I pray the this time of the year you are reminded of all the TRUE blessings you have.

peace.
johno~

Well, I'm having a fun time in my little home studio... our dining room. I have to thank my friend Jason Hill for pointing me to this site Stobist. My lighting skill are challenged because my studio is small... It's small, really small, but it works.

Mondays are my day off and so I usually get some time to play around and wouldn't you know it, I have my own models. However, today came at a $2 per kid per hour rate. I think I'm in the hole. Anyway, Dawnette, unfortunately, works on Monday. I guess it good, it gets her out of the house because it gives her a chance for "grown-up" talk and I get the kids. She does get to keep Adam, at least for now. All I can say is, "look out Adam, the "studio" is waiting for you."

So here are some of my shots of the kids taken today. I know, I know, no shots of Adam, but remember, he was with Dawnette and I'm in charge of dinner for Mondays and so the dining room had to be back in order before Dawnette and Adam came home.













OK... I couldn't leave Adam out... Here's a shot taken in the "downstairs" studio about a week ago.



So, for friends and family, so that you know, all is well and we are blessed... Happy holidays.

peace.
johno~

First off, my apologies to everyone waiting to hear how things are going with Adam. I am very thankful for your prayers and thoughts.

Adam is doing very well. At his last appointment he weighted in at 13 lbs. and 15 oz. That's only one ounce off from the target weight set one month ago by the Doctor. This is a wonderful thing. We are blessed.

However, we have been blessed, even without Adams weight gain. God is not a God who blesses only in the good but may also bless in the bad. Without this difficult time, we would have never known how blessed we are with so many friends around us... Even our dear friends in Jerusalem. Thank you Nir.

Since October 31st, this has been our families life:

Adam - Weight loss
Hannah - Shingles
Miriam - Chicken Pox
Caleb - Croup
Adam - Chicken Pox
Dawnette and Adam to see GG in California
Miriam - Fever
Caleb - Fever
Johnathan - Cold
Dawnette - Cold
Hannah - Fever
Johnathan - Cold and youth retreat

That pretty much brings everyone up to date.

CONFESSION:
I have felt a bit lazy or un-motivated to write... This is due to the blog post that almost "killed" me. After Adams last check up, many of you may have been surprised by the short post updating Adams situation. Well, I had written a long thought out post which was lost when I hit spell check. I was bummed. I had really poured myself out and of course had no more energy to re-write it. So I am saving this as I go... Don't want to drop off the world of Blog for another 30 plus days.

I wish I could say I've not been on for a while because, "I've been saving the world" but, alas, it's just not been that exciting.

It's a wonderful time of the year. My Photo of the month project is coming to an end... Only 3 photos left. What a challenge. I thought about doing a photo a day, however, my wife thinks that's a bit much. We'll see what comes about.

I'm glad to be back and want to wish everyone the best.

peace.
johno~

P.S. Thanks Jeb for bringing it up to an even number 4.

To my faithful remaining 3.5 readers who have lived in limboland with me for over a month... I promise, a new post is coming very soon.

peace.
johno~

To our friends and family

Adam went in for a check up yesterday and has gained 9oz. in one week. We will keep him on this routine for one month. The doctor said he would like for Adam to be at least 14lbs. the next time he sees him.

Please keep Adam in your prayers.

peace.
johno~

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I want to say thank you to all my wonderful friends and family for your thoughts and your prayers. To my friend Nir, your thoughts really touched our family. Thank you. Jason and Shawn, thank you for your prayers at each mile marker you passed during your marathon even the 18 mile "spit." Allan and Kristi, I'm sorry for the lack of updates but I am grateful for your continued support and prayers.

Adam went back to the Doctors today for a weighing... Last month he weighed in at 11lb 11oz. Today, even with heavy thoughts, he came in at 11lb 14oz. Of course this is not what we were wanting... I would have been happy with 12lbs.

We are waiting to hear from Dr. Cook today regarding the blood work. Adam has small veins. The lab technician could not get a vein on her first try. How difficult it is to see your child being poked with a needle and having them move it around and around trying to get a vein to draw blood and not succeeding. The scream was loud and the tears flowed heavy. I felt as if my words of comfort were worthless as I kissed his head and told him to be brave and strong.

It's tough to look in the eyes of a hurting child who doesn't understand what is happening to them. As the doctor and nurses made every effort on the second try to get the minimum amount of blood, through his thick tears he looked at me and all I wanted to do is hold him and comfort him but I couldn't.

I know what you're thinking... It's only blood work. But, I wanted to give my blood. I've never done well at seeing my children suffer... In any way.

I ask for your continued prayers and thoughts for Adam "Ant".

As for me... I do believe... I ask the Lord to help me overcome my unbelief.

peace.
johno~

I deleted my last post... "It's Fall" I wasn't happy with the layout of the photos. BUT, here's the runner up to the picture of the week. I just had to share.

peace.
johno~