ItrustYouLord's Revelife

My Tuesday

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:58:21 GMT

Outside my window: We are supposed to have a great day today.. according to the weatherman. I plan on cleaning the windows today. I have a lot I need to do outside to get the yard ready for winter, but for today.. I will only focus on having clean windows.

Through my door: Jeff has to go buy a tire today. We cannot afford it right now, but it’s not something we can do without with all the driving he has to do. The spare is on the car, and even it needs to be replaced soon.. but for now, we will focus on one tire. It’s taking every penny of my grocery money for the next two weeks to pay for the tire. I’m trying not to be upset about this.. because God knows.. but the Momma in me worries about how I will feed the boys.

I am thinking: I am so far from where I need to be. I have made choices that do not bring glory to Him. I know I need to change things, and I’m working towards that. An unexpected friend/ally in this has arisen in the midst of things. WOW.. it’s amazing who God uses to make His will known. To make His will obvious to me. I am so amazed at Him and His ways.

I am hearing: Francis Chan teaching. He’s my favorite Pastor to listen to online (other than my Pastor of course!). I have need to soak up so much from Him today, and I’m soaking it up through Francis right now. I am so blessed to have the internet and the ability to do this.

I am thankful for: We have a roof over our head, clothes on our back.. and knowing that God is going to feed us over the next two weeks. I cannot do that.. it has to come from Him. I am thanking Him now for the provision that I know is on the way. He will not let us go hungry.

I am wearing: I’m still in my jammies. I don’t want to get dressed. I know at some point I will need to, but right now.. I’m so cozy and don’t want to change and know that my day is up and running. Oh how I would love a down day of nothing but jammies, coffee, studying, podcasts, etc.

I am remembering: My time at the farm with Christie. I think that’s what I’m craving the most right now. A week of spending time with her.. studying the Word.. enjoying the farm through her eyes.. all the pictures. *smile* I can’t wait to do that again. I miss my friend so much. She truly “gets me” and understands where I’m at spiritually. I love studying the Word with her.. =)

I am going: No where. Yesterday was a lot of driving for me and I had to use my son’s car. I was nervous about wrecking his car. I had to get our puppy to the vet for his neuter, then back home. Our vet is 40-50 minutes away (depending upon traffic). We had Capone on a puppy package, and thankfully, we should be done with the vet for a year. Anyway.. after two trips to the vet and back yesterday.. I’m ready to just stay home today.

I am reading: I haven’t had time to sit down and read at all this week. I need to make an effort to do that today. I think it will help me tremendously.

I am hoping: Today would be a good day for God to show me how He is going to provide for our needs. I know that He doesn’t owe me that, but I sure hope that He reveals it to me.

On my mind: Slim/Bill and his family are on my mind.. Kelly is on my mind.. my choices that are disappointing to God, and the choices I need to make that would bring joy and blessings into my life.

From the learning rooms: We will do our lessons today. Sam is out of his supplements, so schooling is a trial for both of us right now. I know I have at least 3 more weeks of that ahead of me. I can’t let that get me down now.. I just have to take it one day at a time and pray through it. He’s with me.. and He can get me through..

From the kitchen: I have a pot of soup from a friend, so I won’t have to worry about dinner tonight. He has fed us. I will make some bread today to go with it. Jeff won’t eat it (he doesn’t like vegetable soup). I will find something for him (rice or pasta with butter and parmesan).

Noticing that: My ankle still causes me pain from time to time. I guess I need to take note of that and take care of it when that happens, rather than pushing through the pain like I normally do. How frustrating that it’s still causing me pain.

Around the house: I need to finish some cleaning and organizing.. as well as laundry. I hate getting so far behind on things. I’m ready to get back to my daily schedule and sticking with it.

Healthy living: I’m still watching the scale go down. I’m leaning less and less on Weight Watchers, and more and more towards intuitive eating. It’s becoming so much easier for me than counting points. God has designed our bodies in an amazing way, and when I can truly obey .. I’m able to experience the release of the weight. How amazing!

I am praying: For my friends to be blessed with their needs and wants.

I am planning: The busy weekend ahead. We have a party to go to, dinner with friends, and a need to have a couple over for dinner soon.

One of my favorite things: My mp3 player.. cause I can take my podcasts with me. =)

Simple pleasures: I’m planning to take a bubble bath at some point today. I need that.. mentally..

Slim's surgery went well!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:33:18 GMT

From his son:

Slim's doing fantastic, the operation went very well although it was long like 11 or so hours. but the liver is working excellently, it's producing bile and his clouting factor is up so he is not oozing and bleeding like he was a few days ago. when i came in this morning he said "quinton i have something to show you, my gums arent bleeding anymore." and on top of that his color is coming back. he isnt as yellow and jaundicy as he was, his cheeks are pink and he looks really good. all in all slim is doing very well.

we still have sometime before he is back to 100% his kidneys still are not functioning at the level they should be and he is still on the dialysis but they will be scaling back on the time he will have to  be on the dialysis machine. and he still needs to go through physical therapy. 

but slim is doing very well and it is working out like it should.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:23:46 GMT

Slim is in surgery!! Please keep him in your prayers!!

Request for Slim/Bill

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:50:34 GMT

SLIM/BILL COULD BE IN SURGERY ANY MINUTE.. THEY HAVE A LIVER THAT IS A MATCH! PLEASE PRAY!

Slim update ~ my day

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:37:43 GMT

Update for October 29

so slim still hasn't received his liver transplant. but it will happen soon as of now he is on top of the list for his blood type. like i said earlier according to his doctors it should happen soon.

unfortunately he has been receiving a lot of blood transfusions as of late. slim's clouting factor has been very low and he has been oozing blood from all over. because of this he has been receiving multiple plasma and platelet transfusions over the past days. But it really goes to show that the simple act of donating you blood can really help someone so much. I know i would certainly give mine if the red cross let me, the do not allow people to donate if they have contact with people who have blood born illnesses. It means so much to slim and the cooper family and everyone who receives transfusions that there people who generously donate blood all the time. but all in all he will be getting his transplant soon it just a matter of time now. and thanks again for all your guy's help and support. Thanks so much everybody.
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Through my window: It’s raining again. Hopefully today is the last day for the next week. Regardless of the weather, I need to clean my windows today. I only wish I had new curtains for the family room. I hate the blinds we have in there. They are the cheap ones.. and after a year, they are pretty ate up.

Through my door: I don’t plan on going anywhere today. I should go weigh in, but will put it off until tomorrow.. in hopes that I won’t have to go in the rain. It’s so cold and damp out there..

Hearing: Only the hum of the computer and my fingers on the keyboard. Everyone is still asleep. I need a full day of this. =)

What's Cooking: We are out of meat until I can get to the grocery store. I hope to grab a bite out tonight on a gift card we have. The bigger boys usually spend Friday night with their cousin and her friends, so it’s just the three of us again tonight. =)

Hearth and Home: My home smells of Tangerine Tango.. and all the guys love it. That’s a first. Usually one of them has a complaint about any scent I have “brewing”. They do love the cookie smells, so I think I will give that one a try when I get another warmer. Actually I want 3 more.. so I can use them in different rooms. =) Thanks Robbie for the Scentsy! I will be placing an order for more soon! I’m addicted!

Wearing: T shirt and shorts. I’m not ready to go to sweats, because none of them fit me anymore since I’ve lost weight. I guess that’s another thing to add to my wish list.. clothes that actually fit!

Healthy Living: That’s been my focus for the past few weeks, and it’s working beautifully. Who would have thought that I would be craving something other than junk foods! I don’t even enjoy a fast food burger anymore! WOOHOO!! =) A black bean burrito on a wheat tortilla with freshly made Pico is my new favorite friend. Add to that a spinach salad with a simple Dijon vinaigrette.. and I’m loving it!

Creative Corner: I have begun painting again. Last night, as Jeff walked by one of my unfinished pieces, he said it looked like it was store bought. That was a great compliment to me. I always worry that my work looks like I painted it. =S I still have more touch ups to do, but have put it off because I’ve ran out of things to paint for Sam. He’s really enjoying this, and with all the rain.. I can’t get to our shed (where my bisque is stored) and the shed has standing water in it now. =(

Reading: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel from the Word (all Bible studies I’m doing), How to Raise the Perfect Dog, The Last Jihad, and Fascinating Womanhood.

From the Learning Room: We are a bit behind with school due to Sam being under the weather, and then me being under the weather. I’m not going to stress about it. We take a few weeks off during December, so I figure I will use a few of those days, if need be, to catch up.

On My Mind: Finances. We have more financial obligations this week than we have money to cover, and the money I borrowed from my son left him in a bind when he had to have his car towed home. I need to replace the money he is out due to overdraft charges.. but we are broke too.. until like, JANUARY!!

Gratefulness: A home. Our health. Each other. Love. =)

Praying: For Slim’s continued recovery. For each of my friends and their struggles. For my Mom’s health and recent tests, x-rays, reports to be good. For more sales for Jeff. For an at home job that would bring in a little money for me.

Planning: A fun filled Saturday for Sam that doesn’t include the usual Halloween fare. We never have been a family that celebrated Halloween, and we want to keep it that way. I admit, it was easier when the boys were younger and had each other, but doing it with an “only” child is a lot harder. We will go to a party at Lifeway Bookstore Saturday morning, then to the movies in the evening.. and grabbing a bite to eat at Mc Donald’s on Sam’s Arch card. I’m sure he will have a great time.

Simple Pleasures: A cup of Strawberry tea in my purple tea cup, Cucumber Melon lotion, and my ‘Ms. Christie’ blanket. =)

WOW!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:47:17 GMT

I just got off the phone with Slim!! *tears* Please keep praying! I don't have more details... but will post as soon as I do. It was so good to hear his voice!

Update on Slim/Bill

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:57:03 GMT

Jeff talked to his wife yesterday, and she said he had a very serious bed sore that was going to require plastic surgery. We told her we would pray, as that is an obstacle that is in the way before he can get a liver. This was posted from his son today:

October 18
some good news and bad news everybody.

so bad news first. slim's still in the ICU, he's still retaining water and his kidneys aren't doing too well right now. so the doctor as of yesterday put him on 24 hours dialysis to remove out the water and help his kidney function. and because of all this his MELD score is up to 28 or 29, it was 20 last Friday, the 9th. but with the dialysis his score could potentially go down to something a bit more manageable, we will see.

good news because his MELD score is up, its more likely that slim will be getting a new liver sooner rather than later. they usually consider you a higher priority for a transplant when you are in the high 20s and lower 30's and the doctors are making it seem like they are going to keep Slim at the hospital until he gets his transplant. all in all he should be getting a liver soonish.

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Request for Jeff:
Jeff's tooth is causing him a lot of pain. Could you please say a prayer! We haven't been able to afford the cost of the extraction.. but may be forced to if it doesn't stop hurting!

I want to be like her.

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:44:43 GMT

"She is so beautiful.. so godly.. such a wonderful wife and mom. I want to be like her."

As I sat on the floor of my bedroom praying this morning.. it hit me. I want to be like her. I want to love God the way she does. I want to desire to be at His feet every minute of my day like she does. I want the beauty that is reflected in my face and my life to be a result of spending time with Him. I want to be as beautiful as she is because of the time she spends with Him. I want to be like her.

She is a loving wife.. always giving of herself to meet the needs of her husband. She maintains a delicate balance in taking care of him and taking care of herself. She knows the value of making sure she is healthy, because without that, she can't take care of anyone. Putting herself first in a few things is not bad.. it's necessary. Then she is in a better position to tend to the one she loves. Her husband is so happy, so full of life and fun. That's a result of how wonderfully she takes care of him. I want to be like her.

Speaking of the ones she loves, they adore her! They know that God has given them a godly mom who is always looking out for their physical needs, but also their spiritual needs. She never lets them lack in either area. They are great children who love others in a way that can only be from the way that they learned love.. from her. They even reflect her thoughtful heart of care in those who they are with. I want to be like her.

She is a precious daughter of the King, and she guards her heart and mind as such. She is royalty.. and she knows it! She will not believe the lies of the enemy when he tries to tell her she is nothing. She knows better.. she knows the truth. She will not allow her eyes to see things they shouldn't. She will not listen to things she shouldn't. She will not speak things that she shouldn't. Her character and integrity are vital to her. She will not compromise. I want to be like her.

Funny thing is.. that is who He created me to be. It's a result of my choices ..wrong choices.. that has put a gap between who I am and her. Today, I will begin my journey back to who He created me to be. I want to be like her.

Update from Slim's son..

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:31:35 GMT

Today the transplant committee met, as they do every Friday, and they approved Slim for a liver transplant!!  Of course that doesn't mean that he's going to be getting it tomorrow, there are still things that he's going to have to do before he gets it.. but we will cross that bridge when we get there.

Thanks for all your support and prayers and everything else, and I'll keep everyone up to date.

Update on Slim and my latest request

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:44:14 GMT

We have a new update on Slim:

Wednesday night Slim was transported to UCLA, they are still trying to keep him where can be stable. He still has pneumonia and he's still fighting the infections that he has. So the doctors to protect his air passageways put him on a respirator, but that's ok hes in good hands.

good news even though he got a tube in him he is very responsive the most responsive that he has been in a long time. one of his nurses today was asking him some questions and he was nodding for yes and shaking his head for no. he was squeezing our hands and responding to our questions and what we were saying to him, nonverbally of course. also the doctors have been checking him out, running some test on him, and getting his information prepared to get him on the liver transplant list.

Please keep the prayers going! =)

My husband is ready to put me in a bubble. You know I fell a month ago and hurt my ankle. It never has really "healed". I have re-injured it 2 times since then, so it's still swollen and sore. Yesterday, I fell while leaving my parent's house. They have a ramp, and it was raining, and before I knew it, I was on my bum. Now I'm sitting on an ice pack and a pillow.. and another ice pack and pillow for my ankle.. again.

Jeff just informed me we have water in the basement (it has rained non stop for 24 hours). Please pray this is nothing major! Thank you!