Ready, Get Set....

Well crunch time for IYC and the assembly is right before me. I really didn't think I would be going to International Youth Camp this year as Jessa was due on the 31st of July and that would be just too soon for this grandma to live her daughter, son-in-law and grandson. But God had other plans and IYC here I come. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal for me to miss IYC but it's been so many years that I have gone that I actually can't imagine not going. I am really looking forward to that. There are two things that are on the down side, my husband won't be at IYC and still definitely need your prayers as to be able to make it to the assembly. He has only one hour yes, just ONE HOUR to get someone to work for him as for him to be able to go. I am trusting the Lord though. The tough part is we hope to BUY him a full ticket instead of him flying the stressful way of going standby. As we all know the closer to departure time the more expensive those tickets get. BUT it's in God's hands. Secondly, I will so have withdrawls from my grandbabies. It's amazing how much a part of my life they have become in such a short time. I am sooooo blessed to have them nearby. I wish they and their family would be coming also. Hopefully next year. I am thankful that we have iPhone 4 and we actually can do face time. Hopefully Jessa can go over to our house and use Joleesa's phone. I love my girls and I adore my grandbabies.

So any way it's time to get ready and to get set as my flight leaves out Thursday evening. I arrive in Asheville on Friday afternoon and my precious Sister Perkins will be there to pick me up and I'll be spending the Friday afternoon and evening with her. Then I'll meet up with the dear Williams Saturday morning early to meet up with the Hays as to get everything set for IYC.

I am soooo excited. The longing for the fellowship is HUGE, top with with looking forward to the feasting that Lord has for me (and I will be focusing on ME as their are things MY soul is in need of) at both IYC and the assembly. Anticipation is definitely present.

The Apples of Grandma's Eyes

Noah snoozin on grandma's lap. He is such a doll.



My little lady. She's so precious.


My life has been changed forever by these two precious gifts.

Noah Finds Land on July 2nd

Noah finally left the ark at 9:25 am July 2nd weighing in at 6 lbs 4 oz, 17 1/2" long (little shortie, but has a long torso). 4 weeks early. July 1st at 2:45 am Jessa's water broke with no for warning of any kind of labor. At the hospital they waited 12 hours to allow the contractions to begin on their own. A few little contractions occurred but didn't make any difference. At 2 pm they induced labor. Off and running she began having HUGE contractions. 12 hours of contractions "on steroids" (as Jessa puts it), they said she could begin to push so I called Jody and the girls back to the hospital thinking it would be any time now. Though Noah had decided the water needed to go, he wasn't sure he wanted to see land (smile). He kept turning himself every which way and with every two pushes down he receded back a push. Then he got stuck behind Jessa's pelvic bone. That little stinker was afraid of the outside world. Jessa pushed for 7 hours through some horrendous pain. Tears were flowing down my face as I watched my daughter, exhausted, push through with no breaks in between contractions (this was even WITH an epidural)a side effect of pittison. She was on the border of needing a c-section but she was determined to not come this far only to have to do have that. The last option was forceps to turn him and pull him out. If that didn't work within 2 minutes they would have to do a c-section. Prayers were going up everywhere as we even stopped right there and had prayer. PTL he just slid right out once they turned him right and moved him away from her pelvic bone. The NICU team was waiting to receive him, as is common procedure for assisted deliveries. They moved quickly through his examine and PTL said he was healthy and could stay with mom and dad and put him on mom bare chest and he right away warmed up. He is the cutest little guy with lots of black hair and dark eyes (not sure yet if they're dark blue, or brown). Such a perfect miracle. Mom tore internally and externally which require lots of stitches. My daughter, Jessa is a CHAMPION marathon runner. I am so proud of her. She is so sore she can't hardly hold her son but she is right there doing all she can. She can't hardly sit or find a comfortable position but she continues to find a way to nurse. Levi is right there figuring out how to take care of his son with one hand. It's great to watch him rise to the challenge and conquer!

God is so good. I have felt like July 1st was just 4 days long as they didn't get to come home until July 4th. Jessa and Levi's celebration was better then any 4th of July celebration (it's just their celebration was in their hearts, as our bodies are exhausted). God has changed my life all over again as I now have a GRANDSON and a GRANDDAUGHTER.

I'll Never tire of the View

from my living room window. The mountains take on attitude. Today they are being invaded by clouds but the green grass peeks through as the clouds circle around. They almost look overwhelmed by the clouds (that could preach). Other days the sun makes them just glow. Last night, a rainbow came out of them. Even on the dreariest day, I love my mountains.

I know it's been five weeks since I've posted, it's not due to my not attempting to. Two major reasons I hadn't. 1)I just didn't know what to say (doesn't make sense, I know), and 2) When I did start to post, my computer went out on me. For weeks my computer was over heating. I'd be on it for 5-10 minutes and then it would just die on me. Took it to Best Buy and the warranty was expired and they said they thought it was the hard drive. Someone at work recommended this other computer place that had a very quick turn around and great service. Well Brother Nowling was not happy about their turn around time or their service, but 3 days and $100 later, I have my computer back. The fan was gooped up with dust and all not allowing it to work. I actually think the fan hasn't worked for a year or more because I had it in to Best Buy once before because it would get so hot and I kept getting the blue screen...get this they told me it didn't have a fan. Ugh. Any way I have my computer back.

So what's been going on...I think I shared ladies retreat and the Perkins. I really miss them. I was just thinking how they would get up in the morning and go sit on the deck with their morning coffee and enjoy the day no matter how cool it was outside. It was so peaceful. Just a few minutes ago I was longing for Brother Nowling not to have to work the night shift so we could be enjoying those kinds of mornings together. Any way, moving on.

After Perkins left things went into full swing for convention and camp. I told Brother Grant we needed ladies retreat back in April as only 3 weeks between the two about killed me physically and stress wise. Yay, it is back to April. We had the Hawkins here for convention and camp. We had a revival spirit going in to it and God blessed mightily. We had 26 in camp (including the two babies and a pregnant Jessa). I tell you Satan fought along the way with things regarding camp, so I knew it was going to be good. Our theme was "Shapened to Serve". Brother Hawkins preached on getting the dirt out. You could feel the struggle of individuals as they didn't want to let go of things in their life that was causing "dirt" to remain. As he preached about letting go of some of the things in the world that creep into the Christian's life such as video games and some movie sagas such as Twilight you could really see the struggles even on faces let alone at the altar. The Lord put it on me Monday night to have the bonfire start earlier and for individuals to write on paper the things that were revealed to them to get out of their lives and burn them. We went from the altar service down to the fire and through them in. I knew there were some that were holding back and some that threw it in but though it burned on the paper it was still in their heart. Tuesday night the power came down and one camper asked if we could have the fire again. WOW the power at the fire that night as we became "set apart". We had our baptismal following at about 9 pm and even in the chill of the evening (and the water) you could feel the victory. At camp and since I realized the great responsibility we have to hold to these commitments AND to not be a stumbling block to those who God has dealt with certain things in particular. To help to hold them accountable and US accountable so that we don't lose out in the end.

We really enjoyed the time with the Hawkins, my only complaint was there wasn't enough time with them. Following camp we had a Heritage Day revival that Jenna was in charge of with Jared Nolen. Jenna did a great job moderating. It was something watching her try to find the Lord's direction at the end of a service. It was glorious time in the Lord as well.

At camp several of us got colds (including the Hawkins). Little Savannah got really congested but God watched over her and she's doing much better. I am still struggling with what is probably a sinus infection. But God is so good.

I've been loving watching my little granddaughter Savannah. I believe it was Brother Perkins made the statement that babies are new every day. That is so true as I watch her change every day. She is such a good baby. Full of smiles. I love to hear her little laugh and watch her play with her feet. I love to cuddle with her either the first thing in the morning, or the last thing at night and pray with her for her daddy to come to know Jesus and for her mommy to show here daddy and her Jesus in everything she says and does. Joleesa is a wonderful mommy. She loves her little girl and is proving that she wants to raise her for the Lord. Dallas loves Savannah very much too (and Joleesa). He is a good young man, he needs to know Jesus personally...Please help me pray for him.

Oh and my dear oldest daughter, Jessa. She is so beautiful as an expectant mother. She has had to deal with some things during here pregnancy that I didn't, such as stabilizing her thyroid and now having gestational diabetes. She's called out to God to take away her fears. I've watched Levi and her as they prepare for our grandson to enter this world. I can't wait to hold little Noah. I will be in the delivery room with her as I was with Joleesa. I have to say, I'm a bit apprehensive of what my role will be with Jessa. With Joleesa, I was there for Joleesa. To keep her comfortable and listen to what she wanted and be her mouth if I needed to as her situation was different. Levi's gone to birthing classes with Jessa...he's the husband, I don't want to overstep him but I'm Jessa's mother. I'm a woman. But I've learned to stand back and watch and step in when needed (though that's not my comfort zone), that's what I'll do on that day. I think Jessa's more patient then I am at this time. I hold Savannah and I remember Joleesa being afraid that we wouldn't love her like we should, and my love for that little girl is so HUGE and I think how amazing God is because I know I have more love in me to wrap around the miracle of life of NOAH. Jessa has dreamed about being married and having a baby and it's happening. It's amazing how LOVE is so endless. Noah I am so excited to be able to see and hold you for the first time.

I've been saying how I have entered another season of my life. I watched Jessa, Jenna and Joleesa at the piano one night of convention and felt so old but so proud as my three grown daughters sung and worshipped the Lord. Now as they begin to raise their children for the Lord my prayers are raised for them to have wisdom beyond measure to stand up against the world for their children.

If Jessa delivers in time I am looking at going to IYC and the assembly. Bless Brother Hays' heart that he goes by faith that I'll be there. I want to be there, but I WILL be there for my daughter as she delivers her first child. I truly believe God has it all under control and I'll be able to be a part of both.

I'd like to put pictures up, but that's one of the disadvantages to relying on others for pictures, I didn't take too many myself. We have pictures and videos of convention and camp but they were done by Jenna and Levi. So I'm at their mercy. I do have a few pictures of the Hawkins as we made the trip to and from camp. I'll have to get them off my camera. Brother Nowling, and the Hawkins and I went to the SourDough Mining Company for dinner one night and on the spur of the moment decided to drive up to Flat Top Mountain but get this, NONE of us had a camera (except our phones).

So does this make up for 5 weeks...Now I need to try to get some house cleaning done as I've been invaded by baby swings, play rugs, changing tables, chairs, etc. It feels like everything is closing in on me, even in this big house so I need to try to get things organized differently. So God bless everyone until the next time...

Busy, Busy, Busy and it's just going to get Busier

Wow. I didn't realize it had been a month today since I last blogged. Life is just so busy. I don't know even where to start. I know there's that's happened before but I'm going to begin with ladies retreat. It was a great ladies retreat. We were so blessed to have the Perkins here. I have known Sister Perkins for many years through IYC. Last year, we shared a room with her as I flew into North Carolina and rode with the Williams to IYC and so did Sister Deborah. We shared a late night of talking, laughing and crying. As I sought the Lord for an evangelist for ladies retreat, it was made very clear to me it was to be her. BUT she is deathly afraid of heights and had never flown. We promised her we wouldn't bring her without bringing Brother Danny. It's always fun watching someone lean on the Lord to conquer fears and that she did. When I talked to her when she got to Seattle she said she felt the Lord just carried through the air to Seattle. Flying standby can be tough but everything went so smoothly for them.

We then had a great retreat with 15 in attendance and 5 babies. Only 4 of us were over the age of 30. It was a blessed retreat as everyone helped out with the babies and the Lord ministered through classes and messages. We were able to take the Perkins to Hatchers Pass and once again watching God work was great as for a moment Sister Deborah laid her head down and grabbed my hand with her cold clammy hand only to sit back up, determined to enjoy every minute. That she truly did. Saturday night we had a shower for Jessa. Though we were all exhausted the ladies and Levi had great laughs together once again. Sunday night we were blessed as the Holy Ghost moved in our worship and as Sister Perkins preached on Joseph. It was a glorious time in the Lord.

Monday we headed to Portage Glacier and Seward. Such sweet fellowship we had along the way as enjoyed the handiwork of our Lord. We came back so Brother Nowling could go to work and we headed to Earthquake Park (Joleesa joined us) where Sister Deborah could FINALLY see HOW the Sleeping Lady was the Sleeping Lady.

Brother Danny and Brother Nowling are so much a like it was pretty awesome. I am so glad they had their time together as well. Here in Alaska there aren't too many people our age as we are blessed with such a young church. We LOVE THEM ALL DEARLY. But it is such a treasure when we find a couple like the Perkins where you just enjoy yourself thoroughly talking about the Lord and life in general. The men are so a like that even when we went out to eat, twice they both ordered the exact same thing... We came home and Joleesa built a fire in the fire pit and our Southern friends enjoyed a crisp night around the fire telling stories about our families.

Tuesday Jessa joined us and we went downtown and met Jenna for brunch and then we shopped the souvenir shops. Brother Danny became a man of few words again amongst all of us women but he was patient with us as we spent 5 hours shopping. Then we headed home and Levi met us and we went to the Sour Dough Mining Company for dinner.

We were so blessed to have them in our home. Now my plate is full trying to get ready for camp. Work has been hugely stressful for several weeks along with everything else so please pray for me.

Suprise!

I sent Brother Nowling and Levi to the store to pick up rice for dinner Sunday and my husband actually came back with flowers for me. Yes flowers, yellow tulips. It was a great surprise. I can't hardly remember the last time he got me flower. I don't encourage him to get the expensive ones on the holidays because they just cost way too much to die in a week or so. These were from the floral department in the grocery store. I cut them down and put them in my yellow tea pot along with the leaves. The girls, him (and even Levi) were trying to get me to use a regular vase and I wouldn't. It turns out they look pretty good in my tea pot. You see I collect tea pots I have 15 or so of them (different seasons too) and I like to use them as centerpieces on my table.




In other news, I'm trying to tie things up for ladies retreat. Sister Deborah Perkins is our guest speaker. Her and Brother Danny are coming up. Sister Deborah has never flown and she trusting the Lord regarding her great fear. They're flying standby so please remember them in your prayers both for her to feel His calm and everything goes smoothly as they fly. Of course remember the retreat. We really want the Lord to bless. Alaska's state flower is Forget Me Nots and I felt inspired to use that as our theme. Think about it there's so much NOT TO FORGET when it comes to our Lord. I talked to Sister Deborah today and one of the things I'm really excited about is that I've asked if we could have a music class where she would teach us some new songs. I love learning new songs and who better to teach us.

To top of pulling everything together for ladies retreat we are planning a fundraiser to boost our building expense fund. We have 3 great photographers at our local church so why not use their talent. We are doing 30 minute studio photo shoots. Jenna, Micah and Megan will be alternating shooting the photos and editing and then will burn them to a CD and the people can print their own. Cost just $20. You can't beat that. We're going have some bake goods to sale also as to raise funds for mission. I'm really praying this will be successful financially but also allowing us to meat people.

Along with the retreat and fundraiser, I have to finish with my camp planning as camp is less a month after the retreat. Ugh! Lord help me. I'm having a hard time focusing on any one of them.

Then on top of those church things we have a baby shower for Jessa. I want it to be so special for her.

Between the fundraiser and ladies retreat I'm going to take a break and fly over Friday night, May 9Th to Seattle to spend the day with one of the ladies I work with. She's going there for a few days by herself to celebrate her birthday. I'm going to stay with her Friday night and then we're going to the space needle and then do some shopping and then I'll head back Saturday night. It's been so long since I've done anything without my family, so I'm so looking forward to it.

Then I'm going to take 3 days of vacation to spend with the Perkins going sight seeing. So a busy time but a great time.

I Know, I Know....

It's been a long time since I've been here but I really do have a good excuse. Every time I'd try to post the computer would freeze up. And uploading pictures was impossible. Our internet was un-secured and it was getting next to impossible to do anything because it was sooooooo slow. Any way Matthew Peter came over last night to do something on Jenna's computer and got a taste of the slowness (is that a word?). So he called our internet provider to set up a password and secure it and WOW what a difference. Funny thing is it took him a while to get all our computers set up at first as he kept putting the password in and it wouldn't take it. So he went back to the computer he set it up on and found he had a typo. Our password was...ugh...I can't share it because I'll be back to square one with it not being secure. One letter off changed a spiritual phrase dramatically. Sadly so too, but it was way too much work to change it.

Any way, life's been moving by quickly. It makes so much difference when you have a baby around. Every day Savannah changes and I don't want to miss a moment of it. I stand in awe at God. The only negative for ME about having a baby in our home again is though she's not even walking, some how she manages to have her clothes and belonging strewn throughout the house. Oh wait a minute, I think she's taken OVER our house. But we are blessed to have her.

Life in our little church is changing as we settle in with the tiny new lives God has brought into our midst.

I am love watching Jessa blossom as she carries little Noah until time to enter the world. Jenna announced the other day that Jessa is the ark for their Noah. Though it may not seem "nice" it was meant and is a cute thought. Oh the anticipation of holding our grandson and seeing Jessa's dream fulfilled of becoming a mother. Now that it's becoming a reality, the fears of inadequacies surface, but I know my first born will make an awesome mother and Levi will make a great dad.

Since my last post babies have taken over my life. Of course the joys of Savannah is present everyday. But one Tuesday evening I asked Megan to come over and I captured cute little Caleb in my arms most of the evening. It was a pleasant night with Megan and her son, just watching tv and visiting.

Then last weekend Brother Nowling and I went to Bethel for youth convention with Brother Bagoni (which the Lord really broke open His Word through this man). There was great preaching, good fellowship in the Spirit and with the Bethel saints. One again I got to enjoy another precious baby, my future grand-son-in-law, Braden Sutton. Sister Annette and I have told Joleesa and Dallas that their daughter has her marriage all arranged and her name will some day be Mrs. Savannah Lynn Sutton. Ok that's a little much. Not even two months old and calling her Mrs. Any way I enjoyed spending time with our cute little man. So though I was away from Savannah, my arms weren't empty.

We've been dumped on with over a foot of snow last night and today. A foot of snow in April is soooo wrong, even if it is Alaska. Hopefully though it will melt by Saturday as we are holding our youth activity here at the house roasting hot dogs and marshmellows in our fire pit.

The first part of May is going to be busy for us. May 1st we will be having a fund raiser for our building fund. Jenna, Micah and Megan will be doing photo shoots at the church. We'll set up one of the Sunday School rooms for the shoot, the other room for the editing room and the sanctuary for the reception area. Jenna will do one shoot of 50 pictures and while she is editing her pictures, Micah and Megan will do their shoot and then swap spots with Jenna. We'll be charging $20 for a dvd of 50pictures. We'll be putting fliers up and distributing them to friends and family. We know there's great talent here and this is truly a way for them to use it for the Lord.

May 7th I will be taking the evening flight to Seattle to celebrate one of my co-workder's birthday. We plan on going to the space needle and then just shopping. It has been forever since I've spent time with a girlfriend just bumming. I really hope to find some "baby" shops.

The following weekend Danny and Deborah Perkins will be here as Sister Deborah is our guest speaker for ladies retreat. I'm so looking forward to retreat and spending time with Sister Deborah. I don't really know Brother Danny but I'm looking forward to it.

Well now that I've updated everyone, I'll leave you with a picture of my favorite grand-daughter done by my favorite photographer.

A Blessed Easter

I truly had a blessed Easter weekend. It was VERY busy, which I knew it would be. I woke up Saturday and put laundry away and then headed out shopping for Easter breakfast at church and dinner at home. I got home and Brother Nowling and I headed over to the church to meet up with Tim and Becky to decorate for the Easter Breakfast. I had planned on using some of the decorations from Jessa wedding but when I couldn't find table cloths to match, I started over with my ideas. I wound up going with one lemon yellow table cloth and two white ones (there was only the one yellow left; all the other colors were way to bright and ugly). I found one green and two yellow tulip candle holders and these cute birds (green dove like) that said "love" on them. So they became our center pieces. Yellow napkins on the white tables, white napkins on the yellow table, yellow, green and white plates, and white cups. It was simple but pretty (I think Jenna took pictures so I'll try to get my hands on them and put some up if blogger will let me). From there I went to make copies of our lesson for our youth Bible Study Saturday night. Then I went home and had a 45 minute power nap as I was totally exhausted. I headed over to Tim and Becky's for Bible study. It was a great study. I don't know what the young people thought but it was on the Lord's Prayer from "Disciplined Disciples" and it had many powerful thoughts it. Everyone really participated. I love teaching the youth. I miss teaching their SS class. I was really proud to see Joleesa and Micah and Megan come out with their little ones. We have such a great group of youth. It was great as one would need a diaper change and then the other would need a diaper changed ~ smile. We are so blessed.

I then went home and with my hubby's helped me make the breakfast casseroles for the church's Easter Breakfast. I made two, sausage and egg, and ham and egg. Becky made a bacon and egg one and Jessa made fruit bread and a blueberry coffee cake like. It was a great breakfast. We had 20 out. I also boiled eggs and bought egg dye and set it up in the kids class room. I asked those that would to go dye the eggs and by after church they were dry so we could hide them for Lillian to find. Levi hid them in the halls and then he really got into helping Lillian, along with Heather and Micah.

I need to add our 3 little ones looked great in their Easter out fits. Lillian was so cute in her floor length dress with little cardigan and Easter hat. Then there was our handsome little Caleb with his black slacks, tie and vest. Then of course our adorable Savannah with her fancy little white dress with pink flowers and ribbon, pink headband and little satin shoes. Just the cutest sight to behold.

Our services both morning and evening were full of worship and praise and searching. The Holy Ghost took over Sunday evening and brought us to the altar twice. Johnna Wilson sang beautifully "The Lamb of God" and then Levi preached on the Lamb of God that was slain. I felt for him as He tried to find the will of God for his message after such a move of God.

In between services we came home and Jenna took family pictures (one more thing I'll post once I can get them from her). I put on a ham dinner for our family, helped Jenna clean up and did book work while everyone else napped. I finished just 10 minutes before we had to leave for church. So it was an exhausting but blessed weekend.

It's been so long....

since I've blogged. I'm sorry. I've tried several times and either I had computer problems or couldn't put in to words the many thoughts, feelings, emotions and changes I've been experiencing.

Life is truly different around here these days. We are finding our family growing closer together than ever before. Many time in my life I have felt like my family took the back seat to church work. I have felt a tremendous need to have the girls, Levi, Savannah and Dallas around me. I've been enjoying them more now than ever. I have want to have "family" time. It hasn't matter what we were doing, just that we were together. It's been very special.

I have found myself taking a step back from church work...you know feeling like it HAS to be done so if no one else will do it, then I've GOT to do it. No if no one else is going to do it, I guess it's just not going to get done. It's not that I don't care about the church people or the church work...but it's ok if it doesn't get done. If we don't have it.... I promise I'm just trying find my place these days. Not in a bad way...just a new way. I know God will bring me to that place He wants me in but I'm just walking slowing in the way to that place. It may be a little bit because, things are going to be changing even more when little Noah comes. I need and want to be there for Jessa, Levi and Noah... I've got a peace in all the changes because these are good changes, but they are still changes. God is my rock through the changes and He continues to give wisdom and guidance along the way.

I know, you were all probably better off before I blogged, but this is just tad bit of my thoughts these days.

So Blessed

If you haven't seen on Jessa's blog or Facebook...Jessa and Levi are having a boy. Our family was so excited as we were at the ultra-sound and saw first hand (no doubt whatsoever)that we are getting a GRANDSON. We have ourselves a beautiful grand-daughter that we love dearly and now will get that boy that we have not got to have around. I've had so much fun buying boy clothes and more fun will come when we get to buy the fire trucks, ambulances, police cars;anything that's for a boy that makes noise ~ smile.

This whole week I have been thanking God for blessing us so abundantly. I am so thankful that God has allowed our girls to be here in Alaska with us. And that Levi didn't move Jessa away from us. I know I would've found a way to be with them during this time, but I can't thank Him, or praise Him enough for giving me this desire of my heart. To be near my girls, thus far, as they bring these babies into world. Levi, though you weren't thinking of me, I'm sure when you made that decision (wink)but I truly thank you for it. I am so anxious to watch you and my daughter see another one of your dreams come true as you become parents. Just don't forget to share Noah Allan with us.

There have been things that I never expected would happen in my family but God has given us a miracle. We continue to wait, pray and try to be an example as He brings a new life to Him in Dallas.

I thank God for ALL things and I know He has greater things on the horizon.

Pictures That Make Me Smile

I was holding her and took her picture myself with my phone camera. A little close for sure, but so adorable.



This is Savannah's glo-worm buddy. Her bouncer has a music box on it as does her basinett but neither puts her to sleep like her glo-worm. It's music isn't as high pitched. BUT it doesn't play continuously, you have to keep pushing it's belly.

More pictures of our Precious

Grandpa cherishing his grand-daughter

Grandma and Savannah

I've tried to upload grandpa pictures but blogger just doesn't like my pictures. This is the third time I've tried. Ugh!!!

I'll try tomorrow.

WOW!!!! I am a grandmother.

I may not have all the facts, or have all the facts right but here's the story as I remember pieces, knowing there is MUCH more that occurred but my brain's to tired as is my body to remember....
It started Tuesday night at 5:30 pm. Joleesa came home from work and was laying on the couch and she said she was having contractions that were different than anything she had before. We began timing them and they were consistently about 8 minutes a part. Dallas arrived and he took over timing them and keeping her busy. She didn't want to have this be false labor so I, along with many at work had told her to walk. Our living room, kitchen and dining room are all open she started walking around it circles with Dallas behind saying right, left, right, left and cracking jokes. A contraction would hit and she would be bend over the couch breathing and crying. This continued until at 2 am when the attractions were 4-5 minutes a part and I called the maternity ward and they told me to get in NOW because if they got any closer together we'd have her be taken in ambulance. We moved quickly and got her in. She was dilated to two and 90% effaced. The nurse wanted her to walk for an hour. So Dallas and I joined her and she would walk but the contractions were 3-4minutes a part and so intense. After 45 minutes her hip and lower back were hurting so bad we went back to the room. She now was dilated to 4 and 100% effaced. They began to admit her. It was when we got to the birthing room the big teddy bear anesthesiologist came and gave her the epidural. That's when it hit me. This was MY BABY. As I watched him, towards the end I started getting light headed and started feeling overwhelmed so I walked out. I needed a hug from my husband. I went out to the waiting area where Jody, Jenna, Jessa and Levi were waiting. I didn't think about what they would think when I came out crying...so as I saw the fear in their faces I quickly told them everything was ok. I just was feeling a moment of overwhelm ... I'm not sure what. Soon afterward Dallas was coming out to check on me. Some where in the time line Joleesa said she was feeling sick to stomach. I didn't think much of it as she had said she was nauseated several times and nothing happened. I was heading out the door to give the family the up date and Dallas was saying she's about to throw up what do I do. I quickly yelled for a nurse and came back in trying to find a basin but couldn't so I grabbed a bunch of paper towels but I was too late, Dallas (who has a weak stomach for vomit and other similar things) was holding his hand out and she was throwing up in it. I gave him the paper towels as the nurse hands me a basin. From then on Dallas began struggling. As she began to progress Dallas made a mad dash for the bathroom and he was throwing up (not just a little either). This had a couple more times. Joleesa told him not to worry about trying to be up there with her that she understood and if he needed to leave she was ok...he stayed on the couch by her bed. After about 18 hours of labor the pushing began. Dallas was either laying on the couch or had his hand stretched out to her holding her hand. By this time tears are flowing steadily down my cheeks as I kept saying this is my baby having a baby. The adrenaline kicked in for Dallas and he was there at the very end encouraging her. After 50 minutes of pushing out comes our little grand-daughter. I dial Jenna's phone and put it on speaker so the family, who are in the waiting room can hear her first cries. Different ones ask her name and they don't answer. A few minutes pass and I ask them and Joleesa tells Dallas to say it, he says ... Savannah Lynn. No matter what girls name they chose they were going to have Lynn (which is my middle name) but Jody and I really wanted Savannah so I called the family and told the family and I guess he was ecstatic. When they put that little girl into my little girls arms the tears were coming hard and fast. I was and am so PROUD of Joleesa. She's had a tough 9 months. But she walked them in the Lord's forgiveness. Some times feeling a lone, and constantly making her thanks to God be known. I am sooooo thrilled to be a grandmother (although it still sounds strange) but whether anybody understands it or not, I so want to be there for my daughter(s) however they need me. I sent Dallas home and I spent the night with Joleesa and Savannah. I got home about an hour ago. It has been a long, exciting, stressful, amazing couple of days. Tomorrow Joleesa and Savannah come home. For those of you who are not on facebook here's a look at my new grand-daughter:

Savannah Lynn
Born: Wednesday, 2/24/10 (on my dad's 86th birthday)
1:25 pm
7 lbs 3.5 oz
20" long
Just minutes old


My precious lamb


I tried to post more pictures but blogger started be sluggish and I'm exhausted; so more will come later.

PTL for LIFE!!!

emotions

You know over the years a person experiences so many hurdles/changes/mile stones, whatever you want to call them. It never ends and I guess that's what keeps life exciting. I don't know which mile stone is the toughest. All of them hold elements of excitement. I experienced another major one as Jessa fulfilled her dreams of finding a Godly, loving man to marry. Rejoicing with her at her wedding which was simply elegant and filled with the love of God and each other.

Then having my youngest, Joleesa facing motherhood has drawn us very close (which I treasure). As I anticipate the debut of my granddaughter, I hurt for my little girl as she experiences the discomforts and pains of carrying her little girl, while at the same time seeing the love and care on her face and within her actions for this little one that she will be bringing in to the world. Watching her abound in strength within her situation. Giving God glory along the way. Knowing she has so many uncertainties ahead of her. Praying that she holds tight to her Master's hand all along the way. Leading her precious little girl to Him from day one.

Add to that, seeing another dream of Jessa's coming true as God has blessed her and Levi with a life inside in her. Listening to her awes of it (and apprehensions) this my first born, approaching motherhood. As I watch Levi take care of her, I thank God all over again. Knowing this grand child is going to be raised in a Christian home as we brought up our girls.

Then as I watch Jenna at her excitement for becoming an aunt. As she also tries to figure out what God has for her amongst this church family full of couples and new little ones. A Godly pride wells up within me as she is ever seeking Him.

A mother is always mother. The transition from motherhood to grand-motherhood is overwhelming. As you are still a mother but now a grandmother.

I need to add too, watching Jody in his excitement to be a grandpa.... For years he's looked at babies and little ones oohing and awing over them looking forward to the day that he's a grandpa, with me saying not yet, I'm not old enough :o). He has been cherishing Lillian for months. He thrives on her running to him, and holding her. It's so cute to watch. He is going to make an awesome grandpa. I hope I'll be an awesome grandmother too, but I can't help but want to be sure I'm there for my daughters however they want me to be.

Once again my prayer, is give me wisdom in this another milestone in my life. And Lord I pray for deliverance for Joleesa. She so wants to hold her baby girl, and so do I.

The Waiting Begins

Tonight we spent several hours as Joleesa began having contractions at 4 pm. Unlike the braxton hix contractions that she has come to know very well, she knew this was different. Several other signs said so too the number one being the intensity and the severe lower back pain. Her contractions were anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 minutes a part. So I called the triage nurse and she told us to bring her in. She had such a RUDE nurse... It's so hard and yet exciting watching your baby going through this. Not knowing how long and how hard her labor will be makes all of us anxious. Jessa and Levi landed in Hawaii just as we were headed to the hospital. I know they so want to be here but I hope they'll have a great time and not fret or kick themselves over not being here. Who knows, baby girl could wait until they get home and then some. We just want them to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

She is currently sleeping. I'm going to wait until her dad gets home to go to work. Dad will have his cell phone at his bedside, I'm only 1 mile away at work, Dallas is only about 5 minutes a way so we'll wait for God to deliver our precious bundle in His time.

By the way, grandpa was almost as bad as when he became a daddy. He was so cute when we were signing in telling the ladies "I'm going to be a grandpa". But I think the next hospital run (which should be for real) it'll be just mom and Dallas in the room. Cute and excitement from grandpa or aunt doesn't cut it when a woman is in labor.

Well I'm headed to bed. There may be some long nights ahead.

Exhausted but Refreshed

This past weekend marked men's retreat 2010. Since Brother Sutton was coming in for men's retreat, Sister Annette came in and stayed with us. It was so good having her around. Friday night, before Brother Nowling and Brother Sutton left for men's retreat we went to Red Robin for dinner. Then Sister Net, Jenna, and my boy Braden headed over for a pedicure and a mini-manicure. Ohhhh I loved the pedicure. I had a rough week at work, playing catch up from my vacation, covering my co-workers desk while he was on vacation, ending one month and beginning another month. On the way to the restaurant I even got called back to work. So I was desperately needing to relax. Oh the spa for my feet, the massage of the feet and the legs, the great company and even the staff as they had us cracking up as the owner and his wife worked on me. I didn't realize they were husband and wife until they were almost done. She was doing my pedicure and had a mask on, he was doing my hands. He was telling so many stories about his age, how long he'd been married,etc. You could tell from her eyes that she was grinning but she didn't say a word. I mentioned that and he said her words were too expensive they usually cost him diamonds, or gold. I should caught it from that but remember I had been stressed and was trying to relax (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). Then when he walked away I asked her if any of the staff was related (they'll all Vietnamese). She said just him and her and slow as I was, I said brother and sister and she said slowly husband and wife. We laughed so hard. It was so fun.

We then headed to the house and Net got Braden ready for bed and Jenna watched him while we went and busted in on men's retreat. Not really, we went to the hotel after their service for Net to get some cash from her husband. He tried to follow them to Village Inn but my husband's eyes told me I better not.

Saturday was a day of shopping for Net to get supplies. I enjoyed just walking around in her and Braden's company. My little boy is such a good baby. After shopping we came back to the house to rest on weary bodies. Then we left Braden with Joleesa while we went to Costco. When we came we began our ladies night. Megan out did herself with lasagna, biscotti, pasta salad, homemade mozzarella sticks, chocolate cookies and Net used her skills to buy wonderful cheesecake. We then watched 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and August Rush. It was great to spend time with another cutie Lillian, and then of course Heather, Megan, Jenna, Joleesa, and Jessa even made it. It was fun. Oh and God wonderfully touched Net's migraine. When we came back from Costco she had a migraine that was causing her to vomit. I texted Brother Nowling and he had the men pray. Within the hour God had touched her and she came up to eat with us and enjoy the time together.

As I sat there Saturday night I had moments of feeling overwhelmed at my responsibility as mother, pastor's wife and older woman to be an example to these young mothers. I continue to pray for wisdom and along with that wisdom strength as I want to help anywhere I can.

Sunday it was just ladies for church. God put a message on me about the process of being a Godly woman (if a man was to have come, God would've had to help me tweak it because I felt like it was ladies retreat). Heather, Lillian, Jenna, Joleesa, Megan, Net and Braden were there. There were several times that our two little ones were crying and I couldn't help but think what it was going to be like with 3 crying babies and a toddler. It could get mighty loud in there as the acoustics are strong in our building.

Sunday night the men were back. Some had headed out but we had Johnny Furlong and Isaiah Peter there. We had a good turn out Sunday night but more importantly the presence of the Lord was very present. From worship, to the altar, to the message to the close. Exhausted from the weekend but truly refreshed.

We're Home

After a great day of Sunday services my hubby and I headed out at midnight to catch our 2:30 am flight to Seattle and then on to Orange County, Anaheim CA to see my college girl friends that I caught up with after 25 years through facebook. Let me just say, I've never been afraid to fly. I USE to love to fly but it's so hard on me physically that I don't care for anything more than a couple of hours. BUT the flight from Anchorage to Seattle was the most horrible ever. We ran in to turbulence towards the end of the flight. I was actually in the bathroom. It was a little bumpy when I when I got up. By the time I got in there...I was being thrown everywhere. I couldn't stand up. I tried to open the door and the flight attendant slammed it shut and told me to stay in there until she said. It probably was the safest place to be, but kind of eerie. After about 5 minutes they told me to hurry back to my seat. The flight from Seattle to Orange County was better but not much. We got in and it was pouring out. This is what it did all week but you know what we had a great time. Susan got us a beautiful room at the Marriott Fairfield Inn (Disneyland hotel fell through the last minute). The Marriott is across from Disneyland and in the midst of downtown Disney. It had one of the most comfortable beds ever. Susan dropped us off leaving us her friends car. We slept for a couple of hours and then the rain stopped and I went for a walk. Susan and her husband picked us up at 6 pm and we went to out to dinner at a Korean BBQ (Susan is Korean so perfect). I was leery as I'm not one for different food. But I LOVED it! There wasn't any of it that I didn't like. It's where you take the raw food back to your table and grill it right at your table. I wish I could remember what any of it was called but I don't. We will definitely be looking to see if there is a Korean BBQ here in Anchorage.

We got to shop downtown Disney. Store after store of Disney paraphernalia but other stores and restaurants too. My favorite was the Anne Geddes store. They had her dolls, her books, her maternity clothes, and baby clothes. After putting 3 books back I came out with some of the darlingest cards and that was it. I was a good girl.

Remember it's still pouring down rain...as we head to Newport Beach to the next hotel Susan set up for us. It was at the Newport Channel Inn. We took the Coast Hwy as be able to see the view. The view we saw was palm trees bending in the wind. All different kinds of palm trees. It was so windy and rainy so hard...when we got to the Inn; it was quaint, nothing fancy but very comfortable. We decided to stay in and relax versus getting drenched (as I forgot to say, we got soaked on Tuesday). We asked at the Inn where we could order some pizza. We ordered from a place that I can't pronounce Big Cheese Pizza and it was great pizza. Then we got to meet Susan's beautiful daughter Elizabeth as she brought us some more gift certificates, this time for Marie Callandear's restaurant. We noticed it stopped raining so we took a drive in the DARK to Balboa Island. The winds were still strong as we found palm tree branches on the roads. We saw the huge waves on the ocean beaches but couldn't go down to them due to them being closed cuz of the storms. We went back to the Inn for the night.

Thursday we had breakfast at Scappy's Cafe and then headed to Susan's house. An awesome historical, Victorian house. It is absolutely gorgeous. Her yard, all of it. It has toilets that you have to pull a chain to flush. Pretty cool. Two sets of stairs going upstairs one steeper then the other but both steep. Cool but I wouldn't want to climb them all the time. The master bedroom has a sitting room off it with a fire place, sofa etc. The house is full of glass bookcases (built in) and her husband collect antique books such as Emerson, and old books on the reformation. I just loved it. We visited with Susan for a couple of hours then went to Marie Callandars for lunch, picked her darling two sons and daughters from school and came back and visited some more. Then her and I decided to do quick stroll down Orange Circle, which is Antique land as I want a Victorian Teapot but no success. We came back to wait for Mary. When Mary got there the four of us (Susan's husband had to work) headed to an upscale Chinese restaurant PF Chang (another set of gift cards) which was in the Garden Walk of Anaheim. This is basically an outdoor, open air mall. Different and cool. Now I see the crazy Susan and Mary coming out. We had such a great visit. Jody just added his quirkiness, keeping it fun. He learned how to use chopsticks (Susan and Mary are great teachers) and was rubbing it in that he succeeded before me. He also was bragging about being a gentleman and opening the car door for me (Susan has an Odyssey van that she pushes a button and the doors slide open ~ smile). These two ladies were bridesmaids in our wedding, so they weren't strangers to Jody or Jody to them. It was so good to be with my dear friends again. Yes, years have aged us as has life but Susan put it best "time didn't cause much distance of the heart". I'm grateful for the short time we had with them and I'm just praying that they'll be able to come to Alaska some day before we leave here (no we're not leaving any day soon that we're aware of, but we never know what God has in mind).

We were thankful for the time away, as always though, it's good to be home. We left behind wind, rain, palm trees, flowers and green grass BUT we were welcomed by sunshine to our winter wonderland.

New Post

Quite the unique title huh. Well it's because not a lot happening these days. I did fly over to Bethel on Saturday as to take the rest of Sutton's supplies to them. I don't what it is about Southerners but 1 thank you is enough. I without a doubt know they were very appreciative as they thanked me over and over, and over, and over, and over again. They just don't understand it's because they're my "neighbor" that I did it. Seriously, it was my pleasure. There was a guy in the security line that I was insane for flying over on the noon flight and coming back on the 9 pm flight, although I think we was finding it hard to believe that I was leaving Anchorage from Bethel. He was kind of strange. I don't mind flying when it's a short flight like to Bethel. It's only an hour. Not what Brother or Sister wouldn't take an hour drive to help out someone in need knowing they'll enjoy the opportunity of being with them as well. My hour drive was just through the air instead of on the ground. I'm blessed to be able to fly for free and I really was blessed to have that time with them. Top that off with the pleasure of seeing my "nephew" Braden again. I love that little man. He is just adorable. He truly has helped me get use to the idea of being a grandma. I wanted to put him in my suitcase and bring him home as I had two empty ones for him to choose between; but I got the "eye" from mommy when I mentioned that and decided to behave myself. I always enjoy a chance to play games with Isaiah so it was a great visit, minus the flight attendant welcoming us to the flight heading to Hawaii and then proceeding to say, I mean Bethel where the temperature is 1 degree and windy. The sun was shining brightly but the wind was bitterly cold. Give me Anchorage, the 20+ degrees, blue skies and no wind. But I traded it for the fellowship of some Bethel Saints.

In other news I am experiencing my daughters pregnancies at opposite ends of the spectrum. Joleesa's love/hate experience of the somersaults, kick boxing, etc of her little girl and counting down the day she arrives. While Jessa is experiencing the excitement of hearing the heartbeat but facing morning sickness coupled with migraines. I have to frequently take a deep breath and say this the next chapter of my life unfolding and say WOW!!!

Work has picked unbelievably. It's like I've lived through a week in just two days but that's not a bad thing.

Next week Brother Nowling and I going to sneak away to sunny California in celebration of his birthday that is this Friday and my December birthday that we didn't get to go anywhere. We're visiting my college girl friends Mary and Susan Song. They were in our wedding and then I was in Mary's wedding about 4 years later and we lost track of them but found them through facebook. I am so excited to see them again. They have actually managed to get us a couple of free hotel rooms. One being at the Disneyland Hotel (which is a gorgeous hotel) and another at Cottage Inn hotel that Mary's daughter's boyfriend manages. They also got a free gift certificate for dinner. So we'll be in Anaheim, Newport Beach and then we hope to take a day trip over to Catalina Island. The timing for this is great. We need to get away to some sun, spend some time together and do it all before the grand babies and Megan and Micah's baby comes. So Joleesa's little girl has got to behave herself and be nice to mommy well were away and definitely wait until we come back before even pretending to want to make her debut and then when we get back life as we know it will be a thing of the past. But I'm as ready as I'll ever be for the lives God has awaiting for us.

Happy New Year!

No original title I know, I'm following the crowd.

Yesterday was a great day. I got off work at 2 pm and called the Suttons telling them if it would make things easier for them, I'd watch Braden well they did all their shopping. They hesitated at first and wanted to call me back. I am so glad they took me up on it. It made my day and night. I love that little boy. He's my little man and he's such a cute little man and so good. Sorry mom and dad he felt so much love from us he didn't miss you at all ;o) Seriously, the only time he cried was when he was hungry and then had a bit of gas. Later in the evening I rocked him to sleep. As he was sleeping in my arms, I started to doze off and I was afraid I'd drop him. He woke up when I laid him on the floor so I went and laid down with him on the love seat and he slept on (and I took a little nap) until my arm was hurting so bad from being in the same position for too long. Micah and Megan came over to share the last of the old year and bring in the new year and when they came in Micah offered to take him. He picked him the little guy slept on. He continued to sleep on as he was later passed to Megan. We woke him up when his mommy came home. As Brother Bobby and Micah went to finish up the shopping Sister Annette, Jenna, Megan and I played I Buy. Annette got her hopes up that she would win...it was short lived when I went out in the 5th round sticking everyone. We all weren't totally in the game (you know one of those games where you keep having to ask who's turn it was). At about 8 minutes to midnight the guys got back and somewhere in there Dallas and Joleesa came and we counted down to 2010. The icing on a great day was fire works. I was wanting to go see the fireworks downtown but considering the temperture and the crowds didn't even suggest it. We have 4 big bay windows and then a patio door throughout the living room and dining room. We looked up after midnight and saw fire works going off all around us. It was a clear night and you could see the mountains behind the fireworks. The ooohs and ahhhs inside the warmth of my very own home made a perfect beginning for 2010. It was after 2 am before Annette and I went to bed. Sorry sister, it felt so good to visit.

This morning I got up to take Bobby to return the van. Came back and Brother Nowling and I both took our vehicles to take them and ALL their stuff to the airport. Those two have been in a whirlwind with making this move. Their spirit is so at peace as they KNOW they are in the perfect will of God. From a voice of experience, that is one of the best places to be. Because they were over the limit for their luggage, I was given an excuse to fly over to Bethel next Saturday. I'll just take the morning flight over and the last flight back, but it's my pleasure to assist them and be with them and my little man. Maybe I'll do alright as a grandmommy after all (and I also think I found what I want my grand kids to call me, if there mom's and dad's are ok with it seeing as I haven't even mentioned it to them yet).

This afternoon I was a sluggard. I napped off and on and then was going to go to Tim Osborne's wedding rehearsal with Brother Nowling (who's a groomsmen ~ that seems weird and cool at the same time), Jenna who's the photographer and Levi who's doing the video recording but Jessa wasn't feeling well today and had been home all day, so I asked if Levi would drop her off I would stay home. I was afraid I'd have a hard time keeping my mouth shut and try to help when my may not be wanted if I went to the rehearsal so perfect plan. So I got to spend quality time with my oldest daughter, which I rarely get. She had a migraine and throwing up and the baby really doesn't like meat so she asked if I had the stuff to make homemade macaroni and cheese. I had just been thinking about how that sounded good...so macaroni and cheese with my oldest daughter. Another perfect part to the new year.

Off and on throughout the date I was thinking about what is my main desire/prayer for 2010. One word came back to me again as it was towards the latter part of 2009...WISDOM. If I could have only one request for 2010 it would be wisdom for ALL the things that 2010 will bring. He's never failed me yet and I know if I will allow Him to, He will give me HIS wisdom when I need it.

So I end as I began Happy New Year, my dear friends and family!