Do you ever have one of "those" moments?  Where you get a glimpse into a life that may have been yours?

Yesterday I was standing in a fancy grocery store, alone, with an arm basket, looking for a specialty item… this is not the norm.

My norm. is Costco, with a flat, with kids, buying bulk basics.

As I was standing there I just had a moment.  "This could have been me."  There has alway been a part of me that likes to be alone, all alone.  In that moment I realized, that could have been the norm. for me…. and I started to laugh.

In one unexpected moment standing in a fancy grocery store, looking for a fancy thing, I fell more in love with my crazy, large, messy, overwhelming, sticky, never.ending.laundry, always hungry, full of joy family.

I was washed with the realization that my family truly is a gift.  A gift not be taken for granted.

Sometimes I do not appreciate all that God has given me.  In fact sometimes I view it as burden.  The last 2 weeks have not been very fun.  Sick kid, after sick kid and then it hit me, hard.  With Christmas on the way and no energy to prep I have been feeling very ungrateful.

In a moment my heart was reminded…. life is a gift. These 6 lil lives I get to take care of are a gift.  What an honor.

Merry Christmas Eve.  May you see afresh the gifts God has given.   

Beautiful Results

The report from the neurosurgeon was that the growth on the stalk had shrunk - I could see it - what a sight!

PRAISE THE LORD!

This was the best news.

Still no diagnosis but leaning towards one for sure.

Lymphocytic Hypophysitis

Basically for what ever reason his body thought it needed to attack the pituitary gland and stalk.  Autoimmune.   

The reason is really unknown.     

We will scan again in 6 months and monitor hormone levels as the pituitary gland is pretty sensitive and can shut down all function with something like this.

Our relief is enormous and we feel so blessed but our hearts and prayers are turned toward Connecticut.

We serve a mighty God.  One who hears, One who comforts, One that heals.






  

MRI done.

Endocrinology appointment was great and we love those people.  Very informative and caring to help us manage the Diabetes Insipidus.   

We then went to lunch [where we saw Jerry Rice :)] and chatted about the MRI.  He originally was scheduled to go under anesthesia for the MRI and blood draw.  We called our Dr.'s to ask if we could try without the meds, they said, "sure" and radiology said, "come on over, now".  We were met at the door by a lady that works with kids to make their experience as good as it can be.  I told her about Dawson's fear of needles [Dawson was already in tears at this point] and so she left and came back with a bunch of "tools" including an iPad for games.  She talked to him and stayed with him through the blood draw and PRAISE THE LORD it went great!  This was huge.  HUGE!

He did great in the MRI and to celebrate we had Krispy Kreme for dinner, followed with banana splits for dessert.  [amazing what you'll do as a mother sometimes] :)

Tomorrow we will get the MRI results.

[Ashton and Dawson in front of Lucile Packards beautiful Christmas lights]

Thank you for praying!  God is good!

Weaving Hearts.

Almost two years ago I lead a women's trip to UG.  I knew, knew, knew that I was suppose to do that.  This was a giant leap of faith as I had never even been on a mission trip, let alone lead one.  As the trip started taking shape there were 2 girls from another part of the US that would join us in Amsterdam.  One of the girls had become near and dear to my heart, and since 2009 has become one of my closest friends.  Her friend from college felt called to join.  Her name is Anna.  [i wrote a funny about her/us here]

I loved Anna from the start and we became instant friends.

Fast-forward a year.

Anna was diagnosed with MS this Spring.

About the same time we discovered Dawson's DI and pituitary issues.

Through tears I have read her blog.  Through shaky texts we have exchanged love.  Through the phone we have laughed.

I stand amazed at God's weaving of lives together.  God weaved our hearts together to serve Him in Africa, but what He also did was give us each other to walk this past year out with.  No, we do not talk much but I know we both talk to God about each other.  I call that a good friend.

On the night before we leave for Stanford I sat and watched this.  I have NO doubt God prompted Anna to post her testimony of the past year tonight, for me.

Love you Anna and know that God used you mightily to focus my heart.  I know you would never ask for the road you are on but God is using it.  I can testify to that.

Calling on the Prayer Warriors Again.

It's time to look at Dawson's brain again.

We will head down to Stanford [Lucile Packard Children's Hospital] on Monday with appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Tuesday will be Endocrinology.
Wednesday will be the MRI at the hospital [he will be under anesthesia again].
Thursday Neurology.

I believe in the power of prayer.  Let's pray.  Let's pray specifics:  1) the growth on the pituitary stalk would continue to shrink (or disappear)  2) that he will do well under anesthesia 3) that his other hormone levels are "normal"

Thank you!

We serve a mighty God that hears!

Thanksgiving 2012

Something about this year made me crave getting together.  Maybe it's all that has happened, maybe it's coming home from Africa, maybe it's all that is to come, but I needed to be with my family.  

Did I tell you I am a GREAT?  This is my GREAT Niece.  I feel so GREAT about this.  :)  She makes it GREAT.  Can't you see it in her eyes?  She is a world changer!

Our kids have 29 cousins.  Never a dull moment.  What a joy to watch these kids change and grow.  We have some starting families, some going off to college, some in their Senior year of High School, 5 in Kindergarden, some learning to walk… what a joy, what a family!

Us mama's have to keep documenting all these moments.  They are precious and boy do we know it!

Part of our family tradition is to shoot trap together.  We like to embrace our Second Amendment and not take it for granted.  [not to brag or anything but I only missed ONE - ok bragging done]  

Something about shooting stuff made me feel better.  We have Stanford visits coming up again for Dawson.  The blessings of health have been great but I am still not looking forward to all the tests.  Thinking shooting trap maybe a great outlet for all.  ;)

What a blessed Thanksgiving.  Too many cherished memories to count.  

May the spirit of gratitude continue, as we prepare for season where we celebrate the coming of our King!

Africa [part 2]

[i know, i am the worst blogger ever but here goes ;)]

We arrived back at our favorite hang out:  Redeemer House.

Our local church [and friends…including our mail lady] had given money for rice and beans to bless the surrounding community and families of RH kids.

The next day they brought some friends home to share what they had.  Two of our girls explained that we love [and give] because God first loved us.

Evening prayer time was my favorite and blessed my heart every time.  The drums, their prayers, their voices… I begged God to help me remember.

The next few days were filled with RH memory making and swimming to wrap up our time.

Such a privilege to go.  

Such a blessing to come home.

Home is where my heart is but there are pieces there, in Ug@nda.