Planes, Trains and Automobiles

So we are back in town and have a lot of catching up to do!!! I am sorry it has taken so long to post, but as you can well imagine, there is lots of laudry to do after 9 days in the MidWest and several climate changes. I know the Lord sent us on this trip and put some really special people in our lives just when we needed it. I know I needed them!!!!
To keep from boring you with the long details of of our plane adventure I will briefly say that I now firmly believe that children 1-3 yrs of age should not fly....nah...it wasn't that bad, but definitely an adventure!!! I could sit here all night and go through our trip, but I think the pictures can speak for themselves. The only regret is that I don't have a picture of Grandma Bloom...Cory's adopted Grandma. Meredith took right to her and immediately called her Grandma...it think she saw what a precious spirit Sharon has. She was the highlight of my trip and our fellowship and time together really touched me in a special way. She is the kind of person I only pray to be and I am blessed to have gotten so much time with her. God knows what you need when you need it!!! We got to visit with lots of friends, some old and some new. Everyone seemed to be doing well. Our weather ranged from about 50's to 80's./a>Beautiful most every day. We rode Thomas the Train, took walks, rode an airplane with some rookie Packers, took long car rides to our destinations, boated in Lake Superior, rode the four wheeler, went to the BEST amusement park, had some great food, danced the night away, and enjoyed a beautiful wedding. Happy Day Chris and Karyn...We LOVE YOU!!!


Need I say more? Although we came home to find today that Meredith has a UTI...bummer; the fun we had on our trip is still going in our minds and hearts. Hope you enjoy our pictures and video. Please pray for Meredith 's quick recovery as she is on her first round of antibiotics ever, and Cory's ear surgery next Thursday. I know God is watching over us, but we sure could use the prayers of you guys!! Meredith is going to be tested further (since she is so small to be having a UTI) and this will be to check out her kidneys and nephrotic system. She is going to have an ultrasound and a VCUG(dye injsected to check out the flow of things). She will have to be sedated for this, but I know God can give us just what we need....which is peace. She is a special gift from above and I will keep you posted as we don't know when this will occur.

And We're Off!!!

Well....we are off to the Midwest!!! I cannot believe we are about to head so far away from home...with a 2 year old....are we crazy???? Probably. Just joking. We are exicted and I hope all the packing is done.

Meredith and I went to her first movie on Thursday with Claire and Hannah. It was fun. Not too crowded and Meredith did well for the First hour. The last 30 minutes proved to be a mess, but it was free...who cares!!! We went to Target to get a few last minute items and enjoyed Chick-Fil-A with the girls as well. Meredith cried alligator tears when we had to leave "her Hannah."

Today was also a fun day. We went swimming at Karen's pool with lots of other moms and kids. I think this really helped Meredith in the water. She was swimming all around without holding onto me the whole time like her usual. She also swam some in our arms without the water wings. I think watching all of the other children really inspired her to do it on her own!!! It was really great. Grammy and Papa came over tonight to say their goodbyes. Papa was especially sad that Meredith was leaving. He was interested in having her attention tonight and it was really sweet. Mom was exicted because she got her golf cart today!!! I can't wait to drive it around!!! I am sure Meredith will love it. It was really sad when Mom and Dad left tonight because Meredith hung her head and started to cry when the car was out of sight. I had to remind her that we would go and see them when we got home. It made me sad too to think of missing the meetings. I love Bobbie and Dottie so much and since they are from the Philippines and don't get to the states often, I am so down about not seeing them and getting to fellowship. That is why we can look forward to heaven...we will never part there!!!! I won't be able to post while we are away, but I will update you all when we return. Those of you who are going to the meetings...I love you and send everyone our love. And those of you who aren't...we love you and will post as soon as we can!!!!

Looking Up!!

So I am happy to say....this week is better for me!!! Besides the scratchy throat I am sporting, things are looking up. I had to just get over some things in my life and MOVE ON!!!! Thank God He is helping me through these trials. I have also had many friends to help me out and encourage me along the way. Thanks for your prayers and support. We all have our moments, but I am so happy to have you all!!!

SO on to the great news....Lindsey found out on Tuesday that we will be adding another GIRL to our family. Avery Reese will be her name and a beaut it is!!! We are so excited. I cannot wait to spoil her rotten!!!!

Meredith had a fun weekend at Lindsey and Gene's on Saturday while we both worked. On Saturday night, they joined us for dinner and on Sunday we had a church picnic for our graduates!!! It was so nice and a really good time. I especially enjoyed the homemade Ice Cream. The kids had a blast playing in the dirt and swimming in the pond. Meredith made us proud....she was swimming all around in her life vest and float.

Happy 32nd Birthday to my sweet husband, CORY!!!! On Monday ( the 9th) we celebrated low-key at our house with the Brady's. We ordered pizza and I made a dump cake...which Cory loved!!!! I hate I did not get any pics of the evening together, but we were having too much fun!!! We love you DADDY!!!! I hope his day was special!!!

We are busy now trying to work out all the kinks for our travel. We broke down and finally bought some luggage..as much as we have been traveling, it was time for some new pieces. Packing has proven to be a challenge as the weather is so ever changing anywhere from 48-83 degrees. Lots of layers for sure. I know we are going to have a great time, it is just the getting there and packing restrictions that can be a mess. I think if I am feeling well enough, then I am going to take Meredith to her first movie tommorrow. Our local theater has summer movies for the kids and I have been really looking forward to taking her. We will see though, because it is no time to be getting sick. I will try and post Friday night or Saturday morning before we leave, because once we are gone, I won't be able to post until we get back!!! Love you guys!!!

Thank God!!!

Psalm 31---My strength for today!!!



1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

Today has been an extremely low day for me. This whole passage of Psalm 31 touched me. It is hard to take the low place....but God is able to get us through and bless us in spite!!!! He is in control and not man.

1 Corinthians 9: 7-8
7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Zoo Crew

Today we went to the zoo. It was really alot of fun. Grammy kept Meredith last night and after she came home this morning, I was packed and ready to hit the road for our fun day. We have a membership for the next 13 months to the zoo, so I really want to be able to use it alot. It was the BEST day to go. I feel like the Lord really blessed our time. Although we were both exhausted, it was a great day together. I am finding more and more things I would like to be able to do with her. She kept saying "animals, animals." Every animal was an excitement for her. She really seemed to enjoy when they fed the Gorillas. She learned their names and kept calling"Kimya." After we saw most of the zoo, we rode the merry-go-round. She chose the tiger to ride. It was really cute to watch her excitement. I hope everyone can experience that feeling at one time or another. It melts your heart.

I failed to mention that yesterday did me in for today. We went to Ladies prayer meeting and then I had Joy's girls. We really had a blast. Meredith, Sadie, and Savannah played outside and swam in our little pool. They really had a great time. Then, Meredith took a late nap---this seems to be her norm here lately, though I cannot stand it!!!! Grammy came and got her so that I could go to Girls' Night at Karen's house. This was really a blessing and I am so glad that I have been able to go. Cory was on call, so he stayed pretty busy that evening. In fact, today he has been gone all day working on a floating dock for Wesley's pond. He is such a busy guy!!! I don't know how he does it. It was a good day, just tiring!!! Dad always said that you haven't reallly lived your day to the fullest unless you cried, laugh, sang, danced, etc. I have REALLY been living my days to the fullest here lately and loving every minute!!!! It really feels good!!!

Swimmin' Time!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It seems every time I want to post I get preoccupied with other things I need to get done. This past week proved to be another busy one. Nothing too eventful except...WE GOT A NEW VAN. I have really been fighting the whole "van" situation, but now I am SOOOO glad we have it. Yesterday Cory and I went to the Honda dealership and I got my first new vehicle. It only had 7 miles on it. I am really loving it, and I know for long trips it will be great. Our Envoy is gone. Even though I am sad, I know God has blessed us with the new Odyssey and with us wanting more kids, and gas prices, It was the way to go.


On Memorial Day and Saturday as well, we took Meredith to the Stepp's pool. She is alot more fearful this go round. She does well once we just get in with her, but is not ready to totally rely on her water wings quite yet. I am hoping to get her in the water at least once a week so that we can keep her aquainted with it for the whole summer. She loves to be on the floats etc.

Cory and I realized today that we are less than 2 weeks away from our 9 day visit to the Green Bay area. I am so not ready for this. Although I am glad to have the time together as a family, I am not looking forward to the 50-60 degree days and 40-50 degree nights(if we are lucky). I was hoping the weather would be a little warmer, considering Meredith has outgrown her winter clothes. I am sure I will make due, and maybe it will warm up...wishful thinking.

We are so exicted to find out (Lord Willing) in 9 days what Lindsey is having!!!! I am offically thinking a BOY, but I wouldn't be surprised either way. I had a thought this whole week that I might be joining her for our baby number 2, but God said "NO" today. I was really sad, but I know that I can trust God and it will happen in His perfect timing.

An answer to prayer this week as well....Kendra's test results came back NORMAL!!!! We are so glad that this trial is over for her. Thanks for your prayers. We are going to the Ear Dr on Wen. for Cory. Please continue to pray with us!!!