Friday, October 31, 2008

Politics

I'm not much for talking politics. There's so much I don't understand about it. My wonderful husband explains much of it to me, but I must be honest and say, it's all still so foreign to me. It should be higher on my priority list of things to learn and understand, but it isn't.
There's one thing I do know... I will never vote for someone who supports the right to choose. The thought of abortion is bad enough, but the words in the following video sickens me to the depths of my soul.
Obama has already promised that, "The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act," immediately eliminating over 500 abortion restrictions passed by the 50 states. Please watch this video. Then watch the second video. Neither videos contain any graphic images. If you are pro-life, but are unsure who to vote for, I urge you to VOTE FOR LIFE!
Remember to pause the music at the bottom of this page before watching the videos.

"Barack Obama is THE MOST EXTREME PRO-ABORTION CANDIDATE EVER to seek the office of President of the United States. Indeed, he is the most extreme pro-abortion legislator ever to serve in either house of the United States Congress."
(Dr. Robert P. George, Princeton University)

Lisa




Me....Get a Blog Award????

Well.... it just seems ridiculous silly, since I have no followers... yet, and I don't blog daily... yet, but, YES, I'LL TAKE IT! WooHoo! Thanks Christine, for sending this to me!

So, I'm suppose to list just 7 things I'm thankful for and send this award on to 7 others.


  • My salvation. I thank Christ everyday for taking my place on that cross and dying in my place. It's a gift I don't deserve, but I have gratefully received it and look forward to my heavenly home someday!

  • My husband, who is such a hard worker, a wonderful husband, and such a good dad! I don't deserve him. He seems to love me no matter how badly I mess things up, or how awful I look, or how grumpy I can get... He's also a gift I think I'll keep.

  • My 6 children, who bring joy to my life and the wonderful chaos to our shoe. *smile* Each one is so unique and such a blessing. Without them, my life would be empty.

  • My parents, who gave me life. Without them, I wouldn't be here. Haha! Ok, seriously... my parents love my husband and my children and have always loved me, even when I was most unlovable. I will always be grateful to them for everything they do for my family.

  • Our Shoe Home. I'm so thankful for the beautiful land my husband works so hard everyday for us to have. We have a breath taking view and 15+ acres for our children to play on.

  • My church. It's taken us years to find a good church. A good church that truly preaches the Word of God, a good church that supports our decision to homeschool our children, a church that isn't all about entertainment, a church that isn't afraid to hold others accountable for their actions, a church that accepts us as part of their family.

  • My friends and family. I have wonderful friends, and I have wonderful family. AND, I have wonderful friends that are family! The time the give, the prayers they offer up, the meals they have made, and the fact that they like me for who I am makes me so grateful for this life I have been given.

I don't personally know anyone else that blogs, but I do read a few on a regular basis. I don't have 7 (does that disqualify me?) that I want to share this with, mainly because most of the blogs I read already have a ton of awards and they don't know me from anyone, but would like to pass this on to:


OK, so I'm pretending there's a loud roar of applause in the back ground. *bows once, twice...and the curtain closes* ;o)


Lisa

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Works For Me Wednesday!


This is a simple thing, really, but it has been a life saver and a money saver for me.
We have 8 people in our family and one of those "family size" soup cans just isn't quite enough. 2 of them makes too much, and a family size and 1 small can is even too much unless everyone is starving for a lot of soup (which is rare). So, I just make one large family size can of soup (adding the one can of water to it), and I add a can of chicken broth to it. This makes just enough for the tummies wanting soup with their lunch. It's cheap and works for me!

For more great Works For Me Wednesday tips, go to Rocks In My Dryer.

Lisa

National Day of Rememberance For Pregnancy and Infant Loss

My story...

We had 6 beautiful babies, all with healthy, uneventful, full term pregnancies. Nothing should have caused us to be concerned about possibly losing a baby to miscarriage. Sure, we knew there was always a possibility, but we didn't feel we were at risk. After all, I was about the most fertile person we knew!

We found out we were expecting our 7th child when Mark was 14 months old. The timing of this pregnancy was right about where we expected it to happen. We were happy. I remember feeling a bit reserved with my happy feelings, only because having 6 was getting pretty stressful. But years ago we had decided the Lord knew best when to send a baby.
At just 5 1/2 weeks, there was spotting. Never happened to me before. I'll never forget the feeling I had in the pit of my stomach. Not me! Not this baby!! Late that night, I began to miscarry. I was so very sad...and felt guilty. Guilty for having reservations....for feeling stressed about more children. I know that's not why I lost our baby. But I just couldn't shake those feelings.

I named her Sarah.

One month later we were surprised to be expecting our 8th. We were a bit concerned this time, so we weren't so fast to share our news. I had a quick ultrasound at 5 1/2 weeks and all seemed to be measuring on target for that early. I was feeling great and having all the wonderful symptoms....as the weeks past, the worrying began to subside. We told a few people. I mean, what were the chances of ME having two miscarriages in a row???
At 11 1/2 weeks there was spotting. An ultrasound showed our baby had no heartbeat. The baby measured 8-9 weeks and was perfectly formed. He had a tiny nose, arms and fingers, and I could see his knee. I wish I had thought to ask for the picture, but I didn't. I just kept hearing the Dr.'s words over and over..."I'm sorry, Lisa. There doesn't seem to be a fetal heartbeat." Not Me! Not this baby!!! I miscarried 5 days later. It was a horrible experience and I probably should have gone to the hospital, but I didn't. I'm thankful Todd was with me.

I named him Matthew.

2 months later we once again found ourselves pregnant with #9!! This time I was using Progesterone cream because I suspected my levels were low. This is something that can be purchased over the counter and is safe to use. I once again felt great....a little too great. I didn't have any symptoms and desperately wanted to. The progesterone cream is suppose to help with symptoms of pregnancy, but with having 2 losses already, I wanted to feel everything.
Then, at 7 weeks the spotting began. I went in hoping for an ultrasound, but they only drew blood to measure my hcg levels (pregnancy hormones). The levels were high at over 3200. At this point in pregnancy the hcg levels are suppose to double every 48 hours, so I had to go in again 2 days later for another blood test. This time, instead of being doubled, the numbers were only in the 900's, indicating our baby was gone. I stopped using the progesterone cream, and quickly miscarried.

I named him Jeremiah.

We just didn't know what to do at this point. We felt the medical community just looked at me and saw an older woman with 6 kids who didn't need any more. No one wanted to help us. I practically begged for tests. They obliged, but they didn't offer any help. I was tired of being patted on the head.

There haven't been any other pregnancies that we know of. The Lord is still in control and He could send another baby our way. My feeling is that our quiver is indeed full, and we are ok with that, if the Lord wants it that way. If He sends another baby, we're ok with that, too. He has always taken care of us and seen us through the tough times with a shoe full of kids. Our trust is in Him.

Please remember those you know who have lost a baby. Pray for them today. If you are someone who has experienced the loss of an infant, through miscarriage, SIDS, or any other way, I'm praying for you. No matter how long it has been, it still hurts, but our Lord is the Great Comfortor! He heals our hurts and carries us when we just can't walk any longer. I'm so thankful to be one of His children.

…and provide for those who grieve in Zion-

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair…


Isaiah 61:2-3

(Verse taken from Angies blog)


Lisa

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Fall in Vermont

The fall is a popular season for tourists to visit Vermont. We call them "Leaf Peepers". Not every year is as colorful as this year has been. The photos below don't give it justice. It's literally breath taking to see these beautiful colors. The pictures below were taken a couple of weeks ago right before the peek of the colors. Enjoy!







And what good is a post about Life in Vermont without adding a picture of cows!!


Love,
Lisa