Well, we got a call from the doctor's office, last Thursday, saying they wanted Matthew to come in for some x-rays, just to check his heart (for placement, and to make sure it wasn't enlarged). So, he did those on Friday.
Today, we went to the Scoliosis doctor, to get the results. But, we had already heard from our own family doctor, that everything was looking good! So, we went to see the Scoliosis doctor, and he took some of our questions, as well as we got to see the MRI. His kidneys are fine, so is his spinal column (well, ok, that is a mess, but the spinal cord isn't pinched). And, the x-rays were just perfect. So, now our lives should settle down to somewhat of a semblance of normal, I think. He goes back to the Scoli doctor in September. Then, I think it will taper off a bit, until he hits his big growth spurt. Ahhh (that is me, breathing a sigh of relief).
Things are going well with the plays. We had an hour long practice on "Watch the Lamb". I now bought a stuffed animal, that I am hoping doesn't start playing "Jesus Loves Me", as the boys are holding it. :) I just can't get the knob off it. We are still waiting for the cape to come from England. We pray for it daily, to arrive in time.
Well, I am going to close, as I am very tired.
Monday, March 26, 2012
"Behemoth" by Jonathan C. Leicht - book review
"Behemoth" written by Jonathan C. Leicht book review. In Kenya, chief game warden, Jim Thompson has a huge problem. Three elephants, and a cape water buffalo have been gored to death in the past month. Upon looking at the tracks surrounding the dead animals, they were puzzled by the tracks, as they didn't recognize the animal that left the tracks. He then makes casts of the imprints, and sends them to a good friend, who was excited to tell Jim that he found some wonderful, in pristine condition, dinosaur tracks. Jim tells him that they were just made--not by an extinct dinosaur.
Also, going on at the same time, is Professor Stephen Gregory, who was just forced to resign over his belief that their could be dinosaurs living today, just not discovered. Enter a rich man, John Maxwell, who will fund an expedition to Africa, to find a living dinosaur, and to let Stephen prove his theories.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it rather quickly, and was so thoroughly captivated by it!! I do hold to the Creationist view, and have heard many discussions on the topic. With that being said, I was definitely NOT bored by this book! It was a real page turner, and he even brought out some very good points, some I hadn't even heard before.
As for any negatives--why can't a Christian book be devoid of any alcohol?? When Stephen Gregory goes into the limo, to go meet with the rich John Maxwell, he is offered a sherry, which he does imbibe. When he arrives at John Maxwell's house, he is offered more alcohol (which he does turn down, stating that he had his limit--I guess they figure they had some kind of morals there, that you can drink, but just within your limit). And, at the end of the book, everyone meets together to celebrate with champagne. Why can't they leave that out??
With that being said, it was just a small part, but it just gets to me that a Christian book has to have that in. The book was very good, and well worth reading. It was a nail biter, in some spots, and very interesting to read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Also, going on at the same time, is Professor Stephen Gregory, who was just forced to resign over his belief that their could be dinosaurs living today, just not discovered. Enter a rich man, John Maxwell, who will fund an expedition to Africa, to find a living dinosaur, and to let Stephen prove his theories.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it rather quickly, and was so thoroughly captivated by it!! I do hold to the Creationist view, and have heard many discussions on the topic. With that being said, I was definitely NOT bored by this book! It was a real page turner, and he even brought out some very good points, some I hadn't even heard before.
As for any negatives--why can't a Christian book be devoid of any alcohol?? When Stephen Gregory goes into the limo, to go meet with the rich John Maxwell, he is offered a sherry, which he does imbibe. When he arrives at John Maxwell's house, he is offered more alcohol (which he does turn down, stating that he had his limit--I guess they figure they had some kind of morals there, that you can drink, but just within your limit). And, at the end of the book, everyone meets together to celebrate with champagne. Why can't they leave that out??
With that being said, it was just a small part, but it just gets to me that a Christian book has to have that in. The book was very good, and well worth reading. It was a nail biter, in some spots, and very interesting to read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Whew! Made it through the day of tests!
Well, we made it through the day of tests! Matthew was such a trooper!! He is really quite ticklish, and he made it through the ultrasound just fine, and he even made it without eating or drinking! Then, we went off for the MRI. While in the waiting room (they were a bit behind), they had a kids book on having an MRI for children. We were able to read the whole book, and it was very informative for him. We also looked through quite a few magazines. He groaned every time we saw a picture of food, as he was starving at this point!
Then, they took us into a room, and did a consult, and told us what to expect, and that one of us could go in the room with him, and so I decided to be in there with him. They asked if he had any questions, and he asked if they would strap him down. :) The book said they would probably use a "seatbelt" type of strap on him. No strapping down. So, we went off to get his pants changed, as he couldn't wear the jeans, because of the metal snaps and zipper. Can you believe, the smallest size pair of hospital they had was an adults XL????? I looked!! 3X was the normal!!! On this little tiny boy!!! So, we got him in that, and then they found a pair of XL adults shorts. He thought he would rather have the shorts, so he wouldn't trip, even though I had the legs rolled up. So, off we went into the MRI room. One thing they didn't tell him about was the face shield they snap into place. I think that freaked him out a bit, but he handled it well.
They said the test would take about 45 minutes, and it took well over an hour. We didn't get out of there until almost 2--remember--he hadn't eaten, or had anything to drink, yet! Long time, for a small fellow! They gave him a call button, so if he was cold, or scared to push it. Well, he did. They pulled him out of the machine, and he asked them to remove the cushion from under his legs. They said they couldn't, as his back had already been in the other position, and so it had to remain this way the rest of the time (I think his legs fell asleep). They told him it was only another 10 minutes or so. When he was done, they gave him a Ty Beanie Dachshund dog.
When we got out to the car, he said that he had actually pushed the call button twice, but they ignored the first time!! So, on the second round, he said he kept pushing it, so they knew he meant business.
We go back in to see the Scoli doctor next Monday, to get the test results.
Update from Saturday.
Well, I did decide to shampoo carpets. I did the living room, and the family room. Then, I decided to scrub the kitchen floor. My feet were killing me.
Ben came on Sunday. It was such a short visit, as we had church in the morning, and church at night, so we really only had 4 hours to visit.
Today, I had an interview with my Dad with the Sun Argus newspaper, on the Living Last Supper. It will go in the newspaper next Wednesday.
That is all the news. Now, I just need to come up with something for supper. :) Yes, I do have a menu, and 2 pounds of hamburger out. But, I just don't feel like making the Man Loaf tonight. So, I better figure out what we are going to eat, or there will be mutiny.
Then, they took us into a room, and did a consult, and told us what to expect, and that one of us could go in the room with him, and so I decided to be in there with him. They asked if he had any questions, and he asked if they would strap him down. :) The book said they would probably use a "seatbelt" type of strap on him. No strapping down. So, we went off to get his pants changed, as he couldn't wear the jeans, because of the metal snaps and zipper. Can you believe, the smallest size pair of hospital they had was an adults XL????? I looked!! 3X was the normal!!! On this little tiny boy!!! So, we got him in that, and then they found a pair of XL adults shorts. He thought he would rather have the shorts, so he wouldn't trip, even though I had the legs rolled up. So, off we went into the MRI room. One thing they didn't tell him about was the face shield they snap into place. I think that freaked him out a bit, but he handled it well.
They said the test would take about 45 minutes, and it took well over an hour. We didn't get out of there until almost 2--remember--he hadn't eaten, or had anything to drink, yet! Long time, for a small fellow! They gave him a call button, so if he was cold, or scared to push it. Well, he did. They pulled him out of the machine, and he asked them to remove the cushion from under his legs. They said they couldn't, as his back had already been in the other position, and so it had to remain this way the rest of the time (I think his legs fell asleep). They told him it was only another 10 minutes or so. When he was done, they gave him a Ty Beanie Dachshund dog.
When we got out to the car, he said that he had actually pushed the call button twice, but they ignored the first time!! So, on the second round, he said he kept pushing it, so they knew he meant business.
We go back in to see the Scoli doctor next Monday, to get the test results.
Update from Saturday.
Well, I did decide to shampoo carpets. I did the living room, and the family room. Then, I decided to scrub the kitchen floor. My feet were killing me.
Ben came on Sunday. It was such a short visit, as we had church in the morning, and church at night, so we really only had 4 hours to visit.
Today, I had an interview with my Dad with the Sun Argus newspaper, on the Living Last Supper. It will go in the newspaper next Wednesday.
That is all the news. Now, I just need to come up with something for supper. :) Yes, I do have a menu, and 2 pounds of hamburger out. But, I just don't feel like making the Man Loaf tonight. So, I better figure out what we are going to eat, or there will be mutiny.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Ahhh! It's Saturday!
I've done a bit this week, so I might take it a bit easy today. I made a "Crown of Thorns", for the Palm Sunday drama. Except I didn't want to make it out of thorns, and have Josh have real blood flowing down his face, so I made it out of a grape vine. I ordered a long, hooded white satin cape for the Easter play, for Josh (playing Jesus again). I could not find any in the US, so, I ordered it from England, off eBay. I have never ordered anything from outside the US, so I hope that it comes in time, and that it is as good as it looks!
Yesterday, I made a chocolate cheesecake. That is the first time I have ever made a cheesecake. I had just acquired some springform pans, and I wanted to give it a try. It was good, but I don't think we let it chill long enough. So, I think today, it will be much better. Even my hubby had some!!! Wow!! He hates anything cream cheese.
I also made some bar soap. That was NOT my best batch. I must be out of practice. I made some unscented bars, a couple bars of Feliz Navidad scent (I had received a small amount of this scent when I had placed an order--Brambleberry is very nice that way, in sending you a small sample with every order), and then I made a bunch of spicy bars (Clove, Cinnamon, and Orange).
Then, I made some homemade pizza, and we enjoyed ourselves eating that. We watched an old Jerry Lewis movie, "Hook, Line and Sinker". It wasn't as funny as some of the older ones.
Today, I need to print off some more posters, and reminder cards for the Living Last Supper. We are totally out of posters, and almost out of the reminder cards.
Jon wants me to trim his hair (I think he asked at 9:30 last night, and I just didn't feel up to it). So, maybe today.
I should shampoo the living room carpet. But, we shall see. Last week, I didn't plan on doing much, and we ran to town, and I fixed my pantry cupboards. Everything went wrong, and an upper shelf fell down on top of me, leaving bruises on both arms and my back. Dh came to the rescue, and bought pizzas for supper, as well as better shelving supports.
Yesterday, I made a chocolate cheesecake. That is the first time I have ever made a cheesecake. I had just acquired some springform pans, and I wanted to give it a try. It was good, but I don't think we let it chill long enough. So, I think today, it will be much better. Even my hubby had some!!! Wow!! He hates anything cream cheese.
I also made some bar soap. That was NOT my best batch. I must be out of practice. I made some unscented bars, a couple bars of Feliz Navidad scent (I had received a small amount of this scent when I had placed an order--Brambleberry is very nice that way, in sending you a small sample with every order), and then I made a bunch of spicy bars (Clove, Cinnamon, and Orange).
Then, I made some homemade pizza, and we enjoyed ourselves eating that. We watched an old Jerry Lewis movie, "Hook, Line and Sinker". It wasn't as funny as some of the older ones.
Today, I need to print off some more posters, and reminder cards for the Living Last Supper. We are totally out of posters, and almost out of the reminder cards.
Jon wants me to trim his hair (I think he asked at 9:30 last night, and I just didn't feel up to it). So, maybe today.
I should shampoo the living room carpet. But, we shall see. Last week, I didn't plan on doing much, and we ran to town, and I fixed my pantry cupboards. Everything went wrong, and an upper shelf fell down on top of me, leaving bruises on both arms and my back. Dh came to the rescue, and bought pizzas for supper, as well as better shelving supports.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Scoliosis update
Well, we have been to the Scoliosis Specialist. He was such a nice doctor, thoroughly checked Matthew over, and told Matthew that he doesn't want him to worry about anything--that it is the doctor's job to worry about this. Anyway, Matthew's spine has all the parts there, just rearranged wrong. A brace will not be able to correct this. Maybe, sometime in the future (I would assume after he's done growing), he might need surgery.
And, because his spine is messed up, they are also checking his kidneys and heart. When a baby is formed in the womb, the same week that the spine is formed, so are the kidneys and heart. So, when a child has scoliosis, they figure that is one of the three has an abnormality, they check the other 2. I am a bit nervous, as, when Matthew was in the womb, there was concern about his kidneys. I had to go in every 2 weeks for an ultrasound to keep an eye on it. And, he has had a heart murmur. So, this mom does get a bit nervous. Yes, I know God is big, and He is in charge, but on the other hand, this is my baby. . .
So, on Monday, Matthew goes in for an ultrasound on his kidneys. Then, he will have an MRI done on his spinal cord. The specialist is contacting our regular physician about the heart tests. Matthew is a bit nervous about not eating or drinking anything past midnight. :) He loves to get up, and drink a bunch of water or milk. And, the test isn't until 11 AM! We will take him out to eat after the appointments.
Here is his xray.
And, because his spine is messed up, they are also checking his kidneys and heart. When a baby is formed in the womb, the same week that the spine is formed, so are the kidneys and heart. So, when a child has scoliosis, they figure that is one of the three has an abnormality, they check the other 2. I am a bit nervous, as, when Matthew was in the womb, there was concern about his kidneys. I had to go in every 2 weeks for an ultrasound to keep an eye on it. And, he has had a heart murmur. So, this mom does get a bit nervous. Yes, I know God is big, and He is in charge, but on the other hand, this is my baby. . .
So, on Monday, Matthew goes in for an ultrasound on his kidneys. Then, he will have an MRI done on his spinal cord. The specialist is contacting our regular physician about the heart tests. Matthew is a bit nervous about not eating or drinking anything past midnight. :) He loves to get up, and drink a bunch of water or milk. And, the test isn't until 11 AM! We will take him out to eat after the appointments.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Still Sore
Well, our trip to Ben's apartment was not uneventful! I wish I could say it was uneventful. We left around 1, and hit snow around Tomah. We slowed way down, and saw a car in the ditch. It must have just happened, as the people were still in there, and traffic had slowed way down as well. We dropped Becca, Dan and Andrew off in the Dells, and they had a nice time at the PK retreat. Then, hubby, and Sam and Matthew and I headed down to Ben's. We got a motel, and then headed over to unload. It was up, and down, 3 flights of stairs. When you live in a house that is only 1 story, as well as everywhere I go, it's all 1 level, those stairs were killers!! I was about done in on my second trip up. :) But, we made it. Thankfully, there was an elevator that we could use for the last trip up with the sofa bed. I know we never would have gotten that up the stairs. So, my legs are still sore from the move. I am out of shape.
We got back on Saturday, and got all prepared for Sunday.
Then, Sunday was a full day--Sunday School, Morning Worship, Fellowship Dinner. Then, I had people help me set up the Living Last Supper table, so I could get pictures to put on posters to be handed out. I was also busy taking pictures of the babies for Cradle Roll. Then, after that, we had a Video Conference that lasted until 8 PM. What a long day!!
Wow--is my camera ever nice!!!! Thank you, honey!!!!! I have gotten so many nice compliments on the pictures I have taken. (Someone even asked if I went to school for it!!)
Yesterday was Becca's 18th birthday. I can't believe my sweet baby girl is now 18! If you didn't already know, I always let the children pick all their birthday meals. Hers were: sausage and eggs, veggie pizza, and tacos. Her cake was a Cranberry Cake with butter sauce (which is an old family favorite). We had the married boys, and families over, along with the grandparents. We had a very nice time, celebrating this very special young lady.
Today, Matthew is having a friend come over for a play date. I think he is a bit nervous about his scoliosis appointment (he's counting down the days on a marker board on the fridge). So, I thought this would help pass his time, and hopefully get his mind off the appointment.
I am contemplating doing some musical dramas for Palm Sunday, as well as for Easter. I just don't know if I have enough umph to put into it. I think it would be very moving. For the music, I would use, "Watch the Lamb", and "He's Alive."
We got back on Saturday, and got all prepared for Sunday.
Then, Sunday was a full day--Sunday School, Morning Worship, Fellowship Dinner. Then, I had people help me set up the Living Last Supper table, so I could get pictures to put on posters to be handed out. I was also busy taking pictures of the babies for Cradle Roll. Then, after that, we had a Video Conference that lasted until 8 PM. What a long day!!
Wow--is my camera ever nice!!!! Thank you, honey!!!!! I have gotten so many nice compliments on the pictures I have taken. (Someone even asked if I went to school for it!!)
Yesterday was Becca's 18th birthday. I can't believe my sweet baby girl is now 18! If you didn't already know, I always let the children pick all their birthday meals. Hers were: sausage and eggs, veggie pizza, and tacos. Her cake was a Cranberry Cake with butter sauce (which is an old family favorite). We had the married boys, and families over, along with the grandparents. We had a very nice time, celebrating this very special young lady.
Today, Matthew is having a friend come over for a play date. I think he is a bit nervous about his scoliosis appointment (he's counting down the days on a marker board on the fridge). So, I thought this would help pass his time, and hopefully get his mind off the appointment.
I am contemplating doing some musical dramas for Palm Sunday, as well as for Easter. I just don't know if I have enough umph to put into it. I think it would be very moving. For the music, I would use, "Watch the Lamb", and "He's Alive."
The American Patriot's Bible (KJV) Review
This is a review for "The American Patriot's Bible" KJV edited by Dr. Richard G. Lee. I waited up until midnight to sign up to receive this beautiful Bible, and it was well worth the wait!!! I LOVE this Bible!!! It is a hard cover, over 1500 pages KJV Bible. I thought it would be so big, that it wouldn't fit in my Bible cover, but it fit perfectly!!! This will be such a nice Bible to pass on to the children, as it has a nice area in the front for family history (a page of Bible dedication, a page of Holy Matrimony, a page for husband and wife's family records, a page for children and grandchildren, a church record page for significant church events in the family's history, a page for special family history, ancestors of interest and more!), a map of the US, and a listing of each state and when it was admitted. The "Seven Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic" are very good.
Each book of the Bible has a 1 page introduction to the book, as well as a look into America's history. Throughout the books of the Bible, there are little tidbits of information, and different quotes from many of our history's leaders. Interspersed throughout the Bible are 4 page color sections that are very informative (i.e. Faith of the Founders, The Bible and American Education, just to name a couple).
I love the font in this Bible--it makes it so very easy to read, along with the larger print. This is a nice edition for early reader, through advanced readers, to be able to read.
In the back of the Bible, before the concordance, is a very helpful subject index, where you can find each of the American patriot listing, or subject and their respective page. It also has the usual maps that are located at the back of a Bible.
The only negative I can find, is that I'm not thrilled with the page numbering on the 4 color special insert pages. They are in groups of 4, interspersed throughout the Bible. If I want to find a group on "The Great Awakenings", and it lists it as I-17 through 20 (for instance), I have to jump around, trying to find the correct section. I just wish the whole Bible was numbered straight through, including the special pages.
I have used this Bible a lot, not just in my normal daily Bible reading, but also for our home education. It is very rich with our American history, and would complement any home school curriculum.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this Bible free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Each book of the Bible has a 1 page introduction to the book, as well as a look into America's history. Throughout the books of the Bible, there are little tidbits of information, and different quotes from many of our history's leaders. Interspersed throughout the Bible are 4 page color sections that are very informative (i.e. Faith of the Founders, The Bible and American Education, just to name a couple).
I love the font in this Bible--it makes it so very easy to read, along with the larger print. This is a nice edition for early reader, through advanced readers, to be able to read.
In the back of the Bible, before the concordance, is a very helpful subject index, where you can find each of the American patriot listing, or subject and their respective page. It also has the usual maps that are located at the back of a Bible.
The only negative I can find, is that I'm not thrilled with the page numbering on the 4 color special insert pages. They are in groups of 4, interspersed throughout the Bible. If I want to find a group on "The Great Awakenings", and it lists it as I-17 through 20 (for instance), I have to jump around, trying to find the correct section. I just wish the whole Bible was numbered straight through, including the special pages.
I have used this Bible a lot, not just in my normal daily Bible reading, but also for our home education. It is very rich with our American history, and would complement any home school curriculum.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this Bible free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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