Jada

Test results for Jada came in with nothing conclusive. She has to have another soft tissue MRI done on April 13th. Apparently her condition has brought great interest from surgeons from the East to West coast. Hold her in your prayers that this condition will be something that is neither life threatening or dibilitating.

Brian turned 41 on Friday. Looking back the years seem to have flown by.
It is fun to watch Brian interact with his son and wife. Oliver is the cutest babe. He likes to laugh, enjoys playing with his toys and his mom's hair! Oh, and let's not forget his best friend, Wags! They get along the greatest!

Prayers for Jada.......

Please continue to pray for good test results for Jada today. Darlene and Jay have an appointment later today to receive test results.

Saturday, the weather was great and I am so glad that I took an hour to sit outside on the deck and soak up some sunshine. It was 62 degrees on our deck. With the return of colder weather, we haven't had snow but it has been too cold! I am eagerly awaiting spring.

I signed on to Bill and Rachel's baby pool. It was fun to put in my guess to see when our newest grandson William will be born! Grandpa Bill did this all on his own too :)Here is the website if anyone else would like to make a guess. http://www.bebepool.com/urnvs31

Update.............

Today Jada is going to Fairview Hospital for a bone scan. We are praying for good results for her tests. On Thursday, Jay and Darlene will find out the results from the MRI and blood work-up she had last Thursday. Please continue to hold Jada in your prayers. On Saturday, my cousin Mary called and told us that Aunt Carolee was able to go home and she continues to get stronger. She will be having physical therapy to help her muscles get stronger. Keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery.

Good News and hopeful news.........

My aunt Carolee was in the hospital for five days and is now back (temporarily) in a Care Center in New Hope. She had a reaction to the cholesterol medication which she was taking which was trying to destroy her muscle tissue and was on continuous IV for 5 days. Two weeks ago she had a lumpectomy on her breast and was blessed as it had not spread to her lymph nodes. She will have to undergo radiation treatments when she is better. We are blessed that she is getting stronger and able to walk a few steps by herself now. Keep her in your prayers for a swift recovery.

We are praying for good results for the tests my niece Jada is having on Thursday. The dr's in Owatonna found a spot on her femur bone and on her knee. They suspect cancer. On Thursday Jada will have an MRI, CAT scan and blood work up. Keep her in your prayer's for the diagnosis to be something less serious.

The winter blahhhs............

I have kicked into hibernation mode and don't want to leave the house when the weather is this cold. Too many days of cold weather for me! Where is the sunshine, the daffodils, the tulips, the robins ........ Oh that's right "whenever Monday comes around" there is no doubt about it, I must get myself to work, cold or not!

Shortest month .....

After yesterday's storm I can see why February is the shortest month of the year. Even though we didn't get as much snow as expected we really did get the ice, sleet and high winds. I spent some time last night at Brandy's. It was fun to spend some time with them, which I hadn't done for awhile. Kailey is a 3 year old social, fire ball, she talks non stop and makes me laugh out loud. Brayden was getting ready for a boy scout overnight so he had some stories to share about his trip last year. He is excited to be going again this year. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend! A good book and a cup of hazelnut cappacino!

New Blessings ................

I started a class at CrossRoads Church called "Dare to Care" and it has brought many new insights into my life for totally relying on God. My verse this week is "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7. I am praying this verse daily this week, probably hour to hour on some days for I am somewhat of a "Doubting Thomas". I pray for strength for even faith is not a guarantee that we will sail smoothly throughout our days; our faith cannot be measured by worldly success and faith is not a magic combination of words, emotions and positive thoughts that grant us our every demand. I know that I must be more Christ centered rather than self-centered.

Valentines day this year was a bit different since Bill and I celebrated on Friday the 13th by going out to supper and later dancing to the "Austin Big Band". A great band to dance to and we had a lot of fun. I know Rachel and Angie would have loved it!

Happy Valentines Day........

Happy Valentines Day to all my family and friends. Hope you all have a very special day!

There's no getting back to who I used to be.......

Life's many twists and turns leave me wondering sometimes "Is this really the me I wanted to be?" Is this really the "me" I've become. Some would say I am successful. It doesn't mean I have all the money and wealth I could have had. It doesn't mean that I havn't been foolish at times in my life, it doesn't even count when I have been down right stubborn to see a different point of view. I look to my youth and those complicated teen years when my life was before me and wonder what would have been, if only this hadn't happened, if only I had done... But what does it really matter? Does it keep the rose from blooming, spreading its petals one by one to open to its fullness? Does it keep the azure, blue sky and sunshine glistening on the crisp, white snow from being any warmer on a cold, January day? Does it make one love any less?

Maintaining my positive outlook and having loving relationships contributes significantly to the "me" I am today. The Lord has blessed my life many times over
and I have learned and grown from the times of trial. I love life, having compassion and sharing to lessen someone elses trials is what makes me who I am.

Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

The Birthdays!

December 25th - Happy 10th birthday Madison! Who shares a special birthday with Jesus
December 31st - Happy 3rd birthday Sophi! Our New year's eve girl!
January 10th - Happy 26th birthday Rachel
January 11th - Happy 38th birthday Amy
January 13th - Happy 18th birthday Aubrey -
January 17th - Happy 1st Birthday Abram
January 31st - Happy birthday grandma Rita
February 11th - Happy birthday Barry (32)

We celebrated two special birthdays with Aubrey turning 18 and Abram turning one.
We have almost 1/2 of our birthday celebrations in 7 weeks! I will try to post pictures soon.

The girls present "I Believe" I really do!

Kenzie, Madison and Jessie put on a play for us. It was funny and they put their hearts into the performance! It reminded me of the break dancing, singing and plays Billy, Angie,Brian,Chris,Amy and all the Olson cousins used to put on for us at the Olson gatherings. Here are a few pictures:


Kenzie, Madison and Jessie with santa!