Happy New Year!

Just want to wish all our followers, sponsors and my wonderful design team a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

We are back next Monday with our first challenge of 2013 and hope to see you all joining in.  There are a few unclaimed prizes from our Christmas Event:

Day 10 - Kat
Day 11 - Ardilla
Day 12 - Margreet

To claim your prize, email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk

A Birthday Party for Martin Luther King Jr.

 This year for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my students and I will be celebrating his great legacy by throwing a birthday party in his honor!  

They will make a paper hat craftivity:

(I also thought about having them draw pictures and cut them out to attach to real party hats.  That could be fun too!)

They will create gift boxes for Dr. King:

Read about his dream for the world with this mini reader (created with my clip art)!

Create a birthday "dream" banner:

And I have bulletin board idea that will look precious with these "bubble" letters:

Each student will also get a "goodie bag" of items that will represent Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs!  

The first 5 people to leave a comment will get this party kit for free!  

Thanks for reading, and thank you very much for your continued support, encouragement, and kind words!  They mean so much!

Take a Ride on the Blue Slide

Any great educator knows that you never stop learning, and I think the awesome thing about us teachers is that we have a love of learning that doesn't stop once we graduate!  In the upcoming year, I have a few tiny major goals to help me grow professionally...

1.  Take a ride on the blue slide at THE Ron Clark Academy.

Ron Clark has been an inspiration to me since before I started teaching.  I've read all of his books, and just recently finished reading The End of Molasses Classes--and, OH!  How I just LOVE Ron Clark.  His passion for teaching and unapologetic honesty regarding some of the not-so-glamorous parts of our job makes me appreciate him even more.   How cool would it be to visit his school to see creative, outside-the-box teaching at its very best?  Plus, I just really want to go down that blue slide.

2.  Do one cRaZy science experiment with Science Guy, Steve Spangler, and {possibly} go on his Science At Sea Alaskan Cruise.

I have blogged about Steve before (yep, I call him Steve--like we are best pals)--when I was a little girl, I was invited to do some simple science experiments on his TV segment on our local news!  Now Steve is totally famous!  He does regular appearances on the Ellen show, makes all kinds of incredible science toys, and travels the country doing hands-on workshops.  He LOVES science and makes learning
F-U-N.  Yet another passionate educator and learner that inspires me daily.  I love science!  I love fun!  I have GOT to attend one of his workshops this year.  It is a must.

3.  Begin thinking/praying about/preparing for National Board Certification.

I have to be honest, this goal scares me.  It is already pretty tough balancing life and teaching as it is, but I have heard that going through the National Board process is one of the BEST ways to grow as an educator.  A sweet teacher on my grade level who has been through National Boards successfully has been talking to me about it lately, and her encouragement is really making me consider it.  

4.  Last, but not least...be more like Mrs. Frizzle.

I am determined to not let endless amounts of assessments, paperwork, and other daily tasks get in the way of making learning a daily ADVENTURE for my littles.  

Link up with Amanda at One Extra Degree to share your professional goals for 2013!  She is also having a flash giveaway!!!     

Have You Hugged a Computer Today?

The New Year is almost here!  What?  "Are you serious, Clark?"  2012 has flown right by, and I am still in awe of everything that has happened this past year!  To celebrate the ending of a fantastic year, and to give (and get) some inspiration for 2013, I am linking up with my friend Kathleen at one my favorite blogs, Growing Kinders, to share some of my technology "treats" and resolutions with you!

Um, resolution #1...be a better blogger in the upcoming year!  Thank you to everyone who still reads (and comments) on my poor neglected blog!  Please bear with me as I get back to blogging regularly! Life this year has been a whirlwind of crazy (a good kind of crazy)--just so busy, and trying to balance many things at once!

Anyway, moving right along...

Technology "treats" that I just love:

I am so lucky to have a SmartBoard in my classroom.  It has been a long journey to finally get to feeling comfortable using it, and I would eventually love to learn to create charts for lessons.  It seems so super tricky, though! (Hey!  That can be my technology resolution #2!)  My lack of knowledge in creating lessons to use with my SmartBoard brings me to some of my favorite SmartBoard resources--already created-- and looking as precious as can be:

Jessica Meacham has been an inspiration to me since I started teaching.  Her website is literally a treasure box full of amazing ideas and resources.  She also has incredibly CUTE SmartBoard files for any topic or subject!

I absolutely LOVE SmartBoard calendars from Smart Lesson Stop!  The graphics in the products they create are incredible, and the daily math that the calendar pages cover are some of the best I have seen yet.  My kids love doing calendar, and I love it because it makes teaching hard concepts easy and engaging for my students.

In other news...let's talk about my favorite technology products:

1.  APPLE anything.  Looking for a new laptop?  Make it a MacBook Pro.  I've had mine for a little over a year now, and can't live without it.  Just make sure to purchase the Office Suite to go with it.  :) 

My Christmas present from the hubs was a GLORIOUS new Apple iMac!  STOP. it. RIGHT now!!!  I could have cried.  Really, I almost did.  I gave the box a tiny hug.  I can't wait to start creating new things with this rocking cool computer!

2.  The Bamboo tablet (kind of).  Many of you have asked how I create my clipart, and it started with purchasing the tablet.  I tried drawing only on the tablet, and it was really HARD!!!  So, I decided to hand draw my art, scan it, and then digitally color it using the software that came with the tablet.  So, really, I like the Photoshop Elements program that came with the tablet!  (Technology resolution #3...to learn more about creating clipart in Photoshop!)  I am really just teaching myself as I go, so I would love to take a class or something.  Please check out some of my newest clipart creations on TpT!  These are my two most recent ones:

        

Join in on the fun, and win some cool prizes--link up with Kathleen to share YOUR technology favorites and resolutions!  

And again, thanks for reading, dear friends.  

From Our Home to Yours

From our home to yours ~

Merry Christmas to each one of you,

our dear family and friends!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave
His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish, but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16 ~

"And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call His name JESUS:
for He shall save His people from their sins."
Matthew 1:21

Seeking to remember the Real Reason for Christmas!
HE came to live perfectly and die and rise again
that His people might be made right with God!
HE truly is the Best Gift of all!!

May the LORD bless you each with

HIS peace and presence now and

throughout the coming year.

May you know HIS leading and guiding

hand upon you in your life.

May HIS will be done in and through you.

And, may HE be glorified in all you do.

I'm signing off until the New Year.

I'll look forward to catching up with you then!  :)

With Much Love,
Camille

Last few winners

I'd like to say a big thank you to all of you who joined in our Christmas Event.  I hope you enjoyed it and want to take this opportunity to wish all our followers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I'd also like to say thankyou to all our sponsors and finally, my wonderful Design Team.  You have provided great inspiration and support throughout the year and I look forward to the New Year with you all.

So now, let's announce the remaining winners.

The winner of Day 10 winning a £10 gift voucher from That Craft Place is Kat. Congratulations Kat, email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass your details on to the sponsor.

The winner of Day 11 winning a £10 gift voucher for Stampin Up is Ardilla. Congratulation, Ardilla, email me on  cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass your details on to the sponsor.

The winner of Day 12 winning a 6 pack of Promarkers from Letraset is Margreet. Congratulations Margreet, email your name and address to cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll send out your prize.

There are a couple of prizes unclaimed:

Day 5 - Mapowska
Day 8 - Janice

Our first challenge of 2013 is 7 January so we hope to see you all then. xxx

Chunky Chocolate Morsels

Friends far and near ~

Listen up!

These are one of the BEST and YUMMIEST

of the many Christmas treats out there.

My Mum-in-Love faithfully made this recipe

year after year after year.

They were a staple treat at Christmas time.

And, long ago, she graciously shared the recipe with me!

Thank you precious Mum!

Easy.  Simple.  No baking.  

I do believe you will thank me for this.

~ Chunky Chocolate Morsels ~

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan,
bring the following ingredients to a boil ~

1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup milk (I use whole milk)

Once it's come to a boil,
reduce the heat to medium and cook until thickened.
This will take approximately 5 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 tsp vanilla.
Let cool a little.
Stir in the following ingredients and mix thoroughly ~

2 cups rolled (or quick cooking) oats
2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup coloured mini marshmallows, cut in half with kitchen shears
1 cup chopped pecans (I use soaked and dried)
1/2 cup drained maraschino cherries, chopped

Scrape mixture out of pan and into a medium bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
Once cool, roll between your palms to make 1 inch balls.
Roll in coconut and store in fridge or freezer.
Separate layers with parchment or waxed paper.

Enjoy!

With Love,
Camille

**If you know where this recipe originally came from,
please do share so I can properly give credit!
Thank you.  :)

"Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil.  CLING to what is GOOD.  Be DEVOTED to ONE ANOTHER in brotherly LOVE.  HONOR one another above yourself.  Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, FAITHFUL in PRAYER."  -Romans 12:9-10, 12

Lord, please wrap your arms around those sweet babies, their families, their friends, teachers, and community.   

Going in the Right Direction ~ An Update

We were at Children's today.

The review of Austin's heart was thorough.
Close attention was given to the leads ~
particularly the one which was most difficult to place.
The lead in question also happens to play a role of utmost importance
in the long term recovery of Austin's heart.

The prayer is that it will stimulate the heart
muscle to pump and, over time, help to reshape it.

X-Rays were taken,
Echo and ECG were done,
and then the pacemaker was tweaked to 
maximize its effectiveness.
It's amazing to witness the technology of this device first hand ~
as Austin likes to say, he truly is "cybernetically enhanced".  :)

I am pleased to report that all looks well.
The leads have not shifted and they are functioning as intended.
Things are definitely going in the right direction.
What an incredible blessing and mercy!

Please join me in giving praise 
to our Great God!!


We wish to thank you all for your loving concern 
and prayers for our family.
We stand in awe of God's Goodness
and His provision for us.

Once again, the road ahead is long.
But, we have every reason to hope for a good recovery.
Every reason to hope because of 
the ONE in Whom we place our trust.
His ways are best.

Although we are not anticipating to have to say
an earthly good-bye to our son any time soon,
we know that if that should become necessary,
the LORD would still be doing all things well.

What a comfort it is to know that He
is in complete control.
He is working all things together for our 
good and for His glory.

At the end of the day,
what really matters has been settled at the Cross.
The LORD Jesus Christ is the Saviour of Austin,
and his eternity is secure IN Him!
Resting in our Gracious Saviour this day!
And seeking, by His Grace, to live one day at a time.

Each day is precious.

With Love,
Camille

It's Day Twelve ....

.....which is our final day of our Christmas Event.  Boohoo I here you cry!  We will beback in the New Year with challenges, the first one being 7th January 2013 and hope to see you all back with us joining in.

Today's prize is sponsored by Letraset and the prize up for grabs is a pack of Flexmarkers.

ProMarkers are made by Letraset and are a twin tipped, dye based alcohol marker offering a high quality product at a great price. Avilable in 148 colours, they give incredible tonal range and can be applied to a diverse range of materials, not just paper and card. ProMarkers produce vivid, bright colours right through to the subtlest pastel shades - the translucent inks can also be overlaid and blended, even further extending the range of shades and hues on offer. ProMarker's quality nibs and inks provide flawless colour lay down with consistent coverage and no unsightly streaking. 


Today's host is Kym so pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the luck winner.

The winner from Day 10 is to be announced shortly

It's Day Eleven....

.... and today's sponsor is Stampin Up with a £10 gift voucher courtesy of Carole Bryson Wood:

I am an Independent Stampin Up! Demonstrator in Lancashire & surrounding areas. I teach large and small scrapbooking and craft classes. I can arrange parties in your home for crafting and non-crafting friends to suit your requirements, and where everyone is guaranteed to have a great time !

I also run a crop in the Rochdale area. Please contact me for more details at carole.bryson@gmail.com xx

Today's host is Donna so pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

The winner from Day 9 winning 10 digi images from Bugaboo Digi Stamps is Janice.  Congratulations, Janice, take a look at the website and let me have your choices on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk.

Getting Crafty

I like to have a few surprises tucked

away for the Christmas season.

This year has been no exception.

Wooden ornaments to paint were hidden
away for just the right day.

Even the *big* kids joined in ~ joy!

I had Christmas music playing in the background
while the creative fun took place.
I am not typically a *crafty* Mum.
Consequently, the *crafts with the children* department 
has been somewhat lacking over the years.
Sorry to say.

But, Christmas time...
well, that's another story.
Out come the crafts, and I turn a blind eye to the mess ~
At least I try to!!  :)

Gingerbread Men.  A Gingerbread House (usually from a kit).
Painting ornaments and making cookies ~
These are some of things I have tucked up my sleeve.
Some of these activities will get done, Lord-willing.  :)
One thing's for sure ~ the children always enjoy it.

Even my *near-men*!  

See the smoke?  ;-)

This kept them busy for at least two hours.
Time well-spent, in my opinion.

Are you a crafty Mum?

What surprises do you have hidden away
for the cold winter days that lie ahead?
Whatever you do, enjoy these special times 
with your children...
how quickly they fly by!

Merry Christmas!
Camille

It's Day Ten ....

.... and today's sponsor is That Craft Place

Welcome to That Craft Place 

This is a Shop run By Lisa Horton ..   I run an actual bricks and mortar shop in Eastbourne, East Sussex

We have every Kind of craft for sale ...

If you can't find it i will try by best to source it for you. We stock most leading Brands and have a huge collection of rubber stamp's, Saturated Canary, Kraftin Kimmie, My Craft Sentiments, Crafter's companion, Indigo Blue, My Favorite Things, CC Designs to name a few . We also stock a large selection of Die's Memory Box, Sizzix, Spellbinder's, Cherrylyn, Marianne Dies. We have new deliveries arriving each day.

The prize is a £10 gift voucher and our host today is Caz.  So pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

The winner for Day 5 winning a £10 gift voucher for My Mum's Craft Shop is Mapowska,  Congratulations, Mapowska, drop me an email on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass your details onto the sponsor.

The winner for day 8 winning 3 digis from Kenny K is Linda.  Congratulations, Linda, take a look at the website and email your 3 coices to me at cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk.

Two Weeks Out

Two Weeks Out.

Christmas is coming, and we are two weeks away.

Preparations are being made everywhere.

They are in full swing in our home too ~ of course.  

A year or two ago, my friend ~

(a homeschool mother of ten) 

gave me an idea.

And, today, I am sharing that idea with you!

You'll thank me for it.  I know you will.

Do you cook a turkey for Christmas?
Or, Thanksgiving.  Or, both?

On the day?  

If so, you know that a big mess ensues

and you know, as well, how quickly the kitchen duties 
can become overwhelming.

In comes the brilliant idea!

Brilliant, I tell you...yes, truly.

Cook your turkey ahead of time ~
Upside down is best.
One more thing about the turkey ~
a fresh, free-run, non-medicated one gives the 
most wonderful meat.

Carve your turkey ahead of time.

Layer in a 9 x 13 pan.

Pour some drippings over all.

Wrap well.  And freeze!

Put your well wrapped pan in the deep freeze
 and forget about it until the day before it's required.

Remove to the fridge the night before you need it ~
Keep it wrapped.

Unwrap on the day and re-wrap with foil only.

Heat in the oven at 350 degrees until steamy hot.
(This will take approximately 30-45 minutes).

The house will smell like freshly cooked turkey ~

But, without the mess.  

No muss.  No fuss.

Do I hear shouts of joy?  I hope so!

Don't thank me...thank my brilliant friend.  
Thank you, brilliant friend ~
You know who you are.  :)

Merry Christmas!

With Love,
Camille

It's Day Nine ....

.....which means today's sponsor is Bugaboo Digi Stamps.

Everything That You Ever Wanted to Know About Bugaboo Stamps: A Short Essay

As if raising five children in the frozen land of the North was not enough of a challenge,Jodie Mackrell decided to dip her cold little Canadian toes into the world of papercrafting by opening an online store full of her illustrations. That was two years ago. TodayBugaboo Stamps is one of the leading companies in digital images, and we're still growing! From seriously snarky to sugary sweet to sublimely soulful all the way over to the other side of the super sexy spectrum, you're bound to find all that you need and more to create your paper projects. Jodie works very hard to provide New Releases and Freebies every week!

If your taste runs to rubber (and you know who you are), you can find Bugaboo Stampsstamps at Totally Stampalicious. And finally, join the Bugaboo Stamps DT for weekly challenges at Catch the Bug. 

The prize up for grabs is 10 (yes 10!) images and the host is Lisa.  Pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you maybe the lucky winner.

The winner for Day 7 winning 5 digis from Fresh Brewed Designs is Jane.  Congratulations, Jane, take a look at the site and email me your choices on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk.

Six Days In ~ An Update

This is a preliminary report ~
Six days in.

Austin has avoided infection so far.

His pain levels decrease each day.

He has walked to and from the little local store

and was able to tackle the hill without a hitch.

There is a spring (albeit a small one) in his step!
There is (a little bit of) colour in his cheeks.
He is becoming more animated and talkative.
The *old* Austin is emerging.
And...he's hungry!!

Good things are happening ~
Please join us in giving praise to
our Great God!

This is a process.

We must be patient.  I must be patient!  

But, the initial response to the pacemaker is positive.

Austin's heart is being worked!
And, it is working.  :)

God is the Great Physician.

HE knit us together in the womb,

and He knits us together after surgery or illness.

Our times are in His hands.

Each day is a gift.

We give thanks.

The road ahead is unclear to us.
But, it is not unclear to our Great God.
We know that the LORD is working out His perfect plan.

And, we know that He does all things well.

Not being able to see around the bend in the road

is difficult for me, but, knowing that the LORD is already there
is such an incredible comfort to my heart.

HE is already there!

Thank you to each and every one of you who
have prayed for us ~
You have blessed our family beyond measure!
This will be an ongoing journey.
As I know more, I will update.
For the time being, *regular* posts will resume.

Life and living.
Day by day.  Moment by moment.
Gifts from HIS hand.
Praise HIM for all HIS goodness!

Many Blessings to you!
Camille

It's Day Eight .....

....and today's sponsor is Kenny K.

I'm sure you're all familiar with the wonderful work of Kenny K's Shop but what about the man (and woman) behind those wonderful creations. Take a look here to see their journey, http://www.kennykdownloads.com/about-kenny-and-elena.php

The prize is 3 digis and today's host is Carole.  Pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

The winner from Day 4 winning 3 digi images from Scribbled Kidz is Margreet.  Congratulations, Margreet, take a look at the site and let me know your choices on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk

The winner from Day 5 is still on the way....

The winner from Day 6 winning 2 digis from Dr Digi's House of Stamps is #9 Nanette.  Congratulations, Nanette, take a look at the website and let me know your choices on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk

It's Day Seven ....

......and the sponsor today is Fresh Brewed Designs.

 Hi. I am Heather Dennis. I am a homeschooling mother of 2 wonderful children, the wife of 12 years to the love of my life, a Christian and the owner of Fresh Brewed Designs. I have loved to draw and create ever since I was a child. My daughter has inherited my love of art and recently inspired me to start creating again.
All the images in my shop are hand drawn. I offer a wide range of images from coffee, cute and inspirational. I also love to create custom drawn images, so if you are looking for anything in particular, please feel free to drop me an email.


The prize on offer is 5 digi images and today's host is Erin.  Please pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

The winner from Day 5 is on it's way....

It's Day Six.....

....and our sponsor today is Dr Digi's House of Stamps.

Welcome to the brilliantly bizarre brain of Dr. Digi's House of Stamps. Here you will find Monsters, Aliens, Odd balls and Dundertons as well as many many more wonderful digital stamps. Our artist and founder cut his teeth in the craft world at the company "Just Inklined", where his unique digis made a huge impression. We're hoping to continue to entertain and amuse, with our growing catalogue of great value digis witha sense of humour.

The prize up for grabs is 2 digi images and today's host is Viv.  Pop over and leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

We appear to have had a glitch with Alan's comments on Day 4 and have been unable to select a winner.  So there's still a prize of 3 digis from Scribbled Kidz to be had.  Leave a comment on this post if you'd like to be in the draw.

Prepared

Sometimes, God prepares us for what is coming.

In the past few months it felt as though

the LORD was doing that for me.

Christmas was coming,

albeit, a couple of months down the road,

but, it was coming.

I had a photo of the children that 

I thought would be perfect for the Christmas Cards.

I got them printed.

In October!

That motivated me to get a Christmas letter written.

Which motivated me to write out and address

all the Christmas cards.

In October!

~ Christmas photo: taken in May 2012 ~

Little did I know that, just prior to Christmas,

Austin would be hospitalised for six days,

and then, less than a week later,
he would have a pacemaker inserted.

Little did I know.

But, God knew.

Our times are in His hand.

He orders our steps.

And, sometimes, He prepares us.

Always, He sustains us.
Always, He provides.

There have been times when I have felt unprepared,
even then, He gives the grace and strength needed.
Regardless of our circumstances, 
He is in complete and Sovereign control.

He is SO Good!

Having my Christmas cards done ahead of time
was just one of the ways

in which the LORD prepared me for this busy time.

I had meals frozen and put away, 

and my Christmas shopping was done early.

These things have been such a blessing.

They were not *necessary* things, 

but, they were blessings nonetheless.

Although I did have some meals frozen,
they eventually ran out ~
then, some lovely ladies brought us food.
Thank you P, L, and P!!  
Isn't it wonderful to have dinner cooked for you??

Thank you, E for taking my children to your home
for dinner on the day of Austin's surgery ~
What a blessing that was!

I stand in awe of the LORD's provisions

in these tangible ways.

And, I am thankful.

May the LORD bless you all!

Much Love,
Camille

It's Day Five....

....and the wonderful sponsor is My Mum's Craft Shop.

My Mums Craft Shop is a bricks & mortar and online store. We stock many of the leading brands and specialise in rubber stamping. We have brands including Some Odd Girl, Stamping Bella, My Favorite Things, CC Designs and many more. We also stock a large selection of Dienamics, Memory Box, Sizzix, CC Designs Marianne Dies. We constantly have new deliveries arriving, check out our website for more products - www.mymumscraftshop.co.uk

The prize to be won is a £10 gift voucher and today's host is Sandra.  Pop over, leave her some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

The winner of Day 3 winning 3 images from The Stamping Boutique is Fabiola Jaques.  Congratulations, Fabiola, take a look at their website and let me know your 3 choices on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk

It's Day Four....

.... and it's sponsored by Scribbled Kidz.

Scribbled Kidz is all about fun images largely inspired by my family and what they might get up to. They are all hand drawn originals scanned in at 300dpi and saved as jpegs.   If you have any suggestions or special requests please let us know.Please pop along and see what we have to offer.

The prize up for grabs today is 3 images and today's host is Alan.  Pop over and leave him some Christmas Cheer and you may be the lucky winner.

The winner from Day 2 winning a $10 voucher from Meljens is Rose.  Congratulations, Rose, email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass your details on the sponsor.

Pacemaker ~ An Update

The pacemaker was placed yesterday.

Austin ended up being the last patient of the day.
However, he was excited and ready to get on with it.
Truly, evidence of the Grace of God in his life.

He was taken into the OR at 3:45pm PST
and brought back out again at about 5:45pm.
We took him home at 8:00pm!

Amazing, don't you think?

Apparently, Austin was awake for the whole thing.
He chatted with the electrophysiologists
and nurses throughout ~
he found it to be very interesting.
They even showed him the x-ray while
the leads were being placed.
It went like clockwork ~ perfectly!

To God be the glory!!

Below ~ Austin with our Children's Hospital 
Electrophysiologist, Dr. Sherwin.  
She is one of those who has championed Austin's cause, 
for which we are very thankful!



Things got quite uncomfortable when
the device was inserted.
It had to be placed under the muscle.
My poor guy ~ he was a real trooper!
Apparently, he was told it was like having
a baby, only in reverse.  :)

New respect for Mum?  
I think so!



Austin was blessed with a good sleep last night ~ 
with the help of some powerful meds to keep him comfortable.
Now, he rests and recovers ~ it really was a bit of an ordeal.
We must watch for infection, while praying that it does not appear.

And, Austin must adjust.



But, his heart ~ it's working properly 
for the first time in a long time.
I just spoke with him and he reports feeling
the left side of his heart beating!

It makes me smile.

May the LORD use this means to bring healing to the
left ventricle which has been greatly reduced in its function.
This device will *listen* to what the atria want to do,
and seek to mimic that pacing in the lower two chambers.
It will send the message that has long been interrupted,
and help his heart to beat in sync.
The prayer is that, over time,
it will help to tone the heart muscle up once again.

What a blessing!!



Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers,
and for all your love and concern ~
We are so thankful for each one of you!

"Like as a father pitieth his children,
so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.
For he knoweth our frame:
He remembereth that we are dust."
~ Psalm 103:13-14 ~

With our Love,
Howie, Camille, and Austin
(and siblings too!)

**The device in these photos is not exactly as the one
placed in Austin...but, it is similar.
Austin asked if it was the one they would be using,
and they said they would certainly rinse it off before putting it in!
(FYI ~ That is Austin's humour...exactly!)