Let it snow.....and boy did it ever!

Last night the pacific northwest really got socked with snow!  Back home they got 4 inches, Lynden got 6 inches, Concrete got 22 inches.  Here in the University District, we were the last to get snow, but it snowed all day, starting at around 3 am.  I was up at 5:30 am when a really strange thing happened - there was lightening and thunder!  It's a very rare phenomenon but it happened this morning (a thunder-snow storm!).

Here's some photos I took of our snow:


Those poor giraffes! Their frozen solid!  LOL!

I've found out that my Uncle Vern's funeral is on Monday at 2 pm, so unless her surgery is bumped (if a child needs surgery suddenly and is more critical than Esther, she can be bumped to later in the day or to the next day).

My sister, Lisa, was able to change her travel plans and will be flying in from California on Sunday. So she'll be spending Sunday with us, and some time with us Monday morning as well. It might work out really well if here surgery goes as planned, I'll be able to give an update before ther funeral, ans many of my relatives will be there and be able to know how Esther's doing.

The hospieal social worker was able to secure accommodations for the kids at home and Daryl for the week. I had looked into hotels, and a nice one was $149/night, and a cheap one was $69/night if we stayed a week. But the social worked got us accommodations at a nice hotel with the first night free, $102 for the second night, and just $30 for each night after that! Praise the Lord! He always provides for our needs!

Plus, since we really don't have any extra money, even the great deal on the hotel would be difficult, but a gal I've gotten to know through my fabric co-op send us some money to us towards the cost of the hotel, and Daryl got a Christmas Bonus today that will cover the remaining cost as well as gas to bring both cars down here! Isn't God incredible!

So, we will all be together in Seattle for a week (all but Jeremy), and that is what I want for Christmas! We are hoping to get our Christmas shopping done on Saturday, and maybe get the RMH room decorated as well. Not sure how much we'll be able to get done.

Here's a photo of my tired little Esther:

They've started Esther on a new medication that makes her sleepy and pretty listless when she's awake. I did get one smile out of here today, and several half smiles, so that was such a sweet thing for me today.

I think our shopping trip wore out the kids, they decided to just hang out at the RMH today, so I didn't see them today. Either that or my "come on up today and we'll have you get your flu shots" made them less desirous of coming to see us! LOL!

I was hoping to go spend part of the day with them, but with the snow, there were no volunteers to hold Esther, so I couldn't get away.

I ran across this video I saw a few months ago - check it out, it's really good - makes me cry every time I watch that part where Christ takes the blows:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

I've been doing really well today. I haven't been weepy at all, not sure what's different, but I have a hunch a few people are praying for me and that I will be at peace during this storm.

Praise You In This Storm

(click on title to hear song on GodTube.com)

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth