Thursday, December 18, 2008

Let it snow.....and boy did it ever!

Last night the pacific northwest really got socked with snow!  Back home they got 4 inches, Lynden got 6 inches, Concrete got 22 inches.  Here in the University District, we were the last to get snow, but it snowed all day, starting at around 3 am.  I was up at 5:30 am when a really strange thing happened - there was lightening and thunder!  It's a very rare phenomenon but it happened this morning (a thunder-snow storm!).

Here's some photos I took of our snow:


Those poor giraffes! Their frozen solid!  LOL!

I've found out that my Uncle Vern's funeral is on Monday at 2 pm, so unless her surgery is bumped (if a child needs surgery suddenly and is more critical than Esther, she can be bumped to later in the day or to the next day).

My sister, Lisa, was able to change her travel plans and will be flying in from California on Sunday. So she'll be spending Sunday with us, and some time with us Monday morning as well. It might work out really well if here surgery goes as planned, I'll be able to give an update before ther funeral, ans many of my relatives will be there and be able to know how Esther's doing.

The hospieal social worker was able to secure accommodations for the kids at home and Daryl for the week. I had looked into hotels, and a nice one was $149/night, and a cheap one was $69/night if we stayed a week. But the social worked got us accommodations at a nice hotel with the first night free, $102 for the second night, and just $30 for each night after that! Praise the Lord! He always provides for our needs!

Plus, since we really don't have any extra money, even the great deal on the hotel would be difficult, but a gal I've gotten to know through my fabric co-op send us some money to us towards the cost of the hotel, and Daryl got a Christmas Bonus today that will cover the remaining cost as well as gas to bring both cars down here! Isn't God incredible!

So, we will all be together in Seattle for a week (all but Jeremy), and that is what I want for Christmas! We are hoping to get our Christmas shopping done on Saturday, and maybe get the RMH room decorated as well. Not sure how much we'll be able to get done.

Here's a photo of my tired little Esther:

They've started Esther on a new medication that makes her sleepy and pretty listless when she's awake. I did get one smile out of here today, and several half smiles, so that was such a sweet thing for me today.

I think our shopping trip wore out the kids, they decided to just hang out at the RMH today, so I didn't see them today. Either that or my "come on up today and we'll have you get your flu shots" made them less desirous of coming to see us! LOL!

I was hoping to go spend part of the day with them, but with the snow, there were no volunteers to hold Esther, so I couldn't get away.

I ran across this video I saw a few months ago - check it out, it's really good - makes me cry every time I watch that part where Christ takes the blows:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

I've been doing really well today. I haven't been weepy at all, not sure what's different, but I have a hunch a few people are praying for me and that I will be at peace during this storm.

Praise You In This Storm

(click on title to hear song on GodTube.com)

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

6 comments:

  1. I know I've been bad about commenting lately, but I wanted to let you know that I read all your updates and have your family in my prayers. I'd like to blog about Ester on Monday to bring more prayers her way, if you don't mind.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wanted to let you know that I started a thread on Diaperswappers.com about you. I was asking for prayer for you and your family. A lot of mama's on there want to know how they can help out. If you have the time could you post a list of needs (ie presents/money for the kids for Christmas, etc) so that maybe we can help meet a few of them? You continue to be in thoughts and my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Ruth - I am thinking of you and gorgeous Esther Jeanne, and I hope all goes well on Monday. Leonora

    ReplyDelete
  4. My dear sweet Ruth... I am praying fervently for you and your family. My heart weeps and rejoices along with you each day. I know that the Lord is right there with you. Please feel free to email if there is anything else I can do for you. Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Ruth - I am praying for you today.... You are always so much on my mind. With the similarities in our families (# of children, sewing business, home school, age, etc....) it keeps you close to my heart.... I am so thankful for the people who have reached out to help you. I wish I had physical provision to share... but I am glad I have prayer to give... I am so sorry about your uncle, and the timing of everything, but I know the Lord is faithful in HIS timing, even when it does not seem a good to us. Blessings to you and your family. I pray your days will be blessed - and that you will be able to run and play with Esther here!! Thank you so much for making this blog a clear arrow to our hope in Christ... so many don't know of the hope available to them. Tracey
    PS - if you ever think you might need a listening ear at an odd hour, email me and I will send you my cell number. Being a midwife I have odd hours anyway! (((((Hugs))))))

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ruth, thank you again for your trust in God. I can tell you that the last wk has been hard for our family, not in the way yours has been but reading your blog and seeing your trust and bravery through God has been uplifting. My husband is deployed and my daughter is struggling with anxiety due to this. We have had a hard wk, when I start feeling overwhelmed I head over to your blog to become rejuvenated in Christ! I cant thank you enough for what you have given to my family. My trust in God has grown a lot lately, I have needed him so desperately and having you and other moms trust in him so strongly and talk about really has given me the strength to also lean on God. God is helping my daughter in a way I never could have alone. The songs that you post are wonderful, I read them to her and I read chapters of the bible to her, even if she cant understand it all (she is 6) I can see her eyes brighten at the words of God. Thank you, thank you for staying strong bc you are helping me more than you will ever, ever imagine.
    My brother was in afganistan. A lot of people told my mom it was worse, he honestly didnt feel it was so terrible. He learned a lot there, and he said it was very similar to Iraq. Remember that God has your son in his arms. Take heart about his deployment. My husband is on his second one. While I do miss him, he doesnt have a greater chance of demise there statistically. I am praying for your family daily Ruth, thank you forever for all you have given me.

    ReplyDelete