HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KEN!!!!! JAN. 22

Happy 51st Birthday to Ken!!!!!!!

Honey......I know it's tough to admit you are over 50.....but welcome to the crowd.....and remember that I'm always a little bit ahead, I mean OLDER than you! You are the love of my life...the joy of your children and grandchildren, and every day.......I praise God for you!!!

A poem for my husband.

Almost 30 years with you by my side,

To have and to hold and deeply confide.

You are my strength to face each new day,

Your love and your humor takes my problems away!!

You have been there for your sons all these years,

You've been the best father through laughter and tears.

As my husband you are a true gift from God...

even when I'm a little bit odd!

I love you more than words can say.....

and thank you for your kind, gentle way.

A love like ours fits like a glove,

And is truly blessed by God up above!!

Good report and Pictures of the Grandchildren

Just an update from my visit to the specialist at U of M.

My doctor from U of M went over the test results with us on Wednesday, Jan. 16th…..and Praise God the disease appears to be limited to my hands/arms, feet/legs.
That is very good news!... which means my internal organs are not compromised! She also said that my blood work was within normal range, and that the x-rays were normal too! We are truly celebrating this report….and we want to thank everyone for praying!
Although she said the disease in incurable, she is quite confident that with the treathment I am receiving, progress will be slowed….and hopefully put to a stand still! We are deeply grateful for our family, friends, and church family for your prayer support, phone calls, love encouragement! God is good! Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord".

Now....for your viewing pleasure.........Our grand-daughters....

Rachelle and Kirsten born Dec. 24, 2007
All snuggled up!

Rachelle


Kirsten




Annabelle smiling for the camera
It's amazing to think she will be a year old in March!



And now......for the grandsons!
Isaac and building trades 101.

Seth.....very intent

Brothers sharing

Jon holding Andrew's birthday balloons.

Don't float away !

Andrew with his verrryyy long puzzle

Jon and Andrew
Splish splash I was taking a bath!!!

I'm going to share with you something that Pastor Bart and Debbie sent.

A NEWBORN'S CONVERSATION WITH GOD

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small And helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.' The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.' Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.' 'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and Will teach you how to pray.' 'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means Risking their life.' 'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I Will always be next to you.' At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but Voices from Earth could be heard. The child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.' God said, You will simply call her, 'Mom.' Lift a mother's spirit; send this to every mother you know (no matter how old her child is). But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen! 2 Peter 3:1-13

Happy 3rd Birthday Andrew!!!!

Andrew " a little suspicious of the candles".

This picture was taken after dinner!! Please don't think Kurt and Heidi

let their kids have dessert first, then the meal.

Ahh....."all of my baking today paid off!!" Yum!


"Who cares about cupcakes....just go straight for the frostin!!"

Happy 3rd birthday to our grandson Andrew!! Today he celebrates his special day by baking cupcakes, opening cards and gifts, and having his favorite foods for supper! We thank God for this precious life and pray for Andrew as he grows year by year into the young man that God would have him be!
Heidi and Andrew...holding up a puzzle he got from
Grandma and Grandpa Scott.

Here's Andrew in his "Future Chef" apron that he got

at Christmas! It looks like he's putting it to good use!

Kurt and Andrew preparing and decorating cupcakes.

What I want to know is "who gets to lick the bowl?"

Little brother Jon taking all the excitement in!! Jon is walking all over

the place now, he turned 1 in October. Sisters Rachelle and Kirsten are doing fine

but probably won't get a taste of the birthday cupcakes!! Thank you once again Heidi for sending all these great pics from Andrew's birthday. Even though we couldn't be there....ourhearts were there in a BIG way!

Prayer requests

My heart felt very led to bring these prayer requests to you in this posting...I know there are many of you that read our blog and are faithful prayer warriors.

1. Our friend Don Wilson is very ill with severe pain with the trigeminal nerve.

He is in Munson Hospital....please pray for Don and his wife Brenda as they cope with this. Pray that Don would get some relief from the severe pain he experiences.

2. Mom, Lois Hopkins has three more chemos to go. Please pray that she would stay strong and that her reactions from the chemo are not overwhelming to her physically and emotionally. We talk to each other at least once and day...and have been able to encourage each other during these trying times.

3.Our friend Diane Britton has had many complications with infection from a recent knee surgery. Please pray that she heals quickly and that the infection goes away. Mark and Diane are AWANA missionaries in Michigan.

4. Our niece Andrea Hoagland and her husband Clint are expecting their first baby this coming May. (a boy!!!) We are praising God for sustaining Andrea through a serious illness (ITP) for the past 3 years...and for allowing this miracle to come into their lives. Please pray for Andrea's health and that she would continue to remain strong during these months as they prepare to welcome their baby into their home. Andrea is the daughter of my sister Linda(Don Miller).

5. Ken's brother Tom is currently undergoing radiation for prostrate cancer.

Please pray that his treatments are effective and that Tom does not experience much discomfort or pain.

6. Our neighbor and friend Jonathan Cooper (Sophomore at Cadillac High School) who was recently diagnosed with an auto immune disease. Pray for wisdom for the doctors as they treat him, strength for Jon and his parents Alan and Diane as they cope with this illness.

7.. Ken and I will be traveling to Ann Arbor for my second appointment with the specialist on January 16th. We will find out all of my test results at that time, and discuss further treatment of my scleroderma. We continue to pray for God's will and plan in my life. I have been able to play the piano somewhat....with adjusted fingering and creative notes....and I am thanking God for allowing me to use this gift for His glory as long as possible.

Joyfully looking forward to 2008!!!!

Kurt, Rachelle, Andrew, Heidi, Jon, and Kirsten

Wow what a brood!! But Kurt and Heidi are managing quite well

and settling into somewhat of a routine. Ron and Carol (Heidi's parents) have been a tremendous help to Kurt and Heidi! We are so thankful they live close by and are able to help meet their needs.

I can't wait until I am feeling better so I can spend more time with them and be of more help

Jason and Emily went to Jenison on Saturday to meet their new neices....what a great time they had! The babies look so tiny next to Annabelle who is only nine months! I hope you enjoy the pictures .......My desire is to concentrate more on my wonderful family and not my illness. I was able to play piano on Sunday at Rollins (limited, but I am getting creative) I look forward to the coming week and what God will reveal to me through His word, and in my daily walk!

Thank you thank you thank you for praying!

Kirsten, Elmo and Rachelle
These two big brothers will certainly be looking out for their sisters as they all grow up together. Look at the joy on their faces!!

The grand-daughters all together....Rachelle, Annabelle, Kirsten



Ken and I with the twins at the hospital.

Isaac and Seth playing with Christmas toysl

Annabelle searching for the right toy!

Peeking through the wreath

Peeking though the wreath

Isaac and Seth....Isaac didn't want to peek through the wreath!

Twin Girls......Chistmas Eve....What a way to end 2007!!! or begin 2008...whatever way you look at it! We rejoice!

Welcome to the family

Rachelle Ann and Kirsten Lynn Nichols.

Born Christmas eve....to Kurt and Heidi!

Rachelle was 5 lbs. and Kirsten was 4lbs 10 oz.

Both girls are doing well.....and they were able to come home on Thursday.

Proud grandparents are Ken and I, and Ron and Carol Scott (Wyoming, Mi)

We are praising God for these two little miracles...and ask that you pray for Kurt and Heidi as they settle into a new routine in their lives!!

That brings us to "seven" grandchildren......(in four years!!!!!!)

Kurt, Andrew, and Kirsten

Jonathan and Rachelle

The twins on Christmas day....one day old.

I also have numerous pictures from our Christmas with Jason, Emily, Isaac, Seth, Annabelle, Kurt, Heidi, Andrew, Jonathan, and Uncle Joel on December 22, but left the camera at my parents on Christmas day......so will have to post those later. We spent Christmas day with Mom, Dad, Linda, Don, Clint and Andrea.

Even though some of were not feeling the best.....a precious time was had by all.

Please continue to pray for Mom as she faces three more chemo treatments...shes very tired but her attitude is good!

On the health front: I went for a consultation with a Rheumatology Specialist from the University of Michigan who sees scleroderma patients. After 16 viles of blood, 30 some x-rays, and lots of tests I have a return visit scheduled for mid January...and the course of action is to see how we can slow the progression of the disease. Currently I am not working and will probably apply for long term disability....with the hopes that I can return to work at a later date.I started occupational therapy with Mercy Rehab services last week and will continue that indefinitely.

I'll post more later.....but sometimes, I just have to stop talking and thinking about my circumstances.

Recently I received Christmas cards from my choir students......about 100 cards!!!

Anyway....I wanted to close this posting with a portion of the card from a girl named Audrey;

Dear Mrs. Nichols,

I hope so much that you will get better. I know you will but it takes time for everything to work out. God plans it all so you can't stop it. But please remember that God tests only the strongest people with kind hearts because he wants you to show people that you can always, always, survive anything if you always acknowledge that He is still here and believe that He will save you. But I know you won't forget Him. Please don't worry :) we love you so much. AudreyAnn

Well...I do acknowledge Him, and I believe He will work His best in me....whatever time it takes...... all to the Glory of God.