Is it true?

Carter yesterday on our family hiking excursion.
Today while driving to the Kirkwood library to check out books and visit Aunt Jeannie I was especially glad that I am a stay at home mom. Carter asked me to turn off the radio. Now keep in mind he (the soon to be 9 year old) is the one who usually asks for me to turn up the radio so I knew something important was coming. We had only been a couple miles from home when he asked "Mom, how do we know that Christianity is true and the others like Mormons are false?" A WOW kind of pause went through my head. Number one - I was astonished to hear that his critical thinking skills are being refined more. Number two - How can I explain it without giving too much detail and not enough as well? I needed wisdom in a jiffy.

I explained that the Bible is true because historically it has proven to be true. I shared with him that while I studied the book of Daniel this past spring all the historical events were jumping out left and right. It was amazing to see how much stuff in the past points to what happens in the future. I also shared that there is still more is to come. I told him that the Daniel study solidified my faith. Amazing really amazing! Praise you God!

I called Dave from my cell phone to let him know of this wonderful question. He said that we will need to explain it further with him. A one liner should not be the full explanation. I fully agreed.

Carter couldn't go to his baseball game tonight due to a slight fever and neck pain so we had some quiet (ok somewhat quiet) moments in the living room. Dave was able to get out the book Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell. He explained more in detail how the book goes to prove why the Bible is true and not a book of fairy tales or made up stories. How it was written by over 40 authors over the span of 1,500 years. He also pointed out what I had stated earlier with proving it historically. People have found other works / evidences (documents, books, archaeology, etc.) that has proven certain cities and people have existed in the past that are mentioned in the Bible. Dave was able to explain that one of the reasons for the Bible was to show God's redemptive plan for mankind. Much more was said. Carter was engaged very well in the conversation.

Pray for it to be clear to Carter. He asked Jesus to be his savior at a younger age. Praise God that he is thinking more deeply and wanting to know more why he believe what he believes! I am also thankful that in our family we have a close enough relationship for him to be comfortable to ask such a deep question. I am so glad he is questioning. It is healthy to do so.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronony 7:9

"He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind." 1 Samuel 15:29

What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Isaiah 46:11

So then, just as you received Chirst Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strenthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2: 6-7

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him, now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Thankful for moments like these. - Kate

How great is our God

I just couldn't keep this video to myself. It really speaks for itself.
God IS so great! Seeing the landscape scenes in this video by Chris Tomlin is just amazing to me. I really hope it blesses your socks off.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0kaWLHEd4


kate

Nacho Mammas

Ok, this is the funny part of the day happenings for the older boys and Dad. I called in to see how things were going. Dave stated that they were eating. While driving down Manchester Road he mentioned to the boys the various eating establishments. . . Applebees, Imos, Nacho Mammas . . . . The boys yelled from the backseat . . . "Nacho Mammas!" It was settled that they would eat there for lunch. Dave said "It is a real dive and the portions are huge. We are sharing a nachos grande." He mentioned seeing two faithful bloggers Stacey and Sue at the dive. I was laughing to think how much they were enjoying themselves.

Today has been a good day. My eye does flutter at times but oh well if that is the worst part of my day - I cannot complain. FYI - I have yet to call an eye doctor for an eye exam.

Here's to starting summer with Nacho Mammas!

School is Out!

Rattlesnake Cole at the "Going West" 1st grade play.

Carter at his poetry reading on Wednesday.

Whoooopppeeeeee! School is officially out for the summer. The older boys made full usage of their half day of summer freedom yesterday. While it was a drizzly day out they went to the unfinished part of the basement with dry erase markers to design some great artwork for me to see this morning. They also played a Narnia stratego board game. Each boy received a marble to put in the "Gotcha Jar". Once the gotcha jar is full they will be rewarded with a fun day somewhere. I am not sure if I have ever explained the gotcha jar but the philosophy is that if someone catches you being kind or doing a good deed then you earn a marble. The whole family is involved in reaching the full jar goal.

This week was a full one. Tuesday was the farewell party for Madee. Wednesday was the second grade poetry reading. Carter did a great job. I loved his first poem about a kid having every sickness in the world due to not wanting to go to school then comes to realize it is Saturday and decides to go out and play. On Thursday morning was the first grade play of "Going West". Cole was a rattlesnake that bit an Indian girl. It was to show the settlers could "be friends" with the Indians by giving them medicine for the snake bite. So cute!

Dave is taking Carter and Cole out this morning to a bookstore then out to lunch to celebrate summer and to have some daddy time. Stuart and I need to get our act together and take a walk before it rains again. Still in our pj's though.

Looking forward to summer fun!

Chosen & Appointed

Before I was born the LORD chose me to serve him.

He appointed me by name.

Isaiah 49:1, NirV

No News is Good News

Cole sharing his snow cone at our church picnic today.

Oooooh it's cold.

The old saying is correct. No news is good news. It has been already one week since I last posted. Life is quickly passing by. With school coming to an end this Friday there has been two birthday parties to attend, mulitple baseball and softball games, an upcoming closing chapel, two picnics and two farewell parties. This Tuesday at our home we are hosting a farewell party for Madee, a sweet girl in Cole's class. She is moving to Pennsylvania on Saturday. Our whole family will sorely miss her family. I am not sure I have come to terms with them leaving just yet. Leigh Ann, Madee's mom has been such a sweet friend to me. I am looking forward to hearing the first graders share what they have appreciated about Madee at the party.

Summer fun is just around the corner. This year it has really caught me by surprise. I don't have any big agendas for the break. Swimming will be a top priority. Carter gets to go away to a three days two nights camp for rising third and fourth graders. He is thrilled! The camp is only about an hour away. Cole I know will enjoy sleeping in more and playing with his lego contraptions. Carter on the other hand hasn't mastered the art of sleeping in. He is waiting for a party or a new adventure. Sounds like someone else in the family? hint: The only "she" in the family. We will see aunt Jeannie more since she works at the Kirkwood library. They have an outstanding summer reading program.

Aside from the occasional aches in the head, eye twitching and some fatigue I really cannot complain. Naps are helping. Truly I am more amazed every day how my body is feeling. Yes, the aches do at times alarm me but not enough to merit a strong concern just more reason to rest. My next MRI is Monday, June 11 with Dr. Needles follow up on Wednesday, June 13. Very thankful that I switched doctors closer to home with the rising gas prices as such. Whoa- a whopping $3 a gallon. No thanks!

Others have asked how I am doing with family meals. It has been a constant struggle so I am now looking into an evening session of cooking at an off site location. Twelve entrees are made in about two hours with no cleanup hassle. They are then stored in our freezer for future usage. The menu items are easily adaptable for our family not to mention very yummy looking. I might even recruit some friends to join for a fun girls night out. You wanna join? Unfortunately no group discount is given that I know of.

Snodgrass dudes ready to rumble

Carter and Cole had a blast sitting on Mr. Wichts bike last weekend. They didn't get to ride around but I am sure they wanted to. Their jaws dropped and eyes were gazing (almost googly) when he drove off listening to the motor. Such a boy toy.

Mom getting her groove back

Cole, Stuart & Carter with Mom!

Happy Mothers Day

Prior to leaving for church gifts were given. Cole gave me a handmade loom weave square. It could be used for a miniature pot holder or a coaster. He also gave me a decorated stepping stone last night. He was so excited that he couldn't wait for me to see it. Carter made a neat bird feeder from the base of a clay pot. A blue jay enjoyed himself at dinner tonight. The blue jay reminded me of my high school days as it was our mascot. I have heard that they are aggresive birds. (Need to do some research on that one.) I love homemade gifts made by the boys more than anything. I marvel at the handiwork of God. How He takes a tiny cell and then develops them into creative beings that can do wonderful things with their hands and minds. All for his glory.

Dave brought home a beautiful pink hydrangea plant from all the Snodgrass boys on Friday. I love flowers. Lastly, besides homemade cards a hilarious e-card from the boys was sent to me called Help Mom get her groove back. It had a cat outfitted in sunglasses doing groovy disco moves when DJ Doggie played the titled CD's of 1. Mom, I'll hustle to the store for you 2. Don't go dissin my Mom 3. Yo! Yo! Mom! I cleaned my room (the best one) 4. Hang 10 Mom, I'm cooking. All laughed as I was being entertained tonight. So glad I hadn't posted this till I read my Hallmark e-card.

The Snodgrass men took me out to brunch at First Watch. It is a favorite spot of mine that I haven't frequented much lately. After eating we came home to nap that is Stuart, Daddy and I. Daddy was sleeping in and out of watching some sports event on TV. After waking I was able to then go to a friends home to deliver a sympathy card and a plant due to them not being able to conceive yet another child. Cancer has really shown me more clearly that pain is pain no matter what it is and it hurts. I came home to tinker in my Moms garden pulling weeds. Being outdoors is a joy.

Church today was bittersweet. I was thinking about the "what if". My heart was aching thinking of the possibility of my boys not having me in less than 4 years. I find that the only time I cry is due to the possible hurts that the boys could experience. I have been emotionally fine for the most part up till this morning and thankful the sadness didn't last that long. It also helped that the sermon was on Romans 8. God love is so good. I am grateful.

Field Day 2007

Cole running in the obstacle course!

Carter in sack races!

Big mouth Kate announcing the coin competition

Can you tell I love the megaphone? I sure am in my element in front of others (especially kids).

Whew! After some rain Field Day went on without much of a hitch. We definitely prayed for safety due to falls and such. Everyone had a blast. I think the rain made it somewhat more fun. Not a good hair day for most. Of course, we can all say Kate hasn't had a good hair day since November surgery. Oh well. The bandana helped out for the day.

Update on the competitions:

1. Coins - The red team was in the lead the whole week till today. Blue team weight total was 78.6 lbs. & red came in at 63.6 lbs. The boys were not disappointed though. All were happy to hear that the total amount raised came to $877.47 . I was praying for $500. God met that and beyond. The money raised is going towards their previous Spanish teacher, Senora' Robertson who along with her husband are raising support to be missionaries in Mexico. They plan on leaving for Mexico prior to summer is what I have last heard. Carter had their son Joseph in his class and Cole had MaryBeth. What a wonderful family that just shines for Jesus!

2. Field Day Overall Winners - Well, the blue team total score came to 32. Red 34. Whopppeee! All teams received medals for such a great day of fun. Go Red!

I want to thank Laurie my co chair for field day who came to the rescue during the planning stages. She has been the one who has really made the day possible this year. Her gifts really meshed well with mine in all the planning. What she didn't think of I did and vice versa. It is great to see that God knew who was needed at such a time as this. I will miss the multiple emails a day from her.

Thanks also to Gram for taking care of Stuart all day. She arrived at our home at 7:30 am. Jean came to take pictures with my camera at school. I am so appreciative.

Thankful that Field Day 2007 has come to an end. Looking forward to 2008 improvements.

On to planning a football party for a soon to be 9 year old in the home on June 5.

More Benefits from Houston

Dave & I knew that our trip to MD Anderson in early December was beneficial in many regards. Lately the quarterly newsletter they send has proven to us that the consultation has been even more of a blessing. In the lastest publication they wrote about cancer and the effects it can have on the eyes and ears due to the conventional treatments. A colon cancer patient was highlighted in this particluar article. Chemo and radiation were just a few of the agents they mentioned. I have continued to pay closer attention to my eyes lately and have noticed that I cannot go outside without some sort of eye protection. Sunglasses along with a hat have been a much needed relief. Early in the morning I now put artificial tears in my eyes to help with the dryness. Dave and I both agreed that I need to see an opthamologist that specializes in oncology by next month. A baseline would be good to have. The article mentioned cataracts as a very common problem among cancer patients. Dr. Simpson the Siteman radiologist oncologist stated that I could very well have cataracts in the future but that is easily correctable. I will need to take in active role in my vision from here on out. Of course what role haven't Dave and I taken with my health? Just another bump in the cancer journey.

Tonight I am going to bed right after posting this blog due to eye fatigue. Both older boys have awaken me two different nights around midnight in a row. Cole was cold and needed a blanket Carter has a cold and wanted some medicine to stop the drainage. So to say the least it is the Mommy that they wake in the night. Not Dad. Dad is such a sound sleeper he doesn't hear a thing during the night.

Goodnight!

Please pray that there is an opthamologist that specializes in cancer patients treating in St. Louis. I think we know one personally.

Juggling

Final preparations for Field Day are underway as the event is this Friday. Both Carter and Cole are on the red team and are loving the competition aspect of it all. I purposely put siblings on the same team to encourage teamwork on the homefront.

Not even knowing what I posted on this blog a friend called early last week wanting to make a meal for us. She had wanted to bring a meal early in this journey but it never panned out. I gladly accepted her offer and it tasted oh so good last night. The meal was a great blessing. It was good to know while I took a early walk with Stuart yesterday that I needn't worry about dinner plans. Thank you Heather.

As for the walk yesterday Stuart had so much fun counting the 22 birds, listening to their songs, seeing an injured rabbit and one white fluffy dog. He and I needed to get out an enjoy the morning without any agendas. My only errand yesterday was going to the bank to get coins for the Field Day coin competition. I am competitive too as you know. They are to bring in coins each day to see what team wins. The weight of the coins is the deciding factor. The money raised will go towards their previous Spanish teacher who with her husband is raising support to be a missionary in Mexico. Go Red Team!

I have been trying to rest more. After resting I then try to juggle the family and household duties. You might not see as many blog postings but keep checking in as I already have a draft made about MD Anderson and my vision.

One last item . . . my headaches have lessened which has been good. Rest is good. Very good.

11 Years Ago

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

On this day eleven years ago there was a thunderstorm with lightning and the electricity was going out sporactically. While preparing at home to marry my husband I was wondering if the church will have electricity for me to do my hair? Upon arrival they did. Yippee! Thankful we didn't plan the outside wedding like I had desired. Would that have been fun? At 1 pm in the afternoon Dave and I exchanged vows to one another. What a wonderful day it was. The rain stopped prior to pictures being taken outside.

Today we plan to celebrate by having lunch together.

Gram's Wisdom

Don't you know it is a mother who gives sound advice.

I called my mom (soccer gram as you know her) to let her know that I could have an MRI done by Wednesday to check out this left side localized headache pain. I was to call Dr. Needles office this morning if the odd pain was still occuring. At 6 pm last night I took two tylenol to see if it would help. After about an hour it helped in keeping it away. Went to bed at 9 pm.

Mom gave her advice . . . "I think you are over doing it." In my defense I said that I needed to run a household and what was I to do? I need to feed them dinner. She suggested that I take time to lay down while Stuart takes his nap. I said that naptime is the only time I have in making dinner. She then suggested I consider making dinner while the older two are doing their homework. That suggestion would be great except for a toddler who tries to escape to the outside world lately to play ball. I also don't want to use videos for a babysitter. He doesn't want to sit that long anyway. Cole needs help with his homework still as well. So I need to sit with him to listen to him read and help as needed with math or spelling.

I confessed to her (with hesitation telling you) that I have felt overwhelmed lately with all the responsibilities of the home especially meals. It is hard to plan a healthy diet restricting pork, most red meat and soy (due to Cole). I have started to keep a list of what we are going to eat. The list has helped in the past two days. I never have felt overwhelmed by the daily tasks of life in the home. I guess it could be my lack of concentration or something. Everyone has been so gracious in preparing meals for our family in the past several months. I should be able to and surely more than capable of planning meals. Pray for restful sleep at night.

I did take my moms advice today and rested while Stuart was resting and fell asleep. Dinner of chicken potpie will be prepared later. I will blog after resting is my motto for now. The older boys will have to keep little Stuart occupied playing in the basement. I only had 2 localized pains today. Not enough to merit a call for an MRI in my opinion. Dave stated that I really am the only one that can determine the pain urgency. He did notice that the pain is right on the border of the radiation hairloss area. It all could be from radiation. Oh the lovely side effects of radiation. Isn't this great?