quote of the day

"I have a cough in my chest"

Yeah? Really, because last time I checked that was the only place you could get a cough.

And no, I didn't say that, just thought it. And laughed.

At least I could find a laugh today. . . .

Happy New Year!!!

stamps

I thought I'd share with you something new I learned. After stopping at 2 Post Offices yesterday for Christmas stamps and being told both were out but would be getting some soon. And after having another close in my face at 4:30pm (what is up with that?) I learned you can order stamps on-line and they will mail them to you. How fabulous is that? A dollar for shipping, that's all it cost. And I don't have to go back to the Post Office. Yippeeee!!!

Merry Christmas!

My mother, the decorator, came over and helped me with my mantle decorations for Christmas. And since none of you have come over to see it, here are the pictures. I just love decorating for Christmas, but it sure takes a long time. And living almost in Texas, as I'm told by my friends, no one comes over to appreciate it. And Bella and Bentley are tired of me looking at the decorations and saying, "Aren't they pretty?" They think "Christmas tree" sounds too much like "treat" so off to the treat jar they run every time I talk about it.

And Merry Christmas!!

"The Earth is full of His unfailing love"

Psalm 33:5

My tree

My Christmas Dishes.

Three Christmases waiting outside Dillards on the 26th to get the 50% Off Sales. I just love them!!

My Dining Room--unused, but decorated none the less.

Learned that from Sus--setting the table even though no one is coming.

And my mantle--didn't my mom do a great job? One for the cover of Southern Living!!!

happy birthday mom!

To the greatest Mom in the World,

You have done more for me than I could ever imagine. I thank you for the way you show me Jesus in all that you do. Thank you for all the sewing you do. I love my house, not so much the smocked dresses when I was 5. But you're right, the pictures are nice. Thanks for teaching me to be nice to my sister, I do treasure her. Thank you for letting me move back in, twice, to finish my education. I know I'm not easy to live with but I loved our time together. Thanks for calling me every day, just to check in. I love that you still check in on a 31 year old. I hope we have 31 more years together!

Love you! Sarah

how 'bout them sooners?

Some friends and I are going to make the 21+ Hour trek to Miami, FL for the BCS Championship Game. It will be a fabulous time!! Anyone else want to join us?

the 30s

Well, I'm offically in my 30s. Last year it didn't really count. This year it does because I've lived my 31st year. (You know--you turn 1 after living your first year, turn 2 after living your 2nd year, ect.)

Some fabulous friends met me for dinner and a movie last night. We saw AUSTRALIA. I would recommend an afternoon viewing--10:45 on a Friday night is a bit late for me. But it was really great. Thanks gals!!!

And let's not forget the cake. Num Yummy! (have you seen that Campbell's commerical, maybe it's just me) It was a chocolate cake (no duh) with a layer of fudge and nuts, then a layer of cheesecake, topped with a chocolate ganache. It was fabulous!!

The past couple of years have been really trying. But God is so good and has blessed me beyond what I could have imagined. Sure, I would love to be married and have a family by the time I turned 30 but I can't forget what HE has done for me. The grass is always greener on the other side, right?

Kylie, me, Rebecca and Liz

Thanks for making my birthday so special. And here's to a great 32nd year of life!!

living alone

I really enjoy living by myself, most of the time. If the kitchen is dirty when I leave, it will be dirty when I get home. No one else to blame but myself. Not so much the roommates. (love you Lou) I could clean the kitchen, leave, come home and it was dirty. Angering.

But today I experienced one not so good thing about living alone:

Running out of toilet paper.

See, if you live with others you can yell for TP.

Not so much when you live alone. I'm thinking about letting the dogs go to seeing eye dog training camp to learn to fetch needed things for me. We've all seen the videos of dogs getting their owners beer from the fridge. I think they could be trained to fetch TP.

But in the end, another reason to live alone: running through the house with pants around your ankles looking for TP. . . . .

a funny story

So last night I get home and decide to get some Christmas stuff out of the attic. I climb up the attic and see a light switch is turned on and there is no light.

Climb back down the ladder, get new light bulb, climb back up the ladder and take out the old lightbulb and try the new one.

No luck.

Back down the ladder to get another lightbulb out of the package. Because if the first one didn't work, the 2nd one must. Climb back up the ladder.

No luck.

Back down the ladder to get the flashlight. Back up the ladder and hold the flashlight with one hand while pushing boxes to the ladder with my feet.

I carry them one by one down the ladder and start making a pile.

About the 5th trip down the ladder, I notice a light switch on the wall of the garage about half way up the wall. It's off. I turn it on. And THERE WAS LIGHT.

No matter, I giggle and think great story for the blog.

After I finish with the boxes, I turn off the other switch because who knows what that controls and I can hear electricity running through it.

5:30 AM. I AM FREEZING COLD.

Get out of bed, check the thermostat. It's 60. Turn up the temp a couple of degrees, nothing.

Then light goes on in my head--THAT SWITCH IN THE ATTIC.

Get in my car at 5:30 AM. Back the car out. Climb up into the attic and flip the switch. Furnace turns on.

Then I climb back in bed.

Moral of the story: I now know where the power switch to my furnace is located: in the attic. I also know where the light switch for the attic is.

Now if I only had a label maker . . . . .

baby alive

I was shopping for Christmas gifts in the toy aisle at Walmart yesterday and found that doll that Laura used to have--BABY ALIVE. It even has food packs that you combine with water to make "juice" and "apple sauce." So it poops and pees. This one even had a potty and it would tell you when it had to go.

I also remember Laura begging Mom to buy her the food. And Mom telling her it was too expensive. And Mom mixing something in water and Laura crying because it "wasn't the same!"

But the best was hooking her up to the hose.

And ask Laura about the time I talked her into letting me cut her doll's hair instead of mine. I wasn't stupid, I knew my doll's hair wouldn't grow back. I think Mom still has that doll up in the attic. Poor thing! Looks like she had a rough life!

Oh the memories!!

random things

I was "tagged" by a friend to post seven random things about myself:

1. I went to 7 different colleges. (OU-Norman, BWC-now OWU, RSU, Evangel University, OU-Tulsa, Langston, and OU HSC) I am now done.

2. I grow wierd things. Tumors, moles, whatever.

3. I like Braum's Skim Milk the best.

4. I used to be able to barf up spinach salad my mom made because I hated it so much. Didn't have to eat it for awhile.

5. My sister used to have a doll that pooped/peed after you fed her. I hooked her up to the hose in the back yard and made her pee all day long. (Sorry Laura, I know she's still a little sensitive about it.)

6. I dated a guy in college with the last name Schmitz. My name could have been Sarah Schmidt-Schmitz. Cool, eh?

7. I'm really good at Trival Pursuit. I've been known to read the cards while on the throne to study up before Christmas Eve. Just being honest.

the cost of internet

Diane, me, Cindy

This past weekend I went with the doc I work with and manager to a AAFP (American Academy of Family Practioners) Conference in Dallas. It was a really great time and I'm very excited to get to work in the morning to implement some new ideas. (Details to come)

But you know me, always finding the humor in life.

I was really upset because we stayed at a Renassiance Hotel, nice and expensive, and they charged you for internet!! Even the EconoLodge has free internet!!! They charge $9.95 a day. I thought that was ridiculous. So last night after eating at Chuy's Mexican restaurant we decided to go to the lobby (where the internet was free) and check our email. Well, there is no place in the lobby besides the bar so we went in and got a table. Well, I felt bad for taking a table so we ordered some drinks.

And $13.00 later, I had a lemon drop martini and access to the internet. Nope, didn't pay the $9.95 for the internet, but I paid $13.00 for a martini.

Oh well!

i am alive

Sorry about the lack of posts. And no, I am not stuck in the toilet without toilet paper. (thank you kylee or rick . . . . )

I've been sick. Got sick at the stupid PA conference. I work around sick people all day and get sick at the PA conference. Upsetting. As soon as I got home last week I took Nyquil and was out for the evening. And finally work is busy so I'm working on notes when I'm home instead of playing on the internet and posting on my blog. Sorry.

I'm leaving after work today for a AAFP conference in Dallas on Diabetes. Woo Hoo! (not really) but we are going to Sam Moon. Get ready for jewelry for Christmas gifts my friends!

And I'll post soon!

and to top it off!

Then I was working late last night at the office and had to go to the bathroom. Got in there. And... NO TOILET PAPER!

And no one around to ask/yell at to get me some. And no extra rolls anywhere in sight. So I had to use the paper towels. I messaged the girls this morning and told them if the toilet stopped up, I had no idea who did it. I'm at the PA Conference the rest of the week. Wouldn't bother me if the toilet over-flowed. I'm not around.

I hear they had a good laugh. I'm sure that's what they do all day while I'm gone!

Oh well, at least there was paper towels.

what a week!

Life has been a little crazy. Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. It's not that there isn't anything to post about. I just haven't had the time.

Work is going much better. We are trying a new schedule and the physician and I are 'tag teaming' it. We saw 42 patients on Tuesday!! PTL!! I think we've finally figured it out. There were some problems along the way, but our staff has worked really hard to make it work. Even Administration has noticed we got busier and asked us what we were doing. (After telling us it couldn't be done :) I'll keep you posted!!

Last Saturday, well, it was. The game was nothing to mention, but the company was great! Ed and Sus came over. Laura and JT were in town for a baby shower so they got to come over. And Kylie and Callion the Stallion came over as well. (Don't you like my nickname for him? :) We had a great time watching Cal instead of our Sooners.

Bentley and Bella were really interested in Cal. They were so good with him--he grabbed their ears and mouth and they didn't do anything! I was a little scared because neither of them have been around kids that much. I'm so proud!

Then on Wednesday, Kylie and I attempted to highlight our hair. Well, let's just say she had to go have it fixed the next day. Kylie was not as adventerous as me--I think she pulled 10 hairs through the cap. Then she kept telling me, "Oh it's much lighter." What a crock! :) We had fun and laughed alot. But decided we needed to look into cosmetology classes at TCC. Kevin even got into it! Cal's pants got a little bleached, sorry the pic didn't' turn out well.













And yesterday my birthday present from Ed and Sus was delivered!! An oak tree for my backyard. When I moved in 18 months ago, the front yard was landscaped nicely. The backyard had sod. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I should go look for trees since fall is a great time to plant. But then Ed and Sus offered to buy me a tree for my birthday. I know, I'm a dork and getting old. Only dorks and old single ladies get excited about getting a tree for their birthday. I got home from work yesterday and guess who decided the mulch needed to be all over the yard and the dirt distributed father around the tree? Yup, Bentley. He has now lost his outside recess privileges. Laura told me about some spray she used on her plants to keep animals from digging. If anyone else has any ideas, I'm all ears.





















And the best quote from the week: "I have diabetes of my bunghole." How one lady described her hemorrhoids. I don't know what she meant either but I couldn't keep a straight face . . . .

friends

Last week I got to catch up with a friend from high school at the OU game. Lauren Duke. We had a great time catching up and reminising about B'ville in the day. There are those friends that no matter how long it's been, you start back up where you left off. Sure love you friend!

(My shirt has political stickers on it--just so you don't think I wore a Cole/Inhoff shirt to the game)

dog costumes

I admit, dressing up dogs is weird. But I only do it on the approved holiday. That's Halloween.

Bentley has a bumblebee costume, it's a couple years old but when he only wears it for an hour or less every year it doesn't wear out. Bella was a ballerina last year but outgrew it. So this year she needed a new costume. She's going to be a lady bug. I tried on her costume. She seemed to enjoy it, probably because she knows that if there is anything she doesn't like to do (like bathing or getting brushed) she gets a treat afterwards. I laughed so hard when I got their costumes on I had to show the neighbors. (It's ok--they know I'm weird)

I let Bentley and Bella outside and my neighbor screamed and ran away, "What is that???" I told her it was ok and only Bella in her Halloween costume. She came back and sat with me on my driveway and chatted and laughed. She pet Bella for half and hour.

I just had to share the pictures. And don't worry, you probably won't see any more pictures of my dogs dressed up for another year!

a game

What is this?

a. Hair from Sarah's shower drain

b. Bentley's Halloween costume

c. What was left after shampooing the carpet,

after vacuuming with a Dyson

And the answer is c. (Please don't barf or think less of me. I am a clean person, I promise!)

I was totally disgusted but had to share. And the sad part, it was only from 1.5 rooms!! And I had vacuumed with the Dyson and dumped the hair/dirt twice before I shampooed.

I used to think I was a clean freak. Guess that's what happens when you have two dogs.

lampshade

Have I mentioned my mother's great taste and talent of decorating? Some of it rubbed off on me. Except the sewing. She's amazing. She's made all my draperies. Took 3 years, but they're made. She's even passed her love of organization on to me: The Binder.

Laura and I used to roll our eyes at the binder. Each room has it's own section. Grid paper with the room's dimensions, paint samples, fabric samples, and pictures. Lots of pictures. Now I have one. Ok, I've had 3 in the past 3 years. All very helpful when out shopping. To match colors. For artwork. You name it, we've got the match. Wondering if that pillow will clash? No problem, get the Binder. Laura and I made many runs back to the car to get the Binder.

So, when a lampshade disintegrated, I needed help finding a new one. I looked all over Tulsa. I've carried the lampshade in the car for months. No luck. I didn't think this would be such a hard task. So I asked the help of my mother. She found this shade at home and told me to try it:

I'm thinking, just a bit big. After a hard past few weeks, I needed a smile. I laughed out loud when I put it on. It reminded me of a toadstool. The picture really doesn't do it justice. Oh well, the search goes on! Thanks for the thought, Sus.

green dragon soccer take 1

Enjoy!

green dragons, and more

Saturday, Jarrett asked if I was going to come watch his soccer game. Then asked if Bella and Bentley were coming. I think that's who he really wanted to come.

Let me just say soccer with 4 year olds is hilarious!! I have a video I will try to get uploaded, but they sure take awhile.

They run the width of the field and divide the teams into 3-on-3. The other team has played more games so they would score, and score, and score again. But sometimes, they ran to the other half of the field to use that goal because that was the goal they were using last quarter.

Then sweet Jarrett. He would kick the ball in the goal again after the other team scored. He was not very happy. Poor guy. He'll get the hang of it, they all will. But until then, it sure does make you laugh.

Feeling down about yourself? Catch a Green Dragon game. . . it could be their new slogan.

And Friday I took a "Mental Health Day." It's something my mother came up with working as a counselor at BHS. I really needed one Friday. I think we all need one somedays. My manager laughed when I told her I wasn't coming in due to my MHD. (by the way, the Hindmans came to T-town on friday and spent part of the evening at ChuckECheese. How much fun is skee ball? Do they sell home units? I need one. good stress reliever.)


But I wouldn't have done it Friday if I would have known how my Monday would end up.

#1) Rescuing a nurse who was almost flattened by a patient fainting on her, after hearing

"Sarah. . . Here . . . . Now!"

#2) Or after my next patient yells out the room, "I need help . . . . " and having to get him to Tulsa by calling 911 and EMS.

What a day!! I kept reminding myself, "the Lord doesn't give me more than I can handle." He must've thought a lot about me today. . .

And even more exciting news, they are building a Dave and Buster's in Tulsa!! Woo Hoo!! I love it ChuckECheese for adults. (and skee ball) Now I can get married. I've always thought how fabulous it would be to have rehearsal dinner at a Dave and Buster's. That's what I've been waiting for. . . . or maybe set the bar lower. . . a birthday party?

And more exciting news, Grey's starts this week!! Woo Hoo #2!! (not Woo Hoo poop just the 2nd time I said Woo Hoo. Just so you're not confused) I love when all the shows start back up in the fall. NO MORE RERUNS!!!

And sorry for the brain 'diarrhea', lots of info on the brain. . . . . . some call it ADD. I call it brain multi-tasking. Lots of ideas, only one way out.

why?

Why is it when you strive after Jesus that horrible things start happening in your life? I know it's Satan but it really bugs me. And I know all about trials and James. I just get tired . . . . . how I long for home.

David A

David Cook

Then my camera died. Sorry I didn't get all the song Lou.

american idol

Last Saturday, Liz, Kylie and I went to the final stop on the American Idol Live Tour--the Tulsa BOK Center. We had a blast!

Here's the short rundown: got wet, ate, waited in long line of cars, got wet again, sat next to 2 really old people with ear plugs, sang along, found margaritas, sang along more, got wet again, sat in car again. read below for more details:

We decided the evening involved a meal (which one doesn't?) so we tried to make reservations at Olive Garden, knowing it was going to be crowded. They don't do that. Who doesn't take reservations anymore??

Well most of you in the Tulsa area know Saturday was wet. All day. Raining. Pouring. And I needed a new umbrella. (side note: The one I hade is from 1995 that I bought with my awesome Eddie Bauer backpack before my junior year of high school. Needless to say it had done it's duty.) So I left early to go get some new, working umbrellas at Walmart and then decided to go on to Utica Square. It was 3:45. There was already a line out the door of Olive Garden when I got there at 4:20pm. And they weren't all grey hairs. (Concert was at 7:00pm) CRAZY I thought. I parked and went ahead and got on the list. Everyone in the restaurant was going to the concert. I know this because they had a very small waiting area. That combined with rain calls for close quarters. People had driven from Wichita to come to this concert.

Dinner was fab. Our waitress named about 6 entrees when asked what was her favorite! Her choice was delicious. Plus appetizers, salad, breadsticks and dessert. (I love being on a diet--all I do is think about food)

Then we head downtown. I got lost. Sorry to disappoint but I did. I usually have a great sense of direction, this time it failed me. You know when you're running late and try a new way that doesn't work, that was me. I felt horrible. Then we get stuck in a line of cars. The police are letting all the walkers cross the street with all these cars waiting to get into the parking garage. But we did find a good spot on the 4th floor. Then got wet again getting to the BOK Center. And there's not alot of over hang to collapse the umbrella and get your purse unzipped to look for bombs.

Anyway, the concert was awesome. Liz got much better pics than me. (Thanks to her for the fab pics) Chikieze was ok. Thought he was going to cry though. Ramiele was not good. Just my opinion but not good. Kristy Lee Cook was ok. I'm just not a big country fan. Michael Johns was a bit odd. Grew a moustache, gross, and a bit odd. Thought he was either high or drunk. Again, my opinion.Carly did awesome!!

Brooke also did well. She sang Coldplay's Yellow. It was great. Then she sang this song we'd never heard and had us "snap it out." Wierd. She has great hair too. I'm always envious of people whose curls stay in.

Intermission--Liz and I found the margaritas. Not the best (kind of like the margaritas at the Cardinal game, Lou) But fun none the less. A friend told me they tasted like frozen beer, great description.

Jason Castro sang one of my favorites, I'll try to upload it. Kylie and I don't think he's back in college this fall. Just a guess.

Sayesha was awesome as well. She sang Umbrella. I was the only one sitting near us who was singing along. She cried too.

Then David A. A good showing, just not my fav. He did sing One Republic's Apologize. I'll try to upload that as well.

Then our man came out. Our David Cook. He's just great.

David Cook is still looking to meet me. We are definitely going to see David Cook in concert when he comes. I love him. Come if you want, the more the merrier. And we won't eat at Olive Garden. And hopefully won't be raining either. But I have some great umbrellas if it does. And a close parking garage--we'll park on the 1st level!

my favorite people

A couple weekends ago, Liz came down with Jer and Brad. I'm a bit behind on posts. We went to PF Chang's for dinner. Here are a few pics from the evening. Jer decided he needed to show me some 'moves.' (and everyone else eating around us--they just looked at us. bumps on a log) Brad decided the noodles needed a new home, up her nose. Liz and I were laughing too hard so she continued. . .

I love you guys!! Come visit me in "Bigs Feet" (Jer's version of Bixby)

Sooner Football

We love our Sooners!! . . . Wish you were there Laura and JT!!

work

I was bored last week so I took pictures at work. Just so you have a mental image of my work. Or you could come visit!

This is one of our work stations. We work in teams. It took awhile to get used to being on the phone and all the background noise. I love it now. Regina is on the left and Heather is on the right.

This is Mandee. She makes me laugh every day. Ask me about her telling another office to fax us some paper when we ran out. . .

I didn't get pictures of everybody but I will. (they really love when I bring my camera to work!)

wii fit

I got home last night and what was waiting for me on the porch . . .

my new Wii Fit!!!

I found one on Walmart.com but you had to order an accessory kit with it. I decided that would be better than spending double on amazon.com to only get the fit. So guess what I did last night??

Let's just say I'm out of shape and really old on their Wii Test. I'll get better.

My favorite was running and passing the pace Mii--who you're not suppose to pass--and tripping and falling. Funny stuff!!!

Come over and play with me!!!!

a long weekend

I spent the weekend in B'ville with the parents this past weekend. I love being able to sleep in past 6:30 when Bella thinks it's time to eat. Dad gets up early with the dogs--thanks Pops!

We left in plenty of time for the 1st Sooner game of the Fall. We were so excited but a little worried since we were playing a 'no-name' team. It started out really hot. We sweated a lot. Some old high school friends have seats behind us so it was fun to catch up.

I asked Mom and Dad if I could get a picture. Mom said another time when she hadn't sweated so much. Little did we know we would look much worse after the downpour. We left at half-time when it was 50-0. Got about 1/2 way to the car when the sky opened up. I'm talking drenched.

Then Sunday I was watching the movie Thomas Crown Affair and asked Mom if she thought she could cut my hair to look like the lady's hair. My mom is so talented. She did great. (Although my hair isn't red.) (And thank St John for the N-I-C-E scrubs and Heather for taking lots of pictures 'til we got just the right one)

Bella, Bentley and I also got to spend some time with J and B. B kept saying, "Nice" to Bella. It's always good to be reminded of how we should act.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

update on mammo

Good news, the only reason I have to go back for a 6 month mammo is because they only got the right side. So in 6 months they want both sides. Phew! There went my over active imagination . . . . knowing more medical stuff sometimes is worse than knowing nothing at all.

And even better news, TobyMac is coming back to Tulsa in December. YEAH!! J might come with me. He has moved on from Wiggly concerts and is now singing TobyMac. (Although he only knew 1 phrase of Boomin'--but he sang it over and over and over--I sang the rest) :)

mammo

At age 30, I really didn't think I would have 2 mammograms under my belt, ok bra. But I have. I just went for my 6 month check up.

Let's describe the process. First, they mark your moles/skin tags (which I have many thanks to Sus) so I have stickers on my chest. Then they mark my scar. (It' s been a really hard summer with my new scar. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be. I've had to put clothes back on the rack because it shows. And is ugly. And big. And red. And on really, I mean REALLY, pale skin it shows up.) So here I am, bare chested in a short pink gown with stickers all over my chest. (Plus a cold room . . . . ) Then you have to step up to a large machine. Think of a large metal tabletop that's about 40 degrees. The lady grabs your breast and holds it while she lowers this really big, clear, cold plastic thing on your boob. And says hold it. It hurts. It really does feel like having your boob smashed in a fridge. And stretching. And it makes wierd noises. All the while I'm thinking about all the radiation going into my body. And your arm is over the machine, hugging it, like you're friends or something. Just so you get the mental picture.

Then there's me, knowing more than I let on to the tech. So I'm running, as soon as the machine loosens it grip on my chest, to look at all 3 pictures. Back and forth, Back and forth. When I went in February there was a BIG white abnormality in all the pictures. This time it was gone. But my radiology skills are not the best so I thought I'd wait to hear from my doctor.

I was told in February that I'd go for a 6 month mammogram to use as my new baseline mammogram. Then I'd go yearly.

But I was called and told I'm suppose to go back for ANOTHER mammogram in 6 months. Needless to say, I'm a little scared. Well, not scared but worried. My boobs are so asymmetric now I really can't afford to lose more. Then I'll be sewing all my bras together. Because the cup sizes are going to be so different. I haven't seen the surgeon yet.

I'm not sure I'd be able to pass it off that I'm handling it well if I didn't have my Effexor. . . . maybe that's why I'm not sleeping. Oh worry. . . . .

But God is faithful. If it is something to worry about I'm sure they'd have me in sooner. It's hard not to think the worst. . . .

questions for God

There are some things I want to ask God when I get to heaven. Not that I want to go anytime soon, but I want it known I have some things that I wonder about.

Since it was God's design . . . .

1. Why do we stink when we sweat? Why couldn't we smell good when we sweat, like sweating Dolce and Gabana's Light Blue? Just a thought.

2. Why do all the "good" foods make you fat? Why couldn't a big hunk of chocolate cake be really good for you? And fish make you fat. Sure would fill up the oceans that way.

3. Why do you gain weight by being lazy? Couldn't you build muscle just by lazing around on the couch?

I know the majority of these answers have to do with The Fall. I know Adam and Eve had it good. They probably had a tree of chocolate cake.

I yearn for heaven. Where I won't have to 'work' anymore. And I can just sit at the feet of Jesus and learn all day. And practice medicine with the Great Healer.

denver tornadoes

Does anyone else find it funny that the Democratic National Convention is in Denver and yesterday they had 4 tornadoes? Does God have to use drama to get our attention or what?

Helen

My grandmother's sister, Helen, has been sick for the past two months following a surgery that was suppose to make her better. There were times we didn't think she'd make it through the night. But our God is a Healer. Here's what my cousin Amy sent me in an email today. The poem is by my uncle Harry, Helen's husband. What an amazing God we have.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Since I last wrote so much has happened. On July 17th Gram was moved from Liberty ICU to LTAC Hospital. LTAC is a longterm acute care hospital that specializes in weaning people from the ventilator and wound care. The transition to the new hospital went very well. The next morning I flew out for San Antonio then Mexico for a 2 ½ week medical mission trip. God had laid this trip on my heart at the beginning of 2008. In the weeks prior to my departure a battle began in my heart. I had been with Gram every possible moment since she got sick. I would now be gone for 2 ½ weeks. God used a variety of people to remind me that God was the one in control of Gram’s healing not me. Before I left Gram was still very confused, fully on the ventilator, and had the wound vac on the abdominal wound. She still had a long ways to go before we could even be sure we would one day get to take her home. Climbing on the plane for San Antonio was a very difficult thing to do but once on the plane I had a tremendous peace that Gram was going to do great while I was gone.

When I got back Gram had been breathing on her own about 6 days, her abdominal wound was healing so well and it was so small they had discontinued the wound vac (the machine helping her wound heal) and were now just doing dressing changes every shift. We realized that a lot of Gram’s confusion was probably from chronic sleep deprivation. If you have ever been in an ICU you know they are very loud. This coupled with the need for the nursing staff to be continuously “messing” with her during the night Gram was exhausted. She had made so much progress they were able to move her out of the ICU to the regular floor and change part of her nightly routine allowing her more sleep. In very short order our Gram was back in rare form and the confusion was gone. She wanted to hear all that she had missed out on for the past few months. I am continuously amazed God blessed us with this miracle.

Yesterday she had her trach taken out and the hole is healing wonderfully! They have stopped her tube feedings at night so she needs eat all of her caloric needs. Not eating for so long coupled with her hiatal hernia (stomach in her chest) makes her fill up very quickly. Please pray she can eat enough for her to continue to heal and the energy she needs. We are currently planning on moving to the Living Community the end of this week. She is looking forward to being back in St. Joe. She loves phone calls, cards and visits.

Thank you all so much for your phone calls, messages, emails, visits and hugs. When things seemed the bleakest and the Lords will was unclear for the final outcome you all were the support we needed. More importantly thank you for your prayers! We had wonderful doctors and nurses caring for Gram but medicine is only a tool in the hands of The Healer. My eyes are getting misty as I’m typing this. Words can not express how grateful our whole family is for each and everyone of you. Gramps has written three poems since Gram’s been sick. Below is the most recent. Again, thank you all SO SO SO much! We have witnessed a miracle!

To Him be the glory,
Amy

He has performed a Miracle!
Dear God, we prayed and prayed and prayed
As we are inclined to do,
We asked for this on miracle,
That only comes through you!
For June the first until this day,
We’ve watched your healing power,
You’ve shown us, each one daily
How you heal in the darkest hour!
In this hospital room we keep praying,
As she improves from day to day
You’ve improved her breathing and walking,
You’ve only done it God’s way!
The doctors and nurses are super,
Humble and helpful in every way,
They’ve made this experience pleasant,
New rewards we receive each day!
You promised to never leave or forsake us,
You’re always there when our need is great,
You’ve favored we both in our lifetime,
Whether the path was crooked or straight!
Looking forward on our lives with favor
Looking to You, for what’s instore,
Living our lives as a witness
We’ll praise Your name forevermore!
-Harry Cornelius

the pilot

So I finally have my car back. It was an interesting week. I was told the car would be ready on Friday.

As I'm filling up the rental to take it back, Jim called from the shop and told me they found some loose things that wouldn't be covered under my warranty and I would be paying for them, $70. I asked exactly what was loose and he told me a few bolt. I questioned him but he assured me it wasn't covered.

I am not a woman to just roll over and take it. So I called my dad, the Honda dealer in Bartlesville, and the Tate Boys Tires again. All told me not to pay.

So I get to the dealership and he tells me the cost will be $40. Nice of him to take $30 off, isn't it? And I stand my ground. I don't budge. He finally says, "Well, I don't want you to feel like I'm being unfair so why don't I just take the charges off?"

I got home and felt really bad. I felt like as a Christian I shouldn't be difficult like that. But I didn't want to be taken advantage of because I'm single and a female. I'm fine with it now. Although I still wonder if they think I was a witch. . . .

toys

This is what my dogs do when I buy them toys. I bought them toys after I came home and found two of my favorite pairs of shoes in pieces all over my living room floor. ARRRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

And what do you do with a digger?? Bentley digs all the time. Poor guy can't get away with it either. His nose always gives him away.