Thanksgiving

We are in Mississippi with the in-laws and some other family came up from Louisiana. This is Little Man breaking a geo stone. When you bust these rocks open they have crystals of all kinds on the inside. Maybe later, I will get around to posting some pictures of the stones. Kid-O was trying to break some of the geo rocks as well. Watching her with a hammer is a little comical.
Grandpa and his dog relaxing on the dam while the grandkids fish.
Little man is doing a pretty good job of figuring out how to cast out a reel.
Kid-O fishing. No fish this time and it is supposed to rain all day today, so I don't think we will be fishing today either.I hope everyone has had a blessed thanksgiving.

Out of Here...

We are headed to Mississippi to visit the family for Thanksgiving.

My life right now...

It has been a few days since my last post. Life has gotten really crazy right now, but it is all good because God is in control. So as you know our house sold three weeks after being on the market, well Saturday the hubby and I signed papers on a new house.
So now I am really in full mode to get this house packed up so that we can get out of this one and into the new one. The closing date for both houses is December 19th.
By the way, always compete your mortgage companies. The hubby and I have excellent credit scores, and the company our current mortgage is with is offering a interest rate that is 0.525% higher than another reputable company. That factors out to an increase in the monthly payment of $70.00, and $20,000.00 over the duration of the loan. Crazy, they must think I am not very smart. Anyway, that is my soap box.

Just a little information....

I have been researching the doctor that Little Man will be going to on December 9th. From what I have read, it looks like God gave us a good one. Praise God. One of the papers he co-authored talked about the correlation between neurology and the Bible.

W. Jerry Oakes was born and raised in a small sleepy railroad town, DeSoto, Missouri. His parents, Marvin and Mildred Oakes, owned and operated the town’s variety store. His university education was at the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating in 1968. He completed his medical school training in 1972 and neurosurgery residency in 1978, both at Duke University. While a student, he came under the influence of Guy Odom and was allowed to see the potential of an academic neurosurgical career. During his residency, he spent a year in Toronto, first in neurology and then in pediatric neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children, coming into contact with its stimulating faculty of Robin Humphreys, Harold Hoffman, and Bruce Hendrick. Following the completion of his residency, he spent the next year in Europe; first at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London and then in Zurich with Professor Gazi Yasargil. Returning to Duke, he spent the next fourteen years, developing the pediatric neurosurgical service. In 1992, he and his family relocated to Birmingham, Alabama and the Children’s Hospital where he is Professor of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery. In the past ten years, this service has grown and now has four full-time pediatric neurosurgeons with a busy clinical practice.

Along the way, he has produced more then 125 peer-reviewed papers and 40 book chapters. He has served as president of the Neurosurgical Society of Alabama and the Southern Neurosurgical Society. In 2002, he became the editor of Pediatric Neurosurgery and president of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons. He is a director and vice chairman of the American Board of Pediatric Neurosurgery.

Pick an Angel

This post is for my mom and the mom-in-law. First off, nice angels, I like them a lot. Okay Mom, here are the three angels you have to pick from. This angel is 14 1/2 inches high and 10 inches at the base, tip to tip. The body of the angel is tall and slim. I don't know what tree this is going on, if it is the slim one, this angel might look good on it. This angel is 12 inches high and 7 inches at the base. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but the angel is holding white strands of beads. This one is my favorite.
This one is the smallest one measuring 8 inches high and 3 1/2 inches wide at the base.

Anyway, here are the pictures, you pick and let me know, so I know which ones to return to the mom-in-law.

Note: I have my computer back, YEAH!!!!

The phone just rang. Praise. Praise. Praise. Little Man sees the pediatric neurosurgeon at UAB on December 9. WOW!!!!!

Updating...

I still don't have my computer. I think the neighbor is getting close to being down with it, so I am in the other neighbors house posting right now. Great neighbors, we will miss them.

Anyway, we still have not found a house that we both like. There has been one that we like the best out of the ones that we have looked at, but we still have several more to look through. We are going out again tonight to look at three more or so. With Kid-O and school we are not getting much done right now. I figure this weekend will be very busy looking at houses. AHHHHHH...The DVD in the van, best thing invented to entertain kids while house shopping.

I got the results back for Little Man's spinal MRI from last week. The cervical portion of his spine looks good, nothing wrong there. However, on the lumbar (lower back) portion of his spine, they were unable to rule out tethered cord. In tethered spinal cord syndrome, the lower end of the spinal cord stays attached or tethered to the base of the spine, rather than riding freely up and down the spinal canal. Since the spine grows faster than the spinal cord, this leads to increasing stress on the spinal cord as a child grows and becomes more active. If tethering happens, the cord will become tight and stretched as the child grows, leading to symptoms of nerve damage, such as weakness or numbness in the legs, back pain, and trouble controlling the bladder or bowels. Based on the not being able to rule out tethered cord, the pediatric neurologist here is now sending Little Man on to the pediatric neurosurgeon at UAB. So, we still don't really know anything, other than they could not rule out the last thing left to look for. I am praying that the neurosurgeon at UAB will be able to look at all the current images we have of Little Man up to this point and be able to say one way or the other whether it is tethered cord, without having to put him through more testing. If theydetermine it is tethered cord, then Little Man would most likely undergo surgery to untether the cord.

Thank you again for all your prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for Little Man, as we continue on this quest to find an answer. Also, please pray that they get us into UAB quickly.

Stressed

I still do not have an update on Little Man. I called the neurologist office today, but Doctor Limbo has not reviewed his images yet. The nurse was going to try to get her to review them today. Maybe I will know something tomorrow.

Life is a little busy right now, and not because of the holidays coming upon us quickly. As you all know, three weeks ago, the hubby and I put our house on the market to see if God really did want us to move. We believed that is what he was telling us, but we were not sure. Well, three weeks after being on the market, we accepted an offer on the house. Saturday is when we accepted the offer, so we have been busy looking for a new home to move too. However, we have know real clue where God wants to move us too. He has blessed us in a significant way through the sale of this house, so we will see. Of course I am nervous because the closing date on this house is December 19th and we have no clue where we are moving too. I am excited because we are most likely moving to a larger house. I'll keep you informed about that as well. Please keep us in your prayers over the holidays, since basically we will be homeless. We have family and friends that we will spend the holidays with, but none local. Plus through this process, Kid-O will be changing schools as well. She is excited about that though.

I still don't have my computer back. The hubby brought home a laptop from work for me to use tonight. The neighbor should be done with it is a couple of days.

Updating again...

I still have not heard from the neurologist yet on Little Man's MRI Tuesday. I just am continuing to pray that God gives an answer. Maybe the longer wait is a good sign.

Secondly, we are currently in contract negotiations with a couple on the purchasing of our house. Please pray that we continue to response the way God would have us too. Some of their wants were a little out there (ie they asked for our surround sound system). Please pray for this process for us. I will keep you informed, when I have computer access.

Update...

I have not heard back on Little Man's MRI yet. I hope to hear something today. While in the machine Tuesday though, he started coughing, and they were unable to get the pictures at that time. The nurse came in a told me what was going on, so I began to pray. I also called some else to pray also. About 30 minutes later, the nurse brought Little Man back into the room. I asked if they were about to finish and get the rest of the pictures, she said yes that after they came in and told me what was happening, that he stop. This of course was no surprise to me, because my God, my Father can do anything. So that was a praise. I am just continuing to pray that God give us an answer. I will update as soon as I know.

As for the house several couples have looked at it. One couple has come back twice now and they are in process of writing up a contract offer for us to look at. Looks like God will be selling the house quick. We have only had it on the market for three weeks. Praise God.

Also, I will be computer less after the Saturday. I have a virus on my computer thanks to facebook so a man from church is going to be working on it for me. I am currently using my parents lap top since they are in for a couple of days. We will see how I do without a computer. Although, using their lap top is nice. I am coveting just a little. The hubby and I would like our next computer to be a laptop; however, right now that is just not a justifiable expense.

Little Man's MRI

Little Man and I are headed to the hospital in the next few minutes. He is schedule for his MRI of the thoraic (sp), lumbar, and cervical portions of his spine at 10am. Please be in prayer for him and me, as we continue to try and find an answer for him. Thank you.

Food for Thought

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

Note: Don't think this means rich with money, in some it might, in others it might be through family, in some it might be in God, in some it might be rich in joy. Don't just assume money.

Just liked it....

I am currently reading a book by Charles Swindoll. Some I have agreed with some I have not. This prayer by Peter Marshall, I really liked so I thought I would post it. First of Peter Marshall was the chaplain of the United States Senate and he concluded a message on anxiety titled, "Sin in the Present Tense" with this prayer.

"Forgive us, O God, for the doubting suspicion with which we regard the heart of God.

We have faith in checks and banks, in trains and airplanes, in cooks, and in strangers who drive us in cabs. Forgive us for our stupidity, that we have faith in people whom we do not know and are so reluctant to have faith in Thee who knowest us altogether.

We are always striving to find a complicated way through life when Thou hast a plan, and we refuse to walk in it. So many of our troubles we bring on ourselves. How silly we are.

Wilt Thou give to us that faith that we can deposit in the bank of Thy love, so that we may receive the dividends and interest that Thou art so willing to give us. we ask it all in the lovely name of Jesus Christ, our Savior."

Romans 13:1-7

As I came to my blog this morning, I saw that Romans 13:1 was the verse of the day. It states: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorites, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." This is no concidence that Romans 13:1 is todays verse. God was speaking to me and hopefully to you as well. My head and heart are not lined up right now, but I know they will be. I have to stay focused on the fact that God is in control, he is still sitting on the throne, and he has ordained all that has happened for one reason or another.

After reading Romans 13:1, I got my Bible to read the remaining part. I am not a fan of taking verses out of context, so I like to make sure they actually mean what it sounds like they mean.
Romans 13:1-7 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorites, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, the revenue; if respect then respect; if honor, then honor."

Ultimately, we are all under God's authority; however, with a new president elect, we are governed by him as well and submit to his authority. That being said, the new president is to submit to the authority of God, because he is "God's servant to do you good" to govern over the people, and do what is right in God's eyes.

I ask each of you to pray for the submission of our government to the authority of God.

Fall Festival and Halloween

The kids dressed up for the fall festival at our church and for Halloween. I thought I would share some pictures with you.

Mini-Me with his favorite person, MKG.

Mini-Me and the slam dunk.

Little Man and Kid-O stuffing a scarecrow.

That's our little Genie.

Can you say "Thomas fanatic."

Mini-Me looking cute.

"Look at the load of candy I got."

I don't remember getting that much candy as a kid, and I sure don't remember it being the good stuff.

Kid-O enjoying her candy.

I Voted...

I voted this morning. I had to wait in line for 1 hour and 15 minutes to do so, but I did it.


I beg of each of you; if you are reading this and have not voted yet, there is still time. You have until 7 PM, your time zone. Go vote. It is a privilege and your vote does count. Let your voice be heard.

SUPER TUESDAY

PRAY!!!



PRAY!!!



PRAY!!!

Issues - Can be Verified

All of these things can be looked up and confirmed for yourself. Do your research and pray before entering the polls. Vote the way you believe God is leading you to vote, not the way the news media, celebrities, or even I believe is right.

Double click on the image to get a larger view, if you want to be able to read it easier.

The Differences

I feel the need to get this out there no matter who you are voting for. Read through these things, do you agree or disagree. Vote the way you are led to vote based on your beliefs. I am sure that if you have read my blog for any length of time, you know my belief in God and many of my views. I condemn no one for how they choose to vote. My God is in control, he knows the results, I just beg of everyone to pray before they enter the poll booth. Truly vote the way you believe God is leading you to vote. There is a lot out there, making it difficult for many to make a decision, so I ask you to read through this list of issues. How many do you agree and disagree with? Who gets the most agrees and who gets to most disagrees?
Here are the differences:

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON:

Favors new drilling offshore US
McCain Yes
Obama No

Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it
McCain Yes
Obama No

Served in the US Armed Forces
McCain Yes
Obama No

Amount of time served in the US Senate
McCain 22 YEARS
Obama 173 DAYS

Will institute a socialized national health care plan
McCain No
Obama Yes

Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy
McCain No
Obama Yes
(Big deal - Abortion is murder, God's word says "Do not murder". Life is God's to give and take away. What are your Christian beliefs? We are forgiven for our sins, when we accept Christ as our Savior, so if you have had an abortion please do not think that I am convicting you, you are forgiven if you have accepted Christ.)

Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately
McCain No
Obama Yes

Supports gun ownership rights
McCain Yes
Obama No

Supports homosexual marriage
McCain No
Obama Yes
(This is a big deal to me, as a Christian, that believes God's word is the truth. Homosexuality is a sin, I still love anyone who makes that choice, as Christ would love them, but fundmentally I believe it is wrong. As Christians', we all should.)

Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase
McCain No
Obama Yes

Voted against making English the official language
McCain No
Obama Yes

Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals
McCain No
Obama Yes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX
McCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples).
McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales.
How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home sale will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
(Yet again, this is another big one for me to swallow. The Hubby and I stand to make $50,000 on our current house if it is sells. If capital gains is added back in then, we would have to give approximately $14,000 to the government. Our investment, our money. Do you want to sell your house, this is something to consider.)

DIVIDEND TAX McCAIN
15% (no change)

OBAMA
39.6%
How will this affect you? If you have money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.
(Something else to consider if you are currently saving for retirement.)

INCOME TAX
McCAIN (No changes)
Income/Tax

Single, 30K / $ 4,500
Single, 50K / $ 12,500
Single, 75K / $ 18,750
Married, 60K / $ 9,000
Married, 75K / $ 18,750
Married,& nbsp;125K / $ 31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single, 30K / $ 8,400
Single, 50K / $ 14,000
Single, 75K / $ 23,250
Married, 60K / $ 16,800
Married, 75K / $ 21,000
Married, 125K / $ 38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

McCAIN
0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax
Many families lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

New government taxes proposed on homes more than 2,400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

You can verify the above at following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s= propos ed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_ob ama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html