Busy Week & New Jewelry Pix

It always seems the week following Spring Break is crazy busy and makes me wish for another Spring Break!  This week, we are busy preparing for the Dodgeball Tournament that will be held at our church on Saturday.  You all know how serious Spencer is about sports so you can imagine the thought and preparation he puts into assembling his team, making t-shirts and developing his strategy.  His team consists of four boys from the 8th grade plus Cole and one of his friends.  We will have the dodgeball team sleepover Friday night since we have to be at the church at 7:45 Saturday morning.  Should be interesting!

Cole is preparing for his first track meet next Monday in Jessieville, which is about 1 1/2 hours from here.  Not a fun drive but it will be fun to watch Cole compete.  We are enjoying his break from any shows right now but I think he is itching to get something started.

I have been trying to set up a website for my jewelry but just can't seem to get it like I want so here are a few of my new necklaces, bracelets and broaches. 

Pink cross...$22

Matching bracelet...set for $32

Crown...$22

Flip flop...$22

$22

All necklaces can be custom made with your specific colors and a wide variety of charms.

Here are some broaches I made which also have a hook in the back in case you wanted to wear them as a necklace.  All broaches are $14.



I hope you all have a great week.  Stay tuned for pictures from the Dodgeball team!

"Praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord, O my soul.  I will sing praises to my God as long as I live." 

~Psalm 146: 1 - 2



Spring Thank-You-For-The-Break Week

This week is spring break for the boys and we have enjoyed a quiet week.  Our original plan was to head to Florida this week but with Spencer being on IV antibiotics, we thought staying home was a better plan.

The boys had their friend Collin over to spend the night Sunday night and then to a movie on Monday.  The weather has been G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S so they have spent a lot of time outside.  On Tuesday, Cole went over to his friend Damon's house and spent the night and Spencer and I hung out at the house.  Wednesday found us at Mom's almost all day.  We had so much fun and it was just what we all needed.  Thursday was a day of rest and I got loads of laundry (haha) done and more necklaces made.  Today is lab work day and physical therapy at ACH for Spencer and something fun this afternoon.  Of course, I have NO pictures from this week!!!  What kind of mother am I?!

We found out on Tuesday that Spencer will be having a swallow study this Monday, 3/28 at 8:00 a.m.  He and I haven't talked about it but I know he is nervous.  So am I.  All thoughts and prayers are appreciated. 

I will post pictures today of new necklaces and some pins I have made.  Evidently, broaches will be the new trend this fall so Tracee asked me to make a few.  I am honored that Cornerstone Pharmacy has agreed to sell my jewelry in their gift shop! 

Hope ya'll have a great day.

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous..."

Joshua 1:5 - 6

Time Flies

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I posted.  What is it that they say about good intentions?  We have been home a week now from the hospital and it's time for me to get caught up on everything so here goes...

This past weekend and this week were so busy because it was my birthday, our anniversary and Cole's birthday, all back to back (13th, 14th & 15th!).  Whew, I forget how busy it can be.  Brad and I went out to dinner (by ourselves!) Sunday night but the rest of the celebrations were here at home.  Cole requested bbq ribs (Nana's recipe) and Key Lime Pie for his birthday dinner.  I CANNOT believe he is a teenager!!!

Cole is finished with his show at The Rep and, I think, has enjoyed a little free time.  He does have an audition on Saturday for an agency that casts for Disney and Nickelodeon!  Oh boy!  I'll let you know how it goes.

Spencer is feeling much better.  He is tolertating the IV antibiotics much better this time and doesn't seem to be as tired.  We went to ACH yesterday and had the dressing changed and labs drawn so we'll see how the numbers look.  He's antsy about his minimal contact with his peeps but, thankfully, the NCAA tourney is keeping him occupied.  Antibiotics are scheduled until April 6th and depending on how he does, Dr. Richter will reschedule him for his swallow study.  Everything hinges on him getting well and staying well.

Brad and I are doing fine.  I had a head cold for three days but today I am actually feeling like a human being.  It's a wonder I stay well considering how much time we spend in the hospital!  Brad is feeling good and busy with work (yeah!).  I think we are all ready for a little warmer weather and some outside activity.

Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers.  We love you.

Back at ACH

Well, we're back at ACH with Spencer.  Yesterday, he started running fever and needing supplemental oxygen and I could tell by his eyes that he wasn't feeling well.  After talking with Dr. Warren, he felt it was best to come to the ER.  Of course, they admitted him but at least his chest x-ray looked really good and his lungs sound good.  They are thinking it may be JUST a viral infection.  You will hear a "woohoo" from me if that is all we have to deal with on this trip.

He tested negative for the flu with the rapid test but until they get confirmation from the regular test, everyone that comes in Spencer's room has to gown and glove up.  Noah came to visit this morning and, of course, I had to get a picture.

So, we're just hanging out trying to be patient (Spencer is good at this part).  Thank you for all the prayers.  We know we'll get through this but we know we couldn't do it without your prayers.

"The Lord strengthens and protects me; I trust in Him with all my heart.  I am rescued and my heart is full of joy; I will sing to Him in gratitude."

Psalms 28:7

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