ConleysRAprayingfamily

It's Been Awhile...

2011-12-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Our family is as busy as ever. I'm working a total of 3 1/2 jobs and keep on going. Mark is in another position within Sam's Club and his hours are rotating. Jordan has been doing paperwork to get his college info started. He is excited to be going to Chattanooga State Technical for Hortaculture certificate. He will be graduating from Heritage High School in May of 2012. OH DEAR!!!! Can not believe that day is just around the corner. Jordan has his first job at Ingles in Ringgold. He loves it!

Bre is a sophomore at Heritage High School. She lettered in Track in the 2010-2011 school year. She made the 2011-2012 High School Volleyball team. She had an amazing time with that. Now, her focus is back on academics. She is taking ASL (American Sigh Language) and trying to teach her mother. Bre is also driving. She has her permit and does really well.

I apologize that it has been almost 2 years since I have posted anything on the blog. It's funny how life moves along and you are left wondering where the time went. This is our latest family photo. For those that haven't known...photography is my 1 1/2 job and hobby.

Merry Christmas to All!

Until the next post....

Forever in His grip,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

The Latest

2010-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

We went to Atlanta for Jordan's basketball game. We had 2 teams. Team A brought home bronze. Team B (which was Jordan's team) didn't place. However, they did amazing and he enjoyed every bit of it. Jordan is #42 in the picture above in case someone can't figure that out (lol!!). You will have to copy and paste the following addresses into your bar in order to go to them, but I have posted pictures here:

http://rintinzpassion4photos.shutterfly.com/soga2010winterolympics

and here

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032611&id=1085448261&l=787eba38b2

I had forgotten to mention on the last post about Bre's upcoming debut. She auditioned for our middle school musical........"Seussical the Musical". She made it and is going to be a jungle citizen/circus animal. I will let everyone know when the dates are. It will be some time in the spring.

Until next time.........

Lots of love,
Renee

Happy New Year to ALL!

2009-12-31T16:13:00.000-08:00

Bre had her first ultrasound on the 21st and it went well. She returns this coming Tuesday for her monthly blood work. She is doing very well and hasn't had too many painful days. She is such a strong young lady. She most certainly keeps us on our toes.

Jordan is part of the unified basketball team for school. That means he plays with the Special Olympics children along with "partners" (or non-special needs children) on one team. We go January 14-17th for the games in Atlanta. He is very excited as basketball has been his favorite thing to do since way before our wreck. Of course, you know that I will be taking plenty of pictures!

Mark and I are putting more and more faith in God to get us through each and everyday. God never fails us and there is always something that comes along to show us how much we can not go without Him. We are very thankful for all we have. Mark is reaching for dreams of opening a sugar-free bakery shop along with my dreams of doing jewelry and photography (I know, what a combo). However, we are not getting any younger and believe it or not.............Jordan will be graduating high school in less than 3 years! Therefore, we are trying to do something that is going to benefit him and Bre as well. So, for now, this is what is going on in the Conley household.

Another year has come and gone before we have realized it. This has definitely been an eventful year for our family. We wanted to pass on wishes and blessings for the upcoming to year to all of those in our lives. We love each and everyone of you.

Until next time............

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

The Final Result

2009-11-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

We want everyone to know that the prayers, thoughts, concerns, and actions over the past few weeks have been more than appreciated. I am taking the next several days to gather myself and deal with some other issues. Our verdict for this 2 week course was against our favor. The jury did side with Ford.
However, I would like to say that GOD has it all under control and this is no surprise to Him. The people that represented us could have NOT been any better, compassionate, or more wonderful. They were definitely picked by God to put all this together. Although, it is disappointing, we are accepting of the outcome because we know God handles all things we go through no matter what it is.

This chapter has closed as far as court wise, but we still have some technical stuff to wrap up and sort through. We are anxious to get back to a routine in our life that is some what normal (whatever that might be). I just wanted to post an overall result for everyone to read because I know many are wondering. I don't want to post details so, please, if you want to ask anything you can email us. We don't mind answering any questions.

Until next time.............

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

A Bit of an Update! :)

2009-11-14T06:28:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS:: Bre went to her Oncologist appointment last Monday the 9th. This was her first official non-surgery appt. He did her blood work and her "tumor markers" which are the blood levels they look at are DOWN! WOOHOO! Now, it is time to get her first Ultrasound scheduled. However, with all that I am doing through next week or so, I am not sure when that will be!

We wanted to say thank you to all those you are keeping our family in their thoughts and prayers at the present time. It isn't over, but we are half way there.
Matthew 10:19-20 says:
When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking-it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 10:26 says:
"But don't be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all."

Thank you, Lord for helping us through this past week. Philippians 1:6 says: And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.----- GOD said I am going to make it!

Continue to pray for my family, please. Once I am able to include particulars I will.

Until next time.............

Lots of love,
Mark & Renee

Bre's appt 10-28-09

2009-10-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Bre had her follow-up appt with her surgeon today. He released her and said that she can do regular activities as her body allows. He doesn't want to see her back, therefore, we are under the supervision of her oncologist. He did say the pain that she has been having the past few days is scar tissue that is building up, but not to be worried. The more she heals the more it will help. After all, she was cut open through her abdomen and belly button.

So, she goes back for next month's blood work on November 9th. Just wanted to let everyone know the latest.

Love to all,
Renee

Results of Oncologist Appointment

2009-10-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

It is 6:30 and we have been home about 30 minutes. It took forever, but well worth the wait with the doctor. Bre doesn't have to have chemo!!! However, she has (here we go with the really long words that I am going to shorten) Stage IC Borderline Mucinous Tumor of Ovary with Atypia. That means....borderline tumor. We are not benign NOR are we malignant.

This is something that they see in middle aged women NOT in teens. He said that her case is so rare that it only around the 20th case they have ever seen. Doctors in Ohio and some other state also looked at her pathology reports. When we arrived for the appointment he said he literally just got the plan together about 2-3 hours before he seen us. (I told everyone she is an oddity) :)

So, what do we do now, you ask? He is keeping very close tabs on her. She will go EVERY month for blood work and EVERY three months for an Ultrasound. We are VERY thankful for these results and know that it could have went way worse. He also said this is why we have to keep a close eye on her because it could change at any moment. They monitor "tumor markers" with the blood taken.

She is in VERY good spirits and thrilled she doesn't have to get a wig. hahaha!
I think I covered it all (scratching my head). Please email or comment if you have any questions.

ALSO, please, continue to keep her and our family in your thoughts and prayers as to this is NOT the only issues we face in our near future.

First off...WE THANK GOD
Second...WE LOVE EACH AND EVERY PERSON WHO HAS HELPED CARRY US THROUGH THIS FAR!

With great appreciation and love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

JAMES 1:2-4

Update on Bre

2009-10-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. There isn't any news, yet. We have an appointment with the Oncologist on October 12th. However, he said if he hears anything next week he would call. She is doing ok, but she woke up hurting this morning. She is doing great though. We take one day at a time.

On another note, Jordan turned 16 on Thursday the 1st. I am starting to feel old. hahahaha! I took pictures. We splurged and let him pick where he wanted to go to eat. We went to Texas Roadhouse. I have pictures and will post them.

Please continue to keep Bre in your prayers, as we haven't heard any news.

Until next time..........

Lots of love,
Mark & Renee

Update on Bre

2009-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hello All! First and foremost..........WE ARE HOME! That doesn't mean we are totally in the clear, but it is better than waiting at the hospital. They decided since she is eating and drinking on her own that she could come home and wait for the results instead of waiting in the hospital. Good news: we are home--- Not so good news: it may be another week or so before they get the final pathology report.

They took out the central line because if chemo is needed she will have to have a porta-cath instead for treatment. We follow-up with the Oncologist (Dr. Gratias) on the 12th of October. We follow up with the surgeon (Dr. Kootnz) in about 10 days or so.

She is feeling well right now. The hardest thing is getting her to DRINK! Little turkey doesn't like to eat or drink on a regular basis, let alone now. So, she is to stay out of school the rest of the week. The really good part is next week is our Fall Break and that gives us a few days more to heal.

If anyone wants to know anything that I haven't posted here, then email or send me a message on Facebook. I am trying to take a break from texting!

Lots of love and PRAISE the LORD for what He has done.

Love,
Mark & Renee

Please PRAY!

2009-09-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

As most everyone knows, Bre is in TC Thompson's Hospital. She was admitted Wednesday night after all day in the ER. They found that she had a tumor (the size of a softball). The doctors couldn't determine details until they did surgery. However, they didn't think they would be able to do surgery because her blood was NOT clotting. She received 2 units of plasma Wed. night. That helped her levels and they proceeded with surgery yesterday at 1:00.

Once in surgery, Dr. Kootnz (AMAZING DOCTOR by the way)found the size of the tumor was huge and had burst. He said, "It looked like a bomb had gone off". So she does have a quite large incision (vertically) in order to do what he needed to do. They biopsied tissue and some other things. He said at first glance (can't be sure until results come back) it didn't look malignant. However, the small chance is there and chemo is NOT out yet as an option. So, she is comfortable this morning with no pain and sleeping. I do not have access to a computer there, but, I will do my best to update by phone or text.

Bre was in great "Bre Mode" last night. She told me "No, dip, Sherlock!" after an obvious statement I had made. So, she is in good spirits for the most part.

PLEASE, continue to pray. We are not out of the woods yet. We will not know what treatment is to be done until all the results are in sometime next week. We know GOD is in control. For whatever reason, He will carry us through to His glory.

Until next time.........

Lots of love,
Forever in His grip,
Mark & Renee

Hello to All:

2009-09-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I have posted. Busy, busy, busy around the Conley household. Since I last posted, we have started back to school (work for me). Bre is very active in band and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) this year. She is in great classes also this year. Jordan is doing great in school. His grades are all A's at the moment (haha). Classes are a little more adapted for him this year and hopefully, that will help with him being overwhelmed with school work.

As for Mark and I, he is the GREATEST husband in the world. I have started another job at the doctor's office I worked at when we had our wreck. I work there from 4 or 4:30 until 6 or 7 everyday after I leave school. Mark is awesome at having the house stuff done even with him working all day. He also babysits Maks on his days off during the week. HE LOVES THAT!!!! Uncle Mark has him more spoiled than Tanta Na (that is the name I have picked--it's German and Na for Renee).

I am also doing FCA, photos for our yearbook, and going to help coach volleyball this year. WOOHOO!
Yes, it is busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. God has given me these opportunities and I plan to do what I can. I am still very involved with my photos, however, I haven't been able to upload very many lately (I will try to correct that).

So, I just wanted to update everyone on the things of life for the Conley's and post a little hello.

Until next time..............

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

Just a Wish

2009-07-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone! Prayers and wishes that this day is happy and safe for all!

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, Bre, & Bella

Our nephew Maks playing with Bella

2009-06-23T18:06:00.001-07:00

It is very short, but really cute. Maks has found a new play thing.
However, the play thing hasn't come to complete peace about this. :)
Enjoy!!

It's Summer Time!

2009-06-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that school (which is also my work) is out for summer already. Where does the time go? Jordan will be going into the 10th grade and Bre will be in the 8th grade. OH MY WORD!!!!! Tomorrow is Mark's birthday and he turns 39 (and will be holding on.........) I would have never guessed that God would bless my life the way that He has. Even with all the trials, tests, chastising, and planning we have grown to a point to where Mark and I look back at what we were before God took a hold on our lives and say, "Thank You, JESUS!"

By the way, for those who have NOT read it on our Facebook page: We are officially members at Parkway Baptist Temple in Fort Oglethorpe. We know this is where God was pulling us to go.

Mark gets tickled every time that Maks' name is mentioned and glows when he comes to visit. It is a blessing for Mark and I to be able to spend time with Eric & Christi & Maks. They hold a special place in our hearts because we have been there too. Jordan is gone tonight to spend the night with Jesse and Bre got to mow the yard (YES, she enjoys that!) I am loading photos and blogging.

I ask everyone that reads this that you would say a prayer for our family. I have withdrawn from classes (officially)and am very stressed about the loans. I am trying to see if getting a job will benefit us or hinder. We love you all!

Until next time......

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

Hello All......

2009-05-16T07:51:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know I haven't written in quite some time. I apologize for that. I have had a downhill slope of swirling out of control with all the things I need to do. I let several things just lay on the back burner. Then, I offered advice for one of my dearest cousins (hey Brandy--which is having a baby if you haven't heard) the area to blog and see how amazing she has done so. I felt behind and out journaled. LOL!

Anyway, I started back to school 9 weeks ago and it is much harder and much more time consuming this go round. I need a lot of prayer from everyone I can get. I feel like I am leaving my family hanging to do my stuff. Also, we have been visiting a great church (Parkway Baptist Temple) in Fort Oglethorpe. God really has blessed them with some amazing people and ministries. We are wanting so bad to have a church home that we can be used by God. I am counting down the days until summer break. I have been in the woods this week with 6th graders and been to the 8th grade dance last night. Busy, busy, busy.

Mark is working really hard. He has been asked again to go and set up or clean up an area in another store. He just did that a few weeks ago in Alabama. The managers had nothing but praises to say about his work. So, this is a good thing. He can be that much closer to getting into the manager in training program. WOOHOO!

Jordan is swimming again. He really likes it now. One of his really good friends is a state swimmer and senior at Heritage which signed to swim on a full scholarship at UGA in the fall. So, that gave him something to look up to. Jordan is going to the state Special Olympic Swim Meet May 28-31 to swim at Emory. He is really excited! Say a prayer for him. By the way, big news for him.........about a month ago or so, he started riding a 2 wheel bike again. It was the first time he has been able to since our wreck. He was thrilled and so were we. However, we are having safety issues that we are working through with him.

Bre is still playing in the band. She will be going to summer band next month. She still loves it and is doing really well. She had a great time on the trip to Universal. The band also did their elementary tour a couple of weeks ago and did really well. She will be in the 8th grade next year!!! I still can't quite believe that.

Thanks to all who pray for us and keep us in their thoughts. Mark and I are trying really hard to become the parents we know we should be.

Until next time......

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

Update on Bre's trip

2009-04-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

She had an awesome time! I apologize for just now getting more info on here.
It's not the greatest picture, but you can see what is important.

HMS Bands DOMINATE Universal!!

SUPERIOR performance at the All-Star Music Festival in Orlando, Florida, this weekend. The Symphonic Band earned all SUPERIOR ratings, won BEST IN CLASS, and also took home the

OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION

award for all groups participating that weekend. This means they also beat all High School bands in the competition.

Our JAZZ BAND also won BEST IN CLASS, and BEST IN CATEGORY as the overall best jazz group. Several students also won individual SOLO awards for their JAZZ IMPROVISATION. Congratulations to both groups and to all individuals involved. It was a GREAT weekend to be a GENERAL!

I am posting a picture slide of her photos (and her best friends, because Bre's battery charger went on the fritz on her first day) later today. Be sure to check them out. She wants everyone (especially ALL who helped her get there) to see them.

P.S. Bre has a boyfriend.....

Until next time......

Lots of love,
The Conley's

Updates.................

2009-03-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

BRE IS ON HER BAND TRIP!!! She called my about 9:00 and they were in the room getting settled. She was so excited! We just wanted to let everyone know that she is there and to say thank you very much to everyone that helped get her there. I told her to call with updates and I would post them so people could read them as the days go by. She will be home Sunday morning.

Jordan has been working really hard in his Language Arts class (which is not resource, yet). He had to do his presentation on his book report "The Outsiders" and the teacher emailed me today at work to tell me that he got a 100 on it. Jordan is thrilled! He is doing swimming on Saturdays. He has a meet May 2nd @ 5:30 at the YMCA at Hamilton Place. He has been doing really well.

Mark and I are trying to keep it all together. lol We are both working and come home to do things here, go to bed, get up and start all over again. Not complaining, just busy with life. I am in classes again. I have Old Testament History this 8 weeks and then I will have New Testament History next 8 weeks. WOOHOO! Moving right along. :)

Until next time.............

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee,
Jordan & Bre

Update on band

2009-03-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

HMS band went to their festival yesterday in Dallas, GA (I believe that is the city).
Anyway, it was an all day trip. HMS had ones (1s)all the way across the board. For the non-band people in the family..... this is the best position and placement. So, congrats to all the band members for their placement.

WOW, it's been awhile!

2009-03-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! I know it has been awhile since I have updated. It has been very busy. Jordan has confirmed his relationship with Christ and was able to share his testimony last Wednesday at church (PRAISE THE LORD). He was manager of the swim team, Bre is the manager of our volleyball team (which I help coach and do the book), Bre also is still doing band, Mark is working and I am starting classes again on Monday. WOOHOO!

So, I just wanted to post a quick post before we are off again. Happy Birthday to me. I think I would just like to take a long nap and down time. ;)

Love to all,
Renee

2009-02-14T22:12:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

WOOHOO!!!

2009-01-14T13:16:00.001-08:00

You can click on it to view the larger size.

OH YAY!!!!! This made my day all better when I got home today. The other news is I AM GOING BACK TO SCHOOL! I start classes on March 9, 2009 (Happy Birthday to me). My loans came in over the weekend and can't afford them. So, I had them deferred and am going back to school to get my BS Elementary Education/Special Education. Yes, not only is it the BS, but it is a dual major. WOOHOO!

Jordan went on his first youth trip this past weekend. They went to Gatlinburg. He had a great time. Although, to be a son of a photographer he only took 4 pictures and they were all of the inside of the cabin they stayed in. LOL

Mark is working hard and enjoying his job. He is the greatest husband in the world! He is in full support of me going back to school and very proud he says.

Bre is still loving band. Her trip is coming up in March and she can't wait! She is the manager of the volleyball team now as well. So, she is keeping busy and enjoying school overall.

Bella is growing. You guys have to go check out my smugmug pictures (www.rintinzpassion.smugmug.com) page and look at our Christmas pictures. She had a Santa jacket on..... LOL!

Until next time............

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan & Bre & Bella

Conley Christmas News..................

2008-12-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well it was Christmas day before we got to do our picture. However, it was well worth the wait. Not only did we get the four of us in our picture, we were able to get a family picture with Sissy (my sister Pam for those who do not know her personally). We also had our newest family member, Bella, in our family photo. This was her first Christmas. She will be 1 on December 31st.
Even though we didn't have our usual gang we had a good Christmas day. It was a out of place not having my other sister, brother-in-law, and nephews here but we made the best of it.

The kids had an AWESOME Christmas. They had no clue they were getting cell phones. We were able to get them free with our LOW price upgrade a couple of weeks ago. They were VERY SURPRISED!!! Mark was able to video, but I have not crossed into the downloading video to my computer realm yet. So, when I figure that out I will post it so we can share the surprise.

Just a reminder, everyone can check out our Christmas at my smugmug page. I will be posting pictures in the next couple of days.

So, without further delay here are our Christmas day pics....

Christmas House Pictures

2008-12-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Our outside and living room...

Photoshow of Maks

2008-11-26T15:16:00.001-08:00

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/vD7qX2cd

someone let me know if it doesn't link. Actually, you may have to copy and paste the link into the address bar and do it that way.

:0)

Holiday!

2008-11-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey day everyone! We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Be sure to go to my smugmug page and check out my new nephew!!!

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee,
Jordan, & Bre

HE'S HERE................

2008-11-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

My cute and beautiful nephew (yes, I know he is a great [lol])

Maksim Bloyce Crook
8lbs 6oz 20in long
8:02AM November 24, 2008

Hello Everyone

2008-11-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post an update. I feel like I have been under a rock (where my brother used to tell me I was found at birth) and out of touch from the outside world. Outside of being sick for a little over a week, I have been focused on finals and working full-time. :0) The good news..........I submitted my last final about 15 minutes ago. Now, I only have to do a few minor things to wrap up and I will know by Thanksgiving if I officially will be getting my Associates Degree. If so, it will take 6-8 weeks for it to get to me. YAY!!!!!!! I am so excited. I have so many things to do with shower pictures, wedding pictures, a scrapbook, year book stuff for work and working on my scrap book cubicle. I won't know how to act with no homework to work on every single day of my life. :0)

Jordan is going on his first out of town field trip on Friday (yes, the 21st--the release of Twilight). Therefore, it is Bre, me, Chris (without he and Mark-e) going to the movies. Jordan is going to Stone Mountain and he is very excited since he didn't think he was going to be able to go. His parapro is sponsoring him so he can go. It is a $40 trip.

Bre is staying very busy with school, band, and year book staff. She started reading the Twilight book today and can't wait to see the movie with me on Friday. I have sucked a lot of people into the Twilight world.

My husband (outside of being sick as well) is busy with work and putting up with his wife not being able to do anything around the house because of school. He has stressful days at work, like we all do, but loves his job and keeps at it.

Other than that, nothing new on our end. Just wanted to say hi. If you haven't looked at my smugmug lately-- go take a look. I posted Halloween pictures. The link is at the top of this page.

Until next time.........

Lots of love,
Renee

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. We had fun. Raggedy Ann and Disco Queen started the evening (Jordan had some kids around that he goes to school with). Then, Country Boy Redneck came with us. LOL Enjoy the pic and go check out my web page:
www.rintinzpassion.smugmug.com
for more Halloween pics.

P.S. I have 3 weeks of classes left!!!!!!

Until next time.........

Lots of love,
Renee

2008-10-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. I just had to share my exciting news..... I just got to pre-order my "Twilight" movie tickets. WOOHOO!!!! I am going to see "Twilight" on November 21st @ 7:00.

So, other than that, I have 3 weeks of classes left and I will be DONE! Mark and the kids are still the same and staying busy.

Until next time.....

Lots of love,
Renee

WOO HOO!

2008-10-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have officially passed my half-way mark in school. I only have 4 graded weeks left and 5 total. I can not wait!

So, the other note................ Eric and Christi got married yesterday!

Mr. & Mrs. David Eric Crook

Until next time..........

Lots of love,
Renee

Bre's Marching Event

2008-10-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Bre marching in with the high school band.

On the field

Grace, Brooke, & Bre

New Pics, Baby Shower, & More

2008-10-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

WE had Eric & Christi's baby shower last Saturday. It went well. They said they had a great time. I have posted the pictures on my web page www.rintinzpassion.smugmug.com The link is at the top of this blog page. Enjoy looking at the pictures.

Jordan officially has a new parapro at school. Mark & I have not met her personally, but she comes highly recommended. She started working with him on this past Thursday. So we will see how that goes.

Bre is staying very busy. I can not remember if I posted it on a later post, but other than being in the band she also made the year book staff this year. So, if anyone out there owns a business or even knows someone that would like to purchase and ad please give them my email or number and I can give details. She is selling ads until the end of November.

I, on the other hand, am definitely busy and trying to get through school. I am off work next week because it is fall break. I hope to get completely caught up with my classes and MAYBE even a little done ahead. (We'll see) Anyway, just wanted to post new information on here for everyone. Go take a look at the pictures. Family can see that was unable to be here.

Until next time..........

Lots of love,
Renee

Hello Everyone

2008-09-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing exciting. I just wanted to say hello. I have officially started my last term of school. (December can't get here fast enough, unless we talk Christmas) We are throwing Eric & Christi's baby shower this coming Saturday. My daughter and I spent this past weekend cutting, gluing, and making things for our games. WE are going to have so much fun!!! Mark & I are staying busy. He has had some rough days at work, but nothing too terrible.

Jordan (I can't remember if I posted this before) is going to be the high school swim team manager. He is excited about doing that.

Bre got to march in with the high school band this past Friday night. The middle school band played with the high school and they had a blast! She did wonderful. I will post some pictures of it when I get them uploaded.

So, until I can post again. We love everyone and will see those of you coming on Saturday.

Lots of love,
Renee

Good News!!!!

2008-09-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

I have officially passed my term! I passed with a B- and a C. Therefore, I start my next term on Wednesday and have 3 classes for my last term at school. I will be done by December......Lord willing. This is the first time that I have taken 3 classes at a time. Please keep me in your prayers.

Lots of love,
Renee

Cindy Jones 1957-2008

2008-09-07T12:23:00.001-07:00

We love you and miss you!!!!

Visitation

2008-09-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Visitation will be on Wednesday the 3rd from 3:00-8:00. This will be the only arrangements as she will be cremated and there will be no service to follow. It will be at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe.

Lots of love,
Renee

For those who don't know

2008-08-31T17:18:00.001-07:00

Sissy passed away tonight. It turned around from yesterday so quick that
this is the update. Prayers for strength are greatly appreciated.

Lots of love,
Renee

Update on Sissy

2008-08-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

I got to see Sissy at the 3:00 visitation today. She was in a lot of pain and having a hard time breathing. She was coherent and talking to me and the kids. Her Oxygen level was dropping lower than they wanted so they were having to talk to her and tell her to take deep breaths in to get the oxygen in. She is still in SICU due to the fluid. They are waiting on it to lower so they can move her to a room. I told her everyone was sending hugs and get well wishes. Right before we left they had given her pain medication and it knocked her out. I will post again when I get an update.

Lots of love,
Renee

Update on Sissy

2008-08-28T14:31:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

Sissy (Cindy-my sister for those who don't know all of my family) had surgery (quadruple bypass, I believe) today. She came through ok and is in SICU at Park Ridge. I haven't been down yet, but wanted everyone to know the surgery went well. Doctors said there was no muscle damage and her kidneys looked good. Her blood sugar is really good...118. So, she will stay in ICU until tomorrow (hopefully) and then go to a room for a few days.

Until next update...........

Lots of love,
Renee

Here we go again....

2008-08-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

Just a note to let everyone know that Cindy is in the hospital at Park Ridge MICU. From what we know, she had a heart attack yesterday. I don't know a lot of details, but they are having to do surgery (quadruple, I believe, bypass). So, when I hear news I will post it just like before.

Love,
Renee

Go Bre, go Bre, go Bre!!!

2008-08-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Bre had a playing test (band) today and made (are you ready?) 1st chair!!!

My New PhotoShow (Genesis 1:1)

2008-08-24T16:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/mV4WV8SH

New item I am trying to post. I apologize in advance if it doesn't work properly.
Copy & Paste the link to see if it takes you to my PhotoShow.

Great info for everyone to read!

2008-08-23T11:01:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I have officially started my picture taking for Heritage Middle School 2008-2009 school year. I absolutely LOVE taking pictures for school. We've had 2 football events this week and I have posted pictures on my smugmug web page at:

http://rintinzpassion.smugmug.com/

However, the most important thing about the first football game pictures is that it was Bre's 1st time to play at a game in the band. She did a GREAT job and loved it! In this picture, she is on the left hand side, end clarinet. :0)

Jordan's newest information and update is he joined DECA at the high school. DECA stands for Delta Epsilon Chi Association (I believe that is what the "A" is for). Anyway, you can go to www.deca.org to learn more about what it is. He is excited to be in it. Also, he is this year's swim team manager with Coach List (she was his home bound teacher when we returned from Atlanta in '06). So, he is LOVING high school and is doing very well so far.

Until next time............

Lots of love,
Renee

Hello Everyone

2008-08-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
We are still here. We are busy and making it through each day. We are 7 days into this school year and it is very busy already. Jordan started full days this past Wednesday and he LOVES it! He is riding the bus to and from school. So, he thinks he is just Mr. Big Man on campus. :0)

Bre is loving her teachers. She does have her first football game this coming Tuesday. She will be in the stands with the band. She is "Pep Band" this year. She can not wait! We still need help with her getting money. We are no where close to getting it. I have to make time to go and do the couple of jobs that we have waiting. Please keep us in your prayers for that one.

Mark and I are working and keeping busy. A tidbit of news for my husband and his new position................
He was told yesterday by his manager (which is in Kansas for a meeting right now) that the Sam's Bakery in Chattanooga was the #1 in cookie sales over the company. GO HONEY, GO HONEY, GO HONEY! I told him I was very proud of him and the ladies he has working with him. So, just wanted to share. We love everyone and will post more later when I have time. I am still playing catch up with school work.

Until next time...........

Lots of love,
Renee

August Update

2008-08-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is well and having blessed days. Ours have been long and busy. I go back to work tomorrow.........YAY!!! Which as most everyone knows, when school starts--I go back to work. For those who don't know, I am NOT going to the high school with Jordan. I am filling a parapro position with a 6th grader this year. I am very excited, but very nervous as well. This will be the first child (outside of Jordan) that I have been assigned to. Jordan is excited about starting school, but we don't have a parapro for him. That means he is going to have to be a little more responsible and remember more than normal until they can get one for him.

When he starts tomorrow he will only be going until 12:00 and will be riding a bus home. This is for his benefit. He has a hard time with transitions and learning new routines. So, for a few weeks (if that long) he will only have 2 classes. On the other hand, Bre is excited and a little upset about school. Her best friend and her are on different teams, which means she won't get to see her during the day. Otherwise, she is excited because of band and the activities she is getting to do. She still needs to do work for her money. She still needs to earn $400. Of course, there is a job that her Aunt Betty has for her, but I haven't had a chance to get her over there. Momma is a little busy these days. We haven't forgotten about you Aunt Bett!

As for Mark and I, we are kicking. :) He stays very busy with his new position and asks for prayer that he learns it and learns it fast. Me? I am doing school, working, and getting to do my first photo shoot in November (a car show). If you have time, stop over and check out my new site:

http://rintinzpassion.smugmug.com/

If it doesn't link here, there is a link at the top right of this page.

The last thing is we head to Marietta on the 11th, please keep us in your prayers.

Until next time.......

Lots of love,
Renee

Update for Us in general

2008-07-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I t was about 8:10p.m. tonight when we walked in the door from getting back from Atlanta. Jordan was absolutely pooped when he got done down there. Mark and I are pooped mentally and physically. So, we left Dr. Burns' office at about 5:10pm and stopped once for a potty break on the way home. :) They did tell us that all the test are looking the same as last year when he took it then. So, no changes and he is sort of where he is going to be.............UNLESS God sees fit to handle it another way. We firmly believe that it can be done. Especially, when God is not done with one's life. However, we are very thankful to just have him here....no matter his condition.

For those who have not seen, I do have a smugmug account for my photos. I am trying to get this going with a little side stuff through anyone. I have been invited to do a Car Show in LaFayette on November 1st. I am really excited about receiving this opportunity. Thanks to Kristy (wonderful childhood friend and life long sister) for giving me the chance to do so. I love you, Kristy.

Other than that, Bre still needs money and needs jobs getting that money. School starts on August 7th. We have open house on August 5th. They are excited about starting school! Of course, I believe Jordan's excitement stems from being able to start in a brand new school. haha!

I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big Thank you to David & Denise Pugsley. You are an amazing testimony to the Lord. I think of your girls as my own and don't know what we would do without you guys!

Love you all and I hope this helps clear some things up. We do have to travel back to Marietta on the 11th & 12th of August for reasons that I can not discuss on here. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. One last thing, my dear sister/friend Carol is having knee surgery on Thursday 31st. Please remember her in prayer.

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

Little Blue M.A.C.

2008-07-22T19:51:00.001-07:00

What Little Blue M.A.C. looks like now

My brother always wanted to make our truck into the "Little Red Express"

Heritage High School

2008-07-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jordan @ Heritage High School (HHS)

Bre in the HHS band room

Our scoreboard

Our gym

View from one of the classrooms

Floor outside of the gym

Praise the Lord!!!!

2008-07-10T12:59:00.001-07:00

Well, as of an hour ago Jordan IS officially a freshman in high school! His Asst. Principle called with the test scores. He needed an 800 to pass and that is what he got. So, Jordan is going to high school!

Love,
Renee

2008-07-06T14:27:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Mark Crook

2008-07-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Although we knew it was coming it is still hard. My brother passed away around 12 noon today. I wanted to post to let everyone know. As soon as I know about the memorial service I will post it. He is being cremated and there will be no viewing, just a memorial service. All that is known at this point is it will be at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe (across from Wal-Mart).
Please continue to pray for our family.

Love,
Renee

Update

2008-07-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

They took my brother off life support a little while ago. He is holding his own for now. Now, it is a matter of time before he goes. Please, keep our family in your prayers.

Forever in His grip,
Renee

Another family member to be with the Lord

2008-07-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

My brother has been in ICU for a couple of days. Today they have decided to stop his dialysis. He is not conscious and has bleeding on the brain. It is pretty much a wait process for his body to flood itself and for him to go. Please keep our family in your prayers.

Lots of love,
Renee

Heritage High School

2008-06-28T05:17:00.002-07:00

Oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our new high school is amazing! Jordan, Bre, & I went on a tour with our group on Thursday. It is amazing! Jordan is so excited. So, were are assuming (we all know what that means) that if he failed the CRCT we would have been told. Who knows? We had fun going through the high school though. Jordan's math teacher and my wonderful friend, Mrs. Angie Trentham is amazing. She had them feel a lot better about starting a big, new high school. They are all excited.
We (Bre too) got to see the band room, which is enormous and astonishing! This is where she will be doing summer band (for middle school) next month. She has reached $183 dollars. So we will make her first payment at summer band and the rest will start the 2nd payment. We are praying that it comes as needed, because otherwise she won't be able to go. However, we have faith God will provide!

I, on the other hand, start my classes of a new term on Tuesday. So, my break is over. My husband thinks he has gotten the job I typed about a few posts ago. We just have not heard officially.
Until next post..................

Forever in His grip,
Renee

School & Other Stuff

2008-06-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone. I can only assume that everyone is still reading our blog. We don't get many comments. Anyway, I have finished my term at school and passed both of my classes with a "B". YIPPEE!! I am so excited. I only have 2 terms left and will be done in December.
On another school note, Jordan retakes his CRCT today. I have to have him at school at 8:30 and he has been asking everyone to pray for him during 8:30-11:30 this morning. We are praying for his passing score of at least 800.
We need jobs for Bre to do if anyone can help in that area. We have her first payment, but she needs to be doing stuff to earn the next. The second payment will be due in September.
The last prayer request and update is for my husband. He is trying to get another job within Sam's. He has been stressed and very unhappy in his current position for some time now. So he has a chance to go to the Bakery and be the team leader (dept. mgr) up there. It IS a cut in pay, but not by much. We also know that if this is where God wants him, then it will be made available, pay cut or not. I know with me working at the school pays significantly less than my old job.....I have been much happier and less stressed. God is awesome and can provide. Until our next post, forever in His grip.

Lots of love,
Mark, Renee, Jordan, & Bre

We need your HELP!

2008-06-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Remember in the update post I typed that we would be asking for help? Well that time is here. Bre received her first message about her first trip in 7th grade band. They are going to Orlando March 25-29, 2009. It will cost her $600 for the entire trip. We are looking for little jobs that people can give her to do to raise her own money. (She is out for summer break right now). However, we do have loving family and friends out of town that may feel gracious enough to give a donation. :) Most everyone should know my email or phone number. We want to start this now so we can raise the money because her first deposit payment is due in August. We have $150 a month that she needs to meet for Sept., Nov., Jan., and Feb. in order to go. So any help is appreciated. I want her to be able to know what it is like to go on her first band trip without her parents telling she can't go because we don't have the money.

Thanks! Love to all,
Mark & Renee

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-05T12:25:00.001-07:00

The love of my life!!

2008-06-04T09:22:00.001-07:00

This is the love of my life, my husband Mark.

My Miracles

2008-06-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

These are my 2 miracles.
Bre (12) & Jordan (14)

My family

2008-06-04T09:17:00.001-07:00

I do NOT like my picture made, but I thought since it was Mother's Day I better have one done. So this is me.

New Family Pic

2008-06-04T09:08:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite family pictures. We don't get together often enough to have one done.