ah yes...resolutions!

I know I'm not on here updating as I should.  One reason is because I just don't have much time to myself and when I do have a moment...I'm just too lazy to post!  I really, really want to be one of those people that posts interesting things daily, but it's just too difficult at this stage in life.  But, I hope that I can at least get on here a couple of times a week.  It's easiest for me to stay-up late and do my quiet times, reading, blogging, etc.  I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON...nor will I ever be.  Yuck!  So, time to get organized!

oops...been too long!

This going to be a miscellaneous post...much to catch-up on!  As I'm typing, I'm watching NBC's coverage of the election.  What a day!  Republicans have control of the House...c'mon Senate!!
Where to begin... I may not share in the order of ocurrance, but oh well.
My dad is having surgery tomorrow to remove at least half of his eye lid.  A biopsy showed positive for cancer last week.  What's scary is that the growth has proceeded into his eye socket.  While he is under for the eye lid removal, they are going to biopsy what is inside.  Hopefully results will come back quickly.  It appears to be spreading rapidly.  If you read this before the surgery tomorrow, please be praying at 1:30 CST for the surgery.  If you're reading this afterwards, please pray anyway!

Jenna has been doing as well as can be expected.  She had a nasty virus last weekend, but praise God for Tylenol and steroids!  Yes, I just praised God for steroids...they sustain Jenna's life, thus, they are a gift from God :)  She also received her second set of tubes Friday; they are already making a HUGE difference!  She has been babbling non-stop :)  November 11th, she sees Dr. Copeland (Endocrinologist) and will have repeat labs for her bone enzymes.  Praying they're normal by then; otherwise, it's on to the next step which is a bone scan.  If the bone scan produces poor results, it's on to a biopsy.  The Lord brought her liver enzymes down to normal and I have faith He will do the same for her bone enzymes!  She is a walking, breathing, miracle...such a testimony of His mercy and grace :)
Joshua will be seeing a pediatric orthopedic surgeon tomorrow (Dr. Suillivan at Children's) for his knock knees.  Nick and I don't want him to have the same problems Nick has with his knees, so we're exhausting all of our options for treatment.  Dr. Sullivan is the best of the best and I'm confident in his abilities.
A mouse just ran across the floor!  Ick!  I thought we had gotten rid of it... there must've been more than one.  Yikes!  Yes, we're most definitely getting a cat after Christmas!
Back to Joshua.  I am finding it more and more difficult to keep him entertained!  A Zoo pass and Science Museum are in the VERY near future.  There won't be too many more warm days, but Oklahoma never ceases to amaze me with comfortable, outdoor days in the middle of winter.  Plus, the pass is good for a year, so I know we'll get our money's worth.  Science Museum passes are on sale at Mathis Brothers!  I will be picking one of those up on Thursday :)
Speaking of Mathis Brothers, Jenna is filming a commercial for them on Thursday!  They will be running a campaign to raise money for Children's Hospital Foundation (aka Children's Miracle Network).  A few hours after filming, we will be participating in a radiothon (also benefiting Children's Hospital Foundation.  Busy, busy...fun, fun!
Nick's great grandmother blessed us with a financial gift.  Thanks to her generosity, Nick is working to finish the converted garage which will soon be our family room!  We also hope to redo the kitchen...which is in DESPARATE need.  Before the kitchen, however, will be a new transmission for the van (which was also a gift from great grandma).  It has been a HUGE blessing to be able to buy fall and winter clothes as well.  Thank you, great grandma!!
I guess that's it for now.  I'm getting sucked-up into the election news...must...watch...

answers to prayer

1.  I was really torn over a discussion in Connection class on Sunday.  We talked about faith, works and punishment.  I really struggled with the fact that God could/would punish us.  I think I do a pretty good job of that on my own.  I think what I struggle with the most is what in our lives is punishment and what are simply consquences of living in a fallen world?  I probably will never know the answer to this.  Perhaps you have some light to shed?  Perhaps there's a passage in Scripture I have yet to discover.  Input please!  Here is the passage which answered my disbelief that God would ever punish us:

Hebrews 12:5-6 (New International Version)

⁵And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
   "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
      and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
 ⁶because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
      and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

I have a simple mind.  When I have read this passage in the past (obviously a different translation), the word "punish" was replaced with "correct."  It makes sense to me now.  I look at correcting as a more gentle form of punishment.  I don't think God sits on His throne and gets angry when we slip-up.  He kindly corrects us.  Punish is a strong word and hard for me to swallow.  Well, I now have resolution over Sunday morning's discussion.  I honestly was completely distraught.  Thank you, Rodger, for posting this passage as your status message!  Thank you, Jesus, for correcting my wrongs!

2.  Nick and I received a financial gift.  We are going to be able to make some much needed changes to the house!  New kitchen and finally a suitable family room!  Also, medical bills and money owed to my parents.  Thank you to the gift giver.  I will leave you anonymous as I am sure you would prefer it that way.

3.  The support group (HopeLink) I am in for mom's of children with serious, rare, and undiagnosed illnesses has a great program.  The church where we meet monthly, and where some of the members of the group attend, has small groups within the church who have had it laid upon their hearts to adopt the families in the support group.  We found-out last night that we have been adopted!  The support will come in many different forms.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  We are humbled and blessed beyond belief by God's goodness and your willingness to serve in such a needed way.

It's a great day to praise the Lord...as is everyday!

Super Couponing!

Ohhhh yes!  I'm officially hooked :)  I can hardly wait to go out and buy myself a binder and baseball card sleeves.  I'm goin' all the way with this.  My friend's mom, Cora, put on a coupon workshop in her home this morning.  I learned soooooooooooooo much!  Thank you so, so much Cora!!  The three most helpful sites we used during the workshop are listed below:

http://www.couponing101.com
http://www.simplesavingsavvy.net
http://www.moneysavingqueen.com

I encourage anyone interested in saving TONS on their monthly grocery bills to take the time to read-up on these sites!  You can thank me later :)

lots to share!

Joshua had his 4-year-old well visit on Monday.  A couple of months behind, but better than some I suppose.  He took his immunizations like a champ...not one tear!  He did say, "Owie! That hurts!"  My brave, little guy :)  Actually, he's not so little...52% for height and 94% for weight.  Hehe!  His doctor decided he was just a stalky guy, and that's alright :)

Dr. Crittenden and I discussed Joshua's knock knees.  Poor guy can't even put his feet together!  We're going to see Dr. Sullivan at OU Children's Hospital Orthopedics on November 3rd to see what needs to be done to help straighten them out.  Apparently the braces at night technique isn't what they really do anymore.  I'm praying it's a simple fix; if it's not, I'm praying it's not painful for Joshua!  Some may question why we're even looking into straightening-out his knees if they don't bother him.  We're worried they eventually will (because Nick's do) and also self-confidence could become an issue.  Plus, we want him to be able to play sports and run if he so desires!  Anything to help our kiddos reach their fullest potential (within reason, of course). 

Joshua and Jenna both received their flu shots on Monday.  It wasn't until after the fact that the nurse mentioned there might be a significant reaction in those who have previously had H1N1 (which Jenna did...last October).  She said...entire leg swelling and 102+ temp.  Yikes!!  Thank goodness neither of those plauged Jenna.  She has been quite fussy at times during the week, but mostly she has wanted to cuddle.  I have no problem with the cuddling :)

Today was a very neat day.  I finally got to meet the grandma of Laynie.  Laynie was a calendar girl with Jenna in the CMN calendar.  She was little, Miss February.  I am speaking of Laynie in past tense...she has since gone to her eternal home.  You can read about Laynie on the calendars I sent-out by going to the month of February.  What a remarkable, little angel.  I never got to meet her in person, but her Lolly (grandma) was wonderful to keep Facebook updated and has been putting Laynie's legacy in action.  Today was one of many blood drives in Laynie's memory.  Eilene went with me.  Unfortunately, Eilene couldn't give...she's been fighting a cold.  I almost couldn't give due to low iron, but they repeated the test and I barely squeaked by!  Whew!  I guess I should see the doctor about my iron levels again.  They were so worried I'd pass-out from giving so much blood, but I'm a haas!

That's it for now.  More to come later!  I need to dedicate an entry to just pictures, but Blogger is still on the fritz with posting pictures.

Joshua's well visit and flu shots

Joshua had his 4-year-old well visit yesterday.  A couple of months behind, but as the kids' pediatrician (Dr. Crittenden) put it, "It's not like you're busy or anything."  Love that man.  He's an incredible doctor; he's not allowed to retire until the kids are grown...that's what I've told him anyway.

Joshua received 4 immunizations yesterday and took them like a champ.  Not one tear!  I gave him warning the day before, the morning of, and the car ride there.  He seemed to understand...mostly because Jenna receives a shot every morning.

I asked Dr. C to examine Joshua's legs.  Joshua has knock knees (ironically, the opposite problem Jenna has with her legs).  Poor Joshua can't even put his little feet together.  My aunt had to wear braces on her legs at night to straighten hers out and so did a neighbor across the street.  I just assumed the same would go for Joshua, but apparently that is not the normal treatment anymore.  I'm curious to hear exactly what is.  Joshua will be seeing the same orthopedic surgeon following Jenna's bow legs...Dr. Sullivan at Children's Hospital.  He has the reputation of being the best of the best in Oklahoma for Pediatric Orthopedics.  I wish the scheduler would hurry-up and call.  Feeling very anxious about this, but trying my best to cast those anxieties at the feet of Jesus.

Joshua and Jenna both received their flu shots yesterday as well.  No tears from either one of them!  After giving the injection, the nurse (whom I normally love) asked if either one of them had H1N1 last year.  Jenna had it last October.  Well...she informed me that they are seeing reactions to the flu shot in children who had H1N1 previously.  Side effects are...swelling of ENTIRE leg and a temp of 102 or greater.  FANTASTIC!  Well, I've been covering Jenna in prayer and have yet to see any of those reactions.  Thank you, Jesus!  Goodness gracious...that's all we need right now.  Phew!

Looking forward to a lazy day at home...I wish!  This house is a disaster!  Anyone want to come clean for me?  Don't all volunteer at once ;-)

Children's Miracle Network Radio-a-thon

November 3rd, 4th, and 5th, one of the local country music stations will be having a radio-a-thon to benefit our local Children's Hospital.  I received a phone call today asking me to come share Jenna's story!  What an awesome opportunity!  I am scheduled to be on-air at 4:00pm (CST) on the 4th.  You can listen online via the link below.

http://radiotime.com/station/s_26596/961_KXY.aspx

Lemon and Thyme Rice

I got this recipe off of Rachael Ray, but tweaked it a bit to save money.  Nick and the kids went crazy for it!  I must say, it's the yummiest rice...EVER!
Preheat oven to 400
1 cup white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 lemon, thinly sliced
4 sprigs of thyme
In an 8x8 dish (or larger depending on the amount you want to make), evenly spread rice; pour chicken broth on top of the rice; place lemon slices and thyme sprigs on top.  I think it was in there for about 40-45 minutes.  As soon as the rice soaks-up the broth, it should be done. 
Super easy!  I've never made rice in the oven, but now I can't think of any other way I'd like it :)  I hope you try it out.  I tried to attach some pictures of the before and after, but Blogger isn't cooperating today.  If we're friends on Facebook, you can check-out the pictures there.

jenna update

Dr. Sferra called yesterday...bless that man!  Jenna's liver enzymes are within the upper levels of normal range!  That means...NO LIVER BIOPSY!  We are so praising God over this!! Unfortunately, her bone enzymes were elevated; this can mean one of two things...bone disease or rapid growth.  We're praying for the rapid growth theory!  Jenna will have to repeat her labs next month when she goes in for her Endocrine visit.  Thanks for loving and praying for our sweet girl!

jenna update

The appointment with Dr. Sferra (Gastroenterologist) went well yesterday.  Nick and I are feeling much more optimistic about the condition of Jenna's liver.  Dr. Sferra explained that over a 3 to 4 year span that the condition of Jenna's liver could begin to cause considerable damage, so we have time to take action before it reaches that time span.  Jenna's labs were drawn and we will hopefully hear from the doctor today about the reading.  If not today, then on Monday.  If the numbers are still elevated or increasing, an ultrasound will be done to confirm it is safe to continue with the biopsy.

Thanks for praying!  I will update again as soon as I hear word from Dr. Sferra.

Gianna Jessen - Abortion Survivor (Part 1)

Scroll down to the bottom of the blog to pause the music player.

Gianna Jessen - Abortion Survivor (Part 2)

jenna update

Jenna saw her ENT, Dr. Digoy, on Friday.  After mulling over the options, we decided a second set of tubes is the best option for Jenna.  So, October 29th it is.  I'm really thankful Dr. Digoy does this while under anesthesia.  The other ENT's up at Children's Hospital just wrap the kids-up tightly and do it while they're thrashing around and screaming.  So traumatizing!

Thursday is a big appointment for Jenna.  She sees Dr. Sferra, her gastroenterologist.  He's closely monitoring her paraesophogeal hernia and liver.  Most likely, her labs will be ordered early for her liver (as opposed to waiting a couple of more weeks).  It takes about 5 days for the results to come in.  If her liver numbers have not decreased, she will have to undergo a livery biopsy.  Dr. Sferra feels Jenna has developed a liver disease.  In most cases, the liver heals itself, but Jenna is not in the "most cases" category.

We are so blessed by our friends and family around us.  At this moment, I want to specifically thank our small group.  Thank you all for your commitment to pray for Jenna.

you know you're old when...

So, remember when you were younger and your parents would say, "I remember when that was in style" or "I remember when they first came out with..." (or something else along those lines) and you would say, "I wasn't even alive then!"  Well...that happened to me Monday!!  I guess you could call it a payback.  I use to do that to my parents ALL the time.  While I was teaching piano lessons, I brought one of the piano books I use to play out of to show some songs to my student.  One of the songs had the date, "September 1989" written on it.  Guess what she said?  "I wasn't even alive then!"  Oh yes, it has happened...I AM OLD!  I remember when I use to think being in your 30's was old...HA!  Wow.  Thinking about this reminded me of the comic strip I use to love to read as a child whenever we would get the Sunday paper and pass the comics around...

 

http://www.fborfw.com/classic/

 

Remember "For Better or for Worse?"  Good stuff :)

 

 

 

 

 

Love & Respect

In our awesome community group (aka small group), we are watching the video "Love & Respect" by Emerson Eggerichs. Nick and I are also reading the book along with the study guide. I highly recommend this study for everyone (single, engaged, and married). You can learn more by going to their website, here or clicking on the image below.

i'm needy!

Yes, I'm admitting it...I'm needy. I've blogged about this before, but oh well. For some reason, I feel the need to be heard. On various occasions (almost daily), I open my mouth and emotionally vomit on anyone who is clueless enough to listen. So sorry... I do it to my family, I do it to my friends, and yes...I even do it to strangers! Ugh! I want so desperately for this to change. Maybe I need therapy...actually...yes, yes I'm sure I do. So again, so sorry if you've been a victim in times past...my sincerest apologies! Next time, hold-up your hand and tell me, "I don't want to be puked on" and I will totally know what you mean. SERIOUSLY!!!

6 Things

Thing #1:

"Sick season" is upon us. We are hearing more and more of people with tummy bugs, viruses, etc. Nick and I are now taking turns going to church in order to keep Jenna out of the nursery at church. I'm rather sad, but Jenna's worth every sacrifice. I will miss holding hands with Nick during worship and prayer **sigh** Joshua will still be going to his Sunday and Wednesday programs and I will be serving somewhere on the Wednesdays I am there. We love our church :)

Thing #2:

Our computer kicked the bucket last week, but Nick was able to recover everything last night after purchasing a new hard drive! The pictures we thought were backed-up weren't and it was feared that everything was lost! But praise God, all has been found :) God is good!

Thing #3:

Jenna has a GI appointment on the 23rd and an ENT appointment on the 24th. Hopefully Jenna's hernia hasn't gotten any worse. She really doesn't eat as much as she did, but we're able to make-up for her lack of calories with tube feeds. Her ears will be checked the next day to see if tubes will suffice to remove negative pressure in her ear drums, or if surgery will be required. Yuck! God is in control though and we're so thankful for that.

Thing #4:

I was so blessed to receive free color and a hair cut last night! As I was about to leave, Kassidy, said she wanted to continuing doing my hair for free! I told her I wouldn't feel right coming back and not paying something and she said she wouldn't have it any other way. Wow! So, I won't look like a rag-a-muffin anymore? Thank you, Jesus!

Thing #5:

Getting more and more excited for cooler weather :) We have a HUGE wood pile to put a dent in. Anxious to get the wood-burning stove going and to enjoy the snow fall outside. Hopefully more snow than ice. I'm not sure how much more ice our pecan tree can handle! Either way, I'm thankful for a roof over our heads and a way to warm the house and save money on the electric bill!

Thing #6:

Feeling very thankful today :)

update!

My first blog entry on "Cut it out!" Click the link below.

Why are we doing this?

we did it!

Alright, you asked for it... Okay, you didn't, but here it is anyway :) Mine and Eilene's blog...

Cut it out!

cut it out!

For about the past month, Eilene and I have been cutting foods that are bad for us out of our daily consumption. We prefer not to use the "d" word since we are making a permanent change to our lifestyle; not a temporary one! This may call for another blog creation, what do you think? I thought about re-viving my former page, but that page was based upon the "d" word and is like taboo now. So, I'm thinking a page with the title, "Cut It Out!" or something else catchy like that so Eilene and I can share our daily or weekly food drama. I almost typed the "d" word just then...whew!

This is currently where we're at...

NO MORE SODA! Yes, Eilene and were both Dr. Pepper junkies. Nick just said Sonic is going under because we're not going there on a daily basis. Haha!!

FRIED FOOD...Eilene and I are both taking different steps to limit this EVIL food from our...not the "d" word...daily lives! Currently, I haven't had anything friend since last week! Woot, woot! I'm trying to make that a permanent change :) I totally resisted donuts this morning as Nick and the kids, rather rudely, ate them in front of my face! Gah!!

SWEETS...oh boy! This one is much harder than I thought! I had 3 servings of sweets last week. Today starts another week and I just had a bowl of ice cream. Oops! Gah!! Anyway...

So, our plan is to weigh each Friday. Maybe we'll even take pics of our progress...and that's a BIG maybe :) We'll see! I have no idea what my starting weight is...hmmmm...

Doing this with Eilene is SO much easier than doing it on my own! We're both quite competitive, so I think that helps :) Neither one of us enjoy admitting defeat to each other, but rather, we enjoy bragging about how we resist when temptation stares us in the face (like those stupid donuts this morning)! I need to lose the weight so that Jason and Eilene don't have to take-up their roles as godparents any sooner than necessary. Haha!!

Anywho...that's it for now. I'm going to see about making that blog for us :) Yay!

precious moments and fun times!

Joshua and Jenna reading together on Joshua's bed. I love this!!

Joshua LOVES our Church! They have a fun program

mid-week for Pre-K through 5th grade and he soaks it up.

He never wants to leave when it's time to go home!

Joshua is great about wearing his glasses, but prefers to use his face muscles to adjust them! We have adjusted them numerous time; he makes this face even when they don't need to be adjusted! You can't help but laugh when a moment like this is captured!!

Uncle Jason and Joshua! They both happened
to be Superman yesterday!

take me out to the ball game!

Last night, we hung-out with the Children's Miracle Network gang and some awesome teens from the Ada Service and Learning Program at the Redhawks game. What a great time! Before the game, the kids decorated basketballs and cards to be auctioned off at a future Thunder game to benefit CMN. We enjoyed the company of two of my nephews and one of my nieces. I think everyone had a blast! As usual, below are some fun pictures :)

Joshua and Rowdy the Redhawk!

Jenna was NOT a fan!

Joshua's crush :)

Jenna would've loved to have taken this teen volunteer home :)

Joshua's finished masterpiece!

Jenna's finished masterpiece!

Time to wash your hands!

Jenna decorating a card for a lucky CMN donor :)

Jenna decorating with a Miss Oklahoma hopeful.

Joshua decorating with Miss Oklahoma 2009.

Little hands, HUGE heart :)

The 3 Amigos!

Sarah and Jenna sharing giggles.

anger towards an unlikely

Worship was fantastic yesterday, as usual. One song in particular was God's way of dealing with me. "Healer" by Kari Jobe. As we were singing, I started to cry-out to God and ask, "Why don't you heal Jenna, God?" "Why can't you be glorified in her life another way?" I began to realize I was really angry with God. I'll admit, I still am a little, but we're working on it together. I know God has great plans for Jenna. The more I think about it, I think about all of the chronically ill kiddos that I know and how I see the love of God radiating on their little faces... God made no mistakes when He made them...they're perfect. If you've never been in the life of a child who is chronically ill, or even an adult for that matter, you should allow yourself the honor. I guarantee your heart will be touched. If you feel sorry for them, you're not getting God's message. I guess I just want to say that I know God is being glorified through Jenna and I should count it all a blessing that I even have the privilege of being in her life...to be so near His work...His plans...His grace.

If you want to listen to the song (which I highly encourage), scroll to the bottom of the page and pause the music player (it is set to play music as soon as you pull-up our blog).

backyard playtime fun!

Beautiful Oklahoma sky :)

Joshua trying to whistle like daddy.

Jenna trying to whistle like daddy.

Oopsies!

Joshua loves baseball :)

"Catch me, daddy!"

"Huh?"

Showing-off...she's good at that ;)

Joshua loves to slide!

Little Miss Grinny Cheeks :)

Yesterday, the weather was perfect for playtime fun in the backyard! I'm so ready for Fall. It was almost chilly! Definitely better than the 100+ degree temps we have been enduring. Joshua and Jenna have had major cabin fever. Poor Jenna really suffered during the night with allergies and it is continuing today. It was so windy, but so enjoyable; perhaps she just needs some time to adjust.

Joshua's party and Church!

Saturday was Joshua's birthday party. As always, he enjoyed all of the attention, cupcakes and presents! Below are some highlights from the party. I had a video clip of singing "Happy Birthday," but for some reason it is out of focus :(

Jenna hid under the table with some of Joshua's presents and played...how sneaky ;)

Toy Story cupcakes from Sam's...yumm-o!
I was so excited to find cupcake stands at the Dollar Tree :)

Joshua's first set of "big boy" Legos! No more Duplos for him!

The spread...smoked hot dogs, Nick's famous smoked ribs, spinach garden salad, Leslie's famous potato salad...delicious!

Hot Wheels...he's a fan :)

Yesterday, we visited Council Road Baptist Church (this is where Nick and I met) for the second Sunday in a row. We have recently been in search of a new church home. Well, we're back at Council Road and really excited to be there :) I'm so excited about the children's programs! Joshua and Jenna are both having a great time!

Times are tough, but God is good.

Jenna's Upper GI (cont'd) and Joshua's Birthday!

I finally got a hold of a person at the GI office yesterday. Unfortunately, Jenna's doctor is on vacation this week. Ugh! Well, thankfully, the nurse read the report to me and it is exactly what I heard the Radiologist say on Monday..."enlarged intestines" and "malabsorption/malnutrition." Both of these are red flags for SGS/SBS, but it doesn't necessarily mean that's what it is. So, we're going to wait anxiously for Monday and pray, pray, pray!!!

Poor Jenna had a horrible time passing barium Tuesday night. Despite multiple doses of milk of magnesia (usually does the trick) and a glycerin suppository, Jenna remained in pain and unable to pass a stool. She started passing gas before we put her to bed though; thankfully the next morning I had a present waiting for me ;-)

Onto a more fun topic. Not that I couldn't talk about poo forever. Because, trust me, after being a NICU mom, poo was the highlight of my day at times :-)

Joshua is 4-years-old today! I can hardly believe it. Four years ago, today, I gave birth to a tiny, 5lb/12oz little boy; now, he's a sturdy 42lbs! He never fails to make us laugh and astound us with his abilities and desire to continually learn new things. He keeps asking me about going to school. Poor buddy...hopefully he isn't too disappointed with being home schooled! Looks like we'll be taking tons of field trips to cure that eager mind :-) Science Museum, Zoo, etc. I'm making a list...any suggestions?

Saturday is Joshua's party. I will make sure to take pictures and post them. We're just doing a small party this year. Mostly just family, the kids' godparents and adults who have obtained "uncle" and "aunt" status throughout the years :-) I think I'm going to have to chill-out on the big parties for a while. It's expensive and exhausting! So, sorry to all of the kids' friends out there. Maybe we can have a play date at the Zoo to make up for it :-) Jenna's doctors have also said getting Jenna over-excited can bring on seizures as well, so that's another deciding factor.

Then

Now

I'm going to close this post with one of my favorite passages in God's Word. It helps keep me check when I open my mouth and want to say things that aren't edifying to the Lord and reminds me that I have children, whom I am suppose to be pointing to the cross!

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

Deuteronomy 11:18-20

Jenna's Upper GI

I was pretty optimistic about Jenna's Upper GI. Until recently, Jenna's health seemed to be evening out. Well, unfortunately, it appears that Jenna's intestines are "larger than normal." Not sure what that means, but the person performing the Upper GI asked me if Jenna had ever been diagnosed with SGS (Short Gut Syndrome). Obviously, my answer was "no." As soon as I heard this info, my mind started whirling and the room felt like it was spinning. Ugh! Poor Jenna :( Not only did she have a miserable time enduring the Upper GI, but she got bad news to boot. Thankfully, the Radiologist should have all info transcribed and accessible to Dr. Sferra by in the morning. I usually have a difficult time with Dr. Sferra's office staff, so they're REALLY going to love me tomorrow.

I know God will be glorified somehow, but I wish it could be under different circumstances or not through my daughter. Please help me understand, Lord.

yesterday and today

We visited the church where Nick and I met, yesterday. It was fun to stroll down memory lane (even thought it was just a little over 5 years ago that we met). Lots of friendly faces whom we still see on a regular basis. Perhaps we have found our nitch? Maybe we should've never left? I know Joshua had a blast! He was begging not to leave. I think I may have frightened the nursery workers when I dropped Jenna off. I explained her medical issues (in a nut shell) and told them to watch for seizures and to keep an eye out for kiddos trying to pull her Mic-Key button out. Their eyes were like saucers! Bless their hearts, but at least they'll be prepared for next week :)

After church, we went to Jason and Eilene for lunch and popped-in for a visit at Jonathan and Jessica's to visit their new little bundle (less than a week old), baby Taylor. Precious! So tiny, so sweet... yes, baby fever kicked-in a long time ago, but I'm in no shape to be having another baby and Jenna still needs a lot of attention. I'll just keep holding other babies to satisfy that itch. There are tons of new babies and still more to come, so that itch will be satisfied for a while, at least :)

Today, Jenna has an Upper GI to check on her hernia. Her doctor is keeping a close eye on it with the hopes that it won't get worse and require surgery. She's already had one hernia surgery in the past...we don't really care for her to have to go through another one! I'm so grateful for Dr. Sferra. He watches over Jenna like he's her guardian angel; in many ways, he is just that. I have to keep her from eating for the next four hours until her appointment. Not fun! Praying her glucose levels don't decide to plummet. I'm keeping juice close by, just in case.

I have already posted about this, but it helps to keep things in focus. Jenna's next obstacle is getting her liver function levels to decrease. At or around October 22nd, Jenna will have another blood draw to check her levels. If her numbers are still elevated, she will have a liver biopsy. Please keep praying! Jenna has been a miracle from conception...to God be the Glory!!

What do you blog about at 4am?

Joshua came into our room at 4am this morning. When he does this, I usually run through a multitude of questions, "Is he sick?" "Did he have a bad dream?" Okay, I guess those are the only two I reall ask myself :) After him sleeping (or so we thought) with us for about 15 minutes, Nick carried him back into bed. I can usually fall right back asleep, but this time, I was kept wide awake with my thoughts.

The thoughts of sickness, pregnancies and death have been streaming through my mind. I find myself praying for so many that are sick. It seems there are far more in my life (or those that I know of) than usual. I don't know if I notice it more since Jenna struggles with her conditions, or if it's just this year. I also have a TON of pregnant friends or friends that have had babies this year. I need to sit down and write all of their names out on paper. It's a CRAZY amount! It's so fun to celebrate life with so many people :) On the down side, I also have known of so much loss this year. Little babies now sitting on the Lord's lap; sick adults finally finding peace after a long, drawn-out illness; and sadly, I just learned of one who passed who did not want to know the Lord. Their son, knowing of their eternal fate, still wished his mother "RIP." I think mostly to console himself through the shock of his loss.

Saddened by sickness, over-joyed with new life, and mourning over death. Such a mixture of emotions. I'm completely baffled by how "all at once" it is that I have a hard time spending time with my thoughts on just one particular instance.

Random thoughts... That's what you get from a sleep deprived mom at almost 5:30am :)

"The Pledge of Allegiance" (Joshua's version)

We're so proud of our little patriot :) It was his idea to learn, so we worked on it for about a week. Yesterday, he was able to start reciting without any help, whatsoever!

Branson (pictures part 2 and in no particular order)

Italian ice!

Ringing the Church bell @ Shepherd of the Hills

Brother Joshua, sharing an important sermon ;)

Godparents: Jason and Eilene

Jason and Jenna have a special bond...especially after a week together.

Our little deep sleeper :)

Blackmail...muahahaha!!!

Our home away from home...haha!

Jenna feeling the breeze from the amusement ride. She just laughed and laughed ;)

Nick and Joshua...ready for the regatta ride to begin!

Joshua and "Diggy" before the stunt dog show! Unfortunately, none of the pictures I took during the show turned out :(

"Hi Daddy, what are you doing in here?"

L to R: Nick, me, Joshua, Uncle Dirk, Jenna, Aunt Dodie

Aunt Dodie and Jenna...friends forever.

Jenna was completely captivated by Uncle Dirk's music.

Uncle Dirk

Cousin Karen

Aunt Dodie

Uncle Dirk

Buddies!