CJCMOMMY's Stuff

Chobani Champions Giveaway!

2012-02-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here we go! As promised!

It is giveaway time!

As soon as I opened the box I tried one of the Vanilla Orange.
Now I don't usually like Greek yogurt, but it was pretty good.
It has a lot of protein, which is a good thing.

They have 2 new flavors...

Here they are:

Vanilla Chocolate Chunk

Now 8 protein is really good and only 110 calories and 13 carbs!

And now for the Orange Vanilla

~Now on for the giveaway~

The wonderful people from Chobani Champions is going to give 2 yes, 2 lucky CJCMommy's readers a case of their new flavors!

Mandatory entry:

Visit Chobani Champions HERE and tell me what flavor you would really like to try.

(make sure you leave your email address for me to contact you if you win)

Extra entry:

Visit Chobani Champions Facebook page HERE and like them. Come back and leave me a comment that you did!

While you are there enter their

Chobani Champions Champions Giveaways

Each week, they are giving away 20 cases of their 2 new flavors: Orange Vanilla and Vanilla Chocolate Chunk.

This giveaway will end on February 11, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Please leave an email address with your comment so I can contact you if you are one of the lucky winners!

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. I did however receive a case of the new flavors listed above.

Good luck!

Chobani Champions Review & Giveaway coming soon

2012-01-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

~Be on the look out for my upcoming review and giveaway on Chobani Champions Greek Yogurt~

FINDING NEMO 3D - Official Trailer Now Available!!

2012-01-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

FINDING NEMO returns to theatres for the first time in 3D September 14th, 2012!

I can't wait!

I think this will be so fun!

We can go swimming with the fish!

Check out the Finding Nemo 3D Trailer below!

FINDING NEMO (In Disney Digital 3D™)

DISNEY•PIXAR

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Adventure

Rating: G

U.S. Release Date: September 14, 2012

Voice Talent: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Austin Pendleton, Joe Ranft, Geoffrey Rush, Andrew Stanton, Elizabeth Perkins

Director: Andrew Stanton

Co-Director: Lee Unkrich

Producer: Graham Walters

Original Story by: Andrew Stanton

Screenplay by: Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson and David Reynolds

Composer: Thomas Newman

Academy Award^®-winning Best Animated Feature “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™. In this stunning underwater adventure, with memorable characters, humor and heartfelt emotion, “Finding Nemo” follows the comedic and momentous journey of an overly protective clownfish named Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould)––who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home and dumped into a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful Pacific regal blue tang, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son––who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.

Notes:

· “Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature.

· The film won a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy.

· At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time.

· Ellen DeGeneres won an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.

· In 2008, The American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made.

Pixar Animation Studios’ classic “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a new generation of family audiences to Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould), Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres.)

2012-01-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

We´re excited to share that the Whole Grain First Ingredient coupon link now has additional prints! We received such a great response following the initial announcement, we wanted to offer the opportunity once again for those who didn´t get a chance to secure one. You and your readers can now click the link below to download a printable coupon for $1.75 off the purchase of any (2) cereals with the white check!
The Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing products with a whole grain listed as the first ingredient. Now every cereal with the white check has more whole grain than any other single ingredient, with the same great taste. You will see whole grain as the first ingredient on the ingredient list, indicating that whole grain is the first and most prevalent ingredient.
According to Dr. Travis Stork, emergency room physician and host of "The Doctors," identifying whole grain products can be challenging. Shoppers can look for cues on the front of the box, but they need to read the ingredient list to know if they are getting products with whole grain as the first ingredient. Ingredient lists detail ingredients in order of prevalence, and if the words "whole" or "whole grain" are followed by a grain like wheat or oats, it means the food contains more whole grain than any other single ingredient. Here´s how to determine if your cereals have whole grain as a first ingredient:

~~Coupon~~Coupon~~ Coupon~~

People really want to make healthy eating decisions, but there are a lot of messages vying for their attention in the supermarket. This can be especially true when it comes to determining which foods have a meaningful amount of whole grain. Dr. Stork has some additional recommendations to help you include whole grain easily into your diet. They include:

Start Early! The Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Get a jump-start on the day´s nutrition by incorporating whole grain into your morning routine. For instance, when choosing cereal make sure whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. One easy choice is cereal with the white check, which have more whole grain than any other single ingredient.
Make Simple Swaps. Choose whole grain versions of the foods you love. Great options include whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread or even whole grain crackers. Also, try different types of whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish at dinner or popcorn, which is a whole grain, for a snack.
Don´t Judge a Food by Its Cover. The front of food packages provide good nutritional cues, but don´t forget to read the ingredients and check the nutrition label and side labels for additional health information. Cereals with the white check even include the amount of whole grain per serving on packaging.

Check out Dr. Travis Stork in this brief video on how to find whole grain.

To help make it easier to find whole grain products, General Mills developed "Fast Lane for Whole Grain," an online educational game. Consumers can navigate virtual grocery store aisles and identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient, with the option to enter a sweepstakes to win one of each of the 50 cereals with the white check.
In connection with healthier lifestyles, a diet rich in whole grain has been linked to healthier body weights, and it may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Make a commitment to incorporate more whole grain into your family´s diets by starting their day with a bowl of cereal with the white check, including Cheerios®, Lucky Charms®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch®, Honey Nut Cheerios® and Total®. For more information on the importance of whole grain and a chance to enter the "Fast Lane for Whole Grain" sweepstakes visit http://bit.ly/1stWholeGrain.

~This coupon is now active~

In addition, your readers can visit HERE to download a printable coupon for $1.75 off the purchase of any (2) cereals with the white check today!

AnnRidgeCreations Etsy Shop

2012-01-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share an Etsy shop with you!

I received a Christmas card last month and it was just the cutest card I have ever received.

~Here is a picture of it~

It came in it's own little box.

I was so impressed.

You can check out this shop to see the some other cute cards.

These are not your normal cards.

To receive one of these "creations" sends a very special feeling.

Click Here to check out more!

The name of the shop is

AnnRidgeCreations

There are several giveaways over at The Suburban Jungle

2012-01-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a few giveaways I have found over at

The Suburban Jungle.

Click on this button to check out her site!

Now to check out some giveaways!

The Frosted Toast Crunch is HERE.

Then we have...

The $25. Sam's Club gift card HERE.

And the...

Ocean Spray Fruit Snack giveaway HERE.

Giveaway at Momma's Reviews!

2012-01-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Giveaway: Bonus Box Tops for Education at Sam's Club. Win a $25 Sam's Giftcard #myblogspark #bglu Over at Momma's Reviews!

Click HERE to enter this giveaway!

Good luck to ya!

Click on her button to check out her blog!

Don't blink

2012-01-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

Do you think life can change in an instance?

I do. I have had several life changing events. My first and biggest event happened 13 years ago tonight. I can just about tell you all the details of the evening. I remember my son was 6 months old. My mom and dad watched him while I worked. My husband was working at Target. When I got home from work I was in no hurry to go home. I stayed around my parent’s house for a while. I remember working on my dad’s feet. He was diabetic and I often cleaned and cut his toe nails. Then I remember having my son on the floor and playing the “Hokey Pokey”. A little while passed and my Dad was playing on the computer. He had a hunting game he liked to play. I remember he said he was going to “take his grandson hunting”. That is the last memory of my dad while he was alive. There are more details to that day and night but we will not get into them.

I just want everyone to take a minute and appreciate who you have and what you have. You may not have them long.

Dad, I love you and miss you each and every day!

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

2011-12-31T04:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to try anything yet but this looks like it could be fun!

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Merry CHRISTmas to everyone!

2011-12-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Be safe!

2011-11-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

Get Latest Greetings,Scraps

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 19

Result: 13

Who said:

Julie said... 13

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal thanks:)

aunteegem@yahoo.com

November 22, 2011 2:47 PM

Thank you to all that entered. I wish I could give the prize to everyone!

I have contacted the winner and she will have 48 hours to respond or another winner

will be picked!

2011-11-23T13:50:00.001-08:00

Jenn Blogs Stuff is having a giveaway too

2011-11-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Jenn is having a $25 Kroger Gift Card giveaway too!

How about showing her some love~

Click HERE to enter!

Her giveaway ends 11/24/11.

3 givaways going on over at Penny Pinching Pixie

2011-11-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Penny Pinching Pixie has 3 giveaways going on right now!

~Check em out~

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Giveaway!

Alessi’s Ark Time Travel Review and Giveaway!

MyBlogSpark Kroger Free Milk Event and Giveaway!

$25 Kroger Gift Card givaway

2011-11-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

Purchase any four participating General Mills products* that your family knows and loves and Kroger will reward you for your purchases. It’s that simple! Head to your local Kroger to take advantage of this great offer:

☺From November 13th through November 26th, with the purchase of any four participating General Mills products, you will either receive free milk (up to $3; limit of 2) or to receive $3 off your shopping order**

☺Look for some of your favorite participating General Mills products like Cheerios, Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies, Nature Valley Bars and Fiber One Bars

☺Promotion varies in different locations. Please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores for specific deals and offers which include Kroger, Ralphs, King Scoopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Fred Meyer, Pay Less Supermarkets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy

What’s better than being rewarded for buying your favorite products from your favorite store?

Visit Kroger.com for more information and great ways to save and be sure to check out the Kroger Facebook page to join the conversation and share which General Mills products you’d like to stock up on during the promotion.

*Excludes General Mills meal and baking products including; Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Progresso, Hamburger Helper, Macaroni Grill, Wanchai Ferry, Yoplait

**Promotion varies based on store location; check your local Kroger store for details (Cash Offer: Mid South, Delta, Mid Atlantic, SW Louisiana stores, Central Missouri stores and Dillons Missouri stores)

You can go to the Kroger website HERE

The Kroger Facebook page HERE

Or the Kroger Twitter page HERE

One lucky CJCMommy's Stuff reader will win a $25. Kroger Card

(good at any of the Kroger. Co Family of Stores)

All you have to do is tell me in a comment

(don't forget to leave me your email address so I can let you know if you win)

What is your favorite General Mills product?

“Disclosure: The Kroger gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

This giveaway will end November 26, 2011 at 11:59pm.

I will pick a winner using Random.org and will email the winner

and post the winner on my blog.

Good luck to you all and happy entering!

Update on the Philpot family

2011-11-02T05:16:00.001-07:00

Patiently Waiting

Posted 7 hours ago

It has been so long since we have updated that I don't even know how to start. We are living and enjoying our days, yet we miss Riley everyday in everything. Five months have passed and some days are now easier, but others are still extremely difficult. Paul has been missing her more recently which is difficult to watch. Ella gets quiet at times, but copes with singing and artwork. Ashlyn still likes to talk about Riley all the time. Kirk and I feel we are doing well, but we have little to compare and few to reference. We are forever changed in a way that makes it difficult to fit into this broken world because we see and know how truly broken and imperfect it is. We can recognize many ways in which the devil uses our world to distract us from Him and His Love. This world is broken because I am broken-we are all broken. Too much focus on things that truly don't matter. We struggle to hold our tongue, but feel God has called us to remind others of Him. Being reminded of Him can make this world less broken and we look forward to the day it is made perfect in Him.

Our human brokenness was brought to my attention by Ashlyn a few months ago when we were laying down to go to bed. Ashlyn started telling me that she was afraid she might accidentally say "no" to God. I tried to reassure her that she wouldn't, but she kept on. She was afraid she might not recognize Him and that she would accidentally say "no". Again I tried to reassure her, but she was persistent and after repeating her concern about accidentally saying "no" several times she finally blurted out with tears rolling down her face, "I think there's no chance. I think I'm going to end up in hell." As a mother my heart sank and I prayed I would be able to say what was necessary for her to know the forgiveness, mercy, and love of Our Lord. So I took a deep breath and I said, "Ashlyn you know how much mommy loves you, and you know how if you don't listen to me I keep repeating myself until you hear me. And when you "accidentally" do something wrong doesn't mommy forgive you and try to help you to do it better next time? Well God loves you more than mommy can even imagine loving you and He will not let you "accidentally" say no to Him. He will keep coming back to you until you hear Him. And when you accidentally do something wrong He will forgive you and help you to do it better next time." Not many people are called to have that kind of talk with their 5 year old, but then again not many 5 year olds, yet alone adults, even recognize their sinful human nature. But this conversation sparked me to think about God's patience with us and the persistence of the Holy Spirit trying to open our hearts and minds, so we can come to know Him and His perfect love.

God use opportunities every day to try to open our hearts and minds to Him and to support us in this broken world. One way He has uplifted us and reminded us of His love over the past few months is through the ECU women's soccer team. This great group of girls are special to Riley and they have become even more special to us over this soccer season. As we watch them play, we can see Riley’s spirit on the field with them. The wonderful thing about noticing Riley's spirit is that you can't notice her spirit and not notice His. You can't speak of her and not speak of Him. Tonight we are excited to be traveling to Memphis to watch them play in the conference USA tournament and we pray the girls use all the gifts God has so perfectly given them to play well. We would love to see them win all 3 games this week, but we know it is so much bigger than who wins or loses on the field - it's about God winning in each of our hearts and minds because He has already won the Game for us - He has already overcome this broken world and for this I am most thankful! In Him lies my perfect Hope!

Thursday God arranged a special appointment and I was blessed to meet the parents of a young 7 year old girl (Lydia) who was delivered into Heaven the day prior. Her parents faith, also lying in Him and His gift and promise of eternity, was obvious during our conversation. The next day we were called letting us know that Riley’s bronze grave marker with etched photos had been installed. When we went out to see Riley’s grave marker, amazingly we found that Lydia;s earth cloths were buried just diagonal to Riley’s. It pleased my heart to know a little bit about her and her love for God. Riley and Lydia;s souls seem very similar-both, I’m sure, pleasing to Our Father.

We thank you for all your continued prayers for our family as they continue to uplift us and we ask for you to pray for Lydia’s family as she has 2 younger siblings who are missing her also. And finally please pray for the ECU soccer team-that they may feel His presence on the field this week and that they may play the game of soccer well, having fun and giving Him all the Glory!

Patiently waiting, Kirk and Kelly

~We have a winner~

2011-10-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

First I want to thank everyone for your comments!

I wish I could have given the prize to everyone!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 21

Result:

Who said:

Dana V said... 3

Luke Skywalker

danav27 at gmail dot com

October 5, 2011 1:09 PM

I am Emailing you now!

~Congratulations~

~ Tiny Prints Holiday Review ~

2011-10-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was excited when Tiny Prints asked me to participate in their

Holiday 2011 Christmas Card Blog Campaign!

There are tons of different cards to choose from.

I really like this one, it is called The Winter Showcase.

It looks so soft, warm and inviting!

You can click on the picture or HERE and it will take you to this card.

To check out more of their cards click HERE for their Christmas section.

Like I said there are tons to choose from!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

When breast cancer starts out, it is too small to feel and does not cause signs and symptoms. As it grows, however, breast cancer can cause changes in how the breast looks or feels. Symptoms may include—

New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).

Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.

Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.

Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.

Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Pain in any area of the breast.

Source: CDC

Information taken by:

Liz Steele, RN, BSN

Health Promotions Nursing Coordinator

Pitt County Public Health Center

201 Government Circle

Greenville NC 27834

~General Mills~Star Wars~Walmart Gift Card Giveaway~

2011-10-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

Calling all Star Wars™ fans! Now you can take the Star Wars adventures to new heights by bringing home STAR WARS THE COMPLETE SAGA on Blu-ray Disc September 16th. Relive the unforgettable moments and experience the spectacular adventure of STAR WARS The Complete Saga in a way only

Blu-ray can deliver.

This incredible collection unites all six Episodes together for the first time in stunning high definition with the purest digital sound in the galaxy. With over 40 hours of thrilling special features, including all-new content created exclusively for this release, you can journey deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover more than ever before. Feel the Force of STAR WARS The Complete Saga on Blu-ray this September!

In honor of the release, select General Mills Big G cereals have a limited edition Star Wars good versus evil image on their packaging, which when combined creates a full panoramic poster.

Exclusively at Walmart, look for specially marked boxes of Big G cereals, including Honey Nut Cheerios®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch®, and Lucky Charms®. Collect all three to create a Star Wars panoramic poster showcasing your favorite characters, like Darth Vadar™, Luke Skywalker™, Han Solo™, Princess Leia™ and more.

Marking the first time ever that the full Saga is available in one complete collection, the 9-disc STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA will be available on Blu-ray September 16th, courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

May the force be with you as you check out these Star Wars boxes at your local Walmart for a limited time only!

Find more information about Big G cereals at www.WholeGrainNation.com

Find out more information about Star Wars The Complete Saga at Blu-ray.Starwars.com

MyBlogSpark and General Mills is giving one CJCMOMMY's Stuff reader the following prize pack!

One box of each of the following cereals to form their own Star Wars panoramic poster:

Honey Nut Cheerios

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Lucky Charms

$25 Walmart gift card

~Now on for the giveaway~

I am going to make this easy.. Only one comment per person and

make sure you put your email address in with your comment.

Tell me: Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

Here is mine...

I think Jar Jar Binks is a whoot!

That's it!

This giveaway will end on October 15, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST.

I will draw a winner on October 16th.

I will email the winner and post it here.

Good Luck...

"Disclosure: The cereal, gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by

General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

~3 Count them 3 Great giveaways over at Penny Pinching Pixie~

2011-09-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Penny Pinching Pixie has 3 giveaways going on right now. Check them out!

All end on October 2, 2011.

~1st one~

Mymemories.com My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software v2 Review and Giveaway!

Click HERE for this one.

~2nd One~

$25. Gift Card

Click HERE for this one!

~3rd one~

~The Prize~

3 lucky Winners will receive $25 in gift certificates from Del Monte.

Click HERE for this one!

Good Luck to you!

Thanks Penny Pinching Pixie!

~Show Some Love~

2011-09-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Peace, Love and Savings is having a giveaway.

I just by chance ran across her page. She only has 28 followers.

She is giving away this great set!

A Redken Intra Force Gift Set!! (Includes Shampoo, Toner, and Condition) It is over a $55 value.

Click HERE to go to her giveaway!

She will choose a random winner on Monday 9/26 at 12 EST.

Good Luck!

Time Heals?

2011-09-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

Posted 14 hours ago

As the days go by and time elapses since Riley’s death we seem to desire her smile and presence among us even more. The passing of time means the longer it has been since we embraced her, kissed her, and touched her. I don’t think time heals. If anything it makes the miss even greater and the desire to have her physically present even stronger.

This does not mean we are not healing.

We know that God heals; the support of family and friends heals; helping others heals; raising, loving and living with our other 3 children heals; studying His word and learning to trust in His promises heals; and that ultimately it is LOVE that truly heals.

1 Corinthians 13

The Excellence of Love

1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Perhaps the adversities of this life are designed to help us grow to love fuller and teach us how to be loved better - preparing us for our ultimate destination which is to be in the perfect and complete love of God in heaven. Riley, is now, exactly where God designed her to be, and every day as we learn to love better we get one step closer to our final reward. So if we allow the adversities of this life to grow us in love then maybe time does heal.

I guess what we are saying is that we hurt, we miss Riley greatly, and that every day is a challenge, but by they Grace of God and through His perfect love we survive and He will gradually grow us again to thrive in this life until we have the pleasure to be called home.

We are thankful for those who have been called to love and support us over the past few months. We realize it is difficult especially when it requires those who support us to hurt with us. So we thank those of you who have been willing to love us. We are also thankful that God continues to use us to help others. It is through helping others that we are reminded of our countless and daily blessings that flow from Him. And we are especially thankful for His continued presence, perfect love, and ultimate control.

We were reminded again this weekend of His perfect control of even the smallest things in our life. We have been blessed to be able to follow the ECU soccer team closely

this year. Many of the players are special to us and we have "adopted" one as our own, so we have been traveling to away games as if our child were on the team-because we feel she is. Riley is a part of so many on that field that it is difficult for us not to feel her presence. With that being said, we left Friday afternoon to drive to Charlotte for 2 away games this weekend. Since we are from Greenville, we forget that traffic sometimes needs to be calculated into travel time. We thought we had plenty of time with a 1 hour cushion, but 1 hour can quickly be eaten up in Triangle traffic. Then we also managed to hit traffic and construction in Greensboro. Despite using all the electronic gifts God has given us we were still sadly very late. We knew we would never make it on time to the game and then I saw lightning in the distance. I pulled up the weather report showing a 30% chance of rain/lightning and I told Kirk I was praying for a lightning delay. He of course told me there was no way that would happen. Then 15 minutes later Kimmy texted us saying that the game was being delayed for lightning. Wouldn't you know the team took the field for warm ups 1 hour after the game was schedule to start and just as we arrived. We were reminded how God controls even the smallest details of our lives. And don't you know if He has a handle on the small things He is definitely orchestrating the big things too! So we are reminded to trust in His plan and control even if it is not according to our desire.

Please pray with us for other families who have experienced loss, but especially for Amber and Lizzie's families as they are both local and struggling with the loss of a child this past week. We pray for their peace and for God's love to surround them so they may start to heal also.

Healing through love, Kirk and Kelly

Ice.com Giveaway over at Penny Pinching Pixie!

2011-08-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Penny Pinching Pixie is having a great giveaway from Ice.com.

Head on over and enter. It is a gift certificate for $100. to Ice.com.

Trust me, I looked around, I could sure find some stuff I would get if I won.

Click Here to enter!

Hurry it ends 8/25!

Thanks Penny Pinching Pixie for such a great giveaway!

~ I Won ~ I Won ~ I Won~

2011-08-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

I WON THESE!

Thanks to The Fabulous Finds!

~Yay Me~

~Penny Pinching Pixie $25 Sam's Club Giveaway~

2011-08-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

Sam's Club Box Tops For Education and Giveaway!

Ends 8/7 11:59pm over at Penny Pinching Pixie!

~The Prize~

$25 Sam's Club Gift Card

Click HERE to enter!

~Good Luck~

Please help support Emmanuel Christian School

2011-07-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Please help support Emmanuel Christian School. Easy to do. click on the picture above. Go to My school, sign up key 27889 zip code find Emmanuel Christian then hit support & confirm. Thanks! We need all the support we can get!

~How hot is it?~

2011-07-21T06:20:00.001-07:00

The Y Generation... Sorry, Could not pass this one up!

2011-07-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

People born before 1946 were called

The Silent and powerful generation..

People born between 1946 and 1964 are called

The Baby Boomers.

People born between 1965 and 1979 are called

Generation X.

And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called

Generation Y.

Why do we call the last group Generation Y?

Y should I get a job?

Y should I leave home and find my own place?

Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours?

Y should I clean my room?

Y should I wash and iron my own clothes?

Y should I buy any food?

~Update from the Philpot family~

2011-07-18T05:43:00.003-07:00

Worst NIghtmare?

Posted 2 days ago

Over the past month we have had some beautiful reminders of Riley, but nothing seems to top how God allowed Riley to touch Kirk on Father’s Day. While we were in church on Father’s Day I was able to remember my Father, tell him how I loved him and it was beautiful to be able to talk to my dad without him becoming emotional over Riley’s situation. It was almost liberating, since the only emotion I could feel was that of excitement for my dad as he is experiencing the glory of God with Riley. But this thought also made me feel saddened for Kirk as he would experience his first Father’s day without Riley. I prayed that God would allow Riley to touch Kirk in a very special way on Father’s day. God surely answered my prayer even before I prayed it because on the way home from church Kirk received a phone call from Kimmy. Some of you may know Kimmy - she is a rising senior on the ECU soccer team. She has loved Riley and our family over the past few years. She has also encouraged many to support us and our efforts to help others with Riley’s Army. She has entertained and played with our four children often and since Riley’s death she has become a special friend to Paul, Ella, and Ashlyn. Shortly after Riley’s funeral we told Paul we were adopting Kimmy as another big sister and his question was, “When is she moving in?” With this being said, Kimmy called to wish Kirk a Happy Father’s Day. She told us she remembered on Saturday that she would need to call Kirk on Father’s Day. She then explained to us that her father had died when she was Paul’s age and she was very close to him. On Saturday night when she went to sleep she had a very vivid dream and Riley came to her and said, “I’ll wish your dad a Happy Father’s Day for you, if you will wish my dad a Happy Father’s Day for me!” So Kimmy’s Father’s Day call was extra, extra special to Kirk.

Over the past 3 weeks we have been trying to transition back to work which has been difficult, but also good as God reminds us daily He still has work for us to do here on earth for Him. However good God is, this past week has been especially challenging for our family. Although we know Riley is in a great place with God, we can’t help but miss her. We went to Bush Gardens with the other kids this past weekend and it just wasn’t the same without Riley’s vibrant energy. On Sunday evening the kids went to vacation Bible school with some friends. We did well checking in, but when Ashlyn realized she was going to be in a class by herself she melted. She simply did not want to be “without a family member”. The volunteers were kind to allow her to move up to be with Ella and this seemed to correct the problem. Ashlyn’s statement that she did not want to be without a family member has been used by all 3 children regularly these past few weeks. Although others grieve with us and try hard to support us, it is somehow comforting to be surrounded by our own immediate family. We together are experiencing the loss of Riley who brightened our lives day to day and at times even minute to minute. She was and still is a focal point and constant presence of love for our family, but her physical absence, at times, is haunting. With each other we know the extent of loss we are feeling right now without even speaking it to one another-somehow this is comforting. So as much as Ashlyn didn’t want to be in Bible school without family-we too had difficulty returning to work on Monday without family surrounding us.

With love from some special supports, prayer, and the grace of God our pain gradually eased to tolerable by the end of the week. We feel comforted by those surrounding us who are able to talk about Riley with us. It is comforting to us because it is very difficult to talk about Riley without God being a part of the conversation. It is in speaking of Riley and leaning on God that we will gradually be healed.

We were blessed by friends who came on Friday afternoon to entertain the kids. Paul loved the individual attention since he misses that so much from Riley. While the kids played we were able to go and order pictures from a photo sitting done just 2 weeks before Riley passed. Seeing the beauty of our 4 children together in pictures is and always will be overwhelming for us, and we are thankful that God has blessed us with so many perfect pictures that will help us keep our memory of Riley alive.

Of course nothing will keep Riley alive more than our other 3 children. They are who they are because of the gifts they received from Riley-her acceptance, her love, her faith, her example of dying, and her spirit and presence even into death.

The other day I felt like Riley spoke right through Paul. I was feeding the kids lunch and as usual Ashlyn was talking about Riley. She always says how very sad she is that Riley had to die, and how she doesn’t understand why she had to die, and how she wishes Riley was still here. Recently Ashlyn has been having some nightmares and so on this particular day she said that her worst nightmare was that Riley died. I responded by saying that I was sad Riley had died also, but I was so glad God had given us 3 other children to love and that my worst nightmare would be if they all went to Heaven and I was left here. Well, Paul just jumped right in and made me feel like the stupid one when he said, “My worst nightmare is the “H” word”! He was speaking of “hell“. And then he added that his second worst nightmare would be if he had to stay alive on earth forever. Clearly Paul pointed out the TRUE worst nightmare - our denial and absence of God and the inability to obtain presence with Him in Heaven. With this lesson we are so thankful we are not experiencing the worst nightmare and we pray that others who knew Riley will not experience the "worst nightmare" either. John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Thankful for God’s constant presence in our lives, Kirk and Kelly

~5 Tips from the Betty 10: Red Hot Summer Trends~

2011-07-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Pie Lovin’: This has been declared the “Year of the Pie” and we are seeing creative takes on pies everywhere. These Mini S’mores Hand Pies take everything we love about s’mores – crunchy graham crackers, melty chocolate, ooey-gooey marshmallows – and put it into a handheld pie pocket that delivers a perfect taste of summer.

DIY Idea: Create a sweet tabletop sensation by repurposing a pie dish into a multi-wick candle. Set short wicks in a circular formation in the pie dish and pour candle wax into the dish, infusing your candle with your favorite scent and colors.

Spice It Up: Bold and big flavors are all the rage. Fresh Sriracha Refrigerator Pickles add a new twist to classic refrigerator pickles with a hot, Thai-inspired sauce that spices up your garden bounty – no canning equipment required!

DIY Idea: Tap into one of the summer’s biggest fashion trends and turn up the heat by creating a bold statement necklace using colorful beaded trim and ribbon.

Move Over, Meat: With vegetarian (and flexitarian) eating gaining popularity, more and more people are seeking meatless options that don’t skimp on flavor. The MONSTER Veggie Burger is loaded with fresh vegetables and tasty chickpeas and moves veggies from the side to the center of the plate.

DIY Idea: Use your garden go-to’s to create place cards for your dinner parties by cutting veggies in half and hollowing out the insides. Cut out paper tags, scribble your guests’ names and slice an opening on top of vegetable to hold name tag.

Backyard Green Grocer: More people than ever are “shopping” in their own backyard gardens – or the local farmer’s market – to create flavorful summer dishes full of their favorite veggies. Green Garden Fries are made from fresh garden veggies, oven fried and served with a lemony Greek yogurt dipping sauce.

DIY Idea: After you plant your garden, cut out the vivid images of produce and flowers on seed packets and découpage them to plain note cards, creating cute collages.

Switch Up The ‘Wich: Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food – from old favorites like PB&J and grilled cheese to new obsessions like Korean tacos. The Mediterranean-inspired Greek Grilled Cheese Taco reinvents the familiar grilled cheese sandwich in taco form, with grilled Greek halloumi cheese and fresh veggies and herbs stuffed in a flour tortilla for a portable, fun new take on the sandwich.

DIY Idea: Combine the food and fun factor this season and serve your sandwiches on a playful platter - the flying disk. Line disks with a colorful bandana and arrange sandwiches neatly.

To find more of the Betty 10: Red Hot Summer Trends, like Mai Tai Tiki Pops, Lemon-Ginger Icebox Cookie Cupcakes, Fruity Fro-Yo Fun Bars, Grillside Guacamole and Beer Snow Cones, and for great DIY ideas by Erica Domesek, visit www.bettycrocker.com/redhot.

I received these details from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark.

And the winner is...

2011-07-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

I really want to thank everyone who entered my giveaway!
I was so excited that I got 133 coments. That means 133 people entered!

This was the first time I didn't do all the "extra" entries. I had read on a blog that

most people don't enter entries if you have to do all kinds of stuff. So I decided to check it

out on this giveaway. I think I had a really good turn out!

I wish I could give everyone something. But I can only give one and that one is:

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 133

Result:

Elena said... 40

I plan to purchase Honey Nut Cheerios.

elena150980@yahoo.com

I have sent you an email.

Congratulations!

July 11, 2011 6:52 PM

~Don't forget~

2011-07-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter the $25 Walmart gift card giveaway!

Tomorrow is the last day to enter. Don't put it off any longer!

Click HERE to enter!

Tell your friends! Share the love!

New blogger giveaway

2011-07-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Show some love to Cummis Life!

She has the Honey Nut Cheerios giveaway going on HERE.

Go show her some love. This givaway ends 7/26/11

She also has the Purex Complete giveaway going on HERE.

This one ends on 7/15/11.

$25 Walmart Gift Card giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-07-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Is there anywhere else to shop other than Walmart?

I remember when the first "SuperCenter"came out in our area. My mom and I thought "That is crazy, who would want to buy clothes and food at the same time?" "I would not want to have my clothes laid up on the check out and have them get messed up by something" Yep... That was a long time ago!

Now I don't know of anywhere else we go!

Whether you’re shopping for a summer BBQ or gearing up for back-to-school, Walmart makes it easier for you to find everything for every list. And while you stock up on your family’s favorites, don’t forget you can earn cash for the participating school of your choice with Box Tops for Education products.

Starting in mid July, head over to your local Walmart to find up to 70 participating products that each have 4 Box Tops!

Shop at Walmart to purchase products from your family’s favorite brands such as Nature Valley, Cheerios, and Yoplait, and earn more cash for the upcoming new school year!

To learn more about the Box Tops for Education program and how you can help contribute to your school visit www.boxtops4education.com/ or click HERE.

I love Box Tops For Education!

Those little things can add up!

MyBlogSpark and General Mills is giving one CJCMOMMY's Stuff reader a $25. gift card.

~This is what you have to do to enter this giveaway~

Tell me:

Which Box Tops items from General Mills do you plan to purchase?

Please leave one comment and make sure you have your email address in your comment.

That's it! Do that and you will be entered.

This giveaway will end on July 16, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST.

I will draw a winner on July 17th. I will email the winner and post it here.

Good Luck...

Disclosure:

The information and $25 gift card to Walmart has been provided by Walmart

and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

~Happy 4th of July Firends~

2011-07-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hi5 Comments & Hi5 Graphics

Disappointed with Best Buy

2011-06-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am very disappointed. I was under the impression that when you purchase the extended warranty if something happened to the item if it could not be fixed you would receive a new one.

Monday I took my son’s DSI XL in. It would not go to the main screen. Told him that an error occurred. Yesterday I picked it up. It was not the one he had it was refurbished. We charged it up and when he turned it on… OH, he is 12! It said F--K you people! It also had pictures of this other kid and family stuff. Only 2 obscene. I was shocked that Geek Squad didn’t delete everything that was on there.

Now I did call the manager of the Best Buy that this happened and she stated they would

order a new one and call me when it came in. I could delete any thing that was on the one I picked up.

She also stated that Geek Squad was supposed to have everything deleted. ( I was scared to death

what else might have been on there. There was 72 pictures. All I could think of is CJ seeing someone

doing the dirty or something!) Well, we will see how this all works out. I did delete everything.

I suppose that they really didn't need to order a different on. But by that time it was the principal of it all!

Bottom line is...

If you get anything refurbished, CHECK it before giving it to your child!

What's a normal resting heart rate?

2011-06-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

For an adult, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute. For a well-trained athlete, a normal resting heart rate may be closer to 40 beats a minute. For healthy adults, a lower heart rate at rest generally implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.

To measure your heart rate, simply check your pulse. With your palm facing upward, place two fingers on the thumb side of your wrist — or place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe.

When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 10 seconds. Time yourself with a timer or the second hand on a clock or watch. Multiply this number by 6 to determine how many times your heart beats in one minute.

Keep in mind that many factors can influence heart rate, including:

Activity level

Fitness level

Air temperature

Body position (standing up or lying down, for example)

Emotions

Body size

Medication use

Although there's a wide range of normal, an unusually high or low heart rate may indicate an underlying problem. Consult your doctor if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute (tachycardia) or below 60 beats a minute (bradycardia) — especially if you have other signs or symptoms, such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.

Source: from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., Mayo clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/

What is on the other side?

2011-06-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to

Leave the examination room and said,

'Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side.'

Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'

'You don't know? You're, a Christian man,

and don't know what's on the other side?'

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;

On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,

And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room

And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said,

'Did you notice my dog?

He's never been in this room before.

He didn't know what was inside.

He knew nothing except that his master was here,

And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death,

But I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough.'

Penny Pinching Pixie Giveaway going on

2011-06-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

General Mills New Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies MyBlogSpark Giveaway! Ends 6/26

Click HERE to enter!

Happy Father's Day Everyone!

2011-06-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Everyone!

Coming from a single mom that is the Mom & Dad!

From the Philpot Family via CarePages.com

2011-06-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

Posted 6 hours ago

As you can imagine, a lot has happened since our last update. The passing of both Riley and her grandfather on the same day was actually a blessing, but the travel along with back to back funerals really delayed our ability to start healing. We arrived home late last Thursday and our new reality has started to sink in. This has been a very hard update to write and may be even harder to read as we try to share our thoughts.

Today is 3 weeks since Riley died and it is also her 11th birthday. The past few weeks are a blur, but at the same time certain things seem so clear as if it all just all happened. We are trying to figure out what our new “normal” is as we deal with normal grief. The children have done well, but there are periods of real pain and struggle. Ashlyn at 5 has been a great spokesperson for our emotions and thoughts. She states everything very matter of fact: I wish Riley was here when I lost my first tooth; This is our first trip without Riley and I miss her; We all miss her and we ALL want attention; Riley’s things did not make her special-it was Riley who was so special; Riley won’t be coming with us to bible school today; and the list goes on and on as she forces us to talk about Riley and our feelings. Paul, at times, seems normal then at other times we can see that he is lost without his best friend. He is wanting to be with us more and he doesn’t even want us to run quick errands without him. Ella and Ashlyn have been playing a lot together, but when things don’t go just right Ella will get irritable fast. We believe this is all normal and we continue to reassure them with the One True Hope that is greater than this world.

We had been planning to update the carepage for a week or more prior to Riley’s passing but we just hadn’t found the energy to describe what was happening in our home. Riley had begun to be symptomatic with her tumor. She would get short of breath easily with any physical activity and she would have coughing spells that would make us pray for her relief. At times she would have trouble sleeping due to the cough. We had been trying to work and be “normal” but thankfully 10 days before she died, we decided it was time to let her stay home so she could be more comfortable. And we stayed home with her for the week prior to her passing. Riley would never complain that she felt poorly, but she did modify her activity and started entertaining herself with more sedentary activities. With modification of activity and a small amount of medicine to take the cough away Riley seemed to be doing much better. We almost felt silly for staying home with her, but thankfully we both felt greedy and we stayed home with her any way.

We often checked how she was doing and always got her typical sweet “fine” or “good” response. As usual we would ask if anything bothered or scared her and her response was always “No.” Then on the Saturday before she passed, for the first time in her five year journey she admitted she was scared. When asked, Riley shared she was scared of cancer and when Kelly asked what scared her about cancer she said, “Because I might have to go to heaven.” She said she was scared to go to heaven because she didn’t know what it was like because she had never been there before. So that night we began reading about heaven and we started the story “Heaven is for Real”. The only thing about leaving us that was upsetting to Riley was that we would miss her. This was the only thing that ever made her cry. Monday, I felt the need to let Riley know that whatever happened along our journey it was not her fault in anyway. She had done more than we could have ever asked and whatever the outcome it was in God’s plan. She said “okay.” And after expressing her fears, she seemed to rest better at night.

I returned to work some the final week, but found it most difficult to focus. Riley would let us know if we could run a quick errand and she even let us go to Ashlyn’s preschool graduation Tuesday before she died. Rachel from the Collide Christian service group from ECU sat with Riley while we were at Ashlyn‘s graduation. Apparently while we were gone she spoke with Rachel about heaven. Later that day Rachel told a mentor that she felt as if she was on hallowed ground while she spoke with Riley of heaven. After graduation Riley wanted us home with her. She loved on us while we watched Ashlyn‘s graduation and laughed at some skiing video with my parents who came in town to celebrate Ella‘s 7th birthday.

That night she had a serious conversation about Jesus with Kelly. She wanted to know why the Jews thought that Jesus was just a prophet and not the Messiah. She ask what sin they thought Jesus had done to make Him just a prophet. She said all the prophets sinned and she proceeded to tell each prophet‘s sin, but then she did not know how the Jews could think Jesus was just a prophet because He never sinned. He always did what God asked of Him. Well, as common for Riley, this question was too deep for us to be able to give an answer so we just left it to ponder for the night. I guess we will be pondering it for a lot longer than a night and Riley I’m sure got her answer the next day.

Wed morning she told me I could go to work. My parents were visiting and Riley enjoyed their company - especially snuggling with PopPop. Even with my parents present she would not allow Kelly to run even the smallest errand. I called to check on her during lunch that day as I wanted to come home to be with her, but since all was well I felt it would be silly to come home. It was less than 10 minutes after my call that Kelly phoned back to let me know Riley had died.

Riley’s passing was so quick and unexpected that day. She had been resting well at night and had even more energy for the last few days. That afternoon she was watching movies and cuddling on the couch with PopPop. She was waiting to have her pizza put on a plate for lunch when she got up from the couch without a word and walked to the kitchen. PopPop very calmly called, “Kelly I think she wants you,“ but neither seemed to be in any distress. She walked around the living room and Kelly came out of the kitchen. Arms raised and Kelly said “Just relax, you‘re okay” as she picked her up into her arms. When Riley was to Kelly’s chest, she went limp and Kelly knew before she was even able sit down that Riley had died. In our medical experience we haven’t heard of a passing like Riley’s. The images haunted Kelly for days as she felt helpless because she couldn’t do anything to help and she felt that Riley must have been walking to her for help. I wasn’t home for her last moments, but I have told Kelly I feel differently and that she wasn’t walking to Kelly - she was walking to Jesus. Riley was able to walk far enough to reach her mother’s arms before leaving this world for her Father’s arms.

After she passed, we rocked her and sang songs. She appeared to just be asleep in our arms. It seemed odd, but the only prayer that I could sing at the time was Riley’s favorite for everything “God Our Father, God our Father, We Thank You, We Thank You, For Our Many Blessings, For Our Many Blessings, Amen. Amen.” After the neighbors got the kids from school and we broke the news to them, we laid her in her room. I struggled with why I wasn’t home when she passed, but later I realized it was to be able to comfort Paul when he was upset about not being around when Riley died. When we asked the kids if they had any questions, Ashlyn broke the tension with her 5 year old honesty, “Who gets Riley’s Ipad?” We said we could share her Ipad and that nothing would happen to her stuff until we all agreed on it. She was relieved, but then anxiously asked “Does anyone know her Ipad’s passcode?”

Our priest came to bless her body. We were surprised by how many came to see her at the house. So many were shocked as they had just seen her a few days prior acting “normal“ and even swimming for a bit in the pool. Paul had a very difficult time and didn’t want us to take Riley from the home. He wanted us to wait 3 days to see if she would rise again. He wanted to know if it was possible, and of course it would be possible for God, but we tried to explain to Paul that there was a difference from those raised from the dead in the bible. Lazarus nor Jesus were in Heaven when they were raised from the dead, but since Jesus’s resurrection and promise that we would be in heaven with Him, we could not even bear to think that Riley would want to return to this world from heaven to suffer again.

As we were talking with Paul, came the shocking call that Kelly’s dad was also passing. Kelly’s family had gone to the nursing home to break the news of Riley’s death and when they arrived he was already in distress and having trouble breathing. The nursing home wasn’t even aware he was in trouble. The family in town was able to be with him and he was able to talk to the others by phone. Grandpa Mark had been ill for the past couple of months (since Riley’s last lung surgery), and although many medical problems were found, nothing explained his trouble breathing or his sudden death. Kelly finds peace that her Dad didn’t pass alone because they had gone to him to tell him the news of Riley.

In Grandpa Mark’s last few minutes, he began to sing “A Bushel and a Peck” in the middle of the song. He said, “It’s Mom and Riley’s song.” Grandma Marge had always sung that to Riley before Marge died 3 years ago. (When Kelly had gone home to spend the last few weeks with her mother and we told Riley that Marge was going to die, her only response was “Who is going to sing me “A Bushel and a Peck” anymore?” We videoed Marge singing the song before she was too weak and Riley enjoyed the video.) Kelly’s sister then asked if he was ready to go with Riley and Mom. With his last word, he replied “Yes” and died soon after.

After many visited, the funeral home came for Riley‘s “earth clothes“. With our children and others around, we asked that they come in a van and not bring in the stretcher so as not to upset the kids. We met Chris from the funeral home and he shared that he had wanted to take care of Riley when he had gotten the call earlier in the day. He wasn’t supposed to be working that late, but he waited until we called to come take care of her. He had never met her, but his wife had cared for Riley in the hospital a few years ago and he remembered. His wife died suddenly in Nov. 2009 of a pulmonary embolism after work one night. Chris told us he wanted to care for Riley like his wife had care for her before. I carried her out of the house and walking to the van I told Chris that I would hand her to him and then we would walk away and what ever they needed to do was fine. He so graciously offered to cradle her in his arms for the drive to the funeral home. I could not think of a more beautiful gesture at a time like that.

That night was hard especially for Paul. I think Paul was the one most in denial that his sister and best friend was getting sicker. He cried inconsolably and finally fell asleep from exhaustion. The morning she died, Riley said she decided what she wanted for her birthday. She asked for the kids to make her something from Accidental Artist (paint your own pottery shop). We decided to go make her gifts the day after she died with hopes to have them ready to be given to her by her visitation. Amazingly, the store had planned to call us to come as a way to heal as a family and we came in so quickly they hadn’t even had the chance to call.

We all decorated a box that we filled with hugs and kisses. Ashlyn made a cat to represent sparkles; Ella made a dog to represent Sunrise; Paul made a turtle (the animal he collects). We talked about Riley, the things she liked, her favorite colors and it was truly a healing experience. Paul’s was so good he said “It’s so good she won’t even believe I made it.” The other special thing was that Riley had gone to Accidental Artist for a birthday party the weekend prior and she painted a cute little dragon. When we got home after painting I opened Riley’s dragon and Paul thought it was just beautiful. I asked if he would like it and he said, “yes”. We are certain Riley would have loved to have given it to him herself, but this last gift from her was extra special and Paul cuddled up on the couch with it and he quickly fell asleep that night. Later, on the night of her visitation we placed her gifts in the “cradle” with her.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. The newspaper and television stations were calling for interviews. All publications did a wonderful job and didn’t dilute our family’s faith for the reporting. How weird it was to be doing interviews after Riley’s death. I didn’t think “normal” people did this after a loved one died, but we know Riley wasn’t normal. Telling her story for others to hear was the beginning of healing for us.

Riley’s service was absolutely perfect for her. Both the visitation and the service were at the church. She was beautiful in the “cradle” (our kids term for the casket). She looked just as she was lying on her bed. We insisted on not having the traditional positioning (staring straight up) and Riley was turned slightly to her side as if she were sleeping. Pink flowers and her favorite pink pillow were part of the decorations.

Her visitation was long and we are sorry if you came and weren’t able to stay to visit. We found visiting with the kids and friends who came to be helpful for us and for those who visited.

The burial service was just what she would have picked. The casket in a catholic service is covered with a “Pall”. The pall is white to symbolize the white clothes worn during baptism, and the joyful triumph over death brought about by the Resurrection. The pall will often be decorated with a cross signifying the sovereignty of Christ's triumph over sin and death on the cross. Riley’s Pall was decorated with a purple and pink stained glass cross made by Kelly’s sisters.

Father Michael gave a moving homily that told of one of the last Riley moments about faith. On trips to NY we saw many signs about the coming of the end of the world on May 21st. To many the rapture seemed silly, but the ending of this world and our family being together seemed like a peaceful plan. God only knows when and how, but we still hope we all get there someday. Kelly was speaking to Paul a couple of weeks before the supposed end of the world and she asked him “If Jesus were to come tomorrow and say come with me - what would you say?” He replied “Well, I don’t want to die, so I would say no.” Riley stormed in from the other room and proceeded to let him know how wrong he was. “You don’t say no to God because if you say no to God just so you can live here longer you will be dead forever. If you say no to God then you will go to hell and you will be dead forever.” Paul at that time then changed his answer to “Most certainly”. Obviously Riley knew her answer in advance. If we all could be so sure - always.

Her graveside service was beautiful too. Ms. Lucille Gorham, a sweet little African American lady who is the matriarch of our church, was with us as we laid Riley to rest. Long story short, we were visiting St. Gabriel’s church the week before Riley’s birth and we went again 3 days after Riley was born. We hadn’t met Ms. Lucile before Riley’s birth, but she greeted us at the door of the church, took Riley in her arms and then proceeded to pass her around the tiny church for all to hold. She told the church to look upon Riley as she was the future of the church. We never left St. Gabriel’s after that day. Ms. Lucille shared a final message at her grave. She said Riley had lived a life that taught us all so much. Jesus’ final call to come home and she excitedly said yes with her arms raised up. Ms. Lucille also said Riley helped show we were all one big family in Jesus just waiting to share eternal happiness with Him.

The final moment at the grave, we announced we would be lowering Riley’s “earth clothes” to their final resting place and many stayed with us. As they began lowering her, Kelly noticed and said “She’s slipping.” The third time she said “She’s slipping” the funeral workers realized and stopped the belts lowering Riley’s “cradle” but it was too late. Her metal casket slipped off the belt and flipped 180 degrees and landed with a huge boom face down in the grave. Everyone was shocked. As someone said today, that only happens in movies because “It never happens.” Chris (funeral director mentioned above) was in the grave faster than anyone could imagine. He was so upset, we thought he might cry. We felt bad because we knew he had cared for her in ways above and beyond and this was not his fault. As Chris was standing in the grave Kelly said, “Yeah, it’s not the first time she has been dropped. I dropped her when she was six weeks old and I was bawling then, but I am not bawling now. I remember calling my sister crying when I dropped her when she was six weeks old and she said, ‘If that’s the worst thing that happens to her you’ll be just fine.‘ And we’re just fine.“ This statement set a new stage of calm and then our nephew Chase climbed in the grave with Chris and amazingly the two lifted the casket and flipped it over in just one motion. (Remember - small hole, heavy casket and only 2 to lift it). We all stepped away and Chris checked to make sure everything was okay. He said not a thing had been disrupted and none of the Accidental artist figurines broke. When we got to the car, the girls were laughing at what had happened. They said “Riley just got tired of waiting. It was taking so long, so she just jumped in on her own.” Only folks that know Riley would know that to be so true and only Riley could take one of the most tearful moments and turn it upside down - literally. Remember, she said she didn’t want us to cry or miss her. We thank Wilkerson’s Funeral Home for their wonderful care of Riley and us.

Today is Riley’s 11th birthday. We will visit her grave and bring her a few balloons. We will order her grave marker and celebrate the day God blessed us.

Always and Forever,

Kirk & Kelly

We have many more stories to share, but will close today with 2 final writings. The first is “Riley’s Song” which we wrote and finished when she was 2 weeks old. We used to sing the song frequently to calm her when she was little. We actually sang her song to her the night before she passed. The next piece “Riley Is” is a poem written by our friend Amy Ellis the night Riley died.

Riley’s Song

Riley, Riley you’re the one,

You make my world so much fun.

Riley, Riley you’re a doll,

You truly have blessed us all.

Riley, Riley you’re so sweet,

Where’d you get those great big feet.

Riley, Riley with so much hair,

For a Philpot that is rare.

Riley, Riley with big blue eyes,

I love to sing you lullabies.

Riley, Riley the love I felt,

Your smile alone can make me melt.

Riley, Riley sent from above,

You remind us of God’s perfect love.

Riley Is

Riley is all rainbows and rejoicing;

She is warmth and wisdom and wonder,

Winds that play chimes and carry wishes.

Riley is all butterflies and becoming;

She is in His arms and in the moment,

A twinkle in the sky or in a loved one’s eye.

Riley is all dandelion dust and dancing;

She is excellence and earthiness.

Rare places of loveliness and no limits.

Riley is all tee shirts and timeless truth;

She is freckles and fun and family,

Fairies and fairness, and the faith of a child.

Riley is all pinks and purples and peace;

She is purity, pinwheels, proper perspective,

The pauses we take to pray or to play.

Riley is all glow sticks and gratitude;

She is gentleness, generosity and goodness,

Lips laced with “Great game!” and grape jelly.

Riley is all cozy quilts and compassion;

She is curiosity and candy and cleverness,

Close communion with angels and animals.

Riley is all abstract art and amazing grace;

She is acceptance, adventure and assurance.

Arms that reach out – and reach up.

Riley is all sandcastles and celebration;

She is strength and selflessness and soul,

And story – our story and His story.

Riley is all heroes and humility;

She is hope and hard kicks and holy kisses,

Hands held high to praise – and to point us.

Riley is all birthdays and being;

She is our present.

And she is present.

Riley is.

~To all my dog lovers out there~

2011-06-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar, and well fed belly, that he had a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on the head; He then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later he got up and I let him out the door.

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard. walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again, slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived for his nap with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with 6 children, two under the age of 3. He's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?

Have a wonderful day...

Just a reminder of very dangerous spiders

2011-06-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Black Widow Spider (left) and Brown Recluse Spider (right).

It's springtime & cleanup is going on. Be careful where you put

your hands. They like dark spaces & woodpiles.

Also areas in Stalls, the attic and in the woods under logs etc...

The Dangerous Brown Recluse Spider

Please be careful. Spider bites are dangerous and can have permanent

and highly negative consequences.

They like the darkness and tend to live in storage sheds or attics or

other areas that might not be frequented by people or light.

If you have a need to be in your attic, go up there and turn on a

light and leave it on for about 30 minutes before you go

in to do your work!

Great Giveaway at Fabulous Daily Finds

2011-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Click Here To Enter.

Giveaway ends 6/15/2011.

Riley

2011-06-01T05:21:00.001-07:00

Posted May 29, 2011 6:12am

We enjoyed Ella's birthday yesterday. Only a couple of times did Riley's shadow darkened the otherwise wonderful day for her. We have so many wonderful stories to share even of the last few days without Riley here with us.

At Chuck E Cheese for Ella's party, Paul noticed a little girl who wanted a Snow White figurine but her mother told her they didn't have enough tickets and she couldn't have the doll. Paul came to Kelly to ask if he could give her the 300 of his tickets so she could get the figurine "Because Riley would have wanted her to have the Snow White and Riley would have given her the tickets."

Our hearts swelled and our eyes flowed as we were relieved and thankful that Riley's impact was still felt because others will continue to live as she did.

Today is visitation and tomorrow the service. I have added the links below to the newspaper and television stories about Riley. All did a great job and give different perspectives to our baby's life. I have also posted a copy of her obituary at the bottom. Her obituary appeared in the Kansas City Star the same day has her grandfathers, Mark Wempe. Beautiful thing is that this wasn't planned by the family.

http://www.reflector.com/news/cancer-battle-ends-riley-philpot-506937

http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/Riley_Philpot_Has_Passed_Away_122645604.html

http://www2.wnct.com/news/2011/may/25/12/child-cancer-patient-who-inspired-rileys-army-lose-ar-1065488/

http://www.wcti12.com/video/28041865/index.html

WINTERVILLE - Ms. Riley Michelle Philpot, 10, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Monday at 11 am at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park.

Riley Philpot was born June 15, 2000, to Kirk and Kelly Wempe Philpot and is the oldest of four children. Riley was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor in May 2006 and strongly battled cancer six times in her life. Although she lived half her life fighting cancer, she never viewed herself as sick. She remained active and left a lasting impression on the Greenville area.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 while having a great day at home, she walked to her mother with her hands raised high. As her mother lifted her into her arms, Riley passed immediately into the arms of Jesus.

Riley's favorite color is pink. She was active in Future Stars Soccer and she attended Wintergreen Intermediate were she was a student, but taught many. She enjoyed school and she continues to love her friends. Her family is her greatest gift on earth and she enjoys and loves her brother Jon Paul and her sisters Ella and Ashlyn. She brightened this world with her smile and she continues to bring joy to all.

She had a special love of life and lived with unwavering faith. She knew God's plan and was here for a purpose - to please The Father. She shared her faith by living life. Many who knew her have grown stronger in faith because of her example. Many have been saved because of His story of her. She continues to be thankful for all of God's blessings.

She worried about others more than herself. She led many and even in death she helped lead her Grandfather to heaven just five hours after her own transition into His arms. She inspired many to help others and inspired the formation of Riley's Army. Riley's Army will continue to help children with cancer and their families.

As Riley has reminded us His plan is so very easy to understand - it is simply to do what is best for all of us. Although at times it does not seem to be what is best for Riley or our family, we know that this path is what is best for us all. We pray this story will bring many people closer to God and we thank Him for our blessings along this path. We hold on strongly to His plan, constant presence and perfect love knowing that He alone can give us the peace we desire.

Without God none of this would have been possible nor tolerable.

We love you always and forever, Mom and Dad.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. A rosary will be said at 6 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riley's Army Fund/GGCF, P.O. Box 20154, Greenville, NC 27858.

Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory, Greenville.

~Happy Memorial Day~

2011-05-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

glitter-graphics.com

Into His Arms From the Carepages site

2011-05-27T05:11:00.000-07:00

Posted 1 day ago

Riley woke this morning feeling good. She had a great morning at home with her mom and grandparents who are visiting. She encouraged Kirk to go to work. At approximately 1:30 this afternoon, Riley got up and moved toward Kelly with her arms raised. As Kelly lifted her up, Riley moved from Kelly's arms into His open arms.

We are grateful that Riley passed from this earth without pain and suffering.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. this evening, Riley's grandfather (Kelly's Dad) joined Riley in Heaven. Kelly was able to speak to her Dad and let him know that she loved him before he passed away. We know that Riley was there to lead her grandfather on His path.

Details for Riley's memorial service and funeral will be posted once they have been finalized.

We thank you for your continued prayers.

"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me." John 14: 1-6

Karen Rupp for Kirk & Kelly

Ok... so it wasn't the last update...

2011-05-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

Celebration Times

Posted 14 hours ago

So much has happened and Riley has been missed today but the day still has been full of joy.

We have much more to say but not enough time tonight to say it all.

Riley was recognized on our newspapers front page today. You can see the story and photos on www.reflector.com

We have also done interviews for our 3 local television stations which will air this evening. Will post links to the stations later.

It is amazing the impact our baby had and how quickly we were approached to share her story.

Arrangements:

St. Gabriels Roman Catholic Church

3250 Dickinson Ave.

Greenville, NC 27834

(252) 758-1504

Sunday May 29th Visitation 5-8 pm. Rosary at 6 pm.

Monday May 30th Funeral Service at 11 am. Graveside service following.

We have also been encouraged and are planning a community memorial service celebration in a few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

Riley's Army/GGCF

P.O Box 20154

Greenville NC 27858

Reaching to Heaven Last Update on Riley Philpot

2011-05-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have tried to keep everyone updated on Riley. Yesterday I had heard she passed away. I didn't want to post anything until I knew for sure. When I posted updates they came directly from her parents Kirk and Kelly Philpot via CarePages.com. I would copy and paste. I know how easy it is for things to get twisted. The following is taken from The Daily Reflector, the local newspaper.

Cancer battle ends for Riley Philpot

The Daily Reflector

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Riley Philpot, whose brave fight against cancer drew a whole army of supporters, died Wednesday at her home in Winterville.

The 10-year-old was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumor in May 2006. She and her family formed Riley's Army, an organization created in her name to provide support to children with cancer and their families in eastern North Carolina.

She was honored in November with the 2010 Youth Philanthropy Award by the Greater Greenville Community Foundation.

Her parents, both physicians, had hope early on that medical treatments would help the life-loving girl survive recurrences of the disease. It became clear about five weeks ago her cancer could not be medically fixed, her father, Kirk Philpot, said.

She had been home for two weeks, and on Wednesday was feeling well enough for her father to go to work.

Her mother, Kelly, was in the kitchen getting Riley pizza. Riley walked to the kitchen with her hands held up and her mother picked her up.

Riley collapsed in her arms, and she passed, Philpot said. “At that moment that she picked her up, so did Jesus. He swept her right up, too.”

The Philpots later were kneeling at Riley's bed where they had laid her. Her father looked up to see a favorite photo of Riley at ocean's edge with her arms lifted upward to the sky, he said.

Looking at the photo, he was able to imagine the last moment of love Riley shared with her mom, her father said.

“The thing about Riley is that even though she was sick, she never worried about herself,” Philpot said.

She would not want people to think of her as gone, he said.

“It's not that Riley was a beautiful girl, it's that Riley is a beautiful girl, and she loved life and she still does,” Philpot said. “She would make sure everyone knew that everything she loved about it, she still does.”

News of Riley's death spread quickly Wednesday. Friends of the family and children who were friends of Riley began to fill the Philpot's home in the Irish Creek subdivision.

Youngsters chattered in the background as Philpot spoke on the phone Wednesday afternoon. The family has two more daughters and a son.

Toni Tucker's family and the Philpots have been neighbors since Riley was 2. She said the families' children are like brothers and sisters.

“She's an amazing girl. She's inspirational. Riley wanted to make sure that everybody else was OK,” Tucker said. “She didn't want anyone to be sad. She wanted everyone to know that no matter what happened she was going to be OK.”

Riley's initial treatment in 2006 required surgery to remove her right kidney and six months of outpatient chemotherapy.

A routine follow up confirmed a relapse of her cancer with metastasis to her lungs in June 2007. Riley had been treated for her cancer with chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and stem cell transplants. As of August 2010, she was facing her fourth relapse.

As she fought her disease, Riley and her army also fought to raise money to provide educational, financial and logistical services to other pediatric cancer patients and their families. The organization works to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and advocate for patient centered care.

The family decided “there was a profound need to take the willingness of so many of their friends and volunteers and turn that into a community-wide program that would provide individual support for families who also were fighting pediatric cancer, and all of the challenges that come along with that,” Community Foundation director Melissa Spain said when honoring Riley in November.

Riley's Army teams up with East Carolina University athletes and other community groups to raise funds for its efforts. Riley played soccer, so the organization worked closely with the Lady Pirates soccer team and Pitt-Greenville Soccer Association. It also works cooperatively with other nonprofits, such as the American Red Cross.

In March, the organization hosted the third annual Pediatric Cancer Survivor's Dinner in conjunction with Pitt County Relay For Life. The “kid-friendly” event gave families of pediatric cancer patients and survivors the opportunity to interact with each other and learn more about services and opportunities offered locally.

And, it hosts an annual picnic for past and present pediatric oncology patients and families.

Riley's Army is sponsoring a blood drive at the Red Cross donor center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 4.

Daily Reflector staff members Bobby Burns, Cherie Speller, Kim Grizzard and Ginger Livingston contributed to this report.

Arrangements are being handled by Wilkerson's Funeral Home and Crematory.

Riley Michelle Philpot May 25, 2011

Riley Michelle Philpot, 10, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Monday at 11 am at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 8 pm at the church. A rosary will be said at 6 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riley's Army Fund/GGCF, P.O. Box 720, Winterville, NC 28590.

Please continue to pray for this loving family!

A Fun Giveaway over at MissTightwad

2011-05-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Do you like getting stuff in the mail? I do..

I look forward to checking out the mail every day.

Right now over at Miss Tightwad's blog she is

giving away the above mystery box!

How fun is that?

But hurry the giveaway ends on May 23rd at Noon PST.

If you win, I want to know what you got!

I am real confused

2011-05-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

I posted something yesterday. I got an email showing my post and then

It was gone.

Now, I just got an email from a post I did on March 11, 2011. What in the world? Have I been hacked?

Simple but true..

2011-05-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Lord, its me.

We are getting older and things are getting bad here.

Gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating costs too high.

I know some have taken you out of our schools, government & even

Christmas, but Lord I'm asking you to come back and re-bless America .

We really need you!

There are more of us who want you than those who don't!

Thank You Lord,

I Love you.

Happy Mother's day

2011-05-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Glitterfy.com - Mothers Day Glitter Graphics

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her...Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates." (Proverbs 31:28-31)

~In Honor of The National Day Of Prayer~

2011-05-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the 60th Annual Observance of The National Day of Prayer.

May we be reminded of the importance of prayer and the results it brings to our lives.

Fifth Grade Assignment

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look

At TV commercials and see if they could use them in 20 ways

To communicate ideas about God.

Here are some of the results:

God is like.

BAYER ASPIRIN

He works miracles.

God is like.

A FORD

He's got a better idea..

God is like.

COKE

He's the real thing.

God is like.

HALLMARK CARDS

He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like.

TIDE

He gets the stains out others leave behind. ..

God is like.

GENERAL ELECTRIC

He brings good things to life.

God is like.

WAL-MART

He has everything.

God is like.

ALKA-SELTZER

Try Him, you'll like Him

God is like.

SCOTCH TAPE

You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like..

DELTA

He's ready when you are.

God is like.

ALLSTATE

You're in good hands with Him.

God is like.

VO-5 Hair Spray;He holds through all kinds of weather

God is like.

DIAL SOAP

Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?

God is like .

The U.S. POST OFFICE

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from

His appointed destination.

God is like.

Chevrolet. . . .the heart beat of America

God is like

Maxwell House. .... .

Good to the very last drop

God is like.

B o u n t y . . . .

He is the quicker picker upper. . Can handle the tough jobs. ..

And He won't fall apart on you

Peace, Love and Prosperity to all !

God is like.

The Energizer Bunny

He Keeps Going, Going, and Going

Mercy ~Latest update on Riley~

2011-05-02T05:06:00.001-07:00

Posted 10 hours ago

Things changed so quickly this week. Twenty minutes after posting to the carepage about how well Riley was feeling, she woke up with complaints of a headache. After a couple hours of school, she came home not feeling well. We hoped she just had a virus, but she developed high fevers, a bad headache and was unsteady on her feet again. Our happiness turned to confusion and anger. Things weren’t going as we hoped and expected. We feared the good days were gone again.

We prayed, but also had difficulty praying. Feelings of numbness, sadness, and anger clouded our thoughts. We worried for Riley’s health and how we would survive.

For 3 days, she did little more than lie on the couch and watch movies.

Our sleep has been restless and Thursday night Kelly was awakened by Riley mumbling in her sleep. She then heard Ashlyn call out “I don’t want her to go yet!” and Riley soon said clearly “Hi. What’s your name?” Fear of what was happening gripped us, but Riley awakened and remembered nothing. I feel someone visited us that night, but we don’t know for what purpose?

Friday morning brought such anger about what was happening. Our dreams and life seemed to be changing quickly. Kelly called a friend who had been trying to reach her as I had nothing of my strength that I could spare to help her. Her friend helped by promising to pray and believe even when we weren’t able. She asked if we knew what Riley was praying for so we wouldn’t pray for something different. She also told us to pray for guidance and a sign to help us know what to pray for.

Riley says she still prays to be healed down here on earth and for her friends and family to not have cancer. Relieved as her prayer fit ours (yet was even better as she remembered to pray for others also), Kelly went to get the mail. A special package came for us from our neighbor’s Godparents. The enclosed letter was uplifting and the book enclosed was one we have tried to focus on - “Christ the Healer.” With all this we were encouraged to continue praying for earthly healing for Riley.

In the Catholic faith, we believe that saints are able to intercede on our behalf. This can be odd to other faiths, but think of it as asking someone you know who is very spiritual to pray for you. You let all your “friends” now your needs and they too can pray and ask on your behalf. The Blessed Mother asked Jesus to help at the Wedding in Cana. She didn’t tell him what to do, but just presented the problem to Him. She interceded for the wedding couple for something they couldn’t do themselves.

The Catholic church recognizes some as saints after a lengthy review process of their life. The review process doesn’t even start usually until five years after their death. The individuals life has to have been full of heroic virtue and been a role model of Catholic virtues (the candidate is Venerable). If a miracle has been attributed to a candidate posthumously, then the candidate is Beatified. If a second miracle can be proven, the candidate can then be canonized (recognized) as a saint of the Catholic church. The miracles are “proof” that the person has interceded on someone’s behalf after their death.

Today was the Beatification of Pope John Paul II. This was also the celebration of “Divine Mercy Sunday.” In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Faustina, a young polish nun whose visions of Jesus Christ revealed to the world the boundless love and mercy of Our Lord. “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my mercy, “ Jesus said to St. Faustina. John Paul II chose the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday to draw attention to the intimate connection between the Pascal Mystery and the infinite Mercy of God. Filled with loving compassion for all of fallen, sinful humanity, Christ suffered a terrible death on the cross to reconcile the world with the Father. Pope John Paul wrote in 1980 “In this way, redemption involves the revelation of mercy in its fullness.”

To my point, friends at church told us prayers would be offered for Riley at all masses this weekend. We didn’t expect much as it is common to offer a mass for certain intentions, but we were shocked with what was really planned for Riley. Both of our local catholic churches began a Novena for Riley’s healing asking for Blessed Pope John Paul’s intercession. A Novena is a prayer said daily for 9 days (each day representing a month of Jesus in the womb is just one theory on the 9 days of prayer.) Today was the first day and the congregation was asked to join in prayer for the 9 days and repeating the 9 days of prayer until the cure is obtained. Below is the prayer and feel free to join us in this prayer:

　

“Blessed Pope John Paul, you yourself for so many years, bore a debilitating disease in your body. As a champion and advocate to the children of the world and a witness to hope, we join your devotion and adoration of our Most Blessed Mother.

Please pray with us now for Her powerful intercession, to ask her son Jesus, our Lord and Savior, to look upon Riley with eyes of mercy. For the grace of His healing hands to rest upon her, for His life giving power to flow into every cell of her body and into the depths of her soul.

Restore to wholeness O Lord this life which you have created. Be it not our will but your Almighty Father. We pray now and forever.

Amen.”

Riley could be Pope John Paul’s second intercession for a miracle! Join us celebrating God’s Mercy with us. The prayers have lifted us and given us some added strength. Riley’s symptoms have improved this weekend, her fevers have resolved and her headache has almost completely resolved. We continue to pray for her healing and we ask that you pray with us.

Trusting fully in His Devine Mercy, Kirk and Kelly

New blog I came across...Please show her some love~

2011-04-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Frugal Life of Aimee

Don't forget Baskin Robbins tomorrow

2011-04-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Bring your friends and your camera to 31 Cent Scoop

Night™ tomorrow night at Baskin-Robbins®.* Join us as the BR Community

Foundation honors America's firefighters with a $100,000 donation to the National

Fallen Firefighters Foundation.®

Thank You Father April 26, 2011 Update on Riley

2011-04-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

Posted 1 hour ago

John 11 When Jesus raised Lazurus from the dead:

(40) Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

(41) So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

We thank Him because we know He has heard us, we just don’t yet know how His answer will come.

Riley has been feeling better. Her cough, pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath have been resolved now for more than a week. She enjoyed spring break and returned to school yesterday. You wouldn’t know anything was wrong or different with her right now, and we are thankful. So thankful!

Is this relief temporary or permanent? When will we know? It feels like we are floating just above the surface of the water - weary and fearful of sinking and at times barely breathing. So what do we do? - We keep our eyes on the Lord for He will keep us safe and afloat just as He did Peter. However in this “normal” world it is tough to maintain complete focus on God, so we are thankful for those who help us concentrate on Him.

We have heard rumors are milling again that Riley has only weeks to live. We don’t know where, how or why these rumors start. We don’t have the energy to search them out again and ask that you trust that we will tell you of any dramatic changes. We have been so exhausted, trying to live in the “normal” world and enjoying her improvement that we didn’t have the energy to write an update last week. We were also waiting for her improvement to be stable for some time to avoid confusing everyone with potential changing information day to day. We thank everyone for your prayers and concern for Riley and our family.

We shared last time that we had found comfort in the song “Through the Storm”. We have found a new song and it has kept us going: “Are you Ready for a Miracle?” - As ready as I can be!

We don’t know what to expect. We do know what we want. We know what we fear. We know He is with us even though otherwise this is truly a very isolated place to be. It is hard to talk to each other about all of this. Even harder to talk to others.

Please help us pray for some others children we have come to know and grown to love: Ashley, Meghan, Dustan, Michael, Elijah, Bayleigh, Taylor, Abigail, Franklin, Kally, and many more who we have met throughout our journey with cancer.

Friends have begun a prayer chain for Riley. It is simply to recite The Our Father at 9 pm nightly. Please join with us in prayer. We thank all who continue to pray for us and support us in various ways - you are those who help us concentrate on Him. Thanks! But most importantly we give thanks and praise to God who is all deserving. We will never be ale to thank Him enough for all He has done and continues to do for each of us, but let us try by starting today with a prayer of Thanks and Praise!

Thank You Father, Kirk and Kelly

Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane

2011-04-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Gloria from
The Little Red House with the White Porch
for the link to this post.

Original Post is Here.

Happy Easter everyone and let us remember the REAL meaning!

After Jesus and his disciples shared supper on the day we call "Maundy Thursday," Jesus went to the Mount of Olives in the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Peter, James and John accompanied him.

Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch while he prayed. Jesus knew that he would be arrested and that he would die, and he was getting a little nervous about it. Jesus prayed that if there was any way to avoid it, that God should let him avoid this terrible fate. Jesus said that he knew things would go the way God wanted them, and said "Your will be done."

When he went back to the disciples, he found them all sleeping. He scolded them for not staying awake, and then went again to pray about what was to come, and when he returned he found that the disciples had fallen asleep again!

Jesus was probably a little frustrated when he returned and saw his disciples sound asleep for the third time. Now it was too late, because Jesus saw his disciple Judas coming toward him. Judas was followed by priests and elders from the temple and a noisy crowd carrying swords and clubs.

Judas identified Jesus by kissing him, and Jesus was arrested. Peter, James and John, afraid that they might be arrested, too, ran away.

Jesus did not try to get away. He accepted the terrible job that God had given him. Jesus would be questioned, tortured, and crucified - but on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus' victory over death is what we celebrate at Easter. We who believe in Jesus can depend upon His sacrifice to assure that God will forgive us for our mistakes and, through His grace, grant us peace and eternal life in heaven.

Smiley Cookie giveaway over at Westward Bound Mom

2011-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Let's show some love to a new blogger.

Westard Bound Mom

She has a Smiley Cookie Giveaway going on right now.This giveaway will end 4/22/11. Actually, she has several giveaways going on... Check her out~ Show her how to Smile by going and visiting her site!

Praise You in this Storm Update on Riley

2011-04-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

Posted 31 minutes ago

Lyrics to a Casting Crowns song that has been meaningful for a couple years for us but even more now:

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

The past couple weeks have been a struggle for us. Riley got sick with 103 fever last Tuesday afternoon and was exhausted. A deep cough developed and she was sick the first time in years. I know that sounds odd, but even though Riley has been undergoing treatment all this time she barely was ever “sick.” When her fever went away, we sent her back to school Friday but school called that she was coughing and pale so we brought her home. She said she was okay but just called because her teacher was worried. The cough has remained through the weekend and although we have remained hopeful, she has developed pain when she coughs and actually wanted to stay home from school today.

All of this is such a quick change for her. She plays for short periods but spends much of her time resting on the couch watching TV or playing video games. She is sleeping more. Her cough continues.

We reviewed her CT scan and this tumor is located differently in her chest than her others. This tumor is toward the center of her chest and comes in contact with the main artery to the right lung and the large airway to the lung. It had grown “quickly” to show up as it did on scans and doesn’t have much room to grow without potential serious complications to occur.

The time is growing closer that we need His miracle. We need prayers for her healing and our strength. Our minds to clear enough to do what we have to do (and the help to know what that is). Prayers for the cough, pain, and lightheadedness to resolve. Prayers for Riley to remain calm and at peace. Prayers for the other kids (in our family and her friends) to not be scared and have the attention they need too.

We know good will come. We know what we think is best. We know He wants to heal those who believe, but only He knows and understands His plans. We continue to pray. We praise Him in this Storm because His plan will be best.

Giving Praise while seeking shelter in Him, Kirk and Kelly

Sports Gear Giveaway at Giveaways With Grace

2011-04-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Win $50 in Sport Gear & Equipment Here.

Hurry, this giveaway ends on 4/14/11.

The Arrogance of Authority

2011-04-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

A DEA officer stopped at a ranch in Texas , and talked with an old rancher.

He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs."

The rancher said, "Okay , but don't go in that field over there.....", as he pointed out the location.

The DEA officer verbally exploded saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me !"

Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.

"See this badge?! This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On anyland !!

No questions asked or answers given!! Have I made myself clear......do you understand ?!!"

The rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores.

A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams, looked up, and saw the DEA officer running for his life, being chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull......

With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it seemed likely that he'd sure enough get gored before he reached safety. The officer was clearly terrified.

The rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs.....

Your badge, show him your BADGE........ ! !"

A new giveaway is up on Penny Pinching Pixie...

2011-04-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

One winner will win

He Is We's new album My Forever!

Head over Here

A Low Entry Old Time Candy Giveaway

2011-03-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Giveaway over at Retro Housewife. It ends on 4/7/2011.

Check it out... Here!

I'm Sorry ~ Riley Update

2011-03-31T05:14:00.001-07:00

Posted 12 hours ago

Sadly, Riley’s scans showed a new tumor in her right lung. The tumor is 2 x 3 cm which is surprisingly large in such a short time. “I’m sorry” were the doctors words as he delivered the news. “I’m sorry” were the words we said to each other as the news sunk in. “I’m sorry” were the words as we broke the news to Riley when we got home.

So many questions and so much confusion in our hearts. Seems all my brain can tell my heart is “I’m sorry.”

For those who have supported us in prayers and belief, “I’m sorry.” For those who will struggle with what this means, “I’m sorry.”

For those who think this is a reason not to believe in God, “I’m sorry.”

Although we know medicine has nothing else to offer Riley, we know God is with her and us. Why is her journey continuing down this path and she not healed as we believed? We feel even more like the disciples who didn’t understand Jesus’ teachings before He died and were lost when he was taken away from them. Blessed Mary, who accepted her role without knowing what would be expected of her. Mary who ached as her son, our Savior, was torn from her arms. Will we ever have her strength? How will He show us His mighty power?

We don’t know what to expect anymore. We don’t know how we will be each day, but we thank those who will help us as we must continue on. Don’t be afraid to talk to us, drop us a line or give us a call. We aren’t ready to respond today, but this pain will ease. As a brother in Christ taught us, “I don’t know what to say, but I couldn’t let that keep me from letting you know I care.”

The same friend said it best tonight, “The one thing I know is God loves Riley more than I can understand.”

Knowing He loves us all,

Kirk & Kelly

Patience Update on Riley

2011-03-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

Posted 6 hours ago

It will be 5 years since Riley began her journey with cancer in May. We have been “active” on this journey much more than we had ever anticipated. As we faced 6 months of initial treatment, we looked forward to the five year mark in Nov 2011 when we could be “done with cancer” and consider Riley cured. Evan then we didn’t know how we would hold it together to have tests done so often! How could we be patient for 5 years-waiting? How little did we know what the 5 years would have in store for us.

We still can see the 5 year “finish line” ahead. We still see her cure as a reality.

Scans are Wednesday. We pray His grace and mercy are heaped upon us. The day is here and weighing heavy on our hearts. Riley is showing no signs of worry or concern. We try to follow her example.

We have been reflecting on the confusion and fear the disciples must have felt after Jesus death. They didn’t understand what he had told them nor how it would come to be. Some may have feared they misunderstood His teachings, signs, miracles as He died on Calvary. Likely they all feared for their own survival. I am sure sorrow filled the air. They must have had difficulty believing that His Kingdom would reign forever as His body laid in the tomb-yet some must have held on to a belief in His promise, not sure how it would come to unfold for the good He had told.

Our hearts too have been restless. Dreams disturbed by visions of illness. The devil whispering in our ears “Are you sure?”

Yet we remind ourselves that we are sure. It is written - He died for our sins and by His stripes we are healed. The words “It is written” were Christ’s tool to battle the devil’s temptation in the desert. We too must learn to fight him in the same way. Thankfully so much was written.

We hold on to so many passages to bring us peace the next couple of days until we hear the glorious results! It is written in John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me.” and

It is written in Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

So today we ask God for Riley’s cure and we believe in Him and His promises. Please pray with us for Riley to have clear scans on Wednesday. Also a special prayer request tonight for Kelly’s dad. He took a sudden turn of health the day of Riley’s last surgery and has been unable to care for himself since. Sadly, he fell yesterday and today he could not move his legs or control his bowel or bladder. MRI has shown fracture of his thoracic vertebra and hemorrhage along his spinal cord. He has to have surgery Wednesday in hopes to repair the damage and allow him a chance to recover. Please pray for his peace and comfort and for God’s protection over him.

Waiting patiently knowing the result will be good, Kirk and Kelly

And the winner is...

2011-03-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

First I would like to say THANK YOU to all that entered my giveaway!

Now for the winning number...

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 117

Result: 21

And the winning comment is:

March 18, 2011 1:36 PM

kellyr78 said... 21

I follow you on twitter(kellywcu)

kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

I am sending you an email now.

The first field trip I have been on since I was a kid...

2011-03-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun. This is CJ, my son.

This is just one of the cool sites~

Last day to enter...

2011-03-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to enter the Schwan's Dine in & Chill out giveaway.

Click here to enter.

Hurry it ends tonight at 11:59 pm.

Yummy Chicken Chili

2011-03-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is the spread we had at my Philadelphia Cooking Cream House Party!

The biggest hit was a new spin on the Chicken Chili.

So I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Besides, I was supposed to post the recipe a long time ago for my Friend

Penny Pinching Pixie.

This is all your really need. However, I did add a tub of the Philadelphia Original Cooking Cream to it.

That made it real creamy and some ate it on chips!

1 package McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix

1 cup Water

1 can Chicken

1 large can Great Northern Beans (do not drain)

Dump it all in the pot and heat it up.

Now, I did add a tub of the Original flavor Philadelphia Cooking Cream.

It made it Creamy.

~Dine In Chill Out~ With Schwan Food Company Review & Giveaway

2011-03-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well I will have to say I am SO impressed!

I got my box today from Schwan’s. I have been wondering how in the world they were going to ship food and keep it frozen. Even the ice cream. So I opened the box and everything was still frozen. The ice cream was so frozen it had to sit out for a while before I could dish some out.

Here is the ice chest.

This is what came in my ice chest.

The Baked Ziti was wonderful. It is 310 calories and 18 grams of protein.

I cooked it for 8 minutes in the microwave then took the cover off then cooked for 5 more minutes. (the only thing I would do different would be cut the time by 2 or 3 minutes)

Then I cooked ½ the bag of broccoli. Again in the microwave.

I cooked that for 8 minutes with just a tiny bit of water.

The Five Cheese Garlic French Bread…Oh my gosh!

I think that was my favorite. It had 12 grams of protein.

I cooked that in the oven for 14 minutes.

So in less than 30 minutes dinner was ready!

Here is some information on the Baked Ziti:

NEW! Fresco By Scotto® Baked Ziti

$10.81 24 oz. tray, serves 2

Hearty classic baked ziti, tossed with a 3-cheese combination of Ricotta, Parmesan and Mozzarella, smothered in flavorful rich tomato sauce. Bake it in the oven until golden brown and bubbling hot, and enjoy a dish, just like Grandma’s homemade!

I am truly amazed that you can buy these products on line and have them delivered to your door.

Check it out!

Schwan Food Company

~Dine In Chill Out~

GIVEAWAY TIME

Schwan Food Company is giving one lucky CJCMommy's Stuff reader
a Dine In Chill Out meal just like the one they sent me!!!

Mandatory entry:
Visit Schwan Food Company then come back and tell me in a comment what makes your mouth water.

Extra entries:

Remember to leave a comment for each entry.

(each entry gets a separate comment)
You must leave your email for me to be able to contact you if you win!

Follow me in Google friends…2 entries

Subscribe to my email…2 entries

Grab my button and tell me where to find it. 5 entries

Follow me on Twitter.. Leave me your Twitter ID. 2 entries

This Giveaway will close on March 26, 2011 at 11:59pm.

Disclaimer:

Schwan Food Company provided me with the products listed above.

Opinions are strictly my own...Ok my Mom's too. (I shared)
I was not compensated for this review/giveaway.

Down in the dumps~

2011-03-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is the way I feel today!

My heart feels like it is on the ground, out of my chest.

Kids can be so cruel. Many of you know that I am a single mom.

My now ex-husband abandoned my son and I in 2004.

My son was 5.

Yesterday in school one of the kids said to him

"At least I have a Father"

Do you have any idea how much Love and protection and therapy

I have had my son go through?

I just hurt inside and all I want to do is cry.

The most updated information on Riley

2011-03-15T05:08:00.001-07:00

The Truth

Posted 6 hours ago

Riley is feeling great and she seems to be recovered from surgery. She practiced tennis this weekend and reported that it no longer hurts to take a deep breath. We are so thankful for her healing. It overjoys us to watch her run and play with the other kids. We have always enjoyed spring, but this year I am extremely more grateful as spring approaches because there was a time last year when I thought we would see this spring without Riley-for that is what science and medicine told us.

Today my heart believes we will have Riley with us for many more springs. I am so thankful for how God has guided me to this belief and given us a chance for more springs. How He crafted my faith to grow to this extent amazes me. It truly required the willingness of many to follow God’s perfect plan to bring us where we are today. My knowledge of medicine has been an entrance point for the devil, but through God and with the help of others, I was encouraged to resist the science and embrace the faith. We have stepped from just “hoping” out onto the branch of “believing” with confidence in Him. We can’t find the Truth in earthly means. Not in medicine, in numbers, in security, in wealth, in possessions, in titles, in fame, or in power - It lies only in God.

The answer in God isn’t found just once. Daily efforts to focus on the truth and to avoid being led away from Him are required. We feel we see His truth more clearly now than 5 years ago, or even last year. I hope each day I can continue to see Him more clearly. I know it all depends on me, since He does not change.

We must all study, learn, and practice choosing God as our truth. This is what Lent is about for us this year - Strengthening ourselves in God and preparing ourselves to resist the temptation of sin and the devil. This is not an easy task because the devil is very cunning and tries to plant seeds of sin and doubt. We were reminded of this with the readings at mass this Sunday with the story of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7) and how Satan even tried to tempt Jesus after His forty days of fasting in the desert (Matthew 4: 1-5). During this forty days of Lent we must try to prepare ourselves as Christians so that we may resist the devil and accept God as our only Truth.

Please help pray with us for a friend(Ashley)who just underwent a stem cell transplant and now has RSV. Please pray that God will protect her from complications with this illness and bring her back to complete health. Also please pray for Meghan and her family as they struggle with advancing and progressive Wilm's disease.

Thank you for your support in helping us stand confidently in Him.

Believing in the Truth, Kirk and Kelly

~Penny Pinching Pixie Giveaway~

2011-03-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Do you like Yogurt?

If you answered yes then you need to go over to

Penny Pinching Pixie and enter her giveaway.

Check out this prize pack:

This great giveaway has been active since Friday and there are Zero comments!

This is a great prize!

~Go show her some Love~

Love for Penny Pinching Pixie

~Review and Giveaway coming soon... Keep your eyes open~

2011-03-11T10:43:00.000-08:00

Baked Ziti, Fresco by Scotto.

This delicious Scotto family recipe is a rich combination of three cheeses (Ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan) baked with ziti pasta and a flavorful tomato sauce that is ready in 30 minutes.

Five Cheese Garlic French Bread, MicrosSteam Baby Broccoli Florets and Chocolate Ice Cream.

Thought and laugh for today~

2011-03-11T05:24:00.000-08:00

Dear God,

My prayer for 2011 is for a fat bank account & a thin body.

Please don't mix these up like you did last year. AMEN!!!

Style 'n Decor Deals!: Cinnamon Burst Cheerios - Review and Giveaway!

2011-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

Style 'n Decor Deals!: *Cinnamon Burst Cheerios - Review and Giveaway!*:

Giveaway ends 3/14

~In Your Element Events~

2011-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

In Your Element Events is a full service event planning firm specializing in creating spectacular and affordable celebrations with a conscience. We help individuals and organizations nationwide bring their meetings, conferences, and special events to life while focusing on socially responsible, environmentally friendly, sustainable practices.

Whether you want to find a few meaningful ways to green your event or you want to commit to producing a zero waste celebration, In Your Element Events has the knowledge and experience to bring your vision to life.

~Check them out for all your events~

Just click on their button above to go to their website or click on

the facebook to go to their site on facebook.

Riley's Update

2011-02-28T11:49:00.001-08:00

Keep Moving

Posted 2 minutes ago

Keep Moving. That is how Riley tackles the world. Better even might be "Keep Living."

She came home Friday night from the hospital. She has recovered like a champ. We left for NY Sunday and she just received her next infusion of Ella's WBC's. She will be returning to NY next week and every 1-2 weeks.

Not sure how long we can have the treatments, but we pray the FDA approves further treatments.

To explain what we hope this treatment does is like putting out pre-emergent weed killer on your lawn. We have been treating Riley so new tumors wouldn't grow but it won't theoretically kill what already had grown. She had surgery to remove the big tumors so now we expect the cells to have easier time of keeping new tumors away.

We are so thankful to God for his continued protection and awed at His plans. We look forward to spring, sunshine and spring sports. Riley has given up soccer this year, but has plans to start tennis lessons in March! She said she will be fine to play by then!

Thank God for Riley's Army beginning to move forward again. Thanks to the Board and Karen for keeping it going. We hope you will hear lots more about the good work in the months to come. Pray for Kimber as she takes on the task of helping us get back on track to help other families in need.

Praying, believing and expecting complete healing and continued growth with God as our Guide,

Kirk & Kelly

Free Pancakes for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

2011-02-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

Call your local IHOP to see if they are participating!

~Questions for today~

2011-02-25T05:09:00.000-08:00

Only in America .......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only in America .....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only in America .....do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EVER WONDER .....

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Wool blankets and clothes shrink when you wash them, Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe,why do they call the airport the terminal?

Family Approve: Help dry wintery skin with Udderly Smooth

2011-02-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Family Approve: Help dry wintery skin with Udderly Smooth {Review ...and giveaway!

Go to Family Approve and enter.

After Riley's surgery...

2011-02-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

Peace!

Posted 15 hours ago

What an odd sensation. Sitting here watching Riley sleep. Peaceful sleep - not because of pain medicine, but just because she is at rest. Our hearts are peaceful too. Only a peace that God’s love and mercy could give us today.

Riley got ready for surgery by staying up late so she could eat until midnight plus she figured she could sleep all day today. She finally went to bed at about 1 am and we were at the hospital at 5:30 this morning. Just before being put to sleep Riley’s eyes perked up and she said, “Mom, mom I remember - His word is healing and health to my whole body.“ That is exactly what I told her last month as she was being put to sleep with anesthesia. She remembered and it is true. Proverbs 4:22

Surgery went well and her pain is controlled. She looks even better today than she did last month! We are so very thankful.

Today we write about Riley’s cancer being gone and as Riley spoke back in August - We are showing His mighty power! I have prayed many times that His mighty power would be shown so clearly that even the nonbeliever would have no room to doubt, but I have come to know over the past few months that it is not all about God’s mighty power. We can know His power and still not believe in Him or His promises to us as believers. It is by knowing His power, along with His mercy, and desire to care for us, that we can fully come to Believe.

John 16:24 Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.

The above scripture was in our devotional today. We are so joyful and so hopeful. Joy in Him and because of Him. No other reason could explain this day. This journey.

At Peace in Him, Kirk and Kelly

~HELP~

2011-02-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

~Please keep Riley in your Prayers today~

2011-02-22T05:12:00.001-08:00

2-22 : Be Thankful

Posted 6 hours ago

Dr Lord,

As you ask, we come to you today again in thanksgiving. We thank you for this day, for our situation, and for where we are - as it is exactly where you designed us to be. We thank you for the gift of Riley and for her willingness to serve as a vessel for you. We thank you for the medical staff who has helped to care for Riley over the past 5 years and we ask that you continue to guide their work especially today as she goes into surgery. Guide the hands, minds, and hearts of your medical team that they may care for Riley as only you can. Keep her safe and comfortable and speak your word of healing to her while she is asleep.

More importantly we remember to come to you in thanksgiving for your most precious gift of Baby Jesus. We are thankful for the promises you have granted to us through Him and through His crucifixion. We come to you today asking and knowing that you will stay true to your promises - as you always have and always will. It is through Jesus’ stripes and crucifixion that we are healed of all our sins, iniquities, and infirmities. Only say the Word and we all shall be healed.

God please open our hearts and minds to the grace of your mercy and your willingness and desire to heal us all. Help us not to doubt you, but instead guide us in our thoughts, actions, and words so that we may speak the truth which always lies in you and never in earthly knowledge.

In your hands we place Riley today and forever, as we know that is the true safe place to be.

In your name we pray and we believe! Amen

Update on Riley

2011-02-21T05:11:00.001-08:00

Plans

Posted 1 day ago

Since our trip skiing Riley and I have returned to NY for another infusion of immunotherapy cells. The trip to NY has actually become quite routine for us. We wake up early and leave at 3 am to be to Raleigh for a 6 am flight to NY. We arrive a little after 7 am with enough time to make it to the hospital by 8:30. Riley has an IV placed and labs drawn and then by late morning she receives the infusion of cells. Next is 6 hrs of monitoring which I try to sleep through and Riley watches TV or reads. We have been blessed to be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house with each stay-so that is were we head after monitoring to relax and sleep for the night. We awake early in the morning to head back to clinic for a quick exam and then we are off to the airport to leave again. We have tried to leave on an early flight but for 2 trips we have been delayed, delayed and rerouted, but regardless we still make it home by evening the next day. The kids do well since we are only gone from them for 1 evening. Kirk on the other hand says the routine is not so smooth for him, as he typically leaves work earlier then usual to accommodate the evening needs while we are gone and he goes to sleep with kids to make things “easier” thus falling behind on work weekly. Thankfully mercy has been shown to us and we both still have jobs.

This past week plans have been arranged to move forward with what we hope is Riley’s last surgery. On Tuesday 2-22-11 Riley will have the tumor in her left upper lung removed along with the left upper lobe of her lung. Some may wonder why we have to remove the whole lobe for what is relatively a small tumor. The reason the whole lobe needs to be removed is because the tumor sits so far into the lung which makes a wedge resection impossible. We hate to remove a whole lobe of her lung, however we feel it is what is necessary to finally get Riley to be cancer free. We pray and believe that Riley will be without cancer after surgery on Tuesday and so we are eager to proceed. After surgery we will head back to NY for another infusion of immunotherapy cells in hopes of cleaning up any small disease that may linger after surgery. The FDA has approved 4 doses of cells to be used over 5 weeks after surgery. We will discuss with our Drs in NY about continuing maintenance therapy with cells after her 4 dose cycle, however if that is to be done it will require another FDA approval.

Please continue to pray and believe with us in Riley’s healing here on earth. We continue to give thanks to God for all our blessings, for the gift of today, and for how He has brought us to where we are right now. We are exactly where He designed us to be.

Thankful and Believing, Kirk and Kelly

My Harris Teeter trip

2011-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Total spent: $12.32

~Here is the winner ~

2011-02-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulations!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 53

Result: 27

Who said...

February 8, 2011 1:08 PM

katychick said... 27

i follow you gfc 1

tcogbill at live dot com

CSN Giveaway

2011-02-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

~Oh my goodness~

It is almost time for swingsets. Man am I ready!

Did you know that you can even get swingsets at CSN?

You can find anything you would want at CSN.

They have over 200 different websites, that you can shop at!

Plus if you find it cheaper somewhere else, they can match that price~

There is a "seen it for less" line right beside the price...

If you have seen it for a better price they will match it!

CSN Stores has offered to give one CJCMOMMY's Stuff reader a

$35.00 promo code. That means that you can get something you want!

If you go over $35. Just add money to it!

They have all sorts of payment options...

American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa

Google Checkout

PayPal

eBillme – Shop and pay cash with online banking

Personal Checks, Cashier's Checks, and Money Orders

They are backed by the Better Business Bureau.

Ok... On with the giveaway!

Mandatory entry:

Visit CSN Stores come back and tell me in a comment what you would buy.

Extra entries:

Remember to leave a comment for each entry.

(each entry gets a separate comment)

Follow me in Google friends…2 entries

Subscribe to my email…2 entries

Grab my button and tell me where to find it. 5 entries

Follow me on Twitter.. Leave me your Twitter ID. 2 entries

REMEMBER to leave your EMAIL address with each entry.

~I must know how to contact you if you win~

This giveaway will end February 11th at Midnight EST.

A winner will be picked using Random.org.

I will email the winner and post it on this site.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond.

If no response, I will pick another winner.

I was not compensated in any way from CSN Stores. All opinions are my own.

REJOICE!!!

2011-02-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

Posted Feb 4, 2011 9:59pm

Join us in rejoicing. Scans today showed no new tumors and the remaining tumor in her left lung has grown just a little. Our hope now would be to proceed with surgery to remove a lobe of her left lung which contains the tumor.

Kelly had a special time in NY since they had mass at the Ronald McDonald House Thursday night. They anointed the sick, but it was also the special feast day of St. Blaise. (St. Blaise was a bishop in the 3rd century. He was a physician in Armenia. He was arrested as a Christian and while being led to jail a mother set her son who was choking to death on a fish bone at St. Blaise’s feet and the child was cured immediately. Despite this miracle, St. Blaise was put to tortured and put to death since he would not renounce his beliefs.)

St. Blaise is also special to Kelly. Kelly was born 2 ½ months premature and was released home in late January. Although recently home, Kelly’s mother wanted her to have the special blessing and was taken to church for the very first time on the feast day of St. Blaise (many years ago! Ha ha ha)

After some delays and detours getting them home, we made it safely to the hospital and the doctors waited for us so we could have the results tonight!

Riley has been back to 100% for the past couple weeks. After scans she wanted to go eat and didn’t want to wait for results. She wanted to know why they couldn’t just call. After we got the results, as the rest of us were excited and smiling, she said “Can we go eat now?” At dinner she asked Kelly why we cry with bad results and get so excited for good. Riley told Kelly she just needed to learn to control herself. Ashlyn chimed in and told Kelly she needed to stop just thinking about herself (a concept we work on with Ashlyn quite a bit as you can tell!)

We are so excited and so hopeful. I searched for something in the bible that would be able to express it well. I found Psalm 16. The whole psalm is great, but especially verses 8-11.

PSALM 16

1 Keep me safe, my God,

for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;

apart from you I have no good thing.”

3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,

“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.

I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods

or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;

you make my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Thanks for praying and believing with us! We are blessed, thankful, and giving praise to God for all!

Keeping our eyes always on the Lord, Kirk and Kelly

Anticipation

2011-02-03T05:06:00.000-08:00

Posted 9 hours ago

Weeks have passed quickly. Since we last updated Riley has been to NY twice for an infusion and leaves again tomorrow for another. She is completely recovered from surgery and she feels absolutely wonderful which helps us remain peaceful. We are remaining hopeful, but we have found the last several weeks to be exhausting. Our brains and bodies feel like mush.

Riley will have scans Friday afternoon when she returns from NY. Please join us in praying for the miracle. Please believe with us! It feels like our journey with cancer is coming close to its end and Friday’s scans will suggest our ending. Praying and believing it will be the result we all desire.

A friend’s sign says it best. “Dear Lord, I can’t, You can, Please do. Thank You”

Rejoice today for the good news to come,

Kirk & Kelly

~Riley~

2011-01-18T05:13:00.001-08:00

Home!

Posted 1 day ago

Riley is feeling well. She was discharged today and has been resting well. Her pain has been minimal and almost gone since yesterday.

Tomorrow we will leave for New York for her next infusion this week.

We are thankful for His protection. Hopeful for His plan and healing.

Resting today and moving on tomorrow,

Kirk & Kelly

P.S. Thank you for all the ideas and offers to help about a skiing trip. We will be looking over things and try to get in touch with everyone who has called/emailed.

~The Fabulous Finds~

2011-01-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Fabulous Finds is giving away ( 1) $1,000 gift Basket worth of Product to a lucky follower...

~Check it out~

Resting in His Hands Update on Riley

2011-01-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Posted 58 minutes ago

Riley is resting well after surgery. Surgery went well. The tumors were removed and there was no sign of it spreading to her chest wall.

She is now in the ICU until her chest tube can be removed. Hopefully just a few days until she can be released and we will go to NY. She is in room 203 and might be up for visitors tomorrow. Please call before you come and make sure you have been feeling well.

Rejoice in His plans and grace. His healing.

Kirk & Kelly

Newest update...

2011-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

Staying in the Boat

Posted 11 hours ago

We just finished talking with surgery again tonight. Surgery is planned for Thursday, Jan 13th.

Friday’s scans disappointedly showed that Riley’s tumors have grown quickly and significantly, but no new spots have appeared, which is encouraging considering Riley‘s past history of aggressive and spreading disease without treatment. So without new disease we are hopeful the experimental therapy has helped.

We have had difficult discussions with our doctors, those in NY, each other, and Riley.

Medically we are walking down unknown territory. Unproven and unpredictable. Honestly, if we were giving medical advice to our patients, we may not be able to see the potential for benefit. But we don’t see any other option and we don’t see Riley has anything to lose. Plus we have stepped into the boat of immunotherapy and we don’t feel like we can jump out of the boat just because it is not looking exactly as we had hoped. We are praying land is just beyond the horizon. Of course, with surgery we have risk for complications, but every time Riley had chemo in the past she had risk, transplant was very risky, and if we do nothing it will be only a matter of time before she has the ultimate complication from her disease.

How did we get here? A friend forwarded a devotional to us this week which helped. It described a line of faith and the difficulty of stepping over the line to reach your goal. Only faith has carried us this far, so we keep stepping and we keep believing in Him and in His healing power and healing Will.

Our current prayer needs are for strength and wisdom, peace and healing. We pray the FDA will approve more treatments (we should hear their answer by Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning - if further treatments are not approved, surgery would provide no long term benefit). Our prayers for surgery include the safe removal of the tumors in the right lung without evidence of spread of tumor to the chest wall, avoidance of infection, control of pain, and quick recovery. Speedy recovery so we can travel to NY for another infusion of immunotherapy cells. No new spots to develop and for the spot on the left side to grow slowly, stay stable or shrink until it can be removed in a month after her recovery from this surgery.

We love the support we have been given. Faithful believers who support us as we step “over the faith line.” We hear of the miracles granted to those in the Bible, but we don’t know how Abraham felt while waiting for His promises to be shown. At an old age without children, he must have thought himself a little crazy. He must have wondered how his descendents would be more numerous then the stars in the sky. So too, do we believe and yet we can only wonder how it will come to pass.

Riley is feeling good. She says “okay” to surgery now and again in a month if needed. She won’t admit any concern and doesn’t act as if she has any. She is at peace, so we also will rest, trusting in His plan.

Staying in the boat trusting He will keep us safe and believing land is just beyond the horizon,

Kirk & Kelly

P.S. We don’t usually ask for such help, but Riley wants to go snow skiing for her first time. We would love to have the chance and think we could “squeeze” it in in about 3 weeks. If anyone has any advice for a good place to go with 4 kids that have never skied (or a place to stay available the week of Feb 6th) please contact us.

CJCMOMMY's Stuff

Chobani Champions Giveaway!

Vanilla Chocolate Chunk

Now 8 protein is really good and only 110 calories and 13 carbs!

And now for the Orange Vanilla

~Now on for the giveaway~

The wonderful people from Chobani Champions is going to give 2 yes, 2 lucky CJCMommy's readers a case of their new flavors!

Mandatory entry:

Visit Chobani Champions HERE and tell me what flavor you would really like to try.

(make sure you leave your email address for me to contact you if you win)

Extra entry:

Visit Chobani Champions Facebook page HERE and like them. Come back and leave me a comment that you did!

While you are there enter their

Chobani Champions Champions Giveaways

Each week, they are giving away 20 cases of their 2 new flavors: Orange Vanilla and Vanilla Chocolate Chunk.

This giveaway will end on February 11, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Please leave an email address with your comment so I can contact you if you are one of the lucky winners!

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. I did however receive a case of the new flavors listed above.

Good luck!

Chobani Champions Review & Giveaway coming soon

FINDING NEMO 3D - Official Trailer Now Available!!

AnnRidgeCreations Etsy Shop

AnnRidgeCreations

There are several giveaways over at The Suburban Jungle

Giveaway at Momma's Reviews!

Giveaway: Bonus Box Tops for Education at Sam's Club. Win a $25 Sam's Giftcard #myblogspark #bglu Over at Momma's Reviews!

Don't blink

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Merry CHRISTmas to everyone!

Jenn Blogs Stuff is having a giveaway too

3 givaways going on over at Penny Pinching Pixie

$25 Kroger Gift Card givaway

Update on the Philpot family

~We have a winner~

~ Tiny Prints Holiday Review ~

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

~General Mills~Star Wars~Walmart Gift Card Giveaway~

~3 Count them 3 Great giveaways over at Penny Pinching Pixie~

~Show Some Love~

Time Heals?

Ice.com Giveaway over at Penny Pinching Pixie!

~ I Won ~ I Won ~ I Won~

~Penny Pinching Pixie $25 Sam's Club Giveaway~

Please help support Emmanuel Christian School

~How hot is it?~

The Y Generation... Sorry, Could not pass this one up!

~Update from the Philpot family~

~5 Tips from the Betty 10: Red Hot Summer Trends~

And the winner is...

~Don't forget~

New blogger giveaway

$25 Walmart Gift Card giveaway ~~~CLOSED~~~

~Happy 4th of July Firends~

Disappointed with Best Buy

What's a normal resting heart rate?

What is on the other side?

Penny Pinching Pixie Giveaway going on

Happy Father's Day Everyone!

From the Philpot Family via CarePages.com

~To all my dog lovers out there~

Just a reminder of very dangerous spiders

Great Giveaway at Fabulous Daily Finds

Riley

~Happy Memorial Day~

Into His Arms From the Carepages site

Ok... so it wasn't the last update...

Reaching to Heaven Last Update on Riley Philpot

A Fun Giveaway over at MissTightwad

I am real confused

Simple but true..

Happy Mother's day

~In Honor of The National Day Of Prayer~

Mercy ~Latest update on Riley~

New blog I came across...Please show her some love~

Don't forget Baskin Robbins tomorrow

Thank You Father April 26, 2011 Update on Riley

Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane

Smiley Cookie giveaway over at Westward Bound Mom

Praise You in this Storm Update on Riley

Sports Gear Giveaway at Giveaways With Grace

$25 Walmart Gift Card giveaway ~CLOSED~

Style 'n Decor Deals!: Cinnamon Burst Cheerios - Review and Giveaway!