I'm home and on the mend....

Six years ago I had my first gallbladder attack and an ultrasound showed no gallstones. For the next six years I have continued to have attacks every 3-4 months...lasting 2-3days.

After the last one this September, I promised myself and my hubby I would go have more testing.This last attack lasted way more than 2-3 days and was more intense. Well 1 1/2 months, Hida scan and an edoscopy later...Oh! and 1 dead deer..I am gallbladder free! October 16th I went into surgery to have it removed...with only one incision in my belly button and just a few hours in recovery...I am now home recouping!

I am loving all the pampering my family is giving me...especially my hubby! He's a wonderful man and I am very blessed to have him in my life. You just never know how much someone loves you until you have an illness. I am so bad at taking people for granted. I'm learning to be thankful for the trials in this life, they can be used as a tool to open my eyes to the true heart of the ones I love. God knows me so well and knows exactly what I need and when I need it..His timing is perfect!


For the next three weeks...no heavy lifting! This is going to be a difficult task for me...but with God's grace I will spend the next three weeks letting my family bless me. I just hope I can obey the Doc's orders...I don't want to prolong this recoup time!

I love this website! Free pattern downloads!!!!!

Click on the picture to visit the website!

Sending Annie to Liberia and the Clows to Honduras!

My son is courting a beautiful young lady whom we all adore..Annie. She will be leaving the end of December to be part of a team going to Liberia. I know she and several of the team members are still in need of help with support for the trip. Also they are really in need of commitments of prayer for the team as they prepare for this time of service to the beautiful people of Liberia.

Here is their blog if you would like to see more:
http://www.weliberia.blogspot.com/


http://www.karenskidz.etsy.com/
I also will be listing a few auctions that 100% of the proceeds will go to help Annie meet her $3500 goal by November 28,2009

If you would like to donate:
Make checks payable to 12Stone with Liberia/Annie Morgan in the memo line or on a sticky note
Stacey Belflower
12Stone Church
1322 Buford Dr.
Lawrenceville,Ga. 30043

My sister and her family are preparing to leave in December also. They will be joining a team in La Ceiba, Honduras.They are knee deep in selling all their household things to provide extra $ for the move. John will be busy these next few months making visits to various churches, in hopes to increase their monthly support.
They too could use all the prayer support they can get. You can take a look at their blog for more information.

I will be listing a few things that  100% of the sales will go to help John and Kathy meet their support goals
http://www.karenskidz.etsy.com/

http://www.theclowcommunicator.blogspot.com/

Donations can be made at

 MTW (Mission to the World)
PO Box116284
Atlanta, Ga.30368-6284
Designate for account # 11197


Thank you for taking the time and being a part of sharing Gods love throughout the world!

Karen

New items on Etsy

http://karenskidz.etsy.com/

            

I'm listing a few new things on Etsy...stocking caps and diaper bags. I also have a some new ballerina hair clips I'm working on ...so check back in a couple of weeks.

New Blog...check it out!

Hey...check out this new blog!  http://emilyholcombephotography.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday and Anniversary All in One!

Today we are celebrating in more ways than one! One year ago today... after many months of being a blog stalker... I started my very own blog. Twenty-four years ago today at the very young age of 19( what was I thinking?!?) I became a mom for the very first time. I am very blessed to have this baby boy young man in my life.

This past year has been a very busy and trying time. Justin in his last year at UGA, had to work less so he could finish school, which meant his dad and I had to pick up the slack so he could finish.... wooo !!! What a road it has been! Talking about trust! This last year I have had to totally lean on the Lord for strength as I cryed out for mercy many days. Not only did we pick up the slack for Justin financially but we also had the blessing of building our lake house at the same time...and need I forget our daughter is now engaged. Can I just say CALGON!!!!! Having 9 kids will stretch you to the max all the time at times, then when you add more fuel to the fire you have an inferno!

Justin now has a degree in Anthropology and hopefully soon will find a real job that will pay for him to get his masters degree in Archeology. I would love for him to achieve his goals and dreams. Justin is a strong minded man who knows what he believes and allows no one to sway him otherwise. His love for Jesus has been evident ever since he was a little guy. Even as a child I would watch him share his faith with others and that stands true for him even today!

I pray that God will continue molding Justin into the man that He wants him to be. God is always faithful to bless and multiply where I have lacked in parenting....Justin is evidence of that! I am curious to see where God will take him next.....maybe a foreign country or maybe just right down the road. Wherever it is I know that Justin will always be that little guy that introduced me to this road I'm now walking and he will always be my son!

Justin I love you beyond words! You have taught me so much about life and following Jesus that I am in awe of how God has molded you into who you are. The day you were born was the day a long awaited dream and desire of mine came into being. I pray that God will continue to grow you and mold you into that arrow that He created you to be.

Happy Birthday Son!

I love you,
Mom

#7 turns 10...Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Today our sweet daughter turned a decade old...and yes her dad told her the story about when he turned 10.Our kids love the tradition of hearing it on their 10th birthdays.
Rachel has turned into a beautiful young lady. I love this age because they start primping and well...just aren't babies anymore. I have seen many changes in Rachel over the years and I can't wait to see what God has planned for her. Rachel is my right hand around the house...Helping with Mackenzie is the biggest thing. Mackenzie will even cry for Rachel when she gets in trouble or hurt. I'll admit I do get a little jealous when she does.There are days when I have to remind myself she's only 10.Growing up in a house with many siblings comes with a lot of responsibility and in some ways aides in the maturing process.

Rachel you are a blessing that only God can give. You have taught me so much in the 10 years you have been in my life and I will forever be grateful. I can't wait to see what God has planned for you. I just pray you always keep your eyes on Him and look to Him to guide you through this life. Thank you for being who you are...you make this world a more beautiful place! I love to hear your laugh...your laughter is contagious! I get more joy out of watching you laugh than anything you do.
I am glad we had a chance to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs today and I look forward to more celebrating later in the week with you and your big brother..he'll be 24!


I love you....Mom