FINALLY, EH?!?!

Well, just wanted to let you all know that I finally got MY OWN laptop. So, NOW, I HOPE to be able to get back into the "blogging world". We have LOTS to catch you up on. But, for now, just know that I am "here" and STAY TUNED.........

Brothers...

This picture is a year or so 'old' but I thought those of you that I am getting back into contact with (from camp) might like to see my younger brothers. I can no longer say they are my 'little' brothers, because they 'tower' over me. So, they are my 'younger' brothers


This was taken right before Bryan (LEFT) got married. (He and Whitney were married in November 2005). They totally 'gutted' a tri-level house and this was taken in the middle of all the construction!


Jonathan (Jon) is on the right. He is currently a senior at Auburn University in Alabama and will graduate in August! He is in their ROTC Program


It's amazing how life circumstances change your relationships. Before my illness, we (well, especially Bryan and me...Jon was a 'perfect child' HAHAHA) fought all the time. Then when things didn't look good for me we were forced to re-evaluate our relationship. Now, we have a great relationship (at least I think and hope so!). They have been with me every step of the way. They would carry me up and down the steps at my parents (bi-level) house, take me to appointments (Bryan just took me to a procedure a couple of months ago). Even though Jon is a long ways away, I know that he is available whenever I need him. I just have to email him or pick up the phone.


I can't imagine my life without them! I love you both and I am so PROUD to have you as my brothers. Thank you for ALL you have done for me the past 10 years! I couldn't have made it without your love and support! Thank you for puttin' up with me through the years!

Upward Cheerleading Squad (2006-07)

***THE SPARKLERS***

Left to Right: Sarah, Kaily, Jenna, Grace, Noelle, Hannah, and Danielle

I had an awesome opportunity to coach Upward cheerleading through a ministry at our church. My squad consisted of girls in the 2nd-3rd grades. I had a WONDERFUL group of girls. They were so much fun to be around and I watched them 'grow' in many areas of their lives. Thanks girls, for making the season SO much fun!

Look At These Two Babes...

Sorry, Cal, but I couldn't resist posting this picture. I think it's a great picture of YOU....

Do you remember this? My dad drove the bus for our high school boys basketball team down to PCC so I 'went along for the ride'... This was probably end of '97 or beginning of '98.

I enjoyed hanging out with you during those few days and appreciate you 'accepting' me even though I looked like THIS!!!

(like the 'death glare' we are getting from the cheerleader behind us?)

Remember When?

Dear Camp Faces,

Remember when we all went to the Branch's house (here in Normal) back in 1998? I think it was either right at the end of '97 or the beginning of '98. It was right after I came home from the Mayo Clinic. You all came down to surprise me for a quick visit. I was so excited to see everyone!

I don't know if I ever officially thanked you, so I just wanted to take a moment to say a BIG THANK YOU! You all are wonderful friends and I count it a priviledge to know each and everyone of you. I don't know what I would have done without the prayers and support from everyone that summer (and the years that followed). If you know how to contact any others in this photo, please feel free to pass this 'post' on to them.

Look how 'young' we all look? Can you believe how much we have all changed? Now most of us are married maybe even have kids. Looking at this picture, I realize how sick-lookin' I was! At the time of this picture, I was at my lowest weight....about 82.5 lbs. Man, times have changed....I am back to my normal weight and THEN some. HAHAHA! It is AMAZING what God has done in MY life and also, I am sure in your lives since then. Can you believe that we all worked together at least 10 years ago at camp? (1997) Some of you I worked with even before then... Those were the good ole days, weren't they.

Seriously, though, thank you for just being there for my family and I during one of the most trying times of our lives. "A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES" - Proverbs 17:17

A Wonderful Friend...

I know many of you know through other blog sites that this past week marked the 'anniversary' of our dear friend's death. Her name was Heidi. I went to high school with her, but didn't REALLY get to know her until we were considered 'young marrieds'. I helped plan activities for our Sunday School group and she was always willing to help out and even host something at her house! One thing I learned from her, is to always have a 'open front door'. She (and her husband) would open their doors to anyone at anytime.

This picture was taken on our church's NYC Missions Trip the summer of 2003. Heidi was working at a prayer station that day. She found out on this trip that she was pregnant! Which I kind of suspected....because she had the twinkle in her eye and was definitely glowing! But, I wanted her to be the one to tell me when she wanted to tell me.

There is not a day that goes by (or even an hour) that I don't think of her and wonder what she would be doing here on earth or even what she's doing up there in the presence of GOD!! I miss her so much but anxiously wait until I get to see her again! Isn't that an amazing thought? We ARE going to see her again! She was such a role model for me. I wish I could have told her that in person. I find myself asking myself...hmmm...if Heidi was in this situation, what would SHE do? She was a wonderful Christian lady, an awesome friend to EVERYONE, a great/telented singer, a dedicated wife....I could go on and on.

I debated whether to post something or not...but I feel like this is an good way for me to 'remember' her and share just what she meant to me. Here are some pictures I took off my fridge and scanned. I know that this is a rather long 'post' but thank you for allowing me to share my feelings about her. I am SO grateful that God gave me the opportunity to know her...even for such a brief moment.

This picture (above) is the last picture I have of her. It was the Sunday before she delivered her son. We had a church shower for her and this was the 'committee'. Check out all that food? I remember her facial expression when she walked in the house. Her eyes got so big and of course her smile brightened the entire room. That was Heidi for you!

Sorry this picture is kind of crooked. This is Heidi and her sweet dog, Lacy! This is probably one of my favorite pictures of Heidi. She was so naturally beautiful!

This is a group of girls that went to a local tea room. I think it was around Spring Break of 2003 if I am not mistaken. We had a great time hanging out, shopping and of course, EATING! This picture (left to right) is Heidi, Callie, Me (looking nice-n-pastey), Elisa and Heidi's sister-in-law, Megan. That is one day I will never forget!

One last picture...I organized a "Young Married's Sunday School" trip to Gatlinburg in the fall of 2003. This is the group after stuffing our faces at "Mel's Diner". What a fun trip! I am SO glad to have the opportunity to spend time with Andy and Heidi (and everyone else on the trip, of course). It was a great time of bonding!

The song by Mercy Me called "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE" was one that became "Heidi's Song" to many of us. Just thinking that she was in Heaven, face to face with her Lord and Savior....WE can ONLY imagine.

I have become a fan of Mark Harris and he sings the song "Wish You Were Here". EVERYTIME that song comes on the radio (or I play the CD)...I automatically think of Heidi and all the other family members and friends who have 'gone home'. For those of you who new her, know she had the MOST beautiful voice. I can just hear her singing this. Here are the words...

"Wish You Were Here" (I Cor. 2:9)

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept

The memories of you in my heart

And all of the lifetimes that we had to share

Live even though we're apart.

But don't cry for me

'Cause I'm finally free.

CHORUS

To run with the angels

On streets made of gold

To listen to stories of saints new and old

To worship our Maker

That's where I'll be

When you finally find me.

Now don't you be weary cause waiting for you

Are wonders that you've never known

Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for His hands

And one day they'll welcome you home.

And that's when you'll be

Finally free

Finally free

CHORUS

To run with the angels

On streets made of gold

To listen to stories of saints new and old

To worship our Maker

That's where I'll be

When you finally find me

I wish you were here, I wish were you here

And all of the dreams that you treasure

Will soon come together

And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow

And you will rise again

CHORUS

To run with the angels on streets made of gold

To listen to stories of saints new and old

To worship our Maker that's where you'll be

When you finally find me

We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold

We'll listen to stories of saints new and old

We'll worship our Maker that's where we'll be

When you finally find me.

I wish you were here...

Jason & Nicki (Ben's Sister)

Dear Family and Friends,

We thought we would give you an update on Nicki (Ben's sister). Nicki is about 9 months younger than me (so I think she just turned 27 in December....sorry, Nicki...brain fart!). She has an awesome husband named Jason whom she married in July of 2005. They both work up in the suburbs of Chicago as high school athletic trainers.



Many of you know that she has been battling Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma since this past summer. She (and Jason) still need our prayers and support. Here are the last couple of emails we have received from her. I am also attaching a picture from their wedding and then a recent picture of her, Nick and me.




Please continue to pray for her
health and that she is granted
the strength and peace to get
through each day.

I am sure Jason would
appreciate prayer, too. He has been
by her side every step of the way!

This email is from 3/6/07
Lisa,

Sorry I didn't tell you about the remission. I'm not really telling anybody because it doesn't feel like I should be in remission because I'm still going thru treatment. I have eight radiation treatments left. YEAH!! Everything is going well as far as I can tell. They did find some more abnormal tissue on my latest CT scan but they treated it with radiation so hopefully that will take care of that. The only thing that I can ask for prayer for would be to help me get throught the rest of the treatments and to get over this cold especially the cough. I really appreciate all the prayers.
Thanks,

Nicki
===============================================

This email is from 3/13/07
Lisa,

Lately, I have been feeling pretty good. Radiation is going fine. Only five more treatments left. I can hardly wait. Last Friday I did have to go to the hospital because I had the flu. Don't worry I am fine know. Jason just got worried about me because i was up all night throwing up and then I was shaking from being so cold so he decided it was best to go get looked at. Other than that there is not much to report.

Thanks,

Nicki

====================================================