And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:9

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thanksgiving!!

We spent Thanksgiving this year at my uncle's house in N. Richland Hills!  It was so wonderful to get good time with the family!!!  The problem is that I didn't get any good pics of the family.


My cousin did get a couple of pics of B & Me so that B's Mommy can see:
a.)  my belly
b.) the new, cute sweater that she bought for me.


 You can tell that we were ready to watch our Ags beat t.u.!!!  We both had our maroon ready to go... 

 In these pics, I am at 31 wks.  So, only nine weeks to go until we get to meet our little sweetie pie!!! ________________________________
One of my cousins is a punter for Kansas State!  KSU was playing UNT.  So, he got tickets for all of us and we got to go watch them play!!  Sorry it's blurry, but there he is....

Here's the cutie after the game!!  It was so good to see him!!

 Here he is.  On the left is my cousin, M.

Posing with B & me.  I couldn't bring myself to wear anything KState related, but put on a little purple to support him!!!
 Final pic, posing with my Momma....

That is the jist of our Thanksgiving celebrations!!  Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, as well.

What are you thankful for...?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

FREE Nollie Covers

For any of you that are about to purchase a new car seat or want a new cover for yours...

You can get one for FREE!!

Click on this link and they will tell you how.

The basics are:

  • They are looking for specific new car seats that they want to create covers for...
  • If you have one of them, you send the cover & parts to them.
  • They create a new cover for you and send it all back to you for FREE
How cool is that?

Also, they are having a huge sale TODAY & TOMORROW ONLY!!

Click on this link to see their 40% off Sale!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

From Nate's Mommy

Subject: Update on Nate - 11/19/2010 - from Jackie
"We have been home officially one week. We are adjusting to regular life or what is going to be regular for us. Nate is doing very well. We met the doctor that will care for him yesterday and we are very pleased with her willingness to work with his doctors in LA. All his lab results look good! Jake and Luke were very excited to start back to school this week, and I returned to work. We were so blessed to come home to a very clean and organized house. I was talking to a friend yesterday morning about our journey and as I walked away and thought about our convesation I was reminded that we in no way have done this alone. God has placed an amazing group of people in our lives that have not only stood by us, but have carried us over the last two years. We are surrounded by family, friends, church family, co-workers, neighbors and strangers who have been the hands of Jesus to our family. We sincerely thank each of you who have lifted Nate and our family up in prayer. We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and pray you are blessed. Love, Jackie"

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Rockstar Prayer Warriors

UPDATE:  Our sweet puppy, Hank, who also has seizures, started seizing this morning.  He has gone at least six months without a seizure and we've been able to reduce his meds.  He's been acting weird the last few days, but then he started seizing this morning.  The seizure wouldn't stop.  Then, while holding him, I started having a seizure, too...we were quite a pair!

B is over two hours away today and I can't drive.  So, he put a call in to our vet.  Our vet is precious and actually came over to the house and picked Hank up...who said docs don't make house calls anymore?  Hank appeared to be in status because the seizure didn't stop after five plus minutes.  So, Lord willing, they can get it under control.  Thanks for praying.
****************************************************
ORIGINAL POST:  The power of your prayers are amazing.  Each time that I have come to you asking for prayers, it is pretty rapid that we see the results.  So, I'm not going to wait any longer to start begging again...

The seizures have come back and they are going crazy.  When I asked at the beginning of the month, you all jumped in and the response was almost immediate.  It actually turned November into my best month EVER!!!  That was until yesterday happened...I had five seizures yesterday (and some auras) and just felt awful.  I've already had seizures and auras this morning and it's not even 9am.  So, I'm coming to you begging you to ask HIM to heal these...take them away...

Thank you all for being such faithful, faithful prayer warriors!!!!  I know the Lord must love hearing the sounds of your voices!!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Car Seat Covers

I've got a fun deal for y'all!!!

We just purchased the cover for our little girl's car seat!!!  We found it at www.buynolliecovers.com.
The lady that runs the company is precious!!  She decided to give each of YOU a great deal.

Here it is, in her words:


...if your girlfriends decide that they'd like to buy a NollieCover for themselves...have them write 'fox' in the discount code box - and we'll give them a free belly pad and seatbelt covers...and if we see 10 fox orders coming in, you'll get a free NollieCover of your choice.

So, how much fun is that?  You get a free belly pad and seatbelt covers if you put "fox" in the discount code box!  If enough of you do it, that will in turn bless us!!!

So, what are you waiting for, go get an adorable car seat, toddler seat, or stroller cover!!  You should also hurry because they are having their Fall Sale and it ends this weekend!!!

Let me know if you have any questions!!  Also, let me know if you place an order!!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Update on Nate - 11/10/10

Today is a great day! Praise God for the help He has given to Nate and the Oxfords throughout this time. He has been a sustaining help and comfort all the way and has been faithful to hear the prayers of so many lifted up for Nate. Today, Nate received the news from the Dr that he is released and ready to go home. They are actually travelling cross country right now, heading back to Rockwall. Please pray for their safety as they travel and for Nate's comfort as well. He has to take meds regularly and there will be a checklist of things for him to take all along the journey. Nate will continue to be monitored by Dr's in the DFW area and will make occasional trips back to LA for follow up exams when needed. The days ahead will be very difficult for Nate as his immune system is still developing. Because of this, Nate & family CANNOT have any visitors at all for the next 150 days at least. They are not permitted to have any visits or meals for now, as a protection in the home from illnesses. Nate, Wes, Jackie, Jake and Luke are all so thankful for the many prayers and help that so many of you have given for them. Please continue your prayers for Nate in the coming weeks that his body will continue to get stronger, that his body will continue to accept the transplant and that he will continue in his health. Many of you have asked how you can help. Because of the home cleaning schedule needed at this time some of the things that would be helpful now are Clorox Wipes, Tide with Bleach (Tide brand ONLY) or Wal-Mart gift cards. Please communicate with me via facebook if you would like to assist with some of these items and we'll make arrangements to meet and get these items delivered to them. - Thanks, Scott Brazell

Monday, November 8, 2010

Exciting News from Nate's Mommy

This is from last night.  Sorry I'm posting it late.

"Today is a GREAT day for our family. Nate is being released from the hospital. We will go to the Ronald McDonald House and he will be back for doctor's appointments this week and hopefully he will be released to make the trip home next weekend. He is doing remarkable and is so excited to leave. I went to pick up his home meds yesterday from the pharmacy and as I picked up all 16! I was reminded that he is still in the early stages after transplant. His new immune system is still forming and he will be under strict precautions for many months. These meds are to help protect him from infection until his system is fully working. We are so thankful to be taking our little guy home. What an amazing and tough journey this has been. It has been the prayers of so many that have carried us when we didn't have the strength to pray for ourselves or didn't know what to pray. Today we rejoice with you all and look forward to sending an update that says we are headed to Texas very soon!
Please continue praying for the kids who are still here! This hospital and hospitals across the country are full of sick kids. The families we know who have kids in Heaven are never far from our hearts and minds. If you have healthy children remember it is a gift not a guarantee. Cherish every day, and love those babies! Love, Jackie"

Thursday, November 4, 2010

From Nate's Mommy

"Nate is doing very well and had a great time dressing up as IronMan and playing with Jake and Luke over the weekend. He is scheduled to have his central line removed tomorrow along with a lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy in the morning. If all goes as planned he should be released from the hospital on Sunday. He will go to the Ronald McDonald House when released. Things are looking very hopeful that he will get to return to Texas earlier than expected. We don't know an exact date yet, but we are so excited at the thought of returning home. Nate is still in the early stages and he has many precautions and rules that we have to follow for many months to protect him while his new immune system is forming. I feel that he will thrive and make lots of physical progress once he gets back to the comfort of his own home. I will send another update as we get more information. Thank you for your prayers! Love, Jackie"

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

From Connor's Mommy

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

JOy
Suffering teaches us that God's ways are above our ways.  We often struggle like Job did with the injustice and the mystery of our sufferings.  We search for a reason why this should happen?  I know that there were times when I questioned God's plan.  There surely is a better way.  Job questioned God's Sovereignty, too.

"Even today, my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!
I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say.
My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?  He does whatever he pleases."
Job 23: 2-5, 11-13

I understand Job's frustration.  Like Job, we often feel that if we live a life that follows after Christ, we are justified in getting the right reward for our efforts.  It makes no sense that others seem to be rewarded for unrighteous behavior, while righteous men like Job don't get their prayers answered.  It seems so unfair.  Often, I would cry out to God in my frustration.  "Did I not glorify you in my trials?  Did I not exhibit faith in you at all times?"  Doesn't it make sense that I should be rewarded for my efforts?  While I see other families who are battling childhood cancer that make no mention of God, His strength or saving grace, continue to hold their surviving children in their arms.  It makes no sense and doesn't seem fair.  Have you ever experienced these same emotions?

God's response to Job hits home with me.

"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Now gird up your loins like a man and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?  Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off it dimensions?  Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were it's footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"

God's response reminds me of a parent's response to a child.  "Because I said so."  "Because I know best."  "I brought you into this world and I can take you out." -Bill Cosby.  I can see that God doesn't have to defend his actions to me.  He's the one and only true God, who put this world into motion.  He's my creator and my Lord.  I owe Him my total allegiance and Love, not my questions and accusations.

These words from Addison Road give us a glimpse of God's awesomeness and His Holiness.

I guess I thought that I had figured You out I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about How You were mighty to save Those were only empty words on a page Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

Always believing,

Joy Cruse