Just Another Day in Paradise

Child Survival Program

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:47:00 PDT

Visit Compassion's blog to find out MORE on how you can help!!

CD Giveaway

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:08:00 PDT

The first time I heard the song by Jonny Diaz, 'More Beautiful You', I loved it. I could only think of my 6 year old little girl who is growing up faster and faster every day. I also thought, that must be how God thinks of me too! I can never be more loved by Him if I tried. How amazing is that?!

Jonny Diaz' sound is unique, very light with alot of acoustic guitar background...like a great mix of Jack Johnson, Jeremy Camp with a sprinkle of SCC. The lyrics are very personal and deep, some of my favs from the cd are 'Waiting Room' and 'Nashville'.

I was pretty excited to be contacted about reviewing Jonny Diaz's "More Beautiful You" cd this week...even more when they said I could give FIVE of the cds away! Y'all have 2 weeks to enter to win a copy of 'More Beautiful You'...just leave a comment on this post!

If you haven't heard of him or any of his songs yet ~ check out the YouTube link below, read his bio here or view his personal website here.

Our Princess

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:08:00 PDT

Two sisters in our church came up with the brilliant idea of holding a Princess Dance Camp each summer for our young girls. Last year was the first year and Chloe loved it! This year she was thrilled they were doing it again...she loved every.minute.of.it of course. The sisters do a wonderful job of teaching the girls sweet little dances as well as lessons about God and how they are Princesses ~ Children of the King. :) And crafts?...oh yes, they got to do crafts too! Such a fun week for the girls ending with a wonderful little recital.

"Let Your Light Shine"

perfectly fitting for our own family's Sunshine!! :D

Sunday Grace

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:26:00 PDT

We Have Not Forgotten.

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:03:00 PDT

* I am reposting this from 10/08 when my mom, sister and I took a trip to NYC for my birthday. These pictures are very small captures of the depth of emotion that overwhelms you of what happened on 9/11 when you stand there looking at this giant hole in the skyline. There aren't enough words to describe that sadness or righteous anger over the wrong done that day. *

_______

Our first stop on our second day in NYC was spot where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood...Ground Zero. I am sure that everyone remembers where they were on the day of 9/11. I remember where I was, what I was doing and how I felt as I watched the tv in horror as the greatest tragedy in my lifetime unfolded before my eyes.

There is really no way to prepare yourself for this sight. We could not help but be overcome with emotion as we thought of the many that were taken from us in such a horrific way. We were also overcome with the good that people are capable of when they come together as one to serve others. We were simply overcome.

And so we say to those who lost their lives, to those who gave their lives and to those who try to continue on in their absence...we will not forget, no we will always remember!

A gorgeous blue sky...

in glaring contrast to the two missing towers that once stood in the heart of that vast space that is filled with nothingness now.

Not only the surrounding buildings but the people of New York City and the rest of America bare the scars of that day...

St. Paul's Chapel...a beacon of hope in the midst of fear, sorrow and pain.

Not a stone, window or pillar was damaged.

The old sycamore tree stood in the corner of the church's courtyard...

it took the shrapnel from the explosion, saving the church from harm.

"The Bell of Hope"
"To the greater glory of God and in recognition of the enduring links

between the City of London and the city of New York.

Forged in adversity - September 11, 2001"

The cots where the tireless volunteers would try to rest...

The outpouring of love, prayer and support from people around the globe was incredible!

We will not forget...

We will remember!

Chloe turns 6!!!

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:30:00 PDT

Our Chloe girl turned 6...um, well the end of July. Yeah, I know I'm crazy behind but it's been a little busy around this place. Can't miss the chance to show off some of her party picts...

Look at those BIG BLUE EYES!!!! :D

Chloe and her BFF, Sydney...they are too cute!!

There is no gift that speaks more to Chloe's heart that a big fluffy stuffed DOG! :D

She's a 1st grader now...time to Tell Time with hands!

Littlest Pet Shop...if they had these when I was little, yeah I would have collected them too!!

Chloe inherits the love of reading from her Aunt Re Re...

Auntie Rachel and cousin, Aibrean enjoy some yummy pizza!! :D

Two Peas in a Pod...cousins that think they are brother and sister but that's OK! ;)

Gotta love Skee Ball (sp?)...I think the adults had more fun with this than the kids! Ha!!

This was pretty funny to watch...the kids sit back and watch a video of a roller coaster, then the parent can watch their faces in the screen above! Gotta LOVE Chuck E. Cheese!!

Happy 6th Birthday, sweet baby...we are beyond blessed to have you a part of our lives! xoxo

Prayer Request

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:19:00 PDT

Hey y'all ~

We've had a rough week in our family...as many of you know, Chloe's prosthesis has broken several times this summer. Last week it broke so they replaced some of the inner components with stronger/heavier ones. She got her leggie back last Wednesday and right away was limping with it. This went on until Friday she was unable to walk in it at all. We took her back to see if the leggie needed adjustment. After 2 hours they were unable to adjust it and Chloe was exhausted. She stayed out of the leggie all weekend but her leg pain increased and she was spiking fevers as well.

So the following Monday we were even more concerned and we took her to the ER @ Johns Hopkins. After a "clear" xray and brief examination, they sent us home saying she was fine. The high fever came back that night and her pain increased even more.

Tuesday I took her in to see her Pediatrician (who I work for) and they tested her for strep (which was neg.) He examined Chloe's leg and immediately sent us for bloodwork and a bone scan at another hospital. The bloodwork came back ok but the bone scan showed the blood pooling right at the bottom of her leg, exactly where she complained of pain. After these results, they admitted her to the hospital with a diagnosis of possible Osteomyelitis (bone infection). Needless to say, Chloe was very upset as were we. The poor thing had to get 2 IVs put in and could not go home!

Chloe was put on super megga strong IV antibiotic right away. Then Wednesday they did more bloodwork which did show the raised levels they were looking for that confirmed their diagnosis. They also did an MRI (which was an absolute nightmare for a girl who is deathly afraid of loud noises and had to stay still for soo long). The MRI showed a possible abscess, this was the last news I was expecting or wanting to hear at this point. However, after examining her leg the Dr. ruled that out - thank the Lord! We were hoping to go home Thursday but Chloe was still complaining of leg pain when her leg was touched.

Yesterday (Friday) she had improved greatly and they released her to go home! She is currently taking Clendomycin (which is ridiculously awful tasting) 3x a day for 20 days. We are praying praying praying that this antibiotic is sufficient to kick the rest of the infection completely without any regressing. We are also praying for courage for Chloe to continue taking this medicine the full course.

She will be out of her prosthesis for at least a week to allow her leg to heal fully. We hope she can return to school since she has missed 6 days already! We just have to work out the details of a wheelchair, etc.

Anyways, we would really appreciate some major Prayer Support right now!! We have def. felt everyone's love and prayers so far and are depending on them for the duration. Thank you so very much!!

Paradise

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:31:00 PDT

Alright, it's the last of the last Myrtle Beach vacation pictures...back to reality!

Below is one of my FAV picts from this summer...these 2 are everything to me!! :D

Got to eat some of the BEST Buffalo wings we've had in a loong time!

These beach picts are going to have the best memories attached to them for as long as I will remember...

I flat out bribed the kids (and Joel) to stop at the beach on our way home from dinner for a few shots. They were pretty much OVER all Mom's picture taking at that point. Imagine that!

I found a big plastic barrel garbage can right near where we parked at the beach and to my delight, there was a broken camp chair stuffed inside!

Perfect to prop my camera on top of...

I was hoping hoping hoping that I had enough light and the camera settings right as I hit the camera timer...I knew I only had about 5 secs of patience from my family to get the perfect shots! :D

I love how they turned out!! Def. getting printed and framed for my wall...

Let Love Grow

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:40:00 PDT

Beth @ I Should Be Folding Laundry has a fab post about a loving Mom about to adopt 2 children from Uganda! I always get excited about neat things like this, getting behind someone who is doing something GREAT. We support a little guy in Uganda through Compassion so this country is pretty special to our family. Click the button above and go visit Beth's blog too!! :)

Water Bugs

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:20:00 PDT

Ripley's Aquarium

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:34:00 PDT

A highlight of our MB vacation was the Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium...we had never been before and decided this was the year to check it out!! The cherubs were in their glory...

This was awesome, a floor to ceiling wall length aquarium...complete with a DIVER who fed the fish to the delight of the cherubs! :)

The horse-shoe crabs were super cool...Alex was checking them out like mad!

And the sting rays were a FAVORITE...the cherubs even got stuffed sting ray animals to bring home with them!

I could just see Alex as a future marine biologist...he was just soaking it all up!! :D

You Capture.

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:40:00 PDT

"Motion"

If ever there was a poster child for MOTION...it's my Chloe.
'Nuff said.

Beach Days

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:44:00 PDT

I have such great childhood memories of Myrtle Beach, SC from spending every summer down there that I can remember. And I absolutely love the fact that now my kids are as much in love with MB as I am! :)

This little amusement park is called The Pavilion...it used to be right on the boardwalk and my sister and I would ride these rides every summer. I can still feel the salty breeze on my face as we rode the Sunshine...the Caterpillar and the Pirate Ship! They've since moved The Pavilion from the boardwalk to this big shopping complex. I gotta admit it lost some of its charm...

This is the second year we've gone to Margaritaville, the restaurant. It's a super fun and super beachy place to eat...the kids just love all the "Boat Booths" and fun music!

This year the restaurant had guys on stilts walking around making balloon animals and hats for the kids...and the kids at heart! :D Alex got a Sword made of course...

And Chloe got a Parrot made to sit on her shoulder...

Such a FABULOUS time as a family...

Beach Babes

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:12:00 PDT

Yes, we did go on vacation several...ahem, 1 month ago...yes, I am just now posting picts.

Such is the state of things around here, ha!! :D

Myrtle Beach was once again DELIGHTFUL, aahh...I already miss it!

Tamron Giveaway

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:58:00 PDT

A Tamron 18-270mm VC

The World’s First and Only 15X Zoom Lens!

(Value $629)

For Canon or Nikon DSLR users.

If you use a different camera, Tamron will substitute an appropriate prize.

Must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

The perfect all-in-one lens, Tamron’s 15X zoom lens features VC, a proprietary anti-shake mechanism that gives you a 4-stop shutter speed advantage for blur-free hand-held shots. Shoot confidently from wide to ultra-tele with Canon and Nikon APS-C DSLRs.

Head over to I ♥ Faces to check out this awesome giveaway!!

Contest Ends THIS Friday, August 7th at 8 pm (Pacific) / 11 pm (Eastern)
Winner will be chosen at random and be announced on Saturday the 8th.

Fourth of July belated

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:28:00 PDT

See more over at i ♥ faces!!

Just to satisfy some curiosity about what we've been up to this summer...

I thought this was a really neat part of the parade...can you see what the poster says??

I absolutely LOOVE drumlines!!

Check it out...a female "Uncle Sam". You just don't see that everyday in a small town! :D

Chloe was movin' and groovin' to the music and having a great patriotic time!!

Some say she is a "Mini-Me"...I say she's soooo much more!!

"She's got him wrapped around her finger..."

The one...uno...solo picture Alex would let me take with him in it! It's a FAV. :)

ToothTales

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:43:00 PDT

My Chloe girl waited all through Kindergarten to lose her first tooth to no avail. But this summer she lost BOTH her bottom front teeth...I have to admit, it's too cute!! :D Of course we had to get some picts ~

And we throw in a little posing with her FAV buddy, Quincey!

Brief Update

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:18:00 PDT

Hey y'all,

Yes I am alive...as many of you know my dad recently had 2 heart attacks, triple bypass surgery and 2 stints put in. He has been home recovering well until yesterday he complained of discomfort and numbness in his upper chest area. My mom took him to the ER...they did bloodwork, xray and kept him overnight for observation. The initial bloodwork did not show any enzymes that signal a heart attack, however they are continued to monitor that through the night and this a.m. It's possible that it may be muscular/nerve pain but they are unsure. My dad missed his check up this a.m. with his surgeon and he is more discouraged about that since he was to be cleared to DRIVE (his mustang, ahem). So, I'm just asking for prayer for wisdom for the Doctors that are treating him...if this IS something, they would find it. If it's NOTHING then my dad would be right back on the road of good healing. Thank you so much for your prayers!!

In the midst of all this, 1 week ago we went on vacation and on our way back received the news that my great Aunt Hazel passed away. We made the trip up to PA for the funeral and continue to miss her dearly. Life has been plain hectic here, hence my absence.

Hopefully, I will be back soon with LOTS of picts!! :)

10 Amazing Years!

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:00:00 PDT

How can it be 10 years that we've been married, when I look into your eyes and still feel like I'm 17? Babe, you have been the best thing to ever happen to me...I am so thankful that God gave you to me to love, honor and cherish for the rest of my life. After 10 years, you are still the man of my dreams and the man of my future. I never wanted nothing more!! And our next 10 years are going to be even better...I can't wait to grow old with you ~ to watch our children grow and have grandchildren, to retire to that beach paradise, to enjoy our golden year living and being in love.

I love you more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow. xoxo

Happy Anniversary, to the love of my life...

Please please pray!

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:34:00 PDT

My dad began experiencing horrific chest pains tonite. We took him to the ER ourselves and they did an EKG immediately to discover that he was having another heart attack. The Dr. did a catherization and found that one of the three bypasses (that was graphed to the artery that was 99% blocked) had closed. This caused the heart attack as the blood could not flow anywhere. The Dr. was able to put in two stints into dad's original artery that was blocked. He is in the ICU in our local hospital, we have just gotten home. Needless to say, my dad has been through a ridiculously rough night and my mom as well. I am to tired to even think straight but I wanted to get this on here to get some prayer support going up for my dad. I fully believe that God has spared my dad's life twice now in the past week and I am so unbelievably grateful. Please pray for these bypasses to hold strong, for the stints to hold strong....for continued healing of his incisions, for no infections, for rest/sleep. He will be in the ICU for a few days while they monitor him. Thank you so much!

She has arrived

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:44:00 PDT

How could I have forgotten to tell y'all this?? Aahh...Mama's got a new baby!! :D

Now I've just got to figure it out...but that's the FUN part right?!!

Alex turns 8!!

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:35:00 PDT

It's hard to believe my "baby" is 8 years old...wow, they are kidding about time flying! At the end of an awesome week at Camp...we celebrated Alex's 8th Birthday with family and friends. All Alex wanted to do was EAT and play in the STREAM...and that's what we did. Rocks State Park was perfect for that...we had a nice cookout, opened presents, played in the stream and had bday cupcakes right before the sky opened up and it POURED rain down on us!! It was definitely a Birthday to remember...we love you sweet boy and our hearts are full of thanksgiving to God whenever we think of you!! xoxo Happy Birthday!!

Alex and his buddies...

Cousins and friends...

Joel a.k.a. "The Grill Master"...

CANDY??!!! Niice...thanks alot U. Nate and A. Rachel!!!

A future scientist's dream come true...

Chloe and her cousin, Aislinn...

My daddy and sister...

All the kids in the stream...it was delightful, I even went in to play!!! :D

Cherubs in Camp

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:25:00 PDT

Summer doesn't officially start in our house until the cherubs go off to day camp at Beachmont Christian Camp! This is Alex's 3rd year going and Chloe's 2nd year...they have a total blast and look forward to this all year long!! :)

Chloe's little girlfriends in her group.

Alex's favorite highlight of the week was the MUD SLIDE!!

And what is summer camp without some SNOW CONES?!!!!! :D

Happy 4th of July!!

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:01:00 PDT

Wishing you and your families a wonderful day celebrating our FREEDOM

and the privilege of being an AMERICAN!!

Looking Back

justanotherdayinparadise.kate@gmail.com (Kate) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:32:00 PDT

July 3rd will be forever etched into my memory whether I like it or not. It's been 3 years since the accident that claimed our Chloe's foot and also part of her childhood. Each year on this date, I try to look back, reflect and take stock of our lives and how far we've come from that day. It just so happens that I've spent this week in the hospital with my dad who just had surgery. The strangeness of that is not lost on me...however, in both situations God has spared the lives of the ones I love with all my heart.

No matter how much time passes I still struggle with the "whys" and the "what ifs". I am not sure that struggle will ever end but it gets a little easier. The farther we move on from that date the list gets longer of things I am so thankful for. God undertook for our Chloe and our family in so many small and big ways during a terribly dark and troubled period in our lives. I can see that now, very clearly. It doesn't mean I don't sometimes wish to go back and change things to work out the way I think best. No, my Mama's heart will always long for Chloe to not have to struggle with being different, or for her to not have to think twice about diving into the pool, or for her to not have several extra items to prepare before she starts her day. BUT I get to see her sweet sunshine face each and every morning and tuck her into bed each and every night. Now that is a privilege that I wouldn't trade for all the "normalcy" in the world!

This year has been tough on Chloe and the rest of us. She had to have surgery and for the first time, she had a difficult transition to a new leg. It took a lot longer than it ever has for us to get her leg just right. That was frustrating for her. For the first time I heard her say that she didn't want a prosthetic leg but a "normal one". For the first time she began to talk in detail about the accident and her fears. For the first time another child mocked her and her leg. For the first time she told me she was embarrassed and didn't want her new friends at camp to see her leg. Not so fun. We can tell Chloe is growing up and she is more and more aware of herself and others around her. Our responses to her have changed and our encouragement has deepened. We have begun to teach her even more about the uniqueness and specialness of each and every person God has made. And to be confident in who God has made her to be INside and out...she is NOT her leg! :) We are so thankful for her many friends that love her, all of her!

God has blessed us beyond words with two children who light up our days with their smiles, hugs and cheerful hearts...what more could we ask for?!! I continue to say and believe with all my heart that God is good, all the time God is good...even in the dark, even in the valleys, even when I can't see, even when my heart hurts, even when I'm angry, even when it's not fair. God is good, all the time God is good. I pray that you are finding this Truth real in your hearts as well. God bless!!

~ a glimpse into the past ~