Run don't walk...

Run, don't walk on over to Confessions of a CF Husband. I'm pretty sure "CF" should stand for Christ-Following Husband as Nathan, Tricia's hubby is faithfully carrying out his mission to care for his wife and young daughter. His struggles and triumphs are an open book for the world to see. I'm fairly confident that there'll be extra jewels in his crown one day. What a gracious guy. Always willing to help OTHERS, even though his circumstances are trying at best.

He has HOPE, the hope that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. HE is the rock. A firm foundation. It's evident that the Lawrenson clan's feet are placed on this rock. It is refreshing as a believer to be reminded of how we're all in the game called life together. Really, if you think about it life here on earth is just a "dress rehearsal" for the real curtain call in heaven one day.

I am encouraged in my faith to read all of Nate's updates. His attitude is positive and you can truly tell that he has the PEACE that passes all understanding. Thanks Nate for giving us a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.

Heather

Answered Prayers....

Exciting news today on the Confessions of a CF Husband blog. Tricia is fully awake. She's been weaned off of her sedative, but I believe she still has her breathing tube. Nate has reported it is much easier to read her lips today. Thankfully, that takes a bit of the non-communication frustration away. I prayed specifically for that yest. Thank you Jesus for hearing and answering my prayer. Also, little Gwynie (my nickname) is doing well too. She's one strong girl and is holding her own in the NICU. Nate was able to show pictures and video of her today to Tricia. I am wondering what Tricia must feel like not getting to have been a part of the last week or so as she's been sedated for 9 days now. There will be many opportunities to come to be with her baby girl, but there's just something special about those first moments. I remember not getting to see Luke for 10 hrs. after he was born as the nurses were trying to lower his blood sugar and get his oxygen levels balanced out. That was torture for me. I'm praying that Tricia doesn't experience this sadness. The way it all played out was all part of God's plan. No looking back, only forward. She is now starting the long road back in terms of physical therapy. The end goal is to be able to be placed back on the transplant waiting list. She is still in great need of a double lung transplant. My prayer is that her rehabilitation will be quick and that she will not experience any further setbacks. Jesus, you know how all the timing will play out. I come before you on behalf of Tricia and her family. I pray for divine intervention and ask that you comfort her during her rehab. I know it's not easy to operate on diminished lung capacity (just from my experience with having lung surgery last year) It is not fun to have to depend on oxygen just to breathe. I pray for the potential donor family. I know that at this time that person is still a mystery to us, but you know who they will be. Of course, it will mean one person losing their life so that Tricia can continue her's. I ask that you go before them and that when that time comes to donate their loved one's lungs they will see what a deserving person Tricia is. May You continue to be glorified through this entire situation. It's strengthening my faith, just to be interceding in prayer on this families behalf. You know my heart Jesus and I ask that you continue to bless Tricia and Gwyneth. They are both miracles!

Heather

Conversations with 2 sweet toddlers....

Ok, it's official Luke and his cuzzin Beau officially like each other again. They went through about a month of yelling, hitting and smacking each other for no apparent reason. The last couple of days I've seen quite the turnaround.

Today, I picked up Beau from school (he's 2 remember) and Luke (he's 3). My assignment was to take Beau to Nana's house for him to wait for Mommy and Daddy to get off work. I got them both strapped into their car seats. Both had little treats that Luke's teacher Ms. Kelley had given them. They were eatting their little sweetarts and chit-chatting in the back seat with each other. I interjected with, "So boys, did you learn anything at school today?" Beau, "Yep!" Luke, "Yep!". Me, "That's good, did you learn about Jesus today?". Both said, "Yep"! I said to Beau, "So, what did you learn about Jesus Beau?" Beau said, "Jesus was born in a manger". I said, "That's right, he sure was, very good". Then I said to Luke, "What did you learn about Jesus today?" Luke said, "Jesus is a mess!". I started laughing so hard.....I could never get him to tell me why he thought Jesus was a mess. Then Beau started telling him, "No, Luke Jesus isn't a mess, he was born in a manger". Luke got sick of hearing Beau repeat that over and over that he said, "Ok Beau, I hear you...Jesus was born in a manger"! It was just too funny.

Please continue to pray for Tricia, Gwyneth and Nate (Confessions of a CF Husband). Tricia is being weaned off her sedative. Hopefully they'll be able to remove her breathing tube soon so she can converse with her husband Nate. God is doing a great work there. I know your prayers are coveted by this dear family.

Heather

Snowballs....Fashion Faux Paus...

Before you go all "Carson Kressley" (Queer Eye For The Straight Guy Fashionista) on me...YES! I do know that Luke's shoes don't match. That is what HE chose to wear out to run errands today. I'm all about not stiffling his creative spirit. If he wants to wear one blue Croc and one red Lightning McQueen shoe, then so be it!

The tubes he got put in his ears yesterday have made a HUGE difference. He was a totally different boy. He was speaking clearer and he even said 3 times today, "Mommy, what was that noise". I was amazed. Poor little guy's hearing has been like living in a fish bowl. Or listening to that teacher on Charlie Brown. He's hilarious.....Luke that is (Well, Charlie B. is too)

Speaking of hilarioty (is that a word?) That brings me to my next little jaunt....Since he's been feeling not-so-well he has been eating not-so-well. I want to issue a "potty humor" warning for my next statement. This morning he was in the bathroom doing his business. When he finished he said, "Mommy come look, I made snowballs in the potty". And in typical excited Mommy fashion I ran right in to see them in all their glory. Several "snowballs" in the potty. He was so proud of himself. How can ya not high-5 him for that.

We cleaned the house today and got some stuff that we'd been putting off done. Feels good to finally have the place in tip top shape. It had kind of gone south there for a few days while we took care of Luke and catered to his every need.

Please continue to pray for Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth (Confessions of a CF Husband). If you haven't checked out their blog, you're missing an awesome story of how God is moving in the midst of serious medical trials.

Later taters,

Heather Rice

The little patient is resting comfortably..

Howdy friends:
The little patient, Luke did quite well today. As you all know, he had his second set of tubes put in his ears and his adenoids removed. We arrived at the hospital around 8:15am. He colored in his new Nemo coloring book, bought especially for the occasion. The nurse, anethesiologist and Dr. came in to check on him. Dr. Taylor the anesthesiologist was a hit because he had on a buzz lightyear skull cap and carried a "bubble gum" smelling oxygen mask. Luke thought that was awesome. His surgery took roughly 30 minutes. He did have a little bit of a hard time waking up post-op. They told us that was normal. He was confused and at times inconsolable. But, with some Mommy and Daddy (we traded off) TLC he was eating his 4th popsicle in no time. We were home by noon. He slept most of the day and awoke asking to go to the "Feet-sa Flace" (Pizza Place). So, we took him to his favorite place, Peter Piper's Pizza. He got to play games, win lots of tickets and collect his prizes (the boy had 275 tickets accumulated-with a little help from mom and dad). Luke couldn't quite figure out how to get the skee ball to stay in HIS own lane. It was fun. Our boy did great. He's been complaining that his mouth hurts tonight, but it's just where they put the breathing tube down during the surgery. Thank you to all who prayed for him. If you could please pray for my niece, Emery. She's on ear infection #3, with tube's a possibility in the near future as well. What's with our ear's in this family. If you haven't gotten a chance to click on Confessions of a CF Husband please do so now and pray for this dear family. That's it for now.

Heather

Prayer

Luke is having his second set of tubes put in tomorrow and is adenoid's taken out. Please pray for the doctors hands as they operate on our little winkerbean.

Also, I ran across this blog yesterday and it touched my heart unlike any other. If you want to be strengthened in your faith read, Confessions of a CF Husband. It's about Nate and Tricia (has Cystic Fibrosis and is awaiting double lung transplant) She just delivered a micro-preemie at 25 wks. this week. Both are in critical condition. Please pray for them. His blog is extremely encouraging!

Go check it out. Link is here: http:/cfhusband.blogspot.com

Heather

Charming Pendants....So many ideas...so little time!

The ever-popular, "Mommy Needs A Cocktail"
Mini-Mommy....
Ebay Junky (yes, I DO know junkie is usually spelled with an "ie")

Inspired by my friend who wears Juicy Couture exclusively

Pretty much says it all...

Believe pendants

How bout' your initial on a pendant or a photo of your kiddos or pet.

Here are some of my latest creations. Let me know if I can design something super-special for you. I have items priced for all budgets. Don't forget I accept Mastercard, Visa, Cashier's Check, Money Order or Cash (if local).

The new Charming line is really taking off. I'm so thankful that you guys out there are really liking it. It's my passion to design unique pieces for all.

Heather Rice

Do YOU believe?

When I dream, I dream BIG? What about you? When God allowed me to start Faith Creations, LLC. in 2001 I had no idea where all HE would take me. Faith Creations, LLC. has featured many product lines over the last 7 years. It is this most recent that I'm most pumped about.

Introducing the 2008 line of pendants/charms called "Charming". Not only will this exciting line feature many bling bling embellishments, but YOU the consumer gets to choose how you'd like to personalize the creations. I can basicially put any phrase, picture, etc....behind glass an jazz it up extra special just for you.

I offer bracelets that I can attach your charms to and a variety of necklaces as well. Prices start vary based on how elaborate the designs. I promise you will get tons of compliments every time you wear one of my pieces.

This little beauty above is GORGEOUS. The picture doesn't even do it justice. I really need to hire a professional photographer to photograph this piece. Where is my bro-in-law (photographer extraordinaire) when I need him? Oh, that's right he's in KY and I'm in Dallas.

Anywho....I digress. Since, I don't have my wonderful bro-in-law to shoot my above piece, I need to accurately describe it for you.

2 x 2 inch art glass "shadowbox" designed pendant with sturdy bail (that's the little loop that strings the pendant to a necklace) The pendant is 1/2 inch thick all the way around. This 3 dimensional mixed media piece includes gorgeous stones framing the "believe" message. Accented with 27 Swarovski rhinestones. It is embellished with lead-free solder. I designed it today and the finished piece ONLY took 6 hours (sarcasm intended) to complete. I hate being a perfectionist sometimes!

Click on over to my friend Michelle's blog (My Semblance Of Sanity) to see the adorable pendant I gifted her with that featured her 3 adorable kidlets and a freshwater pearl. If you are interested in purchasing any of my pieces or having me design something extra unique for you please email me at casaderice@sbcglobal. I will get back with you promptly with ordering details. Thanks so much for stopping by. Thank you God for blessing me with the talents to create. I'm a tool in YOUR hands.

*Disclaimer--To my sis, I am STILL working on your gorgeous piece. I promise you've NOT been forgotten!!! It's coming.....soon!

P.S. I accept Mastercard, Visa, Cash, Money Orders, Cashier's Checks, PayPal and the ever-important Secret Credit Card (that would be the one hubby doesn't know about!) I'm not speaking from experience on that one. My customer's have "told" me. I'm not Pinocchio either.

Heather

Stuck in jewelry design mode...

First, let me tell you what a complete klutz I am. Tonight, I twisted my ankle falling off the treadmill at the gym. I'm ok, just feel stupid. I was tinkering with my MP3 player, which is already on the fritz.

I was in super jewelry design mode today. Didn't answer phones or emails. Working on my latest line of soldered glass pendants/charms. I'll post pic's of them tomorrow.

I'm glad it's Sat., that means time w/Hubs and Lukey.

Sorry, I didn't make it out w/ya Tammy ( or even get around to returning your calls--forgive me please!)

Heather

Found amaretto cheesecake HEAVEN....by mistake...

For the first time in my whole life my new year's resolution WAS NOT to lose weight. I did that last year. But, I am always looking for good foods to eat. By happenstance I picked up the Weight Watcher Amaretto Cheesecake yogurt at the store the other day. Bought 2 containers and tried it today. HOLY MACARONI....Amaretto Cheesecake Heaven. Only 0.5gm. of fat too.

If any of you out there's resolution is to lose weight in 2008, purchase the above and you'll feel like you're in dessert heaven.

Just wanted to share that with all my bloggin' buds! Manic Mom ( I think you'd love it!)

Headed to the gym....

Heather

Keeping my resolutions....

1. Took shower (although I didn't wash my hair)
2. Worked out (treadmill & circuit)
3. DIDN'T get CPR trained (yet)
4. Did figure out how to work my new MP3 player

Yeah Me!

Heather

How bout them New Year's Resolutions...

Happy 2008 everyone!!!

Here are my 4 resolutions:

1. Train/Run a 1/2 marathon, then a marathon
2. Learn how to work my new MP3 player
3. Become CPR certified
4. Take a shower EVERY day (you stay- at- home moms know what I mean)

That's it! What are your's?

Heather

New round of prayer requests

New Year= New Prayer Requests=New Praises

(some ongoing, some new)

• NEW My friend Stacey's sister, Misty was in a glider plane crash on Christmas Eve in Arkansas. She is lucky to be alive. She underwent back and spinal cord surgery Friday. Intensive rehab to begin this week. If you could pray for healing and strength. Also, for Stacey who will be taking care of her.
• NEW My niece Emery Kate has been really sick with a double ear infection. Please pray for her healing and also for my sister to have strength to take care of her as necessary. It's never fun to watch your child struggle.
• Ongoing Please pray for my dear friend Carol Ann, who is valiantly battling lung cancer. Pray for healing for her body and that she will be able to be part of a new upcoming research study.
• NEW My 8 yr old friend Brenton has had a 'dramatic' response to chemotherapy. The tumor has shrunk from a large canteloupe size all the way down to an orange size. The lymph nodes in his abdomen and chest that were swollen are no longer swollen. The spots in his lungs are almost all the way gone.
  Since the lung spots are not completely gone, Brenton will have to have radiation. They go first thing on Monday morning (12-31) to meet the doctor and find out more. He will study the CT scans and prepare a plan. They go back to Children's on Wednesday (1-2) for all of the pre-op business. Thursday (1-3) he will have surgery to remove the tumor. The same doctor who installed the port and did the biopsy will be performing the surgery. Brenton has responded VERY well to his chemo treatments. The last CT scan revealed no tumors in his lungs or lymph nodes. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers.
• Ongoing My mother-in-law, Carolyn has responded tremendously well to her chemo treatments for colon cancer. God has graciously allowed her to have NO SIDE EFFECTS WHATSOEVER! Praise God. More treatments begin Jan 14, 2008.

Ongoing 4 yr old Julian is still battling brain cancer. Please pray for his healing and strength and for his mother Mimi who is caring for him.

If I have missed some the Lord knows what they are. These are the one's that come to my mind at this time. Please pray with me for these above requests and Praise the Lord for answered prayers. Thanks. Heather

Career in grocery management???

Watch out Tom Thumb. It looks like my little munchkin will not be getting his PhD. in "grocery management" ANY time soon.

Let me set the scene: SuperTarget parking lot. $148 worth of groceries for mommy to load in the trunk after 2 hour shopping trip. Luke sits holding his Mickey Mouse ricotta-filled ravioli box. I'm leaning down to grab the Dasani 24 pk of H2O. I look up just in time to watch Luke hurl the gently packed grocery bag of a dozen eggs to the ground. It was one of those "Ohhhhh Lukkkkkkkke" moments. Immediately, I realized he didn't know any better and was trying to help out as much as his little 3 yr old mind could comprehend. I told him that he broke all the eggs and that now we had to throw them in the trash. It was one gigantic omelette in the parking lot of Target. All the way home Luke said, "I sorry Mommy, I bwoke de eggs, now we have frow dem in de trash". I said, "That's ok, that's how you learn!". He said, "Yeah, dey're dirty now, we frow in trash".... Whad'ya do!!!

On another note, I found a really cool website freerice.com that donates 10 grains of rice through the World Hunger Organization for every vocabulary word you get right. Click on it and see what I'm talking about. It's pretty addictive for "wordie's" like me. I spent an hour challenging myself. Tim, I think you might really like this site. See if ya'll can beat my level 38 vocabulary. I've donated 16, 730 grains of rice so far. (I found out about this site from my friend Sweet, Southern, Spirited) Plus, with RICE in the name who could go wrong, right???

Heather

Muy Fabulosa Christmas...

Our family had a great Christmas this year. It was especially exciting to watch Luke open all his presents. Santa brought him a Spiderman scooter. He calls it his "motorcycle"...He also got a Lightning McQueen tent, sleeping bag and flashlight, an art easel with chalk and magnetic letters, clothes, dinosaurs, books, puzzles, lots of coloring books, a few dvd's and the big present from mommy and daddy a VTech art studio. He's quite the artist these days so with this he can play games, create and save artwork....all on his little t.v. We hope you all had a great day with family and friends. We missed our family that was far away, but know that they were having a great time where they were too. Most of all I personally am glad to be out of the hospital this year and able to be with my family this holiday season. We're SO blessed! So much to be thankful for. Heather