Helloooo Wisconsin

Tonight, we will be boarding a plane to Boscobel, Wi.  Ok, we'll actually be flying into Madison as Boscobel is about the size of the town I currently live in.  It's about 2 hours south.  If anyone has any recommendations on kid friendly activities in the area, please email me! 

Best Sunday Schoo/Bible Apps for kids

It's a busy week - we had family in town last week, we are leaving for vacation tomorrow, and the week after is Paxton's first surgery.  So, in lieu of a Sunday School lesson this week, I'm going to talk about my kids favorite bible/Sunday School apps.  My kids love technology.  They especially love my phone.  They love to take pictures and play games.  While we have a ton of games loaded (paper toss, talking tom, dress up mermaid, etc.), I've been really happy to see that they really enjoy the bible heroes apps.  There are several (and a few are free and the rest are only $1.99).  You can find:
Bible Heroes: Noah
BH Daniel
BH David
BH Joseph
BH Jonah
BH Esther

Each app comes with a story and other activities (some have puzzle, games, etc.).  I've been really impressed and the kids really enjoy the stories.  So...if you want to try them out, I definitely recommend them.  Try the free one to see what you think (I think Noah is free).
Have a great week!

Karen

My thoughts on the Bachelorette

Call me crazy, but I'm happy for Des and Chris.  Brooks always seemed a little wishy-washy for me...  Chris and Drew both seemed so sincere.  Though I am not a fan of poetry, I thought some of his poems were sweet and I liked that they had something so cute and special to bond over.  I'm sad for Drew, but I'm sure there will be hundreds of girls at his doorstep just waiting for the opportunity to meet him. 
Moving on...I'm totally excited for next seasons show with Juan Pablo!

c.a.n.c.e.r.

I feel like I am on a roller coaster.  Up one minute, and barreling down a giant hill the next.  One minute, we get some positive news...the next, it's terrible.  This is taking an emotional toll on all of us, but especially on my Dad.  Here is the update.
On Tuesday, he got the results of his CT Scan.  We were told the 3 nodules in his lungs had grown, which we expected due to the increase in his CEA numbers.  He was then sent to a "lung specialist" to get his opinion on the nodules.
My Dad met with the lung specialist yesterday and in his expert opinion, he said it most definitely looked like metastasized colon cancer.  Of course, we they cannot start any treatment until they determine 100% that the cells are from his colon and that the lungs are not a new primary.  You see, my Dad was a fireman for 20+ years.  Before that, he was an aircraft mechanic and served in Vietnam.  While he was not really a smoker (he smoked for about 2 years while serving in Vietnam at age 18 or 19), they still need to be sure as treatment would be different for each cell type.
So, moving forward, he goes in for another CT scan September 25th (which is his birthday btw).  After that, if the nodules are big enough, he will be sent for another biopsy to determine treatment options.  Here is where I need your help:
My Dad does not want to do this anymore.  He is tired of feeling like a pin cushion.  He doesn't "do" doctors well.  He does not want another biopsy and is seriously considering giving up already.  Also, if he does go through with the biopsy, his plan is to refuse chemo.  I think--in this case--he doesn't know there are new treatment options out there that may not include sitting in a room hooked up to an iv drip for 8 hours while puking.  We will see.
Lastly, please pray that he will seek comfort and peace in God.  I'm not sure that my Dad has ever been religious so I am really worried about him. 
Thank you

Preschool bible lesson: A bride for Isaac

Mia has loved learning about "Father Abraham" (as she calls him).   Last week, we learned about his son, Isaac and how he met his wife, Rebecca.  Abraham sent a servant to his homeland to find a wife for his son.  He said that the woman who would marry Isaac would get water for him and his camels when asked.  Abraham sent his servant with gifts for Isaac's future bride, including jewelry. 

This week, we did a camel coloring sheet.  Pax refused to participate in this one.

We also made jewelry.  I definitely need to go over this lesson again with the kids as they got a little side tracked with the jewelry, but overall, I think it went pretty well.

 



For your listening pleasure...Mia sings

For your listening pleasure... Pax Sings