Change of Plans

Wouldn't the world be a better place if it worked off of MY time schedule?  My world would be all happy, belly laughs, sparkles and shiny things, cute shoes & purses, no sickness and maybe a margarita thrown in here or there.  Actually, it doesn't sound too bad!  But, fortunately for all of us, God has not turned the reins over to me and His timetable is ALWAYS the best! 

Spencer's swallow study was moved from today until next Monday, March 7th at 1:00 p.m.  Can't tell you why or how because I don't know but I DO know that it must have not been meant to take place today.  Instead, I worked on paperwork and we all took a walk this evening (in shorts and it was freezing!) and watched tv and studied together and overall, had a great night.  Not how I would have planned my day but thereagain, I'm not in charge.

Spencer has been feeling so good since he is off his IV antibiotics and he was just itching to do something yesterday.  He did get to go to church (first time in over 2 months!) and that was wonderful but he was ready for more.  So, after Cole's rehearsal we all met at the bowling alley in Maumelle and had some fun.
 

Will, Sarah, Cole, Seth & Spencer

Tonight, Cole and Brad are analyzing all the data for Cole's science project.  I was the subject (boring) and Cole was tracking how different types of music (country, Christian hip hop and symphony) affects my running.  I'm the brawn and these guys are the brains...I think I got the better end of the deal.

I was listening to KLove today while working out and this is the verse they read.  I KNOW they were talking to me this morning because I sure needed to be reminded of this...

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure.  And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.  And this expectation will not disappoint us.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

Romans 5: 3-5 

D-Day is Monday

Most of you know that Spencer cannot eat or drink anything by mouth.  It all goes through his g-button in his stomach which was placed back in September.  To say this has been a difficult road for all of us, but especially for him, is such an understatement.  Spencer loves to eat, as do our entire family, so to not be able to has been an incredible challenge.  If you think about it, our whole society revolves around eating.   Do I even need to tell you that he has overcome this obstacle amazingly well?  I am constantly amazed at the challenges he faces and the faith he uses to overcome them all.  I aspire to grow up to be like him.

Anyway, the point of all of this is to say that on Monday, February 28th at 2:00, Spencer will have a swallow study.  Dr. Richter, our ENT, said that since Spencer passed the salivagram he would readminister the swallow study.  Just like all of us, he wants Spence (as he calls him) to be able to eat something, anything. 

My fears are running rampant and I am trying to remember that all I need to do is have "faith as a mustard seed".  Please pray with me that whatever the outcome, Spencer will be at peace.  He has been through so much.

This was the verse for my Bible study this morning.  Very appropriate.....

"Jesus said, "Everything is possible for him who believes."  Immediately the boy's' father exclaimed, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!"  (Jesus then answered his prayer.)

Mark 9: 23 - 24

Relief

What a blessing we received yesterday when Spencer's salivagram test showed no aspiration, AND he had his PIC line removed because his 30 days of IV antibiotics are finished!  What a relief!  I slept so hard last night (since I did not have to get up for an IV) that my eyes were puffy this morning.  I'm looking forward to catching up on some much needed sleep.

Watching a movie during his salivagram test which took an hour.  He is the most patient person I know.

Everyone was tired.  This is how I found Cole at 8:50p.m. on the couch.

Today is a catch-up day for me as far as paperwork and cleaning off my desk.  Spencer and I may head to Jessieville tonight for the Eagles' basketball game.  They made it to Regionals and he is itching to go.  We'll see.

Hope ya'll have a great day.

"Each time He said, "My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness."  So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

New Crafts

We had such a great weekend...I can't believe it is already Monday!

Cole had rehearsal and was at The Rep for most of the weekend.  He invited a friend to spend the night Saturday night and they had a little downtime before spending all Sunday afternoon at rehearsal.  Sounds like the show is coming along and opening night is Wednesday, March 2nd (I think).  I should probably get all the info since my child is in the show!  Ha.

Spencer is feeling good and soooo ready for this last day of IV antibiotics.  He hung out at the house on Saturday but went to the movies with Seth on Sunday.  I can't even tell you how READY he is to get back to doing normal things with his friends, like going to the Eagles basketball games.  They are in District tournaments and he's already making a strategy about attending all the games.  Oh boy.

Brad and I had a great weekend.  We went to Hot Springs on Saturday...just the two of us.  It was awesome.  We didn't do anything special but it seemed like a special weekend.  I love being able to spend time with him and having fun.  It's hard to believe that our 19th wedding anniversary is in a couple of weeks. 

My friend Tracy called me last week and asked me to make some things that were "cajun" related (she lives in Shreveport).  A friend of hers is manager at a restaurant and they have a gift shop and she wants me to sell my necklaces in the gift shop.  Crazy right?  Well, here's what I am sending her this week...

And here's what I did with my coffee can.  From this...



To this...



I'm not sure I will sell these because it was a little labor intensive but I had fun designing it.

So I guess we'll see if the public likes my necklaces.  Whether they do or not, I have had so much fun making them and it's a great outlet for me.

Hope you all have a great week.  Looks like it's going to be a busy one.

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.  Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."

I Peter 5:6 - 7

Hello Sunshine

Even though I really like cold weather, I am soooo happy to see the sun and warmer temperatures forecasted for this week!  It's crazy that even though it was 66 degrees yesterday, there are still patches of ice on our hill.

Everyone had a great day yesterday.  The boys surprised me with beautiful flowers, a big Hershey's kiss and a funny card.  Who could ask for more?!

Cole told me that Brad picked out red roses but Cole instructed him that those were "too ordinary" so Cole picked these.  So sweet.

Cole didn't have rehearsal last night so the boys hung out at the house while Brad and I went out with my brother and a friend.  We NEVER go out on Valentine's Day but we had so much fun!  Great Mexican food and then a fabulous Jazz band named Rodney Block.  Thanks Dwayne for a great time.

Spencer's labs yesterday showed his white blood count is still low but we were expecting nothing else.  We have a CT scan of his lungs scheduled for Friday as well as an appointment to see Dr. Warren.  We are prayerful that the CT will show Dr. Warren what he needs to know and that we DO NOT have to continue on the IV meds.  I will keep you posted.

I'm off to run.  Today's is "hip hop" day as I continue with Cole's science project.  I'm not a fan of this type of music but the weather is so beautiful that I probably won't even notice!

Stay tuned for my next project...what to do with all those empty espresso cans...

Hope you all have a great day.

"Be strong and of good courage; stop being frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Snow, Snow & Sun!

If you're like us and you live just about any place in the south, I bet you got some snow this past week.  We ended up getting around 7" at our house, which is enough to keep us up on the mountain from Tuesday night until Saturday.  Even on Saturday, I rode down with Brad because I will do just about anything to keep from driving on something that makes me slip, slide and crash!

Our neighbor, Mary, took this photo.  She is one of those people that can do anything but she excels at photography.

Winter Wonderland.

Spencer's friend, Seth, came over Thursday afternoon.  Our roads were not passable so a hike ensued.  You know your children have great friends when they will hike through snow and up hills just to spend some time and play.  I didn't want Seth hiking down by himself so he and I sledded down! 

 Notice I am covered in snow (because I was sitting in front) and that smile is permanently frozen to my face!  What fun!

Friday, our roads were still treacherous so Brad and Cole walked to Kanis (where we had the old trusty trooper parked) because Cole had rehearsal at The Rep.  We knew it would refreeze Friday night so Dwayne was awesome enough to pick Cole up after rehearsal and let him spend the night with him and then take him back to The Rep at 9:00 on Saturday.  They had a blast and we didn't have to worry about trying to navigate the roads.

Spencer has one week left of IV antibiotics (HALLELUJAH!!!). On Friday, when United Medical needed to deliver the meds and couldn't make it up the mountain, Max and I walked down to Kanis to meet the driver.  This was what I had to bring back up the mountain...

I definitely got my cardio for the day!

At least the scenery was beautiful.

I think today will be the last day for the snow and on to warmer temperatures. 

Hope you all have a very nice Valentine's Day...show someone how much you care for them.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done."

Philippians 4:6

Super Bowl and Snow

Even though Spencer has not been feeling great, I think nothing short of unconsciousness could have kept him from watching the Super Bowl with his peeps.  We had eight people over and we had so much fun.  We set up a taco bar and everyone brought desserts...nothing makes a Super Bowl party better than food (and your team winning, of course).

Noah brought Spencer an "official" Steelers hat (a foam hat with an "I" beam running through it).  Needless to say, Spencer loves it and has only taken it off to shower!

True Steeler fan.

Cole, Collin, Spencer and Noah.

Even though the Steelers lost, Spencer had a great time with his friends.   Of course, Cole was a Green Bay fan (any team that Spencer dislikes, Cole loves!) so it was a divided house but at least no blood was shed!

Spencer's bloodwork yesterday showed that his white blood count is still low, which increases his risk for infection.  We have kept him at home all week and plan on limiting his contact with the outside world until he has finished his IV antibiotics which will be February 21st.  Can't wait for that day and for him to start feeling better!

Cole is enjoying being home for a snow day.  By the way it is snowing and from all the forecasts, I would say he will be home the rest of the week.  We stocked up on food and have plenty of movies, games and fun things planned since the mountain is already socked in.

A couple of months ago, we had our family portrait made for our church directory.  I'm embarassed to say that it has literally been years since we had a professional photograph of our family.  I think they turned out really good.

  Yes, mom, I have one for you!

The photographer was fun and he encouraged the boys to have fun in a few shots.  We just HAD to buy this one...love it.

Adorable.

I hope you all enjoy this snow and are stay safe.  If I didn't know any better, I would think we had moved to Alaska!

The Week in Review

I can't believe it has been a week since I blogged!  In addition to being "Nurse Nancy" 24/7, we also switched our internet provider from Dish to AT&T and it has taken a couple of days to get the kinks worked out.  So far, the AT&T service has rocked and our internet connections are much quicker.  Hope it stays that way.

I'll start with the boys...

Spencer is doing ok.  IV meds are going well but labs on Monday showed that his white blood count is low, which has caused him to run a low-grade fever, makes him more prone to infection and makes him very tired.  He is tired of being tired and frustrated because he has not been able to participate in karate, physical therapy or ABSS basketball games this week.  We finish the IV antibiotic February 22nd and have our follow up with Dr. Warren on February 23rd at which time I think we will have the CT scan on his lungs.  In the meantime, we are just trying to keep his spirits up and attempting to let him get out of the house without coming in contact with a large crowd.  Easier said than done.  We will have a few friends over for the Super Bowl so that should help his spirits.

Seth, Spencer, Cole and Manly enjoyed a game of nerf wars last Saturday.

Cole is doing great.  He has decided to join the track team at school (because he didn't have enough to do to keep him busy!).  He's had a good week at school and he's REALLY enjoying his day off from school today because of the snow.

Week One of my fitness bootcamp and running for Cole's science project have gone as good as I could have hoped.  I do enjoy both although my muscles would beg to differ.  I think the most exciting/scary thing that has happened all week was this morning when I got stuck in the snow while trying to make it home after my workout.  It wasn't snowing when I left the house at 6:30 but at 9:00 when I headed home, it was not pretty.  As I made it halfway up the hill to the gate, my car started sliding backwards.  Thank goodness my neighbor Kim came to the rescue in her Polaris and pulled me up to the gate where I parked my car and left it! 

I'm a southern girl and although I love cold weather, I have no business being out when there is snow on the ground.  Thank you Lord for keeping me safe and sending Kim to my rescue!

Besides the Nursey duties this week, I have also worked on a few necklaces.

I'm still having fun and have even sold a few necklaces and a painting!

So glad we have plenty o' food cause it looks like we will be on the mountain for a while.  Hope you all stay safe and enjoy this beautiful weather.

Here's my favorite verse this week...

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad -- for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world."
I Peter 4:12-13