Cole is growing!

I had Cole in for a 2 week well baby check yesterday and he is growing! He is now 9 pounds! He passed up his birth weight~ yippee! The Dr. said that he looks great, and his jaundice has cleared up. Cole's abrasions and sores on his head are really clearing up. The blood pooling is still there, but over time, it should go away. He is so cute, which helps, because he sure can be fussy. I think it is probably because he poops as much as he takes breaths of air. Seriously, it seems that way! I do have to say I am pleased with his sleeping pattern at night time. He will sleep a good 3-4 hour stretch! I love that! I hope he keeps up the good sleeping.
On Saturday, he cooed at me. He has smiled at me (almost daily) since he was in the hospital. I think that is amazing. I love his smile! I look forward to him doing that all the time.
The kids love having a baby boy in the home. Maddie and Caleb love kissing him! Nathaniel keeps commenting on how cute he is. I am still in awe over the fact that I have 4 kids! I have already received the comment, "Are all those kids yours?" I want to just say, "Nope, I am just a babysitter..."
I will try to keep you all up to date. I am sorry I haven't been in the blogging world too much. I will try to be better about updating. Here is some of the latest happenings in the Sassyfrazz home, and this will explain why I haven't been online too much.
A few weeks ago (right before Cole was born) Madelyn was diagnosed with pneumonia. It was a freaky thing, but she didn't have to be hospitalized! I am so thankful for that! Could you imagine both of us being hospitalized for two very different reasons? That would have been horrible!
Then, when Cole was just over a week old, Nathaniel came back from a visit to his Dad's sick. It turned out to be Strep throat. We dropped him off on a Friday night, and that very night, Madelyn threw up in the van. Not only did she throw up once, but several times...to the point of her car seat not being functional. We ended up stopping to buy her a cheap outfit, so she wasn't stuck in the nasty mess...and to keep her warm. Then, Terry held her all the way home. Yes, it was illegal, but what else could we have done? We also had to pick up Terry's car, which was at his work. So, I drove with Madelyn buckled in the front seat (praying she didn't have another round on the way home~ another 22 miles). That Sunday, Nathaniel was picked up~ and he was sick. He had a fever and cold all weekend. On Monday, he didn't have school, and he complained about his throat being very sore. So, Terry brought him in, and strep culture was positive. That was lovely. Madelyn's flu bug lasted a total of 5 days. She didn't have any episodes on Saturday, then had it on Sunday and Monday. Monday night was the worse of it...like 8-9 times. We were really concerned for her, especially since she is so little anyway. So, now after a week later...our family is healthier. I am so thankful~ thank you God for your healing!

My brother and his wife welcomed their second child into the world 10 days after Cole was born! I am so excited for them! They have a 3 year old girl, and now a baby boy! Cole and his boy cousin are only 10 days apart! Isn't that fun? I am so excited for them!! Her delivery went well, and baby and her are doing great! I can't wait to meet him!

One of my other brothers is getting married this summer, and he called recently to see if Caleb could be their ring bearer! How cute!! Two of my other nieces are going to be flower girls. It will be so darling to see them all together. I hope Caleb will do it alright. He isn't really big into being put on the spot, so we will see.

So, that is what is new with me and our family. We are very saddened over some recent news. Our former pastor just passed on from this life to his eternal home. It was very unexpected. He was an amazing man, and on fire for the Lord. He was an evangelist, and lived his life fully for Christ! Last Tuesday, he went in for hip replacement. He was doing well, but on Wednesday, he suffered 3 heart attacks. He went through heart surgery, and they found he had over 90% blockage in his arteries. Over the next few days, he had the oxygen on and ventilators. Saturday morning, he passed away. So, please be in prayer for his family. We will miss him, and he sure was a warrior! He was the one who baptised Terry 3 years ago. He is very special to us. The funeral is on Wednesday.

New bath toys from Boon?

Have you heard the buzz about the latest and greatest from Boon, Inc.? They had new Bath Toys coming out soon, and they look super! These are so new, that they aren't even on the Boon Website yet!
Water bugs
Odd ducks
Splat all rings
Scubble
You can get a sneak peek, too, if you are on Face Book: Click here! All these new items will be available in the coming months, so be on the look out! You can also see my review of their current bath toys, which my kids LOVE!! Boon is the best!

I have been busy!

Friday, my uncle passed away. He was age 77 (so young yet) and passed away from an infection. He had been diagnosed with Lung Cancer a few months back. He got pneumonia, and he was treated for his emphysema. He did have some big health issues, so it was (to some point) a relief for his pain. My Dad has 7 sisters, and this is the third brother-in-law to pass away. It was sad, because he was one of my favorite uncles. On Sunday, my cousin (his daughter) called me to ask if I would be willing to sing a duet for the funeral. I was honored to be asked. My other cousin and I sang 2 songs for the funeral. Monday night was the viewing/wake, and on Tuesday morning was the funeral. So, Monday afternoon, my cousin and I got together with the pianist to practice the songs. I think I had heard the songs from my childhood, but I had to re-learn them. They weren't the "traditional" funeral songs, but they were some Country Gospel songs that were dear to my aunt and uncle. The practice went well.

On Tuesday morning, we were there earlier for practice. My brother was asked to play his harmonica for the funeral, too. He is an amazing harmonica player! Anyway, my parents arrived and they were walking into the church. While walking, my mom's foot caught on the sidewalk where the cement didn't match up. She fell straight down ~head first~ onto the cement. She didn't have time to really catch herself. I didn't see it, but later she told me that her nose was instantly running blood. She didn't have any vision in her left eye for awhile, and through the funeral her eye sight was all disoriented. I had to get ready to sing, so I didn't see her after the fall. I missed seeing her after the funeral because I went to the burial. Then, she was gone when we returned! I was so worried about her!

The burial was so very sad, and such a tribute! My uncle was in the military, so he was given the 21 gun salute. WOW~that is something amazing! Then, 2 guards folded the flag and did some saluting. Then, one of them walked over to my aunt, handed her the folded flag, and gave her an honored salute! I lost it...with my tears. After that, the funeral worker took out single roses out of the bouquet and gave them to my aunt and her children. My aunt then walked toward the casket, touched it lovingly, and said some words through tears. It was so touching, heart-wrenching, and sad. I cried hard as we walked back to our vehicles. Terry and I just held each other. Funerals are never easy.

Later that evening, my mom called and gave me the updates. She has 2 broken areas in the left side of her left hand....from falling on her hand. She also has a crushed eye socket~OUCH! She will have to have surgery. Her hand was so swollen that they have to wait a few days to set that and put on a cast. Poor Mom!! I feel so bad for her! I am thankful it wasn't much worse! She will also have to replace her glasses, because one lens is totally scratched up, and the frames were bent.

So, that is why I have been a bit distant on the personal side with my news. I will try to write more tomorrow. I am just exhausted tonight. I will be visiting some of you tomorrow, too! I promise! Good Night!

We have been hit with another virus....

Yesterday, we decided to get a desk. We had to go about 45 minutes away to get it. We were going to go out for supper after we got the desk. I don't know what prompted me to bring an extra outfit for Caleb (I rarely do that anymore), but I am so thankful I had it with. It must have been the Holy Spirit who prodded me. ANYWAY...we were driving down the road, when I heard a terrible sound....Yep, Caleb had started throwing up. OH, IT WAS NASTY! I couldn't just pull over there, so we drove just a little bit more and headed up the ramp. There was an Applebee's there, so that is the parking lot we went to. We had the truck, and all 3 kids in the back, so it was a bit tight back there. Caleb was in the middle (fortunately). Terry took Maddie out and handed her to me, then Nathaniel, Maddie and I went in to get paper towels. Terry stripped Caleb's clothes off and put the car seat and clothes in the back of the truck. He had a towel (thankfully) in the truck and he started the clean up process. A few trips from the bathroom with dry and wet paper towels, it was managed to get cleaned up...mostly. Then, we got Caleb re-dressed, and had to buckle him in the seat belt. I know that is against the law, but what were we suppose to do? We couldn't put him back in the puke!
We were only about 10 minutes from getting the desk, so we headed over there. Terry loaded up the desk while I sat in the (puke smelling) truck with the kids. Caleb had the dry heaves and still had more to get out of his little body. I just kept that towel in his lap. It was so nasty. I was happy that I wasn't pregnant, because I have a weak stomach anyway...but pregnancy magnifies it.
When we got home, Caleb got a bath, and some snuggle time. We gave him a Mr. Freezy...and that didn't last real long. Then, he just had some water. After awhile, we got him down to sleep for the night. He was very tired. We only had to change the bedding once that night. I am glad it was mainly water. He had about 4 glasses of water during the night after that.
This morning, I was nursing Maddie in bed. I was startled when I heard the terrible sound come from her, too. Yep, she has the virus now, too. Oh Joy! So, her and I got cleaned up and changed our clothes. We changed the bedding, and laid down a towel in our bed (for precaution). I did get another hour and half of sleep, then she puked again. Poor little girl. I have never seen a baby puke like that...it was NOT baby spit up.
NOW, the kids are dealing with it on the other end. This is so not fun. I gave them both toast for breakfast. Caleb had apples, and Terry gave Maddie mixed cereal and applesauce. I really didn't think she should have the cereal, but Terry thought she would be ok. Well, she ate all her food, and Caleb just nibbled at his. I wasn't going to make either of them eat much...just what they wanted.
I went to change Maddie (because of the horrible smell). I laid her down on the changing table, when she threw up again. Poor baby!! Ok, now to the tub she goes. I gave both kids baths this morning. I hope the day goes better. I don't like when they are sick. I feel so bad for them. I think we are just going to stick with toast and broth today. I am sure I will have to pick up bananas, too. Oh, yeah...Terry is thinking he may be coming down with this two. Well, if he does...that just leaves me and Nathaniel to run through it.

In Remembrance...

On this day, I would like to have a remembrance. If my little angel would have made it, he or she would have celebrated their first birthday. I was 10 weeks and four days along when I was at the Doctor's office. I was in because I was dealing with a very bad cold, and I thought maybe I had bronchitis. The Dr. I had that day wasn't my regular Dr., and if fact I really didn't like this Dr. at all. (I know that I am spider-webbing, but I just need to vent a little here). She (the Doctor) was just not very personal or friendly. She was just in the mode of "boom, boom, boom...git 'er done." Well, she said, "Do you want to see if we can listen to the heartbeat? You are a little early yet, but we might hear it." With my other two previous pregnancies I heard the heartbeat at 10 weeks, so when she was searching around and no heartbeat came, my heart just sank...and I just felt like something just wasn't right. Then she said, "Well, it is early yet, but by your next appointment, you will get to hear it."
On my way out of the clinic I stopped at the restroom. When I wiped, I got a streak of red...bright red. As you can imagine, my heart dropped, and I instantly was shaking and trembling. I walked back to the nurse station and asked the receptionist if I can see the Dr. again, right away. I was crying by this time. The nurses assistant came out, and I told her that I was spotting. She said, "Ok, we will take you back and have the Dr. take a look." She was sympathetic. She told me that many women spot in their pregnancies, but I hadn't with both my pregnancies...and this one was different. I know she was just trying to be nice (bless her heart) but I knew!
The Dr. came in and told me that she scheduled an ultrasound and that it would just be a few minutes. Those few minutes seemed to last an hour. Then, I went in the dark room. When the Technician started the ultrasound she had such a somber look on her face. I asked her if she saw a heartbeat at all. She told me the baby was measuring 6 weeks and 5 days. I KNOW that I wasn't only 6 weeks along. I told her that was impossible, and I was almost 11 weeks. She asked me if I was sure, and that maybe I had it miscalculated. Are you kidding? I am like clock-work. Ok, OK, I know...I was getting angry. Not at her, but at the fact that my baby was gone. All the excitement and joy for this baby was sucked out of me. I was empty. I was sad...oh, was I sad. The tech said that if the calculation was off, it could be the baby is fine and the heartbeat wasn't showing because it was too early. Well, that was the verdict.
I went back to the room, and the Dr. said that there is a little hope that things are ok. She assured me that women can spot in pregnancy. I was to come back in a couple of days for a blood test to see if numbers go up (showing pregnancy). I knew that the test was a waste of time, because our little baby was already in the arms of Jesus.
On the way home I called Terry to let him know what happened. I was crying...and my chest was heaving! He said that we shouldn't worry about it until we know for sure. I told him I knew.
The next day, at about 1:45, I started cramping. Then it got worse. Then I was in labor...seriously, I was crying out for God to just take the pain away. I just want the baby out. I just want it over. It hurt so much, and more so because I knew there was no joy after the pain. I had Nathaniel call Terry to come home when this started happening. He was fighting fires with the DNR. He couldn't make out what was happening at home, but he did come home as soon as he could. I am glad Nathaniel was home (I home schooled him last year). He was watching Caleb for me while all this was happening.

Psalm 31:9 (New International Version)
"Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief."

After it was all done, I just sat crying. Nathaniel came to me and asked if the baby was gone. I said yes. He stood there with the biggest tears in his eyes. I told him it was ok to be sad, and it's ok to cry. Then he just sobbed, and we held each other tight.
Over the next several weeks following the miscarriage I had gone through the grieving process. I don't know why I went through that. I never thought that I would miscarry...but it sure opened my eyes to how precious life is. What a miracle babies are! I know God has a plan. I know that my life is changed because of our loss. But, I will never forget my baby angel.

Psalm 119:50 (New International Version)
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."

"The Golden Compass" *BeWare!*

There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass" starring Nicole Kidman. The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series.
Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed."
While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.
"The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas.
Please consider a boycott of the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.

**Another thing in this movie are the Daemons (Demons?). Here is a quote I read from someone:
"A daemon is something like an animal familiar. It can reason and speak with you. It knows your innermost thoughts and feelings. A daemon accompanies you everywhere. My daemon would be a panda bear - a huge furry panda named Ming. Ming is about 800 pounds, and her paws are larger than my face. The pads on her paws are the size of my hands. She lumbers threateningly yet lovingly by my side, all night black and jet white. In cafes, Ming sits patiently by my side. She is wise beyond description, and her coal black eyes study passers-by with unnerving intensity.Sounds great, huh? Only one problem - a daemon isn't exactly an animal familiar. Neither does one's daemon necessarily take the form of an animal that one admires, loves or wishes to emulate. One's daemon is the animal that reflects one's innermost self. Are you a snake? Are you a puppy dog? Look at the daemon by your side, and that will tell you. One's daemon is one's soul.Pantalaimon, Lyra's daemon, often assumes the form of a mouse, a moth, or an ermine. A child's daemon has the ability to change forms until the child reaches adolescence."

I can not tell you HOW THAT SCARES ME! I will not watch this movie!! I can't believe what is coming! Satan is tightening the reigns...but we need to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Please go see C. S. Morris at Cheaper By the 1/2 Dozen's post about this!
Pray over your children...Pray over the minds of our family...friends...and please, tell (WARN) others about this terrible, horrible movie!