Life with the Sergios

this is it

2009-08-06T18:40:00.001-05:00

let's face it. facebook has taken over. you can now find me there. friend me!

Day of Prayer

2009-03-18T08:49:00.002-05:00

The Ministerial staff is on a rotating schedule to take one day a week to spend in prayer and meditation. Mine was last Tuesday. I have been trying to figure out what I got from that day because since then I have been under attack spiritually. I started by doing some meditation exercises and then I started to read chapter 3 from the book "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster. Chapter 3 was about the discipline of prayer.

Here are my thoughts in "raw" form.

To pray is to change. The central way God uses to transform me is through prayer.

isn't that the purpose of our lives? to be transformed by God? So that others can see our transformation and start their own by connecting to God? It is only through a transformed life that others see God.

Transformed means? To look completely different from when I started.

Allowing God to transform me is scary. It hurts. It's uncomfortable. it requires action and passion on my part.

I am tired. I am weary. I am ashamed that I try to hide from God so that He can't ask/require anything more from me.

I need to listen first. Listen for guidance. God--what is your will for FXCC? for me? for Jay? for Chelsea? for Alex? How do you want to use me to advance your kingdom?

God I don't want my desires to get in the way. I pray for courage to accept what you ask/tell/command me to do.

It was a great day! I went out their anxious and I came home peaceful.

Am I ready for this

2009-02-28T17:43:00.002-05:00

Jay and I put Chelsea on a plane today bound for Abilene, TX. to go and interview for the Presidential Scholarship at ACU. I was completely fine with it. We came home...I have been very lazy today--it has been an emotional few weeks for the Sergio family. Alex went to help a family move this afternoon and Jay went to work. A few minutes later, there was a knock at my door. It was the volunteer from Lake Braddock (where my kids go to school) she had the sign I ordered.

It says Lake Braddock Class of 2009--Graduate!

I cried. Today, I would tell you I am not ready for this. Good thing that my God is bigger than me. I need to rely fully on Him.

God's heart to your community

2009-01-13T12:28:00.002-05:00

We have 2 new ministers on staff at FXCC. We welcome Geoffrey and Phil! Our new executive minister and student minister, respectively. We love having them here! Fresh ideas, fresh outlook and new blood! Geoffrey has been here officially for 10 days and he has already given us 2 books to read to carry out our vision to grow God's kingdom. One is called "They like Jesus, but they hate the church" by Dan Kimball. LOVE IT! It is about how this generation of 18-30 somethings view Jesus and the church. For the most part this age group is the group we are not reaching for Christ. I suggest that if you are part of a leadership group at your church then you should read this book. Remember as Christians we are to "Go onto all the world making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18. As a Christian we have no higher calling. Too bad Satan knows how to distract us and focus on things that have nothing to do with saving souls.

About a year ago, our church took on the missional/visional motto "To be God's Heart to this Community". Since then we have been trying to figure out what exactly that means and how we will execute it for God's purposes.

So I want to ask you, when you see/hear "...God's heart to this community", what does it bring to mind? How would you be God's heart to your community?

I am curious to see/hear what other people think.

More DR Magi goodness

2008-12-18T19:50:00.004-05:00

This is the Outreach Center that our missionaries, the Bynums, have fixed up and will officially open in January. Here children and teens and adults can come and learn computer skills, watch weekly movies and have a safe place to hang out.

Mission DR Magi Distribution

2008-12-18T19:38:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pics that the kids took from their DR trip! It was a success! My children were so happy to be able to share this experience. Thanks for all your support.

It is hard to believe

2008-10-28T20:02:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday, Chelsea and I flew to Abilene-- via 4 other states (don't ask) with friends to visit ACU. It was ACU's homecoming and a homecoming for me. I have not been to Abilene in almost 20 years! Campus has changed quite a bit but the town...not at all! I found my way around without much help! It was great to see old friends and remember the good old days!

Chelsea's heart is at ACU but she is looking into one other college. Jeremy the ACU recruiter and admissions counselor is working hard on her and for her! Jeremy was great this past weekend! Thanks Jeremy! Lipscomb is calling her almost everyday wanting her to seriously consider them. We are going for a visit after the New year.

Chelsea has decided to major in Nursing. An area I know NOTHING about. I have a cousin who is an ER nurse. Jay's brother is in Nursing school but I know NOTHING about it. When we went to meet with the Nursing program director and talked with her one on one, Chelsea came out of the "interview" and said "I totally see myself here doing this!" I could have cried. I am just so proud of her and who she is.

I would get teary eyed at times over the weekend thinking that I am at this stage of life. I can't believe that in just a few months I have to let my first born go. It is hard to believe.

It is hard to believe that yesterday was Alex's 15th birthday! In 6 months....he can drive! How did we get here?! He has been struggling in school this quarter but has pulled up 2 class grades SIGNIFICANTLY by doing a lot of hard work...it helps that we pulled the t.v. and saturday time with friends. We are proud of him!

It is hard to believe that next Friday Chelsea will be 18. Two weeks after that Jay will be 40!

It is hard to believe...

It's official!

2008-10-02T20:08:00.005-05:00

Well, I do believe that #9 won by a majority vote with #2 coming in 2nd and #8 coming in at a close 3rd. Now I can start on Christmas gifts and graduation announcements! Thanks for your help....see why it was hard for me to pick!? She is just beautiful inside and out.

It's been quite a week--we have lost a lot of money with the stock market this week. So much for retiring at any age below 65! But you know what...the Lord gives and He takes away. If He wants us to have it back...we will get it back...if not then He has a plan.

I am starting to stress about making sure I tell Chelsea all she needs to know before she goes off on her own in 9 months. My prayer is that God presents those things and that I can recognize them and put them to good use. There is so much I want to tell her but I feel like things are just spinning out of control...maybe a mom/daughter weekend away would be a good idea.

I could get into politics but I don't wanna...I don't want to hear it from the other side. I believe he is wrong...flat out wrong. I believe that even though he professes to love the Lord but doesn't use those morals/religious beliefs to guide him in his job is just WRONG....ok I said I wasn't going to get into it...sorry....

I am also tired of bullies. Christians who behave like a bully. It just makes me sad...very very sad.

I am very happy that the Biggest Loser 6 is on...it makes me happy...very very happy.

Ok now I have to brag about my kids--They have the opportunity to go to the DR this Dec. to deliver Magi Boxes to the children. Both of my kids came to me about it and we do not have the extra $600/kid to send them...so they are going to forego their birthday gifts in Oct and Nov. and possibly Christmas. They are only asking for family to make a donation in their name to help fund their trip. They said that they don't need or want anything other than to go to the DR and help out there! Jay and I could not be any prouder of them! I of course want to go--but my birthday is not until April! :( I am such a proud mom!

Happy weekend everyone!

Polls are open!

2008-09-26T12:41:00.004-05:00

In the spirit of politics, voters making a choice, having a voice and the american way of life! (boy that was a bit much huh?) I am opening myself up to a vote. These are some photos of Chelsea that I took this summer for her "Senior Pictures". She did her normal drape pic for the school. These are for announcements, memorabilia, posters, documentaries for the Bio channel, etc.

I would like to know what you, the voter, think. Help me make my decision! Remember what you decide will live eternally as Chelsea's senior picture! No pressure! Thanks!

The nominees are:

1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

10.

Change is good

2008-08-16T20:41:00.007-05:00

My friend Mindy just posted about change! You can find her over on the left under "Team Bedard". I love change to! My furniture tends to get rearranged at least once a year! Well since Suz moved out, I have dying to do something with our basement.

Over the summer Chelsea has taken some GREAT black and white photos. Worthy of framing...sooooo....I got them blown up and framed....hence the inspiration for our basement! I already have one Ansel Adams print...now we have our own budding Ansel Adams.

My MIL came this week too and she and hte kids cleaned out and the back of my Expedition is PACKED full of stuff to take to Salvation Army or the used book store. Thanks Pat for all your hard work! I love to simplify!

I wish I had before pics but I didn't think about it until we were done. But the walls were a blue kind of like the curtains you see there...so it was dark. We wanted to lighten it up. Teh bathroom was an eggplant purple...I know..I don't know what I was thinking....Sooo now they walls are Almond Chip and Lime Curl!

So here's the after. I am in the process of getting frames for the final 4 pictures--2 to go by the entertainment center and 2 more to go on the green wall. I am also looking for denim slipcovers for the loveseat and chair. Anyone know where I can get relatively inexpensive slipcovers in denim?

I LOVE a musical

2008-07-06T21:51:00.004-05:00

My friend Lisa and I surprised our daughters this past Thursday with tickets to see Mamma Mia at the National Theatre! It was WONDERFUL!!! I heart musicals!! WE bought the sound track and have been singing ever since! Next on our list is Wicked!

By the way, I hope the movie that is released on the 18th is just as good as the musical!

The DR day one

2008-07-06T17:27:00.004-05:00

The homes had one main room that might have a table and chairs and a kitchen. There were 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. The shower was separate from the toilet.
This is outside the girls house. the orange tank outside is the gas that they use to cook with. These homes are very nice by Dominican standards.
Nice dominican homes have concrete floors. A lot of homes only have dirt floors. You are really rich if you have tile on the floors.

You see a fridge in this picture but they are not normally plugged in or used because they don't have consistent electricity. The slogan for this area is "hay luz?" which means "is there electricity?" The plastic lawn chair in the corner of the pic. is what most homes I saw had for chairs.

We arrived Tuesday afternoon and got our stuff situated and had orientation, dinner (delicious rice and beans!) and devo. It was a little unnerving to sleep on a thin mattress with mosquito nets over them. I had Cassey tuck me in! Thanks Cassey! In fact, Cassey or Chelsea had "tuck-in" duties each night for me! I never quite got the hang of tucking in my mosquito net!

We woke up on Wednesday, and ate breakfast...which consists of whatever food items we bring for this. The camp provides fresh fruit! We drink water provided by the camp that is bottled water but contains sodium...so yes, my feet got swollen!

We headed to the children's home that is just up the road to do painting of the houses. The rumor was that they were going to be inspected soon and Brian takes great pride in the children's home and so wanted everything to be just so!

It took my body about 24 hours to adjust to the humidity and only drinking water and sweating like a pig. I just kept drinking and drinking, I did not want to get sick. Our teens were troopers! 1/2 the group went to haul rocks from the river and the other 1/2 painted. We broke for lunch and a little siesta and came back and finished what we had started!

trying to find the words

2008-07-05T08:46:00.003-05:00

Here's the group ready to go!

A nice Dominican Road

A nice Dominican house

I haven't blogged about the Dominican Republic Mission trip that I was blessed and honored to have chaperoned.

I don't know how to find the words for the amazingness that happened while there! I will tell you that Fairfax has the BEST teens HANDS DOWN of any youth group!!! I cried everyday watching them be uncomfortable and pushing that aside to do God's work and show the people we met what it means to be a Christian! They were so selfless and unselfish and poured their hearts out in some really nasty situations.

Thank you guys for allowing me to be a witness to that part of your life!

I will try to post pictures and a synopsis of what we did everyday! You will find to the right of this post, the links to the Missionaries who live everyday there--The Bynums, The Wallaces, The Lambs, and The McClouds. I encourage you to read their blogs and pray for their efforts.

Cardboard Confessions-AMAZING!

2008-06-05T20:07:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when.....

2008-06-02T17:16:00.007-05:00

your neice gets a hold of your camera.

Your son gets a hold of your camera.

Hello--is it me you're lookin for.....

2008-06-02T17:06:00.003-05:00

So how are you? It has been a while! Our life has been crazy busy since last I blogged. Many of you may have thought that I actually fell off the face of the earth. This however is a falsity! Let's see.....In May, I was in our 3rd production of "Defining Moments". We had mother's day, administrative assistant day, organized all of my photos, my mother's birthday, went to see a friend in the "Sound of Music", went to a conference in Dallas, had the Senior Banquet, and then last week worked 3- 12 hour days and went to my dad's retirement ceremony at the Pentagon, went to a graduation party, went to a final concert of a dear friend's daughter. Um...I am a bit tired! I couldn't even imagine what my life would be like if Chelsea were graduating this year.

Jay is working in PA for the next 2 weeks...."it looks good for the bosses" It's fine, we are going to make money off the deal! :)

Chelsea is reffing volleyball games and babysitting regularly now. Which is good, she has her own money! She loves it!

Alex is Alex and will always be Alex. He has decided not to continue with band so Wed. night is his last band concert. We are looking for ways to keep him busy this summer.....other than him going to movies and spending my money.

whew...it felt good to get that all out!

Remembering the Hokies

2008-04-16T12:35:00.001-05:00

Hokies you are in our thoughts and prayers today as we remember and honor those whose lives were taken one year ago today.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

A picture is worth 1000 words

2008-04-05T19:28:00.004-05:00

This picture is not a staged picture--I promise. My friend Misty loves to take pictures of good food! This dessert was AMAZING and so pretty! So she went to take the picture and I was trying to lift the plate so that you could see the "happy birthday" written in chocolate. As I lifted, the dessert slid! And as we made those faces, Misty snapped the picture!

Raise a glass...

2008-03-25T12:29:00.004-05:00

Jay was the best man at his brother's wedding, March 15, 2008. Here was his toast/blessing to Chris and Carrie. I thought it was such a great toast!

It's customary for the best man to toast the bride and groom. It's also customary for an older brother to pass along words of wisdom. Since I am both, I would also like to give them a blessing in place of Dad. When mom found out that I was giving a toast, she knew how Chris and I are and she made me promise to "toast" not "roast"--I am going to do my best to honor that.

Chris and Carrie--I pray that you remember your actions that brought you here today, because your actions make your words reality.

Your mothers have prayed for your mate since you were children, I pray that you remember that when God is the center of your marriage there is nothing you two can't do and your love will grow more than you ever thought possible.

I pray that your good times are plenty, and when the hard times come; and they will, that you embrace them for what they are and allow God to do His work inside of you to make you perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.

I pray that when the time is right, God blesses you with children. Because nothing fills your heart with more joy and melts the worries of the world away like the laughter of a child.

All through life, I can remember my mom saying "The man maybe the head of the house, but the woman is the neck that turns the head." I see lots of ladies nodding. One day, a few years ago I asked mom if that is were the saying "pain in the neck" came from. I can remember Dad falling on the floor with laughter and mom slapped me on the back of the head. Chris, I pray you learn a phrase that will help make your marriage happier--"yes dear."

Finally God has placed all of these people in your life to help support and guide you; when necessary, stand in the gap for you. So if anyone here would like to join me in affirming this blessing to Chris and Carrie, please stand and raise your glass to them and the journey of marriage they are starting.

To Chris and Carrie--God bless you and Salud!

Praise You In This Storm

2008-03-21T11:47:00.003-05:00

They say tragedy comes in 3's. That has happened in our family of God.

This song helps me through. My heart aches tremendously for all those suffering their losses.

*Please pray for the Team of Missionaries in the Dominican Republic.

*Please pray for the family who lost their son.

*Pray for the college students who lost their friend.
http://web.mac.com/coryandlaurabeth/Site/Blog/Blog.html

*Please pray for the family who has lost their husband and father.

*Pray for our country who lost one of it's protectors.

*Pray for the sister who lost her brother.

*Pray

Casting Crowns--Praise you in this Storm

I was sure by now

God, 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 Your 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

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 you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But 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 awayI lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

We're leavin' on a jet plane

2008-03-11T19:33:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we are headed to sunny Florida! My BIL (brother in law) is getting married this weekend to one of the most sweetest girls I have met! I can't wait for there to be another Mrs. Sergio!

On a sadder note, there is a family at church who could use your prayers. God knows why. This family needs peace that only God can give.

Our hearts are with you. We cry your tears and we lift you up to our Lord God who is the ultimate comforter and bearer of our sorrows.

Have a great week everyone! Pics of the wedding will come when we get back!

why can't life be like t.v.

2008-02-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

I didn't weigh in this week. My weigh in buddy was not feeling well and I just wanted to sleep on Sat. I really like having the accountability partner and someone to celebrate with me when I get off the scale. So when I didn't get htat on Sat....well, I stayed home.

Why can't life be like "The Biggest Loser"? When I get on the scale, I DO NOT want them to announce my weight but I want the drama of the numbers going down and up and down and up and then landing on the final number and every one looking at me in shock and amazement and then having some say...You lost 2 lbs. and then everyone in the room clapping for me! And the hostess asking me how I feel to be 2 lbs. lighter and have a total weight loss of 14.4 (but since it is t.v. we will round to 15).

Why can't my weigh in's be like that? Maybe I should put that in the weight watchers suggestion box. I bet they'll do it!

update

2008-02-04T17:43:00.000-05:00

I thought I would update you all on the recent activities in our house and that will also update you on my last post.

So when last we met-- I was under going some changes!

1. I am doing rather well with my daily bible reading and praying!
2. I am down a total of 14.4 pounds! (since Oct)
3. God is working well in our finances area.... (the dryer saga turns out well!)

On a down note--my son has mono! Not sure how he got it....he doesn't kiss girls!

So to expand on the dryer saga....if you remember from my last post, our dryer started to trip the breaker and we could only dry 1 or 2 items of clothes at a time on extra low heat. It was pain but I wasn't paying a repair man $200 to fix it...we were just going to save up for a new dryer. Well there are some wonderful people at our church who are very generous with their time and resources. As God would have it, they have an extra dryer. They said we could borrow it until the Army relocated them! GREAT! Jay and a good friend from out of town went over on Friday and picked it up and brought it in.

Now the "new" dryer has a 4 prong plug....we have a 3 prong outlet. So Jay and Joey thought no big deal, we will just switch the plugs on the dryers. They did that and I put a load of clothes in to dry! I was giddy with delight that I could now dry a whole load of laundry at one time! I set the dryer up and pressed the button and left the room. We got busy with our out of town friends that evening and I totally forgot that I had put t hat load in the dryer. So Sat. morning I went down stairs to take out the newly dryed clothes.....wrong! They clothes were not dry, the dryer and popped the breaker! Joey then tells me....that he thinks it is our breaker that is broken not the dryer! So he pulls out the old breaker and we go to home depot via starbucks to get a new breaker. We come back and install it and I go to the dryer and nope....it won't turn on!

Frustrated, we went to the spy museum (which is cool!) and then to Bertucci's for dinner and then to Home Depot to get yet another breaker! Joey installs the new breaker and I go to turn on the dryer and NO LUCK!!! And then my leg hits the dryer door! Yes my cognitively higher developed friends...the dryer door was open!!! That is why it wouldn't start! Now the old breaker was bad but the new breaker was just fine!

All I have to say is Thank you Lord for saving me $200!!!

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2008-01-17T18:07:00.000-05:00

I am not a believer in "new year's resolutions". Why because I don't stick to them. Instead, I believe in life style changes.

My 3 that God has completely convicted me about it:

1. a deeper, daily relationship with Him
2. my weight
3. our finances

So far, so good.....

1. reading my bible almost everyday (I started with Proverbs and James) and then spend about 3 minutes in prayer.
2. down 9 lbs.
3.saying "no" to eating out and other non-necessities. I am clipping coupons again!

But isn't it always like this...I start to make those changes and WHAM! Our dryer starts to go on the fritz! I can only dry one towel at a time on ex low heat. I can only dry about anything one at a time on extra low heat! But I have not built up our "emergency fund" yet to $1000, so we are going to bite the bullet and deal. I am not putting it on credit, we are just dealing!

So life changes are hard and Satan doesn't want you to get your life right. What life changes could you make? I will pray for you in your quest to getting your life right!

HILARIOUS!

2007-12-04T20:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-8Ihsccknw

I am sure you have seen this t.v. commercial but it is hilarious! I don't know how to post a video from youtube...if anyone knows how...let me know

Thankful

2007-11-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

So--I am sure that about a bazillon people will post something today about what they are thankful for and because I very rarely have any unique ideas and I tend to be a follower not a lead.......well you catch my drift.

The one thing I wanted to do this holiday was be just the 4 of us. We almost never get to be just the 4 of us. Suzanne, I know you are reading this and OF COURSE you are "the 4 of us" even though you make 5! Suz is a permanent fixture in our family now. My kids were upset when they thought that she was going to be in town but not with us today. Anyhoo--I told my mother that I wanted it to be the 4/5 of us. That we were going to laze around in our pj's all day and eat and watch movies and then watch the Cowboys win another game! God had a different plan for me today...

I have just come from the hospital visiting one of our families whose 3 year old little girl had surgery this morning. As I am waiting for the family to spend a few minutes with their daughter before she goes to surgery, I am watching all the staff walk to and fro. There are very very few none hospital workers that I see. I am touched by the fact that they are working today. I know that the majority of them don't have a choice. It is their shift to work. Some of them did choose to work today for whatever reason and because of that, this little girl gets to have surgery to heal her from her illness.

This family is suppose to be in Nashville visiting family. Instead, they are sitting in the waiting room with me awaiting to hear that the surgery is going to have done it's job.

I am thankful for hospital staffs who work on days like today instead of being with their family.
I am thankful for quiet waiting rooms so that we can talk and try to be comforted during this scary time.
I am thankful that God shows me what is important and that I can recognize when He is showing me and I listen.
I am thankful for my kids. They got up when i told them I was headed to the hospital and they cleaned the house for me! The kitchen is ready to be worked in. The living room is free of dog hair and ready for us to spend the day together.
I am thankful for hugs from my kids when I got back.
I am thankful for a daughter who has such a great sense of self and not willing to compromise it for anyone.
I am thankful for a son who is always ready to sing and make us laugh and tell us, what he thinks are the best stories ever!
I am thankful for my husband who is currently flying back from AL because his been taking care of his family during their time of sadness with the loss of their matriarch (Jay's grandmother).
I am thankful for a daughter who can drive to the airport to pick up her daddy while I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
I am thankful for clergy signs so I didn't ahve to pay the money to park at the hospital...even though I would have anyway.
I am thankful for songs of praise that I can lift to honor God daily.
I am thankful for His forgiveness of all my many many sins

Happy Thanksgiving!

We were meant to live for so much more....

2007-11-10T10:47:00.000-05:00

The Year--1988
The Driver--me
The Passenger--my friend Debbie
The Car--Volkswagen Rabbitt (Belonged to the Belknaps)
The Situation--a tree fell on me!

All the Emergency personnel could not believe that we lived through it. I was meant to live for so much more....not sure what my purpose in life is, other than to live each day for God and do His will. I don't know that I am destined for greatness but I do know that I have been given each day since that day in 1988 as a gift. Each day that you wake up, you are given the gift of that day. What are you going to do with you day?

By the way--the Belknaps were pretty cool about the whole situation. Mr. Belknap wanted to get rid of the car anyway!

The Lord works in mysterious ways!

Not so sure about this

2007-11-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

There is this product out on the market for women. It promotes "fewer periods for women". They state that women don't need to have a period every month.

I am not so sure about this. Our bodies are made to do this. It is part of being a woman. I think we can blame Eve for all the "joy" we get every 28-32 days.

Doctors say it is safe. I know that some of my friends are on this medication due to complications they have every month. So I can understand that reasoning but to promote it to women who are totally fine...I am not so sure about.

I think it is like playing "God" a little bit. The Jury is still out on a full fledge decision but I am curious as to what you all think about it. I have read websites and medical sites. What do you think?

This is why we stay....

2007-10-17T13:17:00.000-05:00

When I first posted, it only contained the picture. Then I thought people might be confused by the title, so I feel like there needs to be an explanation.

Jay and I have lived here since we were married in '89. We tried very hard through the years to move becuase we have always lived paycheck to paycheck. We NEVER get a head financially. We save up to only have to spend it within that year. We don't make alot of money. Over the past 8 years, Jay has been offered jobs in places that are not in VA. He has been offered ALOT of money to move us away. We have decided to not take them, knowing it would hurt his chances for promotions in some companies. The reason is...well look at the picture above. We wouldn't have that if we lived far away. We feel it is worth the sacrifice financially for us to be close to our family. I don't say this to seem "better than you". It is our choice. We choose to live in a townhouse and drive used cars so that we can have that picture. Jay grew up military and never was around family. I was never really close to my aunts, uncles and cousins, except for the ones who lived here. We wanted both things for our family--choices have consequences. This is a kind of consequence we will gladly accept. It is as the commercial says "priceless".

Mi Hombre

2007-10-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

1. Who is your man? James Jay Sergio III
2. How long have you been together? Married almost 18 years
3. How long dated? 1 year
4. How old is your man? He'll be 39 on Nov 19th
5.Who eats more? He does for sure
6. Who said "I love you" first? um, he did but man that was almost 20 years ago~ so I think it was him and then I confirmed!
7. Who is taller? Jay
8. Who sings better? AH--me! Jay was in a barber shop quartet in High School but age does things to people's voices.
9. Who is smarter? As I always tell Jay--I am.
10. Whose temper is worse? Jay :)
11. Who does the laundry? For a very long time Jay did but now that he is working 7 days a week...it is either me or Chelsea.
12. Who takes out the garbage? I would prefer Jay to and as long as I remind him every Sunday evening and Wednesday evening he'll do it but he can never seem to remember on his own. By the way--for our whole married life the trash has been on the same day!
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Jay, I'm closer to the bathroom.
14. Who pays the bills? I do!
15. Who is better with the computer? I am
16. Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn--that is the reason we bought a townhouse.
17. Who cooks dinner? Me.
18. Who drives when you are together? Jay does.
19. Who pays when you go out? He does
20. Who is most stubborn? Um--I would say Jay BUT I am really stubborn too.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? hee hee--seeing as I am always right, who do you think?
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine
23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first!!
24. Who asked who out? He asked me out.
25. Who proposed? Jay did but we had talked about it for a while.
26. Who is more sensitive? Me for sure! But the older Jay gets the more weepy he gets.
27. Who has more friends? Maybe Jay--he can be friends with anyone
28. Who has more siblings? I do
29. Who wears the pants in the family? As long as he hears my side he can wear the pants.
30. Who makes the bed in the morning? Usually Jay because he usually gets out of bed after me.
31. Who is a morning person? hmm......neither of us!

I tag Tanya and Ramona. This way I can learn more about my brothers!

I know! I know!

2007-09-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

It's been two weeks since I last blogged....what a 2 weeks it has been! Between school, church and being sick...I just don't know what to blog about.

So here are random thoughts...

*I have thought a couple times while driving and watching people do the DUMBEST stuff because they are on their CELL phones and NOT paying attention, that I should post about those people but then when I get home...I lose my momentum.

*I have cooking every night! yeah me! I am trying to save money because we have a wedding in Fl in March to go to. Oh yes, Jay's brother is getting married on March 15th. All I can say is....FINALLY! :) She is such a wonderful person and we are blessed to add her to our small but lovely Sergio family! Carrie is her name, she is an elementary school teacher and she loves Chris very much! We got to spend time with her over labor day weekend! The kids love her, we love her! he proposed in front of Cinderella's castle at DisneyWorld. He told her that some of his best memories are with his family at DisneyWorld and he couldn't think of a better place to ask her to be a part of his family and to start their family than at Disney! AHHHHHH isn't that sweet!!! Made me tear! So March 15th here we come a wedding on the beach in St. Pete, FL! Spring Break! Uh Dido and Tony...we will want to see you!

*Jay's mom has been praying for a while now that she needs God to help her move on. It has been almost 3 years since Jim died and she just needs help moving on. When she started praying that, Chris called her and asked to have Jim's truck because his car died. Then Chelsea's car died and she wanted to give Chelsea her car so now she's bought a new car....she didn't think God would answer her in that way. So be careful what you pray for. God is showing her how to move on!

*Alex will be 14 in Oct. He had his dr. appointment this week. He is offically 5'10 1/2 and I said...so he has grown 7 inches in 18 months. Do you think he's done? She laughed and me and said "no...he's only beginning! He doesn't even have facial hair yet!" She guesses him to be about 6'3!!

*We have our pictures to be taken tomorrow at the church for our stupid pictoral directory! oH sorry did that not sound supportive? What are we in 1983? I have no idea what to put us all in. I have a great new haircut but I need to have it highlighted and I have nothing to wear.....

Ok that is all the random thougths this clogged, stuffy head can come up with!

Calling all prayer warriors!

2007-09-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

This was just posted from Travis and Kelly--

Family and friends, I know we've said this before, but now is the most crucial "hour" for our precious boy. The next several hours and throughout the night will determine many things.

We just met with the wonderful team of doctors again. His lungs have responded better than they thought they would to being temporarily taken off ECMO. The lungs haven't responded anywhere near perfect of course, for they are still too weak. But the lungs did respond, so the decision has just been made to remove Bennett permanently from ECMO. There were a few other reasons why they wanted to take him off ECMO, including the fact that the machine had a major clot in it, but the main ones are because his lungs are functioning a little better now and to reduce his bleeding. Once he is off ECMO, he cannot return. This will significantly reduce and/or eliminate his bleeding, but it will also significantly reduce the assistance he was receiving. It's now entirely up to his lungs and heart.

So, can you see where we need prayers right now? Two main organs: his lungs and his heart. They now have to carry the burden of sustaining him, so please pray for the strength of his lungs and his heart. His heart is also of major concern because it now has to start acting like, well, a heart. But his heart has been hibernating over two weeks, so there is significant concern about how his heart will respond to the "shock" of having to work again. They will be giving his heart several drugs and steroids soon to try to kick it in gear.

The surgery option right now is still just an option. If his lungs continue to expand and strengthen, then surgery may not be needed. This would be ideal. But even if surgery is performed, the risks are much lower now because the heparin and excessive bleeding should no longer be issues. As you can imagine, so much is happening right now, and it's happening very quickly. Essentially what it boils down to is the healthy functioning of the lungs and the heart.

Before the doctors re-entered the NICU to head over to Bennett, we told them that we and several hundred people around the country are praying for them and for Bennett. They thanked us for that, and reminded us that faith is essential during times like this because their expertise can only go so far. Your prayers are sustaining us, the incredible medical staff here, and our precious son, and we ask that you once again join us in prayers for the doctors and for Bennett's lungs and heart. His has fought like a warrior, but his strength will be tested now more than ever.

We will most likely be here for the majority of the night, and as more updates become available we will let you know. As always, thank you for all your love and support.

Love,

Travis, Kelly, and Bennett

Specific prayers

2007-08-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

I believe in the power of specific prayers. If you have been following the trials of little Bennett Speck who was born a very very very sick little baby, on August 20th; then you will see from his websites that his lungs are still filled with infection. The Doctors remain hopeful that antibiotics will work their wonders and clear out the infection.

I am asking all who read this to please pray specifically for the infection to leave his poor little body!

Then don't forget to page their prayer pager and let them know you are praying! 703-331-4825.

Thank you.

Praying for Bennett--UPDATED

2007-08-23T17:35:00.000-05:00

Travis, Kelly and Bennett Speck are in need of our prayers. Sweet Bennett was born a very very very sick boy on Monday, August 20th. He has currently undergone an ECMO (lung/heart bypass) to keep him alive so that his body has the best chance to recover and beat his illness.

Please pray for them and then page their prayer pager to let them know you have prayed. 703-331-4825, then you will hear a series of beeps, then press your zip code so that Travis and Kelly will know how far the prayers are coming from, then hit "#" and hang up.

We are holding a prayer vigil for him at our church, Fairfax Church of Christ.
We know that he is a gift from God and that God is faithful and hears our prayers.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR A TIME SLOT TO PRAY FROM MIDNIGHT, SAT 8/25-MIDNIGHT, SUN 8/26. Please email Lisa Bosley, lisa@fxcc.org, and she will put your time request down.

You can also go to the 2 websites set up for Bennett to get updates...

1. www.prayingforbennett.blogspot.com
2. www.totsites.com/tot/bennettmitchell

Travis, Kelly and Bennett--We love you!

Urgent Prayers needed!

2007-08-21T08:21:00.001-05:00

http://www.prayingforbennett.blogspot.com/

Please see this blog and pray for sweet baby Bennett!!! He did not do well last night and he has his own round the clock doctor team working on him.

We know that our God is faithful.

Momma said there'd be days like this...

2007-08-10T16:34:00.000-05:00

Life is not fair. God doesn't promise us that. He promises that He will be there for us.

My daughter had to learn that lesson last night. This past week was tryouts for volleyball at the high school. She has played freshman and JV. She didn't think she would make Varsity but we all thought she would make JV. We were wrong.

Last night, I answered the phone and through tears she tld me she didn't make the team at all. My hear broke for her. The pain in her voice was gut wrenching.

She was living my worst fear....not making the cut. I have always been so proud of my children to be like their dad when it comes to trying out for things. I never had the self-esteem to be able to do that. I was so afraid of the rejection, of not making the cut.

She came home and cried. I cried with her. She went over everything with me and it just came down to numbers. There were a lot of Juniors trying out and coachs don't want juniors unless they are going to play Varsity. They only had a small number of Juniors on the JV team. So she got cut. She felt like she played the best she could have.

She went thru all the emotions and questions that people go thru when they are rejected. After a while, I told her that I loved her becuase of who she is not because she plays volleyball for the high school. I told her that even though her pain was great right now, God has a plan for her. We can't see what that is and we don't like that is seems to not include volleyball but there is a plan and we have to wait and see what it is.

Her friends have been very kind to just give her a warm hug and not talk abut it with her. She is gone this weekend on the hs retreat....it is a deeply spiritual retreat, spending a lot of time in prayer and in the word. She said that she was looking forward to getting focused for school.

This is the crappy part of being a parent. It was hard for me to not to call the Coach and give her a piece of my mind!

Well, we will see what a weekend away and days at the beach can do to make the pain subside!

Why isn't life a musical?

2007-07-27T22:27:00.001-05:00

Just saw Hairspray! I was once again reminded of how happy I am when I see a great musical! Chelsea and I had a girls evening. We went out to eat and then went to see a movie and even though Chelsea had seen Hairspray already, she told me she would happily see it again! Now I know why!!! LOVE IT!

So here is a list of some of my favorite muscials....

1. Les Miserables
2. Phantom of the Opera
3. Sound of Music
4. Hairspray
5. Grease
6. High School Musical--yes, I love this! I sing it all the time and on August 17th. I will be sitting in my living room watching High School Musical 2!

Oh saw a preview for the movie called "Becoming Jane". It is about Jane Austen!!! I love her novels!!!

I still need to see the current Harry Potter; Live Free, Die Hard; Bourne Ultimatum; and Ocean's 13. So many movies, so little time and money. But none of them will make me as happy as a good ole song and dance!

What are your favorite musicals?

Give me your best!

2007-07-23T20:39:00.001-05:00

Ok, I have read two books this summer. I don't get time to read during the school year, so I soak it up during the summer. I started and finished book #2 today. So I need another book...preferably one I can find in the local library. So I need suggestions. I want to read something light, romantic, funny, a good mystery. Nothing sad, depressing or real life(unless it meets the qualifications of the above mentioned qualities). I am trying to escape for a while! I don't want to watch t.v. I don't want to read anything job/church related right now. I am burnt out.

So please please please give me your suggestions! I will add them to the post and hopefully others can enjoy them too! Now, I haven't read Harry Potter #5, 6 or 7 but I don't know that I really want to either....it doesn't matter, I know how each one ends anyway.

So here is my list so far--

1. "Before I wake", by Dee Henderson
2. "The fourth Traveling Pants book" by Ann Brashares

Suggestions
1. Confessions of a Shopoholic--Shayna
2. Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair--Tanya
3. "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation" and "The Masque of the Black Tulip" by Lauren Willig.--Jacque
4. "The Book of Jane" by May Vanderbilt and Anne Dayton.--jacque
5. "Legends" by Robert Littel--Mike
6. Life is So Good By Richard Glaubman,George Dawson --Dave

Some of my other favorites are Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers the story of Judah set in teh gold rush era. Also by her is the series of books about the 5 women in the lineage of Christ! LOVE them! They are quick reads! Happy reading! I am treating myself to a mani/pedi today but I am going to stop by the library first for a book!

WOW! Now I am excited to see what you all have to say!

finally the end of the trip....

2007-07-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

when last we meet....we talked about san fran. So here's the rest of the story....

We headed for Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park. Again--God must of had such fun with those GINORMOUS trees!!!

We got to drive thru the auto log. It is a giant sequoia tree that has fallen over and you can drive a mini van thru it! There are no words to describe how big these trees are!

We headed off for our final 2 days in Vegas. We were tired of being in the car, tired of walking, and it was freakin' hot!!! We saw a magic show! They were filming it and Brian, Lisa and I got to be a part of the show! We started to walk around Vegas but it was so hot and we were so tired that we jsut went back to hang out poolside at the hotel. Vegas is called sin city for a reason! We had to ahve all the boys walk with their hands in their pockets so they wouldn't be handed stripper cards and there were stipper cards all over the ground, so thye had to walk looking up! :) Everywhere you went you had to go thru a smoke filled casino. The lights, the smells, the sounds....it is sensory overload!

We ended our trip at the Bellagio hotel/casino (made infamous from Ocean's 11) they have a fountain show that runs every 15 min. The fountains move to the time of music. The song that we were there for was Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American". It was a PERFECT ending! Here we had seen some of the best that America has to offer and we were so proud to be American's. My friend Lisa and I sang loudly and with pride!

We were happy to fly home! We all had such an amazing time! The vacation was perfect!

not suitable for children?

2007-07-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

Why you ask...well apparently for my use of death (8x) and hell (3x)....oh well! :)

Thanks Leann for the site!

I left my heart in San Francisco...

2007-07-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

Well not really.....being in San Fran was an experience in itself. The reason why? It was beginning of Gay Pride weekend!!!! My kids have seen things that they have never seen before! If you know what I mean!!!
Before I continue on....

Here is the answer to the gas question.

Now we were blessed to be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge every day that we were there. San Fran is not a hot place....we all wore long pants and brought a jacket with us. The first night we ate in the restaurant called "John's Grill". That is the setting for the famous book/movie, The Maltese Falcon. I have to be honest...I have heard of it but never read it or seen the movie.

We went to Chinatown and down a sketchy alley to see 2 old Chinese women making fortune cookies! They charged us .50 to take their picture!!! We got some free fortune cookies.

The next day we went to Alcatraz and I have to tell you that was very cool! We took the audio tour and it was EXCELLENT!!! We met a real live ex-inmate. He wrote a book and he was signing the books! Too cool!!! It is about his life and how he got to Alcatraz and then how he gave his life over to God! He was missing fingers!!! eeekkk!

Anyone know what famous row of houses this is from....hint....major sitcom of the 90's on ABC on Friday nights....."Whatever happened to predictability? The milkman, the paper boy and evening t.v.?......"

We took a trolley car to Pier 39 and ate at the outdoor markets there. We saw the sealions of Pier 39. We drove down Lombard street...America's most narrow and crooked street! I have a picture on a cd but I can't get it to turn right side up.....
Then we headed to the Pacific ocean! Our kids had never seen, felt, or tasted the Pacific Ocean. It was the end of June and only 60 degrees that day! There was some wading into the ocean but no swimming! It was very windy too.....you don't swim in Northern California....too cold!!!

I don't know about you but I think I can sum up the last 2 destinations of our trip in one blog...so tomorrow is Sequoia and Las Vegas!

Happiness is Death Valley in your rear view mirror!

2007-07-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

I am just kidding about the title of this blog. Death Valley has it's own beauty and wonder. One of the most fascinating things about this trip is that we have seen so much of God's imagination and creativity!

We have met people who are VASTLY different that us. I mean one girl we met in Death Valley, grew up in Utah (a.k.a. she is mormon) and left that life to come and live in Death Valley. There is a story there and if I was a bolder person, I would have asked her more questions. But she choose to leave and live in a trailer with her boyfriend in literally the middle of nowhere!!! People don't just do that for no reason!

For a group of Americans going to see America, we Americans were few and far between!!! LOTS of Asians and Europeans! But almost no Americans...weird huh?!

So we left Death Valley (below sea level) and headed to Yosemite (10k feet above sea level). Once we hit Tioga Pass and headed up....the view was well amazing doesn't do it justice. I just wanted to get out of the car and sing "I stand in Awe of you" or "Great is our God"....I was overcome with emtion at the beauty that this part of our country holds! Pictures don't even do this justice. If I haven't already said it, I will now....God must of had a GREAT time creating all of this! I don't know who could look on all of what we have seen and think that it happened by chance.

Once in Yosemite, we unpacked and ate good food. The next day we headed to the Merced River and rafted 3 miles down the river among THE most beautiful scenery, you have ever seen! The water was FRIGGED!!!! Seeing as that water comes off the snow pack...it was cold!!!!! We saw beautiful birds and HUGE fish! The water was crystal clear! After that we hiked to waterfalls. The kids had a BLAST hiking up the rocks to the waterfalls!!!

The Picture at the heading of the blog is a picture taken of the 4 of us in Yosemite, outside the Awahnee Hotel. It is a beautiful hotel...reminds me a lot of the main hotel building at Mountain Lake!
Yosemite is the home of the famous El Capitan and Half Dome! They are just ONE GIGUNTA rock formation! There was this group of elderly people who were hiking to the top of half dome! Yeah we all felt like fat slobs when we heard that! Lisa got to see a bear eating behind a tree. Other than that we saw no real wild life BUT in all the "dons jons" in the park there are warning signs that the area is bear habitat and to be careful! We never saw a bear.

At this point we are 1/2 way thru with our trip! We have San Fran, Sequoia and Vegas to go!

Day 3--Hit the Road Jack

2007-07-02T16:47:00.000-05:00

After our day of fun in the Grand Canyon, we got up early and headed to the golden archs for a quick breakfast. We had a long day of car riding ahead of us! We were quite shocked to see that our breakfast cost us $45!!! That is until we saw the sign that said "Our prices are high due to the fact that we pay for the housing and utilities for our employees". I guess good help is hard to get in the middle of nowhere! So they bribe them with a paid apt. and utilities!

We were on our way to Death Valley!As we got close, the temperature started arisin'!

We got out at the scenic spots to see the beauty that is the desert! It was so hot that the moisture was being sucked otu of you and your skin started to immediately peel! It was very windy but it was a very hot wind! We all had water bottles in coolers with ice but they were HOT within just a few minutes!

We entered the National Park and headed for Badwater--it is 282 feet BELOW sea level! It is also the hottest place in the USA.
Yes, my fellow bloggers, that says 122! We couldn't keep up iwth the temp gauge and it did read 124 for a few minutes! One of our party asked if we were in hell and Jay said "No but you can see it from here!" We, the parents, thought we would take the moment for an object lesson and talk ot the kids about hell...."If you think this is hot, then make sure you have your life right with God...." Just kidding! But it would have made a GREAT object lesson!!!
This is the sign they have on the side of the mountain at the lowest point in America, to show you were sea level actual is!

After our few hours of driving around Death Valley, we headed to our "resort". Panamint Springs Resort to be exact. Let me just say that I don't what we were thinking because this place was an hour and 1/2 from ANY town!!! It was 10 tiny shacks with a bigger shack in the front that was the office and restaurant! They didn't have a/c, instead they had swamp coolers!!! That doesn't really count as any kind of coolant! There were road runners all over the place....and bats! When Alex sat on the bed...it touched the floor!!! We had a window in the bathroom with no curtain over it! Yes it was a see-thru window! But I don't knokw what I was worried about....I mean the trailers that the owners lived in was right behind our window! They only get mail like once a month!!! There is NO mail service there... they have to go into town! And no, there was no t.v., no clock, no phone...I mean who needs that stuff when you are in HELL!!!

I do have to say that they people and the food were GREAT! They really were! But we were so glad that we were staying only one night!!! The only gas station for another hour and 1/2 was right next door....guess how much the gas was....anyone care to guess?!! I will let you know the answer tomorrow!

Day 2--Grand Canyon

2007-06-30T10:32:00.000-05:00

Once we arrived at the Grand Canyon late on day one. We headed off to bed and got up the next day to conquer the Grand Canyon. It was Father's Day and we had a little time crunch because we had reservations at the El Tovar Lodge for Father's Day dinner!

We took the shuttle bus along the south rim of the Grand Canyon and what we saw was amazing! At times it almost didn't look real! It seemed hard to believe that people just "stumbled" upon this marvel!

We finished eating just in time for sunset! It was breathtaking!

Day 1-Serleykin family vacation

2007-06-29T15:44:00.000-05:00

We landed in Vegas, it was 110 degrees! We got our rental vans (2007 Chrylser Town and country) with only 262 miles on them and headed to the Grand Canyon but first stopped at Hoover Dam!

The kids are in 2 places at once! One foot in Arizona and one foot in Nevada!

The men!

Since this is the 2nd vacation (the Disney Cruise was our 1st) our 3 families have taken together, we proudly blended our names/families and called ourselves the Serleykins! (Sergio,Bosley, Watkins)That is how we addressed each other on our walkie talkies and when we were on public transportation, we called the kids "little Serleykins" to make sure they got off when need be!

We arrived later that night in the Grand Canyon and it was 55 degrees! That is a drop of 55degrees!!! We found on this trip a part of God's world that we had never seen before AND satellite radio!!! We thanked God for his handiwork AND satellite radio. Let me tell you now, we were in some REMOTE areas! Like nothing for hours from where we were!

Tomorrow--Grand Canyon

We're baaack

2007-06-27T23:07:00.000-05:00

The vacay was EXCELLENT! Everything about the 10 days was perfection!!!! The new picture you see now at the top of the screen is a family photo taken at the Awahnee Hotel in Yosemite. If anyone knows how to maek the picture smaller....I would appreciate the heads up. Right now you get to see us up close and personal, until I figure out how to change it!

Pictures to come soon! I am jet lagged by spending 10 days on California time! We got back home at 1 a.m. Wednesday morning.

We are busy getting Chelsea ready for her mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

And we get the G's for the weekend so that James and Ramona can take one last trip before baby R comes on July 16th!

Got Alex new shoes for the trip....he was wearing an 11.5 and now he has 13!!!! He stands at about 5'11. He wears a 30 inch waist pant with a 31 inseam.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have pictures.

p.s.--the insurance caved and paid for the appropriate meds for Jay! Patience IS a virtue!

update

2007-06-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

jay has no markers of cancer in either the colon or esophagus! he needs to be on the heavy duty meds to repair his esophagus and then be scoped again in 8 weeks. alex will need to be scoped by the age of 20 because their is such a strong hereditary gene and occurance of cancer on the sergio side...hint, hint Chris---go to the drs!

the insurance still doesn't want to pay for the appropriate meds! So we will see who will win the fight! i love love love the drs. treating jay! they are all about keeping him healthy with the right kind of meds! i hate hate hate the blue cross/blue sheild....they are cheap skates!

2007-06-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

I didn't know how to title this one....

Jay has an appointment tomorrow with his gastroenterologist about course of treatments and next steps!

Alex made 1st chair trombone in the highest middle school band for next year!!!! We are so proud of him! He has worked so hard for it and his private tutor is just beaming with joy for him!

Chelsea is cruising along and aceing her finals!As of Wed. at 8:30 p.m. now has her own vehicle! Dont' be hatin'--it is almost 10 yrs. old with 180k miles on it!

We leave Sat. for 10 days...we fly to Vegas, then drive to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, San Fran, Sequoia National Park and then back to Vegas!

See ya when we get back!

A pair of bad genes

2007-06-11T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Sergio Family has had a little reality hit them in the face over the past week. As some of you may know, Jay's dad passed away in 2004 at the age of 58. Jay's grandfather on his father's side had passed away at the age of 60. They both died of cancer. So since Jay's dad died, I have been trying to get him to go to the dr. and get some tests run because, well, the cancer gene in the male Sergio's seems to be a strong one. Now mind you, Jay has NOT been feeling bad at all but nonetheless, I want him to go and get these tests run--a baseline if you will for the future tests. Several years ago Jay had precancerous skin removed and he goes back often to continue to check out that nothing is growing that shouldn't be.

We got the name of a GREAT gastrointerologist (sp?) and set up the appointments and Jay finally went! He was well..."roto-rooted" from both ends and samples and tests were run. When Jay had the upper endoscopy done and he woke up from his wonderful oblivion, the dr. looked at him and said "Have you been feeling ok?" "No heartburn?" "No acid reflux?"--Jay answered "No". The dr then informed Jay that his esophagus looks like someone has taken razor blades to it.....it is just waiting for the cancer to form.

He's 38!!!! No symptoms! It's all in the genes. So now we are fighting with our insurance to pay for the level 4 medication that he needs to repair his esophagus, so that cancer does not form. Jay got very angry the other day with them and said...which is cheaper? Paying for the meds I need to repair my esophagus or curing my cancer?

Can you believe that they are fighting to have to pay for it? They wnat him to be on a med that is not so strong....um, they are not drs. they pay for the diagnosis!

So we were just cruising along in life, thinking everything is great and hunky dory. Not a care in the world! Then WHAM! Reality hits.

So people...I strongly encourage you to go get those tests done. I am going in July for all the womanly stuff...I know--TMI!! But this has convinced me! Man! being almost 40 is rough!

Jay is now trying to convince his brother to do the same. I have told my kids that they will get the same tests done when they are in their 20's before they are off our insurance. You just can't be too careful.

Ramblings

2007-05-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

New floor is in! I LOVE IT!!!! We laid Pergo Naturals in the shade of heartwood oak! It looks like a cottage floor! Rustic looking--perfect for me! Alex learned how to use Jay's power mitre saw! Now he is wanting us to do all kinds of home improvement projects becuase he can saw! We created a monster!!! So Jay and Alex sawed and hammered and grunted and scratched while Chelsea nad I measured and laid the floor and made sure we had the perfect 1/4 inch perimeter. Now it is up to Jay and Alex to lay the quarter round and the trim!

I have a lot I could say about cindy Sheehan--the vrey vocal woman about the war in Iraq since her son died--but I won't. I feel awful for her. I feel awful for her family. Everything about that situation is just sad.

If there is one thing I have learned over the last 6 months, it is that you can't judge becuase you ahve nto walked in their shoes. I knwo what I think I would have done if I were in that situation but truth is I don't really know what I would do.

Rosie and Elizabeth--again, I won't say much but I feel very sorry for Rosie. I don't think She is a happy woman. She seems very angry. I used to LOVE Rosie's show when she had her own talk show. Then it got pretty negative and she got negative. I just feel sad that she is wasting so much life being angry. Life's too short.

What not to wear--new favorite show! Getting good tips--love, love, love that they pick people with all kinds of bodies types. So now when I shop, I am an informed customer--can't afford $5000 wardrobe--me and Eddie Bauer outlet are bff's though!

Look up!

2007-05-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

it's been a while....we are laying a new floor this weekend in our dining room. I ahve never done that before...so we will see how it goes!

last night we had another meeting to discuss draft 3 of our mission, vision and value statements. It was exciting! People are taking real ownership! I was pleasantly surprised by several people last night!

I feel like we are moving forward--a little bit at a time. Just as long as we are moving FORWARD!

Chelsea has her permanent license now. We are gearing up for our vacation in June. There are many exciting things happening at church and with our Fairfax family!

Our good friends and Student minister had their first child last Sat. Cade Arthur Bedard is, well, perfect!

We have prayed for him iwth his parents for 4 years and he is here!! God is good--ALL the time!

Sigh--things are looking up!

Reoccuring thought

2007-05-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

While our church is trying to find itself. We have had a consultant, who does this professionally for churches, come in once a month and talk to about 50 of us who make up a cross section of the church.

Every month, this thought keeps coming up. "Why did God set up the church?"

You see as a church and maybe even a society, I feel that we have lost the idea of why God originally set up the church. All I keep hearing from members is, "I want...." or "I don't like...."

When did we ever get the idea that coming to church on Sunday morning has to do with what I like or want? That is such a culture infused ideaology.

Our culture is about me. What I like. What makes me feel good. I hear people say over and over again. I want a church that meets my needs. Can I tell you how unbiblical that statement is?!!!

I am currently reading a wonderful book called "Confessions of a Pastor". I have only read 3 chapters but I LOVE IT!!!! He says everything that I am afraid to! He ahs a whole section dedicated to Christians who want to have church for themselves. Christians have fallen into the belief that it is "their" church.When in fact it is God's church.

So maybe we/I need to start praying "God help me change my attitude about your church and my role in it" When did we start thinking that church was for us? We are the church and WE are here for the world. A world that is lost.

I think that this attitudeis one of the things that angers me most about Christians.
What do you think?

Beautiful

2007-05-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling sad since last Friday. I was a little weepy on Friday. I couldn't figure it out. I was crying at songs and t.v. shows. Yes, I was being a little hormonal BUT I am not usually weepy.

Then it hit me--Tuesday (may 8th) would have been Sarah's birthday. I can't believe how much I still miss her. Some days the sadness seems to be so thick. I know it is not what she would have wanted me to do. But I see 2 of her children everyday. Daily reminders of the life that was Sarah Bergquist. Beautiful.

Reflections

2007-04-20T19:03:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night we had a wonderful little service to help each other deal with our fears and grief. Bruce relayed the story of Jesus calming the storm in relation to where God is during a crisis.

When he started, I thought...where is he going with this? Bruce talked about how the storm was raging around them while they were in the boat. The disciples were freaking out! They went into the boat and woke him up and asked him if he cared what was happening.

Can you imagine? Asking the Lord God almighty if he cares? I thought of course he cares!--but then it hit me....not everyone thinks like me. God has made us all different and to have different questions is ok.

Then I thought about significant things that Chelsea will remember from her teenagehood....

*9/11/01
*a year later we had a sniper loose and wrecking havoc in our area.
*from that our kids now have regularly scheduled lockdowns and terrorist drills, like we used to have fire drills.
*we now have a family emergency plan...which needs to be revised now that Chelsea can drive.
*at our church we lost a vital member and close friend this past dec.
*2 dec's before that Jay's father died.

She has experienced more sorrow and heartache in her 16 years than I had. How will that change who she is?

Our family alone has had a major event happen every year since the fall of 1999. This has just been our family.

So I can see how people would think "does God care?"

What I have learned from all the above crap that has happened is....

Yes, he does care. Just like he told the disciples....he controls the wind and waves. He has promised us an amazing afterlife but we have to claim him in this life inorder to get that after life.

Many opportunities have been laid before me to profess my faith and beliefs, as a believer...i am commanded to share it. I will confess that until 2001, I didn't do it. I am trying much harder now. I have started to pray to invited God into my life in that way.

So-- yes, Virginia, there is a God and he loves you and wants a relationship with you.

In rememberance and a challenge

2007-04-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the Fairfax Church of Christ invites you to be a part of the prayer service to honor and remember those who have been affected by the horrific events at VA Tech.

I know this has been extremely difficult of alot of you. I challenge those of you who believe in God to share boldly your faith with others. This is a time that has been laid before us by the evil one and I challenge you to take this and use it for the good that we KNOW Jesus brings us. People are listening and asking questions. YOU don't have the answers to the questions, just show them God. He has them.

From what I understand, the families at VA Tech have declared Friday, April 20th Orange and Maroon Effect day. Wear your orange and maroon!

Listen to our Hearts

2007-04-17T19:43:00.000-05:00

As the news poors out of Blacksburg, the tragedy is hitting even closer to home. Teens in our youth group, friends of my daughters, are reeling from finding out that friends they played on high school teams with are gone. Our Youth intern from last year attends Tech. The RA killed was an RA that she worked with for 3 years. One of the students is her fiancee's best friend, he was shot 4 times. The last I heard, he is in critical but stable condition.

It is just so sad that our teens are having to deal with this. It seems so unfair that the reality of man's sin is thrust upon them and crammed down their throats.

They are choking on vomit that this world is regurgitating. I just wonder, when will enough be enough?

The only thing I know what to do is, just tell them that this isn't God's will. Man has a choice and man's choices have consequences. Often those choices fall out on others.

But God is a great God! He is saddened by this tragedy too. God wants you to know that He is here for you. Just as you are, He accepts you. You don't have to have the perfect words to say to Him. So maybe you don't need to speak. Just cry, be angry, be sad.

He listens to our hearts.

It's a sad day

2007-04-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

I am sure by now that you have heard about the tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech.

My brother, sister-in-law and their sweet children all live there. We have several children of Fairfax members who attend VA Tech. All are physically fine.

I would like to impart some things I learned over the 9/11 tragedy and the death of my father-in-law. Please pray for the families affected by this horrible event.

I know that this seems overwhelming and senseless.

Remember that what you are feeling is normal. There is no hand book on how to handle something like this.

Take some time to do something "normal". If need be go to McDonald's and order a big mac.

Turn off the t.v. for a while.

Do not watch the t.v. with the kids in the room.

Remember to be talk to your kids on their level about what happened. Remind them that they are safe, that God loves them and you. Pray with them for the families and individuals involved. IF they ask--remind them that God gives us free will to make choices and sometimes people are so sad and upset that they make bad choices.

A situation like this can be horribly overwhelming and that is a normal feeling. Don't try to make sense of this right now.

Ask God for peace and wisdom to deal with this.

This is just another sad reminder that this world is not our home. Unfortunately Satan's reign is strong here on earth.

I love you all.

And the Oscar goes to?

2007-04-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

Jay and I are poor...so we are watching all the Oscar nominated movies now that they are on DVD/payperview. I think I would like to ask "The Academy"...what in the world constitutes Oscar worthy movies?

So far we have seen The Departed, Little Miss Sunshine and Babel.....

My opinion is.....

1. The Departed--it was ok. Out of the 3 we have seen, I guess I like this one the best. It had a good story line, good character development, but the ending was depressing!

2. Little Miss Sunshine--it was alright. I was very disturbed by the language of the teenage son. I just kept thinking...."his mom and dad let him talk that way for the movie and hear the things said to him by the grandfather...." It was disturbing to me.

3. Babel--um what?!!! I thought it was slow, long, boring, and anti-climatic. If you have seen the move from a few years ago called "Traffic" with Michael Douglas then this seems very similar to me.

Now the Pursuit of Happyness--there was a GREAT movie!!!But alas, not nominated. Excellent story--uplifting. LIfe can be depressing enough, why do I want to go pay people to watch their 2 hours of unhappiness?

I don't know that I will see the Iwo Jima movie or the Queen. Not unless someone can give me several good reasons to go.

I have seen Premonition in the theatres--I kind of liked it. I took the kids to several movies over Spring Break. Wild Hogs was cute. Blades of Glory--didn't actually see but it was dumb. I still would like to see Breach.

There are a few movies coming out that I would like to see.
What did you think of these movies?

Answers

2007-04-12T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here are the answers to my quiz

1. I went to ACU
2. My official job title is Assistant TO Children's ministry--I am not a minister by title
3. I share a birthday with Gillian!
4. I sang for a benefit put on by Nancy Reagan my junior or senior year in high school at the Mayflower hotel downtown.
5. My favorite fast food is Sonic because I don't get it very often!
6. I have never been to Miami
7. I have never been a substitue teacher
8. i have recently found a fondness of green beans. I tolerate broccoli in salads mixed in with lots of other stuff....
9. I was in a major car accident at the age of 19
10.Jay and I have never had a honeymoon--sad isn't it?

Thanks for playing!

This is me hopping on board....

2007-03-29T16:28:00.000-05:00

Create your own Friend Quiz here

Vengence is mine sayeth......

2007-03-11T20:59:00.000-05:00

If you have read my blog much, you know that I have a certain preference, an affinity if you will for a certain southern fast food franchise.

Now, I have been thrilled to learn that the afore mentioned southern fast food franchise has established itself about 45 miles from my house! We have been once. We have plans to go next weekend.

I recently chaperoned an annual youth group trip. We just so happened to stop in the town of Blacksburg for dinner on the way back. I think that may have had so mething to do with the fact that I was the "lead" chaperone on bus #1....but who can really be sure....anyhoo....WE stopped in Blacksburg. Renowned locale for the wonderful establsihement of higher learning....VA Tech. It also just happens that this is the homestead of my dear brother and his beautiful wife and 3 children (who are adorable...just fyi). So I called them and asked if they would like to join us for dinner while we stop. I mean, we don't get to see them very much and I just consider each and every moment that we can spend with them precious and well almost sacred! I also asked that they do me a very teeny, tiny, really very insignificant favor for me. I asked them to bring me a Route 44 cherry limeade. Being the most wonderful people that they are, they did. I mean I NEEDED this limeade. I had been on a bus for almost 16 hours with 35 jr. highers...enough said! Can I get an AMEN?! Well, when they walked into the restaurant with my large and MUCH NEEDED drink, well people got upset!! It was almost riotous (is that word? it is now)!

Our youth minister and his wife (who is with child) got upset. My daughter and her friends got upset. I mean people were up in arms!!! Please people...ya gotta have connections! Sing with me now....."You gotta have friends....."

Well it just so happens that this past week our youth minister and his wife traveled to TN to see some family in failing health. What good people they are! OR are they? This is what I have received from them while on their mission of compassion.

yummy--was caption of the picture, as it was sent to me with evil intentions....

tastee-- was this caption!

I think someone needs to be coming forward next Sunday while we sing, "What a friend we have in Chris and Mindy"

WHY? Why? why?

2007-03-09T18:32:00.000-05:00

1. Why is Heroes not back on until April 23rd?

2. Why is when you are in a hurry at the grocery store, there are only 2 lines open with 6 people in each AND their lights are blinking due to a price check need?

3. Why are people upset with LOST? I have heard more people say they are going to stop watching it if something doesn't happen soon....um, they are setting the stage! Patience people! Patience! (note: please do not tell me that is the answer to #2)

4. Why is it when your kids grow up, you kind of forget what it was like to have little kids?

5. Why did Congress pass a law to move up daylight savings time? How is that going to save money?

6. Why do restaurants put their flyer in your door to advertise their delivery service and then they don't deliver to your house? And you are craving their panini sandwich but NO they don't deliver to you! THEN DON'T GIVE ME YOUR ADVERTISMENT!!!!

last but not least...
7.Why? WHY? is there no Sonic closer than 45 miles from my house?!!!! Today was a for sure cherry limeade day!

Anyone who has answers to the above questions, that I like, gets the prize!

for your viewing pleasure

2007-03-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I saw

Facing the Giants--http://www.facingthegiants.com/
*an independent movie made by 2 Baptist ministers. It is loosely based on a true story. It is a MUST see for the whole family! The acting is a little cheesy but it is an EXCELLENT movie! Now on DVD...go to your local video rental place and see it today! Or better yet but it at your local Walmart or Target!

Amazing Grace--http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003096.cfm
* The inspiring story of one man, William Wilburforce, and his fight against the slave trade in England in the 1800's. He was inspired by his friend and mentor John Newton who used to be a slave trader and repented and wrote the song, that we sing today, Amazing Grace.

Both must sees!

You want to feel good? Watch these!

i am not silent--yeah right Ellyn

2007-03-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

for some unknown reason...i can not leave comments on other people's blogs.....i switched over to the new blogger and well....not i can not comment....so here's some making up some time!

Ramona--YEAH for a boy!

Tanya--love Abby's haircut! Tell her Ellyn got her's cut short too! and enjoy it while you can that they think the "s" word is stupid! Reality hits all too quickly!

Malia--you post too quickly to comment! You make my head spin but I enjoy reading it!

Kelli--thanks for the email and Rachel is just growing so quickly! She is SOOOOO cute!

Erin--may you see the beauty in life through the recent tragedies that you have been through. God is using you in great ways. You have always been a person that I can see Him shining through you! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful thing.

Em--I printed off the pictures you took of Sweetpea and Boo-boo and hung them in my office! You have a gift! AND the ONLY way to eat pancakes in my humble opinion is with peanut butter and syrup!

That is about all I have sort of kept up with!

and now a word from our sponsor....

2007-03-01T16:56:00.000-05:00

Here is a video that one of our chaperones put together of Winterfest. Chelsea is not in it much but Alex is about 3 times and yes it is him with the long hair, you can recognize him by his all time favorite orange coat.....I am several times....me and my orange sweater! I am wearing glasses because I caught a cold in my eye and it was all goopy! The good one of Chelsea is she is taking a picture of the videographer and she is wearing a green coat and a purple hat with purple gloves.

and now for your viewing pleasure.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBoCZjn_srQ

p.s. please forgive the AC/DC music! (it is kinda cool!)

please disregard

2007-02-20T16:39:00.000-05:00

It has come to my attention today that there are some horrible lies being circulated amongst our "brotherhood" as to things happening at the Fairfax Church of Christ.

If you hear anything...please ask me because everything I have heard is 100% false. Unfortunately there is a person/people who attend Fairfax who are spreading lies and being decietful. I don't know who they are and I don't want to know who they are.

It makes me sad that someone/ones feel the need to be so mean and sinful.

I know I have not posted in a long time. Things here have gotten real crazy. Right now I am not in the mood to post....well I want to post about things regarding the lies I have heard but that would not do any good and bring any glory to God, so I won't.

So until my anger about the situation passes, I need to keep quiet.

Few things--
Thanks Jonathan and Tanya and kids for seeing us in the bitter cold as we came back from Winterfest! I so much enjoyed my cherry limeade!!!

Winterfest was great! Love the trip!

Chelsea is a legal licensed driver now! Yikes!

Due to extreme water damage--we have to gut the kids' bathroom down to the studs and redo the bathroom! UGH!!!

More later!

Happy Birthday

2007-01-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my dear sweet sister in law, Tanya!

I am very blessed for her to have been a part of my life for all these years!
She is an excellent mom to my 3 precious nephews and neice!
She is a fabulous wife to my brother!
She loves her family deeply!
She loves children and is a great advocate for children and their rights.

She loves a good sale!
She loves Target!
She loves gift certificates!
She loves the simple things in life!
She loves Milwaukee frozen custard!
She loves the movie Annie, Grease, Akeelah and the Bee, Big Fish, Shawshank Redemption...and the list goes on!
She loves Survivor and American Idol!
She loves her Redskins and Hokies!

Have you noticed that I used the work "love" alot. That is Tanya! She is passionate about people and things in her life. She is love!

I love you Tanya! Happy Birthday!

finally!

2007-01-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

it's snowing! winter has offically begun.....i am soooo happy! wear your pj's backwards and inside out, flush an ice cube down the toilet! Praying for a 2 hr delay minimum tomorrow!

i am making some pasta e fagioli, and choclate cake! I heart me some snow!

Idol Chatter

2007-01-17T17:55:00.000-05:00

Did ya see the Idol? American Idol that is. I don't know if I have ever laughed so much at the auditions.

Is it me or were the trio harsher than normal? Not sure why Jewel was there...it didn't seem to add or take away from the episode.

So the questions of the day are--

Do you think some of the auditions are staged?

Who do you think was the best?

Who was the worst?

Who should of made it thru and who shouldn't have?

Ellyn Sergio--Peace out!

thankful thursdays?

2007-01-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

I know that my dear cousin started to blog about thankful thursdays....but i am having a hard time being thankful for Thursdays.....

1. Chelsea doesn't finish volleyball practice until 10 p.m. and by the time I dtop off the carpool, it is almost 11!!!

2. This means I miss Grey's Anatomy! Thank goodness for Tivo!

3. I usually miss Alex's bball games becasue of volleyball practice!

4. If your church is trying to "find itself". Don't--DO NOT volunteer to be on teh church records team!!! I spent 6 hours today going thru old bulletins to find the number of new members added in 10 years!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHH

5. I now have to go thru old directories and compare and find people who we "lost" over those said 10 years!

Good Things about today--

--Guitar hero is a GREAT way to put off and relieve the stress of the aforementioned task!
--Grey's Anatomy
--Tomorrow is Friday
--Tomorrow is my day off!
--Tivo
--I got Baja Fresh for lunch
--I found out that Sonic just opened in Fredericksburg!! That is only 45 minutes away.....If i didn't have to pick up a certain teenage girl from volleyball practice, i would so go tonight!!!

So tell me, what are you thankful for this Thursday?

New favorite song

2006-12-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

Feels Like Home--by Chantal Kreviazuk
From the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

"Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light
Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way the back where
I come fromIt feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

17 years and counting

2006-12-29T23:01:00.000-05:00

Dec. 30th, the day that Jay and I promised, no vowed before God, family and friends that we would love, honor, and cherish each other come what may.

17 years ago, we were young starry eyed and "in love". Today, the starry eyes see a little clearer now but we still love each other.

I have learned alot over the past 17 years. Here is one example for each year we have been married.

1. Love is a verb--the feeling has faded from time to time. That is when you reflect on what you vowed. In good times and in bad. In sickness and in health, etc. Still, even when you don't FEEL like it--you do it anyway.

2. Most people don't change. People can grow/mature but they tend not to change.

3. If you are quiet long enough, they will talk to you. This one has been hard for me!

4. Discounting him infront of the children, seriously hurts his self esteem and standing in the children's eyes.

5. After 17 years, he still can't see what is right in front of him.

6. After 17 years, he will still ask you where the pitcher is, even though you have kept in the same place since you have moved in.

7. After 17 years, he will always need to be reminded that the trash goes out on Sundays and Wednesdays.

8. Put him first. He came before the kids did and even when the kids come along, he still needs to be first.

9. Always have a date night. No matter if it once a week or once a month. Always have a date night. We tend to save our gift cards that we collect thru the year to use on these nights.

10. pray together. Even if you are disagreeing, pray together. What you hear from his lips reveals so much to his heart.

11. For every negative thought you have about him. Then verbally say 2 positive things. This keeps the heart from growing cold towards him.

12. They are still young at heart. This comes true when your children get a cool toy, like a playstation 2 or a psp or guitar hero! They play it all the time!

13. Always take your anniversary to reflect on where you have come from and where you want to grow together.

14. Use "I" statements when talking to them. That way you are not accusing them of anything.

15. I had to teach Jay how to do laundry and mop the kitchen floor when we were first married. These are skills that I am now teaching Alex to do....that and wipe the toilet rim when he is done! His wife is gonna love me!

16. When the snoring starts, buy ear plugs! They are cheap and keep you from having negative thoughts!

17. I am blessed because after 17 years, he wakes up every morning KNOWING that he loves me and that we were meant to be together.

God bless us everyone!

2006-12-22T21:57:00.000-05:00

good things about today--

1. Got my house picked up and cleaned
2. Got my haircut and highlighted and got $60 off the total bill--don't ask, I think the lady made a mistake
3. Chelsea made National Honor Society
4. Baked for Jay's employees
5. went to the new cold stone creamery! yum-o!
6. got to spend time with jay for the first time such a long time!

bad things about today--alex started throwing up at about 5:30 p.m.--i think it is food poisoning from lunch at school. it coculd be a bug...we will see....by the way, he has yet to amke it to the bathroom!

good thing--we have a little green bissel machine!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! count your blessings and name them one by one!

It's about more than this....

2006-12-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Monday, December 11, 2006. My friend Sarah, went home to be with God.

I know that many of you reading this already know that. Thank you to those who have said that you were checking my blog to see what I would post about her.

I don't know what I could say that would do her justice. She was simply amazing!
I miss her dearly. I see her children almost everyday and it is all I can do to not be completely sad.

Her children are amazing smaller versions of Sarah. Hannah is so full of life! She sees things in a positive light. She doesn't really understand why people are sad and want her to be sad about her mom being gone. One night Hannah looked at me and said "Miss Ellyn, my mom is in heaven and I can't be sad about that!" Hannah sang a solo at our Christmas production called "Light of Jesus Shine forever in our Hearts"! It was like Sarah was talking to us! The words were exactly what Sarah would say.

Sarah left a lasting legacy on all those who knew her. I was blessed enough to have several wonderful conversations with her before the cancer consumed her body. She told me that she wasn't going to ask why she had cancer but instead that if her having cancer is what it took for someone to have a real and personal relationship with God, then she looks at God and says "Bring it on!" My daughter was able to be a part of that conversation and it was an amazing gift given to Chelsea and myself!

Sarah also told me that she didn't want people to look at her and say "Sarah sure is brave!" "Look at how Sarah is handling this". She said "I want people to look at me and give God the glory. " She knew that her life was about more than her physical body. She knew that God could let her die. People would say to her, "God won't let you die becuase....." and she would respond, "No God could let me die and I have to be ok with that." She was not afraid of dying. She wanted to see her kids grow up and asked God if that would be possible but would accept whatever answer He gave her.

People don't understand why she is gone. Why her husband only had 13 years with her and her children had less than 10 years with her. As I hear the stories of how God is working through Sarah even now, I understand as much as my human mind will let me.

*A man who was angry with God and stopped going to church so very long ago, showed up at church on Sunday because of Sarah (or what God did through her life).

*People who didn't pray, are now praying.
*People who lost touch with Sarah, found her and her faith again.
*People are professing the love of Christ boldly and unashamed.
*1200 people gathered to honor her life and worship the Lord, who gives and takes away.
*People are calling and asking to meet with Bruce to understand this God who Sarah loved so much that she was willing to die, so that He be glorified.

Chelsea said "you know mom, we look for ways to pack the church on a Sunday. Miss Sarah lived her life with purpose and boldness and look....it was standing room only! All those people got to hear how much God loves them and how much Sarah wanted them to love God! Way to go Miss Sarah! Way to go!"

As a Christian our life is about more than our physical body. We are blessed beyond imagination!
It is time to live with purpose. It is time to be bold about our faith. We only have this one life to make a difference.

I do ask that you continue to pray for Scott and the children. Pray for God's protective hedge around them while they learn to live without Sarah.

To Sarah, I say--I miss you but I know that we will see each other again someday! Until then, may I be as bold and faithful as you were. Thank you for the life you lead. I love you.

6 weird things about me

2006-12-01T09:58:00.000-05:00

Alright Java and fellow bloggers--I am at work and well apparently the Lord has lightened my load today because I can blog about weird things about me! Java, I always knew that we were somehow connected...we have several things in common. Several of your weird things made me smile cause I am like that too...

1. I listen to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving and I sing loudly and jubilantly. I need an ipod and an ipod trip so that I can put it on random and sing all the way to work!

2. I talk to myself in the car. When I have a lot on my mind. I talk it thru out loud! In fact there is a certain member of our church who works for a certain secret agency and he "tailed" me for about 5 miles and I never noticed and his comment was--you sure do talk alot in the car!

3. Sorry Java, but I also pretend like my life is like a t.v. show!!! I have done it since I was a child! I have always wanted to be someone else! I am now mature and can accept who God has made me and find happiness in that but sometimes when noone is looking.....

4. I hang my shirts in my closets from sleeveless to long sleeve. Jay however does not hang up my shirts that way and I spend countless minutes rearranging instead of leaving it alone...does it really matter?! Well yes, yes it does--for me.

5. I finish almost every sentence with "I know--right?" or "does that make sense?"

6. I love to play video games! Not like Madden '06 or anything but like Spyro....I am pretty good!

Ok so now that there has been some good 'ole confession from me, I need 5 people to join.....Jill, Emily, Tanya, Ramona, and......Murray/Jaime.

Happy friday!

'tis the season....

2006-11-30T22:16:00.000-05:00

Ok--I am almost done with my Christmas shopping! I was feeling good about my progress. Today an electrician came to our house and put in an outside socket--I know how stupid we don't have one right! Christmas lights can go up! But I was stressed that we had no tree and no real good time to go get one. So.....

Jay and I went to get our tree tonight while we dropped off both kids at their practices. Yes that means the kids were not with us but I just couldn't make it happen.

We have a tradition in the Sergio household. We go the Sat. after Thanksgiving to this place about an hour away and cut down our perfect tree! It is perfect in every way becuase not only are they meticulously maintained through the year but they are only $40 for any height, any species of tree!!! Can't beat that! Well, due to our lives being totally crazy and in NYC for the Sat. after thanksgiving, we had to go to plan "B".

Jay and I made the decision and drove to the nearest nursery and bought an 8 foot frazier fir for--are you ready for this--$80!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!! Seriously?!

Yes, I am not joking!

So it is up--not decorated--just up. Who knows when we will decorate it?!!

Can someone tell me why I paid $80 for a christmas tree on a 73 degree day in Nov?!!! What is this Florida or California?

I told Jay that Chelsea was going to be mad....and she got home from volleyball tryouts and said "are you kidding me?! you got a tree without me?!" I can't blame her. She only has 3 more Christmas' at home with us before she goes to college....tradition is a big deal right now.

I feel like a such a bad mom--maybe I should buy her a pony. Oh wait that's right...tonight we bought a "new to us" vehicle! Maybe I should buy her a black video ipod...oh wait she bought her own in Soho this past weekend! Well she will have to settle for what I got her for Christmas!

fa la la la la la! La la la la!!!

long story

2006-11-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I have been gone for a while! Sorry....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa too much going on! Let's see...

October 27th--Alex made travel basketball and has practice 3 times a week. His 13th birthday was great! Can't believe he is 13!!!! We had his bday party back at the end of sept. So glad we did when you see what has been happening in our lives.

Here he is with his BFF getting into the Hummer limo we rented for Chelsea's sweet 16!

Alex's report card was great!!! We are so proud of him!

Oct 31st--Halloween--Alex and 6 of his buddies go trick or treating around the neighborhood.
NOv 3-5--Daughters of the King--over 400 teen girls and their moms/chaperones came to hear about how they are a loved by God and how they fit into his Kingdom! It was so great!!!

Sometime in between there and Nov. 7th--Sarah enters the hospital.
Nov 7th--Chelsea's 16th bday!!!! This day proved to be very trying. We almost lost Sarah that day. If you go to her Caringbridge site you will read all about it.
Chelsea goes to lunch with friends and the movies! We eat out and let her open some gifts!
Then the Democrats take over DC and the day was just not a good day! other than my sweet daughter's 16th bday!
Nov 10th--Chelsea has volleyball party.
November 12th--Chelsea's sweet 16 party!!! Like I said, we rented a Hummer limo and took 19 teens around DC to take pictures and then eat at Jay's restaurant! It was sooo much fun!!! Everyone had a blast!!!

Now Chelsea is trying out for club volleyball and my word it is so cut throat! Just crazy!!! We are packing for our NYC thanksgiving trip! We are just crazy crazy crazy busy! She is taking behind the wheel everyday. Folks she can be on her own on the road come Feb 7th! Look out! I am 1/2 way done Christmas shopping. I cheated...I did it all over the internet last friday! Should of thought about that because now the stuff will be coming while we are in NYC!! oops.

We are trying to figure out when in the world we will cut down our tree! I have begged the kids to get a fake tree--no such luck! So now I am trying to buy one from the local nursery and not drive the hour to cut one down!

Things with Sarah have been up and down. I could go on and on about my thoughts and feelings about it but to be honest....i am just plain tired. Tired physically and emotionally! On Sunday the 26th our small group is going over to Sarah's house to put up the Christmas lights on the outside of the house. It is for the kids.

Life is good. It is very good. I don't know when I will be able to post again. Please continue to pray for Sarah and Bob. Please visit Sarah's website to get updates on her. Please kiss your family and thank God for them. Life is so precious. Please live each day with purpose and don't blow your day with stupid stuff. Make your moments count. I am sure that Sarah and Bob were, at this time last year, reflecting upon their life. Who knew that this year would hold these things for them.

Praise God for who He is and what He does. Regardless of what happens. Happy Thanksgiving! You have a lot to be thankful for!

its coming.....

2006-11-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

there have been major things happening in the sergio's lives over the past 2 weeks.....i promise an update is coming with pictures of my now 16 year old and 13 year old!!!

in the mean time check out the web

www.fxcc.org/dotk for pictures of daugthers of the king

and

www.caringbridge.org sign in sarahbergquist for updated news on sarah............

PLEASE PRAY!!!!

misc.

2006-10-26T18:36:00.000-05:00

this is Chelsea at her friend's house for homecoming. She went with a bunch of friends from school.

I thought I would post this now so as not to overshadow the fact that her brother is turning 13 tomorrow! I will post about him becoming a teen and reflect on the past 13 years. I will also try to include a picture of the birthday boy. Then after that, my friends, you will not hear from me for about 10 days becuase we have a very important event coming up that I am deeply involved in and well...let's just say the final details are needing to be put in place and not a whole lot of sleep will happen.

Until then.....have a great time!

STA

2006-10-19T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hi. I'm Ellyn.

Audience responds "Hi Ellyn!"

Wow, this is harder than I thought it was going to be.

I have been addicted for about 2 months now. I can't go one day without it. I wake up in the morning and I think about it. I need it to get going in the morning. I need it again by the time I get to work but I hold off as much as I possibly can. Sometimes I can't get any work done because I am consumed with its thought. I can usually hold off until lunch and then I really have to have it again. That holds me over until I go home. I have some at home, grant it, it is not as good as the mass produced product but it does tied over the craving.

Last night after church, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to have my fix. So I went and found the nearest distributor. I got a large amount-- about 44 oz. worth.

I'm Ellyn and I am addicted to sweet tea from McDonalds. I know I have a problem that is why I am here telling you this. I am hoping that the STA meetings (sweet tea anonymous)will provide me with a sponsor and help me through the withdrawl period until I can make it on my own.

The good news--I have every section san one block in the monopoly game. Maybe if I win 1 million dollars, I can just have my addiction and be rich!

In This Storm

2006-10-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians. 4:16-18--Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Psalm 42:5 --Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,

Psalm 121:1-2--I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Job 1:20-21--At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. [a] The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Daniel 3:16-18-- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Casting Crowns--Praise You In This Storm

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
And stepped in and saved the day
Once again, I say Amen,
and it is still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I'm with you
As your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
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 whenI stumbled in the wind
You heard my cryYou raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find you

I lift my eyes into the hills
Where does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

Rhonda--email me and I will give you the number
Bob--email me and I will give you the number
Sarah--email me and I will give you the number

I saw Sarah today. She looks great!!! She got a new short haircut so that she wouldn't have stringy long hair as her hair fell out. She is tolerating the chemo well. In fact her blood levels are so good that the dr. has given her 2 days off this week from taking the chemo administered by drip! Praise God!

Sarah met a woman today when taking chemo today. Sarah is going to pray for her to be healed. This woman and her husband go to church but their church is not set up to "take care" of people. Sarah was appalled! This woman was so taken by Sarah that she signed up to take her chemo on friday at the same time as Sarah!

Sarah desperately wants people to know that their focus should not be on her and how she is dealing with this. Their focus should be on God. God is seeing her thru. God is helping her. God is with her.

Sarah told me that if it takes her having cancer to bring people to a relationship with Christ, then so be it. She said bring it on! God is being glorified!

Like the song above.....She knows her help comes from the Lord. She is raising her hands and praising Him in the storm. She also knows that the storm is just starting to brew. She knows with God she WILL get through it, no matter what that means. Sometimes God calms the storms. Sometimes He chooses to ride them with us. No matter what--we praise Him through the storm.

leaving love

2006-10-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

some of you have found it and heard about it....

www.caringbridge.org

at the sign in type-- sarahbergquist
You will have to go thru and "register" but then leaver her love. She needs it.

Lord willing in a day or 2. I will be able to give you her pager number. everytime you pray for her-- you call her pager and it will vibrate and she will know that someone just prayed for her!

Cool huh? Thanks Mrs. Shephard for that fantastic idea!

Pray on!

hope--God's doing it again!

2006-10-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

Psalm 25:5guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 31:24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD

Psalm 33:18But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love

Psalm 33:20We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.

I went again today to see Sarah. She needs hope. We were talking about what we put our hope in.

We hoped it was mono. It was not.
We hoped it was breast cancer. It was not.
We hoped it was lymphoma. It was not.

Gideon put his hope in things other than God. Please read Judges 6 and 7. God proved to him over and over that He was with Gideon. Still Gideon was unsure. Gideon gathered a large army to fight the enemy. God told him. "You don't need them". Gideon didn't understand how he was going to beat the enemy with a small army but still God whittled away his army.

Then God showed up and proved himself in a big way. Gideon's hope was in wet and dry fleece or large numbers of fighting men. God proved him wrong. Gideon's hope needed to be rested firmly in the Lord.

God has shown up for Sarah. She still needs to be reminded of the hope she has in the Lord. We are putting some things into place. I will let you know about them as they come to fruition. Until them, pray for her to put her hope in the Lord. If you get the chance go buy the new cd by Casting Crowns and listen to the song "In the storm".

Have a great weekend everyone.

Perspective and 100th post

2006-10-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

So I saw Sarah today. She looked tired but good. She started her chemo last night and then I was there when the nurse brought her tablet chemo. She's doing good. She knows what she is up against. She willing to fight.

I was asked today if I could host our small group meeting this Sunday night. I really really don't want to. Why? Well Friday which is my normal day off, I will need to work...Sat. I am at church from 9-3 in a meeting so that we can figure out our mission, values and vision at good ole FXCC. I am not up for that BUT Sarah was on the team with me and you know what, she would want me there to give my 2 cents on what I htink God calls the church to be. Sunday I am there again at FXCC from 8-5 for various assundry of reasons that all fall under my job title. Small group starts at 6. I was pretty mad when I was asked. I thought why can't other people who are not as busy as me and have Sundays as a work day step up and do this?

I went to see Sarah today and you know what? If she can take chemo that is going to completely tear her apart to fight cancer and live another day, then I can host small group.

This situation puts it all into perspecitve, doesn't it? What Sarah wouldn't give right now to be able to host small group. So come on you 40 people--my carpets will be dirty but you are welcome in my home.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Cor. 4:8-10

God hear our prayers

2006-10-11T16:37:00.000-05:00

.... pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective! James 5:16

I am putting a call out to all who read this. My dear friend of 31 years Sarah, has been diagnosed with acute lymphblastic leukemia. The is a cancer of the blood and it is all over her body. She entered the hospital late last night and will start very intense chemo immediately.

In perfect Sarah style, she sent an email out at 4:30 a.m. to her prayer warriors in ladies Bible class. She shared that she is scared but knows that this cancer is NOT bigger than God. She petitioned them to be in prayer for her. That is her strength. Knowing that her fellow christian mothers are lifting her to our Lord daily, if not hourly.

Sarah, is an amazing person. She has 4 children under the age of 9. She is one month younger than me. Yes, she is 37.

O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my (Sarah's ) relief. Psalm 143:1

frightening

2006-10-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

So I am watching the Discovery channel show "Cash Cab", which by the way when we are in NYC at thanksgiving...I AM going to find and I AM going to win money. You wanna know why? Even if you don't I am going to tell you....

Cause I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay smarter than those yahoos on that show! My word! Some of the questions they miss are just dumbfounding!! I am now convinced that we have dumbed down Americans. One episode there were 3 men from jolly ole England and they won over $1000 on American trivia!!!

So once I find the Cash Cab among the other 13,000 cabs in NYC--yes that is 1 3 0 0 0! I think I can do it! I am going to kick tushy at this. With my hubby a.k.a. King of useless knowledge and I will win the largest amount ever!

Don't try to be realistic with me. Let me live in my fantasy! I enjoy it there!

um, i dunno what happened...

2006-09-29T13:37:00.000-05:00

nothing profound, i just can't figure out how to change the font on my previous post. I never changed it in the first place so I am not sure why it looks like that.

oh and for the deutschmann--i don't lead people astray--i make their lives better!!! :)

happy friday everyone! it is a beautiful fall day here and the weekend looks great!

we live, we love, we forgive and never give up

2006-09-28T18:37:00.000-05:00

So this has been a very interesting week...I feel like the past 5 days have been weeks worth of time.

I honestly don't remember what happened on Sunday....oh wait, it is coming back to me now. Yes, our family had a little melt down. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had all been peaceful at home. It was just about time to go to small group when--BAM!--all you know what breaks loose! It was like my 2 offsprings became demon possessed!!! Needless to say we didn't make it to small group. Instead I spent 2 hours on the phone with the nonfruit computer company because our older laptop crapped out on us. I then handed the phone over to Jay as he was speaking with the nice albeit scripted Indian (not native but other) man, because Chelsea comes screaming upstairs to tell me she has a project/paper due tomorrow and the older laptop crapped out on us and the new laptop doesn't have the printer drivers installed on it! So in world could we do that to her! The inhumanity--ya know never mind she spent 7 solid days in a 3rd world country helpign the poor and afflicted--she was now afflicted!! So I then go online wtih Dell--oops i mean nonfruit computer company--to download the printer drivers to the computer. Yes, my blog friends that took 2...count them 2 hours to get right! So in the mean time I keep reminding Alex that he has not practiced his trombone. Well of course not--he left it at school!!! Apparently it is a little hard to play a trombone with no actual trombone. So now I am mad becuase he is going to fail for the week.

But then Monday came--well let's just say God put me in my place. Monday evening, we got word that a good friend, a very Godly man all of the age of 42 with 5 children all under the age of 12 and works for a certain secret group of the government has cancer and it is pretty bad. I am in total disbelief! How could this man have cancer? How can it be so bad? I go to back to school night for Alex and Jay and I just walk around and are literally sick to our stomachs over this.

Tuesday--the news about this man seems to get worse. The doctors say that the cancer has eaten away at his hip and it may not be the only place the cancer is. I am in constant prayer allllllll day. My prayer is "God, I don't want it to be cancer BUT if it has to be then make it fixable." I pray that over and over and over. A part of me feels like this is not going to be as bad as we all first think it is but you know, you are always afraid to say it. But my gut is telling me--it is not going to be bad like the doctors think. He wants everyone to know and for everyone to pray--we spread the word....We, when I say we I mean pretty much the whole church--prays all day and a SLEW of people go to the hospital to visit and provide support and encouragement to a man who has done exactly that to soooooooooooooooooooooooooo many people. I go to back to school night for Chelsea and again, it is hard to concentrate on anything because, well I am remind once again how fragile life is. How we MUST live with purpose to make our life count for God.

Wednesday--he is to have cat scans and a biopsy. My co-worker and I go to the hospital to sit with the wife to wait for the news. This man is visibly shaken to the core. We pray twice with him before he goes for the biopsy. The man who has stood in the gap for countless of people needs us to stand in the gap for him. He goes thru the biopsy and the doctor comes out to hug the wife and says yes it is cancer of the bone BUT it is VERY treatable! He can beat this!
answered prayer!
We have a prayer vigil at the beginning of church that night for he and another woman fighting cancer. Our hearts are very heavy but comforted in the fact that God has heard us. He is good!

Today--More good news--tests from overnight and today show that they are fairly certain that the cancer is only in the hip! He will ahve hip replacement surgery next week and then a round of chemo.

My prayer--"God, Satan thinks he can get to this man and his family. But he has shown you and many others that Satan will not prevail. Keep Satan away this man is ours and you know that."

It made me wonder. Like Job, did Satan ask God to test this man? This man is one of the strongest and most faithful men I know. If anything maybe he was stricken with this cancer to touch someone in the hospital. I know taht only God knows the plans He has for us but I am jsut curious. Whatever the answer--God is faithful and God is Great! This man and his family are not going to waiver. They are strong and courageous.

Between not getting a lot of sleep and being emotionally wiped out--I have stopped at McD's for a sweet tea (which by the way I LOVE!!) to help me survive on the sugar high and caffeine. I had pretty much cut out sodas but I am also living on cokes. This weekend is not going to be relaxing either....it is jammed packed....Can I get an IV of soda and sweet tea? I am going to need it!

Remember--Great is our God!

sigh--i am very happy!

2006-09-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

The air was cool today with the first touch of fall in the air. You could smell it!!! I love the fall!!! but more importantly...I love the fact that the Office and Grey's Anatomy start again tonight!!!!

I am just too happy!!! I know, it is sad but it is so very very true!

Has anyone been watching Deal or no Deal? I am not watching nor tivoing it tonight but we have caught glimpses of it here and there this week. Some of those contests are too funny!

On a side note, my poor daughter has not been home all week due to commitments at school. The newspaper goes to print this week and she has had 2 games which they won both! She did not come home on Monday until after the game, on Tuesday she did not come home until after practice, on Wednesday she came home for about 20 min. before heading back to meet iwth the trainer about a pulled muscle in her back. She has not been home today yet and it is 8 p.m.

I met her at the school with her practice gear and she was just standing out side crying! I felt so bad for her!! I am proud of her but she is working too hard. I wish I could tell you that this weekend would be calm for her but it is not. Her weekend is packed!

I actually offered her a chance to go ot school late tomorrow morning and she cried and said no, she needed to be there all day! What a good girl I have!

By the way, the 16th b-day plans are coming along!!! More later...it is a surprise and I don't know if she reads my blog or not so you will have to wait.

Alex's 13th birthday is not until Oct 27th BUT he wants to celebrate it with his best friend's who is the 10th. So Jay pulled some strings and the boys are getting a private tour of RFK stadium and Nationals clubhouse. They get to enter the dugout and go on the field!! cool huh!? So Jay and Brian are taking 8 boys to go and do a really cool thing! That is happening on the 30th because that is the 2nd to last game for the Nationals. I wasn't sure this was going to work out but so far we have heard from all but 2 of the boys and they can all come! NOrmally these boys have games on Sat. but none of them have games or they don't play until that night!!!

I love it when a plan comes together! Well friends, snuggle up and watch t.v.!!!! You deserve it!

Celebration of Life

2006-09-19T18:25:00.000-05:00

Today I had the honor to be with about 100+ people to celebrate the life of Fred Henson. He went home to be with his Lord this past Sunday after suffering for almost 2 years with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

I had the privalege to know Fred because I grew up with his boys, Mark and David. While Fred and his wife Linda had 4 children, I was closest to Mark and David. Mark and I are the same age/grade and were friends since we were 5. For those who are counting, that is almost 33 years of friendship. When we first moved to the DC area we lived literally right around the corner from the Hensons. The Hinckleys, Nighs and Hensons were fast friends and we spent many friday nights and holidays together. I don't know if Mark and David remember but we used to play Dukes of Hazzard together. I of course was Daisy Duke. I think since Mark had brown hair he was Luke Duke and David, having blonde hair was Bo Duke. We would slide over the arm of the sofa to be like we were entering the General Lee!!! Good times!!!

Today we did celebrate Fred's life and dedication to God. He was a great man who dearly loved his wife and children. He knew that we was afflicted with ALS and decided to live every moment to the fullest. He could of complained, he could of asked why but he accepted the path before him and relied on God to get him through. From the moment he was diagnosed he said that it was ok becuase he was ready to go home.

He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Linda, Children--Mark (w/Edie), David (w/Jennifer), Heather (w/Darrin), and Chris (w/ his wife...who I am sorry to say I can't remember her name!) And 6 grandchildren with 3 on the way!

Thank you Fred for your family. Thank you for your love of God. Thank you for your life's example. It was an honor to know you.

How do you explain?

2006-09-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

I have been postponing blogging about today. After 5 years, I still don't know what to say. I don't know how to make the horror of 5 years ago fade. Time has not made that happen for me.I remember every moment like it just happened.

I went to the website from Malicious's blog (a.k.a. Malia to the side) and was assigned a person to blog about who died in the WTC that fateful day. But I don't know what to say.

I know he was loved. I know taht he was special and real in many people's lives. All those people were loved. Everyone of them had someone post their picture on the fence looking for them. Everyone of them deserved to live. But we, as a nation, saw evil up close and personal. I thought I could blog about one person who lost their life that day and the moment I hit the button to recieve the person, I knew....I couldn't. I just don't feel like I can do him justice. He was someone's son, husband, brother, cousin, and friend. I am not worthy of speaking about a man I didn't even know. I am sorry taht he is gone and that people ache for him. If I could take it away from them I would.

You see, I really wanted to blog about the man whose desk was right next to my father's in the Navy Command Center in the Pentagon. A man who survived the Vietnam war to move to America and die at the hands of evil. But again...what do you say....

I am going to apologize now for my rambling but I don't know how to explain it clearly.

So the name I got was....

Name: John (Jay) J. Corcoran
Age: 43
Killed at: United Airlines Flight 175
From city: Norwell
From state: Mass
Special Notes: Passenger

We won't ever know what Jay thought or knew or felt while being in that plane. But his family and friends do know what he thought or knew or felt about so many other things in life and they have those memories to carry them to tomorrow and the next day and the next.

People turned to God 5 years ago to find the comfort that they needed to cope and deal with this. We Americans have NEVER had anything like that happen to us!! How do we deal? How do we cope? How do we explain?

We need to not let this "moment" of opportunity pass us by. We need to not get complacent. There are people hurting out there. The people who love John (Jay) Corcoran are hurting. They miss him. They have great memories of time with him. They can remember the laughs. But can they begin to understand how to deal with his loss?

God wants us to take the opportunity to help people find Him. Over the past 5 years we have had people just walk off the street into our building in Fairfax, VA to find answers to questions that were brought up either directly or indirectly to 9/11. People are searching now more than ever before for their purpose in life.

I know that may see like an overused word since the inception of "Purpose driven life" by Rick Warren. But you know what, I ahve been to his church and I have seen the power of God working in those members because they understand their purpose.

Even though it is hard to explain--we have the answers. I don't know why it happened, other than God gave us free will and Satan is alive and well today and working overtime to tear us away and keep us away from God. Don't let that happen, not in our sadness of 9/11. Because if that happens then John Corcoran and Khang Nguyen (the man who worked side by side with my father) and 3000 other people died in vain. We have the ability to offer the comfort of a loving God. I have no doubt that He cried that day. Evil showed up in a way that we Americans had never seen. It was senseless and just...well just evil.

The best thing we can do to give honor to those men and women is to go out there and show Americans that God loves them. He aches for them. He has the ability to take their hurt away.

I may continue to blog about this more as I can really get my thoughts together. IF the family of Jay Corcoran reads this. Please know that I am not trying to trivialize his life or his death. For you see, I too was greatly effected by the events of 9/11. My dad was at the Pentagon and lost people he worked with everyday. In fact there wasn't even DNA found of a man who worked there as I am sure there wasn't any DNA of many people on the planes and in the WTCs. I don't know why I have my dad while you don't have your loved one. Often I feel guilty because you see my dad is a Christian and he KNOWS he is going to heaven. Yes, there really is a heaven and there really is a God. I will steak my life on it. I will stand before a firing squad for it. I promise you.

My prayer for your family is that God brings you someone in your life to comfort you and love you and heal your wound of your loss. I pray that you can know God becuase He knows you and He loves you.

For all you Christians out there--well there is no time like the present. Remember and do something about it. We can offer comfort for a world that is hurting. Let's just do it.

I remember one of the women whose husband was on the plane that crashed in PA, was talking with Diane Sawyer. Diane asked her how she was doing. How did she make sense of this and the woman said taht she relied on a song. We Christians know it--we tend to call it an "oldie" in the Church of Christ...."It is well with my soul". She told Diane that because of her beliefs and faith, it had to be well with her soul. WOW! That is faith! Here are the words. It was written a long time ago and we still sing it like it was written.

When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
"it is well with my soul"

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought. My sin not in part but the whole.
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord--oh my soul.

And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight. The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend.
Even so, It is well with my soul.

i forgot...

2006-09-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

so i totally forgot to tell you all that the kid's first day of school was GREAT! It was POURING that day so I didn't get the annual picture of the kids in front of the tree.

Alex really likes the majority of his classes. chelsea does too. Alex has his best friend in his band class. Chelsea has her best friend in her spanish class.

Chelsea's team lost their first game on Tuesday (they played great but lost to a really really good team) but we are hopeful for the game tomorrow!

Life is good--except that instead of paying out about $300 at the beginning of school, we have paid like $500 because of band and teacher's having last minute supply additions!!! GRRRR....

...and Jay's car needed $400 worth of work. So my car which the axle is about to fall of will have to wait until next month! Please pray that it all stays where it suppose to!

no eating out for the Sergios this month! Oh well!

Let the new episodes begin!

2006-09-06T21:13:00.000-05:00

So I am sooooooooooo excited about a few season premieres!

I am bummed about LOST not being until Oct 4. But I bought the 2nd season on DVD on Tuesday before it even hit the shelf! I made the poor stock boy go to the back of the store at 7:30 a.m. to get it!!! Yes I am a geek!

I am ready for Grey's anatomy! will she mcdreamy? or mcvet? who knows!!!! Will Izzie get kicked out? Will Burke forgive Yang for turning her back on him in his hour of need?!

Survivor is staring up soon too, I think! Amazing Race too!

Gilmore Girls!!! Lorelai was a naughty, naughty gal...will Luke find out? Will she go with Christopher and leave the man she loves? Will Rory continue to love Logan?

I can't decide if I am going to watch/tivo the new Rachael Ray talkshow on Fox. It is on at 11. So I will have to tivo it anyway.

What premieres are you looking forward to and why? Are there any new shows that look interesting to you?

By the way, if you don't have tivo....run don't walk to get it! It is totally worth it and you will NEVER go back!!!! It will change your life! It will liberate you!

We only watch what we tivo! Tivo on-Tivo on!

be the sermon

2006-09-02T23:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as the rains fell allllllll day from tropical storm Ernesto, there were things to be done. Unfortunately it required us going out! I picked up Alex and his friend from their middle school orientation and headed to Wal-mart.

As we were leaving and being assaulted by the local gymnastic center to buy something for "good cause", I noticed a very old and fraile woman trying to wrestle with her loaded cart and umbrella. The wind was blowing pretty hard. I watched as people just rushed by her and didn't pay any attention to her and her trying to figure out how in the world she was going to get to her car. Yes, I know you are thinking that I was standing there and watching but I was curious as to what people would do.

So I turned to Alex and I said, "what should we do?" He said, "help her out". So he and I went up to the lady and said that we would like to help her get her stuff in her car. She grabbed Alex's arm and said "bless you, bless you".

You see, we learned that her husband is home bound and the healthcare nurse was only there one day a week. That was the only day she has to go shopping. She couldn't help that all hell was breaking loose in the skies. It was the only day she had. I won't name specifically what she had in her cart but nothing was frivolous. It was all items necessary for her to get her and her husband through the next week.

When we finished loading her stuff in her trunk, I looked at Alex and said..."God expects us to serve". We got soaking wet!!! It didn't matter.

We sit, well I don't but my kids and husband do, in an auditorium filled with people every week and we get our cup filled. We are blessed to be able to have this freedom to do this.

I will be honest, I ahve been remiss in returning the blessings. I will also confess to you that it will happen no more. I have heard sermons, almost every Sunday of my life...now it is time for me to be the sermon.

So come on! Do it with your kids or your spouse. Can you imagine if every Christian went out on Mondays and their goal was to be the sermon that week?! There just might be more people in heaven because of it!

As time goes by....

2006-08-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

Let's see if I can get through this without crying! Hush! deutschman...hush!

Tomorrow is the 7th grade orientation. Tomorrow my baby gets on the big yellow bus and rides it to the big ole school (it's 7th-12th grade by the way)! We have always lived in walking distance to the elementary school, so I don't have the official 1st day of school photo by the bus. That scrapbook page(well it will be scrapped booked as soon as I do it!) has always been marked by my kids standing next to each other with their backpacks on next to the tree out front.

No, I will not take a picture of him as he gets on the bus tomorrow! That would not be cool! If I thought I could get the picture, I seriously would do it! So just wait...maybe I will! AH-AH-AH-AH (sinister laugh).

Ok I am prolonging the inevitable....you see starting next tuesday, either Jay or I will always drive the kids to the school. I have loved that time with Chelsea in the morning! Just she and I for the 10 minutes to start our day! Now Alex gets to join in on the fun!

Alex has not always been the easiest child to deal with. From the moment he was born the strong will was very apparent! He refused to sleep in his crib and then bed until he was in Kindergarten. There have been moments that he has looked at us and said, "I will not do what you want until I get what I want" Yes ladies and gentlemen, the kid in the Dobson book "Strong willed child" has NOTHING on Alex! I just laughed at that book and prayed my life would be that easy. For the first year of his life, I only slept about 3 hours a night. I had bruises on my arms and face from where I would walk into doorways and walls because I was soooooooooo tired! He screamed at people when they tried to talk to him.

Jay and I would just pray for God to lead us to become the kind of parent that he needed us to be for our son. It was hard. There were times when I wanted to give in and let him have his way. I knew in my heart of hearts that it would only hurt him in the long run. Jay and I often had to take turns dealing with Alex and his tantrums and strong willingness. There were times we often had to physically restrain him until he relented. It would take hours and upset Chelsea. We would tell Chelsea that Alex needed to learn this lesson to submit to his will to authority because God tells us to obey first. We obey Him and THEN we might get what we want but no matter what we surrender our will to His. Jay and I knew that if we didn't instill that in Alex then we could lose him when he hit teenagehood.

4th grade was another horrific year! We stayed on him like his life depended on it becuase in a way, it did. His spiritual life for sure and maybe his physical life. I would look at him and say to myself..."what is wrong with him!" "Why doesn't he get it?!" At one point Jay and I seriously considered having him tested for learning disabilities because he REFUSED to give in and learn his lesson.

5th and 6th grade were GREAT! He made the turn around the corner! That is not to say that he doesn't try from time to time to exert his will over ours but it is alot less frequent and not as strong. My prayer is that it doesn't rear it's ugly head like the first 10 years of his life again!

My point is this. Jay and I believe that you shape the spirit and break the will so that it can be submissive to the Lord's will. We also believe that what we do now is to raise a child of tomorrow. What we do now is to shape who they are as adults not just deal with the here and now.

I was watching Alex come out of the school today (he went with Chelsea while she got her locker) and it hit me! We are in a new phase of life! It is AWESOME!

Jay and I worked hard and cried tears and with God's help--I do believe we are on the other side! Alex is such a GREAT kid! He is funny and talented and yes he is strong willed. But I would rather him be strong willed with friends and drugs and alcohol and sex than with God's will. I am so proud of who he is! He is turning out to be such a fine young man. I know his cousins think so! His cousins have always thought Alex was DA BOM!

Thank you Lord for your steadfastness and faithfulness. Lord willing, we won't be going through the next 6 years like Alex's first 10 years!

Whew!

2006-08-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

CHELSEA MADE THE JV VOLLEYBALL TEAM!!!!!

Way to go Chels!!! We are proud of you!

what can i say?

2006-08-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

I have been remiss in posting because I don't know what to tell you all. Our summer has been well....quick, busy, good, fun. I don't know how to put it in words.

Right now, I am feeling very anxious and I don't know why. I have been feeling that way for a few days now. I think there is change in the air. I don't mean to sound ominous but I can't explain the way I feel. I also think that is has to do with hormones too. I feel this way sometimes....I will leave it at that.....

Right now, I am alone. The hubby and kiddos are at an amusement park for the day with the student ministry. It is nasty humid outside...maybe that explains my mood too....the hubby has called me and says that our son is having a GREAT time! He has seen our daughter with about 10 of her friends once.

Our lives are changing. This summer, we have been without kids so much. It is weird! It is a preview of things to come. As much as we enjoy each other's company and time alone together, it is weird becuase my mommy role has taken on a different meaning. It feels natural but yet weird at the same time.

I have a new found reality show....Cash Cab on the discovery channel! This NYC cabby picks up people and asks trivia questions and then they win cash or not if they get 3 strikes! While we were in NYC, I tried very hard to find cab # 1G12. No such luck--I mean how hard could it be with 15,000 cabs!!!??

Alex played some competitive basketball this summer and loved it. So he is all about the basketball now....basketball in the livng room, in the front hallway, in his room.....ugh! We have a hoop in the back yard!

By the way, did you all know that Alex HATES to ride a bicycle? I have done everything I can to bribe him! No such luck!

Alex has pimples!!! oh my! I have noticed the attitude is very teen like now but I am not readyfor the body to change! WE took him shoe shopping for new baskeball shoes. His last pair of shoes--8.5. His new shoes---10.5!!!! Opps!

Chelsea has volleyball tryouts tomorrow. I am nervous about that. I just want her to do her best no matter what happens!

WE have had major car trouble this summer. I have spent a good amount of the summer with out a/c!!! It has also been one of the hottest summers in 10 years! Lovely!!! Get it fixed you say?! What a good idea EXCEPT for the fact that our regular mechanic AND the dealership can't figure out why it is overheating!

I hate buying new cars! I love getting them but hate buying them. We have not had a car payment in 3 years!!! I don't want one now!!! but alas, it looks like I will get one....any suggestions?

Well that is enough of my rambling...sorry but again, I had nothing specific to say! Just felt the pressure to make a post!

it's been a while

2006-07-13T19:02:00.000-05:00

sorry that it has been a while...let's see since last I left you...well too much has happened. Chelsea's DR trip was a HUGE success. I do have pictures and I will try to get them up for you all to see.

Right now she is in Richmond doing service projects to houses in the inner city of Richmond. It is called Richmond Work Camp or something like that. She's having a ball serving....

Alex has been busy with staying over at friend's houses and never being home.

I have pulled a muscle in my back and I am really really frustrated with it not healing! HELP!!!

Jay has worked 12 days in a row! he has his first days off tomorrow and sat!

Sunday Chelsea and I leave with some friend to go to NYC for a few days to celebrate a friend's birthday!

My side of the family went to Mountain Lake last week and had a ball! See Tanya's blog on the side there for some pics.

more later! VBS is in 2 weeks, so I will be very very busy!

and they're off....

2006-06-23T13:51:00.000-05:00

Well the 2006 FXCC DR team is in Puerta Plata as I type! They left Dulles at 6 this morning...yes if you do the math, that means we had to be there at 4, which means we had to leave our house at 3:30, which means that we woke up at 2:30!!!!

Our teen mission team left to go and be God's hands and feet in the DR (dominican republic) for one week! Let me bring you up to speed on the happenings of the week that will end with Chelsea leaving for the DR.

Monday--
Alex "graduates" from 6th grade at a ceremony at school. The fact that he is now in 7th grade hits me at the end of the ceremony and I am a blubbering mess! We go out to eat with his best friend for lunch and then my mother-in-law takes Alex on a whirlwind trip of the east coast for 10 days. Their ports of call are : south carolina, florida, georgia, and alabama. I go to Walmart to buy supplies for the DR.

Chelsea wakes up on Monday with a horrible sore throat and feeling very "yucky", but soldiers on to school to take her final 2 exams for the year! She comes home and sleeps for 3 hours, all the while feeling "yucky". I take her to the dr. for a strep test. 2 tests=negative. 95% chance of no strep. Dr. says it is virus and to basically "deal" with it BUT if by Wed. she is not better then bring her back in since she is going to a 3rd world country on friday.

Tuesday--
Chelsea still feeling yuck-o, goes to church to work on her skits and props for the DR with her team. by the time we get home she is achy and feeling just rotten. She starts to pack her suitcase anyway. 10:30 p.m.--enters chelsea crying --saying that her eye hurts....yep...gooey stuff coming out--we got the pink eye! I go to walmart to buy DR supplies, again.

Wednesday--
We go to the drs. and get drops of the viral pink eye she has. her throat still hurts so we are adivsed to give her aleve! our dr. is soooo great! She gives us 2 bottles of eye drops! "Just in case" other children come down with the HIGHLY contagious pink eye! We head to Wal-mart and buy out the store in cold meds, pain relief, and you name it we bought it medical supplies!
Chelsea just sat in the drs. office with tears streaming down her face, thinking that the dr. would tell her she couldn't leave the country! I of course sat next to her and cried with her because this trip has been her dream since she was 11. From the moment she understood what happened on this trip, she wnated to be there and helping out! The dr. tells her to go and that she will be fine! WHEW!
She comes home and finishes packing but has to stay away from the meeting that night due to the fact that she needs to be on the drops for 24 hours before going out into public. Her throat? still hurting.....I go to Walmart to buy, yet even more supplies!

Thursday--
I make my final trip to Wal-mart--or so I was foolish enough to think....to buy more DR supplies. Chelsea cleans her room and is 100% ready for the trip! I drop her off for her final team meeting. She is wearing sunglasses to hide her "el diablo" eyes from the others.
I pick up Chelsea from her final team meeting and she is wearing a different set of sunglasses. Oh, yeah, that's right...her sunglasses broke....my eyes fill with tears...i have to make ONE MORE TRIP TO WALMART!!!!!! Can I just tell you....the thought of Walmart is like the thought of eating at McDonald's....it turns my stomach!
We go to walmart, we pick out sunglasses and oh yea, we need anti-freeze--why? My van overheats and the a/c stops working!!! On THE hottest day of the year. It was 8 p.m. and it was 101 degrees with 85% humidity!!!!
We go home and we crash but not for long because the mother of all storms lets loose on the NOVA area at midnight and lasts until 2 a.m.
Needless to say, we did not sleep at all!

Friday (today)
The teens leave and everyone is happy and doing great! I didn't even cry saying good bye to Chelsea. I am so happy for her an the other 16 teens and 5 adults! I do miss her though! Jay and I have NEVER been without both our kids in the whole 17 years we have been married!

Please keep them in your prayers! Hopefully when she gets back, we will have pictures to post!

Father's day

2006-06-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

Today at church a video was shown regarding Dads. In it was a clip of my dad playing with Gillian and George with my words laid over the scene.

I basically said that my dad is the most faithful person I know. He has raised 3 faithful children and all 7 of his grandkids are active in church life. He has one grandchild who has commited their life to Christ. I am sure that the others will follow because we have had that legacy passed down to us.

What I wanted to say was this...(this is his story as I know it...so some of it may be incorrect)

Most of you may not know that my dad was not raised by his parents. His dad was an alcoholic. His mother ran off and left he and his sister to be raised by the dad. The dad having some presence of mind knew he could not raise these children, so he gave them over the their maternal grandparents to raise.

From my experience with situations as this, kids need their mom and dads to be healthy people to pass on positive attributes. As much as my great grandparents did for my dad, they were NOT his parents. From what I understand, my grandfather would call and tell my dad that he was coming to take him out to dinner and then not show up.

That does something to a kid no matter how stable the home and loving the grandparents. There is still the inner conflict of "My own dad can't/won't....."

All of that to say that my dad learned how to be a father from his grandfather and INSPITE of his own dad. My dad learned how to be a faithful man without any positive help from his own father. My dad got married and made a career and had a stable life, even though his own growing up must have been pretty tumultuous.

So thanks Dad for overcoming and being the best dad you could be! That helped me with what I looked for in a husband, so he could be the best dad he could be.

Also a shout out to my fantastic husband, who is truly a wonderful dad!