Power of prayer

As many of you heard, two weeks ago we learned that Coleen’s (Jim’s mom) breast cancer has returned again. This is the third time around for her . She had an “all clear” mammogram on March 10, but when we all noticed strange behavior a few weeks ago, she went in to her doctor for his advice.

He swiftly ordered an MRI which showed trouble. A roughly 2-3 cm tumor was found in the left temporal lobe. She was put on steroids to reduce the swelling to relieve some of the pressure on the brain tissue. On Wednesday morning, Coleen had surgery to remove the tumor, which the doctor feels certain he removed completely.

I have to say that I am speechless about her recovery. This picture is on Friday afternoon; just two days after surgery. On Saturday, we all went out to breakfast. On Sunday, they took a stoll through Ann Arbor, and today Nana is resting with all three grandsons. We are sure that it was through the grace of God that she is doing so well. Thank you all for your prayers.

Please come, Spring

I know you can't tell by the pictures, but there is five inches of snow on the ground. It is getting old. We've been playing pirates for hours every day. And that picture of Nathan on the inchworm? Let's just say that it has been spending quality time in the garage - by itself - because it is so. flipping. obnoxious. Please, please, pray for Spring.

Don't let it fool you

Awwwwwe! Aren't they so sweet? [See title of post now].

Okay, it is pretty cute. For the past week, Nathan has been jumping into Nick's bed at naptime. He covers himself up so quickly; it's like he thinks I won't notice. Today, I let them try it out.

The fellas shared a bed for almost 20 minutes. I went in at that point because Nick was coughing a lot. When I walked in, I saw that Nathan was almost asleep. OMG! I took him into his own bed (he is in a big boy bed now...see picture below) and he sobbed. He wouldn't calm down until Nick came in and gave him a good night kiss. That is pretty sweet.

Economic Stimulus Package may mean more FABRIC!

Oooh. Here's a link to the amount of cash you could be lucky enough to receive from Big Brother. 

While I know I should use it to pay some creditors or save it for the fellas to go to college, I really want to buy a few things. I'd like a sewing machine that does embroidery, LOTS of fabric to play with, and a babysitter so I can crop and stitch. 

Here's a lousy picture (taken from my cell) of a dress I made. I used a pattern but didn't exactly know how to follow it. It fits, but it isn't as cute and trendy as I was hoping it would be. It's definitely something I will wear to work or church. 

And of course you want to know how the fellas are doing. They're great! Nathan is learning to count (eight, nine, ten) and say his ABCs (i, b, i, b, i, b...). Nickolas can write his name and is practicing other names, too (for Nathan, he impressed us by sounding it out and spelling "NTAOAN"). 

I heart contests

A Valentine Giveaway 

Birthday boy

Nathan's second birthday is tomorrow. Wait a second...I'm wiping away a tear...

We celebrated last night by having a delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery. Yum! We had lots of fun watching Nathan dive into his presents, tossing clothes to the side and screaming "Mine!" when Nickolas tried to touch his new toys. This morning, all we've heard from Nathan is "No! Mine!" While it is getting old, it's

 kind of nice to hear him playing and running around again after a week of being sick and clingy. 

Here are a few photos from the party. 

Princess Bride deleted scene

This is hilarious!

All thumbs, no thumbs

Since I have not done any scrapbooking in over SIX months, I've started a new hobby: sewing. I'm teaching myself to sew. I'm not great, but I have learned a ton in the past week or so. Apparently, however, I have not learned to avoid slicing my thumbs with my rotary cutter. I actually could probably use a couple of stitches on my left thumb, but I'm just sticking with bandages for now.

I've made some super cool things, including window treatments, a little drawstring bag, and table runner, some coasters, and half of a purse. Don't ask.

I don't have any pictures of my new stuff, but I can assure you that they only look super cool because of the fabric I used.

Wii love to play games

I swore that our boys would never play video games. We made it almost three and a half years. Nick was sick this weekend, complete with a fever of 103. After a couple of days of constant whining, we decided to bust out the Wii and let him try his hand at bowling.

Nathan did not want to miss anything, so he pulled out his own controller and "played" along, too.

Speaking of Nathan, I have to tell you something HILARIOUS. It requires a little bit of background. Gram and Umpa (my mom and dad) bought a place mat with all of the presidents of the United States on it for Nickolas. Nick knows a LOT of them now, even if we show him different pictures than the ones on the mat. Pretty sweet. Anyhow, Nathan has not been ignoring this mat. Nathan keeps pointing at a picture of Martin Van Buren and saying, "Bumpa!" Bumpa, of course, is what Nater calls Umpa. Ha!
(Dad, we tried to call you and tell you, but you didn't answer. Sorry!)

Vote intelligently

If you aren't sure who to vote for, try this little quiz at Glassbooth.org to see which candidate is the best match for you. You can learn more about the issues and each candidate's position on the issues.

The site paired me with this fella and this one. I agree. I think Duncan was the third runner-up.