Toy Donation

A humungo thank you to everyone who donated to the Children's Hospital. We were able to bring them around 150 toys, books, crayons,and games. The Jeep was completely packed, which was awesome because we learned that the hospital beds were all full. They had actually just sent a kid downtown because they had no more room.The lady we talked to told us that they are usually able to give each child and their sibling(s) three gifts each (actually Santa himself delivers them to each room). She thought that this year they might be able to do five gifts per child and sibling(s)!!! It was truly an overwhelming experience being able to bring a little bit of joy to these children. Thank you again to everyone who helped us accomplish this goal!!!

Jack and Jill

One night, after they had put the baby to bed, Jack asks Jill if she minds if he goes outside and works on a new fire pit he built. " Not at all" she replies. So off he goes while Jill starts picking up around the house. Jack walks in about five minutes later asking where something is and then he notices that Jill is cleaning. " Do you want some help" he asks. " No, I just want to get the house picked up because people are coming over tomorrow". Jack then decides that it is in his best interest to help Jill. " Where should I start?" In a nice and loving tone Jill simply replies " look around." Jack starts picking up around the house for about ten minutes then decides to get on the computer, which irks Jill just a little bit. A few words are exchanged and Jack returns to helping out.
This story got me to thinking about God. How many times have I asked God, even begged, Him to show me what I need to be doing with my life or where I need to be going. Often times when I understand the path He is showing me, I will stay on it for a little bit, but so often I get distracted and stray from that path. Although I know that His way is the one and only way, sometimes I can justify branching off and doing my own thing. Just like Jack, I have asked God hundreds of times " where should I start?" I may not always know the exact starting point but I can sure come up with a very long list of things that need to be cleaned up in my life. I believe that God gives daily opportunities to clean up our life and get on the right path. Just like Jack, I don't always agree with what God is trying to show me and many times I would rather go outside and do something else. When I do choose my own path, it usually does not take me long to realize I am not doing the right thing, and our loving Father helps me get right back on track. I think its harder to actually confess to God that you have messed up than it is to get back on track.
**NOTE** the names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent. also, in no way am I comparing Jill to God ( although she is almost always right )

Tis the season...

...for the flu bug! O yeah, that wonderful little thing has landed itself a snug spot in the Wells's house right now. Here's how we found out. Sunday, Abby was acting like a crazy person all day. She fussed at both of us ( usually I am the only one who gets the mean looks and the grumpiness ) all day long. We kinda thought she was just getting another cold...no biggie. Monday and Tuesday were a little like Sunday, not too bad though. Wednesday morning Abby and I go to a friends house to watch her little boy for a little bit ( I had told her before hand that Abby had a cold ). I could tell that she was getting worse, but nothing, I thought, a little nap wouldn't cure. Well, being the brilliant mom that I am, and knowing my history of ear infections and tubes, I decide to make her a doctor's appointment just to make sure nothing else is going on. I guess I should have figured it was pretty bad when she napped at my friends house, and when we came home she slept for another hour, woke up and drank about two cups of water and went back to bed till I woke her for the appt. When I woke her up her little cheeks were so red it looked like she spent a month at the beach with no sunscreen. When we get to the doctor the nurse asked me if she had been running a fever. "Nope" I say, she's just a little warm because she just woke up from her nap. The nurse took her temperature and said " Wow, 104". She actually showed me the thermometer ( I think she thought I thought she was making it up or something, or maybe she thought what an awful mom I am for not knowing my child was running such a high fever), either way, it was bad! My heart literally stopped for a second. I mean really, who would not know their baby is like half a degree away from having to go to the emergency room. When the nurse left and we were waiting for the doctor to come in I was still in a serious state of denial. I was thinking, wow...this is one heck of a cold! So the doctor comes in and says " I am pretty sure she has the flu, actually, I would be surprised if she doesn't" Great news, it's not a cold and she doesn't have an ear infection. My poor baby, she was absolutely miserable! The flu test came back positive( and yes, she did have her flu shot this year) and the Dr told me that Dave and I should go get ours asap. I go Friday! Dave is already sick, not sure if it's the flu or what, but it is in our house and in our systems. Luckily, I have not felt bad(knock on wood)yet, and I am pretty sure I have OD on anything and everything vitamin c around here. Today Abby is doing great. She is such a little trooper. She is still running a little fever ( I actually checked this time ) but she has been playing and eating today. Her doctor told me it would last about five days, so we will see. She also told me to not worry if her breathing becomes rapid. WHAT?!?! O, Ok...not going to worry. Of course I slept with the baby monitor on full blast and basically woke up every hour to check on her ( but I was not worried ). At least this didn't happen during Christmas and even more important...it's not a staph infection!!!

Toy Update ( take two)

Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks; the door will be opened."
Well we asked, sought, and knocked and thanks to all of our wonderful friends, family, and even strangers we reached over 100 toys!!! I have to be honest, I really wasn't sure we were going to reach our goal. I prayed daily, nightly and in between and I am astounded by the results. I can't put into words how grateful we are to everyone who helped us accomplish this. We will be taking the toys to the children's hospital on Monday December 20 at 7pm. Please let me know if you would like to join us(kids are welcome too). We are still collecting toys, books, arts and craft supplies, and anything else you would like to donate. Give me a call or send me an e-mail and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you again to everyone who helped!!! God Bless