Home Sweet Home

We found a house...finally! You wouldn't believe the struggle it's been for us to find a house. But, let me just say this: if one more house that we were interested in sold before we could get it, we were seriously considering a move back to Texas as it must have been a sign to get out of Ohio!

The house is in the neighborhood we wanted to be in on a beautiful street with lots of families with children. Most importantly, it feeds to the elementary school we want for Ben.  

Not to mention, it's absolutely beautiful!

Built in 1925

Loving this kitchen!

Please pray for our friend Alexis

Our friend Alexis is currently in her final round of chemo, the 14th round, by the way. Can you imagine?? She is scheduled for her final scans on July 10th, so please be on your knees leading up to that day and on that day for the best results, which of course means...NO CANCER! Please also pray for her family as they go through the anticipation stage leading to that day. It's been a long, difficult time for them, of course, but Alexis has proven herself to be an amazing, strong little girl. I'd say if I was composing a list of heroes today, Alexis would be at the top of my list. You can read an update from her parents here.

Happy Father's Day...We love you!

"I love Daddy because I get to go watch the Indians with Dad." 

~Emily

"I love Daddy because he loves me." 

~Benjamin

"I love Daddy because I love Mommy."

~Abigail

"You are an amazing father and I am more than blessed to share this journey with you!"

~Mel

Birthday Shopping

Emily and I spent the day today shopping with her birthday money (thanks to grandparents and great-grandmother). We had a great time together! She's definitely reached 8 with requests for a trip to Justice, Nicky Nicole, Claire's, Old Navy, Limited Too and Gymboree. We were very successful and I must brag on my little shopper. She bought things that were on sale and put many things back to save money for the next store. This is the first year the store requests have been like these. 

However, near the end of our adventure, I hear from the backseat, "Mom, can we go to Toys 'R Us, too?" I let out a quick and enthusiastic "YES!", hitting the pedal a little harder and turning the 4-Runner on two wheels to get there. I'm not ready for my little girl to be so grown up that our trips out with birthday money don't include the toy store! 

So, we were very successful in our shopping! Most importantly, we had a much needed mother-daughter day, just the two of us! I'm so glad my Emily loves to spend time with me. 

Please pray today

If you've clicked on the link to Nathan and Tricia and Baby Gwyneth's blog, you have no doubt been touched by their story and amazed at the miracles God has performed in their lives over the past several months. They are once again in need of prayer. This is the excerpt from Nate's blog:

It seems that our story is far from over. 

We received a call from Duke this past Wednesday that theEpstein Virus (Mononucleosis) has been found in Tricia's system. This in and of itself is not necessarily a horrible thing, but on Thursday we received another call telling us that there are some growths in Tricia's lungs. These growths could be the first signs of a common type of cancer called Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder that develops in post-transplant patients, brought on by the mono virus because of the immunosuppressant drugs Tricia is now taking.

We'll be driving to Duke early Tuesday (tomorrow) morning to get a clinic visit in for Gwyneth, who has been breathing a little heavy and fast the past few days. It does not appear to be affecting her in any way, but it's something that needs to be checked out just in case.

Tricia has a PET Scan early Wednesday morning. She will probably also have a biopsy (where they'll remove a small part of her lungs). Hopefully this can be done via a bronchoscope. If not, they may need to perform a surgical biopsy. She'll most likely be admitted as an in-patient on Wednesday as well, hopefully for no more than a few days.

They should have a diagnosis within 24 hours of the biopsy.

If she indeed is diagnosed with PTLD, they will consult their oncology specialists to take over administering the Rituximab, which it is generally given weekly for a month or so.

It could all just be a fungus infection, but it appears pretty suspicious for the PTLD.

This is not something we were aware could happen (not that anything really surprises us anymore), and to be honest, we really don't know much about it or what could happen from here. The idea of going back to Duke and being in the hospital is not something that we really want to think about right now, as it really messes with our plans. We're not sure how long we'll be in Durham, but we're hoping we'll be back within a week.

So, once again, we find ourselves in an unfamiliar, and very scary place. But, if we have learned anything during this incredible journey, we’ve learned to simply trust God.

When I am at my weakest, He makes His strength most evident.

I'm believing more and more that, after this part of our journey is over, God will still be Who He is, no matter the outcome. My plans are only worth anything if they are God's plans, and thankfully, His plans are always perfect.

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

I'll show up and take care of you as I promised

and bring you back home.

I know what I'm doing.

I have it all planned out -

plans to take care of you,

not abandon you,

plans to give you the future you hope for.

We have no reason to doubt that God is still in control. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers this week. I'll let you know when we know more about both of the girls.

Thanks!

Nate

Nate's blog is cfhusband.blogspot.com. Please pray for them this morning.

Happy Birthday Emily!

My oldest baby is 8 years old today. I remember June 9, 2000 as if it were yesterday. After 24 hours of labor, Emily arrived via c-section. Jason and I had opted to not find out what we were having and I think I couldn't have waited one more day. I remember Jason saying through tears and a big smile, "It's a girl!" Little did I know on that day what an adventure awaited me in becoming a Mommy. Within the week, my world had turned pink and it's been pink ever since.

I am so proud of my Emily! She is funny, smart, affectionate, nurturing, curious...the list goes on. She is an awesome big sister to Ben and Abby, who adore her 100%. She is a friend to everyone she meets and is very loyal to her friendships. She loves to learn new things, questions everything and constantly amazes us with her conclusions. She loves animals, bugs, camping, drawing, flip-flops, Hannah Montana, Lip Smackers, piano, reading, sleepovers, writing, and everything pink!

Happy Birthday, Emily!

I love you and I'm so proud to be your Mom.

1 year old

18 months old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

7 years old

8 years old

Family Party Time!

Emily's requested meal:

steak & mashed potatoes

Ben's card to Sissy

"Enchanted" birthday card

"Oh yeah" was the response for this...

Doggie picked out by Abby

(although Abby doesn't quite understand why it's not hers)

We've graduated from the Barbie 3-wheel scooter!

Lookin' good!

First lesson from Daddy

Daddy's girl

Mommy's girl, too!

Happy Birthday, Sissy!

I really think this doggie should be mine!

We love Sissy!

Silly Faces

And the perfect ending:

Birthday Pumpkin Pie

(Emily's request + Paula Dean's recipe = yummy!)

Hope you had a special birthday!

We love you!

That's my girl!

Emily's spring recital was today. She did a great job playing her piece. She said she was a little nervous, but I couldn't tell. Towards the end of the piece, if you listen closely, you will hear a moan from a reluctant audience member (BEN) who was ready to go home after two students had played.

Great job, Em!

Summer Fun Idea

Ingredients:

1 plastic storage bin

plastic cups (5/$.99 @ Target)

a few bath toys, measuring cups, funnels, etc.

Mix ingredients in the plastic storage bin. Fill halfway with water, set on a table outside and you have a water table for at last half an hour of kid fun! (Keep a towel nearby for those cuties who tend to be creative with where the water lands.)

Variation:

Fill halfway with sand instead of water.  Not quite as messy as a sandbox but can be just as fun!

Speechless...

Praise God! I don't even know what to say to explain to you the meaning behind this sign. If you haven't been following the Lawrenson's story, you MUST read it now: click here.

The Toothless Wonder

Emily lost 2 teeth this week for a total of 8 now!

She's very proud of herself...