March 23, 2008

Hurry Home Rod!


Siggie Tag
Originally uploaded by Just Taken Pics
I'm stealing S'te's photo. The family went on a tour before Rod was deployed. Keep them in your prayers. Rod for a safe journey and a timely return home. S'te for stregnth to do all that she does while he is at sea. They are both heros in my eyes!!

March 20, 2008

Budding Artist



We have new artwork for our wall!! It is perfect for the tropical motif in the guest room!! Elizabeth painted Papa a wonderful picture of the beach. We received it yesterday - along with about a dozen boxes of Girl Scout Cookies - Papa was the original Cookie Monster !!! and lots of love. We always enjoy getting originals from the kids. Our shelves and walls are living proof of that!!
Otherwise, we are doing well. I go on Wednesday for a ct scan on my sinuses to see what is going on there. I still haven't gotten over whatever it is that I'm trying to get over. You should see me when I get ready for bed!!! First I drag out my "medicine box" and I take my medicine cocktail of antibiotics, restless leg stuff, fibromyalgia stuff, calcium, "D", and of course the Protonix to keep the acid from all the other stuff from eating my stomach. . . . then I put on my black wrist braces. . . . so that my hands will work the next day. . . . . then I put on my nose piece for the cpap~~~ Then I say, "Come on sweetie, kiss me goodnight" hahahahahahaha!!
I don't care what they say about getting old. . . . . it beats the option!!

March 16, 2008

The Presentation @ Lakewood Park

This is the presentation that the kids did 3 times during thier short visit here. They presented soooo well!!! They have such a gift, a great message, and such talent!! Everyone was thrilled!!

I think I have it figured out. If this didn't work - I will have to wait until S'te has time to figure it out for me!!!

March 15, 2008

Another Missing Child

This child belongs to an aquaintance of S'te's. She has passed this information to me - I know it is true and not a hoax. Please pray that this child returns to her home. As the parent of a child that has been missing for over 20 years- I feel their pain as tho' it is my own. I pray the information on their daughter is much, much better - and sooner than ours.


Fourteen-year-old Ventura County Girl Missing Since March 12th, 2008


The fourteen-year-old daughter of Heidi and Damian Warner was last seen leaving base housing in Port Hueneme the afternoon of March 12th, 2008. Thought to be with a Hispanic male, age 17-20 said to be on his way to San Bernadino, California, parents fear that she is being held against her will as she left with nothing but the clothing on her back and without money. Police and NCIS have been assigned to the case, though as of Saturday, March 15th, she has yet to contact home and little is known as to her whereabouts. At this point, we are concerned for her safety and well-being and urge the public to help bring Brenna Oppel (might be going by “Warner”) home! Brenna is 5’3-5’4 and around 110 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. She has her nose pierced and wears braces with green elastic bands.
Any information needs to be given ASAP to:
The Oxnard Police (805) 385-7600
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (805) 982-4591
Or the Polly Klaas Foundation (800) 587-4357

March 7, 2008

To Catch up

The very same day that the kids were flying - I got a call from the Coos County Sheriff's Department to discuss a phone conversation with the CBS affiliate in Portland, OR. They were looking into "spotlighting" Jeremy's case during the "Without a Trace" program. I was totally speechless. It is such wonderful news - that yet another source of keeping Jeremy's disappearance from becoming a cold case. I am so amazed that the Lord has provided such resources to us - so many haven't had the blessings of the many people that have worked hard on this mystery. In January 1989 Jeremy's case was televised on Unsolved Mysteries. And now, this~~ I've spent many, many hours in prayer ~ hoping the Lord would provide us with an answer - He is providing us with another resource. The answer will come in His time. Someday he will make that person who knows something open up and we will then know.

I am just so glad that the Lord is giving yet another opportunity and resource for information to us. And I still pray for answers - not only for myself - but for all the parents, sisters, brothers, and children out there who haven't as many answers as I've gotten. I've not been as "lucky" as some - but still "luckier" than others. The Bible says that the Lord won't give us more than we can bear ~ He must know something about me that I don't know :)

So, if anything comes of the conversations and if I get an idea of when or if something may come to fruition, I will definately let everyone know. I doubt if the "spotlight" will be shown outside of Oregon - but who knows? Who'd have ever thought that this 21 1/2 year old case was still on so many peoples minds? Right now all I can think of is 23rd Psalms. . . . . . Tho I walk thru the valley. . . .

March 6, 2008

Back to California

They didn't get to come back!!!! BooHooo!!!! It just got to late. Finally at 6:30 with them only about 1/2 way here - they decided to head for Orlando as their flight was before noon - and the airport is about 2 hours north of here.

So, as disappointing as it was, I agreed with the it-makes-no-sense-to-drive-2-extra-hours-South just to turn around and drive the 2-hours-North in less than 6 hours.

So, I put all their "behinds" in a box and Keith mailed it out for me. They should get it in a week or sooooo ....... good old USPS!! And I found all sorts of good stuff, electric razors, socks, hair stuff, toothbrushes, mouthwash, shirts, toys. I had lots to send. I also sent their Florida shirts that I didn't have a chance to give them - since they didn't come back. . . . . .

I hope to see them again in just a few short months. I am still blessed enough to be able to keep up with thier lives thru S'tes blog, the webcam, Im's, and at least 2x a year visits - a few of them several months long. . .. !!

We are working on a time frame for her to be able to bring the kids to Oregon. If there is time between Ty's summer school, Mak's medical appointments, and the trial for Angies killer - they will come north. If not - I will go South!!! Keith is looking forward to doing the Tiger Cruise this year and I look forward to spending the time with S'te. Life is soooo wonderful! Now if we'd just get some answers for Jeremy - it would be absolutely perfect. Lord, please send an answer - this is my daily prayer.