See through

I know that my blog has mostly been upbeat and happy mainly focused on my beautiful son and our many adventures but today my blog is not going to be like that.

I am going to be honest and open with all the things that I am struggling with in my life currently. This is already feeling more difficult than I originally thought it would be.

I like my upbeat blog and showing my true self makes me feel very vulnerable.

But vulnerability can lead to great things and I will do anything to turn my life into something truly wonderful and honoring God in all his glory.

Right now things are really difficult.

In May, a letter was sent home from my son’s school informing me that I needed to show proof of residency and sign legal forms stating that forgery or deceit will lead to fines and possible court retaliations.

I didn’t want to go that route but I also knew that I am unable to pay daycare costs right now and that by using the school in my mom’s subdivision will give me a plethora of opportunities for someone to watch Jacob while I was in school as well as providing Jacob with a superior education.

I decided that foreclosing on my home that I purchased 3 1/2 years ago would be the best scenario since I would never get back the money I purchased the home for. (I purchased the condo for $129, 900 and right now the highest it would be able to be sold for is $83,000. Also the three remaining units in my condo building are vacant.)

All summer long I have been searching for a home to rent in my Mom’s subdivision since there are only two subdivisions that feed into my son’s school. Until 2 weeks ago nothing was up for rent. Then all of a sudden a home became for rent and I jumped at the chance to see it.

The home is very tiny but do able for me, Dan, and Jacob with Christian visiting on the weekends.

The renter wants a $2000 security deposit and obviously 1st months rent.

I am unsure how we are going to come up with the money and with the condo not being paid for we are in dire need of something to work out.

The realtor called me yesterday to discuss the mortgage that is being shown on my credit report and I have yet to call her back. I am nervous and stressed and unsure what is going to happen next.

I have submitted my prayer request to God and I know that he provides for the ones that love Him. I am trying to keep my need to control all things to a minimum and let God do what He needs to do.

Please pray  for me and my family during this time. Without God I know we have nothing.

Bike2thePike

Update:

I found the video of Dr. Robert Maganini setting out on his journey.

Did you see my grandma? She was in the beginning of the video.



Dr. Robert Maganini left St. Charles, Illinois today to begin his 1000 mile biking trip to Pike’s Peak, Colorado today.
If you didn’t read my Dr. Maganini post … please read it by clicking here.

My grandmother and I went to Sammy’s Bike Shop to see him off and wish him well.


When Grandma was able to speak with Dr. Maganini he remembered her instantly. He was so happy to receive her homemade card and donation.

The whole Maganini family was incredibly friendly and grateful for each and every person that came out to wish him well on his trip.
Before Dr. Maganini got ready to leave he gave a speech that had most people in tears – including him. He thanked his wonderful wife and supportive kids. He thanked his family expecially his father (who passed away in March of this year) and his brother who underwent treatment for brain cancer.
He thanked all of his patients (cancer survivors) for encouraging him to make this trip in honor of each and everyone of them.

He informed us all that everyday 1000 people are diagnosed with cancer and his mission for this trip is to bring awareness and find a cure for this disease.
So far he has raised … $40,000!!! He only intended on trying to raise $25,000.

Will you join me in praying for Dr. Maganini to have a safe trip, the 1000 people a day that are diagnosed with cancer, and the survivors of cancer?
If you would like to make a donation to Bike2thePike please go to Dr. Maganini’s blog for directions on how to do so. Click here to visit his site.

Five Question Friday

I have done this once before and I really enjoyed it but then I forgot to continue to do it. (That is the story of my life!)
Anyway, well back to another Five Question Friday.
If you want to join in on all the fun head on over and visit My Little Life.
So here are this weeks questions and answers.
1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it?
I loved playing with my Barbie’s. I played with them all day long and even turned the living room into Barbie’s palace. I still have them all and I cannot wait until I have a daughter so she can play with them.
2. Do you dream in color?
I am pretty sure I do. Most of my dreams are very real and I wake up wondering if it really happened or not.
3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller?
I am 5’8’’ and I totally wish I was shorter. I think that 5’6’’ is the ideal height for girls.
4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be?
I would love to have the guy from the show Forensic Files. Actually, that probably won’t be a good idea because his voice makes me sleepy.
5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot?
I always return the cart to the corral. It drives me insane when I go to pull into a spot and someone left there cart there. Grrr1
Well I hope you had as much fun as I did. Hopefully I will remember to continue this every week.

Midwest Flooding

The rain started coming Friday night and didn’t end until late in the morning on Saturday.

The rain came so fast it seemed like all rivers and ponds flooded like crazy.

My grandmother’s basement was flooded so badly it almost reached the first floor.

Westchester Illinois has been declared in a State of Disaster.

My mother’s subdivision was flooded and roads were closed. Several houses you could visibly see water pouring into their house.

Many people are without flood insurance and extreme repairs are necessary.

As if the poor state of the economy wasn’t enough, many families had to stay in hotels or find alternate housing until the water drained out.

Would you please join me in prayer for the families that this has affected?

 

Can you believe that main roads are hidden beneath the water?

We decided to take the children out to see how bad it is. We have talked as a family about what this means for these families. It was a very humbling experience and I am grateful that no lives were taken during this time.

I am committed to pray for everyone involved … Will you join me?

Dr. Maganini

Photo courtesy of http://bike2thepike.com

Dr. Robert Maganini is a 49 year old breast surgeon and breast cancer specialist.

Several years ago my grandmother had the pleasure to meet and be treated by Dr. Maganini under very un-pleasurable circumstances.

This is my grandma! She is the most wonderful grandmother any grand daughter would ever want. She is thoughtful, caring, giving, and loves the Lord with all her heart. She is my shoulder to lean on and I feel that we have a special connection. We talk almost every day and I don’t know what I would do without her.

But …

she was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago.

That is when she first met Dr. Maganini. I haven’t had the opportunity to meet the good Doctor in person but with the way my grandmother gushes about him I am sure I would love him like she does.

Dr. Maganini provided my grandmother with the most amazing care and praise the Lord …

SHE IS CANCER FREE!

On July 30th at 8:30 am Dr. Maganini will be leaving from Sammy’s Bikeshop in St. Charles Illinois and bike riding his way all the way to Pike’s Peak, Colorado.

That is over 1000 miles!!

Why would this amazing breast cancer specialist be doing such a crazy thing??

Well … He is raising money ($25,000 to be exact) for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and for the American Brain Cancer Association.

My grandmother has submitted her donation and we will be at Sammy’s Bikeshop to be with him as he sets off on his 12 day journey.

If you are interested in making a donation to Dr. Robert Maganini’s journey click here. There are a few options on how to make your donation.

If you are unable to make a donation please pray for him while he is on his journey. Most of his ride will be solo.

If you want to track him as he makes his journey please visit Bike2thePike(dot)com or click here.

I am looking forward to being there as he sets off on his “challenging and symbolic” journey.

 

Prayer Request!

Updated: I have an appointment to visit this house tomorrow at Noon! From what the Realtor said the owner is looking for a long term lease - which I would be so happy with! Also, I am hoping that if we do sign at least a two year lease he would drop the rental price. Please keep praying!

As you may or may not have known, before the last week of August we need to leave our condo.
I have been trying to find a house to rent in the subdivision that will allow Jacob to remain at the same elementary school.
Up until about 20 minutes ago there was nothing! Diddly squat!
But 20 minutes ago a house popped up that is for rent!
Praise the Lord!
I immediately emailed the realtor to schedule a showing.
If you wouldn’t mind, would you please pray for my family that this property is still available and in our price range?
I already appreciate your prayers!

7 years later I must have lost my mojo

Sorry the picture is so crummy but honestly do you see this little sweetie? This is baby Drea, a one year old, who I have been watching the past few days. (FYI – this picture is from one of two naps that she had the entire 3 days I had her.)

I have loved cuddling and smooching on her sweet little face and I will be sad to see her go tomorrow.

But I have to admit I think I lost my nighttime mojo. She barely slept at night. I was up every hour crying and wanting a bottle. Nothing I did calmed her down. I put her in my bed and she screamed. I put her in a pack and play and she screamed. I laid on the couch with her and she screamed. Finally she succumbed to her tiredness and passed out on her own.

While I will miss her terribly I am looking forward to a great night’s sleep.

I wish I could post more but my eyes are rolling to the back of my head.

I will be catching up on the summer in the next few days.

Have a happy weekend!

 

Fearless

We have been spending a lot of time at the pool. Jacob has never taken swimming lessons but I have taught him the best I could at the local pool or at my friend Donna’s in-laws pool. At Donna’s in-laws pool there is a tiny blue diving board that he has been allowed to jump off. Once he pops up after diving he doggie paddles with all of his might to reach the ladder.

Yes this is foreboding!

Yesterday we were at a new pool and there was a high dive diving board. My little brother Matthew was doing back flips off of it and Jacob wanted to try it out.

Since I was right there, along with 3 other lifeguards, I told him that he could.

He climbed up to the top.

Made his way to the edge.

Got ready …

and jumped.

Landing with a splash!

His wave let me know he was ok.

I am telling you … my son is fearless.

I Want To Be A Super Model

Yesterday was a very weird day. The weather was super hot but it was also supposed to rain. Instead of spending $21 dollars to go to the local pool we decided to spend $5 and go to Cantigny Park. The boys would strike a pose and then tell me to take their pictures. We spent a good two hours running around, posing, taking photos, and playing in the fountains. Do you think we had a good day?