I dream of Cherries!

The older the kids get the more cherries actually make it into the buckets...Today was a fun and very dust day in the orchard. Now for learning how to can!

Happy 4th of July

It's hard to believe that it's already the 4th of July...where did June go? Seriously? As you can see, we're back together as a family celebrating our Independence TOGETHER! The kids and I where away from daddy for a total of 24 days. A trip that was to be no longer than a week to 10 days-went horribly wrong. We arrived back to Oregon late Thursday night and have taken a few days to decompress.

Before we left Washington my dad was released from Swedish hospital and was transferred to Cherry Hill Rehabilitation Center. We're grateful that he was excepted to this program, but where shocked to find out that he will only be there for 10 to 14 days. After which time, he will be released into the care of my mom once again. It is one thing to learn how to maneuver through life without a hip, it is entirely another to administer iv antibiotics three times a day without medical assistance for the next two months.

I look forward to returning to some normalcy in my own life between future visits to Washington in the months to come. Between all the medical issues, there continues to be allot of work to be done on fire clean up, rebuilding and property sales. This is indeed going to be a major life change for my parents.

Happy 4th from our family to yours!

New Beginnings

Thank you for all the powerful prayers. My dad is waking up to new beginnings today. Surgery went well yesterday. It was a 4 hour procedure ( much shorter than expected ) and a very long wait in recovery. The long and the short of it is that the doctors removed all of dad's artificial hip and also a spiral wrap and any bone that was infected. The spiral wrap seems to be the main source of infection, so with a continued regiment of antibiotic drip for another 6-8 weeks...hopefully the infection will subside completely. My dad still has a long journey ahead of him to try to adjust to life on crutches, a walker or wheelchairs. This is it...There is no future plan to but a new hip in...he has his life and all limbs to help him balance, he has a strong spirit and the athlete within him is still very much ALIVE! He is ready to press on and do the best he can. Knowing my dad this is just one more challenge that he will rise too. I can just see the upper body strength now!

Again thank you for all the love and support...Praise be to God for his mercy and grace.

Current Prayer Requests:

That recovery would go smoothly , that he will gain weight and strength in the days to come, his protien levels would rise, that he would be able to do what the phyisical theripist ask of him, that he would qaulify to be placed at Cherry Hill Rehabilitaiton Center, that he would be patient with himself and others in this process. That God would cover, protect and provide in all financial matters. Continued wisdom, strength and guidance for our entire family.

Blessings, Peace and Love to you and yours-

The Smart and Totten Family

Major Surgery Today...Please Pray

Just wanted to let everyone know that my dad will be in surgery today at 3pm-on (possibly a 5-6 hour procedure). It is considered to be a major and very lengthy surgery. Your prayers would be appreciated as we continue to hope for God's best.

God Gives...God Takes Away

It has been a difficult week for my dad and family. Doug Smart's time at home was brief and he was rushed back to Swedish hospital last Friday. He had spiked a fever and the infection in his leg was causing havoc once again. My dad went back into surgery Saturday morning ( I think this is #5, but quite honestly - I have lost count). It was determined that if the infection was so bad, the doctor had signed permission to remove the entire appliance and bone from dads body. My dad does not want an amputation of his leg and opted to keep it even if it would not be of much use to him. My dad had no idea what he was going to be faced with when he awoke from surgery. It turns out that the doctor left the appliance in and felt that there was still a fighting chance to control infection and get dad back on two legs again someday. It has been a horrible ordeal in every which way-mentally, physically and emotionally. It has been a time of reflection and deep gratitude as well as surrender and testing of faith. Our family continues to covet your prayers. I have spent the past few days typing out the beautiful eulogy that my dad wrote for Bob Tate's memorial service. In doing so I have come across some fun pics and stats about my dad. Praise the Lord his story is not over yet.

UPDATE: As I was writing this my mom just called with the news that the infection is to much and a new bacterial has taken hold. The appliance needs to be removed and life is forever changed for my dad. I will keep you updated as best I can...The next surgery will take place within the next few days. This will be the beginning of a new song for all of us as dad faces life in a wheelchair or crutches. A rehab facility will be his home for several more months to come, as we work together to support and encourage him through this life change. For those of you close to my dad. He is needing space and time to grieve.

Amazing God knows what we need, right when we need it.

This was a scripture and prayer sent to me today that I believe is timely and meant just for my dad in his greatest time of need.

Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint.

Thoughts on today's verse
It is easy for us to live victoriously for the Lord when we soar on eagles wings. It can be exciting when we run and don't grow weary in the work of the Lord, buoyed by his power and presence. But it often takes heroes to keep walking and not faint when trying times come. Keep on walking, brother and sister. The Lord is there when you most fear he has forgotten you!

Prayer:
Majestic God, whose voice holds together our universe, give those who can barely walk under the stress and assault the strength to continue. I specifically want to pray for those I know personally who are facing trying times. Please, dear LORD, give them strength and meet their most pressings needs.

DOUG SMART Garfield1955A 6-7 forward who scored 30 on Wilt Chamberlain in college and still holds Washington records for rebounds in a season and a career. He is ninth in career scoring with 1,478 points.

STATE OF WASHINGTON
SPORTS HALL OF FAME

"Recognizing Talented Sports Figures Around Washington"

Doug Smart
Inducted: 1994
One of the University of Washington's premier basketball stars, he starred for the Huskies in the 1950's. He won numerous all-star honor, gaining All-America recognition in his junior and senior seasons. He led his Garfield Bulldogs to a state high school championship in 1955. He is now a prominent Seattle dentist.

Doug Smart DDS
Dr. Doug Smart is a 1963 graduate from the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
He brings his patients over 40 years of practicing dentistry in the Seattle Northgate area. He enjoys his family and love of horses in his leisure time.
He was one of the UW's premier basketball stars and starred for the Huskies in the late 1950's. He won numerous all-star honors, gaining All-America recognition in his junior and senior seasons. Dr. Smart still follows his alma mater closely.

A Tribute to Coach BOB TATE

My dad, Doug Smart is home safe and sound in his own bed on Orcas Island. He is very weak and had a very difficult transition back to the islands. We are taking him to town daily for infusions, which is a major epic in itself. It has been a long five months of hospitals and care facilities. We almost lost him several times over, but the Lord has spared him and we have more time to spend together.

Timing would have it that we are now grieving the loss of the greatest coach ever known-BOB TATE. He has been a friend, father and grandfather figure in our lives. I am so proud and thankful to say that my dad was one of Bob Tate's Boys. We love you, we thank you and we miss you Bob. Thank you for giving my dad the "At a boys" right when he needed them most, especially over the past few months. To the very end you where watching out for one of your boys and the memory of your love strengthens us still.

Tate, Robert H. 83 2/19/1926 6/8/2009 Robert H. Tate, son of Genevieve Mary Howell and Roy Macdonald Tate, died Monday, June 8, 2009, at his home. He was 83. He grew up Portland as a member of Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church. He attended Franklin High School where he was an associated student body officer and an athlete. He played baseball, basketball and football during a time when the school's teams went undefeated for over a year. While in high school he achieved a number of athletic awards, including being the youngest player in the national semi-pro baseball tournament at Wichita, Kan. He graduated in 1944. Bob attended Willamette University and the University of Washington in the Navy V-12 Program obtaining a bachelor's degree in 1949 and a master's degree in 1961. He was captain of Willamette's basketball and baseball teams, and the Inspirational Award winner of the baseball team. At the University of Washington he played baseball for four years and basketball for three. In baseball he was twice selected to the All-Northern Division team and named to the second team All-Coast on the first NCAA All-Coast team. Following World War II, he played semi-pro baseball. He declined an invitation to spring training with Oakland to accept a coaching position at Garfield High School in Seattle. Until his death, Bob continued to support UW Husky sports and Mariners Baseball. He was selected to the UW All-Century baseball team and a member of the Seattle Mariners' RBI Club. Bob had a long and distinguished career in education and the Naval Air Reserve. He was a coach and teacher at Garfield High School (1949-60); vice principal at Queen Anne High School (1960-65); principal at Cleveland High School (1965-68); principal at Mercer Island High School (1968-71); assistant superintendent Mercer Island (1971-75); and personnel director for Mercer Island School District (1975-retirement in 1980). During his career, he served as president of the Seattle Coaches Association, the Pacific NW Officials Association, the Kingco League and the Pacific NW Athletic Roundtable. Bob was a U.S. Navy captain with 34.5 years of active and reserve duty. He was the commanding officer, Naval Air Reserve Staff T1. He served as president of the Seattle Council of Navy League of U.S. He also served on the Secretary of Navy National Naval Reserve Policy Board. He was awarded the Naval Aviation Rendezvous Award for Outstanding Contribution to Naval Aviation. Bob is survived by his wife, Marty Tate of Bellevue, Wash.; his daughters, Susan Bentley, Terry Patterson and Pamela Saunders, their families and their mother, Charlotte Marsden; stepsons, Pete, Steve and Dan Holton and their families; sisters, Betty Hart of Milwaukie and Margaret Anderson of Lake Oswego; nieces and nephews, Jane Utzinger of Sisters; Don Utzinger and family of Okanogan, Wash.; Dave Utzinger of Portland; and Tim, Russ and Ken Brown and their families of Portland. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Josephine and Clair Brown; and his nephew, Art Brown; all of Portland. There will be a celebration of Bob's life at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2009, in the Don James Center, University of Washington, Husky Stadium, 3800 Montlake Blvd. N.E., Seattle, WA. 98195. Memorial contributions may be made to University of Washington Baseball.

Garfield coaching legend Bob Tate, dies at 83

Bob Tate with a trophy his 1955 Garfield High School state championship team gave him. Tate directed Garfield to the state championship game in 1954 and 1955, losing to Franklin and beating O'Dea. (Grant M. Haller/seattlepi.com file)

Here's more on Bob Tate, the legendary Garfield High School basketball coach, whose death at age 83 was announced by Mariners play-by-play announcer Dave Niehaus.

Tate coaxed Garfield into the 1954 state final during his first season as a varsity basketball coach, losing 46-42 to city rival Franklin, as former P-I reporter Dan Raley wrote in an article about Tate earlier this year.

A year later, he had the Bulldogs back in the title game, and they beat O'Dea, 46-38. His teams made four state tournament appearances, winning 10 of 14 postseason games.
"Dashing young Bob Tate and his wearers of the purple G were as good as they had to be, and they had to be good," then sports columnist Royal Brougham wrote.

The P-I photos from that 1955 state championship are long lost. But click here to read the P-I game coverage.

The win marked the first of the school's 11 state titles – the most by any Seattle high school team. Tate told Raley he had 54 kids on his teams at Garfield over six years.
One died, one went in the Air Force, two had to give up college scholarships because of family problems, 50 went on to college. Of those, 39 played college athletics, 35 graduated with four-year degrees, 17 earned master's degrees, 11 earned Ph.Ds. "Coaching those kids," he said, "was the best thing I did."


Next is a previous article from a few months back.


Where Are They Now: Bob Tate
Former coach still close to players after 50 years
By DAN RALEYP-I REPORTER

Bob Tate was a coaching natural. He led Garfield High School basketball teams to the state championship game in each of his first two seasons, losing and winning in that order.
He kept this job for only six years, his magnetic leadership skills providing him with fast-track opportunities to become a school administrator, eventually principal at Cleveland and Mercer Island.

Fifty years ago, Tate reluctantly walked away from the coaching sideline, but to this day he has never abandoned his players. He doesn't recall his Garfield win-loss record (it was 66-21), but he can rattle off the following statistics: He coached 54 players, and 50 attended college or junior college, 39 played basketball at those levels, 35 graduated, 17 received master's degrees and 11 earned doctorates. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone such as Tate as his coach, which is a lifetime deal.

"I know where all the kids I coached are except one," he said. "We keep in touch."
Tate, 82, could relate to his basketball players because he fully understood their successes and failures, experiencing them firsthand. Growing up in Portland, he was a three-sport standout at Franklin High School; in one remarkable stretch sharing in 56 consecutive victories collectively for his football, basketball and baseball teams.


With World War II in motion, Tate played one season of basketball for Willamette, serving as captain and leading the team in scoring. Navy obligations brought him to Washington, where he was a guard who hardly stirred from the bench for Huskies coaches Hec Edmundson and Art McLarney. Tate didn't exactly know what the problem was at the time, but he had Raynaud's disease, a condition that causes blood to constrict in the extremities in cold conditions.

"In those days the pavilion was all windows on the south side, hundreds of windows, and most of them were broken out, and it was like playing outside," he said. "My fingers would become white and useless. Everybody's got a reason they didn't make it. I think I would have done better without that problem."

Tate was a much more effective athlete for the Huskies baseball team. In warmer spring temperatures, he was an infielder who batted .363 and .333 and won multiple divisional and coast honors, while enjoying a career that would land him a spot on the UW all-century team.

He briefly played pro baseball in Pittsburg, Calif., drawing raves while managed by Vince DiMaggio, brother of the Hall of Famer. The Oakland Oaks asked Tate to replace Billy Martin, who was called up to the big leagues. He passed on a baseball career when Garfield offered him teaching and assistant coaching jobs.

"Vince DiMaggio said, 'Tater, right now you're a better second baseman than most of the players in the major league, but you might not like it. You can be there in two years,' " Tate recalled. "He said there aren't many college graduates playing big league baseball."

In his first season as varsity basketball coach, Tate coaxed Garfield into the 1954 state final, losing 46-42 to city rival Franklin. A year later, he had the Bulldogs back in the title game, and they beat O'Dea, 46-38. His teams made four state tournament appearances, winning 10 of 14 postseason games.

Ahead of his time, he was comfortable coaching a multiracial team and has been credited as the driving force behind the integration of the UW basketball program. He lobbied hard for Huskies coach Tippy Dye to use guard Dick Crews, an African-American and one of Tate's former Garfield players. "I said, 'Tippy, you're going to keep him. He's a great player and a great kid,' " Tate recalled. "Tippy said, 'I've never coached a black kid, and I'm getting pressure not to keep a black.' He listened to me and he did keep him. From that day on, he thanked me."

A Clyde Hill resident, Tate and his second wife, Marty, have six children among them. He's a retired military officer, formerly commander of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island reserves. He maintains UW basketball season tickets, keeping a close eye on the current team.

Life has been challenging at times. Nine years ago, after playing for a senior tennis team that competed nationally, Tate suffered a heart attack and had a near-death experience. In 2005, he and his wife were out for a walk on Christmas Eve when he collapsed with another cardiac episode and had another close brush, saved only because an off-duty firefighter and nurse were close by.

Tate has a strong will to live, which is the same way he treated coaching. He can't leave this world just yet. After all, who would keep tabs on all of those Garfield players?

Summer has Begun!

Our family has a favorite place that has blessed us with refreshment and family time over the past several years. The creak that runs right through our neighborhood, just two blocks from our home has been a place of retreat, reflection and solitude from me as well as a place of adventure and discovery for our children.

The above pictures where taken just a few days ago and the following photos are from last summers fun, that I just never got around to posting.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8

Wishing you all a blessed summer as you drink from the living water that will refresh, restore and bring forth new life. To God be the Glory in our lives and yours!

Life is so Random Sometimes!

As some of you have already heard...we had a visitor in our neighborhood last week.

First it was a kitten rescue then it was a rooster...

Life indeed is random at times. The kittens and rooster have been a fun distraction from the norm and it makes us keenly aware of Gods awesome sense of humor.

The rooster found a good home by nightfall and the neighborhood is more connected because of his visit. God can use anything to bring people together.

Double the Fur...

Just over a week ago, Scott came home with a little grey kitten. The poor little thing had been abandon at our church. He could barely walk and was very, very hungry. We think he was about 3 weeks old. The very next day Scott found another kitten ( same place, different bush) and the two brothers where reunited. Over the past week and a half we have enjoyed bottle feeding this little pair. They have gone from being weak and frightened to strong and playful in no time at all. We still have yet to officially name these two-so if you have any fun ideas...please feel free to post a comment with your suggestion.

Some possibilities are Mike and Ike, Jazz and Taz

or

Moses and Aaron?

Miss Mollie 09' Graduate

Congratulations Mollie!

Class of 2009

Holding on to HOPE

Update on my Dad: The infection in my dads hip has been determined to be non-life-threatening. However it is very serious and is being aggressively treated with high powered antibiotics (IV drip for at least 8 weeks) and ongoing antibiotics for the rest of his life. It's frustrating and so unfortunate that before the doctors figured out what was going on, several infectious disease specialists had given him nothing but worst case scenarios. This kind of news was just enough to tip my dad over emotionally. He said perhaps he would just be better if they just took his leg. To say the least it has been a tough week. It was such a huge step backwards after struggling to hold on to hope and work so hard to gain strength and get back on his feet and walk again. He is now down again and the road just got longer. The end of the tunnel out of reach without and clear view of the light at the end. The light is still there dad, you just can't see it right now. Hold on...Press on...NEVER GIVE UP! There is a grieving process that continues as the trail twists and turns. The highs very high and the lows very low. My heart breaks for my parents and I daily surrender them into God's care. My HOPE is in Christ alone. For those of you that have been so faithful to visit my dad. He is back at Ida Culver. Please call to make sure he is up for company before you go. Thank you so much for your love and continued prayers.

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Today I read somthing that was posted on a friends facebook page. It was a timely reminder of God's truth and promises. I love it when God gives us just what we need, right when we need it. HOPE!
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Question: "Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?"

Answer: One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.

As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever. Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).

Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Recommended Resource: When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson.

The Refiner's Fire

There is an update added to the end of this blog...scroll down to read the most current news as of tonight 5/23/09. Please Continue to Pray for my mom and dad. Blessings Always...no matter what! God is in control!

This is an image I have been meaning to share. It is a picture of a plastic container that survived my mom and dad's house fire on January 8th, 2009. It contained some treasured memorabilia from my dad's Husky basketball days...It was found in an old steamer trunk, unharmed and all it's contents in perfect condition. Below is a picture of the trunk that protected it.

I have reflected upon these images and a certain verse over the past few months... They have reminded me of the sacrifice Jesus made for us in order for us to be saved. His body broken, so we could have life.

" When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you." (Isaiah 43:2)

Well- It's been a long time since I've made any mention of my dad's recovery. My apologies to those of you who have been tracking this blog for updates. I spoke to my dad yesterday and he informed me that my non-communication scared some people. So with that said...let me catch you up to speed. My dad had surgery on April 17th and within days he was a complete mess. He said he has never been in such pain...and let me tell you, the man has an incredible pain tolerance. Turns out, the surgery failed. The appliance placed in his hip came detached and his right leg was 3 inches shorter than his right. At the point he was released from the hospital, he had a hip that was unattached and no one new it. Ugh!

After allot of pain, tests and failure to do anything the physical therapists where asking him, it was determined that he would need to go under the knife again. So back to the hospital he went for surgery #4 (since January). The surgery was to reattach and hopefully lengthen his right leg. (He's always loved being tall!) The concerning part has been that he had to keep "going under" again and again. Infection, blood clots and extremely low blood pressure have been a risk every time. I did not travel up to Seattle this time around, instead we all went straight into prayer mode trusting God with the outcome once again.

God has been faithful even when our faith has wavered or when we found ourselves working through doubt and fear. It is then when we have come to understand more fully the meaning of our weakness and God's strength. He has carried and comforted our family through this season and continues to do so. He hears our hearts cry and he has heard the prayers of many on our behalf and we are humbled. My dad told me to tell everyone that he is thankful for each and every prayer and he has needed every single one.

There is such a bigger picture here than all the drama, pain and fear we have felt at the thought of losing a loved one before the time seems right. It has been an intense testing of faith and walking through the process of refinement. The Refiners Fire in the end produces that which is beautiful for God's glory! I pray that through this season each and every member of my family has grown in their walk with the Lord who loves us so dearly.

"Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

My dad had his 4th and hopefully final surgery on May4th. So far so good. The new hip is reattached and his leg only has about a 1" difference now. He is back at the care facility, working very hard to rehab and do all he can to gain strength after being bed bound for the past 4 1/2 months. He was up on his legs days after surgery and is walking daily on a walker.

My mom spent the last month in Seattle and is now back tending the farm. She has been busy packing up the city apartment and making the once, (Guest house) their new home. Dad hopes to join her within the month. There is still a long road of recovery ahead for my father and many decisions to be made as my parents rebuild there lives after the loss of so much that once was. Last week we received news from the insurance company that the cause of the January house fire was deemed as undetermined. We don't know how or why the fire started but we do know that God allowed it and we choose to trust that He knows best... always has, always will. It is a fact that all of us will face trials, Gods word is clear: we will go through adversities in our lives. We may not like or understand it. All I know is His ways are above our ways and His thoughts are above our thoughts and He knows best. To God be the Glory in and through all of whatever "it" may be in our lives.

UPDATE:
As I was finishing the above post, I got a call from my sister and then my mom. I just received news that my dad has been transferred back to Swedish Hospital today 5/23/09. He is running a high fever and there is infection in his body once again. Please continue to pray for complete healing, comfort and peace for my dad. Also that the rest of us would be covered in God's strength as we continue to face the Refiner's fire.

Day at the ZOO!

Luke's desire for his 4th birthday was to go to the zoo!

It was a day of discovery, sunshine and fun...

even the bears seemed to be having a good time!

Happy 4th Birthday Luke!

Luke you bring so much joy into our lives and we thank the Lord for you.... you are sweeter than....

and we love you!

Happy 4th Birthday Luke'ster!

Sunshine, Mamma and Me!

"Later Gator"

What does a dad say to a daughter when he fears he may not make it through an impending surgery. "I love you and later gator!" These are the words I prayed would not be the last I would ever hear my dad say, this side of heaven. As the kids and I drove up to Seattle Thursday evening, I spoke with my dad on the phone. It was obvious that we were both intentional to keep our conversation, light , upbeat and hopeful as to not let those deepest fears gain any foothold in our hearts and minds.

It was requested that we stay at my in laws the night before surgery, do to the fact that mom and dad needed to get to Swedish Hospital by 5am. It was difficult not to see him pre-surgery, but he said he looked forward to seeing our smiling faces when he woke up! After a five hour surgery and a six hour recovery, we where finally able to wrap our arms around him and give him the comforting smiles he was so hopeful to see. Can I just say I love kissing my dads forehead!

The surgery went as well as could be hoped for. Although the surgeon said to keep our fingers crossed. He was able to place a new hip, but it was difficult due to the fact that there was so little bone to attach it too.

Mom and I both asked about possible future infection and the surgeon, said "you just never know". So as of now our prayer requests are that my dad stays infection free and that healing is swift and without unforeseen problems ( such as blood clots, drop in blood pressure, fevers, falls and etc). Also that the hip will take and that dad will be patient with himself and others as he tries to learn how to walk again. Please also pray for pain management and peace of mind.

Dad was not up for visitors on Saturday, but we plan to see him today. Mom just spoke with him and he said he has already stood on his leg. Amazing! All of us are having tears of joy and relief all over again. Especially dear ol'dad! Thank you for your prayers once again. We'll keep you posted on the progress!

Our little Darlins.. Easter Morning!

Happy Easter!

Visit to Tillamook

Just a short day trip to the Tillamook Cheese factory...does a family good!

7 & 3

and happy as could be!

Thank you Bessie!

All the calcium has made us big and strong!

We Flew the Coop!

We flew the coop for Spring break and it turns out we weren't the only ones sent flying! Not just the seagulls and the eagles where soaring about, but my dad was given an unexpected shove out of his nest as well!

Our Spring Break is complete as we just arrived home from another trip to Washington. This time we were able to travel together as a whole family and arrive home together. Our first stop was to visit my dad at the care facility in Seattle. The kids were so happy to see grandpa Doug and especially loved the ice cream cups that the nurse brought for all to enjoy. It's hard to believe my dad has been in a hospital since early January. A lot has happened since his life was nearly taken from us due to Septic Shock. Since than he has had two months straight of non-stop antibiotics to rid his body of infection and is now scheduled for another surgery on April 17th. Septicemia seams to be a concern of the past and now only time will tell the final outcome of my dads current circumstance. Will he be able to receive a new hip? Is there enough bone and muscle left? Is the infection really gone? Will infection return? Will they be able to save his leg? Will dad be able to walk again? How long will healing and rehab take? What is all of this going to look like? The questions in all of our heads seam endless. I am grateful for close friends who whisper softly - "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus....One day at a time."

The newest and most exciting, yet totally un-nerving news is that my dad was unexpectedly released from the care facility last Wednesday. We got the news of his impending dismissal on Monday (ya gotta love how insurance works) Yes, a man who nearly died several times over and who has no hip in place, (oh and did I mention he is 6'6" and 240 lbs.) was suddenly released to be cared for by my mom full time. As if she didn't have allot on her plate already. To say the least it put us all into a mad scramble. The logistics alone of transporting was stressful, not to mention trying to find the proper bed, chairlifts, walkers, wheel chair etc..etc on such short notice. Once again my uncle came to the rescue and helped with the transfer. The kids and I were able to lend a hand and hugs as you can see from the picture above, my dad made it safely to the back seat of my uncle's car. Dad was released at 10am and was on the noon boat to Orcas Island. He was in his own bed by 2pm. Unbelievable! It was a difficult and somewhat emotional for my dad to return to the farm after having left two days after the house fire.

My uncle drove my dad down the long driveway to where their home used to be. The rubble has been cleared now and only the foundation remains. My parents are now living in what used to be the guest house for Island vacationers. What a blessing to have a home to go to.

In the midst of all the transition for my parents the rest of us where busy tending to horses and various farm chores. One of which was mommy and daddy pretending to be horses and pulling the kiddos around for a ride in a horse carriage. As you can see from the looks on their faces the kids loved being in the drivers seat.

All in all it was a good trip and one step closer to some sanity and peace of mind. There is still a lot of clean up and work to be done on many different fronts. It is going to be a long, slow process that will take a lot of love, strength, patience, determination, communication, understanding, forgiveness, perseverance, faith, hope, trust and prayer.

The road is long and there are sure to be some unexpected waves. If only we could remember to give God the reigns one day at a time! He is sure to make the journey worth while!

Presence,Wisdom,Power

May the presence of our God refresh you

May the wisdom of our God guide you

May the power of our God protect you

May the holiness of God change you

And may the love of God, oh the love of God

Constantly, gently reassure you

So be it for us all!

A Winding Path

It's obvious I took quite a break from blogging. I apologize to those of you who really where tracking with me on this journey and have wondered what the heck is going on. It really has been a holding pattern for the past month. I personally hit quite a wall on my return home to Oregon and have spent much of my time laying low at home with my family. Being on the front lines in Washington was where I was needed and where I wanted to be, but I really had allot to process when I finally was able to step away and realized all that had happened in such a short amount of time. My emotions got the best of me for a few weeks and I am just now feeling kind of normal...what ever that is?

So as for an update....
My mom has not wasted a day. She hired an island contractor to clear the fire debris. There's still much work to be done on the farm, but it's a start. Mom has been traveling back and forth to visit my dad and is trying her best to plan ahead for his arrival back to his Seattle apartment and future return to the farm. Most likely my dad will be in a wheel chair or crutches for some time after his mid April surgery. Dad's body is still fighting infection and the doctors have opted to keep him on antibiotics up to the surgery date and after. We are hopeful that they will find no infection and that a new hip can be placed. Our biggest fear is of losing dad while in surgery or due to possible future infection. Second to that, is the loss of his leg or mobility. There is an underlying anxiousness about what the future will look like on many fronts. I think all of us are doing our best to trust God daily as we wait and allow the story to unfold in our lives. Some of us have had a harder time coping with the stress than others ( yes- I'm speaking for myself)....My dad is doing his best to be patient as he sits in a room being a full time patient. He admits some days are better than others. His biggest complaint as of late is the obnoxious 3am wake up's of bright lights and a rude nurse, who has since been dismissed from his care. The reality that he will most likely walk with quite of a limp for the rest of his life and that he has a long recovery ahead of him is tough news to hear, but is quickly put in perspective with the gratitude he and we all have to just still be alive!

We are headed back up to Washington soon and look forward to helping them pass the time. The picture of my parents above is one of my favorites. It was taken this past November right before life got so complicated in the start of the new year. We had all just walked 1/4 mile hand in hand down a dark path to the SunRiver lodge to go find Santa. Makayla was holding hands with Scott, Luke with Grandma and I will forever treasure walking hand in hand with my dad on life's path.

May we all remember to hold on to our strong, mighty and heavenly father's hand no matter where the path may lead! May God be blessed as we trust Him to lead us.

Holding Pattern

We are in a holding pattern to say the least. I made my way back to Oregon and have spent the last week and a half adjusting back into my life as a full time wife and mom. This transition took place just in time for Scott to leave town and for both kids to come down with fevers. I find myself so relieved to be home, yet exhausted and a bit out of sorts. If I feel this way, how might my parents be feeling? My mom is tending to the farm on her own (which she is very capable of ) and my dad is in a care facility is Seattle. He is still fighting infection and remains on antibiotics and will do so for the next several weeks. Mid to late March the doctor plans to do an exploratory surgery to see how everything looks. We are unsure what the outcome of this surgery may be. A)More infection could be found at which point they would remove as much as possible and re-pack the site for more debriefing of infection. B) The site looks good and the doctors move forward to try to implement a new hip. C) Unknown?




I talked with my dad yesterday and he seems to be holding up okay. There had been a miss que on his pain meds last week after which he had quite a run in with the medical staff. We are hopeful that everyone is on the same page at this point. He says that the days just pass so slow. He is however grateful for good friends both old and new that have come to visit and help pass the time and lend support. My mom will plan to travel back and forth from the island to spend a few days with dad every week.

This reminds me... when Luke and I where with my mom up on the islands, there where two separate occasions where my mom needed to get to Seattle in a hurry. She opted to fly off in a sea plain instead of taking the slow boat to the main land. Now every time Luke sees a plane he says, "Look mommy... a plane, is that grandma?"

The San Juan Islands are such a beautiful place. A place that some even refer to, as "a little slice of paradise." It seems that even in the midst of concern and chaos ....God is sure to speak encouragement and strength through all that he has created.

There is a stillness, a quietness that embraces you on the islands. One that I will forever treasure. I will treasure traveling to Friday Harbor to visit my grandparents over the past 30+ years. I will treasure the farm and all it's beauty and wonder. I will treasure the labor of love that my parents put into the land over the past 20 years to make it a sanctuary to many friends , family and strangers and animals.

There is a long road ahead....one that at times seems endless. We are unsure of what is on the other side of the bend or over the crest of the next hill. All we can do, all any of us can do is move forward and trust that God will meet us there, for He is always with us.

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY...

Is this precious or what?

Makayla did a self portrait at school and I just love it!

Ahhh.. can I just say, it's good to be home!

Intentional Gratitude..

Sometimes seeing ourselves headed for disaster opens our eyes to the general absence of calamity in our lives and offers an opportunity for intentional gratitude for God’s protection.

• When all is right in your life, do you take time to be truly thankful and appreciative?
• Is impending disaster or unforeseen tragedy the only thing that brings you to your knees?
• Do you take time everyday to thank God for his love, protection and plan for your life?
• Do you have a heart of Intentional Gratitude?

These are just some of the questions whirling around in my head over the past few weeks. I am hopeful that through all this I am growing a heart of "Intentional Gratitude" more than ever before. All I know is God is God and I am not...I don't understand why bad things are allowed to happen, but I choose to trust that God knows what he's doing and his plan is much greater than mine. It was a month ago tonight that my parents home was on fire. The ruble still sits and life goes on.



It's quite amazing how life just continues in the spite of crisis. The beauty of the property and all it's wildlife lives life as usual. The eagles screech from the tree tops above as the hawks dive for their prey. Poor little peter cotton tail. The horses anticipate their daily feedings and the many Canadian geese enjoy the ponds. Tourists and looky-looz pop in to pet horses or ask to go on horse rides. There is work to be done and life just goes on.



I continue to be amazed at the strangers, friends and neighbors that have called or come buy to offer a helping hand. I want to remember the lesson I have learned as I try to love others in my own life. I want to be someone who will meet a person right where there at. I want to be willing to get on my grubbies and tangibly help, to join them in their struggle. I want to be prayerful but also willing to put love into action.



As for my dad. He was transferred from Swedish hospital to a new rehab center. The plan is for him to be there for about 8 weeks after which time the doctors will determine what is the best next move. Best case scenario, a new hip. Worst case, amputation. Infection is still a big concern and they are aggressively continuing to treat it. Mom is in Seattle helping dad get settled once again. Luke and I have been working hard on the farm and plan to head off island tomorrow. We are traveling back to Oregon in pretty big rig (Dooley truck pulling a 4 horse goose neck trailer). I would appreciate prayers for safety on the road. We will spend one night in Seattle to be with mom and visit dad. Our main travel day will be Tuesday. Luke and I can hardly wait to get back home to Makayla and daddy. It will be so good to be together as a family again, plus we could really use a break from farm life.

Best Regards- Luke and Mommy Kim

One Step Forward Two Steps Back

Fire investigators and detectives spent the better part of the day collecting evidence, taking pictures and speaking with both mom and also called dad to get first hand accounts of what happened the night of the blaze. There where 11 men total and I just tried to stay out of the way. I got hold of a disk full of pictures that really showed the horrors of what my parents went through almost a month ago.


So anyway...hopefully clean up can get scheduled and underway before to long. The insurance company is needing a call back concerning an itemized list of ALL items lost....Holy Cow.... Ahhh-Yeah.... EVERYTHING!

I finally had a pretty good (or should I say bad) melt down last night..Unfortunately I tend to go to an angry place before the tears hit. (Not really what my mom needed right now) I've held up pretty well these past few weeks, but I think the straw that broke me was finding myself broke down along a dark highway night before last. I think it seriously tipped me over the edge. Enough Already! Luke and I where traveling from Seattle up to the Island and picked up 22 bales of hay on the way. We were cruising along in my folks old truck with their dog at 5o mph, when suddenly we loose all power and steering....by the grace of God (once again) I was able to slow and find a safe resting place along West 20, where we sat for 2 1/2 hours for a huge flatbed truck to come to our aid. Luke just thought it was all one big adventure...can I just say I love my son and he has blessed my heart so much through all this.

Long story short we where cold, tired and frustrated..we had also missed the last boat to Orcas. I was able to get hold of a different vehicle and I high tailed it back to Seattle and have mentally and emotionally collapsed over the last two days.

Now for the most important part of the update. My dad is doing Alright, not great....but okay! He is still at Swedish and his main job right now is trying to get some rest (which is a hard thing to do in a hospital.) He is turning away visitors right now, so he can try to heal and gain some strength. There are some hard and very serious decisions to make concerning medical care, treatment and which doctors, hospital and rehab center are the best and safest choice for my dads condition. The plan changes daily and honestly I don't think there really is a set plan in place yet. They seem to be moving in a direction aimed more at saving dads leg now, but this is frightening because is this a good choice, would this lead to more infection? Please pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors and my parents as decisions are made each day. Also for peace and protection as we all try to process all that has happened in the past month. There is allot of hope, but fear is a very real and powerful thing if it is allowed to take root. May fear have no hold on me or my family. And together we all say, "AMEN!"

Critical to Stable Condition

My dad nearly lost his life on Wednesday 1/28/09. He pulled through after emergency surgery and spent the last couple days in ICU at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Dad was moved to a new room yesterday and is resting as much as possible. He is very week and is back to square one with the doctors and what the future might hold.

Luke and I traveled down from Orcas Thursday afternoon and made our way to the ICU with mom. Dad had pressed his little morphine button a few extra times in anticipation of some news he needed to share with us. Mom was on his left side and I on his right, each holding a hand and doing our best to comfort my very distraught papa.

Dad took a deep breath and his eyes filled with tears as he barely uttered the words "It's going to be - Amputation." It was one of the hardest moments of my life, but so filled with grace and strength from above. Mom and I had total composure and where able to console him and let him know how thankful we where that he was still with us. Loosing a leg verses loosing your life suddenly was put in a new profound perspective.

We visited for a while and hugged as best we could between all the cords, wires and bed rails. Dad was extremely exhausted and fatigued so we made our visit fairly short. He didn't didn't want us to go right away because he thought we where going to fall apart as soon as we left his sight. Yes- we have had our tears but it is a confusing mixture of sadness for what dad is going through and also tears of gratefulness that he is still with us.

The last few days have been spent trying to get the run down directly from the doctors. We were apprehensive to fully except dads statement about amputation because of his state of vulnerability and pain killers.

At this moment the doctors are collaborating as to what is the next best step. As of today the plan is for dad to rest and hopefully regain some strength over the next week or so. They are aggressively trying to rid dads body of the current infection that is reeking havoc on his body. There is talk of a collaborative effort of several specialists to once again open dad up and assess the current condition. We have gone from thinking amputation to a slight hope of saving his leg.

It is touch and go and the doctors are working hard to communicate and get a plan together. Our prayer is that the surgeons will have a collaborative agreed plan for that which would be best for dad, his leg and for the rest of his life. May we all continue to lift my dad in our thoughts and prayers as we are hope and ask for Gods Best for him. May peace reign in his an dall of our hearts, no matter the outcome.

My heart is pounding out of my chest as I type this. Every morning I open my eyes and realise this nightmare is real. I am pretty worthless today and have taken time to jump off the rollercoaster. Naps are so good for just disapearing for a while and writing everything out is not just a means of keeping friends and family posted but is also wonderful therapy for me.

I will be in Seattle for a bit longer than I will head back to the island to meet with all the fire investigatores/detectives scheduled to decend on the farm on Tuesday, Febuary 3rd.

One thing I will leave you with...my dad shared with me yesterday that he had a little talk with God last Wednesday night (Thinking he was dieing) and all he could come up with was Pure Thankfulness!

ER and EMERGENCY SURGERY

I received a phone call from my mom at about 2:30pm, informing me that my dad was being transported to the ER. He had gone unconscious while laying in bed at the rehab center. Dads blood pressure had dropped dangerously low.

He arrived to Swedish Hospital ER late in the afternoon and was taken in for emergency surgery by 7:30pm. He was out of surgery by 9:30pm and is now in the ICU.

We're pretty sure that the remaining infection in his right leg and hip had sent him into the beginning stages of Septic Shock.

The surgeons removed more infection, bone , muscle and also cleaned out pooling blood. Dad went from serious condition to stable condition. He still has his life and his leg, but he is still not out of the woods.

My Uncle and two close family friends where with my parents at the hospital. My sister, Scott and Makayla are all in Oregon and Luke and I are on Orcas. It's was difficult to be apart at a time like this. We are so grateful for telephones.

We're not certain what the doctors have concluded on dads conditon,but my sister and I got on line and did some research on Septic Shock and it seems to fit.

Definition of Sepsis:
Sepsis is the body's response to infection — an inflammatory process marked by an elevated heart rate, rapid breathing and abnormal temperature. Even a minor infection, such as strep throat or influenza, can trigger sepsis. It's usually not life-threatening. But complications of sepsis can cause serious illness and death.

Severe sepsis occurs when your natural immune response to an infection goes into overdrive, triggering widespread inflammation and blood clotting in tiny vessels throughout your body. One or more organs may stop working properly or fail. Sepsis can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure (septic shock).

About 750,000 people in the United States get severe sepsis each year, and more than 200,000 people die of it. Those at increased risk include older adults, hospital and surgery patients, and people with impaired immune systems. Neonatal sepsis affects a small percentage of newborns, particularly low-birth-weight and premature infants.

Most commonly, bacterial infections lead to sepsis, but it may result from any type of infection — bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal. Although sepsis often can't be prevented, getting prompt medical care for infections can reduce your risk.


We will do our best to provide updates about my dads condition as the days pass. We want to thank all of you for your prayers. Our family has been strengthened and encouraged by your love and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for walking through this storm with us. We trust that God is in control.

In Christ's Love and Care Always-

Update & Prayer Requests

I will try my best to send out a little update now and again, so those of you walking through this storm with us will know what's up and how you can be praying more specifically.

Doug Smart-
My dad was transferred from UW Hospital to a Rehab Center on Friday 1/23/09. He will spend approx. 8 weeks there and then return to UW for surgery to remove any more infection in his right hip and leg. He then will return to the rehab center for another 8 weeks..after which time the doctors will evaluate his condition. Our hope is he will be able to receive a new hip. This is where it gets tricky, due to bone and muscle loss. There is also talk of femur replacement along with hip replacement. My dad was brave in asking some tough questions on Wednesday and he wanted straight answers. He asked about his heart- It's strong! He asked if amputation was still on the table? The answer is unfortunately, yes! This was very difficult for mom and dad and the rest of the family to hear or even try to wrap our brains around. Please pray that the infection in his body would vanish, that he would be patient with himself and those that are trying to help him, that his spirit would be lifted beyond his current condition and circumstance, that he would have peace, good rest and good pain management. On top of everything else dad had to have two teeth extracted...it didn't go well and zapped his emotional and physical energy back a few notches for sure. A high light for his week was that Scott and Makayla where up from Oregon and Dad was able to get more hugs and support. He and Makayla held each other tight for quite some time. Dad also got a visit from Jon Brockman and UW Huskies Basketball coach, Lorenzo Romar. This was a very nice gesture that is much appreciated by all those that love my dad.

Luke and I continue to tend to 27 acres and 13 horses. My mom and sister where here for a bit last week. Then Scott and Makayla came up over the weekend and we had some family time together between all the work on my grandparents home on Friday Harbor and the farm on Orcas Island.

Mom is now in Seattle again to be with dad and tend to some of his needs. She should be returning to the farm in a few days. Moms plate is more than overflowing as she tries to regain their existence after all important documents went up in flames. The phone is pretty much attached to her ear non stop.

I just sent out a Update/ Prayer Request to church, friends and family which I will attach below: Some of this will be a repeat of the above but it should catch everyone up to speed. Thank you to those who have called, sent notes via e-mail, snail mail and Facebook..even texts. I am not in a position to make alot of return calls or responces, just know that I so appriciate your encouragment and prayers at this time.

Here is the Update/Prayer Requests letter sent today:

I will try to make this update short and prayer requests as specific as I can; there is a whole lot going on all at once, so please let the Spirit of God lead as you pray! I have included my blog link for those of you who would like more details on a constant basis http://www.tottenlifesong.blogspot.com/

I. My Dad/Doug Smart was transferred from UW Hospital to a Rehab Center. He will be at Rehab for 8 weeks then return to UW for another surgery for deb-riding of infection. He will then return to Rehab for yet another 8 weeks after which time they will access his condition and see if hip and/or hip and femur replacement is possible. The hardest news we received last week was that amputation of his right leg is still a possibility.
Prayer: Healing from all infection, peace of mind, patience and a covering and hope that only comes from Christ alone no matter the outcome. Healing and protection from depression for parents, sister and myself as we are dealing with many different stresses and grieving many different losses. Please also pray for open and gentle communication between each family member and with those that are standing in the gaps to help.

II. The House Fire is still under investigation. The local fire Marshall deemed the cause to be a gas leek. Although the insurance company, propane co. and oven manufacturer are all sending out there own detectives to collect evidence and make there own investigations. They will all be arriving on Feb 3rd. In the mean time the rubble sits. Luke and I try to ignore it as we drive by on the tractor to tend to 27 acres farm and 13 horses out in pasture twice a day. Prayer: Investigation would go smoothly and all parties would agree on cause, so we can move forward with clean up efforts. Protection, peace, energy and safety as Luke and I as we tend to the horses and property. Please also pray that the weather is favorable, it is starting to snow as I type and this would really add a burden to our labor.

III. Other Pressing Issues: Sale of my grandparents home (they died last winter and their home is just now ready to be placed on the market). Scott and I made the last few loads of furniture out of the house and are now doing craigslist daily to rid some of the excess stuff/junk. Dad is not able to practice dentistry at this time and may not be able to anymore. There is no income and they are waiting on insurance funds to come thru. There are many difficult financial situations that need to be faced and dealt with immediately. Some hard decisions will need to be made that are highly emotional for both my parents. Retiring from dentistry, selling horses, investment properties and other farm equipment and extras that are in excess and possibly even selling the farm.

Please Pray for Gods wisdom, guidance and will to unfold one day at a time. Thank you for your concern and prayers. Thank you also to those of you that have taken care of Makayla as Scott is managing things on his own at home. I will probably be in Washington at least another 2 weeks then I will come home for a few weeks and return for a week at a time for the next couple months.

In Christ's Love and Blessings...

My Second Vehicle is a JOHN DEERE

I 'm on Orcas Island, have been since Thursday morning. The days are running into each other as my time has been spent tending to 13 horses..feeding, watering and mending fences. I am grateful for the summers I spent learning to run the John Deer tractor for it has become my main source of strength in heavy labor. Luke thinks mommy is pretty cool and he has been right there with me riding along. All of this has been in my free time of course, between all the phone calls and pop ins from friends, neighbors and complete strangers that are arriving to show great care and concern for what has happened to my parents over this past week.

I met with the Fire Marshall, Fire Investigator and Insurance Adjuster on Thursday. I also had new keys made for some things that had become recently key-less. My Uncle Tom and another friend of my folks , also named Tom flew up for the day on Friday. Tom's x 2 , was double the hugs and double the support. They spent the day digging in the rubble for anything of value, which there was non to be found. I am so grateful for their presence and reassurance at this time. My Uncle has stepped up to the plate in a huge way and I seriously don't know what we would do with out him.

I have spent some time in the ashes..pocking around and just trying to process what has happened. It is so surreal...everything is just POOF- GONE! It looks like the Land of the lost...black, charred, unreal! The fire Marshall found one box of pictures- amazingly it was all of the UW Basketball history about my dad. What a gift, and what kind of freaky timing is that? Dads Rebound Record was broken by Jon Brockman just last night at the Oregon game. The fire marshall also found a fire proof box that contained....(well this is kind of gross)...but it contained my grandpa's ashes. Both my grandparents died last winter and their remains where both being stored in my parents home until we could honor their wishes. Grandpa had asked for his ashes to be taken to Mexico to a favorite fishing hole. It looks like we will still be able to honor that wish. Grandma on the other hand..well....she was not in a fire safe box. This might sound totally wrong to some of you, but it just felt right... well kind of. I spent some time collecting ash in the spot where grandma's box had been kept. I think I found her! She's in a coffee can now...she always loved coffee and I seriously was talking out loud to her saying, "Grandma your probably laughing out load right now, don't worry I'll let some of you stay here with all the antiques you always loved so much!"

To say the very least it has been an incredibly bizarre week. Besides loosing one of my children or my husband, I feel like I am living my worst nightmare. I am at a neighbors so I can have access to a computer. My son is asleep on her couch with her cat. My sister drove up to be with mom in Seattle and go visit dad in the hospital. Scott and Makayla will be coming this way next Wednesday thru Sunday. My dad is scheduled for another surgery for this coming Monday because the incision site is not looking good.

It is going to be a very long and very slow process to try to recover and rebound. There are going to be some big decisions that need to be made and I ask that you would pray for Gods Grace, Mercy, Wisdom, Strength and GLORY to be shown.

Much Love-
Kimberlyn

Dad's UW Basketball Record - Finally Broken

Pac-10 Basketball: Brockman is 8 grabs from rebound fame
By DAN RALEYP-I REPORTER

WASHINGTON BASKETBALL player Jon Brockman will pass Doug Smart on Wednesday, and probably again on Thursday.

Brockman will have a seat on a charter bus ferrying his team to the airport when it skirts alongside University of Washington Medical Center, where Smart is recovering from hip surgery.
Once at Oregon, Brockman needs just eight rebounds to replace Smart as the Huskies' all-time and Pac-10's eighth-best rebounder -- exceeding Smart's 1,051 total that became the school standard 50 years ago.

Smart, 72, has had a difficult week, watching his Orcas Island home destroyed by fire and fracturing his hip while loading a truck. Well before suffering those setbacks, he discussed handing over the rebounding record to Brockman in a gracious manner, acknowledging he has been caught up in the countdown.

"Gosh, yes, when you have very little claim to fame you watch it," said the former UW center, who played from 1957 to 1959. "Fifty years is long enough. I'd be happy to see it move elsewhere. I hope for the sake of the program that it doesn't take another 50 years to do it again."

Smart averaged 13.5 rebounds per game in his three-year varsity career. In three-plus seasons, Brockman grabs 9.4 rebounds on average.
Explaining his higher volume, the 6-foot-7 Smart, who shares Brockman's height but played at 20 pounds lighter, said he had fewer people to contend with for his rebounds, though he teamed with 6-9 Bruno Boin, another career double-figure rebounder.
"I was only really pushed by three or four people on the court," Smart said. "We didn't have guards with 40-inch vertical leaps."

People who have witnessed both rebounders in action say their desire to go get the ball is very similar.

"Doug played with much of the focus and tenacity Jon expresses," said Jerry Johnson, 75, a former UW guard and current season-ticket holder.
Smart's career high in a game was 23, which he accomplished twice. Brockman's best is 18 on four different occasions, three times this season.

Maintaining his current pace, Brockman should rise to fourth among the Pac-10's all-time rebounders, surpassing USC's Ron Riley (1,067), Stanford's Tim Young (1,081), Oregon's Greg Ballard (1,114) and Stanford's Adam Keefe (1,119).

Only UCLA's Lew Alcindor (1,367), UCLA's Bill Walton (1,370) and Oregon State's Mel Counts (1,375) are statistically out of reach for the UW player.Only UCLA's Lew Alcindor (1,367), UCLA's Bill Walton (1,370) and Oregon State's Mel Counts (1,375) are statistically out of reach for the UW player.

Update Fire and Recovery

My dad has managed to cheat death two times in four days. God must really have more for him to accomplish here on earth. First the house fire on 1/8/09 that mom and dad just barely escaped and now dad is in the hospital with much more than a dislocated hip. This is his third night in the hospital after arriving on Sunday evening. He spent the better part of Monday in the operating room where the doctors opened him up in an attempted to relocate his hip. They where not able to place the hip manually and instead opted for surgery. Within moments of entry it became evident that his leg was full of infection. This was a very unexpected discovery and it soon became a critical circumstance to the degree of toxicity in his body. There was discussion of possible amputation of dads entire right leg. Thankfully the doctors went with a less aggressive tactic, which was to remove as much infection as possible, this included allot of bone and muscle. They also removed his artificial hip that had been placed several years ago.

So with that said, dad now has at least a months stay scheduled at the UW Hospital. The plan is to rid his system of infection with antibiotics for 6-8 weeks then go in again and clean any thing else out. At this point they would close him up and again and try to rid his body of any remaining infection for another 6-8 weeks. After this 12 week period of time it will be evaluated if he can have a new hip custom made for a man of his size and also condition after bone and muscle loss.

Again we find ourselves in a state of shock and our priorities in life have been drastically confronted, tested and grately defined. I am so proud to be their daughter and I am so blessed by my parents strength and courage over these past few days. Believe it or not I have heard more laughter then tears and I am in awe of the words I hear them speak to one another. Things so simple as dad saying "Hello Beautiful" or "Our life is going to be much different now" and mom responding with"At least it is a life!" My sister Allison and I have been blessed with the most wonderful parents on the planet.

We are all in awe of Gods sovereign hand of protection over my family this week. I believe the Lord above honored and answered many prayers that Scott and I have uttered with our children. "Dear God please watch over grandma and grandpa on the farm, protect them and keep them safe as they chase after their dreams everyday."

I'm grateful my folks are alive, Iam grateful they couldn't manipualte his leg back in plac and instead discoved internal infection that was most likely days from takng his life, I am grateful my dad did not preheat the oven and run a quick arrand while mom slept, I'm grateful my dad thought to turn the gas line off, I'm grateful to all the fire and rescue people who worked so hard and that non of them where injured, I'm grateful for all the friends, family and total strangers that have shown so much love and support to my family. Thank you for the food, clothing, funds...thank you for the phone calls, guidance and encouragment. Thank you for your listening ear, your hugs your prayers. Our family is overwhelmed by your love and we are grateful for you and we are grateful to our heavenly father for giving us more time with one another.

I am headed to Orcas to tend the farm, feed horses and meet with the fire inspector and insurance adjuster. Luke is going to love riding the trackter with mommy and he is looking forward to playing "fireman" when we get see the burn site and sift thru the rubble.

Today I found another more personal article written about what my parents went through and yes one more picture:

THANK YOU FOR CONTINUED PRAYERS AS WE HAVE A LONG ROAD AHEAD AS WE MOVE FORWARD TO REBOUND, REBUILD AND RECOVER BY THE GRACE OF GOD!



Wednesday, 1/14/2009 2:01 am
Fire destroys Eastsound home
By NINA LARAMOREIslands Sounder Reporter Today, 12:05 AM · UPDATED

In many ways, Doug and Jeri Smart were fortunate. As lucky as two people can be, who spent Thursday evening in a neighbor’s truck, barefoot and barely clothed, as they watched firefighters wage a losing battle to save their home and belongings.

“Doug was going to warm up the stove before he went to run an errand to the pharmacy,” Jeri said. “I went to lie down and fell asleep. If he hadn’t waited to preheat the stove until he returned, I probably would be watching all of this from up above.”

She woke to Doug’s hysterical cries of her name and “fire.” Grabbing the phone to call 911 and running out the door, she saw sheets of flame completely engulfing the kitchen.
San Juan County Fire Marshal Robert Low and the Orcas Island Fire Department are still investigating the apparent propane stove fire that destroyed the Smarts’ home at 180 North Beach Road on Jan. 8.

The Fire Department’s Eastsound Engine 21 responded within nine minutes to Jeri’s emergency call at 5:41 p.m. Division Chief Patrick Shepler was one of the first on the scene and found the house fully engulfed in fire.

“They barely escaped,” Shepler said. “When we arrived we saw fire shooting from every window in the structure. There was a barn just 10 feet away from the home that had paint thinner, lacquer and all types of flammable things inside. We were lucky to save it.”

Twenty-seven fire and rescue workers attacked the blaze, cut a whole in the wall of the barn, and injected compressed air foam to stop the fire from spreading. The fire was declared under control at approximately 6:50 p.m. although, firefighters were on the scene until 10:30 p.m. tearing down the unstable walls.”

In addition to Doug and Jeri, their dog Cowboy and their 12 horses all escaped injury. The Smarts also feel fortunate to have their bed and breakfast, Walking Horse Farm, on the property so they have a familiar place they could move right into.

Neighbors started arriving with food and offers of clothing while the firefighters were still on the scene. Jeri had only the pajamas she was wearing when the blaze broke out, and Doug had on only his shorts.

“We were numb,” Jeri said. “We just felt disbelief at what we were seeing. All of our better and nicer more personal items were in the house. My parents had just passed away last year. Many of my mother’s precious things that she wanted the family to have were destroyed.”
“We appreciate nice things but we are not a family about things,” she added. “We have two wonderful daughters and two wonderful grandchildren. We will use this as an example to show the children how life goes on when tragedy strikes.”

But not everything was destroyed after all. On the morning after the fire, as the fire marshals began looking through the house, they discovered a plastic bin of photographs. It may be the only item to have survived the fire intact. Jeri says the bin contained an “amazing amount of history” that her mother-in-law had compiled about her husband.

“There have been tears, and there will be more tears, but there also has been some joy,” Jeri said. “People we know, and people we didn’t know, have all treated us like we were best friends. They have brought us dinners, food, groceries, and offers of help. They have been amazing.”

The first step for the Smarts will be to get their identities back. They have no licenses, birth certificates or wallets and the keys to their vehicles melted in the fire. All have to be replaced.
“We have to start from the beginning,” Jeri said. “We are go-forward people. We can’t do anything about what has happened. We just have to keep functioning and move forward.”

Rebuilding and REBOUNDING

So here I sit with lots on my mind...This has been quite a week. It's the first Monday since the Thursday night fire. I am at mom and dad's Seattle apartment with Luke. I spent the day cleaning and taking inventory of what they have left here at there second home ( praise the Lord for a place to be) I finally got to hug my mom this morning. A hug has never felt so good and so meaningful. The latest twist to the family drama is that my dad was transported to the hospital at about 8pm last night. His artificial hip has dislocated and the emergency crew was unable to manipulate it back to place, so dad was admitted to UW Hospital and may face surgery if they are unable to place it manually. I talked to dad this morning but have yet to hug him. He sounded pretty good and drugged up! Luke, mom and I will make our way the hospital after some morning phone calls to banks, credit card and insurance companies. The to-do list is eminence and will be slow going especially with the current detour. Mom got a new cell phone yesterday and today we are going to do our best to get car keys remade for each vehicle and try to reestablish my mom and dads identity with Drivers licences. This is going to be a long journey... I praise God that my parents have a strong relationship with one another and they are choosing to put their faith in the Lord to be their strength and help them rebound and rebuild. Just hearing them talk to one another on the phone brings tears to my eyes. There is just so much love between them.

On a lighter note- The word REBOUND has deep meaning for our family. The legacy my dad has instilled in all of us is to be good REBOUNDERS! I must take a moment to reflect and celebrate my dad..this article was just in the Seattle PI on the 6th of January.

Where Are They Now? Doug Smart

UW basketball legend Doug Smart was almost the kid who grew too much
By DAN RALEYP-I REPORTER

Doug Smart's rapid growth as a teenager was caused by an overactive pituitary gland and it wasn't normal. He was 6 feet 3 as a ninth grader, with the potential to add up to 15 more inches in a hurry.

If unchecked, a doctor advised him, Smart would face dire consequences. To slow things, the kid took prescribed medication for six months.
"I would not only be a giant, I wouldn't have lived to be 30," he said. "It was intervention that was appropriate."

Smart was a basketball player who topped out at 6-7 and found great coordination once the spurt was over. He became a high school sensation at Garfield, averaging 26.7 points and leading the Bulldogs to the 1955 state championship as a senior and to a state runner-up finish to the Bruno Boin-led Franklin Quakers as a junior.

He chose Washington over Stanford in recruiting, but his reputation stretched well beyond the West Coast. He was offered the chance to see what a 7-foot basketball player looked like up close.

"I got a postcard from Kansas, from coach Phog Allen, that said with a little note, 'We've got Wilt (Chamberlain). Want to be his power forward?' " Smart recalled.
He ran into Chamberlain soon enough. In his fourth and fifth varsity games for the Huskies as a sophomore, Smart faced Kansas and "Wilt the Stilt" at Edmundson Pavilion.
In front of sold-out crowds, the outrageous Chamberlain dominated play while leading the Jayhawks to a pair of 14-point victories. He came up with 30 points and 16 rebounds one night, 37 and 28 the other.

Smart was 5 inches shorter but didn't wilt in the face of Wilt. He finished with a double-double both nights, supplying 33 points and 17 rebounds in the second game.
They exchanged friendly banter throughout the weekend. Chamberlain provided unforgettable memories, particularly on one blocked shot.

"He was well spoken and a gentleman, but he knew he owned the paint," Smart said. "He did funny things like if you scored on a little jump hook, you would be going down the court and he'd run past you and say, 'Don't try that again.' The next time down, of course, you'd just be screaming for the ball.

"It was the only time I had someone catch my shot with two hands and smile at me."
The next year, Smart played against Chamberlain at Kansas, scored eight quick points and had the Huskies in front 15-7. He lasted just six minutes before sitting down in questionable foul trouble in what became an 18-point loss.

"The crowd had gone real quiet, and then I got three of the quickest fouls that have ever been called," he said. "That was the worst I'd ever experienced."
For two years, Smart and the 6-9 Boin were teammates, giving the Huskies two career double-double players up front. These Tippy Dye-coached Huskies were advertised as the nation's tallest team. They were considered Pacific Coast Conference contenders for the 1958-59 season. They finished 18-8 and second to California, the eventual NCAA champion, and came away greatly disappointed.

"Had we been able to open it up a little more, I think Bruno and I could have worked better together," Smart said. "We had two big men in there with their fannies to the basket, and we were almost in each other's way. We tried very hard not to be, moving away when the other had the ball.

"Tippy said years later, 'I wish I had you two over again. I'd use you different.' "
Drafted by the Detroit Pistons but forsaking an NBA career, Smart remains one of the UW's most accomplished players. He ranks as the UW's career leader in rebounds with 1,051 (13.5 per game), a record that soon will be broken by Jon Brockman, and 10th-best scorer with 1,478 points (18.9).

Smart, 72, lives on Orcas Island with his wife, Jeri, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren. They operate an equestrian guest ranch that has 14 Tennessee walking horses and offer riding opportunities, lessons and an overnight cabin ( http://www.walkinghorsefarm.com/). Smart also is a dentist, now working two days a week in Northgate.

He could have been taller, which might have made it easier to deal with Chamberlain. With a couple of more inches, he and Boin could have been matching bookends and near impossible to stop inside. He figures he made the smart move in becoming Doug Smart.
"I think 6-7 was just fine," he said. "You've got to live in the real world. They still make things for people much smaller than myself. Cars are smaller. Sofas are smaller. I can't imagine trying to lug around a bigger person than I do.

JUST GOT NEWS THAT MY DAD IS GOING IN FOR SERGERY..GOTTA RUN!

It was HUMBLE, but it was HOME!

What a way to start the new year. Last night my parents lost there home to a house fire. To say the least our family is in a state of shock and trying to process the news. It has been a day of many tears.... tears of both sadness and tears of pure gratitude. We are incredibly grateful that Grandma Jeri and Papa Doug and their dog (Cowboy) made it out in time. It all began when my dad was going to make dinner. He preheated the oven popped the lasagna in and turned to make a salad. Within moments as he turned back around, half the kitchen was already a blaze. Dad yelled to mom who was napping in a near by bedroom to call 911. She did as instructed then got the heck outside with the dog. Dad remained for a bit to try to put out the flames then soon realized that it was completely out of control. It is suspected to have been caused by a gas leek, do to the speed of which things ignited. As you can see from the picture below, it was a total lose. Our family would appreciate your prayers as we face a new season together. Thank you all so much for your phone calls, love and support already.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy,

and where thieves do not break in and steal.

(Matthew 6:18-20)

Here is an article from the local Orcas Island News

Orcas residents lose home in fire Today, 8:58 AM · UPDATED

At 5:41 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at 180 West Beach Road.

First on scene was Division Chief Patrick Shepler, who reported the structure fully involved and threatening a nearby barn. Eastsound Engine 21 arrived within nine minutes, just as a second alarm was called.

Westsound's Engine 22 and Water Tender were quickly on scene, followed by Orcas Engine 26 and Rosario's Engine 23. Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire while others gained access to the barn by prying boards from the south side. The interior crew used compressed air foam to stop the fire from entering the barn just as flames started scorching paint cans stored inside. In all, 27 fire and rescue members worked to extinguish the fire and the fire was declared under control at approximately 6:50 pm.

Firefighters remained on scene working for an additional 2.5 hours. The Auxiliary also responded with food for the fire crew and clothing for the residents who escaped unharmed but lost everything in the home, which was a total loss.

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/news/37337829.html

Hope it was Merry & Happy New Year!

Since this momma didn't get a letter printed out for the Christmas card...here's a cyber note of the Totten family highlights of 2008.

Scott and Kimberlyn

Scott has had several highlights in this past year. Last January he performed his first wedding. It was a special day for our entire family as Makayla was a flower girl and Kim the photographer. In June Scott was overjoyed to baptized 5 teens during a mission trip to Cibecue, Arizona. In August we had a great family vacation with the Meyer's and McKee's on the Oregon coast. In September Scott began running again (after a year off since back surgery). He is thrilled to be running up to 25-30 miles a week. He has lost 35 pounds and is feeling great. We are all very proud and inspired by Scott's commitment to exercise and good health. Scott has been led by the Lord in totally revamping the youth ministry at Dallas Alliance Church. It has been a year of powerful testimony that God has us right where He needs us at this season of our lives. Working with youth is often difficult and Scott faithfully continues to serve where God has planted us.

Scott and Kim celebrated Lucky #13 in September!

Kimberlyn also committed to exercise and better eating habits. Kim loves taking long walks with her dog, Jake with her i-pod tunes jammin! This simple routine has resulted in a 25 pound weight loss and has helped ease chronic back pain tremendously. Kim continues to enjoy being a full time mom and part time photographer. She is growing in skill and passion in both professions. Her heart is filled with much gratitude for all the Lord has taught her through her family, friends, clients, church and her quite time spent in the study of Gods word and consistent attendance to Bible Study Fellowship. The most recent blessing of 2008 is being asked to partner in a local ministry to families in need. Bambinos is a witness of Gods goodness and mercy as He has brought so much full circle in our lives since our move to Oregon almost 2 years ago.

Makayla and Luke

Our lovely Makayla is in the first grade and just turned 7 on December 16th. She is full of life and has a flare for fashion. Makayla is blessed with many friends at church, BSF, school and within our neighborhood. She enjoys time just hanging out with her girlfriends and goofing around. Makayla is a very active young lady and has enjoyed a year full of riding bikes, making forts, bowling, climbing trees, walking to the creek, swimming, horse back riding and cooking. Her top favorite things to these days are to do a dance and singing routine for the family in the evenings after homework is done - of course! Makayla is also in her second year of Girl Scouts. She is a very loving and attentive big sister, we are so pleased to see a heart of gratitude and joy starting to appear more and more in her life each and every day!

Precious Luke turned 3 last May and is in his first year of preschool, three days a week. He is in a stage of sunshine or heavy rain, meaning that we always know when he is happy and we defiantly know when his is sad, mad, frustrated, hungry or just plain tired..(You get the picture!) Luke enjoys anything that goes fast and is noisy. Besides his sister, Luke’s blue blanket is his very best friend! This little man was a quick potty trainee and is now geared up for big boy undies at night. Such basic yet monumental successes at age three and we are sure to celebrate everyone with great enthusiasm. His favorite things are to hug, love, cuddle and kiss us and our two dogs and bunny. He is also quite the little singer...We are serenaded daily to the tunes of ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Tree and of course our favorite "Jesus Loves me." Luke also loves to walk to the creek and spend lazy afternoons catching craw fish or throwing rocks.

Other 2008 Totten Adventures

Besides spending time at the creek as a family, we have had the pleasure of going to the Oregon coast on several occasions to play in the surf, sand and sun. It is wonderful to live within driving distance of coastal fun. We are greatful for many Wahington friends that have come to visit over the last year. We also took a few trips north to the San Juan Islands/Puyallup/Kent/ Duvall. Our highlight travels where to Sun River, Oregon for Thanksgiving to be with Grandma Jeri and Papa Doug and also a trip north to be with friends and the Totten clan for Christmas.

We have much to be grateful for and Praise the Lord for his great goodness and love!
We thank God for each and every one of you and lift prayers up to our King-

"May your life be blessed and be a blessing in 2009!"

Happy New Year!

Christmas in Thier Eyes

The true meaning of Christmas is seen in a child's eyes.

Just look at the wonderment...

I can only imagine what these two dream of when they see all the lights,

glitter, packages and treats.

My prayer for all children is they would find the blessed meaning of Christmas to be the most Glorious of all!

To Celebrate the birth of our King!

Merry Christmas Nelson Family..thank you for the opportunity you have given me to document the growth of your precious children throughout this past year.

Happy 7th Birthday Makayla!

Makayla requested a baking party this year

We went with a Christmas Cookie Decorating

and Tea Party

It was a fun day had by all...

Happy Birthday Makayla...We Love you!

Bambinos Fundraiser

The First Annual Fundraiser for Bambinos was a Blessed Success!

There were over 30 items to bid on...

Delicious desserts to indulge in...

Incredible Music ...

Many children and families will be helped due to over

$2,000 Raised

I would like to introduce you to Beth Jones. She is the founder of Bambinos. Beth has been praying for a partner for over a year and asked me to partner with her in Ministry. I have prayerfully and officially become partners with Beth. I look forward to a growing friendship with Beth, her husband and two beautiful children as we seek to comfort those in need in the Dallas community.

Full Circle!

This is more of a personal post today. I always get a bit sappy, reflective and sentimental around this time of year...so bare with me. Plus- I've been sick for over a week and have had allot of time on my hands to watch the world scurry by as I observed and took time to appreciated all that I often am to busy to give thanks for.

Good health, wonderful family, friends and neighbors, food to eat, a place to call home, a car to drive, a bed to rest my head, a God who loves me!!! The list is endless!

Being sick really stinks, but the blessing is that it forced me to slow down and stop flat in my tracks and step off the merry go round for a bit. Man I needed that! Life just gets so dang hectic with all the little things...going here, going there...it adds up even when we try to ward against it. There are things to do , people to see, places to go!

It was so good for my spirit, my body, my mind and yes my mouth to rest. I could barely talk for a week and it was a good measure of humility not to be able to have my say or input! I learned so much more about those around me by being a better listener. I know my kids, my husbands and the Lords Heart better because I was quiet!

Remembrance: I want to share a bit about what it is I am thankful for and the journey or remembrance I've been on recently. I was reflecting on where we've been and where we are now. Life sure has it's twists and turns and for us the ride has never been boring. In fact it has at times been like a roller coaster that seemed to have no end. It's had it's drops and turns where I felt like I had to hold on for dear life with every ounce of strength that I had. Our last real roller coaster ride began prior to moving to Oregon a year and a half ago. We made our transition from all that and whom we hold dear in Washington to move to Oregon. God has met us here in many ways and leads us on in Life and Ministry by trial and error and often bumps, bruises sometimes tears and utter frustration!

Brokenness: We are grateful God provided our needs when we where in desperate need two years ago, facing lose of income, change of career, health troubles and financial despair. We are grateful God had a plan and grew us though that difficult season. We are grateful for friends, family and even strangers that prayed for us, provided food for our table, diapers, milk and clothes for the kids. We are grateful that we had the support of a core group of people that loved us, supported us and walked through the storm with us. We are grateful that in our Brokenness and pure Humility God was and continues to be Glorified in spite of our frailty and failings. God alone knows the bigger picture and with time, he unveils His plan and lets you in on what it is He is preparing you for...He is the only one who can make sense of Life and give it meaning and purpose! God is a God of Order... He knows what He's doing and He brings things full Circle!

Healing: Much healing and strength has come to our family as time has past and our hearts have been broken more and more for the lost and hurting people in our community and in this world. At times the needs seem so overwhelming, disturbing, depressing that it is a battle not to get pulled under the waves into despair and hopelessness. I am so grateful our God is a God who SAVES! He loves all his children and needs us to be His hands and feet to love those who need a touch directly from the hand of God!

Blessing: About 6 months ago, the Lord put a burden on my heart for young mothers...I was not sure where this was coming from or why? Was he calling me to start a MOPS group? I started to pray and confided in Scott, a few close friends, church members and my BSF study group to be praying too! Well the power of Prayer is AWESOME and now onto what God is letting me in on! I am so excited about it!

It's called Bambinos...

Bambinos is a local ministry here where we live in Dallas, Oregon. Bambinos serves at-risk pregnant women and families ( including teenagers, those in drug recovery, single parents and the impoverished) It aims to reduce stress in homes by providing basic needs such as: diapers, clothing, cribs, medicine, etc… Items have been donated and stored in a local storage unit.

Women are referred to Bambinos by the local Resource Center, police department and by word of mouth. The gal who founded Bambinos is driven and compassionate. The two of us have just clicked and it just feels like a God Thing! I am so excited to get connected with Beth and see what the Lord wants to do through this ministry. I have already been blessed to have had the opportunity to deliver items to two different families in need. My heart breaks and longs to encourage those who need a hand up in life...sometimes it is just the little things that make a big difference and give someone Hope. More than anything this ministry is an avenue of Grace to show families that people care and God's compassion has no boundaries. I am humbled and so grateful for Gods provision and Love.

Wishing you a day of Thanks and Giving...

Blessed Thanksgiving!

Family, Fall and Fun Lovin Puppies...