. He picked her up and she laid her head on his shoulder and patted him on his back she was happy for a moment. Then she got fussy again so she went back to bed without a complaint. Ever since she seems much happier...she has 4 molars coming in and 4 regular teeth so maybe they finally broke through!

She played so nice this morning sharing her sippy cup with her doll, just being good. It was adorable! Then, I thought OHH NO.... I haven't heard Carly this is not good...she has been shutting herself in rooms lately and I walked into my room and there she was in the corner propped up on 2 pillows reading her favorite book "Put Me In The Zoo." It was the cutest thing! She was reading out loud. She can read the book.... maybe in some strange language. Page after page!

Enjoy!

Please visit Baby Be Blessed's blog HERE, we were blessed to be nominated for a "love this site" award!

The site with the most votes in its category will win a Visa $250 gift card. Please help us to win this money to donate to our monthly Give a Blessing Recipient! They do require you to enter register with their site, but it only takes a minute and the more votes we get the better chance of winning! This is another way to help someone else with just a few clicks a little of your time! Tell your friends!!

Let it Go!!

2008-09-17T14:44:00.002-04:00

Mark 11:25
"Whenever you stand up to pray, forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins."

This verse is one one of the books I am reading and the section is titled "Let it drop". It immediately struck me. In the amplified bible it says "Let it drop." This spoke so directly to my heart. I pray for forgiveness, but I am a Grudgekeeper. So this is an area where I need to do some work! I have learned to release many of my grudges but I am of course a work in progress. But something in this verse became very real... I don't want to be the bitter, nasty old person who has all of the held down by silly grudges. So I am going to make an honest effort to Let it Go. Or as they say in the book...

Jesus is telling us to:

Drop it, Leave it, Let it go, Stop talking about it!!!!

Mark 11:25 from Amplified Bible
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him {and} let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings {and} shortcomings {and} let them drop.

A lady in the works

2008-09-14T21:56:00.002-04:00

We had a nice weekend. Because of the rain and wind, most of it was spent inside. Laura had mentioned that I should try to blog, but I really didn't have much to say, until tonight.

It was just a simple thing. But it made me think.

After supper, there was some leftover pizza on the floor. Not an unusual site in the Swymeler household.

As dishes were being finished up, Laura grabbed some Lysol wipes and began working on the floor. She called to me to come see this. Our youngest, Carly, went into the living room, grabbed her bootie wipes, and sat down on the kitchen floor to wipe up the mess with mommy. A very cute thing. A veeeery cute thing.

Then it got me. My daughter is not simply my little girl. She is a lady in the works. She is a developing little woman that will one day make a beautiful wife. A giving mother. A caring mate. A smart worker. A mighty warrior for God. And everyday my wife is leading her a little closer to living up to her God-given potential.

But, Carly wasn't the only one on the floor. My beautiful wife. A giving mother. A caring mate. A smart worker. A might warrior for God was guiding her. Praising her. Laughing with her. And I can't help but wonder, when Laura was small, was there pizza on the floor one night... Where her loving mother. A beautiful wife. A giving mother. A caring mate. A smart worker. A mighty warrior for God sat and laughed with her as she pretended to wipe up the floor....

Take it for what you will, it made me stop and feel pretty blessed to be watching the linage of beautiful ladies...in the works.

C

Rest....

2008-09-13T14:18:00.010-04:00

Well, I think that picture pretty much says it all. We are taking this weekend to rest and chill out. We had good intentions like always to get all kinds of projects done but, I think we are just going to use this weekend to rest and refresh.

Make sure you visit Babybeblesseddoll.com's blog, Tina gives away a free doll each week. Simply go Here, comment on her post entitled Yay Free Friday anytime through Sunday night and she'll randomly draw a winner Monday morning! It's that simple!

Is it a girl thing or what?

2008-09-10T19:36:00.005-04:00

Carly at 2:03

Carly at 2:04

I think God gave me boys first for a reason!!! =)

Tough Questions...

2008-09-09T11:14:00.006-04:00

For a child that inherited my struggle with math the kid has a mind that thinks so deeply!! I am so blessed by his empathy. Of course, I am referring to Joe and it was once again one of our early morning talks. It started out with me teasing him about his new alarm clock going off at midnight!!! He of course had no memory of this, but Chris and I sure did.

Then we were talking about school and how strict his teachers have been over the years. We loved his teacher last year, I had heard all this stuff about how she was so strict and this and that. It turned out to be Joe's best year yet...So she is Ryan's teacher this year and things are going great. Anyway...She had this dog she loved named Bailey and as a treat Bailey would come and spend a day with the kids as a reward. Joe and Ryan are both terrified of Dogs. Bailey was old and Joe liked Bailey because Bailey was mellow. Well, we learned that bailey had to be put to sleep over the summer because he was sick and Joe was sad. Out of the blue Joe said "did they just like kill Bailey?" In my mind I think Ohhh No it'd going to be one of those conversations ughh. "What do you mean kill?" he says, "like shoot her or something." "Oh no Joe, when a dog is really sick they can give it medicine that makes it real tired and then it just goes to sleep and dies...it's very peaceful."

Silence....Then he says, "Do they do that to people?" I say, "No, God controls when we are born and when we die. People can tell you how they're feeling, animals can't and so a lot of times when people take their animals to the vet they are already too sick to get better." Joe then says, "don't they cut you open and put stuff inside you when you die?" (okay this is way to deep for 6:45 in the morning) "Sometimes but not always...they didn't with Matthew he was too small." I see Joe's eyes welling with tears.... he says, "but he is not a baby anymore right?" I say, " Joe do you remember what I told you that pastor Rick told me when Matthew died? "Yep, that once he took his last breath on Earth he would be in heaven and be a man....I bet old people become younger in heaven too!" I say, "I bet your right." Joe thinks a while and then replied "Well who created God?" I said "Joe God created the Heavens and the Earth so He has always been here... I know it is hard to understand, but he is timeless."

I am so Thankful for Joe. He truly loves people. He gets it. Sometimes I am so frustrated by my kids selfishness and then I have moments like this that remind me how pure and caring their hearts are.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)

The hope of eternal life, which God... promised before the beginning of time (Titus 1:2)

To the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:25)

WE HAVE BEEN VANDELIZED!

2008-09-05T20:56:00.010-04:00

It happened so quick...we feel so helpless...

The vandal struck somewhere between the wee hours of 8:12 pm and 8:16 pm. The smell of the permanent marker still wafts in the room.

Ironically, my wife and I were watching the Cosby Show when the perpetrator struck our kitchen with such hatred and vengeance. We are still shaking.

She was like a torrent of rage. Filled with the terrifying fires of anger and desperation. Her eyes swirling with the emptiness of hard crime and spoiled milk.

From the varying accounts of the low-life's escape, we have pulled together this brief description.

Sex: Female
Height: 2' 8"
Weight: 23lbs 7oz (give or take an ounce)
Hair: brown, straight. Somewhat messy with peanut butter
Clothing: Last seen wearing snow man pajamas
Aliases: Carlsbad, Boo, Thunderbootie or NightHawk Ninja.

She was last seen stumbling around the living room, talking in incoherent jibberish. Possibly intoxicated or on some kind of hallucinogenic pacifier trip.

IF YOU SEE HER. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. SHE IS AN OUTLAW. A SCOUNDREL. A VICIOUS DESPERADO WITH NO RESERVATION TO HURT AND MAME. LIVING ONLY TO DRINK THE NECTAR OF SWEET LAWLESSNESS.

Be warned.

(Thanks to our friends at Dawn Laboratories, Laura was able to remove the graffiti with a little elbow grease and a healthy dose of Dawn Power Dissolver. We highly recommend it.)

The Tree

2008-09-04T11:25:00.004-04:00

This morning I was blessed to have another early morning conversation with Joe. Actually, we have them quite often but today's touched my heart. After rambling on for about 10 minutes he said "Mom you remember that book that makes me cry every time I read it?" Half asleep I said "what's it about?" he quickly said, "you know the one about the boy and the tree that makes me cry at the end." I asked Joe " why does it make you so sad?" and he replied, "because the boy just takes and takes...until the tree has nothing left to give, he's mean..he uses the tree."

Joe is talking about the book The Giving Tree by, Shel Silverstein. The story is a short moral tale about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree and the boy become best friends. The tree always provides the boy with what he wants: branches to swing from, shade to sit under, apples to snack on, branches to build a house. As the boy grows older and older he requires more and more of the tree. The tree loves the boy very much and gives him anything he asks for. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut her down so the boy can build a boat in which he can sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, the boy, now an old man, returns and the tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The boy replies that all he needs is a quiet place to sit and rest. The tree happily obliges.

This books always reminds me of my walk with God. I have the tendency to want to ask for things and take, take, take. Except, with God he always has more to give unlike, the tree. But rather than just take we are here to give as well. When we spend time focusing on our needs and our wants we often become miserable. I admit that I love new things!! But I love giving as well. I don't do it nearly as much as I should! When the boys were 4 and 2 we did Meals on Wheels one summer. I think they, no wait We.. learned more about giving that summer than any other time. I can come up with a million excuses as to why I am not better about giving of myself.... but I need to learn to be more like the tree.

Acts 20:35
"In every way I showed you that by working hard like this we should help the weak and remember the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you. A large quantity, pressed together, shaken down, and running over will be put into your lap, because you will be evaluated by the same standard with which you evaluate others."

Laura

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T16:09:00.003-04:00

Guess Who!

2008-09-02T11:45:00.006-04:00

"Ask God for anything you want... but be content with what he gives you." Joyce Meyer

I am a "Why" person. I want answers..... I think we all tend to be "Why" people at different times of our lives. Obviously, when we're little.. "Why Mommy". But I'm talking why does God let bad things happen to good people?.......Why do little babies like Matthew have to die?

I'm reading a great book by Joyce Meyer called, I Dare You, Embrace Life with passion. There is a chapter that talks about stop asking why, because God knows everything. She talked about how sometimes we have these plans all made and then they fall apart and we think we are in control, but it was God's hands all along. She talked about the frustration of a driver driving 10mph under the speed limit.... Nothing is more irritating! But in reality maybe God is using that slow poke to protect us from an accident. This was like a light bulb moment for me. I think of Matthew and how he was so much healthier at birth and them he was gone. I don't know how many times I have thought maybe this was God's way of protecting me from the 2am knock on the door...You son's been in an accident.

"Ask God for anything you want... but be content with what he gives you."

On a much lighter note here are some Labor Day Pictures from our house. Carly spent most of the day at the water spicket playing with the trickle of water! Enjoy!

New glasses and No teeth

2008-08-30T15:48:00.008-04:00

We have had an exciting week! On Monday Chris and Joe went to Indianapolis to Riley for his eye check. This always causes me to be anxious are they going to find something new...Good news. Everything checked out good, his glasses prescription went up a little, but all is well. And I think that he looks rather handsome! They did a great job picking out glasses.

And then there's Mr Ryan aka No Teeth. He now has no front teeth and I think he looks absolutely adorable. He also has this cute little lisp. We are keeping the tooth fairy busy I think between he and Joe they have lost 4 teeth in the last week.

Finally, many of you know that I help Tina at Baby be Blessed Dolls. We are having a huge 20% off sale this weekend so check it out here.

Fixing my eyes

2008-08-29T06:54:00.002-04:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

So, I've had this thing I've been fixated on in my mind ever since the Olympics. If you've watched the ladies marathon, you might recall it. Constantina Tomescu-Dita from Romania won the race. But, it wasn't even close. About half way through the marathon, she bolted from the pack. She built a 15 second lead, and the announcers started in. "This is a mistake. She'll never sustain the lead. She is known for this tactic. She'll burn out...." Then, as she built a 45 second lead, it became even more emphatic from the announcers, "She can't maintain 5:12 miles. She will burn out. This is so sad..." But then came the change. With about 2 miles to go, and a commanding lead to almost a full minute, the tone changed. "She's amazing. As soon as she sees the stadium, she'll get that adrenaline rush. She actually won this race in 2003 with this same tactic. She's making the most of her Olympic dream..." Silly announcers.

Here's my thoughts. More for me, but soak it up if it's about you too. If she had a pair of headphones on--listening to the marathon being announced, would Constantina have kept going...or slowed down and followed the "normal race plan". Her eyes were fixated on seeing the stadium. Nothing less than all she had. Are my eyes fixated on the Heavenly Stadium. Do I run with abandonment? Or do I listen to the announcers in my head?

When she entered the stadium, the place erupted. She took her final lap to the finish with no other competitors even in the stadium. Her final lap was her victory lap. How sweet will it be when we enter the kingdom of heaven, to the cheers of the angels and cross the finish line---straight into the arms of our savior. (That's a line stolen from my pastor...who rocks). I want to run.

Now, here's my stretch point. Again, it's for me, but soak it up if it's you too. Am I the announcer in someone else's ear? I am so good at that. And I wish I weren't. I want to be more like the crowd in the stadium, cheering other runners on.

I want to be more like my wife. Laura is an encourager of others. She is the person that would stand beside the road all afternoon just to shout a little encouragement to someone struggling in the race. And, she runs her own races so well. Without listening to her announcers---which by the way, 9 times out of 10 is me. (Uggh. I'll work on that.) She has fixed her eyes on the heavenly prize. And for that, she will go down in my Jesus-Olympics as one of the greats. Go Laura!

Chris

On to bigger and cuter things!!

2008-08-26T19:57:00.009-04:00

Ahhh, I just can't take stomach that picture of Chris with the Mullet anymore....so on to bigger and better things!!! Much better! And much more cuter, the Swymeler kids!

Here are some pictures of Carly on her new bench we bought in Kentucky. I saw it and fell in love with it. It came from this great store called Arhaus. It was a little more expensive than I would have liked it to be... but I loved it and thought it would make a great "time out bench." Well the only problem is she loves the bench and is always sitting on it, so I guess the time out bench idea is done for now.

And finally, the backyard pool. 50% off at Walgreens, the kids had a blast. We have a pool in the neighborhood but Carly swims in the baby pool and the boys in the regular so it hard to watch them both. Plus, Carly is all over the place (imagine that) so this was a nice change! I don't think Carly really does anything more than drink water,ughh!

Laura

Chris and Laura Swymeler's High School Photos

2008-08-24T22:26:00.017-04:00

Okay, obviously they're not real...but they sure are fun!!! It's super easy and they have every other year from 1950 thru 2000. Check it out at here at Yearbook Yourself.

Bitterness...

2008-08-24T12:54:00.006-04:00

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."(Eph 4:31-32)

I have just started to realize how deeply bitter I am about circumstances surrounding Matthew's death. Bitterness is so harmful.. it eats at you. I have carried this anger and hurt for 9 years. Finally, in May I wrote a letter to the funeral home that caused me so much pain. The person who I dealt with is now deceased and they were the cause. So, I can not blame the funeral home. Nevertheless, the words still needed to be said. Maybe it will help them from becoming cold, and saying hurtful things like this person did. I know this person had no clue that they were being hurtful, but the pain was so sharp. Things like "yeah, well some of them parents of them preemies want to bury their babies. They don't even have to...they can just get rid if them at the hospital." Then, when we were picking out the casket, "This one's basically like a Styrofoam cooler. But, we seal it up real good to keep water and stuff out. There is a nice silk pillow". Since then, I feel like I am going to get sick every time I see a Styrofoam cooler. Then, for the one that was the biggest punch in the gut, standing in the cemetery right before the service "Oh, I forgot to tell you...you will want to give the gravediggers something. They dug it by hand...since he was so small and they left room for his brother right above him." Thanks. Just what I want to hear right before we bury our son. Need I also mention mid-August no tent, no chairs.

Bitterness is like a tumor. It is there and you may or may not know about it. But once it's there, it spreads like crazy and grows and grows. For me just typing the words brought peace. Then sending the letter was another step. My heart was again lightened. Is all the bitterness gone? No, but I am a work in progress. I am seeking peace. It's a journey. I have to forgive this person, just as God forgives me for my bitterness.

"seek peace and pursue it..." 1 Peter 3:11

Laura

Thankful Thursday

2008-08-21T23:04:00.007-04:00

This Thankful Thursday it was really very clear to me what I am Thankful for. It's Chris, he is such a hardworking husband and I am so blessed to have him! But more than that he Loves God and he Loves his family. We are so blessed to have him! Right now it's 11pm and he's at work. He went in early this morning, took Carly and I out to lunch, went to the boys open house at school, got the kids to bed and then went back to work. He is so much to everyone and when he does something he gives it his best. I admire this about him. He does every job as if he is doing it for God, Wow..!!!

I love so much about Chris and wish I was more like him. He is so talented. The artist in him is just so amazing! He lives without fear and goes at life with a vengeance. Chris although, I don't say it all the time I love you very much and blessed to have you! You are the best!

Laura

1st Day of School!!!

2008-08-20T12:25:00.010-04:00

2004

2006

2007

2008

Well the Swymeler boys began another year of school today. They were both SO excited for school to start. We are blessed to have a great school and great teachers. I can hardly believe that Joe is in 3rd grade and Ryan in 2nd!!! Wow!!!

They are both great kids! I am truly blessed. My hopes and prayers for these kids are so simple Love God, Love people, and act as you would as if God was watching! Okay so maybe not so simple....

Today I am especially grateful for Ryan. He is such a kind and caring boy. He is not a morning person, but today he came down fully dressed ready to go. His exuberance for life is so refreshing(most of the time). He is truly my helper and I can count on him for anything. He will change diapers, help cook and clean. He is sympathetic and caring. He always leaves little love notes around the house. What a guy! Ryan I love you and am truly blessed to have you!

Laura

Patience...you got it?

2008-08-19T15:37:00.009-04:00

Joseph has some birthday money burning a hole in his pocket and he just cannot wait to spend it. I was talking to him about saving it and for something really good rather than just spending it because he had it. At which point that ominous sound came and Joe said "Mom the Ice cream man can I use my money on that." Well lesson in one ear and out the other.

Patience what makes us patient? I was never a patient person until I had Joe, and then I spent days just sitting beside him in the hospital. He in his isolette at bed 16, and me in my chair next to him. It was like watching a miracle! I had to look at bed 15 where Matthew had been. I had to see other babies in "his spot". That taught me patience. Being completely powerless, that taught me patience. Praying to God and wanting answers on my schedule rather than his....that taught me patience. Looking back those 92 days Joe was in the hospital helped mold me into who I am today. That may not be all that good =)

(Those are beanie babies with Joe...yep he was a small fry)

The blessings that came from Joe and Matthew are just so enormous! They have taught me contentment, faith, patience, perseverance, but more than anything Love. I have seen the power of the valley and the it is good.

Laura

Meet Miss Janessa

2008-08-18T10:26:00.008-04:00

Meet Miss Janessa, isn't she just the precious! She is our Blessed Recipient at Baby be Blessed Dolls for the month of September. But due to a little prompting by the Lord we have started her "month" a little early.

Here is a little bit about who Janessa is and how she came to be our Blessed Recipient~

Our first little blessing came to me when I "happened" on to her aunt's blog page. I saw that beautiful, adorable little face and I knew that it probably was not by chance that I happened upon her. I knew that she was our first "Blessed Recipient". Her name is Janessa Joseph and she is 19 months old. She was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome at birth. Then at 18 months, she was also diagnosed with early childhood Leukemia. Janessa is receiving a special bunny that Tina made just for her! We hope that it will provide some comfort during her many Chemo and hospital visits. She is also receiving one of the 1st Baby be Blessed Tees. Please keep Janessa and her family in your prayers during this difficult time. Please visit her caringbridge page for more information on her and updates.

Janessa began chemo last Tuesday night and finished up Friday night. She will have to remain in the hospital until her blood counts return to normal. Janessa also has 4 siblings at home. In an email to Baby be Blessed Janessa's mom Julie spoke of how hard it is during these times... to watch your child, your baby go through something like this. I can't imagine... You can read more about Janessa at her Caringbridge page.

Please support Janessa and her family through Give a Blessing! 100% of the proceeds will go to help them! Please Go to Give A Blessing to help.

Acts 20:35
"In every way I showed you that by working hard like this we should help the weak and remember the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Thanks So Much!
Laura

Matthew

2008-08-16T08:18:00.003-04:00

Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest.

This verse has always brought me so much peace!! Today more than ever I am at peace. Yes, I miss him!! But I KNOW that he is experiencing marvels I cannot even fathom. My goal is to reach others and to hear "Well done my good and faithful servant." I know I have a long way to go... But I am trying.

Congratulations to Natalie she is getting baptized today. She is Tina's daughter. Kind of neat that it is on the anniversary of Matthew's death. New life... Way to go girl!!!

Laura

The Lamb

2008-08-15T09:31:00.006-04:00

Thank you God for for the valleys! They teach us who You are and just how much You love us. The first few years I was broken and felt like I needed a special tag that said "handle with care". Chris has taken such good care of me. He is truly my protector. Thanks Chris I am truly blessed.

Now my tag says "Truly Blessed." I think seeing the valley from the top of the mountain I now have learned how blessed I am. Thanks to everyone who remembers us in prayer this time of year we are so grateful.

Thank You Tina for the Lamb, now I have something with Matthew's ACTUAL footprints on it to hug! You are such a great friend and a blessing to me! I LOVE the lamb!

Revelations 7:17
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

I love this verse, how true!

More than just a song

2008-08-13T21:50:00.003-04:00

Remember in Jr. high that one song that summed up all your emotions? Your angst? Your hopes?

Okay, for me it was Chicago's "You're the meaning in my life"...Remember that one? "Like a night in shining armor..." oooo, ahh.

Anyway, there is a point to this blog.

If you've been reading this blog, you know this week celebrates our son's 9th year with our Lord and Savior. And my wife has done a stellar job pouring out her heart about how it felt and how it still feels. She is right. If you've felt that grip of pain, you understand. You know the best you can do is praise God. Tell others. Give Hope. And be real. That's why I love her so much.

Anyway, the night Matthew stepped into Heaven was a really long night at the hospital. We were exhausted driving home. It was one of those surreal moments where you just drive. We were listening to the radio and for the first time, they played Third Day's "I've Always Loved You." It was given to us by God. There is no other way to think about it. It was the first time either of us had heard it.

Here's the lyrics. I think the songs plays at the bottom of our blog. If I hear it, I gotta sing it. But, not because it is a catchy jingle, but it is a reminder to me from God. Someday I'm going to sing it at the foot of the Throne and then say thanks. I know we're not supposed to cry in Heaven, but I'm guessing I will still sneak one out. I hope He likes it.

I don't know how to explain it
But I know that words will hardly do
Miracles with signs and wonders
Aren't enough for me to prove to you

Don't you know I've always loved you
Even before there was time
Though you turn away
I'll tell you still
Don't you know I've always loved you
And I always will

Greater love has not a man
Than the one who gives his life to prove
That he would do anything
And that's what I'm going to do for you

God bless.

C

Help for the Craziness

2008-08-13T16:09:00.008-04:00

So for those of us whose kids are still on Summer break I don't know if it's something in the air or what, but the natives are getting restless. Very, Very, restless... It's not just here either. Crazy kids in Ohio are using trash bin lids to ride down slides(Sorry, Tina). So the madness is spreading.

Here's my solution for the parents. Although, I can't eat much chocolate because of migraines, these are worth it. These are super quick and super good. But highly addictive. I found this recipe on recipezaar. I love recipezaar you can look up a recipe or ingredient and then click search by rating and it will give you the top rated recipes. YUM, YUM.

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Pan Cookie

Ingredients

* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 eggs
* 1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 375 Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
2.Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.
3.Beat butter, both sugars and vanilla in large mixer bowl.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
5.Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
7. Spread into prepared pan.
8.Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

*Batter will be thick when you spread it in the pan. And they also may be a little gooey in the center even though they are done! You do NOT want to over bake them!! About 27 minutes for me.

Morning Blessings

2008-08-11T16:07:00.008-04:00

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
—John 14:1-3

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
—Philippians 3:20-21

This morning like many others Joe came to talk with me in bed before Ryan and Carly got up. Sometimes our morning talks are very deep other times not so much. This morning talk started out deep and just got deeper. He said, "Do we only have one life?" "What do you mean?" I asked. "You know how people say cats have nine lives... do we only have one?" If you know Joe at all you know that ever since he could talk he likes to ask questions he already knows the answer to. So I said, "what do you think?" he said, "I think we only have one life on earth, but we get to live forever in heaven if we believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins." "exactly right Joe" I replied.

"What about that box like they had at Grandpa Trzynka's funeral?" "The casket I asked," "yeah" Joe said, "where do you get one of those?" I then explained to him about the funeral home and he wanted to know all of the details of Matthew's funeral. He then told me, "mom Matthew's in heaven because God lets all little babies into heaven because they never got a chance to hear about him." I said, "Isn't that awesome?" He then asked, "who takes care of all the babies?" and I said, "well before Matthew died Pastor Rick told daddy and I that once Matthew took his last breath on earth his next breath would be in heaven and he would be a grown man." Joe interrupted me and said, "no fair he's older... why?" I said, "because god will make our bodies perfect and will fix all that is wrong with them, like your eye Joe, It will work prefect and you will never need glasses again." He said, "Ohhh man...I like my eye the way it is. I like how I can kind of see double out of it." I said, "But Joe you will see perfect..." He replied, "I'm happy with my eye the way it is, but it will be nice to have my scar gone and it will be fun to see all the gold."

Imagine that I have been stressing and worrying about Joe's eyes for years and he likes them the way they are. I kind of reminds me of things in my own life and learning to be happy with what God has blessed me with. I am blessed. Truly Blessed.

Home again

2008-08-10T22:16:00.002-04:00

We're safely home again and it feels great.

The last few days have been super-d-dooper with our loved ones in Lexington...see Laura's blog for all the stuff on that.

Our only hang up was a little car sickness by our youngest. Ironically, we made it all the way to our neighborhood before Mt. St. Carly erupted. It's hard to get too grouchy about it. I think we all were feeling similar. Her car seat is now in the backyard, drying out.

I don't have any images to share. Really, I don't have much to share. Other than the universal truth that...No bed feels better than your own. No water is sweeter than from your own faucet. And, if you can lay your head down at night and know that all in the house are safe and sound...You got a reason to give thanks.

C

Saturday Thanks!

2008-08-09T12:00:00.008-04:00

The last few days have been a great chance to relax and renew for the Swymelers'. My sister takes great care of us. She has the best things planned for the kids and we love her for it. They have a blast in Kentucky! Visiting my sister and her family in Kentucky has been great. My nieces and nephew are growing up so quickly.

This little getaway has helped ease the time between Joe's birthday(and Matthew's also) and the anniversary of Matthew's death is always so daunting. I know August 16, is coming and I just want it gone!! This year has brought a wonderful new friend Tina, and blessings that have helped lessen the pain for me personally.

Meeting the Tina and her family was such a blessing. She is such a giving person and such an inspiration to me personally. She is able to sew 3-4 doll a day, babysit 5-6 kids plus her own 4!! That in of itself is amazing! Her humility and desire to work solely for the Lord is the thing that drew me to her. It was so evident. In a world where people are so in it for themselves she is out to serve others and I find that so refreshing. Thanks Tina, for inspiring me to be better...for inspiring me to have a servant heart.

Laura

Birthday Blast!!

2008-08-08T08:59:00.008-04:00

We had a blast on Joe's birthday! And a little impromptu photo session with his Kentucky cousins(Carly was less than thrilled to be in the photos as you can tell)! We went to lunch at Gatty town(a Chuck E. Cheese like place but nicer). The kids all got a stuffed animal out of the claw machine and aunt Lisa got 3! What a day :) And then the rest of the day was just spent playing with cousins. Enjoy!

Oh the places he'll go...

2008-08-08T00:08:00.003-04:00

9 years ago tonight things were so different. Joe was SO sick. The doctor's exact words were "his lungs look like crap." This is a doctor who I have come to respect and admire very much. He tells parents the truth, no sugar coating it. Joe was sick, sick as they come. A whopping 1 pound 7 ounces and 13 inches long. He was always so much sicker than Matthew. My prayers were so desperate for Joe at first, "please let him make it through the night, then please let him make it another day and so on..."

And now at 9 years old. I am amazed and in awe. He is perfect. He loves God. He loves his family. He loves people. Do I get frustrated with him? Yes, all the time...but I think back to when I just wanted him to make it through the night and the things in life seems to fade away. Happy Birthday Joe! You amaze me with you strength and perseverance!

Laura

Vacation: Day 2

2008-08-07T09:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was so nice.

We had a really great visit with a terrific couple of new friends in New Knoxville, Ohio. The Thompson's have our dream house...and who knows, maybe our dream life. A 100 year old beautiful Victorian home. Complete with the coolest tower room, I have ever seen. Inlaid wood floors. Big bold trim work around every door. Sweetness. All the while, sharing their home with some pretty neat kids. Joe was happy to find out they even play with Pokeman cards, just like him...in Ohio! Can you believe it. They have a squirrel out front that their cats chase. A coi fish pond...and above all, love. A house filled with love.

Then, we traveled to Lexington to spend time with our favorite family in the whole world. Family....isn't that nice. A blessing. A support. A help. A joy. The Fedeles have just finished their basement. It's like a ginormously big, clean, friendly suite. And they've done it for others. You can tell, they designated a spot in their home for others. That's special. That's unique in today's world. To care enough about others that you would make a place for them. Yep, I'm learning a lot this vacation.

Today's Joe's birthday. 9 years old. That's crazy. He's still just 4 in my head. Big day planned. But that will be for another blog.

Chris

ummm....

2008-08-05T22:10:00.003-04:00

Seeing is believing. I think it simply shows the lack of SpongeBob and all the great moral lessons he has taught me.
Chris

How good of a 1930's spouse are you?

2008-08-05T09:46:00.000-04:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

What did you expect pink???

2008-08-04T21:22:00.014-04:00

If you know the Swymelers you know that we love the Colts. I never ever watched a football game or even tried until I was pregnant and on bedrest with Carly. Chris loves watching football, but it has always had to take a backseat to his duties as a husband and father. He has always taken such good care of me. He spoils me. When I was on bedrest he would go to work, run home at lunch pick up Ryan from kindergarten, fix me lunch, go back to work, come home, cook dinner and do dishes, laundry, baths and even grocery shop. Never once did I ever hear him complain.

So I started watching football with him. I'm sure I was totally annoying at first with all my questions...what's a 2 point conversion, why are they kicking the ball??? But slowly I began to figure it out and now I love it. Right now Chris is at work, it is 9:35pm and he probably won't be home until 12 or 1am. He worked at home last night until about 3 am so that he could have off Wed-Fri so we can go to KY. What a guy! I am blessed to have such a great husband! The boys are not huge footballs fans other than tackling each other which leads us to Carly... our last hope for a football fan. I was on a mission to find a blue Jersey for her because I am not into pink when it comes to Colts. All they had was Manning so it will have to do, I would much rather have had an Addai. Thanks Chris for introducing me to a new love! You are the best!

Laura

I have no better words

2008-08-03T22:12:00.003-04:00

I love my wife.

I could sing all Saturday and Sunday long. I could wave my hands in the air with praise until they fell off...

And still never touch the richness in purity of her gifts that she puts before our God.

You make me proud. I'll be your hero support any day.

C

Joe and Joy

2008-08-03T15:47:00.006-04:00

Today at church we continued our Coming Storms series. Today was Joy in the Coming Storms, Here is a to link our sermons you can listen to them all! Joy in trials and adversity... they just don't go together. Rick (our pastor) explained how they make sense. We tend to equate joy with happiness. Happiness is our feeling in response to what is happening. Joy is my CHOSEN outlook regardless of what is happening.

As I was listening to the message my mind went to Joe..... the hurdles. First, would he make it or not??? In retrospect, this made all of the other hurdles so minor. We were told "he will walk late, talk late, crawl late. All the major mile stones would be delayed. He could have cerebral palsy. He could have learning disabilities".... All we could say was, "Who cares... He is alive."

But, then came one that brought me to my knees. I remember from the very first day he was in the hospital, there was a dry-erase board that had all the testing he needed done. Head ultra-sound. Eye exam. Blood work. I saw eye exam and asked the obvious questions. I was told about Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). I was told it was not usually a problem. ROP causes the retina to detach. There are 4 stages, 1 and 2 fairly common. 3 is cause for concern and and usually surgery, 4 is blind. Very few kids every actually need surgery although many preemies have varying stages of ROP. Well little by little, Joe progressed to 3 and surgery was done. It is a cruel thing to go through when they are so small. But, we were just getting ready to take Joe home after almost 3 months in the hospital. So, we had to wait a little longer .
The doctors rechecked him after surgery and his eyes were still getting worse and they could do no more. They said Joe was going blind. With one last shot, we were referred to Riley. There we met the most wonderful Doctor. Dr Danis who gave us hope. There were 2 more options. Joy. He will probably have some sort of vision!!! I could have been really angry but, I still had that "He's alive" factor. I had joy even though he still could be blind. Joe had scleral buckles (little stitches placed around the eye, he still has one 9 years later) placed on both eyes and we had to wait to see if they were successful. I remember vividly the day we went to see if the buckles worked. Dr Danis was running way behind and Chris and I were both so nervous. The unspoken silence. Would Joe be blind??? Finally, Dr Danis came in the room and said that he was sorry that he was running late. He had just been with another family whose baby had buckles in and they were in for their check and they got bad news. Ewww.... not what I was expecting. So, he began the examination. Poor Joe had his eyes clipped open and was swaddled tight and ....Good News!!! The buckles were working for Joe.

Today Joe is basically blind in his right eye, and has poor vision in his left. With glasses he is corrected to 20/70 in left. You would never know that Joe sees poorly. He Chooses Joy. We have never tried to treat him any different and he takes a little bit longer to do things. He works hard at things he really wants to do. Joe is a perfect example of Joy to me. He could be bitter or angry because of some of the issues he faces. These are issues that we cannot control or change. Joe has had about 20 surgeries on his eyes and constant eye checks with eye drops that he hates. He hates surgery, but he does what he needs to without much complaining. Instead Joe makes a choice to be Joyful. Way to go good ol' Joe. I love you so much, you are my hero.

James 1:2-4
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Laura

Teepees and Books

2008-08-01T18:17:00.025-04:00

The last couple days have been quiet at our house. The boys made teepees on Thursday and Carly has been spending much of her time reading books or writing notes in her little notebook. The boys joke that she is keeping notes of all the things they do so when she is able to talk she can go back and "Rat" them out. She spent about 40 minutes in a laundry basket yesterday with her blanket, notebook and a pen. I later discovered that she smuggled a crayon in which explains her blue lips and the blue scribbles in the side of the basket. Oh well....

We missed Thankful Thursday but I asked the boys what they were Thankful for their replies follow below:

Joe:

"I am thankful for my new baby sister Carly (who is 17 months old.. but hey)
and my mom, she helped us build teepees last night. I am also thankful for my dad he plays basketball with us all the time and takes us on long, long bicycle rides. I am thankful for all of my Grandmas and Grandpas. I am thankful for my brother Ryan who built teepees with me, we built them all by ourselves. Here's how to make them: first, you go off back behind your house and get 3 sticks that are like 3 inches long. then you use items like a rope or such and tie about 5 knots on the top edges of the 3 sticks. Now you get blankets such as bedsheets and tie them on top of it and now you have a teepee. I am also thankful for my all of my family, friends and my school. I am also thankful for my Grandma Burhop who is 97 and is in a nursing home."

Ryan:

"Carly, Joe, You, Dad, Grandmas' and Grandpas', Aunts' and Uncles', Cousins"

Peace in the Valley

2008-07-30T15:35:00.011-04:00

Okay I'm back... Chris is outside chopping logs and chewing beef jerky. Not really :)

Anyway... I've still been thinking a lot about peace, prayer and the Valleys in life. Mainly because this is my valley, July and August. Every year the valley stings a little less.. but none the less it's a valley. I am humbled by the lessons I have been taught by a baby that weighed 1lb 14oz. and was with us for only 9 days.

Early on my prayers went something like this, "Lord I don't think I can do this.. I know that I'm not strong enough please give me strength to make it through somehow." Guess what He held me... and I made it through.

Then when I was told Joseph was going to die my prayer was different, "Lord please... don't take Joseph from me... I pray for a miracle, for healing for him and for your will." Normally praying for God's will to be done when you want something so badly can be so scary but this was different, I felt peace. I knew that Joseph was going to be okay. I know that it sounds funny but I had incredible peace about Joe. That was not the case with Matthew, the night Matthew got sick I knew he was going to die (2 days later). Matthew's little hat was off and he had a fever and they suspected infection. A big deal in NICU but not always fatal, but with Matthew I felt it.

As the years have gone by my my prayers have been "Thank You Lord for giving me strength to make it through all these years, help me to be thankful for all of the blessings you have given me and please allow me to be a light to who you are."

I have always had peace with Matthew's death. I always thought maybe it was because we were able to decide when enough was enough and remove life support, but I always hear the words of my pastor in the back of my head and they have brought enormous comfort, no PEACE to me. He was talking to us about when David And Uriah's baby died in 2 Samuel 12:15-23. And when he was done he said the words that meant more to me than any other words I think I have ever heard..... he said " I can tell you two that when Matthew takes his last breath on earth his next breath will be in heaven and he will be a grown man and he will know far more than you or I could ever fathom." The peace that I received knowing that Matthew would be a grown man and not a baby.... pure joy!!! And that he would already know all of the secrets of the world!! How amazing!!

Yeah, I may be in a valley, but I'll make it through and the fact that when I take my last breath on earth and my next will be in heaven and I too like Matthew will be with God and worship at his throne. What peace in a valley! My prayer is that you will have peace in the valley as well.

Laura

A man's blog

2008-07-28T21:24:00.003-04:00

So, the last few blogs have been a little mushy. A little less than "guyish". A little limp-wristed for us hairy knuckled, jerky-eating, sunflower seed spitting menly men. If you agree, give a "harumph" and belly bob your neighbor.

I think it is okay for a guy to be a guy. It's okay to like a good cage match, and let your testosterone push you to cut down a tree. If you wanna change your oil, then by golly roll up those sleeves, grab a ratchet and get to it. If the call of the wild is getting the best of you; a tent, a fishing pole and a can of beans is a good cure.

Afterall, Jesus was a man's man right? He didn't suggest the money changers "might wanna close up shop at the end of the day, if they wanna" NO. He kicked righteous bootie. He flipped a few tables, smacked a few folks around. When it came time to give his life, He didn't wimp out. He did the impossible. He looked death in the eye, gritted his teeth. and did what he chose to do. That's inspiring. That's Passion-perfect. That's extactly and emphatically the kinda guy that even Clint Eastwood would want to be. That's the kinda guy we all wanna be. But how many times have I seen my own sin, and ran away? How many times have I seen the chance to grit my teeth, and instead chattered with fear?

So, are we men or mice. Do we fart and growl by day, then cower and wimper by night? Do we talk a good game around the Jesus boys at work, then go out with the crowd at night?

May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart by pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord. And help me tip a few tables in your name.

C

A Weekend of Rest

2008-07-27T17:12:00.017-04:00

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest."

We took this weekend took catch up on some much needed....sleep! Everyone has been busy playing hard and growing this summer. Carly actually slept in until 7:30 on Sunday! I think Joe has grown 3 inches this summer! We went to the park and played on Saturday, and then went to Zesto's for ice cream. Carly ate a baby cone all by herself, although much ended up on her. Ryan got a banana split and admitted that mom was right for once, "his eyes were bigger than his stomach." Chris and the boys went swimming Sunday. Overall, we had a perfect weekend.

We studied about "Peace in the Coming storms" at church this weekend. We read from Philippians 4.

Philippians 4:6-9
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Our Pastor talked a lot about the importance of prayer all of the time, not only in crisis or when we need something. It really hit me! I try to be thankful and pray but more than not, I seem to pray in times of need. 9 years ago this exact moment I was on bedrest in the hospital not sure of the outcome of my pregnancy. I think I prayed more during that time than all of the rest of my life combined. God gave me peace to make it through the bedrest. I remember waking up and telling Chris "I can't do this anymore, I'm getting up!!" But then Chris would calm me down and I would carry on another day. And then after Matthew died and the Hospital called and said "Joseph is dying you need to get here as soon as possible".....Peace... God filled me with calm, peace and my anxiety was replaced with an incredible calmness, I think it is "A peace that passes all understanding."

Laura

A short Post of love

2008-07-25T16:48:00.003-04:00

This is just a quickie post to let my family know how excited I am to be coming home tonight. I have 10 minutes left at work, and I am very much looking forward to being with you.

Too often we don't let each other know how much we're in love and the thoughts going through our heads. This is corny, but here goes anyway. I love my family. I love my wife. I love my kids. I love my house. I love my weekends. I love waking up and knowing that my family is close and safe.

I am a content. I am grateful. I am unabashedly forever stumped at how great a God we have and how much he would give a big, giant bald headed guy like me. He is worthy of every ounce of praise I got. I am humbled yet again.

Chris

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-24T16:08:00.018-04:00

Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

My dear friend Tina did thankful Thursday last week on her blog, I found it inspiring so I thought I would give it a try. For me being thankful starts with learning to be content. If you are always wanting more you can never just sit back and be happy with what you have. On The Daily Wisdom on the radio the other day they were talking about Being happy with what you have. And it really made sense to me. I have been trying to teach this concept to my kids.

This time of year is especially hard for me. It is the happiness of Joe's and Matthew's birthday, mixed with the sadness that Matthew's not here. And then the anniversary of Matthew death.... 9 years!!! I can hardly believe it. I thank God that he has carried me for 9 years. I thank Him for all of the blessings that has came out of Matthew's death. The people that have came to know Him because of one tiny little boy, the changes and growth that has taken place in Chris and I, and so much more.

I remember the day when God taught me about Thankfulness. Joseph had been in the NICU for about 6 weeks and he was struggling and I was weary. I need a break and was sitting out in the lobby eating a twix candy bar. The triage for L&D was there and a mom was checking in to have her baby and I was so jealous. In my head I was screaming "why God...Why does she get to have a perfect labor and delivery and healthy baby, and my son dies and my other son is struggling to live????" These feelings were pretty common for me at the time. And then the next day I walked into the NICU and there she was crying at her baby's bedside. What had I done? Her baby got stuck in the birth canal and had to be vacuumed and suffered severe brain damage and would never be normal. Never drink from a bottle, never walk, never talk. It taught me to appreciate what I had, one child in heaven and one on earth. Contentment and Thankfulness, praise God for what he has given me!

Laura

Sunday Night Football

2008-07-20T21:53:00.005-04:00

Tonight was the unofficial kick off to the Swymeler fall football season. Gone are the days of mitts and fly balls. Gone are the soccer balls and shin guards. Yes, this is where we separate the men from the boys. (Or, at least, bring out the boy in all of us.) It was a hard fought battle of wits and sweet double-reverse flicker flee plays. But in the end, only one team could stand victorious....Ryan and our neighbor Cameron. Oh yes, may it be well understood...Joe and I will have our revenge. It is only a matter of time. On two, on two. Hut. Hut.

4 years ago...

2008-07-20T02:08:00.013-04:00

Time goes by so quickly. It's funny how you always hear "older" people (I hate to say that because it's quickly becoming me) "enjoy your children now they grow up so quickly" and now I'm saying it. I was looking at pictures on my old computer from 7-19-04. I would never have imagined that 4 year later we would be where we are today. We have been blessed with another child, and a girl, who would have thought?? And after going to school and working now I am staying home. Joseph 8, (9 in 2 weeks) will be in 3rd grade and is doing great! For a kid that I was told would have all kinds of problems (because of being a micropreemie) he has proven us all wrong!!! Go Joe! And Ryan 7- 1/2, will be in 2nd grade and he makes me laugh every day with his zest for life. Ryan has such a kind heart! And then Carly 16 months old, she doesn't walk she runs! She runs through the house emptying drawers, closets anything she can find. I don't know if she keeps me young or makes me old!

Laura

Carly in the sun

2008-07-18T16:43:00.005-04:00

Today was hot. Very hot. Carly found that running through the sprinkler in her new summer dress was a good way to cool off.

The inaugural post

2008-07-18T16:32:00.003-04:00

How great it is to be able to post for the first time. It's a weird mix of joy and fear. You want to say the right thing to inspire others. You want to sound intelligent and purposeful. Yet deep down, each sentence is written in response to the one before it. So here we go world. I'm sure we will have a lot to say. I just can't think of anything deep right now. I'll let my beautiful wife have a go. --Chris