Red Like Blood

I started reading Red Like Blood while in the Pediatric ICU. It was a difficult time and I needed something to read when things were quiet and she was asleep. Knowing that I had to review this book, I chose it, not really knowing much about it. I definitely didn't expect it to be a book that would be so helpful, so tailored to many of my questions and circumstances.

First, the authors are incredibly likable and transparent. I found myself identifying more with Pastor Coffey than Mr. Bevington throughout much of it, because I also grew up in the church and haven't strayed far from it, but I still enjoyed hearing both voices on the different subject matters of grace and God. It did take me a bit of time to get used to the different styles of writing the two of them have, and at times it felt a bit disjointed because of that, but I soon became accustomed to this style.

As with all books, I had some questions. Not so much disagreements, per se, but just a longing to understand more in certain places. To ask questions. To learn. Yet I not only learned and understood much by reading this book, I also found it incredibly comforting. In fact, I fear this review will be biased completely because of my own circumstances while reading this book. It has been a difficult month. As mentioned previously, my daughter has been in the hospital for 3 weeks. Home now, but still facing much difficulties and we're still taking it day by day. I cried while reading this book. My faith was strengthened while reading this book. Suffering was addressed with such honesty, and yet hope. I found myself nearly feeling that Pastor Coffey and Mr. Bevington were my friends, because this book has been an integral part of my journey of understanding and accepting God's grace. Plus, the book was written in such a 'conversational' style that I felt like I knew them through their experiences, and that they understood. Mr. Bevington understood what is was like to feel so helpless and watch his little infant girl in the hospital. Pastor Coffey also knew suffering and waded through it. Like I said, I am probably biased, but this book just gave me such hope and a greater understanding of God and grace.

There's a chapter in this book called "The Math of God". I don't understand so much right now, and I am the type of person who tries to figure God out, frustrated that I cannot. Going through this ordeal with my daughter has been the most exhausting, questioning time in my life but also one where I understand joy and God in a way I've never experienced. This book has been such an affirmation of this.

I am truly grateful I read this book when I did. I was provided a free copy through Cross Focused Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review.

Pinch Me

The other day my daughter wistfully asked me in a small voice, "Mommy, am I dreaming? Pinch me. Is this real"? The 'dream' she was referring to is actually a nightmare, and it is very real.
A few weeks ago she had mastoiditis surgery on her ear. They were just about to release her from the hospital when her (very excellent and thorough) ear surgeon requested an MRI as a precursor to being released. That MRI revealed a large blood clot in her head, and a pocket of infection also in her head. In fact, very near her carotid artery. As bad as this news was, we were thankful that they did an MRI so we could address it, and thankful the infection wasn't worse. Instead of going home, we were instead tearfully and immediately transferred to the PICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

It was the hardest night of my life. At this point, there was so much we didn't know. Providentially, her surgeon days before she even knew of this complication, had started K on 3 powerful broad spectrum antibiotics 'just in case' of meningitis. Those antibiotics started so early were.... well, a godsend. And her surgeon also took several cultures after the surgery to send to the lab. It took days and days but some finally began to grow and confirm that we were treating it correctly.

The day after they hastily transferred us to PICU they performed another MRI. And we waited anxiously. They wouldn't allow her to eat afterwards, even though she hadn't eaten for the past 16 hours, because there was a possibility they'd need to perform emergency neurosurgery. We waited while the team of doctors reviewed the images with the radiologist. And rejoiced when the verdict was that they thought the infection looked just slightly less. The antibiotics were working! We were kept in the PICU for a bit longer as they worked on getting the heparin dose just right. Once done, we were moved back to pediatrics to await her getting stronger and more stable enough to go home. Plus, they had to figure out what antibiotic regimen we could perform at home. They taught David how to do the heparin (lovenox) injections and I learned how to administer antibiotics through her PICC line.

We went home. I think we were more fearful than when we brought Conor home as a newborn, taking her temperature several times a day, paranoid we were not doing her PICC line exactly right. She was tired, too tired to attend school, which was fine because she had at least one doctor appointment every day that week and even another surgery that week, only this time we were released to go home immediately. Then a few days later, I emailed K's surgeon; she wasn't doing so great. Fever. Tiredness. Her doctor called me back, asking some questions of her vision and urged me to take her to the ER right away. Another MRI. A stay in the PICU and now, we're still in the hospital. I'll flesh out the days more in a subsequent post, but it has truly been a very hard and long road to recovery. Sometimes it is hard to see that we are moving forward. It isn't as neat and tidy as I'd like but it is progress, just intermixed with a lot of questions and tears. Some days I wonder if she'll make it out okay. Other days I reflect back at God's goodness and how far He has already brought us, the amazing doctors he's put in her life, the numerous people that are praying for her -- even states away from us.
Honestly, I wish it was a dream and I'd wake up and it never happened. But it is happening. And as much as I'd like to ignore it or hide from it, I can't.

Photos, photos, photos...

I always scoffed at folks using their cell phones as their camera. I didn't mind lugging around a full SLR with 2 or 3 lenses. No problem. I LOVE the way I can make a photo my own with aperture, depth-of-field, shutter speed, etc.
But most of the time, my photos don't really do anything. And lately I haven't been taking a ton of photos. And... I  upgraded from a iPhone 3 to an iPhone 5 and, it has a surprisingly decent camera. Not nearly as wonderful as my SLR but I find myself constantly pulling this little camera phone out of my pocket, documenting all kinds of small events, things that catch my eye, oddities, beautiful things.... pretty much anything is now a photo subject, without having to lug or bring out my camera.

And... I don't take 100 of the same shot with my iPhone like I do my SLR, so in a way it simplifies things. But I still don't do anything with my photos, other than adjust them in Photoshop Express app and posting them on Facebook.

When I heard about Mosaic, it seemed to be an ideal fix: to easily and simply upload 20 of my photos and within a week have them bound in a little book.  It is a simple app, on my iphone. In fact, it couldn't be simpler to choose and order. I ordered on on Sunday; I got it just now on Friday and I am so impressed. It is for Father's Day... just pics of my kids for their grandfather..... pics that I took on my iPhone so a lot it is rather random and all more of an on-the-go shots that truly reflect my kids: shots from school, from the beach, out riding bikes, at the park.... lots of just fun photos that really reflect our lives.

It arrived a day before they promised, safely in a bubble wrap envelope. I opened it, and took off the shrink wrap. It is a beautiful "apple-esqe" minimalist package. It is a natural brown 'kraft' kind of square box with some cut out overlay. You take it off, open it up and there's the black book, nestled inside. Pull the turquoise ribbon and out pops the book. It is more sturdy and substantial than I thought. It is small, 7 by 7 in size. Each creamy white page has a single photo. No captions, no clutter.  No "theme" just the photos. The pages are also on a thick, white paper that seem very high quality.

All in all, I loved the experience of mosaic as well as the end result. It is perfect for my father. Perfect for any occasion. In fact, with such a quick turn-around, you could document a vacation, event, party and have a book of memories arrive on your (or their) doorstep in under a week!  In just minutes to create. All with your iPhone.

This would make a great teachers' gift, a great end-of-school autograph book, a wonderful Disneyland vacation memorabilia... so many possibilities.

I can definitely see myself ordering these as gifts, or for myself to remember events, vacations, and parties. The book is 20 dollars and shipping is about 5. I think it is worth it, considering the high quality and the ease of creating it. Though I love the simplicity of the layout, it would be nice to add some words to it as well.

You can easily download the app from the app store, or for more information, go to their website. http://heymosaic.com/  . I think you'll like it. Quick, easy, fun.

Beach Day

We love the beach. And I love my new (and inexpensive!) iphone fisheye lens.

Painted

Lately I've had a resurgence in interest in my house, as well as my backyard. I am in the process of selecting an outdoor patio set. In the meantime, I am cleaning and preparing my backyard.... and dreaming of what I want.... but on a tight budget! I need a dining set, a new grill, perhaps some lighting, cushions, plants, and fun, colorful accents.

While dreaming and waiting, I decided to paint an old bistro set I've had for the past 15 years or so. It is a good, solid set from Crate & Barrel but over the years the gray paint has become a bit stained, rusted and tired looking.

On a whim, I decided to paint it. I lightly sanded it, scrubbed it, let it dry and then commenced painting it..... bright red! My son remarked it now looked a bit plasticky.

But I love it.

As you can see in my final photo, I still need to do some touch up painting, as well as a second coat.

Black ESV Journaling Bible

While researching Bibles, I came across this wonderful blog called Bible Design Blog. I have read countless of his Bible reviews, and finally decided to look into the purchase of an R. L. Allan Bible. It arrives in the next week or two (from Scotland!). I'll write more about THAT Bible later.

As I was perusing the above mentioned Bible blog,  he wrote about a wide margin Bible and how everyone should have one. I have a shelf full of Bibles, but nary a wide margin one. Since I just purchased an Allan Bible, I didn't want to spend too much on a wide margin. Plus, I have a difficult time writing in my Bible. I thought that if it was less expensive it might be easier for me to mark it up. I decided I'd go with a solid hardcover edition. I nearly went with a Cambridge ESV wide margin, but even that was more than I wanted to spend (though, I have to say, the wide margin Bibles are simply lovely; a joy to look at!) I then stumbled on his blog review of the ESV Journaling Bible.

I love it. First, it is a beautiful, simple design that takes its cues from a classic black moleskine notebook. I happen to love moleskine notebooks. So I ordered it through Amazon, but later realized that the cheapest place to purchase it was from Westminster Bookstore. As of this writing, it is listed at half the listed price and it comes in black and red. Actually, it now comes in other variations: leather, imitation leather, some designs on it, some different colors, etc. It also comes in single column and the more traditional double columns. (I chose the single column). I also think that the simple, basic black (or even red) is absolutely beautiful in an understated way. I love the cover, the little elastic, the cream pages. Some have commented that the size of the font is too small but I find it quite acceptable.

This Bible perfectly matches my moleskine notebook and my Dodocase iPad 2 cover. (both are black).It is a wonderful trio to bring to church. Because of its low price, I feel pretty comfortable toting it everywhere and writing in it. It seems quite durable.

I love this Bible already and I think that it, paired with a nice fine pen, would make a truly special gift for someone. I know... how many Bibles does one need? But this one is unique and very personal. It could easily become a treasured object not only for the recipient, but to hand down as a bit of legacy, though I have to say, I am a very private person. Not sure I'd like someone to read my notes!

New Bible

I bought a new Bible this week. I can't wait. It will be my first high quality Bible and it is coming to me from Scotland! Highland goatskin, Red-under-Gold  gilding, Smyth-sewn.... I can't wait. I hope I love it. I'm sure I will. It is from R. L. Allan and is called the ESV1T.

More later.... and yes, I know I have way too many Bibles already...