An update on me...

Just as I was getting into the blog, I have been sick.
I suffer from a yucky disease known as Crohn's....and it is no fun. It reared its ugly head over the last several weeks - actually months.
I have been fairly blessed- for many with the disease are in far worse shape than I.
I was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago. I have had one surgery in 1997 and suffered very little since then.
After the birth of my daughter in 2004, I began to get a little sicker and it has progressed ever so slightly since.
I must say how blessed I feel that I was able to have 2 amazingly healthy pregnancies and be mostly healthy to raise my miracles.
I have been hospitalized several times since August, had my gall bladder out, was on liquids for 4 weeks and a day surgery to open a blockage in my intestines. While I have to say I loved the weight loss--- the method was not my preferred.
I had a healthy Christmas and ate lots after the procedure.....
Just had a slight set back over the weekend.
Saw my wonderful Christian doctor yesterday, got checked out, got drugs and we will see. Trying to avoid major surgery.....
If you need a gastroenterologist, mine is THE BEST.....
http://www.gastrodocs.info/
For more information on this disease,
see http://www.ccfa.org/.

ON A HAPPIER NOTE....

I have updated my photography website and am working on an updated photo gallery of some of my recent work. http://www.charnitasxpressions.com/

I have been so blessed by Rick Burgess' response to tragedy in his own life. Only the strength of our Lord can empower a man like that in the face of such pain. It has certainly made me look at my life and the shortcomings my daily walk. I pray we all take Rick's message to heart and take our Christian witness to the next level. What I am suffering is nothing compared to the Burgess family. Shouldn't I feel blessed???

My son tests for his 3rd level on his 1st degree black belt this weekend. I get more nervous than he does. He has to do a form of movements, spar and break 2 boards.

He has never failed a test in all his belt levels and I expect he will pass this one as well---but you know Mom's worry too much.

I am very proud of him despite his note for inappropriate behavior at school yesterday (which included an inappropriate gesture that he DID NOT do) and hiding his weekly homework from me, which I found today cleaning his room. I was giving his "disorganized teacher" down the road last night as I had questioned him many times this week about spelling words, reading passages and other assignments. He replied that I could ask for him to be changed to a new room. Oh, is he in for a nice greeting from school this afternoon.

• When I told my daughter, who is the wise old age of 4, that she was not in charge after some order she gave me, she replied...."Well Mom, somebody's got to be in charge".



• Here is one of my favorite



• shots of the little darling.
  
  

Aren't children so wonderful!!!

One will never be at a loss for a

blog subject as long as
she is a mother.......

Prasing God in This Storm
I was sure by now, God, That You would have reached down, And wiped our tears away, Stepped in and saved the day but once again, I say "Amen,"
and its still raining
As the thunder rolls I barely hear you whisper through the rain .... "I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God that gives .... And takes away.

I'll Praise you in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will Praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind. You heard my cry. You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone . How can I carry on, If I can't Find you ?
As the thunder rolls I barely hear you whisper through the rain "I'm with you" ...And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God that gives ... And takes away
I lift my eyes into the hills. Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord. The maker of Heaven and Earth

I'll Praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands --For You are who You are-- No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried ,You hold in your hand --You never left my side , And though my heart is torn

I will Praise You in this storm

****Casting Crowns made an appearance at the Burgess memorial and sang this amazing song****http://www.castingcrowns.com/site.php