Pumpkin Party!

Tonight we had a family/sunday school Pumpkin Party. This time of year is quite a trial for Christians, it seems. Trick or Treat: do we or don't we? I grew up 'trick or treating' in the US, but I know that over here in the UK it seems to be a much bigger problem for Christians...maybe it was when I was a kid, but I was unaware of it??!! SO, in order to let our kids have some fun and also bring glory to God at the same time (which is what Christians should always be striving to do), we have developed a 'Pumpkin Party'. Everyone brings their own pumpkin to carve, we have some food, play a few games, carve pumpkins, then listen to a little script that shares the 'Pumpkin Gospel'. We end up talking about how we need to let God's light shine out of us like the candle shines out from the pumpkin. We had a great time tonight, and even had some new kids from the community come. Aleah was our mascot, as she walked around in a little pumpkin outfit that her Nanny picked up at a 'car boot sale'. Dean's dad took the pictures because our camera was out of batteries.

Long awaited update

I am so sorry that there hasn't been an update since last Saturday! Shortly after I finished posting the blog about Aleah still being in the hospital, Dean rang and said that she had picked up and the Doctory had checked her and was happy to discharge her! Praise the Lord! Thank you to all who were praying for her, we appreciate each and every prayer. Bridgette (the nurse) asked if we would consider staying until her shift was done, just because she enjoyed chatting with us. ;)
The reason why there hasn't been any blogging since then, is that we left for a much needed family holiday on Monday. We rented a cottage in Woodbridge, Suffolk with a great family we've gotten to know over the last few years of doing a summer youth conference. They have 2 kids (girl, 11 and boy,8). We had a fantastic time doing lots of fun outdoorsy things and playing some great family games. I forgot to take the camera, but Dean was able to take some pics/videos on his phone, so I will get them posted soon. Also, our friends are going to send us some pictures as well so stay tuned!
We also went to a place called 'Diggerland' today! How amazing is that! We drove and operated some great JCB's and diggers...what a blast!
Hope you all are well!

Aleah update!

Aleah went downhill on thursday! She had to have an N.G. tube put down her nose because she stopped eating and drinking. She decided that she had enough of that at some point during the night because she pulled it out. Which was fine because she started eating and drinking again. Friday she made great progress and it was all looking very positive. Saturday morning they turned off the O2 to see how long she could go without it. When the Doctor came in to check on her she was walking around the room talking to him, and he had to chase her around a bit to listen to her chest. He said that if she manages to stay off O2 until his next round (5 - ish) he would discharge her! After that she started going downhill. She is now fighting off a fever! She is however still able to keep her SATS up and hasn't needed O2 yet. So there is still a chance. I am having a break from the hospital while Dean sits up there for a little while. Abby and Sam are beeing looked after by Pat and John ( Dean's parents) while I gather some things and get back up to the hospital.
Dean has had a great opportunity to witness to one of the nurses that is taking care of Aleah. As soon as she heard he was a pastor ('man of the cloth') she let him know that she was an evolutionist. Dean challenged her thinking, and actually made her realize that she is more than an evolutionist, she is an atheist. She didn't really like that term, but has definitely listened to Dean ...although she thinks it's all rubbish. Dean has given her a DVD entitled Two Ways to Live. She said she might have a look. Bridget (the nurse), has been wonderful and very friendly throughout this time. She has certainly kept us entertained! So, if you think about it, pray for Bridget...who knows, maybe the reason Aleah had to go to hospital is so that Bridget could hear the Good News! Isn't God great!!!!

Poorly Update.

Hey everyone, thanks for all of your prayers and concern, Aleah is on the mend but is still in hospital. The doctors have said that if she has a good night tonight then she can come out tomorrow (Saturday). I'm gonna put some more video up here so that you can visit her in hospital even if you live far away! Although this week has been a stretch, in terms of running to and from hospital and tough seeing your little one sick not being able to help much, it does make me remember to give thanks for family and friends that care and the other 300+ days of good health that God has given us. We'll keep you posted. Dean.

Poorly Aleah!

OK, this is my first foray into blogdom it's usually Kris that is organized enough to update our blog but she can't right now because she is staying with Aleah who was admitted to hospital last night :( She has a chest infection and is being treated with inhalers and oxygen and is making steady improvement :) So please keep her in your prayers and thoughts! I have a little phone video clip of her being cute while in hospital that I will attempt to post - We'll see how it goes!

School Webpage

I've added the children's school webpage. If you click on SHOWCASE and then you can click on each class' page. Abby is in Year 4 and Samuel is in Year 2. If you click on RECEPTION you may even find me (kris) at work.

To Mothers everywhere

One of the mothers of a child in Abigail's class sent this out to all the Year 3 Mums. I found it quite humorous. Enjoy!
http://www.findinternettv.com/Video,item,1646633813.aspx