The Gift of Laughter This Christmas (at Dick's expense)

Late in November I sent this email out (that's in bold print), a non original of mine but one that sure tickles the deepest part of my funny bone and makes me laugh out loud.

"My dear friends,

Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm not getting an annual bonus and Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts.

Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads: You need four maxi pads to make a pair. Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part. The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc. These slippers are:
Soft and Hygienic
Non-slip grip strips on the soles
Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
No more bending over to mop up spills
Disposable and biodegradable
Environmentally safe
Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.

I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you."


I got so many funny comments back, some elaborate in wordiness and others, just a simple word or two. From my in-laws, I got their sizes as a comment which made me chuckle too. Little did I know, that Jon’s dad thought I was being serious! We found this out one day when Carol was telling me about a conversation they were having when Dick remarked about getting slippers from “the kids”. Jon’s mom lost it and had to call me immediately. Through her laughter I finally could understand what she was telling me, which then made me laugh hysterically too!

Okay, you know what I did next, don’t you? Yep, many of you got it right. I presented Jon’s dad with some homemade slippers on Christmas Day. He was right. He did get slippers from “the kids” and he laughed right along with us!



Laughter is such a gift too. I want more of it.

Answered Prayer

Thanks for your prayers! Jon’s dad, Dick, had surgery today to remove the cancer in his bladder. When he woke from the procedure, Owen got to take a ride with Papa, as Papa requested.

The Lord is good to us all and we are comforted that He is in control!

Prayer Request

This painting hung in my Grandma and Grandpa Bailey's walls all my life. I loved looking at it, imitating the man, and talking about God and prayer to my dear sweet Grandma. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. I pray numerous times a day, just holding a conversation with my “Father” and sometimes wish I could just dedicate a day to just doing that and absolutely nothing else.

Please duplicate this image and pray. Jon's father's cancer is back. We just got word tonight.

Celebrate With Us!

News came tonight that’s making us celebrate! Dick Kempiak (Jon’s dad) is cancer free! It’s been a rollercoaster of announcements, I know. One day he has it, another it’s gone, another he has it again, etc. Dick’s 2nd surgery for (what he was told) Bladder Cancer was Monday June 9th. They removed the masses, filled his bladder with chemo therapy and then began making plans for his tuberculosis injections (the treatment plan he had “signed up for” instead of removing his bladder altogether). Well, he went to the doctor’s for the results they had run from the biopsies and much to Dick’s surprise (and relief), he was told that it wasn’t cancer after all! WOW! Thank you Jesus for allowing us to rely on you and to know nothing is out of your hands.

Happy Birthday Papa D!

Today is Jon's dad's 78th birthday, Dick Kempiak. He’s a wonderful papa and dad and we are so thankful to God that he’s doing well and a huge part of our lives! All of our kids love telling everyone that they have a famous papa, the train engineer for the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, AZ. They love him so much!

Dick’s amazing and has taught his son, Jon, many great things. Just to name a couple, I’d like to highlight…
1. Dick’s taught Jon to always save the first kiss for his wife when coming home (even when kids are running and hanging on you).
2. Dick’s taught Jon to be a hard worker, even when the “job” is less than desirable.

Happy birthday Papa D, we love you tremendously!

(Photo taken at our luau almost 2 years ago…Owen, Papa D, and Jon)

Prayer Needed

Please pray for Jon's dad, Dick Kempiak. Today we heard that his bladder cancer is back. Many hard decisions need to be made shortly. He is scheduled for another surgery on Monday, June 9th.