Steven and his boys
Brothers!
Playing together
Too cute!
He's growing up so fast!
Friday, July 20, 2007
I figured out my camera!!!
Macro
These are the results of my first attempt to use the macro setting on my camera. I saw these flowers and couldn't resist trying to capture their beauty on film.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Just for Nichole
Ok, so to keep Mrs. Jordan happy, I feel I must post something new.
Here it is!
Not too much to report these days, just super busy being mommy to my two boys. Brandon had his two month check up last Monday. He's doing well, but of course, that also meant that he had to get shots. Ryan's been fighting a cold and an eye infection. Needless to say, last week was taken up with caring for two little guys who didn't feel good! I'm so glad they're doing better now.
Oh, I just found out that my friend Alarice is pregnant with her first baby!!! I'm so excited for her. She and her DH have been wanting a little one of their own for a long time. If all goes well, they'll get their bundle of joy in April of next year!
Well, Brandon's napping, so I better take advantage of the quiet and get something done around here!
Nichole, you better comment after all that drama about me needing to update! :) Love ya!
Here it is!
Not too much to report these days, just super busy being mommy to my two boys. Brandon had his two month check up last Monday. He's doing well, but of course, that also meant that he had to get shots. Ryan's been fighting a cold and an eye infection. Needless to say, last week was taken up with caring for two little guys who didn't feel good! I'm so glad they're doing better now.
Oh, I just found out that my friend Alarice is pregnant with her first baby!!! I'm so excited for her. She and her DH have been wanting a little one of their own for a long time. If all goes well, they'll get their bundle of joy in April of next year!
Well, Brandon's napping, so I better take advantage of the quiet and get something done around here!
Nichole, you better comment after all that drama about me needing to update! :) Love ya!
Friday, June 22, 2007
New arrival!!!
Congratulations and praise the Lord for the safe delivery of little Kaitlynn Payne. I'm so happy for you, Crystal, and thankful for God's protection and grace through this difficult pregnancy and delivery!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
New Links
Hey all!!
Check out the new website for our church and our pastor's blog! The links are on my sidebar. We're very excited about all these new changes-Enjoy!!!
Check out the new website for our church and our pastor's blog! The links are on my sidebar. We're very excited about all these new changes-Enjoy!!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The Lord is good!
June 6, 2001-- This was the day that I lost our first child. As a Christian, I put no faith in and have no superstitions concerning dates, but when that nurse told me over the phone that June 6 was the date of Brandon's surgery, I have to admit that it affected me. I knew that God would be in control whether his procedure was the 6th, the 16th, or the 26th, but still that added something to my fears for my son.
I also dealt with the memories of losing Abigail, especially the memory of giving my daughter to my dad and watching him walk out the door with her body, knowing that I would never hold her again. I knew that when I had to hand Brandon over to that nurse, it was going to be the hardest thing I've done in my life up to now!
I wanted to share some of these things here with my friends that read my blog. You all know by now that Brandon did well and came through everything with a clean bill of health, but I wanted you all to know how the Lord helped me and my family, as well as how gracious He was to Brandon.
My dear friend Nichole and my parents were with Steven and I through last week. I don't think we could have made it through the waiting and the long days without their support and helping hands. They were there to see us through each moment, each update and each consult. My dad's prayer in the waiting room after we gave Brandon over to the nurse meant so very much to me! I know that the Lord heard him as well as all those who were praying for us last Wednesday.
Steven and I were waiting for the doctor to talk to us when they wheeled Brandon out of the operating room. I heard his cry before I saw them bring him through those doors. What a precious sound it was in that moment! He was definitely letting those nurses know how unhappy he was about not having eaten in several hours!
The doctor sat down with us to let us know that she was very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Her words were, "There was a big pop, so I'm certain we got a good result." I'm wasn't sure I wanted to think about that too much, but I'm glad that the balloon they inflated inside his valve did what it was suppose to do. Brandon's valve will never be perfect, but it can be made "good enough." That is what happened. He will have to be monitored regularly for the rest of his life, but the Lord willing, this procedure did its job, and he will not have to have a cardiac catherization again.
The little guy was such a trooper!!! He really did so well being poked and prodded and held down and kept away from mommy. I can tell that he's not quite back to normal yet as far as eating and sleeping, but physically he's doing wonderfully! I think he's more alert now as well. He's staying awake more during the day and looking around and responding to our voices in ways that he wasn't just a few days ago. We had several rough days after coming home, but I'm hoping that we're getting back to some semblance of normal now! I could really tell that he was wanting to be close to me those first few days home. He cried a lot more and pretty much wasn't happy unless he was cuddled in my arms. Believe me, I was happy to give him what he wanted!
The Lord has been so merciful the past few weeks. It hasn't been easy, but I know that He was with us through it all and will continue to walk with us through whatever the future holds for our family.
We are facing so many decisions right now as a family. I believe that the outcome of Brandon's surgery was a token of God's love for us and His continued watch-care over us in the midst of what is a time of trial not only for our immediate family, but extended family as well. Steven's mom is not doing well physically. She's in the hospital again with unexplained symptoms that are baffling the doctors who have examined her. My brother is about to be deployed for the second time to Iraq, and my brother-in-law has been there since last August and doesn't expect to be home until at least October.
So, I ask that you all continue to keep us in your prayers, but the Lord is gracious and hears the prayers of His children.
Psalm 13:6- I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me.
I also dealt with the memories of losing Abigail, especially the memory of giving my daughter to my dad and watching him walk out the door with her body, knowing that I would never hold her again. I knew that when I had to hand Brandon over to that nurse, it was going to be the hardest thing I've done in my life up to now!
I wanted to share some of these things here with my friends that read my blog. You all know by now that Brandon did well and came through everything with a clean bill of health, but I wanted you all to know how the Lord helped me and my family, as well as how gracious He was to Brandon.
My dear friend Nichole and my parents were with Steven and I through last week. I don't think we could have made it through the waiting and the long days without their support and helping hands. They were there to see us through each moment, each update and each consult. My dad's prayer in the waiting room after we gave Brandon over to the nurse meant so very much to me! I know that the Lord heard him as well as all those who were praying for us last Wednesday.
Steven and I were waiting for the doctor to talk to us when they wheeled Brandon out of the operating room. I heard his cry before I saw them bring him through those doors. What a precious sound it was in that moment! He was definitely letting those nurses know how unhappy he was about not having eaten in several hours!
The doctor sat down with us to let us know that she was very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Her words were, "There was a big pop, so I'm certain we got a good result." I'm wasn't sure I wanted to think about that too much, but I'm glad that the balloon they inflated inside his valve did what it was suppose to do. Brandon's valve will never be perfect, but it can be made "good enough." That is what happened. He will have to be monitored regularly for the rest of his life, but the Lord willing, this procedure did its job, and he will not have to have a cardiac catherization again.
The little guy was such a trooper!!! He really did so well being poked and prodded and held down and kept away from mommy. I can tell that he's not quite back to normal yet as far as eating and sleeping, but physically he's doing wonderfully! I think he's more alert now as well. He's staying awake more during the day and looking around and responding to our voices in ways that he wasn't just a few days ago. We had several rough days after coming home, but I'm hoping that we're getting back to some semblance of normal now! I could really tell that he was wanting to be close to me those first few days home. He cried a lot more and pretty much wasn't happy unless he was cuddled in my arms. Believe me, I was happy to give him what he wanted!
The Lord has been so merciful the past few weeks. It hasn't been easy, but I know that He was with us through it all and will continue to walk with us through whatever the future holds for our family.
We are facing so many decisions right now as a family. I believe that the outcome of Brandon's surgery was a token of God's love for us and His continued watch-care over us in the midst of what is a time of trial not only for our immediate family, but extended family as well. Steven's mom is not doing well physically. She's in the hospital again with unexplained symptoms that are baffling the doctors who have examined her. My brother is about to be deployed for the second time to Iraq, and my brother-in-law has been there since last August and doesn't expect to be home until at least October.
So, I ask that you all continue to keep us in your prayers, but the Lord is gracious and hears the prayers of His children.
Psalm 13:6- I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Brandon's Heart
Here's a letter I sent out yesterday to all our friends and family. I thought others might want to have this news as well.
Dear Family and Friends,
Some of you already know that Brandon was diagnosed with a heart murmur before we left the hospital.
On Monday, we had a check up with a pediatric cardiologist from Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. After looking at the echocardiogram(sono of the heart), the doctor determined that there is moderate to severe blockage of his pulmonary valve. At this point, Brandon's heart is strong and healthy, but this condition is one that if let go, would eventually lead to symptoms that would damage his heart. With that in mind, the doctor wants to do a cardiac catherization. The procedure is called a Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty. Basically, it's the same procedure as an angioplasty, except done on the heart valve, not the arteries. This is actually a fairly common procedure, and though there is some risk involved, it is less than 1%. They will be putting Brandon under general anesthesia for the two hours it will take them to complete the catherization. He should not have any side effects afterwards other than possibly small changes in his eating and sleeping routine.
The procedure is scheduled for June 6th at 9:30 in the morning. It will be done at Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. He will have to stay over night for observation, and if his post-op labs are clear, he will be released on Thursday, the 7th.
Please keep us all in prayer. Though the doctors are assuring us of a good outcome and low risk, etc, etc, it is still scary to have our baby going through so much! Pray that we would be able to find a peace in the midst of all of this and be able to restfully trust in God's providential workings in our life.
I will keep everyone informed on Brandon's condition as I am able.
God bless,
Rebekah
Dear Family and Friends,
Some of you already know that Brandon was diagnosed with a heart murmur before we left the hospital.
On Monday, we had a check up with a pediatric cardiologist from Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. After looking at the echocardiogram(sono of the heart), the doctor determined that there is moderate to severe blockage of his pulmonary valve. At this point, Brandon's heart is strong and healthy, but this condition is one that if let go, would eventually lead to symptoms that would damage his heart. With that in mind, the doctor wants to do a cardiac catherization. The procedure is called a Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty. Basically, it's the same procedure as an angioplasty, except done on the heart valve, not the arteries. This is actually a fairly common procedure, and though there is some risk involved, it is less than 1%. They will be putting Brandon under general anesthesia for the two hours it will take them to complete the catherization. He should not have any side effects afterwards other than possibly small changes in his eating and sleeping routine.
The procedure is scheduled for June 6th at 9:30 in the morning. It will be done at Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. He will have to stay over night for observation, and if his post-op labs are clear, he will be released on Thursday, the 7th.
Please keep us all in prayer. Though the doctors are assuring us of a good outcome and low risk, etc, etc, it is still scary to have our baby going through so much! Pray that we would be able to find a peace in the midst of all of this and be able to restfully trust in God's providential workings in our life.
I will keep everyone informed on Brandon's condition as I am able.
God bless,
Rebekah
Friday, May 18, 2007
My sons
There aren't words to express how very grateful I am to the Lord for giving me, not one, but two precious little boys to love and cherish.
I have read about several different families recently that have gone through terrible times of pain and grieving because of losing their sons to genetic disorders. Their stories have made me even more aware of how fleeting life is and how thankful we need to be for every minute God gives us to enjoy our children.
So, be thankful for every moment you have with those whom you love! We have no guarantees of tomorrow. We have no promises for a future here with our loved ones.
I am blessed to know that whatever tomorrow holds, I have a God that will carry me through and has promised to be with me every moment.
Ryan and Brandon, Mommy loves you with all her heart!
The LORD giveth, and the LORD taketh away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. ~JOB
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
For David
The Sniper
The sun beat like a hammer, not a cloud was in the sky.
The mid-day air ran thick with dust; my throat was parched and dry.
With microphone clutched tight in hand and cameraman in tow,
I ducked beneath a fallen roof, surprised to hear "Stay low."
My eyes blinked several times before in shadow I could see,
The figure stretched across the rubble, several steps away from me.
He wore a cloak of burlap strips, all shades of gray and brown,
That hung in tatters till he seemed to melt into the ground.
He never turned his head or took his eye from off the scope,
But pointed through the broken wall and down the rocky slope.
"About eight hundred yards," he said, his whispered words concise,
Beneath the baggy jacket he is wearing a device.
A chill ran up my spine despite the swelter of the heat,
"You think he's going to set it off along the crowded street?
The sniper gave a weary sigh and said "I wouldn't doubt it,
Unless there's something this old gun and I can do about it."
A thunder clap, a tongue of flame, the still abruptly shattered:
While citizens that walked the street were just as quickly scattered.
Till only one remained, a body crumpled on the ground,
The threat to oh so many ended by a single round.
And yet the sniper had no cheer, no hint of any gloat,
Instead he took a logbook out and quietly he wrote.
"Hey I could put you on TV, that shot was quite a story!"
But he surprised me once again- "I got no wish for glory."
"Are you for real?" I asked in awe, "You don't want fame or credit?"
He looked at me with saddened eyes and said "You just don't get it.
"You see that shot-up length of wall, the one without a door?
Before a mortar hit it, it was a grocery store."
"But don't go thinking that to Bomb a store is all that cruel,
The rubble just across the street -it used to be a school.
The little kids played soccer in the field out by the road,"
His head hung low, they never ever thought a car would just explode.
"As bad as all this is though, it could be a whole lot worse,"
He swallowed hard; the words came from his mouth just like a curse.
"Today the fights on foreign land, on streets that aren't my own,"
"I'm here today 'cause if I fail, the next fights back at home."
"And I won't let my Safeway burn, my neighbors dead inside,
Don't want to get a call from school that says my daughter died;
I pray that not a one of them will know the things I see,
Nor have the work of terrorists etched in their memory."
"So you can keep your trophies and your fleeting bit of fame,
I don't care if I make the news, or if they speak my name."
He glanced toward the camera and his brow began to knot,
"If you're looking for a story, why not give this one a shot."
"Just tell the truth of what you see, without the slant or spin:
That most of us are OK and we're coming home again.
And why not tell our folks back home about the good we've done,
How when they see Americans, the kids come at a run."
You tell 'em what it means to folks here just to speak their mind,
Without the fear that that tyranny is just a step behind:
Describe the desert miles they walk in their first chance to vote,
Or ask a soldier if he's proud, I'm sure you'll get a quote."
He turned and slid the rifle in a drag bag thickly padded,
Then looked again with eyes of steel as quietly he added:
"And maybe just remind the few, if ill of us they speak,
That we are all that stands between the monsters and the weak.
- By Michael Marks
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
YAY!!!!
My sweet, sweet hubby took me shopping this past weekend to buy me a new digital camera. He ended up getting me a REALLY nice one that has so many features, it'll take me forever to figure it all out! But hopefully, now that I'm back up to date with technology, I'll be able to share a lot more photos of our family, especially with Brandon's birth only two weeks away now. I will be trying to get some good pictures of him and Ryan and the rest of the gang (grandparents, aunts, friends, etc) as I am able. So, keep checking in. I might surprise you and actually start posting on some regular schedule (well, doubtfull with the whole having a newborn baby thing, but the thought was nice!)
Later, Blogworld!
Later, Blogworld!
A Snowy Spring
This was the scene out my front door Easter weekend!!!
They both had a blast in the falling snow, building a snow mountain!
Something new...
Well, as a certain someone said, my blog needs some sprucing up. Since I'm too tired to try to figure out how to make Blogger work for me to get a new background, etc, I thought I'd share some pictures of Ryan. Not too original, but at least it's not preggie related, in case anyone's getting tired of all the preggie posting. :)
FUN AT THE PARK
Friday, April 06, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Brandon Update
There's not too much new going on around our place these days, but I thought I'd at least send out an update on how our Brandon is doing. Besides starting early at keeping mommy awake at night with his constant moving, he's growing like a weed!!! He's gaining around 14 oz. every two weeks. He's already 4lbs and 12 oz!!! We think he's going to be a big boy, bigger than his big brother at this rate!
I begin my twice per week monitoring next week. I'll be having sonograms and fetal monitoring each visit. Please remember me in prayer if you think of us. I'm already feeling tired most of the time these days, and the hour drive to get to the doctor is going to be difficult. Plus I have an active two year little boy to keep up with while strapped to a monitor! Fun times for sure, but exhausting for this pregnant mommy!
The doctors are still saying that May 3rd is the big day for this little guy to make his appearance!! That's five weeks away now. I'm getting a little nervous and a lot excited to get on with everything! I'm not exactly looking forward to the whole labor part of labor, but I am looking forward to meeting my little boy and bringing him home with us to start a new chapter in our lives. I know there's a lot of transition time in front of us, but I know it will all be a blessing in the end, even with the difficulties and sleepless nights!
Well, my Ryan is asking for something to eat, so I better go for now. Leave some comments if you have the time!!! I love hearing from everyone!
I begin my twice per week monitoring next week. I'll be having sonograms and fetal monitoring each visit. Please remember me in prayer if you think of us. I'm already feeling tired most of the time these days, and the hour drive to get to the doctor is going to be difficult. Plus I have an active two year little boy to keep up with while strapped to a monitor! Fun times for sure, but exhausting for this pregnant mommy!
The doctors are still saying that May 3rd is the big day for this little guy to make his appearance!! That's five weeks away now. I'm getting a little nervous and a lot excited to get on with everything! I'm not exactly looking forward to the whole labor part of labor, but I am looking forward to meeting my little boy and bringing him home with us to start a new chapter in our lives. I know there's a lot of transition time in front of us, but I know it will all be a blessing in the end, even with the difficulties and sleepless nights!
Well, my Ryan is asking for something to eat, so I better go for now. Leave some comments if you have the time!!! I love hearing from everyone!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
March 9, 2007
Here's another family picture I thought I would share with all of you. It was taken at the wedding this past Firday night. Ryan's making a funny face, but it's a good picture none the less!!!
I also wanted to send out congratulations to Steven and Nichole Jordan! They were married this past weekend! It's been a long anticipated union, and I was honored to be a small part of their special day!
Lots of love to you both!!!!
Memories and celebrations
I was going to post this a a couple weeks ago, but it's been so busy, I haven't had the chance to sit down to put anything new together for my blog!!!
I have had this blog now for a year. If anyone is interested, you can go back and read my first blog to understand the importance of this month for my husband and I and for our family. I don't know that I'll write anything new about our daughter, at least nothing too in depth. Please go back and read that first blog though...it will help you to see how the Lord has worked in our lives and how far we have come in the last four years.
Five years ago this past week, the Lord wrought a wondrous work in my life. He took me from the pit that I was in and placed my feet upon the Rock, Jesus Christ our Saviour!! I can never do or say enough to repay the "debt of love I owe!" I continue to be amazed at the love and mercy that God bestows upon me each moment of each day as He leads me down this path of life He's chosen for me.
I'm also celebrating another year of physical life this month!!! Over 26 years ago, my dad began praying for a daughter. I am God's answer to that prayer received long ago. It's amazing as I think about my life to this point...I am constantly reminded of God's sovereignty and providence in ordering every step that has led me to today!!! Seeing all the twists and turns of life that have lead me to my husband and to the life that we now lead together--it's a testament to God's hand in my life, to God's direction of even the minutest details of every life! I am blown away that the God of all the universe would be so interested in one, insignificant creature that He would orchestrate an entire lifetime of events to form what is and what will become my history!! How amazing His love is for me!
I have had this blog now for a year. If anyone is interested, you can go back and read my first blog to understand the importance of this month for my husband and I and for our family. I don't know that I'll write anything new about our daughter, at least nothing too in depth. Please go back and read that first blog though...it will help you to see how the Lord has worked in our lives and how far we have come in the last four years.
Five years ago this past week, the Lord wrought a wondrous work in my life. He took me from the pit that I was in and placed my feet upon the Rock, Jesus Christ our Saviour!! I can never do or say enough to repay the "debt of love I owe!" I continue to be amazed at the love and mercy that God bestows upon me each moment of each day as He leads me down this path of life He's chosen for me.
I'm also celebrating another year of physical life this month!!! Over 26 years ago, my dad began praying for a daughter. I am God's answer to that prayer received long ago. It's amazing as I think about my life to this point...I am constantly reminded of God's sovereignty and providence in ordering every step that has led me to today!!! Seeing all the twists and turns of life that have lead me to my husband and to the life that we now lead together--it's a testament to God's hand in my life, to God's direction of even the minutest details of every life! I am blown away that the God of all the universe would be so interested in one, insignificant creature that He would orchestrate an entire lifetime of events to form what is and what will become my history!! How amazing His love is for me!
Seven Months Pregnant
I thought everyone would enjoy an updated preggie picture. This was a week ago when we were in San Antonio for my cousin's wedding. This is my caption--Since I have no hips anymore, Ryan gets to ride around on top of Brandon! hehe
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