Sunday, September 25, 2005

Want to go to New Orleans?

For those intersted in going down to New Orleans area to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina here is a sight for any quiestions you may have reagarding the Missions Teams are church is putting together. There are many local and national churches sending teams through our church mission so that it is one coordinated effort and no one has to re-invent the wheel (if you know what I mean) this is the same type of thing we did after 9/11 happened at ground zero. It is the body of christ going, not a certain denomination or church.....everyone is welcome to go.

http://www.realmissionsdisasterrelief.com/

Friday, September 23, 2005

Hey there, giving a shout out!



We went to a church service last night that had a candle light dinner. It was really nice to sit and relax and not have have to worry about the kids (they were safe in kids class). A friend of ours (Jimmy) did something very nice for me, he gave up his cheesecake!! Now giving up food for another person is not always fun, and cheesecake! OK I must say that I felt guilty eating it (notice that I did eat it though :) )- until I said something to Jimmy and he said I am not that nice - there is more cheesecake!! Anyway - funny story I thought I would share. Have a good day - - - - This is your shout out!! Thanks Jimmy!! This is a picture of Jimmy breaking bricks with his head! He is a youth pastor so it fits that he would use his head. Sorry I don't have a non action photo.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

On the lighter side of things.... pun intended here


For those of you who don't know - - Suzy our friend from church is on The Biggest Loser 2! She has been doing awesome on the show - if you notice she is almost always smiling! You go girl. It is on Tuesday nights at 8 pm on NBC. So watch her and watch her shrink. We know she makes it pretty far - she was gone a long time (ofcourse she can't tell us if she wins the $250,000!) So have fun.

Dad is home



Well we picked up dad at the airport late Monday night, John was so excitted I had to take him with me! He hugged dad and wouldn't let him go. Derrick is back but I think he left part of his heart in the New Orleans area. The stories of the poeple there are absolutley amazing. The spirit for survival is strong. People fought for the lives of themselves and for others when the waters rushed the streets. Now they are fighting to make sense of what has happened. They are tired, angry, frustrated, but in the next breath extremely happy to have survived. There is much red tape happening with insurance companies, govt agencies and local agencies. Getting the help they need from these avenues will come it just will take longer. This is where other crisis teams have come together to help now. That is what Derrick helped with, getting the infrastructure in place so everyday people lik you and me can make a difference. If you would like to go to New Orleans to help please let me know we will have many teams going down over the coming months to help. We are happy to have Derrick home safe and sound.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

St. Bernards Parish, New Orleans Louisiana




The tour of New Orleans went well, as well as can be expected. Derrick said to me the pictures on tv of what you are seeing, are not doing this area justice. I was thinking he was going to say it is not as bad as it appears. But no he said it is 100 times worse than what we are seeing on tv. Derrick and Donovan went to St. Bernarnds Parish (a parish is like our counties) the first day it was opened up for the home owners and people to go back in, Here is a pic of Derrick that was on the front page of the Times Picayune Paper this Sunday. There are other pics on the site as well http://www.nola.com/katrinaphotos/tp/ ( just copy and paste the link) then click on the See Galeries the click Times-Picayune more pics then Taking Survey of Life in NO September 17th group of pics. Sorry that is so long to follow. He said everyone has lost so much, they are very happy to know that people from across the country are worried and are praying for them, not only that but people are raising money to help them.

I have to run for now - but I will write more later.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Headed to New Orleans Friday


Well tomorrow they are headed to New Orleans to tour that area. Derrick is very humbled by what he is seeing - so I am sure seeing more devastation will not be easy. They are staying at a church I think I mentioned that earlier, they are staying with police officers from Georgia, and EMS workers from another state. There are reporters from Virginia across from where Derrick is sleeping. He said he has got to talk to the police and try to help them deal with what is going on, tough images they are seeing. He gave me a little more detail on feeding the people in the shelters. He said first off they don't know just how bad the city is... they know it is in ruins but he thinks they think, they will be going home in a couple of months. But from the news pictures and FEMA officials it will take months and probably close to a year to get these people home. The reality of what happened hit Derrick today, the thought that this could have been us, you and me our families. We could be in a shelter in Qwest Field, after an earthquake. Staying 4" away from a stranger, trying to get food, clothes, sleep, and keep 3 kids calm. That is a sobering thought to me, can you imagine losing everything you own, going to where you told you would be safe (only to have to be bussed to another location because the first one was not safe) , and then trying to keep your kids calm as your world just collapsed? I think it would be hard for anyone to keep it together. Stress is running high as you can imagine. He said as he fed the people coming through the line, alls that he could picture on the faces of the kids, was his kids. It breaks your heart. He gave food to a woman with three kids. She took 3 plates and he watched as she made sure her kids got fed before herself. Very humbling. Please keep praying for Derrick and Donovan, but also for the people in the shelters that they will get some light shed on their situation, that they will have HOPE.

Thanks - I will let you know how the tour of New Orleans goes when I hear from him tomorrow. They are getting great contacts and are generating a plan for future missions to help.

Baton Rouge - LA

Derrick and Donovan have hooked up with the head Chaplain of all the chaplains of part of Louisiana, if that makes sense. He said they were really getting doors opened for them to speak to the right people about getting the missions teams staging area going. He went on a tour with the head person today of a couple of the refugee/evacuee camps from the Superdome. He just kept saying you can't image what these people have been through. It sounds like it is just heart breaking, everyone has a horrific story. He was doign well and helped to serve lunches to the 1,700 people in that shelter. They are working hard. Hopefully I will hear from him a little later. Thank you for all the prayers. We appreciate it.

Kids and I are doing well - Josephine slept last night! woo hoo it was so great I feel like new woman. It is amazing how the lack of sleep just makes you absolutely whacko - I was going on three nights of no sleep and wanted to cry! OK I did the night before Derrick left - I didn't want him to be up all night so ended up on the floor in the living room - wanting to just pass out with exhaustion at 2:00 am! But I feel good now - so all is well. Such is the life with a little one. I am done rambling now.

We are sheetrocking!

This is the new fireplace in the master bedroom - check it out we have insulation.
Here is a pic of our new siding! Looking good.
I am so excitted after a month or two of delays for various un forseen reasons we are getting sheet rocked! The insulation is in and the guy was hoofing the sheet rock up the stairs and into all the rooms today - - I feel like we may have a house soon.(I am sure our friends that we are staying with are finally able to breathe after wondering if we would ever move out!!) They have been awesome, and thngs have gone really well, but it is hard to have a family of four with you - including an ever changing two year old! So we will be happy when we can give them their home back - Justin and Shanda have found out what is not kid safe! - Mainly outside where little boys like to rip things apart! But they are having a girl first so Justin is in for Tea parties! I must say I laughed when I read a friends post about a tea party - what is that? we haven't reached that yet with our 8 month old girl, I secretly want her to be a tom girl - mud pies, playing in tree forts! I turned out pretty good, and I was a tom girl. Great because I said that she will be a girly - girl now!

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Katrina Aftermath - Heard from Derrick!!

This could make you upset. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9287434/

I would rather focus on the positive then the negative at this time, however FEMA did fail the people of NO.

I am happy though that there are many many more stories of people that have jumped in to help. With that in mind let me tell you how proud I am of the two men from our church that have gone to help - ok, one being my husband!

Derrick has made it to Louisiana. He is in Baton Rouge about an hour outside of where the hurricane devastation hit. He is staying tonight (Sept 14) at a church that is housing out of state police men that are helping to recover bodies. I only spoke to him for a minute but he was safe and sound. It sounds as if there are many many voluneers helping with the recovery, thus many people that are seeing much devestation on a first hand level. These brave men and women will need help processing all of the horror they are seeing. God Bless Chaplains, they are there for the men who are in the middle of the devestation. If you think of Derrick and Donovan today please say a quick prayer that doors will open for them, so that they can get the staging area set up for the rescuers to have meals and a place to rest.


I can't post with out a pic of something!! Here is John and Josephine hangin' out - Josie is sporting a Harley outfit! You go girl!

Monday, September 12, 2005

Remembering 9/11




It was very surreal to me to watch the show last night about Flight 93 on Sept. 11. It brought back all the anger and fear that I felt on that day. I was in Bakersfield, Ca when the country was attacked. I was traveling on business. I awoke to my phone in my hotel ringing. When I picked it up all's that I heard was swearing. My boss was on the other end of the line - just screaming and swearing. It took me a minute or two to figure out what he was yelling. Finally I turned on the TV, to my horror black smoke was pouring out of one of the WTC towers. I remember just being numb, what the heck was going on? I immediately called Derrick at our home and woke him up - I was yelling at him turn on the TV you won't believe what is happening. Right as he turned the TV on, we watched as the second plane hit the towers. Now I was panicked. I knew I was ok, I was in Bakersfield, what is there to attack I thought. My attention turned to my sister in law who works down town Seattle for King County. I called my brother to find out where she was.... It is funny looking back 4 years later. I don't remember all the details of every conversation I had, but I remember the feeling of just growing more and more angry. How can someone attack the US. I guess that is an arrogance I had, or an innocence - I am not sure which. For some reason my boss called me back and told me we had to go to work that day. I remember thinking you are an idiot, no one is going to be working. (well he was Canadian, more on working for a Canadian company later - I have worked for 3 I have a strong opinion, I will spare you the details now!!) Any way - - So I went to work, at the time I was working for a company that went in and trained sales people at newspapers on how to sell ads on line. So as I walked into the newspaper in Bakersfield, I remember thinking I shouldn't be here. We sat in the break room for about an hour before we headed back to the hotel. All sales appointments were cancelled. We got back to the hotel and up to my room when some nut job called in a bomb threat - so into the parking lot we all went. Now in your head you know its a fake, but the country was just attacked to you are taking everything a bit more seriously at this point. I remember calling Derrick and telling him there was a bomb threat - he was like we need to get you home now. We also received devastating new the next day that a singer and friend of ours husband was killed on Sept.11, not in an attack but on there 10 year anniversary trip. Trent Lenderink Tammy trent's husband died in Jamaica. I couldn't belive that Derrick had just spoke to him on the phone a week before . How could he be gone? What was Tammy going to do? And I was stuck in Bakersfield. All airports closed and locked down - there was no way home. I think it was 5 or 6 days later - we had finally had enough of Bakersfield and were renting a car to get home. Airports were still closed my colleague and I started driving up towards San Francisco. We were on the phone with the travel agents trying to figure out when the airports would open, no one knew. We got about an hour out of San Francisco and the agent t called us - we are on the first flight out of San Fran to Seattle. As we went through the airport (which NO ONE was in, it was so eery. Armed guards were standing there - they practically body searched us as we went to check in. I don't recall one person complaining of security being too much that day. Everyone boarded the plane in silence. Practically the whole flight no one spoke. I think if anyone would have gotten up on that flight - everyone would have been out of their seat beating the person! We touched down at Seatac with out incident. We all cheered and clapped as the plane landed. That is my memory of 9/11. I am still angered seeing the pictures I still feel helpless that I couldn't do anything to help the people in the twin towers or at the Pentagon, or on Flight 93. I think God the people of Flight 93 rose up and avoided more heart ache and more shattered lives in the US. It makes you wonder what you would do in that situation - I would hope I would find that courage to sacrifice myself to save others. Then again I kind of hope I never have to make that choice. I guess in thinking about 9/11 it reminds me of asking my parents where they were when Kennedy was assasinated, when you ask someone that of the generation you never forget the look on their faces as they recall exactly where they were when there world was changed forever. There is only one other historical event I will always remember where I was, that is when the Space shuttle exploded. Again these are days that changed me forever. I will never be the same again. Don't forget those that paid the ultimate sacrifice - they are heroes.

Friday, September 09, 2005

Chaplain Young is called to help.

We knew the call would come we just didn't know when. Derrick is leaving Monday for the New Orleans area. ( That was the first flight they could get him on - we thougth is was going to be tomorrow) He is going to go down with a man named Donovan from or church to help bridge the gap beteen the Missionaries and the Police/Fire/National Guard that are in the area. This is what our church did after 9/11. We went into Ground Zero and helped to assist the aid workers. This time I believe it will not only be the aid workers but also the people of New Orleans. If you hadn't read the previous post of Derrick becoming a chaplain, well this is what he was trained to do. Help people that are helping people. The amount of stress that the police/ and firefighters is under is enormous. Many do not have homes to go back to and some are not even sure there families are ok, but they are out doing what they were born to do, help people. They will need support. People look to the rescuers for help - who do the rescuers turn to? Chaplains. God Bless Derrick as he goes, we ask that doors be opened for him, and he is able to help those in need so that they in turn are refreshed, and able to keep doing there jobs. I am not certin how long Derrick will be gone to help. I know this is his calling, so I give him my blessing knowing that his kids will miss him greatly. But I know he is needed else where right now. So with that in mind please say a prayer for him, that is he kept safe and that angels surround him wherever he goes. Say a prayer for me too - - atleast a week by myself with a 2 1/2 year old and an 8 month old!! Thank you.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

A day at the park!



I would just like it noted that two seconds after the pic was taken of John near the water - - he ran in as fast as he could and soaked his shoes!! Got to love it.



Oh to be a kid again and get great joy from a swing! To watch John run around and go down slides and climb onto things, reminds me that I need to stop and relax and have fun too! Adults are way to serious. I found my self yesterday getting so stressed out about our house not being done when it was suppose to I was having a small melt down - then I remembered to find joy in everything! So I figure there is a reason the house isn't done right now - and I am enjoying the time I am having staying at friends house, our house will be done soon enough and we will be back to our normal lives, for now I will try to enjoy this season! Here are pics of the fun day with Grandma, Great Grandma and Auntie M at the park!!


Look ma!


I fit under the stool! and I am pulling myself up - I am a big girl now!! She is growing so fast - it is crazy!Everyday she is learning new things. And yes she is crawling on her knees now ! It won't be long before she is walking!

Hurricane Relief (Mon- Labor Day)



On Labor Day evening a group of people got together and put on a "Let's Do Something Concert and Benefit" in South Seattle. The Benefit raised money through World Vision a Christian Organization that would help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Wrecking Crew was asked to perform at the benefit. And perform they did..... Derrick ripped phone books and broke 8 bricks! I believe it has been 7 years since Derrick has broke bricks! It was so much fun to watch, Detrix and John sat and watched in awe as dad performed on stage. John chanted "go daddy again, and Detrix yelled and screamed as loud as he could to cheer dad on! If you would like to donate to World Vision, please leave a comment, and I will get you the info. We also got to watch a Gospel choir, wow talk about an experience! They were so fired up it was awesome!

I want to go to Alaska




This is Liz and Foster in Alaska! They moved to Texas and then flew back up to Seattle then Vancouver to take a cuise to Alaska! Admit it guys you miss the West coast greenery! Aren't they adorable.

Liz and Foster recently moved to Texas. They are having a great time getting to know the Texas lifestyle! (Yes Texas is a different world, everything is bigger!) I just love Texas... Derrick and I have both been there many times and think it is a great place!

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Hangin' out on a Saturday Sep 4


Three day weekends are so fun- you get to hang out and do nothing - or do everything! We went school shopping for Detrix, he has had to wear uniforms for a few years now - but this year he gets to wear any kinds of clothes he wants! Talk about a hard choice on a twelve year old kid. If you remember back to junior high - you may not have those warm fuzzy feelings going through your mind. Junior High is such a hard time, then you add fashion into it when you've been forced to wear a uniform and it is enough to make you go mad!! We did find some clothes that fit and he liked so that is good!!

oops my bad!

OK - So the couple of websites I thought were really funny - well turned kind of well gross - so they are off my links. Sorry if you saw not so nice stuff. I should have known better. The one of NY is just random pics - but I don't want to chance it going horribly wrong so it is off too. Live and learn!

Thursday, September 01, 2005

What do you do all day?

Derrick asked me this a couple of weeks ago - and it made me laugh thinking of all the things that can come up in one day!
Today for instance we went to go get the brakes looked at. It seems like a quick thing, come on in the guys says, there is no wait - I said I will be there as soon as I can I have two kids. We eat breakfast, get dressed, change diapers - load the car. Have to put the car seats in the car because it is Derrick's car that the brakes are bad.... so this seemingly small task has now taken over an hour. As soon as we eat breakfast and change clothes and diapers - the two year old, well goes , so back to the diapers and wipes.... Then feeding the little one - we have to change the outfit again. Ofcourse never fails she was changed before breakfast - SO we need to change her again. Get her ready in the car seat, search for John's shoes and socks put them on - get to the car. Put them both in the car get diaper bags and we are off! Whew I am exhausted after typing that!! We pull into the shop, ofcourse all the bays are full so I know there will be a small wait..... 2 hours later they haven't looked at the car. John did really well for the first hour and forty five minutes - we went in the door, out the door, in the door out the door, sat down stood up, sat down, stood up, outside to the parking lot - saw the potty had to go..... so off came the pants, sit on the potty - he went!! woo hoo and in a public place gosh I love him! so back on with the diaper,, inside, outside, candy machine.... oh did I mention candy machine yes mom thought it would be a good idea to feed him reeses pieces for being a good boy - he was so good. (Baby - Josie by the way has not cried all this time- just spit up a few times! green peas go well on my white shirt. (why do I ever wear white??what am I thinking I have an 8 month old?? next time you see me in white - HIT ME!) Then 1 hour and forty five minutes into this, melt down occurs. Screaming insues - no not me John!! I am next! I can't get him to not cry cuz well we are in a public place and nothing works when you are in a small confind area and meltdown starts..... then to my horror....... he throws up. I think I almost cried - ok I shed a few tears! So luckily we had just gone outside cuz the waiting room was too full. So.......... call hero Dad - I have to get kids home! Dad saves the day and drops off the minivan - I change John's clothes in the parking lot - he is now barefoot with flowered shorts on and a really dirty nke shirt! I am laughing thinking about what I had him wear! But it is what I had. So we get in the car..... and do what every other mom would do - go to the store! Actually that went well - I was speed shopping through WinCo. The only thing I hate about Winco is you have to bag your groceries.... I think I should get a medal in bagging your groceries the fastest! A new olmpic sport! OK so now the kids are asleep - the washing machine is full! The rest of the afternoon should be fun and games! ( Take a look at the pics below! this is how we usually spend our days!)


This is John and I... hanging out -


how cute is her smile - look mom I can balance a cup!


What do you do all day??