Wedding Weekend

What a fun day we had on Friday preparing for Travis & Emily's big day.  It was so good to have Zac & Sarah here.  While Tom worked his regular day, Zac worked on his seminary paper (well, kind of!) and enjoyed a trip to Starbucks.  We girls headed to the church to help with the preparations there.  I am so thankful to have had the whole day with Sarah.  I am also thankful for the closeness of our family which enables me to be involved with the fun details of decorating and helping on such special occasions.  After setting up and decorating at the church, Sarah wanted to bless me with a special birthday gift...we went and had our nails done!  My mom and sister joined us and even Emily (bride) went too.  Emily had already had her nails done, but wanted to be a part of the girl time so she came chatted and laughed with us.  What a fun time together.  After our nails were done we went to my sister's for lunch together then on to the reception site to decorate and prepare there.  When all was done we went back home to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.  It was our privilege to serve the meal for the wedding party at the church.  My brother, Mike, sister-in-law, Cheryl, Tom and I love being able to serve and share kitchen duty together.


Kitchen Help

We did our best to keep Tom in that chair and off his feet so he wouldn't wear himself out.  He's a hard man to keep down!  He did enjoy quite a bit of City Barbecue that night...no pork, just chicken!

Saturday morning started with our normal Saturday big breakfast of fresh scrambled eggs and whole wheat blueberry pancakes.  It was a restful morning with a calm before the wedding.  Sarah and Granny went to the church early to get ready there while Tom, Dad and I relaxed and took it easy.  The guys, Zac, Dan, Nathan, Tim, Braden and Brady were out early on the golf course to get a round of competitive golf in before they had to be at the church!  What a fun morning they had together with "golf tales" to tell.  Matt and Katelyn arrived in time for lunch and then off to the ceremony we went.

Matt, Katelyn, Lisa & Tom

What a beautiful bride Emily made.  She lit the church up with her smile and a service that honored Christ as the head of their marriage.  Sarah made a beautiful bridesmaid along with her cousins and friend, Natalie.

Friend of the Bride, Natalie & Bride's Cousin, Sarah

Bride's Cousin, Lauren & Bride's Sister, Brittany (who is expecting in December!)

Bride's Sister, Aubrey & Maid of Honor, Sister of the Bride, Cassidy

Bride & Groom

Parents of the Bride

My sister, Kelly & her husband, Terry

Grandparents of the Bride

My parents, Lowell & Barbara Kline

My brother Mike & his wife, Cheryl

My Uncle Jim & Aunt Joanne

My Aunt Margaret, Cousin Randy & his wife, Brenda

Our niece, Brittany & her husband, Dan

Our niece, Aubrey & her husband, Nathan

Our daughter, Sarah & her husband, Zac

Our niece, Lauren & her husband, Tim

Our niece, Cassidy & her friend, Brady

Our niece, Erin & her friend, Andrew

Our nephews, Zac & Braden & our niece, Morgan

A beautiful cake made by my dear friend, Ulrike Brennan!

Many of you may be familiar with the song "It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to"....well, that was my day yesterday!  What an honor to be in church with the majority of my family surrounding me on my birthday.  Our new pastor, Mike Yoder, started a series on the book of John last Sunday.  Last week we studied Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana.  This week he took us to the healing of the nobleman's son in Chapter 4.  Tom and I have both been so impressed with Pastor Yoder's ability to put the personal touch on each of his sermons.  He had interviewed Pastor Dan and Nancy Green who are the parents of Rachel Green who Jesus now cares for in heaven.  Rachel was 8 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer.  Dan, Nancy and their 4 children were missionaries in Brazil at that time.  Upon Rachel's diagnosis they immediately relocated their precious family to Columbus.  We had been long time friends and prayer partners with the Greens while they were serving in Brazil.  During the two years that Rachel battled cancer she and our daughter Sarah became quite close.  Not only did they enjoy Sunday School and SMM on Wednesday nights but they were in the same 5th grade class at Worthington Christian the year (1999) that Rachel went to her eternal home.  We had the privilege of having Rachel in our home many times and also enjoyed a memorable trip to Marmon Valley Farm together.

Teri & Emily Hotz, Rachel & Nancy Green, Sarah & Lisa Anglea

Marmon Valley Farm ~ September 1999

Pastor Yoder beautifully interjected scenes from their interview into his sermon titled "Desperate Cries For Life".  You can "click" on the link at right to hear/see the sermon and interview.  I was so thankful that Sarah could be there to see Rachel's parent's complete trust in God.  It was overwhelmingly hard for me with us being in our situation, however what an honor to watch Dan and Nancy live out their trust, faith and belief in a God Who is totally trustworthy even when He doesn't choose to heal.  I continue to be in awe of God who provides what I need exactly when I need it and surrounds me with loved ones at the same time!  Phil and Nancy Gegner were sitting behind us (we honored them last Sunday as they were one of the many couples married 50+ years) and during the sermon Phil sketched Tom and I!





Let's just say that the tears were flowing!

Rachel Green with our children, Sarah & Matt

Summer of 1999

One last detail...I was wearing purple on Sunday morning...I remember Rachel always saying she wished her name was Rachel Purple instead of Green because her favorite color was purple!

After church it is our family's tradition after a family "event" to go to "Windchimes" a local Chinese restaurant.  There were 23 of us gathered around a huge square table in the banquet room there.  What a fun time laughing and celebrating.  We ended up with two cakes to celebrate birthdays!  Kelly had brought the leftover cake from the reception and Mike & Cheryl had stopped to pick up a cake too!  One chocolate and one white...of course Tom wanted some of both after eating SWEET & sour chicken!!  Yes, he has a sweet tooth and on these special occasions he's taking advantage of getting all he can because he knows when he gets home there won't be any sweets.  After reading our fortune cookies and saying our good byes Tom and I had the privilege of taking mom and dad to meet up with their friends, Wyatt & Mary Brown, who they travelled with.  I can't help myself with crying and I know it rips them up but we will miss them greatly.  It was so special to have them here with us for two weeks.

Celebrating Cheryl, Aubrey, Lisa & Morgan's Birthdays

It's Monday now...the rain is falling in buckets and my heart is heavy.  The house is quiet, Sarah & Zac are back in Indiana, Matt & Katelyn are back at MVNU, Mom & Dad are travelling back to Florida and Tom is at work.  Is this what "normal" feels like?  I guess I like the "out-of-the-ordinary" life!

Happy Birthday Cheryl & Aubrey!

Today we celebrate two birthdays...my sister-in-law, Cheryl, and my niece, Aubrey.  What a delight for me to have both of these beautiful ladies in my family.

As you know Cheryl has been a great asset on our "Tom Team" with her medical knowledge as an RN.  God has gifted her with a heart of compassion for people.  My sister and I will tell you we were never sure if our brother, Mike, would find someone to put up with him...well he did good, no great, when he found Cheryl!  Mike and Cheryl met at Kent State University where she studied nursing.  Now Mike and Cheryl's daughter, Erin, is studying nursing at KSU following in her mama's footsteps!  She is definitely a 'sister' and we skip over the "in-law" business because she fits in with our family so well.  We pray that the Lord blesses her day and we're so thankful she will be in Columbus so we can celebrate her birthday with her.

Twenty-four years ago my sister gave birth to a precious baby girl on Aunt Cheryl's birthday!  Aubrey Elizabeth came into our lives and brought us great smiles.  She continues to bring smiles to our faces and especially with her "dramatic" storytelling adventures.  Not only can Aubrey tell a great story...she married one, Nathan!  Never a dull moment with Aubrey and Nathan!  They have added another dramatic flair to their family with their dog, Kena.  Aubrey graduated from Wittenburg University in 2009 with an English/Journalism degree.  She is working full-time at Bob Evans headquarters here in Columbus.  We pray that her love for Jesus continues to impact the people she surrounds herself with.  We love you Aubrey!  Praising the Lord for His hand of protection over her yesterday as she was rear-ended by another car by a man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Her brand new Jeep is in the "car hospital"...ugh.
Today is a busy day...we will meet my sister at the church to help with the decorations there and then move  on to the reception site to set up and decorate there as well.  It's a fun, busy time.
We are so thankful that Zac ad Sarah made it in safely from Indiana last night.

Happy Anniversary Uncle Jim & Aunt Joanne!

Happy Anniversary Uncle Jim & Aunt Joanne

Today we honor my aunt & uncle who celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary.  Not only do they love Jesus but their family too and we are so thankful to be a part of that family.  Thank you for loving our God, each other and your family...we love you.

I want everyone to know that on Monday I said Happy Birthday to our nephew, Luke, and after I posted I thought...'today isn't his birthday...tomorrow is"!  Anyway...I was a day early (unusual), I guess better early than late.

Tom had his blood work done yesterday and he was low in many areas but nothing to the "alert" stage.  We continue to be encouraged and mindful of his susceptibility to germs with frequent reminders to wash his hands and not to shake hands with people.  This is so hard for him...he likes to shake hands!

Emily, Bride-to-Be Saturday & Zac, 8th Grade

After his nap yesterday he was feeling well enough to go to my nephew, Zac, soccer game.  What a fun game with a 4-1 victory for the Warriors over Wellington!  After the game we went to City Barbecue to support WCS for the school's fundraiser.  We enjoyed dinner with Terry, Kelly, Emily (bride on Saturday), Zac and his friend, Jordan Nishizaki.  It was good to see all the WCS buildings represented by the principals with the McIntosh and Parrish Families there also.

Braden (HS junior) & Morgan (HS senior)

We miss my parents.  They went to visit my brother and his family in Northeast Ohio yesterday and today.  They were able to see my niece, Morgan, play volleyball last night and now today they are headed to a golf tournament that my nephew, Braden, is playing in.  We look forward to all being together this weekend for the wedding.



Happy Birthday Luke!

Happy Birthday today to our nephew, Luke!  Luke is a senior at Providence Bible College in Elgin, Illinois.  He was recently married to his sweetheart, Jessica.  We know they are enjoying their new married life together and we pray that the Lord will bless Luke's day in an extra special way.  We love you Luke!  We trust the Lord to lead and guide you as you study, work and now be the husband God has called you to be!
Not a lot of news here.  We certainly are enjoying having Lisa's parents here.  We think they may be ready to get back to Florida so they can rest!  It's so nice to have them help with some projects around the house.
Saturday morning Tom woke up feeling the best he has in a long time...yeah!  However when he begins moving around and doing things, he quickly tires out.  Tomorrow we will go get his blood work done to see if his levels are coming back to the normal range.  His shingles are clear from his face, however when he touches his face they still hurt.  He's not ready to try to shave his goatee yet!  I have to say I'm more than ready for it to go.
Matt came home Saturday after his morning basketball conditioning at MVNU.  He was able to dig a large hole in the back yard so we could plant a new tree/bush my parents got us.  It is a Serviceberry that is to be gorgeous in the fall with brilliant leaf color and have beautiful blossoms in the Spring along with edible berries that the birds love.  We look forward to watching it grow and bloom along with Tom's health.
Two things stand out to me from this weekend:  1)  Friday night while playing cards with my parents we fixed a pot of decaf coffee.  Tom and I both decided we would have a half of cup (minus the cream and sugar we used to enjoy in our coffee).  You must remember neither of us have had coffee since March.  What a treat to hear Tom's sighs of delight as he sipped in the flavor...he treasured every sip!  2)  Sunday after church we grilled real beef (Hess) hamburgers.  Once again I was reminded of Sarah when she was a baby/toddler when she would eat something she enjoyed she would hum in delight...and thus was Tom as he enjoyed the flavorful burgers he craves!  I told him it's a slippery slope when we start indulging our appetites with foods that aren't "what the doctor ordered"!!
We look forward to celebrating the wedding of our niece, Emily, this Saturday (9/24).  Please be in prayer for Tom as the wedding is at 2:30, right at his nap time.  It will be a busy weekend with Zac and Sarah coming in on Thursday night and Matt and Katelyn coming in for the wedding after basketball conditioning on Saturday morning.  What a fun weekend it will be.  We know we need to be extra watchful for Tom to get his proper rest, especially with all the extra people and activities.

Happy "belated" Birthday, Uncle Y.T.!

With the remembrance of the 911 tragedy we (me) overlooked Tom's uncle's birthday which was also September 11th.  Uncle Y.T. is one of Tom's favorite uncles and the one whom Tom is named after.  Y.T. stands for Young Thomas.  Y.T. is an amazing man of God who loves his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family with great devotion.  We are blessed to be "kin" as Aunt Patsy would say.  We don't believe there is anything he can't do.  We only wish he lived closer!  We trust your birthday was blessed.  We love you.

"The Lord your God is among you,

a warrior who saves.

He will rejoice over you with gladness.

He will bring you quietness with His love.

He will delight in you with shouts of joy."

Zephaniah 3:17

A New Day...Tuesday

Tom had a fitful night of sleep...maybe that was due to sleeping most of the day on Monday!  Anyway, when he awoke this morning he was his chipper old self...praise the Lord!  Thank you for your prayers.  He isn't 100%, not sure when that will ever be, but so thankful for a better day.  Still feeling very weak he went on into work around 9:30 and was excited to see a former teacher, Jason Ragain, who is in town and had stopped by the high school for a visit.  Jason has just returned from deployment in Afghanistan.  The following is an article about Jason:

 by Marine Corps Cpl. Rashaun X. James

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, June 3, 2011 – A young James C. Ragain found himself face to face with tragedy in his seventh-grade year. His father, a Navy dentist, had moved his family to Parris Island, S.C., where his first contact with military chaplains would forever change his life.

“One afternoon, a couple buddies and I went to a local swimming pool and one of my friends drowned,” Ragain said. “The whole neighborhood came out to console the family. I remember the chaplains being out there to support the boy’s family. That was enough to really make a lasting impact on a young boy like me.”

After graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in social studies education, Ragain became a high school teacher. But two years later, he still felt a call to serve the military and to serve God. So the Knoxville, Tenn., native decided to take part in the Navy’s chaplain candidate program.

“I became a chaplain candidate in 2003, and then went on to seminary, where I worked on my master of divinity studies [degree] in Chicago,” said Ragain, who now serves in the U.S. Navy’s chaplain corps as a lieutenant.

Ragain joined the active duty ranks in 2009, arriving at his first duty station at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and he deployed here this year with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 as the squadron’s chaplain.

“What never changes is that you are facilitating a method for someone to get their religious needs,” he said, comparing his deployed duties with life in garrison. “You’re caring for all the people, you’re doing counseling, advising the command and doing workspace visits.”

A definite difference is the nature of the things he discusses with service members here, such as being separated from loved ones, said Ragain, whose wife, Michelle, lives in New Bern, N.C., and works both as a personal trainer and as a mother to the couple’s three children — including twin 3-year-old daughters. “The Marines are away from their families, just like I am,” he added, “so I am able to counsel them and offer them firsthand guidance.”

Ragain provides several religious services every week and also works with his squadron’s leadership to help Marines who may be facing difficulties.

“In addition to the regular services out here, we are also doing suicide-intervention training,” Ragain said. “It’s a week-long training program we do with leaders to help with anyone who may be having suicidal ideations.”

The chaplain said he has had to talk to Marines who were having troubling thoughts. “Generally, we would talk for a while, and then I work with them to get the next level of help that they need,” he said.

Ragain’s efforts have proved valuable to his command, and squadron leaders said the chaplain’s well-known sense of humor and approachability are ideal for reaching Marines of all ranks.

Sunday night my dad drove to Ashland, Ohio to meet up with a good friend, Dale Engle, so the two of them could get an early start on a Lake Erie fishing trip Monday.  They not only had a great time fishing, but great weather and fellowship too.  Tom and I will enjoy fresh Lake Erie Walleye for dinner tonight!   Thanks, dad!

Zac #20

Last night mom and I were able to go and see one of my nephew's soccer games.  WCMS vs. Columbus Academy.  It was an exciting game that ended in a 1-1 tie.  I have to tell you my nephew Zac is the best player on the team!  I'm really not that biased.  He played hard and it was fun to watch him hustle.

Sweeper

Hustle

Best Fans

Kelly (aka mom) ~ Cassidy (sister) ~ Granny

After the game was over three deer meandered onto the field!  I guess they were looking for dinner and the soccer field looked yummy.

This morning my dad had a doctor's appointment...a regular check-up he scheduled while they were back in town.  After the appointment they rode with friends, Wyatt & Mary Brown, to Kentucky to visit more friends, Bob & Ruth Williams.  They will be back on Wednesday.  While checking in on Tom, his mom mentioned she had a regular check-up with her heart doctor today too.  Everything is A-OK for which we are so thankful.

Tom came home from work around 2:00 and he is still asleep as I type this.  I trust he will wake with more energy and ready for his fish dinner!  I can't say it enough...THANK YOU for your continued prayers and support.

Some of you have requested my 'healthy' version of oatmeal raisin cookies...so here it is:

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies

2/3 C. olive oil

1 C. brown sugar

2/3 C. turbinado sugar or honey

2 farm fresh eggs

2 t. vanilla

Mix all of above until well blended, add:

2 C. whole wheat flour

2 t. soda

1 1/2 t. sea salt

2 t. cinnamon

1 1/2 C. old fashioned oats

1/2 C. dark chocolate chips

1/2 C. raisins

1/2 C. chopped walnuts

Mix thoroughly.

Bake on sprayed cookie sheets for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

ENJOY!





Round 3 Chemo Over...but now it's Monday

There is much to praise the Lord about...
Friday, late afternoon my parents arrived safely from Florida.  It wasn't long before my dad was mowing and edging the yard!

My mom and I got busy in the kitchen preparing dinner, homemade wholewheat pizza!  We also worked on the last minute details for the bridal shower my sister-in-law and I were hosting for our niece.

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Rising

Our Finished Product - One of Three

Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza

They didn't taste as good as I would have wanted.  I didn't care for the organic pizza sauce!  But no one went hungry.  It was so good to have Sarah arrive safely, just in time for pizza.  The five of us played Skip-Bo after dinner and enjoyed fellowship together.

Saturday Mom, Sarah and I went to the Worthington Farmer's Market to get my fall mums.  We met my sister and two niece's (Brittany & Emily) there.  Kelly and I both purchased gluten-free baked goods for Cassidy; one for the Bachelorette Party Saturday night and the other for the Bridal Shower.  What a beautiful morning it was and a fun time experiencing the market together.

In the afternoon we met up with my sister-in-law, Cheryl, to purchase the food for the shower.  We set-up for the shower in the AC and then met everyone back at our house for dinner.  After enjoying dinner and fellowship together we girls went back to the church to cut up and prepare the food for the shower.  It was so fun and we always say that food prep is so much easier with many hands forming an assembly line!

We praised the Lord for Tom's last night of round three of chemo!  He went to bed and rejoiced that he has made the half-way point!  He has just a few remnants of the shingles, but nothing bothersome.

Sunday morning we worshiped with Sarah, my parents, Mike, Cheryl, Lauren, Tim & Braden at Grace.  What a special time of remembering 911 and understanding the evil sin has brought upon the human heart.  Apart from our Savior our flesh will devour us.

The girls headed straight to the AC for the shower while the guys all met at the Herbst's home for a "man cookout".  Terry had turkey burgers for Tom...thanks Terry!  My dad was able to get Tom back home by 2:30 for medicine and his daily nap.

Bride-to-Be

Emily Grace Herbst

What a beautiful shower for a beautiful bride.  We are so thankful for the friends and family who came to "shower" Emily with wonderful items for her new home.

Herbst Sisters

Mom & Aunt "J"

Sisters

We enjoyed a Taco Salad Bar with Fruit Kabobs and cake for dessert.  It was a fun time celebrating with bridal bingo, medical supply memory game (Emily's a nurse), purse points game, how many words you can get from McInerney (their last name) and finally ended with Travis trivia!

Cousins!

The Next Generation

Alli & Avery

I couldn't resist taking these adorable little girls picture!

Kline Cousins

Aunt Lisa ~ Emily ~ Aunt Cheryl

The guys (minus Tom) came to help us clean up after the shower.

Uncle Mike

Braden & Zac

And some things I'm still trying to learn how to praise the Lord for...

Now it's Monday and not the way we had it planned.  Tom woke up early to go to work.  After showering he vomited.  He's back in bed and I have a call into the oncologist.  He is so weak and tired.  We understood that taking the chemo with his blood levels on the borderline he may experience this, however we didn't "plan" on it.  We covet your prayers for a quick "bounce back" of his blood levels.



Happy Birthday Timothy!

Today is our nephew Tim's birthday!  Tim is a senior at Bob Jones University in South Carolina.  This birthday will be his last "single" birthday since he will be married to Brittany on December 31, 2011 in Orlando, FL.  We are so thankful for Tim and his love for his Savior, family and now Brittany!!  We pray God will allow us to be there when they make their lifetime vows.  Happy Birthday Tim, we love you.
We are so thankful to have the 3rd round of chemotherapy without any nausea!  What a praise.  Thank you for praying.  This week was a great week for chemo with the Monday holiday and now Tom being home today because students are on retreats.  Ever since we can remember Tom has gone on retreats...he will miss the fun time with the juniors and seniors at Butler Springs.  We are also so grateful that Tom's shingles are clearing up nicely.

Farm Fresh Eggs

We are so thankful to the Staysniak family for the farm fresh eggs they are delivering to us each week.  This morning I made an omelet for Tom and now I know the difference from farm fresh eggs and store bought eggs!  Incredible!

I have found a great recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies that Tom likes and is a little healthier than the average.  Yesterday I made another batch in anticipation of my parents and Sarah's visit tonight.