Not much happening in the household these days. That is wonderful! I like quiet times.

Luke had a dentist appoitnment yesterday b/c he had benn complaining with a tooth ache. HE WAS WONDERFUL!!! He let them take xrays. The crown was loos, They put gel on hus gums to numb them, popped the crown off and reglued it. He aslo let them clean his teeth!! What a difference 7 months in between visits makes!!! he does have two small cavaties. We will go back on the 27th to have them filled. They prescribed a mild sedative for him to take at home before he comes in.

We leave Monday for the beach!! YAHOO!! Can't wait to get there. We will stay 3 nights. This will only make the 2nd time we have been to the beach in the 8 years we have been married. We normally go to the mountains. Mom and dad couldn't go with us so we decided to wait for them and go to the beach this time. Luke has been asking for a while to go back to the beach too. I will have black and white pics of the kids to post when I get back! I have some picture frames that need updating with new beach pics. This will be Cole's first trip in the sand! I hope for sun and warm weather!

I had forgot my password!

It has been so long since I have been on here, I almost couldn't remember my password! HAHA!:)

We have had so much going on.

My Aunt went to live with Jesus on Saturday night. The funeral was yesterday. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. My mom is doing great!! She keeps telling me that she knows I am waiting for her to break down but that she is so peaceful with Aunt Sister being much better off with Jesus that she is doing ok. I am still waiting to make sure I am there if it happens though. I do worry about her. This is the 5th sibling she has lost and she has been through so much in her life. She is the strongest person I know and it is all because of her faith and belief in Jesus. The funeral was very nice. It was standing room only in the church. The church served us wonderful food afterwards. We saw a lot of people the we haven't seen since the last family funeral. Of course we all say we will keep in tough but we never do. Facebook is helping me with that though!

Our entire family including my parents battle the stomach virus last week. It was awful around my house. Mom and dad got it from taking care of us. I was so worried with my mom having to stay away from the hospital to take care of us. She had to come get Cole on Wednesday b/c me, Russell and Luke had it and we could not function to take care of him. Luke had it 3 or 4 different times over the last two weeks. Poor little guy!! I lost 5 pounds I was so bad - i have my appetite back though and have gained it all back before anyone jumps on me about loosing more weight, ha!

My boss has been in the hospital with a blood clot in his leg. He got out today and is back at work already.

I started as the Clerk this week. Officially by myself. I went in Monday for about three hours. It went good. A little slower than I wanted but I will get the hang of it soon and will be "fast as Dash" as Luke says.

I need to post a new Aerogarden pic. I had to cut the Basil back it has gotten so tall. The other plants are big too. They are drooping some though. They are just not a thick plant. I need to "stake" them somehow. Actually I am ready to plant something else!! And probably will soon. I am trying to decide what. I can start my own seeds to transplanting in my garden outside. I haven't decided if I want to do that or now. I am thinking of flowers or lettuce next or little tomatoes.

We sent in the registration yesterday to enrol Luke in K4. I cannot believe he will be 5 in July and starting school.

Cole is 10 months now. I am shocked how these months have flown. In 2 months my baby will have his first birthday! OF COURSE I am stressing over the details already and have been driving Russell crazy for months actually!

Well I will go for now. And will try my best not to be so long next time.

Prayers for my mom - her sister is near death

The doctor's have told them 24-72 hours. She had a strock several months back and has been going down ever since. Right now she is just existed and waking up for a few minutes to talk a little. She will be much better off we know but of course it will still be hard. My mom is the youngest of 8 children and this will make the 5th sibling she has lost.

Prayers are appreciated for the whole family.

Update on my AeroGarden

Here are new pics as of today, February 18, 2009.

Cole said Bye-Bye and waved tonight!

I was going out of the room where Russell & Luke were and I heard him say it real softly. I practiced and kept trying to ge thim to say it. I went back in there and FINALLY we got him to do it. He kept doing it as I was walking off and they could not hear him, they could just see him waving. But after a few times he said it where they both heard him too! Are yall saying "Awwwwwwwwww" like I am? HA! :)

Prayer Chain for Ella Norris

I have a huge request to ask each of you. As most of you know I have been praying for a little girl named Ella Norris. Russell went to high school with her mother. On November 11th, 2008 ( I think that date is correct) Ella was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. At the time she was 16 months old and diagnosed with failure to thrive as well. She's a tiny thing, but as cute as a button. She has a website at www.caringbridge.org her website name is ellanorris. Please check for her story, updates, and photos. Anyway, I am telling you all of this to say that Ella's family is having a benefit singing on Friday Feb. 20th and her MRI to check the tumor is scheduled for Feb. 25th.Tamara wants the days between the singing and MRI to be filled with prayers to our Lord for Ella's healing. We need to cover the MRI techs, the doctors, Ella,the family and this tumor in prayer. I know that God hears our prayers and He tells us to pray without ceasing! They are trying to book people to pray continuously in 30 minute increments. I would love to be able to grant this sweet family that wish. Please pray about committing 30 minutes in prayer for this precious child. If you are interested please send me your name and number and Tamara or Shana will call to set up a time with you. I believe in the miracle of prayer! What an awesome testimony to have when this tumor is gone by the MRI on the 25th. The doctors perceived this to be a hopeless situation, the faith that Tamara and her family have has proven that it is not! Satan may win some battles but he will not win this war! Please pass this around and lets get as many people as we can to pray for Ella between the 20th and 25th. Send me your contact info and someone will contact you.Thank you so much! Jennifer
(Ashley, I copied your post from your website except of course for Russell going to school with Tamara. You had already worded it so greatly, I didn't see any sense in me changing it, ha!

I am Fulton's Town Clerk

I resigned my City Council seat last week to apply for the Clerk's position. The remaining council voted last night and I was given the job. It will take me a few hours on Monday and Friday while I am off to do it. I prayed for God's guidance and now am praying that I followed it right. Of course, with anything new I am nervous about taking the plunge into it, ha! Please pray as I begin this new adventure!

This is a hired position, so, it will end having to run for election every 4 years.

Right now, Scotch is giving us an office in their offices to put the Town Office in. This is the first time that the Town Clerk has not also been a Scotch employee in as many years as anyone can remember.

Trying to play catch up

We have all had colds and stuff. It started with Cole, then Luke, then Russell and then me. I missed work yesterday b/c I had fever and chills. I am back today but can barley talk about a whisper. Russell will love that, HA!

Luke learned to ride his bike this weekend!!! He decided he was ready and he went out there, got on it and road!!! He is such a stinker. He got it for Christmas in 2007 and is just now deciding he will ride it. Him and Russell did the whole block around the neighborhood Tuesday and Russell did not have to push him at all. He is growin up right before our eyes!

Cole had his 9 month check up on Monday. He is 29 inches long and weighed 19 lbs 8 ounces. He had lost 2 ounces but Dr. Hunter said that was normal around this age. He had to have one shot, have his iron checked, and take an eye test. These are all routine for the 9 month check-up.

Cole has another ear infection even with the tubes. I called Dr. Wilson, the ENT, on Friday of last week and they prescribed some drops. When we went to Dr. Hunter for the check-up on Monday, he said the left ear was not as clear as it needed to be after the drops, so, he prescribed an antibiotics for him too. I need to call the ENT now b/c we ran out of drops this morning and he is still draining some. But since I have no voice I will wait until tomorrow and hope they can hear me better, ha!

I have been behind in keeping my blog updated, please forgive me. It seems like my life gets busier and busier and I just keeping adding more things to it.

Mrs. Connie has a doctor's appointment today. She is having some swelling that is not normal and the Dr wants to see her to see what is going on. The lymph nodes did come back showing a trace of cancer and she has an appointment on Feb 19th to discuss treatment. Please continue to pray.

Hannah Grace Harrison is still holding her own but is having some problems today with some level they need in control. Please continue to pray.

Cole has been very fussy and not sleeping well these past two days. And very clingy to me. We're hoping he is teething but who knows.I did see him pull at his ear twice yesterday and it was really red. We have an appointment on the 9th for his 9 month check-up (I canNOT believe his is 9 months already!), so, unless he acts sick we will wait until then to be checked.

I have some things going on the the "background" right now that cannot be mentioned yet. Please pray God will show me whether I am making the right decision and hopefully between now and the 10th. HA! Not to put God on a timetable or anything! HA!

Aerogarden Pictures

I planted the seeds on January 20th. Took this picture today, January 30.

If you click the picture, you can see a bigger version of it to see the sprouts!

Urgent Prayer Request

Hannah Grace Harrison has taken a turn for the worse. She needs platelets because she is bleeding somewhere. They did a CT this afternoon and it looks like her bowels are shut down. In the next 24-48 hours they will know if they have died or not. If they have died there is nothing that can be done.

God can fix this. He is the almighty and with one touch he can take this away. Please pray for Hannah Grace. This is very unexpected. We are going to start a prayer chain and I ask for you to do the same. Call every one you know and ask for prayers. We will lift this family up so high.

Thanks for your prayers and please pass this on for more prayers!

In God We trust,

Jennifer

Aerogarden is growing strong

All six of my herbs have sprouted. The dill is about two inches tall. I will do pics when I get a chance. I know I keep saying that. I have not done well with updating pics here lately. And those of you that "KNOW" me know that is not like me!

Thirty One Show

Thanks to everyone that ordered. I EXCEEDED my goal and got LOTS of free products and discounts. I can't wait for them to get here. :)

Mrs Connie

The pathology report came back. I really wish Dr would not guess on these things! There was a trace of cancer in a lymph nodes. They have an appointment with the Dr on Feb 19th to discuss what kind of treatment is needed.

She is out of the hospital and at her daughter's in Gadsden until she feels like the 3 hours ride home.

I am $50 short of my Thirtyone Show goal

My Thirty-One show will be ending soon. Remember to PLEASE go to www.mythirtyone.com/amanda and then click Place an Order and then Select my name to shop under my show.

The show will end tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28th.

I am $50 short os my goal which will DOUBLE my rewards!

Mrs. Connie

She had the surgery yesterday. There was NO cancer in the lymph nodes Praise the Lord! They think the surgery got it all. The pathology will be back tomorrow and they will know for sure. Thanks for your prayers!

Update on my Aerogarden

I have three herbs already sprouting!! I planted it on the night of the 20th. I am excited. Luke is too! The plant he picked as "his" has not sprouted yet, so, he has now changed plants, ha!:)

I will try to post pics soon.

Mrs. Connie's surgery is Monday morning

Please say a prayer for her. Please pray specifically that the surgery can get ALL the cancer!!! She has to be at the hospital at 430 AM, they will put some kind of dye in her at 600 AM and the surgery will be about an hour later.

Me, mom and my friend Lesley Graves are going to Birmingham for the surgery. We're going to leave around 800. We're hoping that will get us there at a good time to see her after recovery.

Luke and Cole are staying with Mrs. Helen and Mr. Ben. Luke keeps flip'flopping between staying with them or my dad. You never know what he will decide until the last minute. He will be spoiled either place! Cole will get to play with his cousin, Price. They do not get to spend much time together. They are two weeks apart, so, they will have fun playing together.

Of all things, I cannot find my charge to my TomTom!!! I had it last night but have searched all over for it!!!! I will turn the TomTom when we get into Bham instead of having it on the whole time to preserve the battery. I do have my OnStar for a year, so, I can always use it if the battery runs low. I rarely go to Bham, so, I have no clue where to go!!!

Please be in prayer for Mrs. Connie!! Thanks!

Don't forget to PLACE YOUR ORDER!

My Thirty-One show will be ending soon. Remember to PLEASE go to www.mythirtyone.com/amanda and then click Place an Order and then Select my name to shop under my show.

I would really appreciate your ordering. I am below my sales goals right now. My consultant is pregnant and trying to have some good shows right now. I know how she feels since I was in the same boat not too long ago with my kitchen gadget business of which I AM NOT ALLOWED TO POST THE NAME OF IT ON HERE, so, please don't comment with the name, ha!

My Birthday

I had a great day!!! Russell had a meeting that day and could go in to work a little later, so, he was there when I got up. Luke and Cole were up so I got my present that morning. I got an AeroGarden. You can check it out at www.aerogarden.com I have been wanting one for a while. It allows you to grow herbs and peppers and lettuce and other items on your counter top. I also got Reeses Whipps - the only chocolate I will eat pretty much.

I got lots of calls and well wishes online that day. And cards in the mail.

Mom cooked supper for me, red beans and rice made HER way. I request this every year. She also made me a WONDERFUL Red Velvet Cake. I am still eating it each day for breakfast! I got money from mom and dad.

Mrs. Helen and Mr. Ben came over when we got home. I got money from them too.

I LOVE money! HA!

I am going to get my windows tinted with my money. There is a man in Grove Hill that has been doing it for years. He is going to tint them this weekend. I am ready for the sun to stay out of my kids eyes in the back seat. Those sun shades are not working for the backseat in the car.

It was a GREAT day!!! I don't fill any older now that I did on Monday!

Mrs. Connie

She got the MRI results back. The cancer is only in one breast. They will do surgery Monday morning. They will do the reconstruction then too. They will check the lymph nodes during that time as well. Please continue to pray for her. They will know more about treatments after the surgery. She will be in the hopsital 3-5 days.

More news on Mrs. Connie

She had the MRI. They will have to remove one whole breast and want her to decide if for precautionary purposes she wants to remove the other at the same time. They will do test at the surgery to see if it is in the lymphnodes. She will probably have to do chemo but not radiation.

Cole pulled up!

He did it in his bed the first time on Friday, January 16th. I had left the room so I missed it of course, UH HA! He was looking for me though is why he did it. We put him back down and got to see him do it the 2nd time.

This picture is from this morning when he pulled up at the couch.

Update on Mrs. Connie

They are doing an MRI on Friday to determine the stage and containment of the cancer. Please continue to pray for her. Pray that the test will show the cancer is gone or contained in the breast!

Our Preacher's wife has cancer

She found out yesteday. It is breast cancer. Right now they are setting up test to determine what stages and how bad. Please pray for her and her family and our church family.

Cole slept all night last night. He was fussy off and on before I left for work. Mom said he took another nap pretty quickly. The Dr said he would be fussy for a day or so.

Cole got his tubes today.

Cole got his tubes today. He has been fussy but other wise doing fine.

God was at work. When they called me yesterday they told me it would be 800 instead of 630 when they took him but that we still had to be there at 630. When Dr. Wilsoon came in and they told him they were doing some other man first, he told them NO that he was doing that baby FIRST!! Thank the Lord.

He was crying when he woke up horrible and Dr. Wilson did not make us stay in recovery he let us take him out. As soon as we went out the door he quieted down.

He slept the whole way home.

Thank you all so much for your prayers!!!

A uneventful weekend

Those kind of weekends are nice. We did not have any plans to do anything.

I had a headache most of the weekend. I think it it my eyes. I haven't gotten a new prescription in two years. I am goin to have them check on Jan 17th.

I really do not think I am worried about Cole getting tubes. I am worried about him waking up wanting a bottle and not being able to have it but not the procedure itself. I am a little nervouse about him being put to sleep. But I know so many that have done it perfectly fine, plus, I know God will take care of him.

We are leaving when Russell gets out of school tomorrow. Me and Luke have hair appointments at 130 tomorrow before we go. Luke is starting to look shaggy.

Well the Gators did it last night!

I am proud for Tebow. He seems to be a true genuine Christian. We needs those kinds of roll models these days, they are few and far between in the "tv land" our kids see.

Cole is getting tubes

We go Tuesday morning at 630. We will spend the night in Mobile on Monday night. They will put him to sleep, so, he cannot eat or drink anything after Midnight. PLEASE PRAY THAT HE WILL NOT WAKE UP WANTING A BOTTLE!

Dr. Wilson said it would take about 15 minutes to do them once the came and got him. He said they do them in order of age, so, him being 8 months he will be among the first.

Pray that it is successful with one set and this will stop the ear infections.

My Hit Counter

I notice that my hit counter has reset itself. I wonder why? Anyone know if it resets after it reaches a certain number?

Update on Cole's ears

We went to the Dr yesterday. He STILL has the infections. He was running a slight temp too. The Dr immediately told us to call the ENT for an appointment and tell them they sent us. She said there was nothing else they could do at this point. Dr. Wilson who Russell saw a few months back sees children also. We have an appointment Thursday at 315. I talked to the nurse and she said from the sound of it that he would definitely be getting tubes. It is possible by us going Thursday they could do them as soon as Tuesday. They do have to put him to sleep, so, he will not be able to eat or drink after midnight. Please, start praying now for this. We all know how a 8 month old baby wants his bottle when he wakes up.

I am ready for tubes, but I do not know if I am ready for my baby to be put to sleep!! That scares me. But I know God is on control.

The pediatrician gave him more antibiotics to keep taking until we go Thursday. Dr. Wilson's nurse said it was ok for him to take them.

We will go to Mobile and spend the night for the tubes. That way we will not have to get up and drive with him to Mobile and try to keep him ok without a bottle. That way we would be right by the office and not have to drive long with him. Since the procedur only takes about 20 minutes, Luke can go with us. We could not spend the night if we had to leave him. This way we can make it a "fun" night out for the family too.

Please Place an order

I am hosting a Thirty catalog show. They sale purses, wallets, backpacks, children's items, spa collections, stationery, baskets, candles, blankets, Bible covers and all kinds of things. Go to www.mythirtyone.com/amanda then click on "place an order" and then "select" on my name (Jennifer Stephens) to place an order under my show. I have MANY of their things and the quality is great. PLUS they monogram for FREE!!!!