Congratulations

Congrats are in order to my super awesome, older brother

This past weekend he graduated from a very intense, 55 week training

He is officially a pilot for the United States Air Force

Turns out it doesn't matter if you total 4 cars in college,

the government will still put you behind

a $14 million dollar plane if you train for it:)

Jared held down the fort at home with Ethan and Addison

And I spent some quality time with family...

We all got to try out the simulator (aka. giant video game)...

Toured various parts of the base...

Got to see the planes he's been training on all year...

Graduation and pinning of his wings..

He'll be flying the F-16 in just a few short months

Thank you Captain Nathaniel Halley for your service!  And to Joyel, because we know he couldn't make it without your great cooking and support:) I'm so proud of you!

Journeying On,

We Pray for Miracles

I've recently met a new friend 

with a very tiny, very sick little boy

his name is Brody

he was born at 26 weeks

he weighed 1 pound 2 ounces (same as Addison)

the needs are great

a long journey ahead

his sweet momma, daddy and sister are hurting for him

his lungs weak

his body small and vulnerable

a mighty miracle needed

join me before the throne on behalf of Brody and his family

Journeying On,

Hundered Acre Wood

Welcome to Hundered Acre Wood

Tiger and Piglet enjoyed staying home and passing out candy with family

They invited their favorite super hero over to help

Then enjoyed some treats of their own

Ethan played his role as Tiger very well

While Addison was rather sad she didn't have a tail of her own

Hope you enjoyed some time being silly with friends and family!

Journeying On,

Silly Faces

Can you say personality?

This girl is full of it...

and not camera shy:)

Cherishing these silly faces

and the energetic heart behind them:)

Journeying On,





Perspective

For the last few weeks I have been attempting to organize and back up all of our pictures and videos, which has been a long process.  Part of me is sad that it is done from behind a computer.  I think I would enjoy sorting piles of memories, while sitting on my living room floor.  But the digital world does seem a little more efficient:)  As I was sorting, I ran across a couple of videos that deeply encouraged my heart. 

You see, we're still fighting the battle of eating in our home.  We try daily, and fail often.  My heart is frequently discouraged over this, wishing for a secret method that work at every meal...

But God desires my heart to learn patience...and I have a long way to go.  Of course, I wish he didn't need to use my children to teach me this, but it's not the first, nor will it be the last lesson He teaches me through them.

This was taken almost one year ago...

Not a big fan of food in his mouth

This was taken last week...

So today I'm choosing to look at the big picture...

to see how God is working over time...

as strength and healing are brought to their little mouths, throats and brains...

hoping my heart remembers, and holds on to these miracle moments...

Journeying On,

Tests

For the past two months Ethan has been having his blood work checked every two weeks.  In all honesty, doctors were expecting his counts to have fallen by now, causing the need for several transfusions.  I think we were expecting it too... 

Two weeks ago we took Ethan to Vanderbilt for some preliminary testing that would need to be done before they started a transplant (should that day come).  They did a lengthy developmental test (almost three hours), a swallow study (video x-ray of him swallowing barium) and labs.  He did great on all three!!  He scored right between his chronological age and adjusted age developmentally.  He had several good swallows showing that he is able to protect his airway when eating/drinking. And his labs were completely normal.  We left the day very encouraged and rather proud parents:)

Over the past two months I have found myself anxiously waiting in the doctor's office of our hematologist/oncologist.  The time between his little finger prick and when the doctor walks through the door with that piece of paper has seemed to take forever.  But this morning was different.  For the first time, I was expecting the doctor to say that all of his counts are still normal...and he did:)  So normal that we have decided to just check him every four weeks instead of every two.

We are so thankful for the health the Lord has given Ethan!  As we continue to watch the Lord work in our family, we are hopeful that His name will be praised and honored....no matter what may come. 

Just wanted to give you a chance to praise with us!

Journeying On,