Pray for these two little ones...

I do not know either of these two ladies personally. I came across both of the blogs kind of by accident last week and have gotten hooked on reading them. I am amazed at the faith of both of them and the strength that God has given them through all they are going through. Please join me in praying for baby Stellan and the unborn April Rose this week, as well as for their families.

Check out these links to read their stories:
April Rose and Baby Stellan

Another benefit for HOPE

This is from the Stillwater Newspress. Pass it on to those who would be interested.

Fun helps school, family

Darla Slipke - Stillwater NewsPress

Covenant Community School is hosting a raffle at its carnival Saturday to raise money for a vivacious young girl who is awaiting a heart transplant.

Everyone is invited to attend the carnival, which features games, obstacle courses, face painting, giant inflatables and more.

The school is raffling off prizes to benefit Hope Williams, who was born with complex congenital heart disease.

Williams underwent three heart surgeries in six years, the first of which was when she was just 7 months old. Her mom, Jennifer, hoped the third surgery in September would last into her daughter’s teen years. However, just before Thanksgiving, Williams had some complications. The oxygen level in her blood was low. She was transported to a number of medical facilities before doctors told her parents she needed to go on the heart transplant list.

Hope was taken to St. Louis the day before Thanksgiving. Her parents left their jobs in Stillwater, and they have been living in St. Louis while they wait for a heart.
Holly Houseworth, a Spanish and theater teacher at Covenant Community, said the school just wants to help the family. She and many students had close interactions with Williams, who had attended the day care connected to the school since she was 14 months old.Houseworth described Hope as a fun-loving, caring girl.“She knows that she’s sick, but she’s still trying to live a normal life,” she said. “She wanted to go swimming; she wanted to go on all the field trips. She didn’t let anything hold her back.” Houseworth encouraged people to attend the carnival, which she said features fun for kids of all ages.“I think it will be fun,” she said. “Something different to do during the weekend.”•

What: Covenant Community School Carnival•

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, with a drawing at 5 p.m. to benefit Hope Williams•

Where: Stillwater Armory, 4815 S. Country Club Road

State Swim Meet Video-finally

Here, finally, are the videos from Dakota's state swim meet. I was really proud of her! Watch these and then go back to the videos from the first meet. Her progress is amazing!

This is her backstroke from the state meet. She's in the third lane from the top with a white cap. She won first in her heat and 16th overall for her age group!

This is her 50 yard freestyle. First lane at the top of the screen. No more "resting stokes". She came in 4th place in her heat.

This is Dakota swimming the 100 yard freestyle. Third lane from the top.I was impressed that she still had the energy to swim it after the other two races. She came in third in her heat.

Sorry animal lovers...

I came across this video last night and have watched it over and over. It's pretty funny. Hope you like it too.

Hula for Hope!!!

I received this flyer today to promote a benefit for Hope Williams-a kindergarten student who is waiting for a heart transplant. Please pass the word to anyone you think would be interested.

Let's All Hula for Hope! Luau Cookout!

When: Saturday, April 18th @ 4:30-10:30

Where: Covenant Community Daycare on 8th and Ramsey

Who: Children 12 and under

How Much: $30 per child and $10 each additional child in the family.

We will be grilling hotdogs and hamburgers, taking pictures, tie-dying t-shirts, doing the limbo, listening to music, playing games, and much more. This is an opportunity for parents to go to dinner and a movie or just spend time alone without your children on a Saturday night! Trained Covenant Daycare Staff will be in charge so you don't have to worry about a thing.

All proceeds benefit Hope Williams and Family. Donations are also accepted.

Any questions or concerns contact Danniel (405)584-0655 or Holly (405)627-1924

Hooray for Dakota!!!

Last night, we went to the awards banquet for Dakota's swim team. It was fun! They had a slide show of pictures from several of the meets and a video the coach took with her waterproof camera when the kids pushed the coaches into the pool after they won the state meet.

Dakota received several ribbons from the meets and a trophy. We are really proud of her! She was remembering her first practice last night and said that her legs were shaking by the end of practice that night and now she placed 16th in the entire state for her age group in the backstroke! In her first season, she has gone from not being able to swim the entire length of the pool to swimming the 100 yard freestyle (that's the length of the pool x 4) in just under 2 minutes! I can't wait to see her at the end of next season.

She says she thinks she has found her calling : )

Dakota's swimming trophy!

The team(she's on the lower right, third row)


Dakota with the teams' state championship trophy!

SNOW!?

I didn't believe it would actually happen, but we had a really great snow this weekend-March 28! It started snowing around 9:00 Saturday morning and continued until around 3:00pm. The kids were so excited about finally getting to play in the snow, but the wind was blowing so hard, we had to wait until it had stopped snowing before we could go out. Even then, we could only stay out 15-20 minutes because of the wind. But, that gave us enough time to make a REAL snowman. We've made some teeny tiny ones in the past, but this one was a giant compared to them. It was taller than Dakota! They had so much fun. Once we finished our snowman, we came inside and warmed up with some freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate and then Daniel made us some snow ice cream using Grandma Rita's special recipe :) It was a really fun day.