THANKFUL!

I realize it's been awhile since I've updated.  Two months to be exact.  :)  Between dishes, laundry, school work, home study updates, birthday party plans, sewing Halloween costumes, and well, just LIFE, my blog has kind-of taken a back burner.  And really, I'm OK with that.....one less thing on my "list" is fine with me right now.  Buuuutttttt...... many of you have asked about Charles' new job and the status of our adoption, so I thought it was time for an update.

Here's how life has been treating us.....

ON THE JOB FRONT - Charles working again has definitely been an adjustment for the entire family, but we are so THANKFUL he has a job!!!  His new job comes with very early mornings, however, it (most days) leads to earlier afternoons as well.  THAT makes mama happy. :)  Overall, we have seen some wonderful things come from this new position.  Things that we may not ever have thought to have prayed for.  Things that we know could only have come from a detail-oriented God.  So, so THANKFUL!!!  THANKS friends for your prayers!

IT'S A PARTY!!! - Since my last post, we celebrated a birthday around here!!!  My second oldest, Joseph, turned SEVEN!!!  We are so proud of the little man he is becoming.  This year he celebrated with a Star Wars themed birthday party in our backyard.

A Death Star Birthday Cake for one very special Jedi

I had a gazillion more pics, but unfortunately they were lost to an untimely incident between a mug of hot chocolate and my MAC book.   Ahhhh......life with kids.  :)

Joe's most favorite present (besides the gobs of Lego Ninjagos he got)???  Losing a tooth right before bed.  And then, he literally LOST it.  So......he wrote the tooth fairy this little note......

Apparently in our house, if you lose a tooth ON your birthday, it gets you $5.  Lucky dude.  :)

HURRICANE NEWS - Unless you live in a hole, you've undoubtedly heard about a little Hurricane named Sandy wreaking havoc up and down the East Coast last month.  Fortunately, we live far from the coast and didn't experience any damage in terms of water.  The biggest concern where we live was the wind.  More specifically:  trees falling down due to the wind.  And OH!!  were there a TON of trees that fell!!!  During the height of the storm, we took our flashlights, pillows, and blankets down into the basement and camped out for the night.  Despite losing power early in the evening, we made the most of it by eating ice cream (Hey!! You can't let that stuff go bad!), playing Pictionary (by candlelight!!), and reading Detectives in Togas.   Memories were most certainly made!!

When we awoke the next morning, it seemed that everywhere we went, trees were down.  Blocking roads, on top of houses and cars, and resting precariously upon telephone wires.  In my brother's wooded backyard, approximately 20-30 trees fell, all piled up in a neat, not-so-little stack.  This is actually where we spent the week.  Our power went out on a Monday night and wasn't back on until the following Sunday afternoon.  With temperatures drastically dropping, it made for one really cold house.  :)  Honestly though, seeing the stories of the victims in New Jersey and New York, we felt quite fortunate that we merely experienced a slight inconvenience.  We spent the week at my brother and sister-in-law's house. My nieces had off from school for the WHOLE WEEK due to the storm, so we got to spend time with cousins.  It was an instant party!  So THANKFUL for family and friends in the area who helped during this time!!!

IT'S HALLOWEEN!!! - Really, I'm not sure where the year went!  Just a minute ago it felt like the beginning of 2012!!  Before I knew it, Halloween was here, and with it came the costume demands.  So......out came the sewing machine, and with a little bit of creativity, here is what we came up with.....

An Egyptian Princess...

A red ninja...

A green ninja...

And a princess....

SCHOOL - As if hurricanes, birthdays, and job changes didn't keep us busy enough these past couple months, there is always school!!  Our year has gotten off to a great start.  We have managed to keep quite busy.   Here are a few of the highlights so far....

Making mummies using paper mache.....poor Barbie. :)

Haha.  An attempt at marshmallow pyramids....

Class trip to Crystal Caves

Inside the caves with my little love bug.

Apparently soaking a raw egg in vinegar for 72 hours creates a "naked egg" (the shell has dissolved) that you can hold in your hand!  Who knew??!  My kids had so much fun with this experiment!

Field trip to the local dairy farm....

followed by a hayride out to the pumpkin patch.

Gearing up for the Presidential Election....took a tour of the Capital Building in Harrisburg, PA.

The outside was beautiful, but OH MY, the inside!!!!  So fun!  We even got to tour the Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court!

Voting Booth!!!  Tonight's decision??  Honey, I Shrunk the Kids or Orphan Annie and brownies or ice cream for dessert.

 (for the record, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and ice cream won)  :)

The three oldest stayed up late watching the results come in and coloring in their Electoral College Maps.   

Philadelphia Art Museum field trip!!!

By far, the kids favorite was the Arms and Armor room.

Taking a break to play some chess.....

ADOPTION - And finally, our adoption.....all is trucking along there as well.   Due to Charles' new job (and the fact that 18 months are up), we are having to update parts of our portfolio.  Financial statements, insurance information, medical records, FBI fingerprints, clearances, and such.  I'm not at all excited to be back doing paperwork again (it's A LOT!!!!), however, THANKFUL to still be in the process! Once we finish up with our updates, we can be added back onto the wait list at the number we were "frozen" at.  Looking forward to moving DOWN that list again real soon!!!

THANKS again friends for all your thoughts and prayers!  We are certain that without them, we would have struggled much more than we did during this time.  We have so much to be THANKFUL for going into this season of THANKFULNESS.  We even managed to steal away last month for a little date night:

Dead Sea Scroll Exhibit - Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA

Have a wonderful THANKSGIVING!!!

Kirsten

Movie Review!!

Looking to head to the movies this weekend? 

Maybe you would consider supporting this film?



                  




I went last weekend with a couple of friends (first time I had been to the theater in a LONG time!!) and it was WONDERFUL.  October Baby is a beautiful celebration of life - ALL life.  Whether that life is 9 or 99....or still in utero.  I thought the writers did a great job of portraying all sides fairly, without villainizing any one person.  The movie is rated PG-13 due to the subject matter, so use caution with young children.

So, find a couple friends, call your local theater, FANDANGO....whoever!  And grab a coke and some pretzel bites (and maybe a few tissues!).  You're in for a treat!




Kirsten 

Survivor

So many of you have faithfully continued to ask about my sister-in-law Anna and how her recovery has been now that she is at home.  Here is a little something that her husband Brian posted to his FB page yesterday:


                                                    

Survivor-Woman. Had a great appointment with one of her surgeons from the January Journeys. Dr.'s words, "you almost died...twice. I didn't think you'd survive the second time.".

But here she is 2 months later. Crazy.

 

Isn't she beautiful???  Thanks for all your continued prayers for Anna.  My mother and father in-law finally left to head back home to Florida yesterday after spending the last 65 days in California by her side.  Brian has not yet returned to work, but eventually he will.  Each day Anna is getting stronger and stronger.  Praise be to God alone!

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Kirsten 

Update on Anna

I haven't forgotten about all you faithful prayer warriors out there!!  Here is the latest update on Anna from my mother-in-law:


Thank you for your continued prayers. Here are some praises and prayer requests.

Praise: Anna's coumadin levels are at the appropriate levels.
Pray that they continue to be so.
Praise: She continues to get stronger and even did some school with the children this week.
Pray that her physical therapy continues to go well.

She got a letter from the DMV stating that because she had a "lapse of consciousness" she will have to appear at a hearing to see if they will allow her to keep her driver's license.
Her appointment is scheduled for the same time as her lab appointment, so please pray that the DMV appt can be postponed without any hassle and that they will not revoke her license. She is not driving and has no intention of driving until her physical therapist says she can but obviously she doesn't want her license revoked.

The baby is doing great.

Thank you for continuing to pray with us. And thanks for remembering to praise God for His work in Anna's body and his work in our family as well. Anna is beginning to receive notes and letters from people all over the country sharing with her how this has impacted their relationship with God. How exciting to hear their stories of how their own faith has grown because of their involvement with us through prayer.

Thanks to so many of you who have continued to ask for updates. We are so blessed to have you standing and kneeling with us.


I pray that this is as encouraging to you as it is to us!  Thanks again for all your continued prayers.  The journey to full restoration is a long one, but we are "confident that He who began a good work in [Anna] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)





Kirsten 

Home Sweet Home

Well, once again, we are feeling super thankful to our God.  Anna went home last night.....again.  Seems that it was *just* a bladder infection.  Nothing a round of antibiotics can't cure. :)

While she was there, they flushed her bladder for about 15 hours and several clots came out.  A CT scan that they did also showed that the large clot in her abdomen is dissolving and her hemoglobin is stabilizing.  This is ALL great news!!!  Won't you join me in praising the Father?

Thank you Lord that you are ABOVE all things, that you HOLD all things in your hands. Thank you that you only give good gifts to your children.  That when we ask for bread, You don't give us a stone (Matthew 7:9).  Even when it may seem so.  Thank you that we can ALWAYS trust that your ways are GOOD.  We pray that Anna's life would be a testimony to you, God.  To your power.  Your mercy.  Your faithfulness.  Your love.  For the sake of your glory.  Forgive us for our unbelief.  We know that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).  Oh Lord!  Increase our faith and give us eyes to see!

I leave you with a verse that has brought much comfort to Anna for the past week:

"Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress."

~Psalm 71:3



Thanks for your continued prayers for our family.  We appreciate it so much more than you will ever know.

Kirsten

Anna Update

Anna went back into the hospital this evening. :(  I think we all knew that Anna's recovery would be a long, grueling process (after all, in only a matter of days, she went through childbirth, had 5 surgeries, was given 23 units of blood and was sedated for a week), but still, it is hard to hear. 

Earlier today, Brian took her to the ER because she was experiencing blood in her urine.  After a bunch of tests, the doctors have found that her white blood cell count is elevated and a CT scan has shown two pockets of clear fluid in her kidneys and bladder.  They are still trying to figure out what is going on within her body. 

Please continue to pray for her.  She needs peace tonight, as it is very scary anytime there is a setback.   Please also continue to pray for the doctors and nurses who will be caring for her.  Pray specifically that they will be granted wisdom as to how to treat Anna.  Pray that they would be able to determine what is happening, correct the problem, and send her back home to her sweet kiddos.  And as always, please also remember to pray for Brian, their children, and also my in-laws.  My MIL and FIL have been out in CA ever since Anna first had the baby and have been holding down the fort for three weeks now.

A couple nights ago, Charles and I had the opportunity to Facetime with Anna.  Isn't technology amazing?!!?She really looked GREAT!!  She was smiling and sharing some of her memories (or lack there of) from the past few weeks.  We loved being able to talk with her and tell her some of the things that God has been doing in the lives of so many people because of her.  We praise Him for the work that He has already done!  Praying that we will continue to trust Him and His perfect timing, even in the midst of uncertainty. 

Thank you prayer warriors for believing in the power of prayer!!  We love you all!




Kirsten

Remember

Well, I'd say 2012 hasn't exactly gone according to plan for our family. :)

For those who followed Anna's story, you certainly know what I am talking about.  Then, just as things began to settle down for her out in California, we heard news from Georgia.  Our three-year-old niece had pulled a chair over to the stove to help cook dinner just as my sister-in-law, Rebecca, had turned her back.  Let's just say, a gas stove and clothing don't mix well.  2nd degree to deep 2nd degree burns all over the left side of her sweet little body.  From her hip, all the way to her armpit.  Here's a news clip of our niece and nephew that literally circulated around the world this week:



         


I'd say we were the lucky ones of the bunch with *only* one trip to the ER this week with a two-year-old and her dislocated elbow.  Popped it right back in. :)

Yup, it's been one of those months.  And yet, through it all, God has remained faithful to our family.  In each circumstance, He has shown that He alone is God and that we CAN trust Him, even when things don't go according to plan.  The past couple weeks have been hard for our family as a whole. Yet, through it all, we have found ourselves surprisingly encouraged by our trials.  Sensing that something greater is happening that we don't yet see.   My sister-in-law posted this quote that she had read that same day that her baby girl ended up in a burn unit in Atlanta:


"Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your guide.Thank me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense my presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from my perspective.  

A life lived close to me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by my side."

                                                                  ~Excerpt taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young


I talked a little in my last post about not wanting to forget what God has done over the past few weeks. 


His faithfulness. 
His mercies. 
His unfailing love. 


But isn't that what we do so often?  Turn back to what is comfortable?  Life as normal?  I know that is certainly my tendency.

"Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children

and to their children after them."

~Deuteronomy 4:9

A few years back, I decided I did NOT want to forget the things God had done in my life.  In the book of Joshua, after the whole nation of Israel had finished crossing the Jordan River, the Lord told them to gather twelve stones from the middle of the river.  Then God told them:

"In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?', tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.  These stones are to be a

memorial to the people of Israel forever."

~Joshua 4:6-7

 

The memorial was to be a constant reminder of what God had done for them.  Their children would see the stones, hear the story, and learn of our great God.  Enter my stones of rememberance:

Every time the Lord has taught me a lesson, impressed a verse on my heart, or allowed a miracle to unfold before my very eyes, I added a rock to my collection.  Lest we forget or go back to the comforts of an ordinary life lived out in the flesh.  Check out my newest stone:

So, I invite you to mark out a place in your home as a memorial to our God.  A rememberance of sorts of all that He has done in YOUR life. Over and over throughout scripture, God reminds His people of how far He has brought them. 

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

~Exodus 20:2

He didn't do this to pat himself on the back, but to remind His people of how far they had come.  Why?  Because it's too easy to forget His goodness.  It's too easy to look at our current circumstance and wonder where God is in the midst of chaos.  Won't you join me in remembering? 

As we enter through the doors of 2012, my prayer is that we would........that I would.........

REMEMBER.

Kirsten

She's On Her Way Home!!!!

Just a quick post to let everyone know that Anna is on her way home as we speak!!!!  Charles just got off the phone with his mom a little while ago.  They were checking out of the hospital and making their rounds to say goodbye to the countless doctors and nurses who assisted in saving her life.  Anna is doing GREAT!! Such an amazing day!!!! 

I will be certain to post more details later, but for now, just wanted to say......

Yay God!!!!



Kirsten

Correction....

Just a quick note to make a small correction to my post from last night.  This is from my mother-in-law:

I went to the hospital twice today. And each time I was filled with joy and reverential awe to our God. Anna was much more alert and was able to carry on some conversation. The MRI from yesterday showed no stroke and no bleeding. They did another CT scan this afternoon because she had some tingling in her fingers but everything was fine. When Anna asked when can she go home; the doctor didn't really answer that question, she just said it will take at least 3 days to make the switch from heparin to cumidin. So...there is no time frame for her release from the hospital at this time.

The children got to skype with her this evening and there was much rejoicing and some tears.

 

Many, many doctors and nurses have stopped by for a "social visit" as they say. The anesthesiologist who did the anesthesia for the c-section stopped by to see Anna today. He came in smiling and said: "I am so happy; I am so happy to see you alive." He went on to tell us that he was the anesthesiologist for both the c-section and the next 2 life-saving surgeries. He said that he had taken her breathing tube out from the c-section and was finishing up when things started going horribly wrong. He said usually in a crisis situation there is more than one anesthesiologist - but things happened so fast that there wasn't time to wait. He said he started saying: "God, help me; God, help me." At that, he felt a "force" take over his hands and work swiftly to do what needed to be done.

I told him that it was the Lord Jesus who helped him. He said, yes, I believe it was God. Then he said he worked in a trauma unit for many years and he had never seen anyone make it with a hemoglobin count of 2.9 which Anna's had dropped to just before the 2nd life-saving surgery. Miracle after miracle, that is what we have had the privilege of not only watching but participating in. To God be all the glory. Amen and Amen.

Please continue to pray for complete restoration of her kidneys and blood levels, no infection, hemoglobin to go up to at least 10 and stabilize, optimum cumidin level, and clearer and clearer thinking and whatever else the Lord lays on your heart to pray for. Once again, thanks so much.

 

So, just wanted to clarify the information on Anna's going home in three days.  I know that anything is possible, but there is still much that needs to happen first.  Please don't grow weary in the praying!!!  Thanks so much!

 

 

 

Kirsten

Finding God in the Mundane

Well, there have been ALOT of milestones since I last wrote just a few days ago!  Lots of rejoicing going on over here. :)  Here is a look at some of the highlights of the week:

Anna woke up on her own the other day!  This was HUGE and such a relief for the whole family.  At first she was still pretty groggy, as she still had a TON of drugs in her system.  With her kidneys not working at their optimal level, they were a little slow at flushing out all of the sedatives and anesthesia she had been on for the past TEN DAYS!!  There was also a little concern as to whether any permanent damage had been done to her brain.  The past couple days have been filled with CT scans and MRI's.  Great news though!  The MRI showed no sign of stroke and nothing acute.  Anna was able to get up out of bed yesterday and even fed herself yogurt.  Today, she went for a little walk.  She has even been told that there is a possibility of her going HOME in as little as 3 days!!!  Praise God with us today!

What an extraordinary week this has been!  For those just joining us, you can read Anna's story from the beginning here.  Some of my favorite stories in the Bible also deal with the extraordinary.  David and Goliath.  Elijah and the prophets of Baal.  Jesus feeding the five thousand.  They're big and exciting and loaded with larger than life characters who are full of faith.  Kind of like this last week has been.

Take Mary, for example.  I'm certain the day Gabriel appeared to her was pretty awesome, but what about the other 364 days that year??  Or the thousands of days that followed the birth of her firstborn son?  I'm gonna venture to guess that it was filled with some pretty ordinary tasks also, much like mine.  Wiping snotty noses (and bottoms!!), dressing and undressing babies, chasing after toddlers, making dinner, cleaning endless piles of clothes and dishes, sweeping the floor (again!!).    The mundane makes us oh so weary.

*Sigh*

This is where we find Anna also, as well as those taking care of her and her family.  The worst is behind.  The dust has settled.  She is on the road to recovery, and this is AWESOME news!!  Now what do we do with this?  How do we process a miracle of this magnitude and where do we go from here?  As the adreneline rush subsides, the earth continues to spin on its axis and life goes back to normal for so many.  But for those directly involved, the monotony of a new normal begins to set in.  And so begins the search to discover God in the mundane.  In the everyday tasks that are necessary for her full recovery.  But that is where He lives.  Where He resides.  In the ordinary tasks of everyday lives.  In the weariness of life.

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not grow faint."

~Isaiah 40:28-31

As my father-in-law takes the night shift, caring for three sick kiddos who have the stomach bug, He is there.  As a brother lovingly sits in a hospital room reading scripture over his sister or combing out the knots in her hair from days of bedrest, He is there.  As a husband gets ready to take his wife home, to care for her himself, He is there.  When we choose to honor Him even in the mundane, He is there.  Even when it's not very glamorous or even easy.  He is there.

How will we take then what God has done and allow it to permeate OUR mundane?  After all, if we haven't said it before, we've certainly thought it, "If only I had seen Jesus heal the blind man, or the sea calmed, or a man named Peter walk on water, then I would believe."  But is that true?  Certainly it wasn't true for the Israelites.  I mean, COME ON!  After literally SEEING the Red Sea part in half, the Israelites still wondered if God would provide for them in the desert.  AND, when He did, they complained it wasn't good enough!  Many saw, but then allowed the monotony of life to take them right back to where they had started.  My prayer is that I would allow God to use the extraordinary to transform the ordinary.  To find God in the mundane.  That I would not forget what He has done.  That I would allow it to permeate the other 364 days of the year.  Even when times get tough.  What a shame to have witnessed a miracle and then to return to life as we knew it before!

So, I'm off to clean up my kitchen.....again.  Only to get messed up.....again......tomorrow. :)  But you know what?  That's OK.  Because I'm choosing to look for God in the mundane today.  Hoping you will join me!

PRAISE HIM:  Join us in praising Him for healing Anna!  Loved this post from a friend the other day:

I have been so ministered to by the countless number of people praying for Anna and her family during this very difficult time. The Lord is working in my heart, showing me the extreme privilege it is to be called upon to pray on behalf of a brother or sister in Christ, that somehow, in some mysterious way, our prayers can affect the outcome of God's will. It's crazy to me, that God has a perfect plan from before the foundation of the world reaching into all eternity, and as it is being played out, he wakes me up in the night and says, "Ask for this..." just so that I can be a part of seeing Him answer! What is this but a gift? I love Him for this. He wants me to partner with Him in His beautiful plan for His people. Wow... thank you for loving me Jesus! 1 John 3:1, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."  

Thank Him for allowing us to play this role!  Thank Him also for mobilizing the church to pray on behalf of our dear sister.

SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS:  Continue to pray for Anna's blood production to return to normal.  Also pray that she will have a good night's sleep again tonight.  Pray specifically for her husband Brian, as it has been a LONG week for him.  He accompanied Anna into the hospital 13 days ago and has hardly left her side since then.  He has had very little sleep.  Pray also for the extended family that is out in California caring for the children while their mama continues to heal.  Pray that they would see God in the mundane!!  In every diaper that is changed.  In every bottle that is given.  Praying that God would give strength to the weary.  It has been a long week for everyone, and it certainly isn't over yet - not even when she returns home.  Lastly, pray for Anna's children - all 7 of them.  Pray that God would continue to protect their little hearts.  It has been a hard week without mommy.

Thank you prayer warriors!  We are thankful for each of you and the role you have played in praying Anna home.  We are eternally grateful.




Kirsten

A Year of Gifts

Well, I had meant to write this post a week ago for the New Year, but in light of our week, it never got sent out.  New Year's Eve our little family spent the night doing what we do every year.  We watched old home videos.  We call it, "The Gregoire Year in Review."  :)

2011 (in no particular order).  So, so much to be thankful for.

#10  Spending the week in Duck, North Carolina for a family reunion with Charles' whole family this summer....8 adults and 16 grandkids all under one roof.  So fun!  Here is Gran and Papa with 16 of their now, 18 grandchildren.

 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, are sons born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. "

~Psalm 127:3-5

#9 Spending many a weekend with my parents, Cessa and Pop as they are affectionately called by my children, down at their house on the Chesapeake Bay.  Fishing, crabbing, boating, kayaking, swimming, biking - a child's paradise. :)



#8  Getting to spend one more year with my grandparents.  Truly an unexpected blessing.


#7 Starting a homeschool group in our area.  A first for me, but it has proven to be such a blessing.  The friendships alone, both for myself and my children, have been invaluable.

#6 Our family keeps growing!!!  My kids (as of a week ago) literally have 21 cousins.....and counting.  Our newest gifts this year are:  Nevaeh Noel (ok, she is technically a 2010 baby, but she squeaked in at the very end!), Kensley Mae, Sadie Rose, Zoya Praise and, just last week, Micah William.


"For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
~Psalm 139:13-14

#5 We have been blessed with a WONDERFUL church and have been going there for almost 12 years, since before Charles and I got married.  When we moved further away, we continued to make the trek thirty minutes every Sunday because the people had become like family.  But after 9 years, we began to feel that God was placing it on our hearts to worship with a local body of believers.  Our church had already planted several church plants throughout the tri-state region, but strangely, we felt compelled to pray specifically that our associate pastor and his family would feel the call to move up our way and plant a church in OUR town.  For six months, we, and a couple friends of ours started to pray diligently about this.  One Monday morning back in June, I got a text from my husband.  "Call me as soon as you can."  So I called.  And wouldn't you know!?!!  He had just received a phonecall from, none other than our associate pastor.  He and his family were feeling called to plant a church where WE lived!  Glory to God!  Tomorrow will actually be our last Sunday with our current church.  Mixed emotions.  Excitement to see how God is moving and where His plans will take us, yet sad to say goodbye.  Sad that Charles won't be there.  Thankful that he gets to be in California.



#4  Posted a picture of our pickle jar last year when we first began our adoption journey.  At the time we were unsure how God would provide for our adoption, but we were willing to trust in Him.  Today, we have raised OVER $20,000 in only 8 short months!!!  2/3rd's of the way to our goal and holding fast at #86 on the waiting list. :)





#3  Christmas morning 2011
Spending Christmas with Charles' brother, Dan, and his wife Rebecca, and their 7 kids!!  6 adults and 11 kids all crammed into our little townhouse for a week.  SO.  MUCH.  FUN.

#2  My sweet family
My adoring husband, Charles, and our four littles.....beautiful and sweet Kaya (8), passionate and crazy Joseph (6), sensitive and funny Jackson (4) and feisty and independent Sophia (2).  We are truly blessed!

#1  Thankful that as we enter through the door of 2012, we do so celebrating so much LIFE. 

Old lives.  New lives.  Restored lives.

"The thief comes only to steal, and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have LIFE,

and have it to the full."

~John 10:10

Kirsten

Results of CT Scan

So for those following along on FB, this is old news, but the results of the CT scan came back this morning.  I have been busy with my kids all day, as Charles is still in CA, so I haven't had a moment to post yet.  Here is the latest, copied and pasted off a FB status:

CT scan shows no bleeding! What they believed to be a seizure they now think may have been a physical reaction to low potassium NOT a neurological reaction. The sedative dose they gave her is starting to wear off and she opened her eyes for one second. Dr. Says her brain is under a lot of stress. She probably hasn't slept in ten days despite the sedation, plus 5 surgeries, and gone through child birth. They are increasing pain meds to make her more comfortable. She may be groggy, but not under. Hopefully her brain will be able to rest.  Thanks again for your prayers as Anna journeys the road to recovery.


Thanks for all your prayers!




Kirsten

More Obstacles...

Well, prayer warriors, we need your continued prayers.  It seems that this week has been one of many highs and many lows.  One step forward, two steps back.

Last night we were celebrating the victory of Anna opening her eyes and remaining alert for a full ten minutes.  Just before opening her eyes, she had become very agitated and called out, "Mama!"  My MIL immediately went over and held her hand, to which Anna squeezed it tight and nuzzled it close to her head.  Shortly after, her eyes opened.  She tracked Brian for a little and when he told her that Micah had been born, and was home, healthy, she teared up.  Much joy erupted in the room!!!  Charles called me and I was able to Facetime with Anna over the phone.  How amazing technology is!!!  I went to bed last night feeling hopeful and relieved. 

Fast forward to this morning. 

Here on the east coast we awoke to the news that Anna had had a seizure in the middle of the night.  The celebrating is put on hold while we wait the news of a CT scan sometime today.  Obviously, none of this is a surprise to God.  He knew this would happen and He is STILL in control.  We are trusting this morning in His perfect ways, even when we do not understand them.

Please continue to pray!!  Pray for wisdom and alertness for the doctors and techs.  Pray for Brian, that he would lean hard on the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to him.  And, of course, continue to pray for complete and total healing to Anna's body and mind.  Most of all, continue to thank God for His goodness.  All glory and honor to Him.



Kirsten

Another Praise!

This just posted on FB by my mother-in-law:

Anna opened her eyes for 10 minutes! (9:15pm PST) She was tracking Brian and understanding what he was saying to her. When he told her that Micah was perfectly fine, she teared up and squeezed her eyes. She is perfectly aware! Praise the Lord for this progress and continue to pray for full restoration.

We are praising God tonight!  Not only did Anna open her eyes and begin to wake up, but she did it when her mom, Brian, Charles and Dan were all in the room.  They all got to be a part of that little miracle just now.  So thankful!!  Charles even called me and I got to Skype with her on Facetime.  Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

 

Kirsten

Who Is This Jesus?

As people all over the globe have watched this story unfold in real time, I'm sure the question has been asked, wondered perhaps from deep within, "Who is this Jesus?"  "Who is this God who can raise the dead, calm the seas, and bring restoration to a woman named Anna, whom medical professionals did not believe had a chance at survival?"  "Who is THIS God?"  Well, let me introduce you to Him.....

The God that I serve, is one who loves His people desperately.  An even deeper love, if we can imagine such, than a mother has for her child.  He loved us so much so, that He ached for His creation when sin entered the world.  And this sin that entered in the garden at the beginning of time, still wreaks havoc on our world today. Children are diagnosed with leukemia.  Mothers die of cancer.  Babies are left orphaned due to HIV.  Believers are persecuted and killed throughout the world for proclaiming the gospel.  This was never His original intent for us though.  His original intent, was that we, His children, would walk in a relationship with Him, God the Father.  But when sin entered, with it came death, disease and sadness.  Most tragic of all, was that this sin separated us from the Father.  It made it impossible for us to get to Him.  He had to come down.

So, from the beginning of time, God had a plan.  A rescue, if you will.  A Son, foretold through the prophets, thousands of years before He was ever born.  And although some would have expected this great Deliverer, this Savior of the world, to be born into royalty, to be born a King in the most physical of senses, He was not.  Instead, He was born of a young virgin girl in a smelly stable full of animals.  There was nothing beautiful or perfect about his birth from a worldy standpoint.  Yet, that is so like our God.  To use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. 

This baby grew into a man.  Fully God, yet fully man.  He experienced heartache and sadness, physical pain and sickness, just like the rest of mankind.  Yet through it all, He never sinned.  He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  And it was His blood on a cross, that offered us forgiveness of our own sin.  Why?  Because there is forgiveness and ressurrecting power in His blood.  Ressurrecting power that raised His body from a grave after three days in the ground.  And that power still reigns today.  The cross has created a bridge back to the Father.  All we must do is believe in Him. 

So what now?  Where do you go from here?  You can begin by grabbing a Bible and reading through the Gospel of John.  Find other believers, a local church body, who can disciple you and help you to grow in your faith.  And, talk to God as you would a friend.  This is not another religion.  Religion doesn't save.  Only Jesus does.  It is an intimate relationship with the One true God of the Bible.

Real faith is not a manufactured emotion that can be mustered up in our own strength.  It's a faith that develops slowly over time as we obediently pursue Him when times are good.  SO THAT, when the storms of this life come, and they will, we can confidently trust in an unseen God with our very lives.  Knowing that His ways are ALWAYS better, ALWAYS more perfect than ours.  Taking the good with the bad and praising His name regardless of our circumstances.  Trusting always, that in ALL things, HE is good.  HE is in control.  And believing that not a hair on our heads can be touched unless HE allows it. 

This is our God.

"For God so loved the world, that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

~John 3:16

Kirsten

WOW!!!

So, I just HAD to share this email with you.  It is from a good friend of mine who happens to be a nurse.  If there is any question as to just how miraculous Anna's recovery has been, read below:

I will start with telling you that as a nurse I really understood the severity of Anna's condition. First, she was most likely bleeding inside of her uterus when she passed out during labor. So, for baby Micah to have survived that with no complications is a miracle in itself.  Anyway, then I started to add up Anna complications.  The DIC that she had is deadly in itself.  It causes all of your clotting factors in your blood to start clotting, so you end up with clots everywhere. This can cause massive stroke, heart attack, and PE, which Anna does have (although out of all three, I would say that P.E leaves the least residual effect.)  Anyway, while all that is happening, your blood is left with no clotting factors so that is why you can bleed from really anywhere with DIC ( she was  bleeding from surgical wounds).  The procedure in which she had the filter placed above her kidney to keep a larger clot from traveling was extremely dangerous.  They had to puncture her jugular to get a filter all the way down her artery to block the clot if it decided to break loose from the vessel wall.  With DIC it is SOOOO easy for someone to bleed out and for them to directly be able to puncture her artery with NOO complications is really crazy to think about.  With the amount of bags of blood that she recieved she had her entire blood supply replaced 4 TIMES!  Then for her surgical wound to remain open and packed with gauze for days and no major infection if any is awesome!  That tube she had placed is now draining any fluid in her abdomen, so an infection can't brew on stagnant fluid. Oh, and I forgot to mention the 5 or 6 surgeries plus everything else we don't know about. There really is no reason why Anna is still here!

 

I also wanted to share with you about one of the times I was praying for Anna.  I was washing dishes in my kitchen and I was just crying for Anna and her family as I prayed.  I was begging for Him to heal her and I prayed  that if He healed Anna that I didn't think I could ever doubt his power again. Medical intervention helps, but I truly believe that nothing other than God saved Anna.

 

Kirsten, to respond to some of the things in your blog:  I know I don't know Anna at all, but I strangely don't feel like a stranger.  I knew God had the power to help her.....but to see it in action, I will NEVER doubt how mighty He is. THOUSANDS of His children were cyring out to Him and He LISTENED!  I truly believe that this event has strengthened my faith more than I can say.  I am in utter and complete awe of our Mighty Mighty God!

 

Amazing.  Thank you so much Lyndie for sharing!!   She obviously still has far to go on her road to full recovery, but it is certainly nothing less than a miracle that she has made it this far.  In God's kingdom there is no such thing as coincidence, and this is no exception! 

 

A few highlights from today:  Anna has been taken off the sedatives.  She had her breathing tube removed and is now breathing on her own.  They have been giving her nutrition and her GI tract is working properly.  Her blood levels continue to normalize and her vitals look good.  Her swelling is visibly going down right before their eyes. 

 

Specific prayer requests include:  Continued kidney improvement, no infection and wisdom for the doctors concerning starting heparin (mediation for blood clots).  Also, continue to pray for the children.

 

Thanks for praying without ceasing, so specifically and so expectantly!  To God be all the glory!

 

 

 

 

Kirsten

Humbled

A friend of mine posted this on FB yesterday: 

"Facebook has become one of the greatest prayers chains I have ever witnessed.  It works exponentially."

I kind of love that. :) 

For those who have been following along on FB or on our blog, you will know that this story has captured the attention of so many people.  Many more than we could ever count.  One of the most wonderful things that has come from this is seeing God's people rally around to pray for a complete stranger. Working just as the body is supposed to work.  I know God is moving in the hearts of many and this is so much bigger than just a healing of Anna's body. It has gotten the attention of so many and I believe He is using it to pull people closer to Him.  I've received MULTIPLE emails of how God is using Anna's journey to cause them to seek Him more....to trust Him more....to know Him more intimately.  And with each new miracle, we've watched as people have cheered and praised our God.  That God would even allow our little blog to play a minor role in that, blesses me. 

I did have the opportunity to talk with Charles this evening a little.  As you know, he flew out to Fresno veeerrrrrryyyy early this morning and got to spend the afternoon at the hospital with his whole family.  He was very encouraged because Anna has been doing GREAT today!  Her vitals are good, and she has even been opening her eyes and responding to commands some.  The hospital staff believe that she has turned a corner and they are confering as to when she can start on blood thinners.  This would be HUGE!  Her body just needs to rest and begin the healing process.  She certainly has a long road ahead of her, but we trust that our God will sustain her.

In the meantime, please continue to pray.  For Anna, but also for her children.  She has (now) 7 children at home waiting for their mama to return.  Of course there is baby Micah who is completely dependent on extended family to care for him, but also 6 others (ages 9,8,7,6,5, and 2).  There have been lots of questions, such as, "When is Mommy coming home?" and "Why can't Mommy call us?"  Pray that the Lord would protect their little hearts.  So thankful for aunts and uncles and grandmoms and grandpops who can love on them as they wait.  I imagine that my husband is out there starting a wrestling match with those boys as we speak. :)

I'll leave you with a couple pictures....




Peterson Family, pre-Micah :)





Micah William Peterson




Welcome home sign....haha, not sure why the gun, but whatever. :)



The welcoming committee.




Home at last!

Love to all!



Kirsten



 

Update on Anna

I just returned from taking Charles to the airport and read this on FB from my mother-in-law:

 

Update on Anna. Today was a very good day. There is no bleeding since removing the packing and they did not have to give her any blood or platelets during the procedure, her blood coagulation numbers are normal, her blood pressure is good and her heart rate is good. The drainage from the tube in the abdomen area is watery and pink as it should be.
This evening they began feeding her a nutritional... supplement into the stomach through a tube in her nose. They took her off the sedation medication for a "sedation vacation" as the doctor called it because it gives the brain a chance to "wake up". Dr Sherman said he likes to do this daily when the patient is stable. The "vacation" only lasts a little while and they don't let the patient wake up, just stir a little and perhaps respond to requests like "move your hand" etc. Anna's eyelids were moving as I was talking to her and I said: "if you hear me, squeeze your eyes" and she did!!!!
After we left, Brian texted Greg to say that she opened her eyes and raised her hand off the bed a little. You can imagine his joy.

We brought Micah home from the hospital today so… Tonight should be interesting for Greg and I as it has been a long time since we awoke to feed a baby several times during the night.
To be honest, I am kind of nervous thinking I won't hear him even though he is in the room with us.

So dear prayer warriors, I ask that you praise God for the good progress that we saw today. Prayers are needed for the clots to dissolve, her kidneys to efficiently function, for the swelling to begin to subside (she seems at least twice her size), for her hemoglobin to stabilize, for her platelet count to rise.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Randi

PS If you like to read blogs, check out my daughter-in-laws at www.thegregoires.blogspot.com She gives updates on Anna as well as a wonderful perspective on the power of prayer.
She said that she normally gets 60 – 70 hits following each posting . Yesterday in a two hour period she got 3000 and in the past two days she has gotten over 10,000 hits. People are praying for Anna all over the world and we are grateful.

All praise, honor, and glory goes to God.

 

 

Wonderful news!!  I am hoping and praying that Anna will wake up a little while Charles and Dan are visiting and that they would get to talk with her.  What a blessing that would be, I am sure, for them.

 

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.  Thank you that you have a long history of being good to our family.  Thank you that you are our "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).  Thank you Lord, that you "give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak" (Isaiah 41:29).  Thank you that you say, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)  Thank you that you are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals.

 

If you have any verses that stick in your mind of comfort or healing, I'd love for you to post them to our blog or on FB today!!  My mom always taught me growing up the importance of praying God's Word back to Him.  His Word is "living and active and sharper than a double-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).  His Word "does not return to Him empty, but it does accomplish what He desires it to do" (Isaiah 55:11).  It is the most powerful weapon we have as believers. 

 

We ask that you continue to pray, as Anna still has challenges in front of her, but we are resting in thankfulness this morning, knowing that the prayers of the saints have graced the throne room of the King.

 

Love to all,

 

 

 

Kirsten

Thank You!

Well, it has been quite a day for all of us.  Quite a week, really.  Full of highs, and lows.  And hope.  And sorrow.  All twisted and blurred together in one ginormous whirlwind.  There has been little sleep, and much praying.  I can't keep my eyes off of FB and email and text messages.  They have been coming in from all over the world.  Literally.  It has been such a crazy, surreal time....and I can't help but to wonder what God is up to. 

This blog that we started less than a year ago, was originally meant as a tool to be used to share the progress of our adoption journey.  Normally after a post, I'd get about 50 or so hits.  The past three days ALONE, we have gotten over 10,000 hits on our blog.  It is insane!!!  I can't wrap my brain around the amount of people who are watching and praying.  We've had strangers reach out to us.  Neighbors.  Family.  Friends.  A good friend from our small group stopped by tonight with a meal.  My sister-in-love set up meals for us for the entire time Charles is gone.  Our small group raised enough money for a plane ticket.  Friends and family have offered playdates with my kids.  The list goes on and on.

And we are just absolutely humbled and stunned   BY.  IT.  ALL. 

Thank you everyone for your love and concern for our family.  It has truly been confirmation that God's people are meant to be the ministering hands and feet of Jesus.

We haven't heard much in terms of any updates on Anna.  Things remain the same for now.  Surgery went well today, her vitals are stable and there is no bleeding.  The doctor has also said that he feels like she has turned a corner as far as the DIC is concerned.  Continue to pray for NO bleeding, NO infection, for the blood clots to dissolve and for her blood counts to improve.  We did learn that baby Micah was discharged this afternoon.  Charles' dad (affectionately known as 'Papa') took all the kids on a "field trip" today to the hospital to bring their new brother home.  What a sweet time. :)

Well, that is all for now.  Even though my mind is reeling, my body is weary.  Heading to bed. :)



Kirsten