If you are a member of The Waters Church on The City, you can find the story under the Growth tab and then click on Stories.  Enjoy!

Our Christmas Miracle…
My mom has been fighting her second battle with cancer for well over five years now. Earlier this fall we had gotten the news that the cancer was progressing rapidly and they were having a hard time managing it. So as much as you can prepare yourself for bad news, when we heard she had suffered a stroke, it took the wind out of us. Especially 12 days before Christmas. No partridges. No pear trees. Just some pretty devastating news.

My brother reported to me that mom had suffered a stroke and her left side was greatly effected. He said she could hardly speak. He said mom had been able to call for help for herself, though and tell a friend to contact him with the news. He had called to talk with her and was able to understand her speech with difficulty. She told him to not do anything stupid and that she didn't want anyone coming out, and to tell me the same. A couple of days later I was able to talk with her and through her slurred speech she said the same to me. I couldn't help but to remember how when we were kids, Mom would say, “Oh no. Don't get me anything” or “don't go to any trouble on my account.” But when you did, you knew she loved it.

My mom lives in Washington state and is very independent. Very. Mom lives alone. She goes to church and is part of the church's Senior Connection. She has to go to chemo and radiation treatments, which she usually drives to herself. Sometimes one of her neighbors joins her. Her cousin lives within 20 miles but doesn't drive and her other cousin is caring for vulnerable loved ones. My brother lives in the Midwest, and me and my family here in Minnesota. Knowing all this did not set my mind at ease as far as her ability to go home.

So on the 1^st day of Christmas, after we heard the news, we let some of our oldest children know what was going on. We tried to honor mom's wishes and carry on with life. The only thing I did do was to put out a request on Facebook for friends to pray.

On the 4^th day of Christmas was our church's kid's Christmas program, Angels: Mission Possible. Garrett was a part of the production and his sister wanted to tag along to go to the Walk for Christmas that was happening afterward. I was going to be taking pictures at both events which I thought was a great way to take my mind off of mom's situation and get on with life. At the kid's production, I ran into Sarah and she asked how mom was and how I was holding up. I gave her what news I had of mom and told her I was avoiding dealing with my own feelings at the moment. She asked if we would be going out to see her and I told her that mom didn't want that. She was respectful of that and we talked of other things. The production got under way and we went to the Walk Through Christmas. The kids had a great time and I got some decent shots.

On the 5^th day of Christmas we had some kids home sick so David and I split forces and each attended a different service. I hadn't intended to cry, but before worship was over I was balling like a baby. We usually greet people after worship, so a few friends came over and offered hugs. We all sat down for the announcement video, but I couldn't quit crying and had to walk out. Thankfully Sarah followed and offered a listening ear and words of comfort. Then she said that she couldn't help but thinking that I was supposed to go out to see mom. Funny, Terri had said something similar that morning. Sarah asked if there was a way for me to go, would David mind? Would we be able to work that out?

When I got home, I told David what Sarah had said and asked his thoughts. He said he was thinking the same thing but just didn't know how we could make it work. We started thinking about ways to get out to see Mom and who would go with. At the end of our conversation we were praying for a way for me, by myself, to take all kids out to see mom over the winter break. Yes, it would be grueling, but Mom would get to meet the kids she hadn't and vice versa and the kids she had met would get to see her again, maybe for the last time. It seemed right. It was the plan we were moving forward with.

Well, God had different plans and by the 6^th day of Christmas the body of Christ was pulling together a completely different plan. A plan where one person and I would fly out to Washington with baby John and give Mom a Christmas surprise. Two plane tickets were accounted for and a large sum for the other traveling expenses. My sister in law would give us lodging and transportation. There was even a set aside amount for the person and I to have a nice dinner! Who was the other person? Sarah! We had thought of our youngest daughter, but when Sarah offered that if I wanted her to come she would, it seemed like the right thing. On the hind end of things now, I KNOW it was the right decision.

Sarah told me about the plan and what was transpiring and wanted to be sure that David and I were on board. I told David and with humble gratitude we accepted the offer and then the blessings kept pouring in. The next couple of days were a blur as Sarah and Mandy arranged the travel plans and meals and childcare...you might ask why these are such a big deal?

My husband owns a construction business and works at FedEx. Christmas time, especially the last week before, is the busiest time of year for them. He is gone so much in December that we are happy to get to pray with him before he heads off to bed at night, and enjoy a Sunday breakfast...the rest of the time is work or sleep. Add to his schedule the seven children I would be leaving home. One at the high school, three at ORE (two of which are in half day kindergarten), and two homeschooled. That will help you understand the scope of the work that went into making sure the ones left behind were cared for and loved.

On the 8^th day of Christmas, in the wee early hours of morning, Sarah and I, along with baby John, headed off to the airport for Washington. My sister in law picked us up and we headed for a lovely lunch, picked up a gift for Mom and headed to the hospital. I sent Sarah in to see Mom with the gift and Sarah asked mom if she would like another surprise. I peeked around the corner and saw her nod and entered. With tears streaming down her face, she reached for me and we laughed and cried together. I asked her if she wanted another surprise and Janet (my SIL) came around the corner with baby John. She held him as best she could and kissed him and cried and laughed. She said it was the best Christmas present she could have ever got. We visited for quite a while and left after dinner with promises to visit again the next day. We headed to Janet's home and were able to relax and visit with Janet's husband and daughter.

On the 9^th day of Christmas we said goodbye to Dave and Anna (Janet's husband and daughter) and headed to the hospital for a visit. Janet dropped us off, but Mom would be in therapy for a while, so we grabbed Starbuck's...it's everywhere out there...and Soduko and relaxed with the baby in the lobby. We had a nice visit with Mom and it looked like overnight there were some major improvements in her use of her left arm. She hated being in the hospital but seeing the baby and getting to visit was a comfort. We visited during lunch and promised to visit on our way to the airport, the next day.

On the way home, we stopped to visit Mom's cousin, Darlene...the one who doesn't drive. Darlene has been a light in my life, ever since I can remember, so I couldn't imagine being out there without a visit. She even had candy in the candy dish...you could always have as much as you wanted at Darlene's. Our conversation was sweet and blessed us all so much. Darlene sent a card and said, “Thank everyone concerned with helping you make it here. I can truthfully say I've never enjoyed a visit more. It was one of the nicest Christmas presents I've ever had.” I think Sarah, Janet and I feel the same way.

On the 10^th day of Christmas, Sarah and I had fun playing elves, leaving surprises of Christmas cheer for our hostess while she was away at work. She came to pick us up for our last visit to mom before the airport. When we arrived, she was continuing to mend and was put on regular food and was already trying to make plans to go home. It was hard to say goodbye, but I was so thankful I had a chance to see her again.

One funny side note. Our first return flight was delayed. Then they let us board. Then it was delayed again due to a seat back technicality or something. When we were finally underway, any extra time we had to relax in Pheonix before our connecting flight had been eaten up. To make matters worse, the stroller and carseat that we had gate checked weren't at the jetway when arrived. Sarah had to run ahead to try to hold the other plane while I waited for the baby gear. There was a very helpful passenger who set up the stroller for me and helped me get John in. Then I ran, yes ran… as fast as I could to get to the next flight, which seemed to be at the very ends of the earth! When I got there, the flight wasn't full and the generous attendant made sure we had a set of seats with an open seat for the baby between. Add to that a very fun and lively attendant in the plane who gave us complimentary snacks on the flight home...she offered us other things, but we declined ;)

We made it home on the 11^th day of Christmas...Christmas Eve. It was about 4 AM when we got to St Cloud. Sarah had been such a help to me and the trip, I think was a blessing not only to us, but to all those whose lives we touched. We were able to be home for Christmas too!

I am so grateful to all the people of The Waters Church, and others, who made the trip possible. Your generous giving of money, service and prayers helped bless my family so much. Thank you for being part of our Christmas Miracle!

Oh, thought you might like to know. Mom is now at her home. Some friends from her church have helped make her home more accessible for her and for now, she is able to care for herself mostly. Her neighbor helps her get her groceries and she relies on Paratransit to get around. We still aren't sure what caused the stroke. She will be meeting with her doctors soon to determine if and when she will resume her cancer treatments. Please keep her in your prayers.

Written by Dawn Jansen, a.k.a. Simply Dawn. You can hear more about God working in my life on my blog, Simply Dawn.

Lovies!

Anyhow, he and I had shoveled the driveway and sidewalk and I said that it should count as my exercise for the day.  To which he replied that snow shoveling is not exercise for Minnesotans, it’s just what we do.  I retorted that it indeed does count as exercise for housewives, to which he could pose no argument.

He then said that he wanted to get a gym membership.  I said, “Why spend all that money to get exercise when you are young and can get it so easily just by riding your bike or walking wherever you go.  Besides, you have a weight bench too.  You really don’t need a gym membership.”

“Yah, but I need some dumbells.  I wonder how much those cost…” he said.

“I don’t think they cost much, you could probably pick up a set on craigslist or from the second-hand fitness shop for a reasonable price.  You could use the money that you would spend on a gym membership and have yourself a nice setup,” I replied.

“I suppose, but I want to get rid of the plastic covered cement ones that don’t match my set.”

“Well, I have a set of dumbells at home,” I said.  “Eight of them.”

“You do?  I have never seen them.  What sizes are they?”

“They are all different sizes, different shapes too.”

“Really…hmmm, well, they have to be a certain kind so you can use them for push ups…you know so you can grip them…”

“Well, I don’t think I would use them for that.  It might hurt them.  They don’t take too kindly to getting gripped.  Not to mention that putting all my weight on them might damage them.”

“Really…what!…Wait!  What?!”

Then he slugged me and said, “You should put this on Facebook.”

So I did one better and put it out here for all my lovely friends to enjoy.

Lovies!

So, I found this recipe over at Chocolate Covered Katie.  I thought, meh, why not give it a try, seeing as how I would like to be healthy and all and seeing as how I like oatmeal and raisins, and seeing as how eating my beloved Cream Cheese Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches isn’t going to go a long way towards eating healthy…although they do go a LONG way towards making me happy and giving me a sense that, even if only for a moment, all is right in the world when I enjoy one with a tall, frosty glass of leche.

So, in light of trying to do the right thing and fit into my jeans and run after naked toddlers without getting winded and leap tall buildings in a single bound…
I tried Katie’s recipe and it was tasty, but then I decided to make it my own.

Muwuuuhahahahaha! 

Add all your ingredients to the bowl of your food processor with the blade attachment.

Now, the recipe I am including today has craisins added.

I did the nutritional facts (see graphic after recipe) for JUST adding craisins.

  BUT you should know that you only add 19 more calories to each ball by adding 1/3 cup white chocolate chips.  Only. 19. More. Just sayin’.

Processing…

I have had this Cuisinart since I was 12.  12!  I bought it for my hope chest and dug it out long before I got married.  I just couldn’t wait!  It is such a great work horse!

If you have big chunks, you haven’t processed it enough…

If the bits are uniform in size, and they hold together when compressed you are ready for the next step.

Oatmeal-Craisin-Nut Treats

makes 16 servings

1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup raisins
12 Tbsp oats
1 cup walnuts
1/8 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon (or more to taste)

1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Put it all in your food processor and pulverize it till it resembles fine bread crumbs.  If you squeeze some into a ball, it will hold its shape.  Then, to get the portions pretty equal, I line an 8x8” pan with plastic wrap and gently press the mixture in, dispersing evenly and leveling.  Using the plastic wrap, gently lift the slab out of the pan.  Then I cut a grid of 16 2” squares, and firmly shape into balls.  I keep them in the fridge, cause I like them cold, with a little glass of milk.

Enjoy!

My house is not built of straw.
My house is not built of sticks.
My house is made of flesh and bones,
Not of mortar, nor of bricks.

I build my house each day,
With tender love and care.
The hugs I give and the words I say
Build relationships there.
                            simply dawn

photo courtesy of April Sauers

Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

“The wise woman builds her house.”  Am I a wise woman?  If I am seeking first the kingdom of the Lord, I think I am at least in good standing to be.  If I base my decisions each day upon the golden rule of loving my neighbor as myself, that’s wisdom.  If I place myself into submission to the authority of Christ, that’s wisdom.  If I deny my selfish nature, am I distancing myself from foolishness?

When I look back on all I have done today, I want to be able to say…
   …I had some great conversations with the Lord.
   …it was good to stop for a moment and greet my man with some lovin’, he works so hard to take care of us.
   …I am so glad I stopped for a moment with <child>, they are growing up so fast.
   …I am glad I took a moment to encourage my friend

These are the things that build our houses.
These are the things that leave no room for regret.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

The Lord chose to build his church upon the rock of a human being.  He chose to invest his time and teachings into his disciples.  He walked and talked and ate and taught these men.  They were his earthly family, and in them he built a mighty legacy.

We as mom’s can do that everyday with those the Lord has appointed us to train to be godly men and women.  I think that first our homes need to be built upon the Cornerstone of Christ, seeking his kingdom first in all we do.  Then the house we build will not wash away.

What are you building your house upon?

Lovies!
simply dawn

Our family doesn’t do much for the New Year.  However, this was the first year…in like FOREVER…that David and I were actually awake as the old year passed away!

We have had a pretty good year.
We have grown closer to the Lord, our friends, our church, each other.
We have added to our family.
When May rolls around again, we will have been in business for 5 years!

Yep, it was a busy year, but a good one.

We have lots of goals and plans for the coming year.  Well, when I say we, I mean me   I am excited to see what the new year holds!

Mostly I just want to get to the point that my feathers don’t get ruffled when the Lord let’s life upset my plans. 

Now, that would be something special!

Oh, and if He can get me to the point of only putting one foot in my mouth instead of trying to swallow both up to the knee, well that would be pretty keen too!

Hope you all had a safe and sane new year and that 2012 will be your best year yet!

Lovies,DJ

All of the art in these layouts is from Creative Memories, the Cheerful Power Palette and the Cheerful Winter Addition.  The fonts are Gentium Book Basic and Tiger Rag LET.  These pages were at 8.5x11 cause I wasn’t paying attention when I started and didn’t do a custom page size…snapfish does the particular book I printed at 8x10…it still worked out as SBC3.0 allows me to set up rulers on the page so I can simulate an 8x10…does that make sense?

And this truly was a gift from the whole family because there is no way I could have taken 8 hours out of four days without their help…yep, it is that busy around here this time of year.

Anyways, Daddy, if you don’t want to see this before you get the real thing, you should stop reading now.  Otherwise, enjoy!

I helped my neighbor with a book project.

There was an article in the Friday, December 9, 2011 edition of the Sartell Newsleader…here is the link:

http://www.thenewsleaders.com/schreder-book-offers-a-symphony-of-voices

Anyhow, this was such a fun project. It started out using Creative Memories Memory Manager to scan in hundreds of photos…every photo in the book was scanned in. Some enhancements were done to them, the cover photo in particular needed some work. It was the only one of all the family together and was damaged and blurred…so we went with that and did a soft focus on it with brightening. The idea was to have an impression of the family together…sometimes you have to get creative with old photos.

Getting bored yet?

Next, I shared them with Creative Memories Storybook Creator Plus software. I had a separate project for each of the eleven kids (did you read the article?) and each of the kids had about 6 pages of photos in the book. There were also farm pictures in the front, along with Faye’s early years; at the back of the book there are many group pictures of the family. All the pictures were different aspect ratios (shapes and sizes) so each page has a different layout. Each photo was then turned black and white and given a thin white border and a shadow to add depth to the page.

After that, Faye asked if I could help with the text too. So I used Open Office for that and added the pages in. Then she asked me to help with the cover front and back. So the only thing I didn’t design was the spine! Of course Faye had final say in all things, and it was so fun getting to know her better and working with her on this project.

The final part of the project was the Thanksgiving family party the Schreder family had. My friend April and I did a photo shoot for them – April shooting me assisting. It was so neat to get to meet the people I had come to love through their photos and stories. At the end of the shoot as we were packing up, Faye placed the book in my hands. It was a bittersweet moment. So wonderful to see the fruits of our labors, yet so sad to know that it was over.

So that was my big, “mommy” project that I got to work on this summer, I hope I can do more!

Lovies,DJ

2F, and thankfully no wind.

As I was getting ready, I realized that the weather called for something a little warmer than my usual blue jeans and scarf, mittens and parka.

I remembered that we had a pair of too large for any of the kids snow pants floating about.  I went on the look for them, and where did I find them?  In the oldest boy’s room…yes, he is 5’10” and hasn’t stopped growing, so the too large for any of the kids snow pants have turned into large enough for the oldest boy, but still hopelessly roomy.  That hopelessly roomy part, that, made them just right for mom.

As I donned my new duds and sauntered up the stairs…it’s impossible to walk like a lady in them…I felt like a yeti.  I pulled on my parka and tightened my scarf about my neck.  I tried to find a hat that would fit, but alas, that’s yet another reminder that I have a big head…literally…well, probably figuratively too.  But, just a little bit of big head.  I pulled on my mittens and started out the door with my dear sweet boy all bundled up behind me.

We trudged down to the bus stop…no snow for that, just this uncomfortable feeling of added girth.  We chatted about the day and what our hopes were for each other.  He gave me a big hug and seemed to squeeze just a little tighter because mom was all the squishier…I don’t know what it is, but kids seem to like a mom with a little mush on her for squeezin’.

I got to thinking about my childhood, when I was his age…did I wait for a bus?  I don’t remember ever riding a bus in our little dessert town.  I remember getting up on a winter’s day and putting on the down jacket with the zip out sleeves that mom and dad had bought for a Christmas present.  It was a beautiful aquamarine color with large white and pink stripes, just one of each, in a diagonal across each breast.  I remember the sun shining and the wind blowing and the chill in the air.  I remember tumbleweeds ambling along in the yard and the street, seeming to call out, “Nanana booboo!  You can’t catch me!  Ha!  You can’t even chase me, you have to go to school!  Nanana!”

I remember the smell of cigarette smoke so deep in the cushions of the old truck and van that it rubbed off on our clothes and everything felt sticky.  I remember country music on the radio and mom singing along as she drove us to school.  I remember a quick hug and kiss before we hopped out the door…a warm squishy hug from a tired mommy.

As I watched the bus pull away this morning with a last wave to my smiling, waving boy it was good to remember those things.

It was also warming to think that back then the lowest temp I saw was probably somewhere around 30F and I never even knew snow pants existed.

Thinking warm thoughts for you and yours today!  May you be blessed.

Lovies,DJ

Anyhow, the picture organization is coming along well…except for when I get to the baby pictures I just can’t part with any of them…not even the blurry ones!  But, I have paired down from the 18,000 I had to about 16,000…progress is being made.

I got Christmas cards done and ready to mail.  I just need to go through the handing out ones as in the switching of computers last year I lost my address book and lists and such and now I have to start from scratch…not to mention, not sending out cards for two years…I hope I don’t miss anyone.  I also have my card album started and have made a list to put in there so I don’t forget who I gave cards too…perfectionism rears it’s wonderfully ugly head again!  But heh, it’s how I roll.

I have a super busy weekend coming up and then, maybe it will be quiet for a while before Christmas.  If I can keep my priorities in order, my family will come through it unscathed…priorities…I tell ya.

Oh, and because only two people signed up for the card give away in the last post, they both are getting a set of cards…now I just have to get it to them.  Thankfully I will be seeing both of them in the coming weeks…let me know if you need the cards right away and we will meet up ladies.

Other than that, I hope you all are having a great week and hopefully I will get some pictures and posts going soon.

Lovies,DJ

I used StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0.  The paper is from the Reminisce Winter kit and all of the graphics except the one of our family Christmas card are from GraphicsFairy.