Foley Fun

While Mom and Dad Foley were at the KU basketball game we were fortunate enough to have the Foley kiddos at our house.

I'm all about the perfect photo opportunity! 

Swings...Volleyball...Mario Kart...on a windy day!

 

IT HAS SPRUNG

S P R I N G ! !

The weather has been beautiful all week but this sight almost brought tears to my eyes this morning.  Not kidding at all when I tell you this.  I backed out of my driveway and suddenly see yellow blooms.  I stopped in the middle of the street and ran up with my phone to get a quick picture.

I love spring!

I don't know if I can even call the last several months "winter".  It's been mild to say the least.  I thought it was the wild winter temperatures every year that created such appreciation for the first sights of green.  It's safe to say, that's not the case...

I just love spring!

Earl May is calling my name but remembering we live in Nebraska pulls me back to reality.  It could snow Easter Sunday.  I better wait a few more weeks for flower shopping.

March Madness and Spring all the same week!

My basketball bracket is all messed up...thanks a lot Missouri!

Have I said this yet?

I love spring!

Thank you Lord God for caring so much for your creation that you gave us variety in seasons and plants.  Why would I ever wonder if you care about my little life details? Obviously you do.

Peru State Talks about The New Phenomenon

My last several posts have been about the book.  It's time for me to blog on another subject...next time.  :)

Chris is a Peru State College graduate.  Their website has a nice article about Chris and his visit.  Here is the link...

http://www.pscbobcats.com/news/2012/3/9/GEN_0309125721.aspx?path=general

We continue to be excited with each and every new event with THE NEW PHENOMENON.  The book is selling well, now our marketing person (me) needs to figure out how to get this thing going globally.  Please feel free to share this info or any book info from my blog with your readers and friends.

Until next time, blessings to you this beautiful spring day!

I Blog U Read

Another wonderful review by a blogger at I Blog U Read.  Please take just a few minutes to click on the link to read the review and then leave a comment.  I don't know who this person is but I do like what they had to say about The New Phenomenon.  Woo Hoo!!!

Making changes are usually difficult, even if they are positive changes.  We appreciate those of you who have been with us during our book journey.  It has been educational, exciting, frustrating and sometimes even a little fearful.  We are ready for a couple of changes. #1 an ebook...praying it will happen sooner rather than later.  #2 time to get the second book of this series ready to publish.  Both of which open up an areas of the unknown again.  Please join us in prayer for wisdom.

Pudgy Pumpkin Patch

Here he is...my Main Man (ok my only man) meeting, greeting and signing books for readers of THE NEW PHENOMENON. Wow, what a fantastic day!!

(Quick side note: notice the Iowa Hawkeye jacket...ewww!  Not in Husker territory anymore.  ha ha  I'm just kidding.  That guy was one of Chris' old coaches and gave us one of his CDs that we listened to on the way home.)

We made our second trip to Red Oak, IA and spent 3 hours at the Pudgy Pumpkin Patch Gift Store.  What a delightful store.  I should have gotten a better picture.  When we walked in I think Chris was fearful that I would buy a little bit of everything.  I loved it all!  I know we will be back to RO this summer and I will bring my money with me.  :)  Just a quick shout out to anyone who loves a gift shop that has a little of everything, Elaine Hollen's gift shop is the place to stop.  Then we ate at Casa De Oro...very yummy Mexican restaurant with wonderful service.

So many classmates, old neighbors and former teachers stopped in to see this guy they knew way back when.  A couple girls (my age) said they have some good stories on Chris, we'd have to sit down and talk when our kids weren't around.  ha ha  I'm sure that is true.

Again, we sold out of books.  Thank goodness Chris and I were able to dig up some extras to take down there just in case.  It's hard to rely on the "professionals" when they don't seem to give good advice.  We could have sold more books today if we would have had them with us.  So frustrating!  But what an awesome problem to have.  Thank you God for blessing this adventure!!!!

Our next big trip with THE NEW PHENOMENON will be over spring break when we go to Grand Island, NE.  Chris will be speaking at 3 schools during the day and 2 evening book signings.  I can't even tell you how proud I am of Chris.  He loves speaking but gets such joy out of seeing kids read. 

We know none of this is possible without God's hand in it.  We make plans but He shows us a better way.  We think we have it all under control when really we are just walking through the doors God has opened.  Our prayer is that we continuously seek and follow God's direction so that we can point all glory to our Creator.

Molly update:

She is back on the vent and spending the weekend resting for a 2nd try early next week.  Praying for this sweet girl!

Posting the Poster

I love to create but have very little confidence in my ability to do it well.  For some time I have been struggling to create a poster and business cards for Chris' book.  You may be giggling but it is difficult for me for several reasons.  First I am a perfectionist. Oh, the stress I place on myself for no reason at all.  Secondly, I have not had the time to sit down and make some simple decisions.  Last, I really do work best under pressure.  Maybe that's just what procrastinators always say.

I am happy to display my newly created poster here on my blog.  The picture was taken in Red Oak, IA where the story of The New Phenomenon takes place.  If you are familiar with small towns, the water tower is a visible display of school spirit.  My hometown has a white water tower with Redmen painted on it. Red Oak is the home of the Fighting Tigers and has a bright orange water tower.  I love this casual picture of Chris. 

Tomorrow I will pick up a printed version, make the needed changes and then send them off to our next book event.  Speaking of book events...

The Pudgy Pumpkin

Red Oak, IA

Saturday March 10, 2012

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

If you are in the area, please stop in and say "hi".



Molly Bear

I have asked so many to pray for Sweet Little Molly, I decided to post a few pictures. 

I like to have a face to go with my prayers.

I have some updates.

The news does come in slowly & I do think this will be a long process but I tend to continue praising God for the miracles He has & will work in the life of this baby girl & all those who love her.

*Today officially the doctors started seeing gag reflexes, even though the nurses have been reporting it since yesterday.  It isn't real until the neurologist sees it.  :)

*Tonight Chris and I spent some time with Mike and Stacy in the hospital.  It was pure joy to see our friends look alive again. It's amazing what a little sleep and some good news can do for the body.

 We hugged, visited and laughed.  All good for the soul!

*Molly opened her eyes while we were in the room and then began moving her arms and legs.  It sure looked to me like she was uncomfortable and trying to reposition herself but the docs aren't certain if these movements are involuntary or intentional.

*Tomorrow morning Molly has her second MRI.  The first one showed some damage in the brain and they expect to see a little more tomorrow.  However, after the procedure, the vent should come out & the feeding tube will go up her nose then finally mom & dad will be able to hold their baby again. 

 Olivia and Molly at the pool

 At the soccer field.

This girl is use to being at a game of some sort, she can make almost anything into a toy.  I have a fantastic picture of Molly covered in baby powder after digging through someone else's diaper bag.  Unfortunately, I could not find that picture.

If you would like to follow Molly's progress her parents have started a page for updates at

www.caringbridge.org

Message me and I would be happy to share the info you need.  What you can do is pray for Molly to come completely out of the drug induced coma and start showing more neurological advances.

Isn't God Good?  Already in the last 3 days He has shown 100's and probably 1000's of people the power of prayer.  I serve a Mighty Savior!

Prayers Needed!!!

What a week!!  I don't want to go into too many details but I do want to get out the message to anyone who reads my blog.  My friends need your prayers for their little girl, Molly and for their family.

Yesterday sweet little Molly (2) choked while eating lunch at home.  Her dad was quick to help her but could not get the food dislodged.  She is now in a medically induced coma to allow her body time to heal.  I don't know much more than that but God knows every detail.  Please go to Him on their behalf. 

Two updates from this week...
1. Please continue to pray for the Ayala family.  Our hearts are broken for the loss of Gabby.
2. My dad is out of the hospital and back at home.  The infection in his arm and hand was very bad.  Praise God he got great care in Omaha.

There are some verses that keep ringing in my head (paraphrased).

God works all things for good for those who love him. Roman 8

Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11