Category: Holiday

Christmas Eve Outing

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Holiday, Isaac Update, What's Happening

On Christmas Eve, Isaac had a doctor's appointment in Orlando.  We thought we'd take you along on our trip.

Here we are at the doctor's office.  Doug is getting Isaac's chair all set up.

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Isaac was waiting patiently.

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Grammy's latest invention for keeping Isaac's toys on his lap and off the floor.

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Getting all strapped in and ready to go.

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See?  Isaac was in a great mood, and so excited to have a "Fun Day" out.

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We had to stop for the photo op!

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When taking Isaac's picture, you either get eyes open, or a smile:  never both at the same time!

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Here we are in the waiting room.  We were seeing his gastroenterologist. (tummy doctor)

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Since July, Isaac has gained 3.5 pounds, and grown 3 inches!  He is getting so tall!!!

We decided to try out the new Super Target after our appointment.

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They aren't kidding about the "super" part.  This is how you get to the parking lot:

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Now, if you are wondering, like I was, how in the world you got your groceries to your car on the third level of the parking garage, wonder no longer!!!

An escalator for the buggies!!!

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Afterward, we had lunch at Red Lobster.  I know it looks like my camera is out of focus.  It isn't…notice the inanimate objects are in focus.  It's only the wiggly Ike who is a big blur!

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After lunch, as we headed to the mall (on Christmas Eve!!!  what were we thinking???) we noticed that Isaac needed to be changed.  Have you ever wondered how we managed to change a 4'5" boy when we are not at home?

First we find a remote area of a parking lot that has shrubbery like this?

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Then we unload the wheelchair and clear out the back part of the truck.  (We do NOT use the rope to tie up Isaac!!!  I don't really know why Doug has that back there! LOL!!!)

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Then Daddy brings Isaac around, lays him on the pad, and we take care of business.

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Putting Isaac back in his seat:  Feeling ALL better now!

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Here are the state troopers on security detail at the mall:  Notice they are double parked!!!

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Some of the beautiful decorations in the mall. 

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It was insanely busy in the mall.  I had to keep hold of Doug's shirt so that we didn't get separated.  People wouldn't even budge for Isaac's chair sometimes.  (My husband, however, does not let people get away with that.  He just stands still until they move.  It's amazing how people lack basic manners these days.)

We walked one half of the mall, then had to stop for liquid fortification:

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After that I was able to walk the second half of the mall, and get myself out to the truck where I took the above picture in honor of the substance that had sustained me! LOL!

Even Isaac looked a little bit tuckered out after our full day.

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We had such a wonderful day out, even though the crowds were so big.  It was fun to be a part of the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  There have been many years that we didn't even see a mall decorated for Christmas because we never had the opportunity to go, or Isaac didn't feel well enough to go.  So we were grateful we were all having a good day all around.

Our Christmas was wonderful, too.  We all were blessed with lovely gifts from people who love us.  I'll share some of those pics later.

Did you all have a good Christmas too?  I'd love to hear about it!

Blessings,

Alesha

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Friendship, Holiday, What's Happening

Excitedsmile 

I am getting so excited about meeting my sweet friend, Laura!!!


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She will be here from Japan on Monday!!!

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We are meeting at the World's Largest McDonald's PlayPlace!!!

(I know!  What were we thinking???)

We are just hoping that a Monday
afternoon, before school lets out, AND before Christmas break, will not
be too crazy, busy and loud for us all.  If it is, we'll just find a
great big parking lot and park somewhere. 

If you think of it, please keep her in
prayer.  She is flying out this weekend alone with three children.  I
know they are 3 very well behaved children, but keep these things in
mind:

  • they are flying internationally
  • one of the children (Josh) is special needs
  • she will be bringing all of his meds with her
  • she will be bringing his formula with her

Her trip through security could be a real nightmare!

I know she would be really appreciative of your prayers for a
smooth, uneventful trip.  Also remember to pray for Josh:  he has been
pretty sick with a cold this week.  You know how flights can hurt
little one's ears, even on the best of days.

Also pray for Bekah and Kei – her beautiful, sweet daughters.  I am
asking the Lord for a flight attendant that takes a special interest in
them, and sees to it that they have an excellent flight together!

I am going to try to remember to take lots of pictures! 

I am also excited for Joshua and Isaac to meet! 

*They are the reason that Laura and I found each other and became cyber friends!* 

I am hoping they will both have a really excellent day and "see" and
"acknowledge" each other.  And if they don't, it's no big deal either!  We will hopefully have the pictures to remember the day. :o)

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Btw, my jewelry is still on sale – 25% off; and I am still offering
free shipping.  So if you need something as a last minute gift, be sure
to stop in and have a look around.

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Our Christmas cantata and play will be this Sunday evening at 7 p.m., eastern time.  If you'd like to watch it online, this is our church's website:  Landmark Baptist Church.  Just click "media" and "live services."

You can look for me in the choir.  I will be on the left side, third row.  I am not very tall, though, so you will have to look very carefully!  lol!!! :o)

I pray you are enjoying this wonderful Christmas season, so far.  If not, put on the brakes, slow down your pace, and take some time to really soak up the sights and sounds of the Holiday.

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace.

98765

Blessings,

Alesha

Fireside Christmas

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Holiday

For those who asked, here is the Fireplace cd that Isaac and I were enjoying today.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=akconklisxang-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000MHISSC

Happy Labor Day!

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Florida Weather, Food and Drink, Holiday, Isaac Update, What's Happening

I always enjoy this holiday so much…like having one more day of calm before the whirlwind of school and the holidays begins in earnest.  Because even though is was still in the low 90's here over the weekend, my mind is already turning to autumn. 

We don't actually have very much of an "autumn" here, but it is nice to have an occasional day of less-than-sweltering temperatures.

I also just LOVE autumn decor.  I used to wait until after Hall*ween to put out my pretty fall leaves and such.  Now I don't wait that long, because I want to have longer to enjoy my favorite decorations.

Doug and Isaac have been sick with icky colds since the middle of last week.  I was quite busy, doing things I don't usually do, because of that.  It was nice, though.  I enjoyed doing the weekly shopping and was able to visit with my grandmother who is in a local nursing home right now.

I also had the joy of attending the 90th birthday party of a sweet lady from our church.  It was such a nice time of fellowship and celebration.  I wanted to share Mrs. Ruby's secrets for living to be 90.  She had three of them:

  1. Drink a Coke every day.
  2. Take a BC powder every day.
  3. Eat cracklin' cornbread whenever you can.

And I have to add that evidently having a really great sense of humor doesn't hurt, either!!! : ) 

(Here's a recipe for those who are curious:  Paula Deen's Jalapeno Cracklin' Cornbread.)

Well, I need to finish up here.  I still have a couple of "to-do" items left on my list.

Are you working on a project today too?  I'd love to hear what you accomplished today! : )

Quiet Middle, Then BOOM at the End!

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Holiday, Isaac Update, What's Happening

The balance of our week has been relatively quiet – which is ok by me! 

For some reason, Isaac has decided that nights are for singing and laughing and playing, while early mornings into the afternoons are for sleeping, sleeping and sleeping!  We usually don't have any idea why he occasionally gets his days and nights mixed up, and this time is no exception.  We just do our best to keep him awake during the day, and hope he will break out of the cycle before too long.

I was looking for a good guacamole recipe yesterday.  I've tried several, but I haven't been really pleased with any of them so far.  I finally "googled" "guacamole" + "authentic recipe" and on page 3, found the Pioneer Woman's recipe for guacamole and pico de gallo. 

The recipes were fabulous!!!  So simple and yummy.  I don't know why I didn't think to search her site first.  Maybe because most of her recipes sound so rich with butter, cheese and meat that it didn't dawn on me to try her site for two vegetarian dishes.  These were great though.  I heartily recommend them!

Well, Doug has the day off today, and we're trying to find something fun to do.  It has to be an inside activity, though, because the temps are supposed to be in the mid 90s today.  We're thinking of going back to the Wh*le Foods Store.  What???  Isn't going to the grocery considered "something fun to do" at your house???  : )

Isaac will be enjoying the "BOOMS!" this weekend!!!  The first July 4th after his adoption, we went with friends to the local fireworks display.  We had no idea how he was going to react, but he loved it!!!  Giggled and laughed the whole time.  We've not taken him for years due to the seizures, but he still enjoys the big noises every year.  We call them "BOOMS!" because to Isaac, that is a very funny word.  : )

Well, the boys are waking up…I guess I need to finish up.  I pray you
have an exciting and safe Fourth of July holiday.  For those of you
outside the States, go ahead and light a few sparklers on our behalf! 
You know you want to! : )

Blessings,
Alesha

Saturday, 11 April 2009

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Holiday
Luke 24:1-3KJB
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they
came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared,
and certain others with them. 
"And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 
"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus."

He is risen!!!

 

How Deep The Father's Love For Us
by Stewart Townsend

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom