Happy "belated" Birthday Brittany Anne Herbst Magee...Mom-to-Be!

Brittany Anne Herbst Magee

November 28, 1985

What a joy to welcome a sweet baby girl into the Kline family just four months after Tom and I were married!  We have never since had a Thanksgiving quite like the first one of our marriage...we celebrated at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati with thanksgiving for a healthy baby girl!  That precious baby girl has grown into a beautiful woman of God.  We anticipate welcoming the first Kline family great-grandchild around Christmas/New Year's!  I guess we enjoy making the holidays a little more festive with the excitement of new birth!  Brittany and her husband, Dan, know that God has blessed them with a baby boy...we all wait patiently to hear his name upon birth, currently we refer to him as "buddy".  We know that Brittany will make the best mom because she knows Who blessed her with this child and he will be trained in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

"Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her rejoice who gave birth to you."

Proverbs 23:25

Sunday we were able to celebrate with Brittany with a baby shower!  What fun to laugh, fellowship and rejoice together over new life with family and friends.

Brittany's Baby Shower

November 27, 2011

The new baby will enjoy playing with blocks in their new home.  Dan and Brittany close on their home this Wednesday (tomorrow!) and then Brittany can have this last month to "nest" and make their house a home.  They will be living in Novi, Michigan.

This past weekend my family celebrated Thanksgiving Friday, Saturday and Sunday!  Friday night Cheryl made chili for 23 of us.  Saturday we all ventured to Mt. Vernon to watch Matt play basketball.  They guys went up early so they could watch the OSU vs. Michigan game in the student center of MVNU.

Taking over the student center are mostly Buckeye fans...but one lonely Michigan guy...

One happy Wolverine, Brittany's husband, Dan...not sure why Tom's so happy because MVNU lost too!

Sarah & Tom...Matt's cheer squad!

Cousins...always have fun together!

Today we have Tom's first out-patient rehab therapy at noon.  A new experience that will become part of our weekly routine.  We will find out today if we will go two or three times a week.  As a special treat the Homoelle's are bringing us dinner tonight!  So it's a full day for us.



Happy Birthday Pops!

What a disappointment that Tom couldn't write in his own words what his father means to him.  I will do the best I can to honor him as I know Tom would like to.  Tom is so appreciative for his dad's love and direction for his life.  God is so good to have given Tom a father who loves Jesus.  What a blessing to grow up in a home where God is honored as Lord of Life, Creator of Life and Sustainer of Life.  Not only did Tom grow up in a home where God was the Head of the home, but where his earthly father was the leader of the home who modeled Christ's instruction by keeping the Bible as God's Holy Word.  Tom was taught the importance of tithing, church involvement, godly discipline, keeping a clean, well run car, yard work and an incredible work ethic...all from his father.  Tom wanted me to be sure to mention how much his dad's even temperament, sweet spirit and giving heart attributed to who Tom is today...a man of great character.

"But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness."

Hebrew 12:8-10

Tom wants to thank his dad for:

Loving mom

Working hard

Cheering me on

The GTO "goat"

Modeling Christ

Godly discipline

Providing for our family

Teaching me to wash a car

Raising 3 boys to be godly men

Coaching my little league teams

Teaching me to care for a garden

Krystal after 1/2 day kindergarten

Welcoming Meemaw into our home

Happy Birthday Dad...I love you!



Happy Thanksgiving!

We have SO much to be thankful for:

-love

-family

-friends

-a new bed

-rehab hope

-we're together

-not in hospital

-church support

-God's Words of Life

-handicap friendly vehicle

-newly remodeled, accommodating home

 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 100:4-5

Yesterday we had some deliveries.  The first delivery was from Jan Johnson who brought two pies.  One of Tom's favorite:  chocolate silk, compliments of Bob Johnson and the other, Lisa's favorite:  pecan!  What a special blessing from special friends.  Thank you, Johnson's!



"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Colossians 3:15-17

Our second delivery was from a WCHS freshman, Arielle Stewart and her mom, Susan.  Arielle had handmade for us each a stocking cap!  They are beautifully crafted and such a sweet gesture.  They are a great addition to our winter apparel that I'm sure we will be needing soon .

Not only did Arielle make us the hats but her mom is a gifted baker who made the most amazing pumpkin cake for our holiday feast!  This is the most amazing and unique looking cake we've ever seen!  I'm sure it will taste as amazing as well.  We are so taken back by the overwhelming outpouring of love and generosity by so many.

We pray that as you enjoy this  holiday you sense the overwhelming outpouring of love from our Heavenly Father toward YOU! 

"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater."

2 Thessalonians 1:3

Basket on our porch step this Thanksgiving morning!

What another sweet surprise from Tom's office staff:  Liz, Cindy, Cathy, Lisa & Dave.  We have felt such love and support from these dear friends who I'm sure miss Tom dearly at work.  The basket filled with goodies from Great Harvest Bread will be greatly enjoyed, especially by Tom, whose sweet tooth has "kicked in".  Thank you!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day enjoying your family, friends and giving thanks to God for His goodness.



Friday Fever, Family, & Friends

Friday Tom woke up not feeling too well.  On Wednesday night he had quite a bit of drainage coming from his surgery site.  When Kay Scott was here on Thursday she said Tom needed an antibiotic to help avoid infection.  The surgeon called in an antibiotic that Tom started on Thursday night.  As the day progressed Friday he continued to feel bad enough that I finally took his temperature.  It was just over 100 degrees, I gave him Tylenol and put him to bed on our new Craftmatic Adjustable Bed that was delivered that morning.  After his nap his fever was just under 101 degrees.  My sister-in-love, Cheryl was here in town and recommended calling the oncologist.  After talking with the nurse she said to continue monitoring the temperature every couple of hours without Tylenol that would mask the temperature.  At 6:00 Tom's brother, Tim arrived for his 23 hour visit.  We were so sad that tom wasn't feeling himself for the visit, however we did enjoy and early "pre-Thanksgiving" dinner of turkey, gravy, potatoes, carrots, green beans, cottage cheese salad, cooked apples and pumpkin bread.  After dinner we taught Tim how to play Skip-bo and I showed the boys how to win!
The guys enjoyed their male bonding with surfing the sports channels until time for bed.  It was our first night in our new bed and Tom was burning up...not from desire, but fever!!  I could just touch him and know the fever was active.  It was a great disappointment for me to not get to snuggle, but something to look forward to!  As the night progressed we were up every two hours checking his temperature and Tom was the first to wake me saying "take my temp" he was so miserable.  At midnight I text my sister-in-love to get her RN advice and she said "call the doctor".  I gave her his phone number and let her have the honor!  The doctor recommended going to the emergency room.  When I told Tom the recommendation he said "not now".  By 8:00 a.m. I had already made up my mind that we would eat breakfast and then head to Riverside.  When Tim came down I asked him to go to CVS and get us a new thermometer to make sure the old thermometer we've had since 1985 was accurate before heading to the ER.  Tim returned promptly with the pharmacists recommended model.  I took Tom's temp with the new thermometer and the "low battery" light began to flash!  I told Tim..."welcome to our world"!
When we arrived at the ER Tom's temp was normal...isn't this the way it goes!?  However, by the time they got him in a "room" the temp was 99.5.  The ER doc was extremely nice and said I did the right thing by bringing Tom in.  They ran quite a series of blood work, cultures and chest x-ray which all proved normal.  Thank you, Lord.  They started Tom on another antibiotic to take along with the other to double up on the fight against infection.  The neuro-doc checked him out and believed it was all superficial and that I was not to worry.  Four hours later I was much relieved and felt like I made a good decision to go even though Tom may disagree.

Westwood High School Friends

Donna Vance Morgan, Meg Truesdale Tuck, Leslie Williams Wade & Tom Weipert

Some time ago we had planned a special visit from Tom's high school friends in Atlanta.  The girls flew into Dayton to meet up with Tom Weipert who lives in Cincinnati (Wyoming), Ohio.  They drove up to Columbus making a stop at Katzinger's Deli downtown to pick up sandwiches for us all.  Since we had an unexpected trip to Riverside they brought lunch there.  We all enjoyed our deli sandwiches while crammed in Tom's ER room!!  What better way to pass the time than catching up with friends?

Once released from the ER we all headed back to the house.  A quick browse through the Westwood HS Yearbook, a little football and some pictures it was time to say "good bye".  What a blessing to know friends from long ago continue to be friends who sacrifice a weekend to come the distance to share their love for a classmate!

Tom's brother, Tim was a trooper through this whole visit.  He served where he could and made the trip for me to the hospital much easier with helping with the wheelchair, parking, carrying and encouraging.  Tim flew back to Orlando this evening. 

Life is Full

My mom arrived this past Tuesday from Florida and she will be here, along with my dad, through New Years.  My dad drove up from Florida earlier so he could go on an annual hunting trip to Kansas with my brother and nephew.  A trip that Tom and Matt have both been on and one that Tom only wished he was on now.

2007 Youth Hunt

Addy~Tom~Matt~Mille~Lisa

Fun Memories

When my mom and I were talking on Wednesday she mentioned that she hadn't read the blog in awhile and I said I haven't posted anything!  I'm finding our days are FULL and they pass by quickly.  By the time I fall into bed at night I'm so exhausted I can't think about the blog.  Mom said that the blog is like reading a book and when she "picks it up to read" and I haven't posted it's like the next chapter has blank pages!!  I'm sorry for those of you who have "picked up the book" and the pages were blank!

I'll back up to last Saturday morning...it was the first morning we didn't have to hurry.  Tom decided he wanted Belgian waffles for breakfast and I was more than happy to make his wishes come true.  They were delicious.

Our Friends The Nishizaki's

Sue, Scott, Megan, Jordan & Lauren

Sunday evening we were blessed with a delivery of fresh, homemade clam chowder, Panera bread and blueberry coffeecake, compliments of the Nishizaki family.  Clam Chowder is one of our favorites and we were ready and waiting when they arrived!  It was a famous Seattle recipe that Scott has mastered and we certainly enjoyed it...all.  Thank you Nishizaki's!

Tom walks with a crutch & therapist!

Tuesday afternoon we were blessed with a special visitor...Karen Klapheke.  Karen is a sister-in-the-Lord, fellow church servant and is also the WCHS Choir Director.  She is absolutely gifted in what she does and we were blessed to have her here to visit.  We are thankful to her for all she does, not only at our church but at the high school too and we are thankful to her husband, Greg for his ministry at the church as well.  Greg and Karen gave us a Bob Evans gift card to enjoy a night out (or in)...thank you!

Greg & Karen Klapheke

Tuesday evening we were offered dinner...TWICE!  Our dentist and his wife, Brad & Murph Fulton, had brought us dinner while at the hospital and then called and offered again this week.  Murph brought us Chicken Parmesan, salad, bread and a half gallon of ice cream (she must know Tom's weakness!).  When we had lined up the day and time over the phone Murph said that she would be coming from work and that we would need to heat it up, so when my sister called and said today is a WCS fund raiser at Taranto's Pizza and would we want her to bring us pizza, I thought "I'll save Murph's meal for Wednesday and enjoy pizza tonight!".  Well Murph decided to bring dinner hot and ready to go!  She arrived shortly after the pizza and boy did I feel horrible!  But if any of you know Murph she was totally fine with it and understood.  So we had enough Chicken Parmesan for two dinners and I haven't had to cook for three days!

Dr. Brad & Murph Fulton

Thank You!

Wednesday after school the Student Council students came by our home to do a final rake and clean up of our yard!  What a blessing to have a large group of awesome kids to make a big job for me seem so small.

Many hands make the work light!

On Wednesday I noticed Tom's scar site was somewhat reddish and draining yuck.  The nurse was here that day and thought it still looked okay, but to keep and eye on it.  When Tom woke up this morning his pillow had a large area of wet drainage which alarmed me.  I cleaned up his head, pillowcase and when Kay Scott arrived for PT she said to notify the doctor because she thought Tom should be put on an antibiotic.  So I text Dr. Zerick who promptly called in an antibiotic.  I'm so thankful we didn't have to make a trip to the doctor.  I'm thankful too for Jill Coon picking up the prescription and delivering to our door!

Our dear friends...The Homoelle's

Bethany, Kent, Courtney, Suzanne & Colleen

Today for lunch, Kent Homoelle came with a Chipotle bowl for Tom!  What a treat for Tom to get Chipotle for lunch, BUT more importantly to have "man time"...thanks Kent.  While Kent was here my life got a little "hairy".  I had contacted a friend (who happens to be a notary) to come by to notarize the title to our car so we can sell it and get a more accommodating vehicle for Tom's needs.  I had gone to retrieve the title when I realized we only had a 'memorandum title'.  With several calls to the loaning agency, a trip to our bank and the BMV (with original Power of Attorney) I now have a car title after several hours of "drama".  I was back just in time before Ann Wheat knocked at the door.  Ann is also a teacher at WCHS and dear family friend.  Not only did she bring sweet fellowship, her notary "power", but also a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread!

Ann & Tom

The next few days will prove to be busy too.  Tomorrow we are having a new bed delivered!  It will be the first time in over a month that my honey and I will get to sleep together.  Can I say that I can't wait to snuggle up next to him tomorrow night?  I know, I know...my kids are saying TMI mom!!!  (too much information)

Also, tomorrow evening Tom's brother, Tim, will be arriving.  He planned this trip here since he was in Chicago, however he will be flying in from Atlanta!  Change of schedule.  We are looking forward to having him here through Saturday evening.  Then on Saturday Tom has four friends from his high school in Atlanta coming to visit for the day!  I will keep you posted with pictures soon.

The revolving door continues to rotate!

Happy Birthday...Son-in-Love, Zac

Little did I know one Wednesday night back in May of 2007 when I showed up as a middle school youth helper that I would meet my future son-in-love! It is so awesome to look back at how the Lord worked in bringing Zac and Sarah together. Zac had just finished his freshman year at Grace College and had accepted a youth internship at our church. That same summer our niece, Emily, had also accepted a youth internship at our church. She invited the summer interns to go to a friends home for a bonfire and Sarah happened to be at this same bonfire. When the two of them met they quickly discovered they were both Operation Barnabas alumni and the conversation has never ended! God began to build upon that commonality and He has blended two of the most wonderful people I know! We couldn't have asked for a better son-in-love or helpmate for our daughter. Zac is fun-loving, committed, diligent, smart (he chose our daughter!) and a godly young man. Our family is more complete because Zac is a perfect part of it.

One of his favorite past-times: reading a good book...

or at least collecting books!

Playing tennis...one of our family's favorite sports to play together!

Brother-in-laws...fishing fellowship!

Summer 2011 Family Vacation Memories

Supporting his father-in-law, wife & new family through it all!

"How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word.

With all my heart I have sought You;

Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Your word I have treasured in my heart,

That I may not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O LORD;

Teach me Your statutes.

With my lips I have told of

All the ordinances of Your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your precepts

And regard Your ways.

I shall delight in Your statutes;

I shall not forget Your word."

Psalm 119:9-16

This passage describes our son-in-love, Zac...We love you Zac!

May 22, 2010

The day we gained a son!

Worthington Christian State Soccer Champs!

Today we had the privilege of joining many friends, staff and students at the Columbus Crew Stadium to cheer on the Worthington Christian High School Boys Soccer team.  What a gorgeous day the Lord blessed us with...clear blue skies and sunshine, however the temperature was a bit brisk (46 degrees) and a stiff wind.  We were blessed to be escorted to a mid-field box seat where we enjoyed indoor comfort.

Tom was so happy to be there...this smile tells.

Kevin Weakley (Athletic Director) & Troy McIntosh (WCMS Principal & Assistant Superintendent) tried to get Tom to go down on the field before the game started to see a "surprise".  Tom wasn't up for the adventure and said "just tell me".  They soon returned with this:

The team warm-up t-shirts dedicated to Tom:

Anglea

Walking Worthy

Sacrificing

Praying

What a special moment when Tom saw the shirt...he teared up!

We are so thankful for Terry, Kelly and my dad for their help in getting us there.  What a huge support they have been all along the way and they just continue to support and encourage us.

Kelly, Terry & Zac (crazy WC fan!)

The "Peanut Gallery"

Zac & Uncle Tom

Seniors "storm" the box to share the glory with Tom!

Tom wanted to go outside the box for the last few minutes of the game...his timing is impeccable!

Special Memories & Moments

A Columbus Dispatch reporter caught up with Tom as we were heading out of the box after the victory.  He wanted to get some comments from Tom after seeing the seniors come up to the box.  He road the elevator down, back up and down again as Tom shared his emotion of the day!  The reporter mentioned his father was just recently diagnosed with throat cancer...we said we would pray for him and he said he would pray for Tom!  We look forward to reading the article.

We want to thank everyone who made it possible for Tom to be at the game today.  The Crew Stadium Staff treated us like royalty and opened the box for us to use...compliments of The Crew!  Thank you to Troy McIntosh, Kevin Weakley, Ryan Smith, Cindy Dunn, The Crew Staff, WC Warrior Soccer Team and Dan Roads for making this a day to remember!  God is good...all the time.

Congratulations WC Warriors

State Soccer Champs 2011

Leaves, Leaves & More Leaves

Isaiah 64:6
"For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."

Our Sweet Gum Tree

Today I marveled at the amazing weather and our amazing God as I raked crusty, dry leaves that crunched under my feet.  The wind was gusty and I thought about the iniquities that God has "blown away" for Tom and me.  As we reflect on life and the circumstances we are in, we both pray that it is not in vain.  Vain would mean that souls have not been changed because of our lives.  If you are reading this blog and you haven't had the wind blown change of the Holy Spirit sweep through your heart, then our hearts are sad.  We are not sure how to communicate more clearly that Jesus wants your heart.  If you sense a tug on your heart to get your life straight with God...please don't ignore His voice speaking softly to you.  Turn to Him and recognize His love for you by admitting that you are a sinner.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Romans 3:23

Tom was just seven years old when he prayed with his mama to receive Christ into his heart.  I was a little more stubborn and it wasn't until God allowed some hard circumstances in my life and move me from Mansfield, Ohio to Colorado Springs, Colorado to get me to listen to Him and ask Him to be Lord of my life.

"The wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 6:23

At age 7 and 18, both Tom and I knew that we were sinners.  There was nothing we could do to change our condition that we were born with.  With this recognition we knew that death would be real for us one day.

"And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."

Hebrews 9:27-28

Do you realize that everyone lives forever?  It is in this lifetime that God gives you the opportunity to choose Him and receive His free gift of salvation, heaven and grace for each day!  If you decide not to choose Him in this lifetime, then you've actually made a decision to reject Him and you become an eternal citizen in hell when your earthly life ends.

"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;"

II Peter 2:4

In no way do we want anyone we know or don't know to be separated from Christ for all of eternity.  It is our prayer that as many people we know and don't know, come to know Christ.  We do not want you to just come to know us through this life circumstance (& blog).  If you read this blog and you don't know us...that's okay, but if you read this blog and you don't know Christ...that's a tragedy with eternal consequences!

"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit."

I Peter 3:18

As Tom and I have had the opportunity to live the past 8 months with eternity ever present on our minds we can rejoice in knowing that we both have made professions of our faith and that heaven is our real home.  We are temporary citizens here on this earth.  Has it been easy?  No.  Do we falter and flail?  Yes.  But we can testify that God has been our strength and HE IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME! 

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name (the name of Jesus) under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12

 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Acts 16:31

Wherever you are right now reading this, fall to your knees and thank Him for your salvation or ask Him through prayer to be Lord of your life like this:

"Thank you for the gift of eternal life.  I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself no matter how I try.  I believe Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for my sins and He rose again from the dead.  I want to put my complete trust in Christ alone for my salvation.  Thank you for saving me.  Help me to walk in a manner worthy of You.  Amen"

No greater joy would Tom and I have than knowing that even just one person came to Christ through this GBM diagnosis and experience!

Our Silver Maple

As you can see from the Sweet Gum tree...I will be raking again, soon.  However, I am thankful that the Silver Maple is pretty much done dropping her beauty.  My back and arms are feeling the strain of the rake.  It made me appreciate my sister-in-love Cheryl, my daughter Sarah, my son-in-love Zac and my nephew Zac for all their help over the last week and weekend with this raking chore.

Efforts to be hauled away Tuesday and praying your sins are hauled away too!

Tom had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Zerick yesterday.  Two things we know, Tom will be weaned off the steroid by next Tuesday and a MRI is scheduled for three months, February.  We think that being off the steroid that Tom's appetite will slow down some and it may help too with getting through the night without as many trips to the bathroom! 

The highlight for today was having Occupational and Physical therapy here together to have Tom walk away from the island with only a crutch and two therapists!!  We see glimmers of the hope of walking getting closer with each therapy session!  Like I said before, "God is good, all the time".

Two Days, Two Outings!

Back:  Andrew, Zac, Matt & Mike

Front:  Zac, Tom & Braden

We are so thankful for the smooth trip to Mt. Vernon on Saturday.  What an adventure.  I had a list of items that we needed to remember to take with us and I realize now that an outing wouldn't happen without many hands of help.  We decided to drive my sister's Chevy Equinox making for an easier transition from the wheelchair for Tom.  This vehicle is just enough higher than our car, make getting in and out less of an effort.  The hardest part for me is getting the wheelchair in and out, Tom is a breeze compared to that "contraption"!  I know the new wheelchair will be lighter, but still cumbersome.  We are so thankful to Zac and Sarah for all their help this weekend.  We know they will enjoy resting back in Winona Lake after a "working weekend" in Columbus!  Once we arrived at MVNU we settled into sideline seats ready to cheer the Cougars to victory.  We arrived just in time for the start of the game which prohibited Tom from getting the seat he desired, so at halftime we made our move to the other end of the gym which gave him a better angle to view the game and also get some hand shakes from the players after the victory!  The only "adventure" we had was getting Tom into the referee restroom just after halftime so he could use the facilities.  It was a tight space with awkward turns for the wheelchair.  Once into position we realized the toilet was made for very short people (isn't that what referees usually are?!).  So glad that my brother and Zac were there to help me lower Tom down to a 'below sea level' altitude, his knees were up to his ears!!  It was workable, but I realized I could never do this on my own.  It was a well fought game and we were so thankful Matt had some playing time.

After the victory we all (12 of us) went to the Parkside Diner for a birthday celebration dinner!  Tom, I, Sarah, Zac, Matt, Katelyn, my brother, Mike, sister-in-love, Cheryl, niece, Erin, Andrew, nephews Braden and Zac made for a table full of fun and laughter!  I believe everyone enjoyed their meal and the fellowship.

November Birthday Boys

Zac 11/12, Matt 11/4 & Tom 11/3

Not only do Tom and Matt celebrate November birthdays, but our son-in-love does too!  One big happy celebration.  Sarah baked the yummy double chocolate "Aunt Cheryl" cake that we enjoyed.  Tom's appetite was in full force...4 homemade "Parkside" famous rolls, house salad, large cheeseburger, french fries, some of Cheryl & Sarah's prime rib, half of Katelyn's turkey sandwich and a piece of cake!!  Were we really on a healthy diet?  Imperative word:  were.

I have to say that Tom was ready for bed when we got home.  I have to say that last night was the best sleep we've had.  I guess we need to wear him out more often!!  We are thankful too for the "fall forward" time change that gave us an "extra hour".

Tom awoke this morning ready to take on the challenge of getting ready for church.  I am so grateful that the trip to MVNU gave him the confidence to get up and go to church this morning.  Once again having many hands to make the trip a little less complicated was a blessing.  I have to mention too that God has blessed us with beautiful weather that make this easier too.  Praising God for the blessing of being with fellow believers in worship this morning and encouraged through God's Word.

Please pray for our busy week.  Tomorrow Tom will start his day with speech therapy (2x/week) then physical therapy (3x/week) in the afternoon with another outing to Dr. Zerick's at 3:30!  Whew...I'm tired just thinking about it...okay so I'm tired before I even think about it!!

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Happy Birthday Matt!

Birthday Buds...Matt (4th) & Tom (3rd)

New Smyrna Beach, FL summer vacation 2011

We are so blessed to have a son.  He has now entered into the twenties and says "so long" to the teen years.  How quickly youth passes by.  Tonight we certainly enjoyed watching (via Internet in comfort of our home) Matt play basketball for MVNU vs. Ohio University-Zanesville.  MVNU came up with a handed victory and Matt scored 11 points!  We are so thankful to Terry, Kelly and Zac for going to the game to support Matt and give him a birthday hug.  Matt is studying middle childhood education with emphasis in math and history.  He has always said he wants to grow up and be like his dad...he's well on his way with an education major.  His dream is to be a "cool" middle school teacher that is able to coach and eventually end up in an administration position!

A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

Proverbs 10:1

Oh how the years go by...

Corolla, NC vacation

Easter

Passport to Purity trip to Cincinnati

wearing Lawrence Funderburke t-shirts!

Matthew Thomas Anglea

November 4, 1991

We love you, Matt!



Today was another exciting day starting with Occupational Therapy at 9:15 and going straight into Physical Therapy at 10:30!  Tom was tired, but again we were so encouraged with his progress.  After therapy Tom rested in his chair while Zac and I raked the leaves.  It was a beautiful day here in central Ohio and we are so grateful for mild temperatures and sunshine.  Zac then mowed the grass and we think that may be the last cut of the year.  Sarah and I did some work in the basement, organizing, pitching and donating.  By the way...our nephew, Dan has claimed the free desk!  Sarah did all the laundry and we are so blessed to have Zac and Sarah come for the weekend.  The four of us played three rounds of SkipBo with the young couple winning 2 of the 3 games!  Tom loves SkipBo.  I was able to remember how to cook a meal!  We enjoyed grilled chicken, baked potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit salad and rolls...yummy.  We were able to have Zac's dad join us for dinner.  After dinner Zac went to New Albany with his family to watch his cousin who plays football for the Ashland Arrows.  Unfortunately Ashland lost to New Albany.

Tomorrow we are planning on making our first outing with Tom since his trip home from the hospital.  We will travel to Mt. Vernon to watch the Cougars play against Ohio Christian College at 4:00.  Pray that we will have a smooth trip without any gliches.