Blessed Through Adoption...

Justa Couple Pics Of Our CHRISTmas Decorations...

2010-12-10T09:40:00.006-06:00

Here are justa couple pics of our CHRISTmas decorations.

There is a "before" picture along with a couple "after" pictures of our living room.

There is also a picture of Nick running around while helping us decorate the tree in the front/formal room.

The picture with SEVERAL silver ornaments on ONE branch is thanks to NICK "helping" us decorate the tree in the front/formal room. It was too cute!

Nick Wanting Muscles Like His "UNCLE B"...

2010-09-08T11:41:00.002-05:00

The other night (Labor Day) the "boys" grilled out steak and I made some baked potatoes and green beans. Granted it probably wasn't the healthiest meal...but, healthier than most we eat. LOL.

Well, Nick wants muscles like his UNCLE B...so, he was eating every single bite of his food...then, would look at his biceps to see if they had "grown". It was hilarious.

That kid ate SOOOOOOO much steak. We had to "cut-him-off" at a certain point b/c I didn't want him (or us) to "pay-for-it-later"...if you know what I mean. Ha! ;)

Triple Digit Temps....yeeeee haw

2010-08-03T12:08:00.003-05:00

On Sunday evening, we got the "bright idea" to go look at a couple SUVs at a local dealership. Thankfully, Ben had found online first...so, we new exactly what ones we were "on-the-hunt-for". Ha!

Of course, it was Sunday and car dealerships are closed (which we knew). BUT, what we forgot was that down here, they literally "block" the lot. So, you can't just drive around, "hop" outta your OWN nice, cool car that is "blaring" the A/C to QUICKLY look at an "option".

Anyway, we went out on our "adventure" anyway. Yep, it's AMAZING what you do when lookin for a new car/SUV...even if it means walkin around a dealership's lot...in triple digit weather.

This is a picture of what it said in our car AFTER it had been running for awhile. Ben said that when he went to turn our car on, the temp on the dash said 129*. SERIOUSLY?!?! But, after a few minutes of the car running and whatnot, it came down to THIS...only a whoppin' 116*

We are suppose to be in the triple digits for AT LEAST another week. Oh, well, it DOES "drop down" to 80* or so...IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT! Argh....

"You Hold Me Now..." (song with lyrics)

2010-07-28T17:05:00.005-05:00

As you all know, this past Sunday "marked" the 13 year "anniversary" of the day MY life changed FOREVER. It was the day I was rushed to our local hospital and what started the life-changing "adventure" I (and those close to me) have been on since that night...July 25th, 1997.

This past Sunday, one of the praise & worship songs we sang at one of the churches we are "checking-out", was THIS song. We had actually sung it there on a previous visit. But, it wasn't until THIS PAST SUNDAY, that I really really REALLY just listened to the words. I don't know if it was because it was the "anniversary" of everything (the start to all MY pain, suffering, weeping, etc) or what. But ever since Sunday, this song has been in my mind. So, I just thought I would share it with you. I chose this You-Tube version not just because of the pictures that go with the song, but, because you can READ THE LYRICS. I know it's a long song (9 mins I think it said)...but, it's TOTALLY WORTH TAKING THE TIME TO WATCH/READ IT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vTGuB-eQkA

***I'm not sure if this will actually come up as a "link" so all you would have to do is click on the link to get right to the song. I'm still re-teaching myself how to BLOG and all the fun "techno" stuff that goes with it. If it does NOT come up as a "link", just PLEASE take the time to type in the address & "You-Tube" it. Trust me...it's SOOOOOOO WORTH YOUR TIME.

I hope that this song will help YOU and encourage you through the "ups and downs" of life. Just to know that HE IS "HOLDING ME (US) NOW"...and, that there WILL BE a day when there is NO MORE...

~WEEPING
~HURT or PAIN
~SUFFERING (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, etc)
~DARKNESS
~SICK OR LAME...

"LIFE-FLIGHT"...

2010-07-28T15:53:00.001-05:00

‎13 yrs ago TODAY ... I was "life-flighted" to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota... in a drug-induced coma, oblivious to anythin & everythin. In the meantime, my parents, brothers, family & friends were bein told to expect the worst...IF I were even survive the plane ride, I most likely will lose all four extremeties... GOD IS GOOOOOD!!!!

(BUT, I honestly STILL struggle daily with the "scars"...and NOT JUST the physical scars and aspects...but, AGAIN, GOD IS GOOOOOD and with HIS help...I will make it)

13 Years Ago TODAY...

2010-07-25T14:57:00.004-05:00

Here is my testimony and pictures. This is what I say when I speak at various events. Please pass it on and share it with ANYONE and EVERYONE you want.

***ALSO...please note that the pictures are EXTREMELY GRAPHIC (bloody). So, if you have a weak stomach, you might NOT want to look at them. Just wanted to warn you. PICTURES ARE AT THE BOTTOM (BELOW MY TESTIMONY)...

“Little Girl, Arise”
The Miraculous Story of My Victory Over Toxic Shock Syndrome
by
Lisa M. (Clark) Mengarelli

Hello. My name is Lisa Mengarelli, and I have come to speak to you about a miracle that God performed in my life. It began as a tragedy in 1997, but it has become one of the greatest blessings God has ever bestowed upon me.

We’ve all heard of miracles. The Gospels are filled with the miracles of Jesus. He opened blind eyes. He cleansed lepers. He made the lame to walk. He even raised the dead. But that was over 2,000 years ago. Does Jesus still heal the sick in modern times? Will He intervene on behalf of those who cry out to Him today? Are miracles still possible?

Absolutely. I am standing here as living proof that Jesus still heals and performs miracles.
My story begins in the summer of 1997. I had just graduated from high school at Calvary Baptist Academy in Normal, Illinois. I’d been accepted at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Wisconsin for the fall term. In the meantime, I was spending my summer working at a church camp in Chetek, Wisconsin.

About a week or so into the training at Camp Chetek, I developed a kidney infection and a high fever. I was admitted to a nearby hospital. But, since my fever was 104 degrees and I’d developed pneumonia, the doctors thought it would be wise to transport me to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota—a part of the Mayo Clinic system. There, it took a week for doctors to get things “under control”. Then they sent me home to rest for two weeks, after which I once again returned to camp, thinking all was well.

But, I soon realized that something was still wrong. I tired easily, I felt weak, my joints were swollen, and my fever returned every afternoon. One day I woke up and instinctively knew I had to get home as soon as possible. I called my parents, Dan and Faye Clark, and they drove up that very same day to the camp to get me. We arrived back home the next day. The following morning—Friday,
July 25, 1997,—I went to see my local doctor. He said that everything looked fine, and gave me some medication. We didn’t know it then, but never in all my life had a doctor been so wrong.

That night my family and I went out for dinner. Upon returning home, I hopped on my parents’ bed to watch TV and my dad went to work. It was about 7 p.m. After a few minutes of watching TV, I sneezed. The sneeze had nothing to do with my sickness, but it triggered a series of events that would change my life forever.

Sudden, excruciating pain hit me, as if pins and needles were stabbing every inch of my body. I ran into to the living room, screaming and shaking. My mom called 911, and my dad, who’s not usually on the rescue squad, responded first, rushing into our house ahead of all the other paramedics. He scooped me off the couch and carried me downstairs to the stretcher.

The rescue squad rushed me to BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois. I have very little memory of anything that happened at BroMenn, but my parents later told me that I was out of control, screaming for medication until the doctors sedated me.

All through the night my blood pressure was stable. The next morning, I stood up to use the bathroom. Everything went haywire. The I.V. in my right hand blew out of my vein. My blood pressure dropped to 50 over nothing. I passed out and was rushed to intensive care.

The doctors now realized what had happened the night before with my sensation of pins and needles. All of my capillaries had burst. Fluid was leaking throughout my body. When I’d stood up to use the bathroom, my blood couldn't get through my body fast enough. Doctors suspected toxic shock syndrome (TSS), but they also suspected Lyme disease. All weekend they worked to stabilize my blood pressure. From Saturday morning to Monday morning, I gained 50 pounds because of the fluid leakage. I normally weigh about 120 pounds, but I was pushing 170.

By Monday morning, July 28th, 1997, the doctors knew that I needed to get to a trauma center. Since I’d been to Mayo the previous month, my parents decided I should return there. Arrangements were made for the Mayo One plane to come and get me. Meanwhile, things were racing out of control. Pressure was building in my arms and legs, swelling them to enormous proportions and cutting off my circulation—a condition called “compartment syndrome.”

The doctors decided I couldn’t wait for the Mayo plane. While the plane was in route, they performed emergency surgery to release the pressure. They made incisions called fasciatomies in my right hand, and in my lower legs and my feet. Then they wrapped me up, and when the Mayo plane arrived, they put me on it along with my parents.

The Mayo doctors did not tell us then, but when they heard the call come in from the plane, they were
certain that I would not make it to Mayo alive. If by some miracle I were to make it, I would probably lose my arms and legs. I was unconscious, completely unaware that I was being flown to another state, and completely unaware that I was within a hair’s breath of death.

When we arrived at Mayo, the doctors told my parents: “Your daughter is gravely ill and we need your
permission to do whatever it takes to save her life, including amputation of all four extremities.” My parents consented and I was rushed back into surgery where my arms and legs were slit open.

During the next two weeks, I was in and out of surgery so often that the doctors didn’t think it wise to awaken me at all. I had been unconscious since my surgery at BroMenn, and I would not see the light of day for two weeks. Thankfully, I was spared the anxiety of knowing that I was being wheeled in and out of surgery, cut and stitched and stapled, then bandaged until the next round of surgery.

I also did not know that my church back home in Normal, Illinois was undergoing a prayer revival on my behalf. Our church banded together like never before, praying that God would spare my life and my limbs. One lady later told me that she became an avid prayer warrior during this revival. At my dad’s fire station, his co-workers took turns covering his shifts, all on a volunteer basis.

During this whole ordeal, my parents and my brothers, Bryan and Jonathan, struggled through a
monumental emotional battle to which I was oblivious. Every day my life hung in the balance. Every day posed the threat of amputations. But my doctors were patient, delaying their decisions until absolutely necessary.

Two weeks later, I finally awoke. I was in a foreign place—in another state. Tubes were everywhere—tubes for medication, tubes coming out of my nose, tubes feeding me, tubes for every bodily need. The tubes down my throat had stunned my vocal cords; I could barely whisper. I was bandaged so tightly, I looked like a mummy. I felt paralyzed. I was in so much pain from all the incisions that I felt as if I was on fire.

My parents tried to explain what had happened to me. I could barely turn my head to look at them. I could not believe what they were telling me. The last thing I could remember was being put in the rescue squad at their house. Shortly after wakening up, I recall being “wheeled” into surgery to have what HAD to be amputated...amputated. Never will I forget that morning and the thoughts that were racing through my mind. The doctors hadn't TOTALLY decided how much they were going to HAVE to amputate. Thankfully, after THIS surgery was over, they only HAD to amputate the tips of my toes on my left foot. Then, on my right foot, they amputated MOST of my 2nd and 3rd toes along with my entire 4th toe.

By this time, doctors had confirmed the diagnosis through a blood culture: it was toxic shock syndrome. They knew it had originated with a staph infection, but it will always remain a mystery exactly how I got it. I’d been weak my entire senior year with achy joints and fatigue, I’d had open blisters from water skiing at camp, and there were a number of other factors that might have contributed, the main one being that my immune system was no doubt ripe for an infection to run wild.

I stayed in intensive care for over a month. I could barely move, I couldn’t eat, I had to use a bedpan, and I vomited constantly. There were holes in my hands and my feet. Beneath my bandages, I was covered with wounds. At age 18 with my whole life in front of me, I was reduced to an invalid. For all I knew, I might never walk again, never go to college, never have a career, never marry, and never have a family. At my lowest point, I begged my parents to please “pull the plug.”

Meanwhile, my church back home kept praying for me. Special prayer groups of all ages met before, during and after church. The pastors and many members of the church drove all the way up to Minnesota to encourage me. I am convinced that their prayers not only saved my life, but turned me upon a slow, but sure road to recovery.

While I was in ICU, my parents showed me a verse that remains special to me this day.
Psalm 28:7-8 says: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving strength of the anointed.” It helped me so much to realize that I did not need to depend on my own strength. God is my strength. I learned that when mine fails, His takes over. I could depend upon Him to do what I could not do.

After a month in ICU, I moved to a plastics floor. Here, my wounds were treated. There were holes in my feet (because there wasn't enough skin to stitch them all up) and a hole in my right hand from when the I.V. blew out at BroMenn. Doctors performed skin graft surgery to close my feet. They took skin from my thighs and transplanted it onto the tops of my feet. During this surgery, the doctors realized that there was an infection in my right little toe, so they opted to amputate the toe rather than risk an infection that would ruin the skin grafts. I specifically recall the doctors lifting my head phones (I was listening to Steve Green) and explaining the situation and asking my permission to amputate that toe (since I was 18y/o I could give consent). This was a surgery that we opted to have some medicine to make me "loopy" and then I just had an epidural. The reason I didn't go under "general anesthesia" for the "skin graft surgery" was because the MANY surgeries before, I tended to aspirate (vomit and it went into my lungs which can kill someone). Then, everytime I aspirated, they would have to keep me on the breathing tube (which is NOT "fun" especially when you are somewhat "awake") and either keep me longer in ICU or move me back to ICU if I was on a different "floor". I think that ONE of the worst pains I have been through during this enitre ordeal, was the pain of the "donor sights" (where they took the skin off the tops of both my thighs). That pain, after that surgery, felt like I was on fire and a burn victim. I will NEVER forget that pain...and what my "donor sights" looked like that day and the days to follow.

Eventually I moved to Rehab, where a long, hard road lay ahead of me. Right off the bat a doctor told me the bad news: I would never walk again. If by some miracle I did, I would never regain enough control in my legs to drive a car. At age 18, I trusted him. He was a professional. His prediction frightened me more than almost anything else during my stay at Mayo.

Nevertheless, I began trying. In my mind, I wanted nothing more than to prove that doctor wrong. I began by dangling my feet over the bed, then graduated to a tilt table and eventually used the aid of special machines that allowed me mobility while bearing my weight. Learning how to walk again is an even greater challenge when your hands don’t work. My left hand was weak, but my right hand had suffered extensive damage and I had to learn to use it all over again. In the meantime, I was still vomiting from not having moved for two months and from copious amounts of medication. I am thankful that I had a good physical therapist whom encouraged me to get out of bed and move.

My family helped me immensely—sharing Bible verses with me, propping me up, making me laugh, and bringing by visitors. Every Wednesday night, a youth group from a local church came in to encourage me. Meanwhile, my church back home kept praying. By this time I began to get a sense that everything was going to be all right, though I was not sure how close to “normal” I would ever be. I still had a long road ahead of me, and I was still in a great deal of pain. I held on tightly to Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

I had a lot of time for thinking while I was confined in the hospital. I began to re-evaluate my career plans. I no longer wanted to go into business administration. I wanted to work in the medical field. The nurses who’d helped me at Mayo had made a huge impression on me. One of them became a good friend, and best of all, he turned to God as a result of the answered prayer in my life. But it was too early to say if I’d be able to follow this new dream. Would I ever recover fully enough to help others? I didn’t know yet.

Day by day, I continued to improve. One day, I took my first few steps. And then came the day when my doctor in Rehab called the doctor who’d predicted I’d never walk again. “She’s walking out of here,” she told him. And I did. Leaning on my dad, I walked straight out the door. It was an incredible triumph!

On October 31st, 1997, I was discharged from St. Mary’s Hospital. My family and I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for a week to make certain they could take care of me as far as bandage changes, bathing, etc. On November 7th, 1997, Burwell Oil Company sent their private jet up with my two brothers on board, as well as a few men from our church to drive our vehicles home. Burwell had heard about my battle with toxic shock and they loaned us their pilot and their jet free of charge. We boarded the jet and flew home as a family.

When the plane pulled up to the hangar at the Bloomington-Normal airport, I looked out the window and saw a few people outside. I thought it was so nice that they would come to welcome us home. But none of us were prepared for what we saw inside the hangar.

There waiting for us were two hundred people—the wonderful people who had been praying for us the whole time. Everyone was cheering, singing songs, holding up signs and crying. Our pastors were there, church members, firemen, our school's pep band, the local paper, TV station, and the radio station. I was still very weak, so my dad carried me off the plane and helped me walk. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. And it was all born out of tragedy.

Since then, I’ve made several trips back to Mayo. I’ve had several more surgeries and lost the rest of two toes on my right foot (so, as of today...2010...I only have my “big toe” on my right foot) I’ve had ankle reconstruction/partial fusion, a tendon transfer in my right hand, and a heel cord lengthened two times. I was in intense physical therapy for quite awhile, including hydrotherapy. Eventually I went from walking with a walker, then to a cane, and then to nothing at all, except the leg braces I now wear because of my drop foot. My weight soon returned to my “normal” weight. At my highest when the capillaries were leaking, I weighed 170. At my lowest at Christmas of ’97, I weighed 82 pounds. Now, thanks to steroids, my weight has fluctuated a lot. So, I am trying to “work on it”.

And today . . . I am a nurse (RN, BSN)! I earned my nursing degree at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University in 2003. I have a compassion for patients that I would not have had if I’d not gone through this trial. I am married to a wonderful man named Ben. We met at our church after I returned home from Mayo. I would not have met and married Ben if I’d gone to Maranatha (in Wisconsin) as I’d originally planned. God knew exactly what He was doing the whole time. On Tuesday, May 30th, 2006, we had the awesome privilege of adopting a sweet baby boy. He was seven days old the day he was placed in our arms. We named him Dominick James and call him “Nick”. He is another reason I survived my whole illness. God knew that this little boy would need a loving home and He chose us. What a blessing he has been to both our families.

Through this entire ordeal, I gained much more than I lost. Sure, I’d like to be able to walk without braces, and I’d like to wear regular shoes and skirts, but if I could erase the whole episode, I would not do it. It drew my family together. It drew my church together. It changed nurses at Mayo and it changed me into a nurse and the person I am today.

Life is so much more precious to me now. During the Christmas several years ago, someone remarked to me, “Wow, you’re really into this Christmas thing.” I replied, “A couple of years ago, I didn’t know if I’d ever see a Christmas again.” Every day of my life—not just Christmas—has become new. My brush with death opened my eyes to the beauty of life.

There’s a story in the 5th chapter of the Gospel of Mark that means a lot more to me now then it did before. It’s the story of a dying little girl whose father begs Jesus to heal her. By the time Jesus arrives at her house, it appears all is lost; everyone is mourning her death.

But Jesus tells the crowd that she’s merely asleep. They all laughed Him to scorn; she’d never be anything but dead.

Jesus was unfazed by their lack of faith and He walked over to the little girl and said “Talitha cumi,” which means “little girl arise.” She immediately awoke and got up. He healed her when all seemed lost; He performed a miracle.

I was also considered dead and gone. I was given a zero chance of survival. Through the power of prayer, and by the grace of God, my life was spared. In fact, the doctors at Mayo call me the “miracle kid of 1997.”

But, you may ask, what if Jesus hadn’t healed me? What if I’d died? Indeed, He sometimes chooses not to perform a miracle. We all know or have heard of someone who died in spite of fervent prayers. I do not pretend to understand why God heals some and not others. But I can tell you this. If I knew that God would allow toxic shock syndrome to strike me again this time next year, and take my life this time, I would still stand before you praising Him. If I knew He would stop my heart an hour from now, I would not move an inch. I would continue to praise Him.

My trial has taught me that God’s love is bigger than life, bigger than death. The ultimate miracle for me was not surviving, but it was learning more about the God who granted my survival. As precious as my life is, my God is more precious. I have no trouble believing that the God who taught me how to walk again, who arranged circumstances so that I could meet my husband, allowed me to become a mother, and who saw to it that I could beat all the odds by becoming a nurse, is able to care for my dear friends and relatives who have gone home to Heaven.

A couple things I want to share with you, and I will close.

Never forget that prayer changes things. God may not answer in the way that we wish, but His love for us surpasses our love for ourselves. This verse was shown to me as we were going through the “ups and downs” of the adoption process...and, I refer to it for many different things in my life today...including my health. It's I John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask Him ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of Him.”

He knows the path of greatest good when we are blind to it. If we allow Him, He will use our trials to mold us into His image and draw us closer to Him. One of my favorite verses is
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Lastly, and most importantly—do you know Jesus in a personal, intimate way? My trial would have been unbearable without Him. But. because He was my strength, my guide, and my comforter, I was able to watch Him transform my tragedy into a blessing. If you do not have this kind of close relationship with Him, please feel free to talk with me anytime. There is nothing I would rather do than to tell you more about the God I love.

I thank God for everything He has done in my life. I am thankful that by His grace, I have my arms and legs, that I am still alive, but most importantly, that I know Him better.

Sometimes I wonder, if at some point when I was sick, or maybe while I was under anesthesia during an operation . . . I wonder if Jesus stepped into my room, and whispered in my ear “Talitha Cumi—Little girl arise.” It was a miracle then, and yes, I believe He performs miracles now.

I’m living proof of that.

Nick Just "Hangin' Out"...

2010-07-24T09:26:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of Nick from the other night. We were just "hangin' out" here at home and next thing we know...he's LITERALLY "hangin' out". LOL! He got stuck in between one of our couches and the ottoman. Of course, once he realized he was OK... he thought it was funny.

Nick's 4y/o Well Check (last "IL Well Check")...

2010-07-23T08:37:00.003-05:00

Here are a few snapshots of Nick's last "IL WELL CHECK...4y/o" with Dr. Luke Pogue. This is the office I use to work at, enjoyed working with (for) Dr. Luke Pogue and my "pod", gained some GREAT friends and miss them allllllll ALOT!

The one pic of me is with another nurse (Christina) there who I have really become good friends with. The lady "listening" to Nick's heart is Lisa, our WONDERFUL tech. I don't know what I was thinking...I didn't even take a picture of Nick with Dr. Luke Pogue. DUH! LOL!

Everything went "well" (LOL) at the "well check"...Nick is good-to-go for another year...hopeefully!

OUR Little "Naked Cowboy"...

2010-07-22T10:01:00.003-05:00

The other night, we were just hangin out upstairs in Nick's playroom. All of a sudden, Nick walks outta his room with his Spiderman WINTER boots on...and, the only other thing (besides the guitar)...was his underwear. Ben and I just started crackin' up...ONLY NICK...ONLY NICK!!!

Our Little Blessing...

2010-07-21T09:54:00.004-05:00

Here is the last of pictures I had off to the side of our BLOG. This picture was taken by Nick's "Aunt Whitney". Most of you know that she is married to my brother, Bryan, and is RN, BSN who also does AMAZING photography as well. You should check out her web page/BLOG: www.imagesbywhitney.com God has TRULY blessed and gifted her. I'm SO thankful for ALL the time and pictures she has taken with and for us.

I absolutely LOVE this picture of Nick. He was such a happy baby...and, STILL is a happy boy...well, on MOST days at least. LOL. But, what do you expect when they are
4y/o with a mind of their own. HA! No matter what his "mood" is...he is STILL "our little blessing" and will ALWAYS be. God is SOOOOOOOOOO good!!!

Cannon Air Force Base...

2010-07-17T15:17:00.005-05:00

Today, Haley took us on a tour of Jon's Air Force Base. It's pretty amazing. Here are justa few snapshots I thought I would BLOG. I will put the rest on Facebook later. BTW - the pictures consist of Nick with a plane, me alone with a plane b/c Nick wouldn't be in the picture with me and so on.

Washin' Dishes in Our "KITCHEN"...

2010-07-16T18:49:00.002-05:00

Well, as you can see we don't have a kitchen sink. So, my mom came up with this "system". Yep, "loads" of FUN (no pun intended)...but it worked!!! These were just the few dishes that didn't get washed BEFORE everything was torn out.

AUNT HALEY and Our Trip To Clovis

2010-07-15T09:03:00.003-05:00

I know have have more recent pics of "Aunt Haley" (Jonathan's wife). But, I'm kinda in a rush to get out the door b/c Ben, Nick, Nana, Papa & I are literally heading out the door to go see her. This pic was taken on the morning of their wedding. She was SOOOOO stinkn' calm.

Ben, Nick and I have NEVER been to their house...in CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO (whereEVER that might be)....LOL! I guess if you don't "hear from us" in a few days, you might wanna send a search-team out. TOTALLY JOKING!!!!! We can't WAIT to see you!!!! See you in several house. LOVE YOU AUNT HALEY (and Uncle Jon, too, of course). <3

Neighbors...FRIENDS Through Thick & Thin...

2010-07-15T08:49:00.004-05:00

Here are some random "snap-shots" I just came across of Ben and Nick playin at our "old Bloomington house" (as Nick refers to it...lol)...I hope the parents don't mind me posting these pics. But, they are sooooo cute.

You will see Zacky draggin' around Nick on a blacket...HAHA! They were literally crackin' themselves up just doin THIS.
Then, of course, Marion just LOVES her Ben. It was a fun night of the kiddos just playing and hanging out at our house. We miss them DEARLY!!! We love you guys and look forward to seein you soon..... xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

~The Mengarelli Family (aka: your previous C-r-a-Z-y neighbors....hee hee)

GO CUBS GO!!!

2010-07-15T08:39:00.005-05:00

Go Cubs Goooooo.....Go Cubs Goooooo. Hey CHICAGO whatya say. CUBS are gonna win TODAY! Well, on SOME days when they actually win, I guess. LOL!! We have & will continue to fly our "W" flag down here....and with PRIDE. LOL

This picture was actually taken at Nick's 3rd bday party back in 2009. But, I just loooooove this picture. For those of you who know, we are "die-hard" CUBS FANS!!!! Yep, even down here in the "Lonestar State". I thought that this pic might just brighten up your day. He got this hat (and coat) from "Gramma-Pam" (a family friend of ours). He even wore the hat when he went fishing with PAPA the other day. Now, Nick wants to wear it everywhere. So, "Gramma-Pam"....you did good...no GREAT!!! We love and miss you (and everyone else, of course).....

Casting Crowns Song

2010-07-14T09:32:00.006-05:00

I have had this CASATING CROWNS song in my head since I woke up this morning. Even though this "storm" (kitchen DISASTER) might seem small to many and even to ME especially to allllllll the other "storms" I have been through the past 13 years...it's still a "storm". But, I'm NOT goin to let it bring me down. There is a reason for EVERYTHING....

This song is by my FAVORITE group.....CASTING CROWNS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

Kitchen DISASTER (NOT "remodel"...DISASTER)...

2010-07-13T20:31:00.006-05:00

Most of you know, thanks to my "venting" via Facebook (hey, it's cheaper than "therapy", eh?) that we have had a water problem-o...that, has turned into something pretty "major". Well, here are SOME of the pics. If you want to see MORE pics and/or read the "description"...check out the "KITCHEN DISASTER" photo album on my FACEBOOK. If you DO check 'em out on Facebook, you might notice that I describe the layout of the house or whatever in some/most of the pics...that is b/c I haven't even had the chance to post NICE (aka: "normal" pics) of the house. I don't even know if I took pics before all of this happened. LOL. So, for those of you who want to see our house...the way it looks "normally"...well, you are just gonna have to wait a couple of weeks til THIS project is done. We will keep you all posted.

To My Fellow "Bloggers"...HELP!! ;)

2010-07-09T10:15:00.006-05:00

Since we have moved, I have made BLOGGING just ONE of my MANY commitments to do on a daily (or should I say, "regular") basis. Even if it is just a post every OTHER day. Back in the day, when Nick wasn't "mobile", I would make a couple posts a day. But, obviously, "life" changes, kiddos grow up and our priorities change. So, once again, since we have moved to Texas, I have decided to keep our family and friends back "home" in Illinois, and even others around the country, updated on our family now that we are TEXANS!

So, since I am updating my (our) BLOG, I want to know if any of YOU are still blogging yourselves. If so, (and you WANT to...LOL), could you please let me know if your BLOGS link or title is on MY BLOG page (right hand side). If it is NOT or if it is NOT THE CORRECT LINK OR TITLE, please let me know and I will update it.

You can contact me anyway you want and/or feel comfortable doing.

If you want to just email me, my email address is:
mrclkd7@yahoo.com

You can also INBOX A MESSAGE to me on Facebook:
Lisa M. (Clark) Mengarelli

Thank you VERY much for "helping" me with this. Also, if anyone has any tips, suggestions, ideas, things to be aware of (good and/or bad), even web pages RE: "how to learn/re-teach yourself to BLOG", etc...I am totally "listening". HA!

Dominick ("NICK") James...He found his feet!!!!

2010-07-09T09:57:00.005-05:00

This is ANOTHER AMAZING MOMENT that Nick's Aunt Whitney "caught" and took a picture of. Nick loved lookin' at his toes (once he knew they were there...LOL). This picture was just Nick sittin' on our kitchen floor. Sometimes (even MOST times), the best pictures are those that "just happen" and "just happen to be captured". So, thank you AGAIN, to Whitney for ALL the awesome memories you have "made" for us.

Again, here is her web page/blog:

www.imagesbywhitney.com

Our FIRST Christmas Picture As A Family (2006)

2010-07-07T18:25:00.012-05:00

Since I'm JUST STARTING to "update" my BLOG, I'm obviously also updating pictures. So, I thought I would remove some pictures from the "side" of our BLOG'S "main page" and post them. Then, I (and/or others) can just look back on the post to see the picture. I don't want to completely "remove" the pictures from this BLOG. I hope that THAT all makes sense to you. Again, thank you for your patience as I'm TRYING to re-teach myself this whole process. ;)

BTW - these pictures were taken by Whitney (Payne) Clark. She is married to my brother, Bryan, and works as a full-time RN, BSN. But, in her "spare time" she is an AMAZING, TALENTED, GIFTED, AWESOME, WONDERFUL photographer.
You should check out her web page/BLOG at:

www.imagesbywhitney.com

***The "collage" was put together by one of Whitney's friends (who we just happen to know, as well). Her name is Bekah (McLean) Berry...hopefully, I spelled that correctly. Bekah is yet ANOTHER talented, creative person...who we are blessed to of had make this "collage" for us.

Thank you to both Whitney AND Bekah for making our FIRST Christmas Picture an
A-W-E-S-O-M-E one and MOST of all...an AMAZING memory for our family.

OK...please be patient with me here... ;)

2010-07-06T10:51:00.001-05:00

I am tryin to re-do (update) our blog...even the templates, colors, etc. So, right now it is what I do NOT want it looking like...but, I have to stop working on it for the moment. Just didn't want ppl thinking this was what it was goin to look like forever. LOL.

Playdate With "Cousins"...

2010-07-05T10:05:00.016-05:00

I say "COUSINS" in the title b/c it's technically BEN'S cousin, KRISTA and her two beautiful kdidos, ISAAC & ANNA. Krista (Oban) Wilkes is married to Jeff Wilkes. They are a great family. Anyway, Krista & I decided that instead of tryin to explain it to people...and even to Nick right now. We just call us alllllll "cousins". LOL.

This was a playdate at our house last Friday. It was a fun time...well, after about 30-45mins of one of Nick's "moods". Ever since moving, he's SUPER "protective" of HIS toys. So, we are trying to work on that (sharing). Hopefully, through many more playdates, he will realize that people aren't coming and/or are here to take his items. Ahhh...the "joys" of having a 4y/o, eh?!?! Just teasing.

Thanks, Krista, for coming over. We sure enjoyed it! We look foward to MANY MORE playdates...

Our 1st "Texas House" Problem-o...

2010-07-03T09:47:00.012-05:00

Yes...we are experiencing our FIRST "Texas House" Problem-o. I know it COULD be worse. So, PLEASE know that I am NOT complaining. I just wanted to update you (especially the family/friends we contacted about the situation)...

***A couple nights ago, I was re-arranging some pictures that were just leaning up against the wall that separates our kitchen with our living room. So, I walked (with my shoes on...as always) on the dining room carpet, then, went to walk on the tile. Well, I literally about "wiped-out". At first, I thought it was just b/c my pants were kinda long and might of gotten caught under my shoe. A few minutes later, Ben went to vacuum that same area (he was barefoot) and realized that it was SOAKIN' WET. So, then I checked out all the framed pictures, artwork, etc. that I had leaning against the wall and sure enough...the edge that was on the carpet was wet. ARRRRGGGHHH!!!!

***Anyway, we had a plumber come look at it the very next morning (Friday AM) to see if it's from the kitchen, Nick's bathroom that is upstairs & above the "wet area"...or even if it was coming in from outside (since it's been raining here all week). Well, the plumber "had to get back to his boss".

***In the meantime, we had called our FABULOUS realtor...and, she AND her wonderful hubby (who is a builder) took time outta their busy schedule (and on a Friday night) to stop by and check it out. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR THEM. Come to find out, it MIGHT NOT be as big of a deal as we originally thought.

***So, right now, the plan is to just TRY to keep it dry right now (fans blowing on it, carpet "peeled" back all the way down to the sub-floor, etc). Then, once the "heavier" rain STOPS, we will dry the floor and then see where it's seeping through. I hope that ALLLLL that ramblin' makes sense.

***I am including some pictures of what our dining room looks like at the moment. We will continue to keep you all posted.

A REMINDER FOR US...

2010-06-30T20:03:00.002-05:00

This is an AWESOME pic of us. I LOVE IT!!! This was Nick's "A-Day"...his "adoption day". If you scroll down to one of my older posts, you can read more about it. But, I just wanted to share this picture with you. What a GREAT day it was...and now it's ALSO my "goal" to get back into shape & grow my hair out again. LOL!!!

We are BAAAAACK!!!! ;)

2010-06-30T19:41:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Well, now that we are officially "TEXANS"...and away from our family and friends...I have made a "vow" to BLOG on a regular basis. I use to BLOG every single day...of course, that was when Nick was NOT "mobile" and I didn't have to keep an eye on him 24/7 and or entertain him. LOL! So, I just wanted to let you know that and I am going to try my VERY best to keep this up...at least ONE post a day (or maybe every OTHER day...I better NOT make too many promises...ha!).

FINALLY, EH?!?!

2009-12-15T16:57:00.003-06:00

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...

2007-03-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

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)

2007-03-16T20:22:00.000-05:00

***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...

2007-03-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-03-14T19:46:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-03-14T15:59:00.000-05:00

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

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)

2007-03-13T21:14:00.000-05:00

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

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

Blessing In Disguise?

2007-03-11T22:57:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

This was an exciting week at the Mengarelli House! This past Wednesday night I ended up staying home from a BeautiControl meeting because of a mild headache. It became a 'blessing in disguise'! Nick started crawling that night! I was so excited. I called Ben at AWANA (yes, I interrupted him for a second) and told him 'he's crawling, he's crawling, he's crawling!'

Then my parents stopped by to see this monumental moment. During their visit, my mom (aka "Nana") realized that his tooth had just popped through! I couldn't believe it! ALL IN THE SAME NIGHT! How in the world am I going to put that all on his baby calendar.

Oh well....hopefully soon, I can send out some pictures of him crawling. He's definitely getting faster and we have realized that we need to child-proof the house very soon. It is amazing what they can find on the floor and what they can get themselves in to.

Here are some pictures from tonight! Enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=lycjbyv.3c1pj61z&Uy=-5gjlnp&Ux=0

Have a great Monday!

Nick's "A-DAY" - Officially Ours on 2/26/07

2007-03-09T20:01:00.000-06:00

On Monday, February 26th, was Nick's final court hearing. Some friends from church adopted awhile back and they said that they call it "A-DAY" (adoption day) so we decided to do the same thing. We will celebrate it each year just like a birthday. It was suppose to be the end of January, but Nick's attorney was sick and we couldn't proceed. Yes, we took the day off work, had out-of-town family here and got all the way down to the courthouse to find out we had to reschedule. Aghh.... Oh well, it worked out fine! At least we weren't fighting a battle with the birth parents or anything. But, as of Monday, February 26th at about 4:30pm....he was 'officially' ours! It has been such a huge relief to know that no one can ever, ever, EVER take him from us.

A-DAY was an awesome day and everything went smoothly. Thank you ALL for you prayers, support and encouragment through this ENTIRE process. God has blessed us with great family, friends, a wonderful church and now a beautiful, healthy baby boy. Now that Nick is "officially" ours...we are ready for the next one God has planned.....

There is a song by Mark Harris that I have 'claimed' as Nick's song. Sometime soon, I plan on putting his "A-DAY" pictures on a DVD and have this song playing in the background. Just something else to add to my 'to do' list. Anyway, here are the words:

"FIND YOUR WINGS" (Proverbs 22:6)

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold.
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

CHORUS
I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings.

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
But more than memories

CHORUS

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

CHORUS

Here is the link to Kodak Easy Share for the entire slideshow. I hope that this link works OK. If not, let me know and I will try to figure something else out. ENJOY!!!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=lycjbyv.bx3vd4k7&Uy=mcdfk7&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=112813617765_856034821207

Just Some Ramblin' From Lisa...

2007-03-09T15:26:00.000-06:00

Guess what?!?! I finally figured out how to delete the blog I do NOT want to use. So, I think that we are all set...ready to 'tackle' this bloggin' thing. I know blogs can sometimes be boring without pictures...so, my goal is to post some pictures this weekend.

This is the first weekend we will actually be home. Last weekend Upward (basketball/cheerleading ministry at church) finished...so, now we can spend out Saturdays together. Ben just told me that he doesn't have to work tomorrow, either. He has been putting in 12 hour weekdays and 8 hour weekends to finish this project for work. I cannot wait until that is done and I have my husband back!

I am excited to be able to 'sleep in' tomorrow...well, at least as much 'sleeping in' you can do with a 9 month old. What else am I doing this weekend? This sounds crazy but I am really needing to clean clean clean! I think that that is what we will work on tomorrow....little does Ben know! Now that Upward is over, I guess I don't have an excuse to NOT clean the house. At least spring is arriving soon, so maybe over my spring break I will REALLY clean and 'air' the house out. Aghhh....I can't wait until then! Open the windows, light some candles ("Clean Cotton" from Yankee Candles) and just clean! I know that it's sad that that is something I acutally am lookin' forward to.

If you think about it, please pray for me this Sunday morning. I have the awesome opportunity to speak to some teens at a local church (East White Oak). I will probably begin around 0945...so, just pray that I will be used of God and that I get my testimony out clearly! I haven't done this in a while, so I am a little nervous. But, I know that God is in control and He will give me the strength and courage to get through it. I hope and pray that those teens are 'open' to His leading. I will let you know how it goes. Someday, soon, I would like to put my testimony here on my blog (maybe even with those 4 very graphic pictures from Mayo). Anyway, if you think about it, just pray for me on Sunday morning!

I hope you all have a great Friday evening with your families. Please keep bloggin'!

New Blog Address/Two Peas In A Pod...

2007-03-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

OK, I am trying to transfer all my previous posts and pictures from my old blog to this one. Please take note of my new address (more details about this whole 'mess' in the post from March 8th). Here is my new address:

www.blessedthroughadoption.blogspot.com

I was looking back through some older pictures of Nick and came across this one. This is Nick and my brother, Bryan, acting silly one night after church. I can't believe how much Nick has already changed since this picture was taken just a couple of months ago. He definitely loves his Uncle Bryan!

Two peas in a pod, eh?

I Obviously Can't Spell....

2007-03-08T21:42:00.000-06:00

I have told many of you about my blog and its address. Well, I wanted the address "blessedbyadoption'. At first, it showed was 'taken' and then all of a sudden it was available. Why all of a sudden? Because, obviously I can't spell "ADOPTION". Up until this point my address has been 'blessedbyadopion'....missing the "t" in adoption.

So, I started all over and changed my address to 'blessedthroughadoption'. I am still trying to get everything from the old blog to the new blog...so be patient. I will have more time this weekend.

Just another stepping stone in the learning process of 'blogging'...eh?