Annabelle's surgery

Annabelle has finally had her belly button hernia fixed. She has had the hernia from birth and the doctors said that around the time of her starting school, if it hadn't fixed on it's own (which sometimes happens because it is only an under developed muscle I guess) then it would be time to do surgery. The hernias will only fix on their own till a child is about 6 years old and then they just get bigger. On adults, they just need operated on more quickly because they just don't repair themselves.

I had this same surgery after I gave birth to Joel. It was horribly painful for recovery. But the doc said it would be much better for Annabelle and sure enough it is.

Annabelle was so scared about the surgery and she was scared that something would go wrong. I told her that on the very odd occasion Jesus takes people home to heaven when they have these things done but that she would be fine because we had lots of people praying for her safety. She asked if she could let Jesus in her heart so she was sure she would be okay. I told her she definitely could and that Jesus would love to hear her pray a prayer. I asked her a few questions, if she understood that Jesus died on a cross for her sins and if she new what if meant to make Jesus Lord in her life. Then I explained these things in terms she could grasp and she prayed the sweetest and most sincere prayer to the Lord. Then she fell asleep and she slept so soundly.

Here is a picture of Annabelle before bed the night before the surgery. She was so cute in her new nightie and socks from my mom, just for wearing to the hospital.

6:45 am heading to the hospital. She was so tired!

Getting weighed at the hospital - 20kg

Hospital bracelets on

Blood pressure

And the "arm hugger"

This is the freezing cream under plastic bandage. But weirdly enough, they put her IV in her arm. But she doesn't remember any of it anyway.

Cute in her hospital gowns.

Then they gave her the "drink" which is really horribly tasting medicine and once they got it in her mouth they blew on her face hard so she would be forced to swallow and then she cried. This was the only time she was really upset. She hates medicine. The nurses told her she won the prize for taking the medicine and that she could have a sticker! She was happy again then.

Sitting waiting as the "drink" started kicking in. She was so cute. It makes them super sleepy and a little weird. We couldn't understand anything she was saying and she was singing a little. Then I prayed with her. She was so happy and at peace.

Waiting to go into the OR. Her one eye closed and the other didn't much. They said this was just a side affect of the sleepy stuff.

After the surgery. She was crying a little bit but it was because she was coming out of the anesthetic. She did so well and never thrashed or screamed or anything like some kids do. They warned us of all the things that can happen. She just whimpered a bit and then I told her she did really well and she said, "Is it all done??" She was so surprised and she said she didn't even know she went to sleep. It was so sweet.

We brought her a gift, this book and a new outfit. So cute and she loved the story, but doesn't remember hearing it.

Adam waiting with Annabelle for the doctor to come and let us go.

And she fell fast asleep.

Then the nurse took out her IV and the doc said she could go. He is a wonderful surgeon, same one who did mine and he is great with kids.

Daddy on the elevator, carrying his princess to the car.

And then at home, relaxing after breakfast with the treats she picked out and watching the movies we rented with her. The surgery started at 8am, was finished at 8:30 and we were home by 10:30 with Joel.

My friend Tye lee had taken Joshua for the night and Joel slept at his cousins house (thanks Rod and Berna!) all because Annabelle really wanted Daddy to be there as well as Mommy. I was so glad that Adam was able to come. Can't believe how God took care of Annabelle and today I am just trying to remind her that she still needs to rest. She just wants to be up playing all day! She is already feeling great.

Yesterday we had a few visitors as it was my birthday and people came with gifts for Annabelle and I. It was so nice. Annabelle's teacher is coming today to bring her a little gift too. She is so excited.

God is so faithful and so Good!

My mom and I sat up till after 3am last night on a mission to get Adam's and my taxes done. I needed a few things out of the way before Annabelle goes in for her hernia surgery on Monday so I can relax without trying to do extra stuff while she is recovering. So, we finished it!!! Thank you so much Mom! And as always, God is so good to us! We use our tax returns to pay for the kids school and although the price is steep, we payed in full last year in May and this year we will be able to do the same, and still have a little left over to set aside for holidays and maybe buy Adam some much needed chest waders for fishing.

Also, we had a big scare with my dad this week and after tests, let me say it again, GOD is SO good, and Dad is going to be fine. What they thought was possibly the worst case ended up being serious but easily taken care of with some antibiotics.

Spring break is coming to a close and I feel a weight lifted and revitalized to start the usual schedule.


Psa 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

If I were a Butterfly

Over spring break I was certainly busy but enjoyed all the quality time with the kids... and extra kids. Here is one of the projects we did and finished up yesterday. I forgot to take pictures of a couple of the crafts along the way but you'll get the idea. A lot of the pictures turned out fuzzy also and that was the cause of a finger print that my sister discovered on the octopus day. I got most of the craft ideas from the link below. Very great site, I have used it often over the years!

If I were a Butterfly

If I were a butterfly I'd thank You Lord for giving me wings,

And if I were a robin in a tree I'd thank You Lord that I could sing,

If I were a fish in the sea, I'd wiggle my tale and I'd giggle with glee

But I just thank you Father for making me, me.

For You gave me a heart and

You gave me a smile

You gave me Jesus and

You made me Your child

And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant I'd thank You Lord by raising my trunk,

And if I were a kangaroo, You know I'd hop right up to You, (see them on the left side?)

And if I were an Octopus, I'd thank You Lord for my good looks,

But I just thank you Father for making me, me.

For You gave me a heart and
You gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and
You made me Your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm I'd thank You Lord that I could squirm,

And if I were a fuzzy wuzzy bear I'd thank You Lord for my fuzzy wuzzy hair,

And if I were a crocodile, I'd that You Lord for my great smile,

But I just thank you Father for making me, me.

For You gave me a heart and
You gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and
You made me Your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

The finished project and lovely art on the wall for the kids to admire as they go to the basement to play. We tried this before but didn't quite get finished so I am glad to say it is a complete project. The kangaroos were a toilet paper roll craft and the fish were made with washable markers on coffee filters, wet with spray bottle, dried by blow dryer and then cut out and decorated with little craft jewels. A lot of fun for sure!!!

St Patrick's Day

Since I have a bunch of Irish blood in me and St Patrick's day was made a big deal of when we were kids, I like to do the same for my little ones. This year we had a crowd but enjoyed it none the less. I always read the children the Legend of St Patrick which they love. Then we do a craft and watch the Veggie Tales version of the legend on The Sumo and the Opera. Here are a few pics of the fun of the day. The thing uploaded them in odd order so sorry about that.

Here the kids are watching the movie and having popcorn. They really enjoy it.
My nephew Eric with his finished hat

Curtis and Annabelle just goofing around with their hats on.

Joel made sure there were lots of stickers on the front and insisted on no glitter or glue.

Annabelle with the biggest smile of her life! ha ha

Eric, Alex and Curt, working hard on their pictures.

Buds!

The crowd, crafting away at the kitchen table.

working on their hats.

Hope your day was wonderful! God bless!

TERRACE IS HOCKEYVILLE!!!

The kids and I watched the Hockeyville results at the 1st intermission of the Canucks-Sharks game tonight. Joshua and Joel wore Charlene and my jerseys.

Terrace Is Hockeyville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope to get to the game at the arena vs. The Islanders on September 14th.

Hockeyville Madness!

Well I decided to go down to the voting center tonight to do some intense voting for Hockeyville. Very glad I did. There was a nice community spirit as everyone voted away.
I had worked hard to get my 3,000 votes and almost tripled that in about 3 hours down at the voting center!!! I'm always amazed that when I step out of my comfort zone and do things that are not things I want to do but feel right I'm shocked at how positive the results are. Terrace is Hockeyville or not it was a great experience.

Voting Summary:
computer (hard, several days) 3,303
3 hours at voting center 11,130
__________________________
Grand Total 14,433 votes!!!

Hockeyville!

Joshua took this picture of Adam and I at the Sportsplex after skating. Don't we look so cool! ha ha
Adam really wanted us to get the Hockeyville jerseys. I am glad we did as I love to supporting local things like this and we use the Arena quite often with the kids.

Here we were just getting ready to head home from free skate which is every Monday from 3:30-4:30. So much fun!

Adam proudly wearing his jersey.

Annabelle was starting to get a little sore from falling by now so she was using the wall to help herself along. She actually is a very good little skater already. I am glad the kids get a lot of practice time as I didn't get a lot as a kid and I am pretty scared on ice.

Joel can skate great... well, it is more like running as fast as he can. It is so cute. I can't help but laugh. He rarely falls though.

And Joshua has pretty much mastered skating. No fear!

Adam is doing very well getting close to his goal for votes for Terrace is Hockeyville. Tonight finishes the voting and then we can get back to regular life! I have not put in many votes but I have done a few. How exciting! Only a few more days and we will know if Terrace did it!