Praying for Paul

Last week I put up a post explaining a little bit about what Paul does when he is in the "treehouse" but even I am not fully aware of what they are doing. Whether they are just on "watch" or doing stuff or what but I got an email from Paul yesterday. He is normally gone for about ten days but he had to go to the doctors because he smashed his hand pretty badly. He said it hurt really bad and for several hours he couldn't move his hand. According to him it was the size of a grape fruit. After the Dr. examined it they couldn't tell if it was broken or not because of the swelling but his thumb got the worst of it. Keep praying for Paul and his safety.

My Granma, My Best Friend

Grandma,
I don't tell you this enough, I love you. Throughout my childhood leading up to my adulthood you have set an example and I have looked up to you. I hope that one day I will have the same passion for God as you do. Just thinking of everything we have gone through brings tears and yet a little chuckle to my heart. Thankyou for being my Grandma who watched out for me and inspired me and thankyou for being my friend who laughed, cried and talked when it was needed. I love you.

Granma Garard is special to everyone who has met her. I know this because I have been told this by family and friends. Even my deaf friends who have met her, ask me when they email, "How is Grandma?" Even people who have never met her and have only listened to the stories I have told about my Grandma.
I had the privilage of "taking care'' of Granma during her chemo therapy when she first had to go through it. It was hard to see her struggle. This was a Granma who stood on her own two feet and ran a bed and breakfast. Nothing stopped this Granma. After chemo we would go back to the house and sleep or eat something if she could. We read our Bibles everyday and I would give Granma a lesson from various spiritual books I had brought. We had a "theme" for our time together as we prayed and read God's word. "Never fear an unknown future in the hands of a known God". I do believe this quote came from Corrie Ten Boom.
It was during this time when Granma and I grew together as friends. I learned so much from her by watching her and by listening to her. She is a beautiful person inside and out. I have also learned so much spiritually from her. Here she was going through cancer and chemo but always kept her eyes and her heart on the things of the Lord. My Grandma Garard has touched my heart and my life. I have gone to her several times asking for spiritual advice and what a joy to know that I can do that. Not only is she my Grandma but she is my best friend.

Praying For Paul

I got to talk to Paul on the phone at the beginning of this week and he informed me on some of the stuff happening with him. He does go to, what he calls, the treehouse. Its like a watch tower. They are there for about a week sometimes longer. They go back into town and are there for a short while before they are sent back out. Its been a routine for sometime and it appear to stay that way for the time being. Recently Paul was moved into a room with internet access. He was thrilled about that. He had been out of the loop with the rest of the world because the chances of being able to find internet access somewhere near by were slim. Let alone given the chance to do so. I thought this was kind of funny. To make time go faster. Him and other guys bought boxing gloves and have boxing matches. So I am mailing a box with some card games out to him this week. Something different than what they are normally doing in their everyday activities. I know several of you have asked for Paul's email address and mailing address. I do have both. If you are still interested in having them just let me know and I will make sure you get it. Thanks for prayers concerning Paul and all the troops.

A New Fashion Trend

Have you ever been in such a hurry that while getting dress you didn't pay attention? I grabbed a blue shirt and tan skirt with one silver and one gold flip flop. No I wasn't trying to make a fashion statement. I was simply getting ready for church. I thought I had grabbed two blue flip flop but some how manage grabbing two different colors. What was a little humerous about all of this was the fact that I was at Mel and Karyn's house. Nothing could be done. I arrived to church hoping people wouldn't notice and no one did! Unless they were being super nice by not saying anything. I am not the only one in my family who has done this before. My ever elegant Granma Garard had a moment very similar to mine. She went to a garage sale and was looking around when one of the ladies there mentioned that they loved her outfit. Granma didn't think much of it until she got into the car. She noticed that she had one white and one blue shoe on. The funny part was they actually matched her dress which was blue and white. Oh how I love these moments that Granma and I are prone to have.
:)

Anderson's Japanese Garden

Even though Rockford isn't a tourist town and there isn't much to do except shop there is one place that us Rockfordians can take pride in having, Anderson's Garden. Anderson's Garden is owned by this couple whose house can be seen while touring the Garden. This garden is based on a Japanese garden which is filled with all kinds of plants, waterfalls, ponds and fountains. Not to mention the really cool and unique bridges you get to walk over and the rocks you get to walk on. Today Karyn, Mel and I decided to go there and find our inner peace. Ha... I say that because the guy that we ran into (an employee) made us sit and exmine the trees and told us that people should come to bring harmony into relationships. I have to say I feel so much closer to Karyn and Mel. Wouldn't you agree girls? I had to bring some humor into this blog. Other than that weird moment we had a fun time. It was nice as friends to be able to walk around and enjoy our fellowship with each other. These pictures were taken by Karyn and I have to say, Miss Karyn, pretty impressive. This is one place in Rockford that everyone should make time to visit. I have to say for $5 its not a bad pric

Wedding: Part Two

Ok.. I took this picture off of Karyn's website so I hope she doens't mind but I know some of my family members have been wanting to see a picture of Grace and Kurt and for now this is the only one available. As soon as we get the other pictures I will post a bunch for all to see.. Enjoy! Don't they look good together.

Wedding: Part One

For those of you who know me and my family well know that there was a wedding yesterday in the Garard family. My older and only sister got married to Kurt Musgrave. I was somewhat sad but also extremely happy. My whole family is happy for her but now our house is a little empty. Anyways the wedding was amazing. It went perfect. I don't have any pictures for those of who would love to see them but soon I will put up "part two" of this blog. For now I only have a picture of my cousins and I and one of the other bridesmaid and I. Grace didn't even look nervous walking down the isle. I think dad had more tears in his eyes than Grace did. Of course I was sobbing. I didn't think it was that bad until a lot of people came up to after the wedding saying that they didn't think I would make it. Grace did a very good job telling the coordinators what she wanted for the wedding and how she wanted it because everything was beautiful. At the end of the night Kurt and Grace left in their limo with one more kiss goodbye for the crowd. I have to admit its still weird to say that Grace is married and now is Grace Musgrave. Well... I'm happy for both of them and I am so thankful to God for bringing them together. I'm also thankful for everyone that came to the wedding especially family members. That meant a lot to Grace to see aunts, uncles and cousins. I have to send a word out to my cousins. It was so much fun having you guys here. All of you were a big help in the wedding. Before, during and after. You guys are awesome! Well as soon as I get some pictures I will post them for those of you who couldn't make it.

Praying for Paul

I know all of you have asked me how Paul is doing. The truth is I don't know much. I do know that he is doing some kind of duty where he is on one week and off the other week. Due to this new set up I hardly ever get to hear from him. I did miss his call last week. I was so disappointed but it was nice to know that he was doing ok and made the effort to call me. Please continue to pray for Paul's strength and safety as he continues to defend our freedom. Pray for all of the soldiers.

Adventures at the Metras

I entered the home of the Metras family as the parents were leaving their kids in the hands of Amanda Myers and Barb Garard. They were brave from the start. The fun had just begun...
We started the evening with random shouting and talking over each other. We went outside because Cody wanted to show us something and now that I think of it.... Did he ever show us? Well we had to go past the creepy dog to get in the house and I must say the dog is cute but creepy. We had tacos for dinner. Our table talk once again consisted of random shouting and talking over one another. Once we finished we decided that we needed to be outside enjoying this beautiful day that God has given us. We wandered around the yard but eventually came to the decision of going to the "lake" at a near by park. I say "lake" because it was more like a green pond with "sharks". After all of us arriving in different groups we started to walk around the pond. While being eaten alive by little bugs Amanda spoted a "shark" in the pond. For a good 15 minutes we stare at the pond seeing fins going up and down. I came to the conclusion it was a catfish. Amanda's conclusion was sharks. Cody's conclusion was turtles. The rest of the kids liked the shark idea. We continued our walk. After walking over some bridges we spoted a dead fish. Quite facinating. After explaining that touching the dead fish wasn't a good idea, Ethan reaches down and pokes it. Now we must wash our hands. We get back to the house and saw sun go down and it was beautiful. Before going inside for some (I thought wrong) quiet time we played a game of baseball. The night was such a blurr that I am trying to remember what we did after that. Oh yeah walk pass the creepy dog. Actually I made Ethan hold onto the dog so I could walk into the house. We had our BARQ'S (rootbeer) float and put National Treasure on for some down time. Then Amanda had a battle with the TV. She came to her own conclusion that the cable was lose and several times went to wiggle it. It helped but several times we were watching a blank screen and just listening to the movie. The movie finally ended. It was 11:15 pm. We play a game of "tell a story". It was a story about a fat boy that jumps of the bed and bounces into the attic to meet his grandma cooking stew and tells the story of the "magic" turtle neck. Its 11:45pm. The parents arrive home around 12:10 from their date which was a lot of fun according to them. I had fun tonight. I love watching those boys. If you ever want a fun time just call the Metras up and ask for the privilage to watch them. Although I must admit that I'm glad I got to bed when I did. Sleep was good.

Girls Day Out

I was so excited getting out of bed Friday morning the 19th knowing that I would soon get to see my little Mercy friend. I introduced Mercy Calhoun on another blog I had posted about the Calhoun Family. They moved to West Virginia back in February and my little shopping buddy was gone but God was gracious enough to allow them to come up to Rockford for a quick visit. I was thrilled when I received an email from Dr. Calhoun saying they would come up on May 19th. Right away I cleared my schedule on that day and set it aside for Mercy.
They pulled into the Holiday Inn around 9:45am and it was so nice to see Mercy come running into my arms. We said goodbye to Dr. and then headed off to Woodmans. We picked up some sandwich stuff and bread and headed to the Fosters. Mercy is also good friends with Nancy and Sarah Foster. They were previous babysitters of hers. We drove to a park near their home and had a picnic lunch. After a great lunch we headed for the one place that we both love. The mall. We shopped their several hours. Got our pictures done in a fun booth. I just love those booths. Mercy and I made it a tradition to go in one of those every time we hit the mall. Sadly the day ended with me dropping her off at her friend's home to have a sleep over. I thought the fun was over then but then on Sunday Dr. Calhoun called me to meet them at the mall. I meet them at (I think) "Paint N Fun". I don't remember the exact name of the craft store. Its a place where you paint ceramics. Mercy had painted me this shirt with all of kinds of fun colors and put the word "shopper" on there. I think I need to work on how I influence people. Ha. "The Shopper" wasn't what I had in mind. Eventually the fun afternoon came to an end. I wasn't too sad seeing them go because I will be flying out to West Virginia this August to visit them. I can hardly wait!

A Short Reunion

There I was dodging cars left and right flying solo to Chicago. My parents finally let me go alone!! For years I have wanted to go to Woodfield mall and meet up with friends. Most of my friends from the high school I graduated from live in that area. The drive there was easy as well as the drive back. The traffic was horrible but "Aaron Shust" and I sang our whole way there and back. I was meeting up with my friend Amy. It has been 2 years since we last saw each other! I arrived around 2pm at the Cheesecake Factory. It was my first time there also which by the way is an awesome resturant. My time with Amy at the resturant and in the mall was so much fun. My "deaf" side just jumped out of me. It was so cool to be able to sign and scare the workers in the stores. I've notice that people get nervous coming up to deaf people. They smile at you and I'm sure they are wondering if they should say something to us or just keep smiling. So I sign and "turn off" my voice... and then out of no where I speak. "Excuse me miss..." Hehe. Amy and I got the full experience of how pushy these workers in the stores can be. First at the resturant our waitress came with our meal. We said, "whoa" and then she walked away. I was like... ummm ok. She came back and asked what we ordered. She was really irritated with us at this moment. Apparently when we said "whoa" she thought we said "no". Looks like we are not the only one deaf here, huh? Then we counted 7 times people asked us if we wanted a bag for shopping. That was only in one store. As we were walking from store to store this lady pulled me to her booth and started putting all these things in my hair! She was pulling my hair up and sticking it in a bun and it looked like I was showered in diamonds. Besides pushy mall workers we had a blast tonight. I really do miss all of my deaf friends. I hope we can do it again some time soon Amy!!!!

Praying for Paul

This past Sunday the 7th of May I was blessed by receiving a phone call from Paul. We actually talked for an hour which is the longest that we have ever talked over the phone. Normally there is a time limit and limited phone minutes available but this time around there wasn't. Paul sounded pretty good. He shared with me some of things that he has been occupied with. There was even moments of sitting around and waiting for orders. From my understanding he said that he was doing a "watch" thing where they are out in the middle of no where "on watch" for a week and then they go back into town and are off for a week. Continue to pray that God gives him Grace to make it through these days. Even though Paul didn't share this story with me personally he shared it with his mother. After talking to Paul on Sunday I called his mom, Kathy Calhoun. We chatted and shared our conversations we had with Paul. She said that while Paul was waiting for orders, him and the other guys got bored waiting. So they made their way to a store near by and bought boxing gloves and had a "boxing match". I thought it was kind of funny how these guys will find anything to do make their time there go faster. It turns out that while Paul was involved in this he got a black eye. Anyways I thought it would be fun to share that little piece of information with you folks. Thanks for your many prayers. Paul even mentioned to me on the phone that he really appreciates all the prayers. Its so encouraging to hear of all the prayers that are being lifted up to God everyday for Paul and the other soldiers.
The prayers are needed.

The Definition of Friendship

1. A person whom one knows, likes and trusts
2. One who supports and sympathizes with

It wasn't until I became friends with Melody Geiseman when I finally realized what a "best friend" was. God brought Mel and I together as friends at a time when He knew we needed each other. During this time we went through a lot individually and together. One thing Mel never did and I know never will do is leave me behind. She has been with me every step of the way in prayer and in presence. When I left for school down in Jacksonville, Illinois she was the one friend that always wrote me letters. When I was in the hospital for 8 days under going tests she stayed all night one beside my bed in a chair that folded out into a bed. Just to give me comfort while I slept and because she knew I was scared. When I need a friend to pray with I know she is the first one there. If I ever need to cry and just vent she is always there ready to listen. If ever I am having a crazy hyper day and need someone to be crazy with me, I know I could call Melody up. Seriously, there is no limit when having a friend like Mel. If you want to lose weight and you tell Mel to help you, she will say, "Now Barb, should you really have that extra piece?" If you need accountablitity to read your Bible, Mel will make sure you get that. It's nice to know that Mel is just a phone call away when I need her. I want to thank Melody for her friendship. I know these past couple of years we have gone through a lot but our friendship has only grown stronger. God has truly blessed me with having her in my life. Now Mel, lets not go get lost in any forest reserves anymore, ok? I love you Melody!

Praying for Paul

First, I want to give a huge thankyou to all of you who have been praying for Paul. Paul has been in the army for almost two and half years now. He has been fighting a good fight. Even Paul himself has told me how God has used the army to change his life. Paul is in Iraq now as a SPC in the sniper unit. I know so many family and friends of mine have been praying for him and are constantly asking me how he is doing. Its very encouraging to hear all the prayers that are being lifted up to God for Paul's safety and heart. I was blessed this month with three phone calls from Paul. Which is rare so I was extremely excited to have these moments to talk to him. Its really nice to hear from him on a more personal level and to talk about things that were going on. I always try to bring a little bit of home in our conversations. Telling him about my schooling and about "Buddy" the dog going insane during a thunderstorm. For those of you who know my dog, knows what I am talking about. ;) Paul had mentioned that everyday life is pretty much getting up, going on partol, eating and checking his email. Then he starts his whole day over again. I was really encourage hearing about a month ago from him that while on patrol he was greeted by some children where he is stationed. He seemed to have enjoyed that moment. At the end of the same day him and other buddies were invited to a BBQ but they had to get back to base. I'm sure its moments like those that can put a smile on these guys over there. Today Paul mentioned that his sleeping arrangments have been changed due to lack of clean water where they currently were. He excitingly told me about moving into hospital tents that were cleaner. These are just some simple updates concerning Paul. I know many of you are praying for him. Not only I but also Paul and his family are extremely thankful. I know all of you will continue to do so. Also keep in mind Paul's brother Dan who is in the Navy and is going to Hawaii.

*Just note that I could have some of this information twisted. Most of you know that my lack of hearing can lead to different stories. Ha. As far as I know, this information is correct. :)

Road Trip

There we were at 7 in the morning making our way down the highway. Lincoln here we come! Melody Geiseman and I took off to our day of fun in
Springfield, Illinois. Driving down there was no problem. After one potty stop we got there about 10:30 a.m. We were going to the Lincoln Library. I've been there one other time so I knew what kind of adventure we were into. Little did I know that when you are with Melody fun becomes crazy. The museum is amazing! It concluded with two theatre shows and two "walk throughs". Which was like walking through the life of Lincoln. One of the walks was Lincoln childhood's leading up to his adult years. The other one was entering the White House and it started at the election and ended with the day Lincoln was shot. As you leave this walk you enter the showing of Lincoln's casket. One of the most beautiful and heart moving things that I have experienced. Near the end of our tour I convinced Melody to go into the children's "play area" and play dress up! We both put on skirts and shawls and got our pictures done. Not to mention I got to put on a mask and look like Abe for day. What fun! After our three-hour tour through the museum, we took off down the street to the first capitol building in Springfield. Which happens to be a very cool building. We took a tour of the building and learned a bunch of interesting facts. After this tour we went across the street to the candy shop! There Melody bought a bunch of candy. After arriving back to the car we both decided that we were not done yet. So after driving for about 30 minutes looking for something to do; we ended up at Lincoln's tomb. This would make our third time touring this beautiful gravesite. We enjoy going to it every time. After this I decided that my knees and feet could take no more!! I was ready to have supper. We drove an hour to Normal, Illinois. What were we doing there!? We concluded our wonderful day of adventures of eating a nice dinner at Bob Evans. Although about 30 minutes away from home Melody had to pull over due to hail and hard rain. She couldn't see anything. I thought the event was kind of funny. This was one of Mel and I many road trips. Luckily our adventures didn't get out of hand this time.

The Calhoun Family

Back in the summer of 2004 a friend from church, Sarah Foster came and asked me if would I be interested in working with Faith. Faith and her family met Sarah through a previous church they both attended. After joining a new church she continued to work with Faith. During that summer of 2004 Sarah received an awesome opportunity to go to Northland Baptist Bible College. She needed someone to take her place with Faith. Faith is severely disabled. When one is working with her you must complete any normal morning routine that one would have. Including shower, getting dress, making the bed and then eventually eating lunch and having her daily meds. When Sarah first came to me, I will admit, I wasn't sure if I would be able to do the job. After meeting Faith and her family it was hard to say no. After the first of couple weeks of learning and getting to know Faith, I grew to love Faith and working with her. I even grew to love her family. They are an amazing family who have adopted four kids and raised them. They had one child of their own, Mercy. After a couple of months I really got to know Mrs. Calhoun. We opened up and shared stories, laughed and even cried. After working for them for almost a year I met their son, Paul, who was home on leave from Germany. Paul is in the Army. After a couple of "outings" of getting to know each other we started a new friendship. Just as that had started, Paul had to leave to go back to Germany. He came home one more time in October and then again this year in February. In October Paul and I started dating. Paul is currently in Kuwait. The Calhouns have another son who is in the Navy and is going to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Early on this year I received the sad news that the Calhoun family was moving to West Virginia. I was happy that Dr. Calhoun did receive a job. Sarah Foster and I were sad to see them go. We both have grown close to the family. We both have shared how working with Faith has changed us a lot. I would ask you to please keep this family in your prayers as their sons are aboard and for their new home in West Virginia.

The Real Secrets of Cheese and Rice

Welcome to the Secrets of Cheese and Rice!

You may say to yourself, "Wow.. This chick must really love cheese and rice!" The answer to that is WRONG! My deaf friends would know right away what the story behind cheese and rice is. I graduated from Illinois School for the Deaf. During my senior year my friends would often find me in a heated discussion about the Bible with my fellow classmates. On many occasions I would forget to sign. I would get so excited that my hands couldn't keep up with me. On one occasion I was talking about Jesus Christ (calmly) to one of my friends. This friend was hard of hearing like myself and could understand if I didn't sign. While I was talking to my friend others around me were watching. My other, completely deaf friend, came up to me and asked me what I was talking about. I explained that I was talking about a story in the Bible that dealt with Jesus Christ and him dying on the cross. She looked at me and started laughing. Apparently she was trying to read my lips while I was talking. She thought I was talking about cheese and rice. Now you may ask yourself. How would one get cheese and rice from Jesus Christ. Go and stand in front of the mirror and without using your voice, say cheese and rice. Pretty bizarre, huh?

Later that week I shared the funny moment that my friends and I had with my teacher, Mrs. Jamsie Hurt. I went to church with Jamsie and often we would meet to pray or she would encourage me through out day by quoting verses. Well, one day we actually were confronted by someone for openly discussing prayer and God in the classroom. In fact when we met to pray it had to be before or after school hours and not in the presence of anyone in case of offending someone. So one day I was having a really bad day. My teacher said, "Barb, keep you chin up. Remember cheese and rice." Of course no one in the class really understood but we knew. That was all that mattered.