tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202961482024-03-13T11:51:23.890-05:00To Heaven and BackLearning Life through God's EyesJJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.comBlogger536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-31734840487004116532017-06-06T22:27:00.002-05:002017-06-06T22:29:29.630-05:00WhyAs a parent of young children, I am asked this question numerous times each day. Sometimes, it is an easy answer, but at others, it requires a more heartfelt, prayerful response to their inquisitive "whys".<br />
<br />
About a week ago, Elias fell asleep in my arms, and I was overwhelmed with the seriousness, the sadness, and the heaviness of this. I had so many questions for my heavenly Father, and He answered that night with overwhelming peace.<br />
<br />
You know, I never imagined being here, in an ICU following our son's brain surgery, and now that we are, I don't want to question why. I want to look ahead to Elias being healed and God getting all the praise.<br />
<br />
The truth is, I really cannot grasp the why right now. Elias was screaming through his pain this evening, and he looked right over to me and asked, "Why did I have to do this?!" Of course, we had to do "this" for his well-being, but honestly, I know there has to be a bigger purpose than that.<br />
<br />
In Romans 8, we are reminded that the sufferings of this present time aren't worth comparing to the glory that God will reveal in us. The Lord has a bigger answer to the question, "Why?" I know He wants us to bring our hearts to Him, pour out our prayers and our big questions, and give Him time to answer. Why? Because He is still God, and He is still good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38ukIftjKd9-51CcWSu6X0JcLNY2WbQSy2oMVcixpJKK10ZGyf0r-9NlwJUaj3LW-lYgf_poFEGRq4SLOg8teDVd_C2gzXgGn2uUWYFLPQ9fpVJ7B7jgORDb2seAjv4iXB14v/s1600/14968059120581875686599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38ukIftjKd9-51CcWSu6X0JcLNY2WbQSy2oMVcixpJKK10ZGyf0r-9NlwJUaj3LW-lYgf_poFEGRq4SLOg8teDVd_C2gzXgGn2uUWYFLPQ9fpVJ7B7jgORDb2seAjv4iXB14v/s320/14968059120581875686599.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-11045579655813138052017-05-30T23:58:00.000-05:002017-05-30T23:58:21.044-05:00Turning Moments into MemoriesWhen we received the news last week that Elias was going to have brain surgery on June 6th, I knew what I wanted to do in the two weeks we have leading up to it. I knew we had to have pictures, lots of fun, and tons of memories. I have been determined since signing consent forms to make his summer memorable for him (and us) considering the rest of it will be quite trying. I want him to do things he hasn't before, and I hope to let him do things he cannot over the next few months.<br />
<br />
My heart is already filled with thankfulness that, in just a few days, we have done some of the things I imagined for him. You know, hearing a certain kind of news shouldn't dictate living our lives with intention and with purpose, but it sure has motivated me to do so. I had no clue this was coming, and while we never do, I have realized that each day being a gift is completely true.<br />
<br />
God has given us both a possible answer with surgery and time to prepare for it, but we have known all along that life and what was to come has never been in our control. He has given us another day to rest in Him and to enjoy His glory. Isn't that what every single day should look like?!<br />
<br />
In less than a week, Elias has had his five year pictures taken, found out he would be having a baby brother, ran through the Rivers of Tennessee fountains, chowed down on chicken and cheese crepes from the Farmer's Market, experienced the Nashville Public Library and its amazing Storytime, went bowling and had a "lucky" green ball, learned to ride a bike without training wheels, ate blue birthday cake kettle corn, and received the news that he would be having surgery. This sweet, wild child of ours is having a big summer. I am blessed to be a part of it, and because these moments have been so special to me, I wanted to share them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB9QBg9DNqsRo1kYG2cIZmvO84S8KidlAMIE-EmJJM3ypFRp1gkldExBR-LZAWSQtoee9d4v5vCL_JiJG6PDuFvPL2UJYqI21P2C_HReZ8yrvDt11HiAAq1pK6eaqkslkfJwd/s1600/20170526_145205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB9QBg9DNqsRo1kYG2cIZmvO84S8KidlAMIE-EmJJM3ypFRp1gkldExBR-LZAWSQtoee9d4v5vCL_JiJG6PDuFvPL2UJYqI21P2C_HReZ8yrvDt11HiAAq1pK6eaqkslkfJwd/s320/20170526_145205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWipaXNQEGg9RZxenDxRaR01aqwF7ITv0ofLW24T7M4dsrJ0Ydcp0gzG-ZuXYpZ1Rn02Im78XMbXuqfkuWXYs4fMHGprp2y9tQEzDXAGtWeg00ZwJ1ScUEfaF9U8gAASJA-Ce/s1600/20170526_153133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWipaXNQEGg9RZxenDxRaR01aqwF7ITv0ofLW24T7M4dsrJ0Ydcp0gzG-ZuXYpZ1Rn02Im78XMbXuqfkuWXYs4fMHGprp2y9tQEzDXAGtWeg00ZwJ1ScUEfaF9U8gAASJA-Ce/s320/20170526_153133.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cUD44lQomk8zM42zZhYfoLGEGSFgIUjgtBySEwvEV5SlFbnuTxaXs95A_WkFwynz6Do-TvuscI-nUTzdadJxIVUaxxNvx1FeYyfh5_BcQN8odeoKRFFlaxRYHezOIpx2QE-j/s1600/20170529_171439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cUD44lQomk8zM42zZhYfoLGEGSFgIUjgtBySEwvEV5SlFbnuTxaXs95A_WkFwynz6Do-TvuscI-nUTzdadJxIVUaxxNvx1FeYyfh5_BcQN8odeoKRFFlaxRYHezOIpx2QE-j/s320/20170529_171439.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48SKN8kjmaZOPAzcvJpXgRh0HEawczGdGxvc5hUx_hzYY4VS6FuMfGz2VE6P4GbVUfosEVVHdjrcOh8EHGawO2tviu6PTAA4MC71k4MtOSYDpJi_KM5hZItO_SxqBVHZ2B7z4/s1600/20170530_113542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48SKN8kjmaZOPAzcvJpXgRh0HEawczGdGxvc5hUx_hzYY4VS6FuMfGz2VE6P4GbVUfosEVVHdjrcOh8EHGawO2tviu6PTAA4MC71k4MtOSYDpJi_KM5hZItO_SxqBVHZ2B7z4/s320/20170530_113542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWfmb_8OEu3Cbu6ObfQRqTs-8I6SBuno5V_0QQgH32iXHAhLfiuI7sVeVz9EFu8p3gjI8F-DdkIObQey4V4MAT9vGW_xN6-8TUQGn4MBVYgxgt4P4R0E1Yk6oKxEuW7HT_7wO/s1600/20170530_122553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWfmb_8OEu3Cbu6ObfQRqTs-8I6SBuno5V_0QQgH32iXHAhLfiuI7sVeVz9EFu8p3gjI8F-DdkIObQey4V4MAT9vGW_xN6-8TUQGn4MBVYgxgt4P4R0E1Yk6oKxEuW7HT_7wO/s320/20170530_122553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8odLH53wGiiHcEz3Eynnbj5-Si57bN3w_thxa4kzMVSC88acUEvmBeDRalaj8zm5GtKefbo_jX61FZF9Jj_8mskFMaDhpXN43QM6sOpjkhxNRXsSp6e09N5rDVjn63Ly4EsYH/s1600/20170530_135419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8odLH53wGiiHcEz3Eynnbj5-Si57bN3w_thxa4kzMVSC88acUEvmBeDRalaj8zm5GtKefbo_jX61FZF9Jj_8mskFMaDhpXN43QM6sOpjkhxNRXsSp6e09N5rDVjn63Ly4EsYH/s320/20170530_135419.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE3KHWcGiF0wwAU8wSe5dsKMZBLfFLNj85E0iTG64NjJrb_IVP8te6VmwyGfwhgOrG9lJkIZt7OVMEacBdNHHZOuSUZrpFOdTnYNpLZIrzvZPODiNjmwdz1GOVZLhj4S0aIBo/s1600/20170530_141312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE3KHWcGiF0wwAU8wSe5dsKMZBLfFLNj85E0iTG64NjJrb_IVP8te6VmwyGfwhgOrG9lJkIZt7OVMEacBdNHHZOuSUZrpFOdTnYNpLZIrzvZPODiNjmwdz1GOVZLhj4S0aIBo/s320/20170530_141312.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH7QtZ3zJChtXs4F20CtbhVxAj2jOt6mDR82L95_s7lzKpLjCrosAuSnwFy-HhJIdVhcst6sRWPKIFUPOjqhVVkTWnX0FsUHkcszwsXEt0_qEcpZgWPIsI2TnfFj3Lz68kNxm/s1600/20170530_141641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH7QtZ3zJChtXs4F20CtbhVxAj2jOt6mDR82L95_s7lzKpLjCrosAuSnwFy-HhJIdVhcst6sRWPKIFUPOjqhVVkTWnX0FsUHkcszwsXEt0_qEcpZgWPIsI2TnfFj3Lz68kNxm/s320/20170530_141641.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRX_Us3Z7eRohnaYhRUYa_pfR7QM_NwMWucs3d48pcOT4tmbS4bIzU3_MtMsv8hZFNH24BRV0PXFmqTqb7BM3R4YfhB2HD-1oNPCnv9qVHqFjlK2SQfK4sZY2c-Pvk8rIEIlh/s1600/20170530_142348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRX_Us3Z7eRohnaYhRUYa_pfR7QM_NwMWucs3d48pcOT4tmbS4bIzU3_MtMsv8hZFNH24BRV0PXFmqTqb7BM3R4YfhB2HD-1oNPCnv9qVHqFjlK2SQfK4sZY2c-Pvk8rIEIlh/s320/20170530_142348.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtKn9g1qlalf0vfguOl1ibh3NtVTGeDmD-bxKrkfeQA4xkpT9ftCPGghdMccLbiV4I-CZCmtprvCW54A5oSxAZES-jIlp7tbvogr-YmS-lJwgHe_qD_WhUqRwGHq4bone95_z/s1600/20170530_142844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtKn9g1qlalf0vfguOl1ibh3NtVTGeDmD-bxKrkfeQA4xkpT9ftCPGghdMccLbiV4I-CZCmtprvCW54A5oSxAZES-jIlp7tbvogr-YmS-lJwgHe_qD_WhUqRwGHq4bone95_z/s320/20170530_142844.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNrXEImboiX2tubWheW9Wh0B_NGyyQsyi2cp7-COwnPQkCNM-b2E0grCs_QWsfiJYzi1jkXL6NpqPSEVhzkiPwSX3fmLoNy1jC5ZDncNGtVLL1TgtVQAO49H6A06qnHeKUXzG/s1600/20170530_184605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNrXEImboiX2tubWheW9Wh0B_NGyyQsyi2cp7-COwnPQkCNM-b2E0grCs_QWsfiJYzi1jkXL6NpqPSEVhzkiPwSX3fmLoNy1jC5ZDncNGtVLL1TgtVQAO49H6A06qnHeKUXzG/s320/20170530_184605.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRFbCpNhnIjOEXQaqlQBX6G47DQm4jVYDxvdv6oIfgd0I-Fgod_2PNvNUaiyq_otvoMi9-cNhAvBtgjQzQY20QnARKzVou9UdV5TVSZJ1Dyfviy0A48m47rz4s6iTyFMJFX3C/s1600/20170530_123127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRFbCpNhnIjOEXQaqlQBX6G47DQm4jVYDxvdv6oIfgd0I-Fgod_2PNvNUaiyq_otvoMi9-cNhAvBtgjQzQY20QnARKzVou9UdV5TVSZJ1Dyfviy0A48m47rz4s6iTyFMJFX3C/s320/20170530_123127.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ02IGQ54TRd_bXEsmPPsrkltSu_frPDSjUKc_6cfCPSbaQqEnznNip4rl6NaOw3lUJATDxKQGbdIxtw87iMG7S6nuvmGo7KPX-UCYMB9w9y4uHr7NB_DfWFtlIZFwYjmbaxX/s1600/20170528_171457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ02IGQ54TRd_bXEsmPPsrkltSu_frPDSjUKc_6cfCPSbaQqEnznNip4rl6NaOw3lUJATDxKQGbdIxtw87iMG7S6nuvmGo7KPX-UCYMB9w9y4uHr7NB_DfWFtlIZFwYjmbaxX/s320/20170528_171457.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xtfPeWaMUPAAoCcw7jo2wQFpg6caqlnITHnmGrZIT0JuDvot85nCdKogbzW7gpY7KSjR0VSNqz16v3MBrSEMqXdCm1BR7p_nDMvmGpKM_D0bE0t5IfWeavlvLb0jkxnRLwVh/s1600/20170526_144559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xtfPeWaMUPAAoCcw7jo2wQFpg6caqlnITHnmGrZIT0JuDvot85nCdKogbzW7gpY7KSjR0VSNqz16v3MBrSEMqXdCm1BR7p_nDMvmGpKM_D0bE0t5IfWeavlvLb0jkxnRLwVh/s320/20170526_144559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTPJbhn25JPnhIMqQPpILRPnSbI23Dw6OtZ8nX_4C0WmedOwwcD-BTXfgeW-urYHdpm8jYnd5CVevtaCTZiwOVqAFdj1BQnuUuFlixSfe0xN56moNxE4NmUNIOfSJBqqdwvZK/s1600/20170524_162518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTPJbhn25JPnhIMqQPpILRPnSbI23Dw6OtZ8nX_4C0WmedOwwcD-BTXfgeW-urYHdpm8jYnd5CVevtaCTZiwOVqAFdj1BQnuUuFlixSfe0xN56moNxE4NmUNIOfSJBqqdwvZK/s320/20170524_162518.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-23143705448533815762017-05-26T11:44:00.001-05:002017-05-30T22:28:51.644-05:00Heavy BurdensIt still isn't easy to say aloud. Two days ago, we met with the neurosurgeon to review Elias' MRIs. Thankfully, the spine MRI was clear, but we still had to face the fact that he has a <a href="http://www.conquerchiari.org/education/chiari-faqs.html" target="_blank">Chiari brain malformation</a> AND central sleep apnea. He explained to us that the only option for Elias is a Chiari decompression. We knew it could happen, but when it actually came to signing consent forms for a brain surgery, it became very heavy.<br />
<br />
Can I be honest? I don't want to go through this. I don't want to watch our son go through a surgery like this. I don't want to be in a hospital or have him endure the pain. However, the burdens he has carried in his five short years of life (with having sleep apnea, waking up constantly throughout the night, and always being sick, ill, and angry) makes it obvious that he deserves a chance for things to be better. It's a difficult thing, but it's the right thing. <br />
<br />
God made that perfectly clear through <a href="http://jennarjohnson.blogspot.com/2017/05/perfect-peace.html" target="_blank">His overwhelming peace</a> last week. The Lord had prepared our hearts for this. Why they feel so heavy now isn't that surprising. The surgery will take place on June 6th. We are beginning to make preparations for it. We know that he will be in surgery around 3-4 hours, in ICU for 1-2 days, in a regular room for 1-2 days, at home carefully monitored for 2 weeks, no physical activity or swimming for 6 weeks, and should be ready for most anything in 6 months. <br />
<br />
Obviously, our schedules have to change, our lives are being altered a bit, and our son is going to undergo a big thing. It is just what God has in store for our family. Life seems to be easy and light at times, and at others, it is tough and heavy to bear. I am incredibly grateful that Jesus says His burden is light. He tells us to come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). We will lay it down at His feet for rest. I keep imagining the magnitude of God's love for our son and how He sent His own Son to die for ours (and us), and I am immediately comforted by His Spirit. <br />
<br />
Will you pray for our family and lift this burden to the Lord on our behalf? Specifically, pray for Elias' surgery to be successful, recovery to be swift, no complications will arise, and for peace for his precious heart and mind. Please pray that his brothers (at only 7 and 8) will act with and be given compassion, understanding, and love. Pray that we, as his parents, will be patient, peaceful, and prepared for what comes our way. <br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
I wrote about Elias' diagnosis here:<br />
<a href="http://jennarjohnson.blogspot.com/2017/05/perfect-peace.html">http://jennarjohnson.blogspot.com/2017/05/perfect-peace.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is a Chiari malformation? <span style="background-color: white;">Chiari Malformation Type I (CM) is a neurological disorder where part of the brain, the cerebellum (or more specifically the cerebellar tonsils), descends out of the skull into the spinal area. This results in compression of parts of the brain and spinal cord, and disrupts the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">How is it treated? If </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the symptoms aren't severe, doctors may recommend just monitoring the situation with regular MRI's and treating the symptoms individually. However, if symptoms are <span style="font-family: inherit;">interfering with quality of life, are getting</span> worse, or if the nervous system is being impaired, doctors may recommend surgery. The most common surgical treatment, performed by a neurosurgeon, is known as decompression surgery.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
What is surgery like? <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decompression surgery is a general term used to refer to any of a number of variations on the same basic procedure. The goal of the surgery is to create more space around the cerebellar tonsils and restore the normal flow of CSF. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The procedure involves removing a piece of </span>the skull in the back of the head near the bottom (craniectomy). Often part of the top one or two vertebra are also removed (laminectomy). At this point, depending on the individual case and doctor, some doctors will also open the covering of the brain, the dura, and sew a patch in to make it larger (duraplasty). </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 31.9019px;"><br /></span>
For more information about Chiari brain malformations and Decompression surgery:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.conquerchiari.org/education/chiari-faqs.html">http://www.conquerchiari.org/education/chiari-faqs.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqS0NkeaUezMILpafyIVXpGliFmW0ZW-ybDW8zOHGWpgDGahwy6fJUta-tqZ_-NR_5ijIdXduLUaVwrvvkD9PPTfH72HicRUwk7Q9a3pz3X51yKIlpOozU5soDz-EruOxzjDR/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqS0NkeaUezMILpafyIVXpGliFmW0ZW-ybDW8zOHGWpgDGahwy6fJUta-tqZ_-NR_5ijIdXduLUaVwrvvkD9PPTfH72HicRUwk7Q9a3pz3X51yKIlpOozU5soDz-EruOxzjDR/s320/6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXra3ByfR053bX6q49PSIwsSEUsHFvQJI3fqn98gxHqB_EB_lZE17yjbSSEbW-ph1PAgsEDNTn1ezCbNz-rfyf6L-9ueEpzAqb2myGhIP-jwHqv9Ke6NeIm1f4EoWZgMZlXpp5/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXra3ByfR053bX6q49PSIwsSEUsHFvQJI3fqn98gxHqB_EB_lZE17yjbSSEbW-ph1PAgsEDNTn1ezCbNz-rfyf6L-9ueEpzAqb2myGhIP-jwHqv9Ke6NeIm1f4EoWZgMZlXpp5/s320/33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAdkTzRKR3m4sj7bYW9KjgFyj50erp27kJdQcEh64KYSjZoXCMzvCGOzM9jA-5KdqjR9dtJ31a3-wcLuVmA4N1y1rtnAHXKrClPNf_DHwvFk5QCD4S8fjaK2GjoXlenDvy1d6/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAdkTzRKR3m4sj7bYW9KjgFyj50erp27kJdQcEh64KYSjZoXCMzvCGOzM9jA-5KdqjR9dtJ31a3-wcLuVmA4N1y1rtnAHXKrClPNf_DHwvFk5QCD4S8fjaK2GjoXlenDvy1d6/s320/36.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-13616311730608013332017-05-16T23:22:00.000-05:002017-05-26T11:44:57.827-05:00Perfect Peace It didn't come to us as a shock because, thankfully, God had prepared our hearts for the news we would receive today. He was so careful in His sovereignty to plan this in such a way that we weren't overwhelmed by the words we heard or even fearful of them. When the details were laid in front of us, we knew God was already there.<br />
<br />
We had heard some of this type of news before... actually just two years ago. Then, it cut deep and made us feel paralyzed by the unknown. We researched and gathered information, tried different medications, and had many appointments. All of that came to mind today hearing what I hoped we wouldn't but knew we could.<br />
<br />
Elias has been diagnosed with a Chiari brain malformation <i>(a neurological disorder where part if the brain, the cerebellum and more specifically the cerebellar tonsils descends out of the skull into the spinal area causing pressure and other issues)</i>,<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 31.9019px;"> </span>just as Samuel was in 2015. Their malformations are quite similar in size, but the fact that Elias has central sleep apnea (which causes him to stop breathing during sleep) completely changes things.<br />
<br />
He will soon go in for a spinal MRI for further information and to rule out a syrinyx or tethered cord. If he has those, he is definitely going to need brain decompression surgery to help relieve pressure. However, if he does not have those, he still has a strong possibility of surgery because of his current prognosis.<br />
<br />
As the doctor explained all of this today, I remembered the worry that overtook me when Samuel was faced with a small Chiari (that, thankfully, hasn't required surgery), but I wasn't feeling that way with Elias... It was peaceful. It was matter of fact. It was out of our hands, as it always has been, and completely in God's. It felt great to realize these simple things and truths.<br />
<br />
This might not have been what I wanted or expected to hear today, but it was exactly what we had asked and prayed for... an answer to our son's medical concerns. There was power in knowing now how to proceed, what specifically to pray for, and WHO was blessing us with peace. God knew what we were to learn today, and He granted us wisdom and knowledge from two years earlier to face this news with strength, grace, and peace that completely surpassed all of my understanding!JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-81635480401656380582016-10-22T11:00:00.002-05:002016-10-22T11:00:45.500-05:00Teaching, Tying, and TimingDo you know how many times we have tried teaching him to tie his shoes? For years, we have practiced, he gets discouraged, and we just leave it alone only to try again a few months later.<br />
<br />
But, this morning, he wanted me to tie his shoe. I was busy. He started yelling seconds later because he tied it himself! All by himself.<br />
<br />
As parents, there are so many things we try to teach our children, expecting and wanting them to figure it out right then. I am beginning to believe that God is actually using moments like these to teach ME to be patient and let them/it be. Continue to train and lead them, but wait on them (and Him) to learn it in their own time. It is much more rewarding for both parents and children when they learn it for themselves and take what we have taught them and make it their own. Statistics say hurry, but God says to trust in His timing.<br />
<br />
Who knew something as small as his first tied shoe would teach me so much?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsZADYAI4VcgahUroxN7ksXul-a0odmE3RftUKI3fTBioPyJrhHwRUXHvjJQ4q1MBQsWJt-4_4gWzwrZqgYCzdu_fwL7rbYaTB5IBY00AKwOt9ZSSLrB1leClEB_s9qyS9Pwp/s1600/20161022_100616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsZADYAI4VcgahUroxN7ksXul-a0odmE3RftUKI3fTBioPyJrhHwRUXHvjJQ4q1MBQsWJt-4_4gWzwrZqgYCzdu_fwL7rbYaTB5IBY00AKwOt9ZSSLrB1leClEB_s9qyS9Pwp/s320/20161022_100616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tying his own shoe for the 1st time</div>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-11017342877379520792016-03-09T14:09:00.001-06:002016-03-09T14:36:33.428-06:00One Year Ago<p dir="ltr">It was one year ago today that I held my 4 year old in a recovery room waiting for him to awake from anesthesia from his first MRI. It was eerily quiet, and I remember as I held him feeling so peaceful in that moment. He had suffered for over a month and a half from awful headaches, sickening nausea, frustrating tingling in his hands, and the worst numbness in his legs and feet leaving him unable to stand at moments. Yet, in that room, with the steady beeps from hospital machines and nurses footsteps, I felt a calm. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I didn't know, in that moment, that he would be diagnosed with a brain malformation or that he had a cyst on his pineal gland in his brain as well. I didn't realize that he would need to have further MRIs throughout the week and his life to check on the size or growth of both. I couldn't foresee that he would need a neurologist or a neurosurgeon and that we would need to speak and visit one or both of them every few weeks/months. I couldn't have guessed that he would need medication to control migraines and his symptoms or that, when not well controlled, they can cause other problems within the brain as they did. I had no idea, in that moment, that he would be stricken with seizures. I couldn't imagine then how helpless he would seem as the medicine tried to help actually caused terrible reactions to his body. I wasn't picturing in that room what might be ahead for him or us... I only felt peace.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The past year has been one of the toughest of my life, but as I look back to the day before Samuel was diagnosed, I am overwhelmed by the fact that God wanted me to feel His presence. He didn't want me to look ahead. He didn't want me to worry or try to figure it all out ahead of time as He already had. He wanted me to be still, hold our son, and rest in His perfect peace.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have struggled with resting lately. I have been saddened by Samuel's situation and how he's hurting, but I was reminded by a friend that it's possible I am looking back today as a reminder to rest in that peace all over again. God knew what was coming, yet He provided the calmness I needed that day on March 9, 2015, to hold my resting son and to prepare my heart for what was to come. Peace. It's what I must choose one year later... for my son AND for me.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zOCFfRNm4w0rd1eCf6m-bmxP6JGA7s2XWGWXSu0hi9NPBibHEmHKg0wrv-gisMePjgZwh_wf-5b9_7Pfcc-E-fl0wjH0VKxPMo65p8z8mYZConWyvGGmeYS0ThoIszugHy-_/s1600/20150309_173141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zOCFfRNm4w0rd1eCf6m-bmxP6JGA7s2XWGWXSu0hi9NPBibHEmHKg0wrv-gisMePjgZwh_wf-5b9_7Pfcc-E-fl0wjH0VKxPMo65p8z8mYZConWyvGGmeYS0ThoIszugHy-_/s640/20150309_173141.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-70829700507002332852015-12-10T14:05:00.001-06:002015-12-10T14:42:57.708-06:00We are Weak, but HE is Strong!<p dir="ltr"><br>
This sweet boy was 19 days seizure free yesterday! </p>
<p dir="ltr">However, last night, he had one, making today a bit difficult. I am so thankful God hasn't called us to be strong and that He understands us in the moments of our weakness. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I will continue to praise God for His blessings!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK_vnEqatWMTNa1UtNueRleQAboxZ7sO3nuN3U4vB1dul1uTmSaCivhxFN7UO_Jbfi4uGxePo1qc8Ot6fxDktvScwsAEZ7nFHe95OZrPXchz5rE7wmi3js44GYnHVDZRGR0qC/s1600/20151209_224025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK_vnEqatWMTNa1UtNueRleQAboxZ7sO3nuN3U4vB1dul1uTmSaCivhxFN7UO_Jbfi4uGxePo1qc8Ot6fxDktvScwsAEZ7nFHe95OZrPXchz5rE7wmi3js44GYnHVDZRGR0qC/s640/20151209_224025.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-68786222087851826722015-12-05T15:56:00.001-06:002015-12-05T16:07:54.269-06:00Last Night...<p dir="ltr">When Samuel went to sleep last night, it was quick. He had complained about being dizzy so I wondered what the night would hold. I went to my room, trying to calm my thoughts, and was typing his symptom into my calendar when I realized he was 14 days seizure free. How my heart filled with praise!</p>
<p dir="ltr">It may not seem like much, but we haven't had to wake in the middle of the night to the sound of him having a seizure for 14 days. Sure, the possibility is there every evening (and day truthfully), but to our knowledge, Samuel has had two weeks free of this. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We don't know what lies ahead or what God has in store, but we're thanking Him in this moment for rescuing our son for this brief time... for clearing his head, for freeing his body, and for giving us peace. Last night was a blessing I don't take lightly.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbn4Y089sIdQAvxgCp7Tc7MqQZpPWhx3-G6XgYBNxtFi6NqLJBQ0Dm9t9UlMU6MoPcTzOqppVyx0ML6H4DUoLj_tfgKINljx0vqOaj8EUYnw-I_vT3JEdkFsmR_hZyPISwWAe/s1600/20151204_230125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbn4Y089sIdQAvxgCp7Tc7MqQZpPWhx3-G6XgYBNxtFi6NqLJBQ0Dm9t9UlMU6MoPcTzOqppVyx0ML6H4DUoLj_tfgKINljx0vqOaj8EUYnw-I_vT3JEdkFsmR_hZyPISwWAe/s640/20151204_230125.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-84281051526395290922015-12-01T09:06:00.001-06:002015-12-01T09:41:21.612-06:00Hope<p dir="ltr">As I sit beside Samuel in this hospital bed while the last few hours of his epilepsy monitoring come to an end, I cannot help but feel grateful. He has gone 10 days without an episode, and 3 of those 10 days were in the hospital without medication preventing it. I realize that these facts alone are reasons enough to praise God!</p>
<p dir="ltr">The past year has been a difficult yet hopeful one for Samuel. In January, he began having daily headaches. By March, he was diagnosed with a chiari brain malformation and a pineal cyst. Not long after that, his neurologist confirmed he was having migraines. He has been on different medications, and the side effects have been intense at times. In September, he began having these episodes that were later diagnosed as seizures in October. </p>
<p dir="ltr">However, despite all of this, he began Kindergarten (homeschooling). He learned how to ride a bike. He played his first season of soccer. He knows how to add and subtract. He enjoys writing letters for others and putting them in envelopes. He is a giver and has taken on the joy of blessing others with this. He has learned to save his money and keeps a wallet. He knows sight words and is reading. He loves church, singing, and praying. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I had hoped the doctors would get more information from this hospital stay and that they could tell us exactly what was going on. I wanted to wake in the middle of the night last night, as we have so many times over the last 3 months, to the sound of him needing me. I needed more so they could help us help him.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But God...</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the midst of my wishfulness, God tells me that I already have all that I need. He is the Creator of this unique, precious boy, and He knows exactly what is going on inside of him. He knows when he is waking in the middle of the night, and God is there before my husband and I can rush to his bedside. He tells me that wavy lines aren't the answers I need today. He reminds me to trust that He is in control. He already knew that the doctors wouldn't get what they needed because He has something else in store. What that is may not be for me to know right now, and I have to realize that God Himself is enough.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Whatever you may be facing today, do not let what you want get in the way of what God has planned. Last night, I was selfishly hoping for an episode. However, as I look in the smiling face of my boy this morning, I see that God wanted to bless us with ten days of being seizure free! God's ways are good, and He knows what is best. Allowing Him to have His way makes room for hope. That is what I feel this morning more than anything else.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBVIqQhW41_-kZCVbgXswDmSaJBf7CjygrJ0suDm0iCYUpH7pMjr2Hy7DA6NIJixeuQO5o9YyAyfIMkBOx0sNnD1_awKVtwjBKD0c_zwMbf_nCl4HWndk-CDJ2GN04ox41ZTX/s1600/20151201_090510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBVIqQhW41_-kZCVbgXswDmSaJBf7CjygrJ0suDm0iCYUpH7pMjr2Hy7DA6NIJixeuQO5o9YyAyfIMkBOx0sNnD1_awKVtwjBKD0c_zwMbf_nCl4HWndk-CDJ2GN04ox41ZTX/s640/20151201_090510.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-81384107719250085262015-11-30T00:02:00.001-06:002015-11-30T01:12:34.011-06:00Waiting on You <p dir="ltr">Last night (Saturday), it was close to midnight before Samuel fell asleep, and I prayed over him that God would watch over and protect him as he slept. It's a strange thing... wanting your child to be safe from harm but waiting for him to have an episode. </p>
<p dir="ltr">When the first neurologist arrived around six something this morning (Sunday), I was reminded that God's plan was no seizure on night one of epilepsy monitoring (EMU). Samuel had slept well, and when the team of neurologists came an hour later, they asked questions concerning his episodes and how they normally present themselves. The attending epileptologist was grateful for my detailed descriptions and said that Samuel's sound very indicative of seizures. She decided he would not take his medication for a second day in a row to induce seizure activity. They said we would just keep <i>waiting.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr">Samuel had a long day, though. He became more frustrated and bothered by the gauze and wires, saying they itched. He played app after app, but he was just so exhausted, he wasn't too thrilled doing anything. He got a big surprise when his Aunt Jessica and Mimi came and brought a bag of goodies! He was so tired after they left that he fell asleep. While he was sleeping, another visitor came. Daddy came and brought more cookies.</p><p dir="ltr">However, Samuel has been quite the tough one to break because he ignores most anyone who walks in the room - all of the nurses and doctors! He has not enjoyed getting his vitals taken or having to take his antibiotic for a cough he has / had prior to arriving. He has not talked to his nurses at all! </p><p dir="ltr">Tonight ( Sunday still ), we rented a movie from the Vanderbilt DVD kiosk. The nurses told us it was like the uncool cousin version of Redbox or Netflix. They gave us a card, almost like a library or gift card, that is ours while we are here, and we can rent one movie at a time with it for free. We watched 2 tonight. Samuel thought it was great! </p><p dir="ltr">It seems so simple to wait. Wait until he has an episode. Wait until we get what we need. Wait until he has a seizure then press the black button. I think that I am starting to realize that it isn't about the wait as much as it is about my surrender. I have sat in this room looking at Samuel thinking the reason we are here just cannot be possible, yet I have prayed to the Lord to protect him at least a dozen times since yesterday. Lord, if it be Your will. No matter what happens here or at home with Samuel, God is and will be exactly what we need and have been waiting for. So, tonight, as our sweet boy sleeps, if God has chosen this path for us, then I will wait.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Pictures include: waking up, smiling with Mimi, grins with Aunt Jessica, movie with Mom, napping, cookies with Daddy, and bedtime.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-Cq97wly8dh6_GlGFilfhEzJIL_RALm8ApHPjMjK15qnVVdMWFYI6SDsgdwb7551wqIimWivHud9UCaSgJzuh9wBOl5AAsm83TMVVtwRZojmfSwS1_gJP3TE4oVuaYzs7RD1/s1600/20151129_141844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-Cq97wly8dh6_GlGFilfhEzJIL_RALm8ApHPjMjK15qnVVdMWFYI6SDsgdwb7551wqIimWivHud9UCaSgJzuh9wBOl5AAsm83TMVVtwRZojmfSwS1_gJP3TE4oVuaYzs7RD1/s640/20151129_141844.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DC7rqbmQewmUZsK4TWRkbS2qfRYu-8q1NvqAJNpo7_xStNVqVZ4RPI1PcpacLnIQSKyPo1CS1G2HHQ_Y4q99GEpmNXxAVkinPRuOpiYrd92XsOuJeh-Bth8aX-1gD0jxh5w4/s1600/20151129_170931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DC7rqbmQewmUZsK4TWRkbS2qfRYu-8q1NvqAJNpo7_xStNVqVZ4RPI1PcpacLnIQSKyPo1CS1G2HHQ_Y4q99GEpmNXxAVkinPRuOpiYrd92XsOuJeh-Bth8aX-1gD0jxh5w4/s640/20151129_170931.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixUL6nzMCK_GhIVDUaDrhEqDWPl76ECS4RvLazXfH2K1QtyPZaKaYrBUccm_UxXnm2bw8yE4MJF9b2LrBGN2hpJvPL6vjK2oHp9GiHhT8QdDykiwWU57vTOekCpn7LSwHuwxK/s1600/20151129_171111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixUL6nzMCK_GhIVDUaDrhEqDWPl76ECS4RvLazXfH2K1QtyPZaKaYrBUccm_UxXnm2bw8yE4MJF9b2LrBGN2hpJvPL6vjK2oHp9GiHhT8QdDykiwWU57vTOekCpn7LSwHuwxK/s640/20151129_171111.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinddTpjCk7SaQ1lNquzKdosjKZvtzl0a-rX5i8rv_JjNuIRx4_7-w4pUtO-UDQdBB0wQTqoAy5OCewqw0K1xmtw4AmGQm7ChI50PtruaR6PYl88yuDnrxsiqU619g0aMYNXBta/s1600/20151129_174603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinddTpjCk7SaQ1lNquzKdosjKZvtzl0a-rX5i8rv_JjNuIRx4_7-w4pUtO-UDQdBB0wQTqoAy5OCewqw0K1xmtw4AmGQm7ChI50PtruaR6PYl88yuDnrxsiqU619g0aMYNXBta/s640/20151129_174603.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6QfJ2qCKa40A7B42bSEMMMLvj0w6565iR5I4nYkaIuhVzZzNDW_P27eO3vLDSBQgwB_F-q1j_9TPQPrmHTAVTkmDP3NcJzs6QPIlXHa5b_MAuhsSoSfjg91ciCHwMB9X905Z/s1600/20151129_181057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6QfJ2qCKa40A7B42bSEMMMLvj0w6565iR5I4nYkaIuhVzZzNDW_P27eO3vLDSBQgwB_F-q1j_9TPQPrmHTAVTkmDP3NcJzs6QPIlXHa5b_MAuhsSoSfjg91ciCHwMB9X905Z/s640/20151129_181057.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQT2K5uPzvj-zAwaH-Wb0uT6wvMDjjT6TxQIT2UufGCmFKSJ7U4L5L99Yc4jN6ShJ6fXbKZRp7CNWlhl-kB51vLmKzDA3wq4rONkd4FstFVWnE6oZBgpYoZszOaJdNjo63Lpl/s1600/20151129_200321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQT2K5uPzvj-zAwaH-Wb0uT6wvMDjjT6TxQIT2UufGCmFKSJ7U4L5L99Yc4jN6ShJ6fXbKZRp7CNWlhl-kB51vLmKzDA3wq4rONkd4FstFVWnE6oZBgpYoZszOaJdNjo63Lpl/s640/20151129_200321.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZmm0ZcVTA0TaN8uSGE1y6mxwInr2PxUYMpe-yUfqM3wyq6uKr413FBTvmHaNqE6deTbjT3Plp2Wt1F9eYEppGimeEAegvZZceuhlXkcs_XwgFLaGsOcFesBox52dziVtNQD4/s1600/20151129_234604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZmm0ZcVTA0TaN8uSGE1y6mxwInr2PxUYMpe-yUfqM3wyq6uKr413FBTvmHaNqE6deTbjT3Plp2Wt1F9eYEppGimeEAegvZZceuhlXkcs_XwgFLaGsOcFesBox52dziVtNQD4/s640/20151129_234604.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-34003472597386509142015-11-28T19:03:00.001-06:002015-11-28T20:35:15.100-06:00Falling into Place<p dir="ltr">As we drove to Vanderbilt this afternoon, Samuel was quiet. I had prepared him. Brian had prayed over him. Daniel was genuinely concerned about him. Elias had hugged him. However, the silence in the van was deafening, and I was worried that maybe he was worried. </p>
<p dir="ltr">He wasn't, he assured me.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We were short on time, but we were listening to the radio when we were just over 10 minutes away when a familiar song came on. Tears filled my eyes, and I snapped a picture of my watch. I didn't want to forget when God reminded me to let go of worry and to let Him hold us. It was perfectly planned, if you ask me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Here are the lyrics that comforted me:<br>
"So, when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away. You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held. Your world's not falling apart; it's falling into place. I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held. Just be held, just be held."<br>
Just Be Held by Casting Crowns </p>
<p dir="ltr">Tonight, we are settled in our room. He is flipping through channels with his sweet head wrapped in gauze. Earlier today, he had to sit incredibly still as a tech strategically placed the 21 EEG wires on his head, then glued and dried them. It was physically uncomfortable for me to watch because he was so nervous through each placement and drying. His eyes would fill with tears and he gripped my hands. I was so amazed at how this timid child bravely got through this. The tech wrapped the wires in gauze so that they wouldn't be exposed over the next few days.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He then had to endure a series of tests that induce seizures. He did fine, but he was soon complaining of a headache. It is still bothering him 2 hours later.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The rest of the day, he has eaten supper, played electronics, and walked around the room. He even had his favorite people visit! Daddy, Daniel, and Elias brought cookies that had an I ♡ U and a :) on them and actually had him balloons. It is going better than I could have imagined thus far, but of course, God's plan are far better than mine.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The doctor has decided not to give him his regular medication tonight in the anticipation of bringing about a seizure with the addition of today's testings. We are thankful to have nurses and doctors watching him during this process! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Pictures include: the moment God blessed me on the way to the hospital, two thumbs up to arriving in our room, Momma and Samuel, attaching the wires, gauze in place, Daddy and Samuel with the special cookies, brothers in the hospital bed, and sleepy buddy.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlyg6A4CXF6bA434R6EO_1wHCj3hbr7V7vuFIrKmiw6Lb-NSYxCgUHX3oaeXZJWaa77qKbGDW3cYoy8vBrl5IL_1s0V8LEIYRJhbZNm9NA7qmmtNc3Em7jaBERzVp840axio6/s1600/20151128_134807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlyg6A4CXF6bA434R6EO_1wHCj3hbr7V7vuFIrKmiw6Lb-NSYxCgUHX3oaeXZJWaa77qKbGDW3cYoy8vBrl5IL_1s0V8LEIYRJhbZNm9NA7qmmtNc3Em7jaBERzVp840axio6/s640/20151128_134807.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YGBWw8D_4rHu1uSS4uv0Fvy0HRA4yxpNSVcQ75hhmB6hTQUWWkD2nPmHEp11mOA5raEH71jUqOsqYeMybu5wkAsPBVEQkDdMWCrGe86Ym1zlr0frWn_HfGz8308SH8CDdtiw/s1600/20151128_142450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YGBWw8D_4rHu1uSS4uv0Fvy0HRA4yxpNSVcQ75hhmB6hTQUWWkD2nPmHEp11mOA5raEH71jUqOsqYeMybu5wkAsPBVEQkDdMWCrGe86Ym1zlr0frWn_HfGz8308SH8CDdtiw/s640/20151128_142450.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSZ1gTZCqy4YTfhivJ2YgLA4A2Eaz-SpZCTXyX4AmPaorj1BTG5jVjR3nLzUK2qC0OPJ8HyvSFgvo9GV_OdkkiFSQ_OUTzpgGY6RygzO4foW50TFTSZXeSeYIl95JplqR-3YB/s1600/20151128_142628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSZ1gTZCqy4YTfhivJ2YgLA4A2Eaz-SpZCTXyX4AmPaorj1BTG5jVjR3nLzUK2qC0OPJ8HyvSFgvo9GV_OdkkiFSQ_OUTzpgGY6RygzO4foW50TFTSZXeSeYIl95JplqR-3YB/s640/20151128_142628.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaKcBZ65_U_jgoFp_yG2lDiMbXOaNmLKIjPIaaIlNyItYcLLesPUA7Ti5wiKt4GZlj2fnxpAITdJn7-pxwo9gx1LsUW9qaWP5JpHvJHSHWXIc_BIOwFm8BZRdyxIUFtneOYXH/s1600/20151128_153352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaKcBZ65_U_jgoFp_yG2lDiMbXOaNmLKIjPIaaIlNyItYcLLesPUA7Ti5wiKt4GZlj2fnxpAITdJn7-pxwo9gx1LsUW9qaWP5JpHvJHSHWXIc_BIOwFm8BZRdyxIUFtneOYXH/s640/20151128_153352.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimC4fm9_61MQ80Ki8bJuiZQ803qpRfiNqpYgQ37njKGEgWzpV8rGxzD6llL4udMCbLLNljO7K2Xmrefc-TT-mKl_m9RtvHTvIemjw-vN9lesCQ1d4YbNTPcyM9MqHKBCbawONc/s1600/20151128_153747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimC4fm9_61MQ80Ki8bJuiZQ803qpRfiNqpYgQ37njKGEgWzpV8rGxzD6llL4udMCbLLNljO7K2Xmrefc-TT-mKl_m9RtvHTvIemjw-vN9lesCQ1d4YbNTPcyM9MqHKBCbawONc/s640/20151128_153747.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwPgWdZTOdJItfRPtgG1GYHkvlGo-x9olheiM8w5B0AnsHF20mFGb3xfJ9u4thGesL_J7MyEprxqI32lCSSYZt7yVJrj3I2OakjjFinv6yNWB8-cqBHla1iyvQXMydtSoga2x/s1600/20151128_172030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwPgWdZTOdJItfRPtgG1GYHkvlGo-x9olheiM8w5B0AnsHF20mFGb3xfJ9u4thGesL_J7MyEprxqI32lCSSYZt7yVJrj3I2OakjjFinv6yNWB8-cqBHla1iyvQXMydtSoga2x/s640/20151128_172030.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VGbLdmt9aq17NVCGOa80qmxlfQfoB1UNEKzonS6IlG6CJ6siaeUjI6APJEWD3tNcdcRsPybztJubvibAWhoXdDwEOLPYBuRafieavBN9jmsxPdo5eNxNmusp6IlUVeloakvN/s1600/20151128_174045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VGbLdmt9aq17NVCGOa80qmxlfQfoB1UNEKzonS6IlG6CJ6siaeUjI6APJEWD3tNcdcRsPybztJubvibAWhoXdDwEOLPYBuRafieavBN9jmsxPdo5eNxNmusp6IlUVeloakvN/s640/20151128_174045.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnQMlMFS0-rCQDm2coFS_UBbCegjviSYfYzaiq7ekPpvKx7DB3PmVb97lOlEwoU9UVwhUQmc-Qind93afp8EUchieDtmjJB913EI_kGIla5f6AtFrFFyMtPytA49ub2g4zEEl/s1600/20151128_202932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnQMlMFS0-rCQDm2coFS_UBbCegjviSYfYzaiq7ekPpvKx7DB3PmVb97lOlEwoU9UVwhUQmc-Qind93afp8EUchieDtmjJB913EI_kGIla5f6AtFrFFyMtPytA49ub2g4zEEl/s640/20151128_202932.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-4197648328377046792015-11-27T18:58:00.001-06:002015-11-28T09:33:10.420-06:00Being Held<p dir="ltr">The past season has been one of quiet anticipation. We have waited for doctors' calls and new medications to take effect. We have watched as the leaves changed and Samuel as well. Seizures came and vacations went. We spent special moments with loved ones and enjoyed times together we will never forget. We laughed a bunch, cried some, and were frustrated often. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I have to be honest, Samuel's migraines and seizures aren't "big" in comparison to what others are enduring in this life, but they have changed our way of living. We have to anticipate when the next one will be, when exactly in the night he will wake, how long it will last, and how he will feel the following day(s). His medication(s), though they have a positive effect on the length of his seizures, have had made some adverse changes in his personality (anger, aggression, etc). We are adjusting and being reminded that God is faithful in our times of fear.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To further his care, Samuel is being admitted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for epilepsy monitoring on Saturday, November 28th. We are being admitted for four days or more with the anticipation of catching a seizure under testing. This will provide specialists the information they need to know exactly which type of epilepsy he has and the best plan for him.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Please pray for comfort and peace over Samuel as it will be physically uncomfortable for him. We, of course, are somewhat anxious, but Jesus is holding us. He alone is our strength and HELP.</p><p dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">"F</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">ear not, for I am with you; </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">be not dismayed, for I am your God; </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I will strengthen you, I will help you, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I will uphold you with</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18462A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18462A" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">my righteous right hand." </span>Isaiah 41:10</p>
<p dir="ltr">*Pictures include: swimming with Daddy in Pigeon Forge, holding Mom's hand after a seizure, and loosing his 1st tooth.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Ugcu_TQhIZOD_y0mPiv3ce8fKBTdNIaeLTcnA714ObbiyND0vKe_-qSztZN7sLrq6muG3lzzStnkelOUwlka3szCB5WTJw1iSK2MTQW34cBTmMwMaIySgxV1wjhRQ8pqqxH/s1600/20151121_124034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Ugcu_TQhIZOD_y0mPiv3ce8fKBTdNIaeLTcnA714ObbiyND0vKe_-qSztZN7sLrq6muG3lzzStnkelOUwlka3szCB5WTJw1iSK2MTQW34cBTmMwMaIySgxV1wjhRQ8pqqxH/s640/20151121_124034.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMf-yiK_0ccOUeEROQ4_YzpSzfsVvhy7fK04Q13uIZEqXEEIy1fm9pTC7l5w2gLea7ZyzsadNrd0tnAzaFLYB-IWuCRYCoAVzkX_2Ojc-w9b5UwGwx2yzar1ThxCrp5ZVnC6Z/s1600/20151119_230710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMf-yiK_0ccOUeEROQ4_YzpSzfsVvhy7fK04Q13uIZEqXEEIy1fm9pTC7l5w2gLea7ZyzsadNrd0tnAzaFLYB-IWuCRYCoAVzkX_2Ojc-w9b5UwGwx2yzar1ThxCrp5ZVnC6Z/s640/20151119_230710.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8ktVOPA4gTnUCjf1n2KIsNoZ5rtcRgy-GIhWckp4BO9L-Cnw2oxt7Ds6Ze7tlDcIK8xIX9Ptk38ySCgvxsRMZhABUDI_unlVHUQDVH3wYsYJEDF4tT3wWDDRpAJkD7o5x8xo/s1600/20151117_181744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8ktVOPA4gTnUCjf1n2KIsNoZ5rtcRgy-GIhWckp4BO9L-Cnw2oxt7Ds6Ze7tlDcIK8xIX9Ptk38ySCgvxsRMZhABUDI_unlVHUQDVH3wYsYJEDF4tT3wWDDRpAJkD7o5x8xo/s640/20151117_181744.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-35193971976821986412015-10-23T13:10:00.003-05:002015-10-23T13:35:49.022-05:00God is Here<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Update on Samuel's Condition:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We respectfully ask that you do not mention his condition to </i><i>our children.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
It came as a shock when Samuel started waking in the middle of the night on September 16th. The first time it happened, I was in the laundry room folding clothes when he walked over to me without saying a word. He began to cry but never once looked at me. The next time it occurred was 5 days later, except he didn't get up. He sat up in the bed, screaming my name over and over. I ran to his side, but he never looked at me. He went right back to sleep. The following time was the same way, different word/phrase, and Brian handled it just as I had, reassuring him that we were there, laying him down when he calmed, and watching him as he fell back to sleep. The fourth time was very similar. We began to assume his migraine medication was causing him to have night terrors, and we had called his neurologist with this concern. She had scheduled an EEG for late October to check.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, things changed on October 6th. With Brian out of town for a conference, Samuel woke up screaming as usual. I went running. He said my name over and over, but he never looked at me or turned his head. He was sitting straight up. His hands were cupped, but he was putting one on top of the other, over and over again. Then, I noticed that his legs were stiff and toes were curled under, and I started to feel overwhelmed as he repeated my name. I kept reminding him that, "Mommy is here. Can you see Mom? I am right here. Are you hurting? Are you okay?" It felt like it went on for eternity. I know at some point I started getting worried, and I thought back to the times in which we taught Samuel verses to relieve him from thinking about his migraines. I was so focused on what was happening to Samuel that those verses weren't coming to mind, but this phrase was, "God is here." So, I continued to tell Samuel, "Samuel, Mom is here, and God is here, do you know that?! He's here." Eventually, he stopped crying, and the intensity ceased. He didn't lay down, though; he just slouched over. I carefully laid him down and watched as he continued to breathe. He never once looked at me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiu9pM-L44HVX8oURQd3AXI-Hq-Vttwo1OOV0MnefEVJkYSVW-iBsKeg1665kXUkj2sQZPQSsP7JmEJKf76qE757x0G2TS_rin6j_E83sXsQr5uopYwnzTgiZmKcp3idrg38F/s1600/20151006_231717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiu9pM-L44HVX8oURQd3AXI-Hq-Vttwo1OOV0MnefEVJkYSVW-iBsKeg1665kXUkj2sQZPQSsP7JmEJKf76qE757x0G2TS_rin6j_E83sXsQr5uopYwnzTgiZmKcp3idrg38F/s320/20151006_231717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I texted a dear friend because Brian didn't answer, and she helped me to make the decision to call the on-call neurologist. He instructed me to sleep near Samuel, watch his breathing, and call our neurologist the next morning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning proved difficult for Samuel as his right leg was very weak. I soon called the neurologist. She got us an EEG for the next day (10/8). Within a few days, we had the results. His night terrors were actually seizures. We had an MRI (10/14) a few days later to check his cyst and chiari which showed no significant changes. He had a terrible time with the MRI and was incredibly nauseous following it. Days following were fast, and the appointments and calls were many. We've learned that it <i>seems</i> he is having partial, temporal lobe seizures, and because he's had many at this point, he is considered epileptic. He has had to change medicine, but because after he changed it, he had two episodes in a row, we had to double the dosage. He's doing better now and not had an episode/seizure since this past weekend when he had a few. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCck7YJf-8mkOStIZT1Tt4dozOIyT84PrhphKfGdIHu1fLDwGgNcvHNYFoB_LlZylyjoJVQrHm9UJb3kUYrV6CppAkjFbVaNoYH3WUJLbxbM7JprOQQnYWN9qsU_2dBJrW95nA/s1600/20151008_100846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCck7YJf-8mkOStIZT1Tt4dozOIyT84PrhphKfGdIHu1fLDwGgNcvHNYFoB_LlZylyjoJVQrHm9UJb3kUYrV6CppAkjFbVaNoYH3WUJLbxbM7JprOQQnYWN9qsU_2dBJrW95nA/s200/20151008_100846.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMPJDH_TA9ZqsnLOZ12GHzqni_Q7Urv5HM5JmaTC-nnN3y9MDtbvJ_x_aEif0H1ciTEgaVdoBzCuMONHHdIvCTm__aNk-9ynoHjgfyCuMUcdOh5_7-yVph8hesYn4J3M1PtTk/s1600/20151008_105853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMPJDH_TA9ZqsnLOZ12GHzqni_Q7Urv5HM5JmaTC-nnN3y9MDtbvJ_x_aEif0H1ciTEgaVdoBzCuMONHHdIvCTm__aNk-9ynoHjgfyCuMUcdOh5_7-yVph8hesYn4J3M1PtTk/s200/20151008_105853.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfu1wKZm8-9jNBXjObGi-CcujbNwgEXG6p8nU3GvksgCGsk-NZzuUG3b8duAc7jCMXSC2LKZPDTqOlLBIciWkKHK4JkJGKbH4qYlUvrTVpn-E7a2-xYAVAws3Ob37T2JPLyqL/s1600/20151014_095220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfu1wKZm8-9jNBXjObGi-CcujbNwgEXG6p8nU3GvksgCGsk-NZzuUG3b8duAc7jCMXSC2LKZPDTqOlLBIciWkKHK4JkJGKbH4qYlUvrTVpn-E7a2-xYAVAws3Ob37T2JPLyqL/s200/20151014_095220.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatPVjp89NVkf_aJwAELHnwWyEI9fceLzI7GwAghxBNZ_VVU_IlsJUerSIJKry64JYfb9sf5oZ7wvbLjBY77ZGvi8_VMr3vsPYS-gZA5K98epShHH7EO-OF5aEQ200acv3rse7/s1600/20151014_111333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatPVjp89NVkf_aJwAELHnwWyEI9fceLzI7GwAghxBNZ_VVU_IlsJUerSIJKry64JYfb9sf5oZ7wvbLjBY77ZGvi8_VMr3vsPYS-gZA5K98epShHH7EO-OF5aEQ200acv3rse7/s200/20151014_111333.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We will need to know for sure what kind of seizures he is having by having an extended hospital stay at the end of November. This gives the medication time to work and him time to prepare for the idea of staying. Thankfully, the doctors do not believe his cyst and chiari are connected or causing the seizures.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will be honest... this has not been easy on our family. It's surprising to us, but it doesn't surprise the Lord. It has taken our breath away and scared us. A LOT. Watching our child hurt and suffer without being able to help is hard. It's reminded us to remain on our knees in prayer and to ask the Lord (and our family and friends) for HELP and for PRAYER as well. We cannot do this on our own. However, our God is big, and He is mighty to save and heal. I sometimes think that we are stuck in this situation, but this is not the end. It's only the beginning of the story on the way to God's glory. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. </i></div>
<div>
Romans 8:18</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please consider our Samuel when you pray. We're clinging to the fact that God is here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In His name,<br />
The Johnson Family</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-83009651361555682882015-10-03T01:06:00.001-05:002015-10-03T01:06:44.391-05:00Slow Down<p dir="ltr">See, in this picture you don't see that I had been rushing them from the table and telling them to "Hurry up!" repeatedly so we wouldn't be late to meet our friends. However, they understand the importance of showing our friends how much they love them, and instead of hurrying, they paid careful attention to their drawings for them, even included pennies and rocks from their collections so that their friends could start their own. In my frustration, I almost missed it... </p>
<p dir="ltr">UNTIL, they said, "Just a minute, Momma." </p>
<p dir="ltr">In that moment, I realized what they were doing was important and had meaning, and I watched in complete awe as their friends (who didn't seem to mind that we were a few minutes late) were given their special gifts. They were so excited to get them, and the boys were thrilled to give their things away! My heart was so full.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Oh, me (and mommas just like me)... it's only a minute, and there will never be another like it. Don't miss it. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyMVqtFBXj3l1eZiH02FsfQqnOLi_J1-fwrCxBA4wy4DUYB1CN3l92sOaLXmdN3HjRQc8vNeFUtWBO6QMf-LYHIKViNsxX_YemTJX1gX25cKTeArMSqbLc4Aw1qGEnk3kuMh1/s1600/20151002_111946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyMVqtFBXj3l1eZiH02FsfQqnOLi_J1-fwrCxBA4wy4DUYB1CN3l92sOaLXmdN3HjRQc8vNeFUtWBO6QMf-LYHIKViNsxX_YemTJX1gX25cKTeArMSqbLc4Aw1qGEnk3kuMh1/s640/20151002_111946.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-22905360336554807792015-08-13T15:32:00.000-05:002015-08-18T15:04:41.745-05:00Our Homeschool Notebooks<div>
I mentioned our "Homeschool Notebooks" in a previous post. They are new to us, and yes, I totally made that name up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRerXPOFZmJWsCwCdEQoD2TNYAIdY2CFIMgMUEvACUKsQGCvSsPUNevSJrjK8JGcODsZjKFnRTldA6-Ubzir-czCkeFhlhUzHARbTsfsdF1MvUe5KikhpQ66gn088kEVdSztl/s1600/8420.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRerXPOFZmJWsCwCdEQoD2TNYAIdY2CFIMgMUEvACUKsQGCvSsPUNevSJrjK8JGcODsZjKFnRTldA6-Ubzir-czCkeFhlhUzHARbTsfsdF1MvUe5KikhpQ66gn088kEVdSztl/s320/8420.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I really wanted to teach each of the boys to work independently this year. I saw <a href="http://www.onlypassionatecuriosity.com/how-to-teach-your-homeschooler-to-work-independently/" target="_blank">this idea on Pinterest</a> and knew I had to incorporate it somehow. Doing so with Elias would be quite difficult, so I really had to work on his Homeschool Notebook. Each child has a binder with their individual work in it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What helps them work independently is their own <a href="http://www.onlypassionatecuriosity.com/product/to-do-list-for-homeschool-kids/" target="_blank">Assignment Page</a>, and they mark off their assignments as they finish them with a dry erase marker. I have written on them with a sharpie and inserted the page into a page protector. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGGVHSJutzN5knuvCVCpTZZL0016V3TyO7RNGQxXAH-CWdUVvZTrpjXLZNb5NaozWUgklmNHNWKHtBmica6XYuhTombFbfyPlahEku1F4v6tcw7CIzoSjMh2UZ3rA_mxWOeCE/s1600/8415.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGGVHSJutzN5knuvCVCpTZZL0016V3TyO7RNGQxXAH-CWdUVvZTrpjXLZNb5NaozWUgklmNHNWKHtBmica6XYuhTombFbfyPlahEku1F4v6tcw7CIzoSjMh2UZ3rA_mxWOeCE/s320/8415.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Daniel and Samuel have sight word work in theirs. Each week, they are working on the pre-primer, primer, and 1st grade Dolch sight word lists, and I have printables for them to do. They reinforce what they are learning as they visualize their words over and over. I LOVE seeing them do these, and I actually let them choose these online out of a few choices. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-Sight-Words-Printables-1476011" target="_blank">These are from a site</a> I love as a former educator! I am also having them do sight word sheets I created as a teacher. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1DFNhTuBWPYzgouV70Ak4qJjBCjtWj3BCMCbOarR3r0LZh-EXgBgW5yfxadG0qGyI7lbhTF115uwdT_v-i3tIsPKIO-1VvHuhU3dRAi1tSVJkrlL28F5M4uBLxbx-hEIGvG5/s1600/20150810_105418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1DFNhTuBWPYzgouV70Ak4qJjBCjtWj3BCMCbOarR3r0LZh-EXgBgW5yfxadG0qGyI7lbhTF115uwdT_v-i3tIsPKIO-1VvHuhU3dRAi1tSVJkrlL28F5M4uBLxbx-hEIGvG5/s320/20150810_105418.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elias' notebook/binder is quite different! It's more interactive, and he uses his the entire time we are in the homeschool room. It's in three sections: shapes, colors, and letters. I found different printables online that were free or inexpensive to print at home, then I divided them into sections using labeled tab dividers. I will say that I know how rough and tough Elias is, so I opted to print on nice, thicker paper - not cardstock - but it is of a thicker quality.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclUBPA7C7KdjeJXJ3b7T-v_af8ALaQoR2cA_A34kTOZdgg5QTON6M49q-9DIgCn1uh48cANwU7userNWKtqLDwixbp0lrNLj4de90LkQ9d_iB8_6Fo1cKebk9JEbtK0ccQg2W/s1600/20150813_090050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclUBPA7C7KdjeJXJ3b7T-v_af8ALaQoR2cA_A34kTOZdgg5QTON6M49q-9DIgCn1uh48cANwU7userNWKtqLDwixbp0lrNLj4de90LkQ9d_iB8_6Fo1cKebk9JEbtK0ccQg2W/s320/20150813_090050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elias does one page out of each section a day. I am also coming up with other ideas and activities for him from my days of teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten to supplement. I do believe I will add to the binder because he LOVES it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vnhr6QP75AzOL8xccH0jwqtlImBWkBZ8WYbQ2DLlbMpQj_-VXoVfZzOCsnUh-3bx3bSy9xxgBWdaaJO_qYB7VN-nCC7c8_hM1CQhHAtbglpmUD192HbwjtuhoIwR6ppvUab8/s1600/20150813_090040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vnhr6QP75AzOL8xccH0jwqtlImBWkBZ8WYbQ2DLlbMpQj_-VXoVfZzOCsnUh-3bx3bSy9xxgBWdaaJO_qYB7VN-nCC7c8_hM1CQhHAtbglpmUD192HbwjtuhoIwR6ppvUab8/s320/20150813_090040.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are the printables I use and found online. I am so thankful and blessed by the women who created these! What a blessing they have been thus far! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Shapes:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Do-A-Dot-Shapes-Set-1-Use-a-Bingo-Marker-to-Learn-Lots-of-Shapes-1550908" target="_blank">Do a Dot Shapes Set 1</a> by Honey Homeschool Mama (small cost - totally worth it)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/shapes/shapecoloringpage.php" target="_blank">Shape Coloring Pages</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs (not shown)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/shapes/shapetracecolor.php" target="_blank">Shape Trace & Color</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs (not shown)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cDOMyJAr2edSA-ZRQ5WLTzkpTkbggv7Z8Xg29pmmxmsBUb0hXfGvz3t5iaalLwkFKnDCdUM2dTxhZnDPkReWEhu6yazK1zxAf0hT95gyWWAFSDQLtgFpoVq2cViA7J608Ark/s1600/20150813_090110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cDOMyJAr2edSA-ZRQ5WLTzkpTkbggv7Z8Xg29pmmxmsBUb0hXfGvz3t5iaalLwkFKnDCdUM2dTxhZnDPkReWEhu6yazK1zxAf0hT95gyWWAFSDQLtgFpoVq2cViA7J608Ark/s320/20150813_090110.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHE0D1IUp38o6z_22IuItj4ghYEgDoZ5HCCESWpBaXckwDiWZqzZNEaAX-Pk5-8Lw-f25mHjqkCQAPyl69rxQqjjbMPgGJRgep8TuxDInyGGV3CO2-GNf69-525eZdR9XkmUf/s1600/20150810_105412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHE0D1IUp38o6z_22IuItj4ghYEgDoZ5HCCESWpBaXckwDiWZqzZNEaAX-Pk5-8Lw-f25mHjqkCQAPyl69rxQqjjbMPgGJRgep8TuxDInyGGV3CO2-GNf69-525eZdR9XkmUf/s320/20150810_105412.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Colors:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/color/colordotpage.php" target="_blank">Color Dot Marker Words</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/color/colorcoloringpage.php" target="_blank">Color Coloring Pages</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/color/colorplaydough.php" target="_blank">Color Word Playdough Mats</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Color Preschool Printables <i>simplified for Elias but created </i>by Jenna Johnson</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9ifehDqerX4c-bUiwJlMI_csnRjmPZeCb55O2h1CKua3628VD6CgNmCSDKHhWfCnAQvO_JhtUNI14RMzyosaCCToBIk1BHlN6vAEa3F2Zq0FWptuql0pBQdGXu4xb13SRDQp/s1600/20150811_104119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9ifehDqerX4c-bUiwJlMI_csnRjmPZeCb55O2h1CKua3628VD6CgNmCSDKHhWfCnAQvO_JhtUNI14RMzyosaCCToBIk1BHlN6vAEa3F2Zq0FWptuql0pBQdGXu4xb13SRDQp/s320/20150811_104119.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDnlxLdI2YI7XR1d-BC0AYOYNzXR_yktvqzKIedGMeRiYr5dP6EcISZSyWYpIsP7LiPzS3d1RaMopaUX0no-3wpF0TEqov_SkuTgRTBtV1LWtXr01MEbJdMhaBkekdC0ncIpf/s1600/20150813_090123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDnlxLdI2YI7XR1d-BC0AYOYNzXR_yktvqzKIedGMeRiYr5dP6EcISZSyWYpIsP7LiPzS3d1RaMopaUX0no-3wpF0TEqov_SkuTgRTBtV1LWtXr01MEbJdMhaBkekdC0ncIpf/s320/20150813_090123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Letters/Alphabet:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2013/10/alphabet-do-a-dot-marker-printables/" target="_blank">ABC Do-a-Dot Marker Printables</a> by Homeschool Creations</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2012/12/a-z-do-a-dot-worksheets.html" target="_blank">A-Z Do-a-Dot Worksheets</a> by Confessions of a Homeschooler</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/abc/abccoloringpage.php" target="_blank">ABC Coloring Pages</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/abc/abcletterfind.php" target="_blank">ABC Letter Find</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.3dinosaurs.com/printables/abc/abctracedotfind.php" target="_blank">ABC Tracing & Dot Find</a> by Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aqiNqsOua8MaAIcWTwJhihExGhC3ss8wo_zAkzN9VhyphenhyphenLiALi4FSNY6AVATK1Y5PiahvupSruR-AtiO9PCzntd6ZVE9wyFftS9vVrA0kpGXNyg6pO-6m_tGqbOxGvfyxa3eCT/s1600/20150813_104521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aqiNqsOua8MaAIcWTwJhihExGhC3ss8wo_zAkzN9VhyphenhyphenLiALi4FSNY6AVATK1Y5PiahvupSruR-AtiO9PCzntd6ZVE9wyFftS9vVrA0kpGXNyg6pO-6m_tGqbOxGvfyxa3eCT/s320/20150813_104521.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9ZttJn-ApoPL2GxC8RfKG-wQY2HuchGWlj7HRAAYgO2HygPdq231ilIqlONjwm1sNLhf82cKcA9n3usf2DDQ2kKZLJ43l2HkaM8xkRu92TGhAKZ5TBbWgELBd0fYbNPhqNZw/s1600/20150813_090148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9ZttJn-ApoPL2GxC8RfKG-wQY2HuchGWlj7HRAAYgO2HygPdq231ilIqlONjwm1sNLhf82cKcA9n3usf2DDQ2kKZLJ43l2HkaM8xkRu92TGhAKZ5TBbWgELBd0fYbNPhqNZw/s320/20150813_090148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaFqr7qglCN0yZtM-RH1cMvvpWbLhmxE2z0aDAvukZ1dKAAbZBkcRueiIqUADaEbcmXMhXKFgYtjCnSA382zmIVCymev8s0zJCc0xY4SUhDiysYZYbgIuYxNTcVFH_Q7l0VeJ/s1600/20150813_090154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaFqr7qglCN0yZtM-RH1cMvvpWbLhmxE2z0aDAvukZ1dKAAbZBkcRueiIqUADaEbcmXMhXKFgYtjCnSA382zmIVCymev8s0zJCc0xY4SUhDiysYZYbgIuYxNTcVFH_Q7l0VeJ/s320/20150813_090154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have any questions at all, please contact me. I can take NO credit for this myself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Credits:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
http://www.3Dinosaurs.com/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Honey-Homeschool-Mama</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-45778837962824345102015-08-13T11:38:00.003-05:002015-08-13T11:38:59.957-05:00Homeschool 2015-2016 Curriculum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgWuwZgRtqDV8FR2fB5InLDrXx98WW_EgXxZI5z2A5Clsessq4IymgXEMlpNzy52ZPgX5G68e4e144OKNxwhtJNQl0lxrMp5OWTld2Y85OETE3GJMamLX9snRBx2jQIrLvph2/s1600/20150810_142427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgWuwZgRtqDV8FR2fB5InLDrXx98WW_EgXxZI5z2A5Clsessq4IymgXEMlpNzy52ZPgX5G68e4e144OKNxwhtJNQl0lxrMp5OWTld2Y85OETE3GJMamLX9snRBx2jQIrLvph2/s320/20150810_142427.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We've begun a new school year in our little classroom. God had put it on our hearts during our oldest son's Kindergarten year that we needed to make changes regarding our family's education plans. Just a few weeks after getting this impression, our middle son began having headaches, and things drastically changed for us. It is clear now that though we thought we were making changes for our first born, God was leading us to do what was best for us all. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are now homeschooling, and though the days are not always easy, we fully believe the Lord has given us the direction we need for now. With that in mind, here are the curriculum choices we have prayerfully made for our 2015-2016 year:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Daniel (Age 6) - 1st Grade</u></b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeiKYZor8Uj0TpJ70mYHqWfFMvp8TQgTT0dvr2mM3-OM0YzhpxZOp4av4DN4Oz4fRUt3qgOvjET_b8qJIt3pSswB-Ec9exyfuNk540D7iFxgbwEVM8t4p1dLqXJnFBPsBfoHL/s1600/20150810_143200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeiKYZor8Uj0TpJ70mYHqWfFMvp8TQgTT0dvr2mM3-OM0YzhpxZOp4av4DN4Oz4fRUt3qgOvjET_b8qJIt3pSswB-Ec9exyfuNk540D7iFxgbwEVM8t4p1dLqXJnFBPsBfoHL/s320/20150810_143200.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
He excels in critical thinking, fine motor skills, and math. We will focus on his reading and phonics this year because he does not enjoy them as much. He is extremely energetic, active, and social!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Bible: </b> The Big Picture Interactive Story Bible</div>
<div>
<b>Math: </b> Saxon 1</div>
<div>
<b>Handwriting: </b>A Reason for Handwriting A</div>
<div>
<b>Reading: </b>The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading (Lesson 50 and on)</div>
<div>
<b>Phonics: </b>Explode the Code 1 1/2, 2, and 2 1/2 (we did book 1 1/2 this through the summer; he's quickly finishing it up)</div>
<div>
<b>Spelling: </b> A Reason for Spelling A</div>
<div>
<b>Geography: </b>Evan-Moor Beginning Geography (Tuesday and Thursday)</div>
<div>
<b>Homeschool Notebook*: </b>Sight Words</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><u>Samuel (Age 5) - Kindergarten</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpLYd0fNcHArRz9VG7YUR05NfTB_5ldf4h3z9QtDjBgNKvwE_dF9cF55C5B0owujGtETcDr3_u6XfgBi-1ctc6VdNzofTVx7QxkigOUUybTHE5P7LOremUOs7GlQLKhaa2dom/s1600/20150810_142839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpLYd0fNcHArRz9VG7YUR05NfTB_5ldf4h3z9QtDjBgNKvwE_dF9cF55C5B0owujGtETcDr3_u6XfgBi-1ctc6VdNzofTVx7QxkigOUUybTHE5P7LOremUOs7GlQLKhaa2dom/s320/20150810_142839.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He loves learning and asks every morning for us to hurry up to get to the classroom. We will focus on his math and phonics this year. He is extremely eager to learn and finishes his subjects in 2 hours despite how much I teach or extra I give him to work on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Bible: </b> The Big Picture Interactive Story Bible</div>
<div>
<b>Math: </b> Saxon K</div>
<div>
<b>Handwriting: </b>A Reason for Handwriting K</div>
<div>
<b>Reading: </b>The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading (Lesson 15 and on)</div>
<div>
<b>Phonics: </b>Explode the Code 1 and 1 1/2</div>
<div>
<b>Geography: </b>Evan-Moor Beginning Geography (Tuesday and Thursday)</div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Homeschool Notebook*: </b>Sight Words</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><u>Elias (Age 3) - Tot School</u></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELSWDOLT647pMn1vpzdbpN8HYIQGVctlmRve9cz79fEXr_5HIxUIbL9dWanzCVkZqS-3gKzKf9yHsqb7xkp0KfvmlKXVqSN9Gqml7JLv2p-S-HjHZb4zVOQpMNkGd84T1DpGn/s1600/20150810_142957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELSWDOLT647pMn1vpzdbpN8HYIQGVctlmRve9cz79fEXr_5HIxUIbL9dWanzCVkZqS-3gKzKf9yHsqb7xkp0KfvmlKXVqSN9Gqml7JLv2p-S-HjHZb4zVOQpMNkGd84T1DpGn/s320/20150810_142957.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He excels in being busy and making messes. We will focus on his fine motor skills, ability to sit, shapes, colors, writing his name, and starting to see and recognize some of the letters (mainly in his name). He loves to cut, use markers, and all things involving paint!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Bible: </b> The Big Picture Interactive Story Bible</div>
<div>
<b>Math: </b> Shapes, Colors</div>
<div>
<b>Reading: </b>Alphabet</div>
<div>
<b>Handwriting: </b>His Name </div>
<div>
<b>Homeschool Notebook*: </b>Includes Shape, Color, and Letter Work in ONE PLACE</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*I will explain this in a different post!</div>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-84784315193674672162015-06-25T22:43:00.001-05:002015-06-25T22:47:06.062-05:00Daddy's Birthday <p dir="ltr">Brian turned 35 today, and we celebrated big. The boys made him cards, a video, a painting, and we got him a photo of our family that his sister Kim took on canvas. My dad came this afternoon and surprised him with a new blower! We went to dinner with our family, who gave him such sweet gifts and had a great night. We are incredibly grateful for his big love for us!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW8OP0frP8gcFrbLL-xiE3PjI4_TWnVPy-mttbxeMW19JS8N-0lReT9OkWDiIC7gpAzWPO7W_zFk3NDyclQKUJlL_oTmj7jgL9gzcaY7LRKQo7aZVFU_cx20y2DLlDBKYgGnO/s1600/20150625_160412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW8OP0frP8gcFrbLL-xiE3PjI4_TWnVPy-mttbxeMW19JS8N-0lReT9OkWDiIC7gpAzWPO7W_zFk3NDyclQKUJlL_oTmj7jgL9gzcaY7LRKQo7aZVFU_cx20y2DLlDBKYgGnO/s640/20150625_160412.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylFe25jaTOADVVS9_Sl_BlVSTIU5LsApmPC3wuSCs8gQxVJDDbtLU32NNwSAZ-AFmAOnSoV1iTQBGmNk4xR2MMSoBP0K18kdQ9sXg9aLyV7XzMZ1iJwcNIAsl5HLDK3EvcquB/s1600/20150625_160414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylFe25jaTOADVVS9_Sl_BlVSTIU5LsApmPC3wuSCs8gQxVJDDbtLU32NNwSAZ-AFmAOnSoV1iTQBGmNk4xR2MMSoBP0K18kdQ9sXg9aLyV7XzMZ1iJwcNIAsl5HLDK3EvcquB/s640/20150625_160414.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6fF8h5QaI0snhCnlzv0wp8ysICLnGZO5nQyJvyQBb2rZ32JDeXrs_FwvpkvOzhlY_tnzKLqu9KAn9qF69sGowb5T9QpcepARlQtBzUCFNlwMwEkFiFla6YzPb0GMjEYFzgGm/s1600/20150625_160431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6fF8h5QaI0snhCnlzv0wp8ysICLnGZO5nQyJvyQBb2rZ32JDeXrs_FwvpkvOzhlY_tnzKLqu9KAn9qF69sGowb5T9QpcepARlQtBzUCFNlwMwEkFiFla6YzPb0GMjEYFzgGm/s640/20150625_160431.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS_C8f-qMNAhPGdnlxhZe4pR94kYRRneluxQl6gk_PaAaTmEpOPZVuQPZ78BQY_YFHMnoN0bWttiStspGGV263x5ZiAc3v1SzKuQ_29K51wKIZxK6-ntp1uQqBKjWzXHzFyKy/s1600/20150625_161726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS_C8f-qMNAhPGdnlxhZe4pR94kYRRneluxQl6gk_PaAaTmEpOPZVuQPZ78BQY_YFHMnoN0bWttiStspGGV263x5ZiAc3v1SzKuQ_29K51wKIZxK6-ntp1uQqBKjWzXHzFyKy/s640/20150625_161726.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oCKrCu1kVkT1NmJhH0qLjmIGXn92VHtMUC8_vMxgAI4CXDWIYj1_A7elqLITZzwVOC3RZEMOoSNT6jZMZHu_7QlL4Qpf4vpDdP4xXrkq1S8MlrNqTjX3wo9J2-BAi-78DEO1/s1600/20150625_161745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oCKrCu1kVkT1NmJhH0qLjmIGXn92VHtMUC8_vMxgAI4CXDWIYj1_A7elqLITZzwVOC3RZEMOoSNT6jZMZHu_7QlL4Qpf4vpDdP4xXrkq1S8MlrNqTjX3wo9J2-BAi-78DEO1/s640/20150625_161745.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aBseLEUD-OoVvqacMocRp85PCvYvbTGn24zOeOgIkoaS9_LASvr3SJCBvfq_r8vr6oGsZ8SR7bhp2_fA6gy26wl4O12Rz_tPe2D09N9-SH1DhNtpd-9DEpe064ximty2cenq/s1600/20150625_161954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aBseLEUD-OoVvqacMocRp85PCvYvbTGn24zOeOgIkoaS9_LASvr3SJCBvfq_r8vr6oGsZ8SR7bhp2_fA6gy26wl4O12Rz_tPe2D09N9-SH1DhNtpd-9DEpe064ximty2cenq/s640/20150625_161954.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvGfWfTmtN1ndFTSI_OfKvpeayEjwinnXBKXOKWIopFcTsgMpuZzMYeqgORrR5pF3GpfWCM3rMeKx8DmMs71JgwywCb8vlfYKot8kQ2jFyHkCP3h0ugdzz0EOmvod9u8eejOz/s1600/20150625_162306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvGfWfTmtN1ndFTSI_OfKvpeayEjwinnXBKXOKWIopFcTsgMpuZzMYeqgORrR5pF3GpfWCM3rMeKx8DmMs71JgwywCb8vlfYKot8kQ2jFyHkCP3h0ugdzz0EOmvod9u8eejOz/s640/20150625_162306.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac9ODvCyE-zJuNtYJamGMVOObTJm2Rf_NTp0eOIUq0erQ9m7OW63LEzY437kjnQRO1Uegj1ze0KFf7LBHT57AEukzVLyPe9Lij_ikG0SOHefRmXh3Lkv6Ben4LXSkPQK3d1Zd/s1600/20150625_191616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac9ODvCyE-zJuNtYJamGMVOObTJm2Rf_NTp0eOIUq0erQ9m7OW63LEzY437kjnQRO1Uegj1ze0KFf7LBHT57AEukzVLyPe9Lij_ikG0SOHefRmXh3Lkv6Ben4LXSkPQK3d1Zd/s640/20150625_191616.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWgXb_On2YviyqkJF0hMHVVFOPxmynq_a8pc-R-9YiUfQwASKiNlsQpo9g0U-ucH5Dmd7YsYS8FQen5CoOCEehmVZl2T4MQYYj1jdorX4qKQUQ0nCsEVkm0-JtEl2B9Rhcx4J/s1600/20150625_191708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWgXb_On2YviyqkJF0hMHVVFOPxmynq_a8pc-R-9YiUfQwASKiNlsQpo9g0U-ucH5Dmd7YsYS8FQen5CoOCEehmVZl2T4MQYYj1jdorX4qKQUQ0nCsEVkm0-JtEl2B9Rhcx4J/s640/20150625_191708.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuIfaeTboIKHx6Nvrk3Byv3ru-9UQh5Smb6qVMtESd1Gw8peIccdI8j2yMhVR9-pZwcti_a1sg3mfbJg-y5IzFufX3vmfX6T14xT1pT6-AAmyDAFJf8U81cBZvexzgIne9P2Q/s1600/20150625_193301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuIfaeTboIKHx6Nvrk3Byv3ru-9UQh5Smb6qVMtESd1Gw8peIccdI8j2yMhVR9-pZwcti_a1sg3mfbJg-y5IzFufX3vmfX6T14xT1pT6-AAmyDAFJf8U81cBZvexzgIne9P2Q/s640/20150625_193301.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-27470304506315929192015-06-13T08:32:00.001-05:002015-06-13T08:32:46.825-05:00Touch a Truck <p dir="ltr">We have had a week of sitting still and resting. After Daniel's concussion on Tuesday, he was limited to no television or outside playing for 48 hours. I knew we needed to do something fun after so much stillness, but it had to be small and not involve much movement.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The boys and I attended a local park's Fun Friday event, which happened to be Touch a Truck this week. We have gone in the past, but the really enjoyed it yesterday especially since it wasn't crowded and it rained for 10 minutes! The rain cooled us down quite a bit. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Touch a Truck is an event where all the city's service vehicles are in one place. The children are allowed to climb to into the vehicles and explore each one! They get to talk with the drivers/community helpers. It is both educational, fun, and free!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0F0QKYCYX1WlMM1zHIrf5DkYmvVoFPhAceWBWSV96oiM-VQnHaBjhdaF9quo_EB8_0taI3plcjhczLDQET7IEQQRvOZ4NyKAyKT4cY_6cl1GhTZ_oBE60yFzywzCWyiYb4S4/s1600/20150612_114012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0F0QKYCYX1WlMM1zHIrf5DkYmvVoFPhAceWBWSV96oiM-VQnHaBjhdaF9quo_EB8_0taI3plcjhczLDQET7IEQQRvOZ4NyKAyKT4cY_6cl1GhTZ_oBE60yFzywzCWyiYb4S4/s640/20150612_114012.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU12ACja0QS0l7V4jJrxfCYkCwj73WbyKYfIUVNqWTDPsvjyYgoI0J1R1aqMS0qkI6LkGtniXHLbdqlsYO_wq3iy4wKEc5OIOVMUl360AVR98nEa0-StruBSsHgDyzmhLkwXdK/s1600/20150612_114048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU12ACja0QS0l7V4jJrxfCYkCwj73WbyKYfIUVNqWTDPsvjyYgoI0J1R1aqMS0qkI6LkGtniXHLbdqlsYO_wq3iy4wKEc5OIOVMUl360AVR98nEa0-StruBSsHgDyzmhLkwXdK/s640/20150612_114048.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvuIbwNILk5cNUJbT-dLq1BSMk68mssIE1G_3i_y5Ikn26ehIcDtigLgfoAnoPT0iirMT6aTr08zkSp3594on6qeI8N-KyRtbTtjWrv4cDI6g-UNg474TfxOu0a3LFuSWa8ae/s1600/20150612_114407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvuIbwNILk5cNUJbT-dLq1BSMk68mssIE1G_3i_y5Ikn26ehIcDtigLgfoAnoPT0iirMT6aTr08zkSp3594on6qeI8N-KyRtbTtjWrv4cDI6g-UNg474TfxOu0a3LFuSWa8ae/s640/20150612_114407.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj4N0CBt2VEnN31aQtiK_AKYVWbdEpoyxnMEtXxxRuEMnms179Q3raGkiI782wAKKl6Un9pDBxJM03SIzpor9XwWlTjzdeSCDK4Il6G1x0SuHdcjKCY4y4fSoqWAiWwdjPVCR/s1600/20150612_114609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj4N0CBt2VEnN31aQtiK_AKYVWbdEpoyxnMEtXxxRuEMnms179Q3raGkiI782wAKKl6Un9pDBxJM03SIzpor9XwWlTjzdeSCDK4Il6G1x0SuHdcjKCY4y4fSoqWAiWwdjPVCR/s640/20150612_114609.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN4xWJVb7XfC8AmR373bxDiXaHGDWPvY50aUFp_AI2mFl4GqP-4BYPTZ55QOa823i1U_V5pi-rlNX3Ve0GUDpzNq2ZI_PUMSRqZo9JPBsuhKwU_hhGXR4th1CxtLs9H2xQkKg/s1600/20150612_114810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN4xWJVb7XfC8AmR373bxDiXaHGDWPvY50aUFp_AI2mFl4GqP-4BYPTZ55QOa823i1U_V5pi-rlNX3Ve0GUDpzNq2ZI_PUMSRqZo9JPBsuhKwU_hhGXR4th1CxtLs9H2xQkKg/s640/20150612_114810.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kj5sCNtp7csgod4r7wWhVlEE8qf4hVbyaKFtaI0fdpk4ZWJRjIcO1yfpSpz-twPRXC3J90Lidc2TFnzB0GTlXS5RUvellCY1_yXVU_TSYedNUGirTDz6kRZQ5gdJGEtSfOsU/s1600/20150612_115004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kj5sCNtp7csgod4r7wWhVlEE8qf4hVbyaKFtaI0fdpk4ZWJRjIcO1yfpSpz-twPRXC3J90Lidc2TFnzB0GTlXS5RUvellCY1_yXVU_TSYedNUGirTDz6kRZQ5gdJGEtSfOsU/s640/20150612_115004.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_z4UUyFoUMjGQsHkH62WS7yQYVN9mg9yScG7Dx1vvNmf6EXnAvFYgtU8YfVakl1nnFhSfCIps06cirIh5vtUwAaiMMndIxPDLmcX7s9k6pKnPBHo8ms4RDidD6Hp8g39ZU9J/s1600/20150612_115845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_z4UUyFoUMjGQsHkH62WS7yQYVN9mg9yScG7Dx1vvNmf6EXnAvFYgtU8YfVakl1nnFhSfCIps06cirIh5vtUwAaiMMndIxPDLmcX7s9k6pKnPBHo8ms4RDidD6Hp8g39ZU9J/s640/20150612_115845.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8XTbqDvrJrqI4CduLNE3lxvYhPehx2xO7YQp6MouDUcPRuk0EhvzUiSd3fQGJfI-evUc94by9Vcb-BcM2MwyZa4qZgH18bL-wYwM8XgNTPi7BAMn93U6Uq1PCv0H9D-OaGrn/s1600/20150612_115916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8XTbqDvrJrqI4CduLNE3lxvYhPehx2xO7YQp6MouDUcPRuk0EhvzUiSd3fQGJfI-evUc94by9Vcb-BcM2MwyZa4qZgH18bL-wYwM8XgNTPi7BAMn93U6Uq1PCv0H9D-OaGrn/s640/20150612_115916.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GT1a308oLosI9yXg80MeQ74zRMcr0U7oCbdbL6Rlw6VuHc9CRAXpM25tRRqNvRsnBp4Xfuu6WRH0XIPw7EgTuMY4IV_8H34ELu2fURpEyLEYfBd0W7NZyqAhtJIcjmbXorU8/s1600/20150612_115944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GT1a308oLosI9yXg80MeQ74zRMcr0U7oCbdbL6Rlw6VuHc9CRAXpM25tRRqNvRsnBp4Xfuu6WRH0XIPw7EgTuMY4IV_8H34ELu2fURpEyLEYfBd0W7NZyqAhtJIcjmbXorU8/s640/20150612_115944.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pvKfd-qjHxNlbnHCiThQziKPbEYqTuEFgUYeAajBCAsbUOjuoz_rDZ_k3ipFrFfij1BXU6FOXcpRcqWisce0Pc28nOEBlvBTeJ3Xll_etg9f-ed7nr3wURQZeMxTOOV72Ouw/s1600/20150612_161144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pvKfd-qjHxNlbnHCiThQziKPbEYqTuEFgUYeAajBCAsbUOjuoz_rDZ_k3ipFrFfij1BXU6FOXcpRcqWisce0Pc28nOEBlvBTeJ3Xll_etg9f-ed7nr3wURQZeMxTOOV72Ouw/s640/20150612_161144.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-86731274239710240562015-06-11T11:32:00.001-05:002015-06-11T11:35:23.483-05:00Hard Hit...<p dir="ltr"><i>Tuesday started off like any other normal morning. The boys were up, had eaten breakfast, and began playing with paper airplanes in the living room while I was cleaning up the kitchen. It was maybe 8:30.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>I then heard the worst thud I had heard in a while, and I went running to the living room. I knew that whoever had taken the hit was hurt badly, but in those first moments following the sound I'd heard and dashing to the scene, there was only silence. It was just a matter of seconds, but I quickly realized Daniel had fallen into our coffee table while retrieving his airplane. He was screaming at this point, grabbing his ear.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>It was huge, red and swollen, but he wouldn't stop crying. The tears continued to fall after Ibuprofen, ice, and an hour after it occurred. He then started getting really irritated with his brothers... every noise and move they made. I moved them to their room so Daniel could lay in the living room alone.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>He was hysterical, though, complaining about my cell phone vibrating and the boys' whispers from across the house. Then, he got nauseated. I knew his ear wasn't the only place that had taken the hit from the coffee table... </i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>The pediatrician said to be there in 20 minutes, and she was incredibly caring. Daniel still hadn't explained how he had fallen, but the swelling of his ear and head was quite noticeable. He was dizzy and not very clear. The pediatrician noticed an indentation on his skull behind Daniel's ear, fearing a fracture. We were sent to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for imaging, where we learned that the "pothole" on his skull was actually swelling. The CT scan showed bruising and swelling, and he had a concussion. </i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>I am reminded that through these scary moments of the calm I felt... it was never overwhelming. I realized how thankful I was for God's protection of my family and how good it is to rest in His peace through the times that could have been so fearful. </i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Pictures are:</i><br>
<i>1) comparison of both ears a few minutes after falling, </i><i>2) </i>sleeping <i>for a few seconds </i><i>on the way to Vanderbilt, 3</i>) sitting with Dad in the waiting area,<i> 4) Daniel beside the CT scanner,</i><i> 5) the bruising behind his ear the day after the fall, and</i><i> 6) feeling better more than 24 hours after the fall.</i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tN3UcTr70iVj7hYcas7Bb2KCnUrllyCPKbkdc8UnxBq0_HcWx9cFE2ALagWpzH1u8YlublQN6yhGXa7Uub0Qi_eE9o1M9_Ka8dCdPBl9utY2EiHyvyj7j1XCrvt8Mym2rNZb/s1600/VZM.IMG_20150609_084702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tN3UcTr70iVj7hYcas7Bb2KCnUrllyCPKbkdc8UnxBq0_HcWx9cFE2ALagWpzH1u8YlublQN6yhGXa7Uub0Qi_eE9o1M9_Ka8dCdPBl9utY2EiHyvyj7j1XCrvt8Mym2rNZb/s640/VZM.IMG_20150609_084702.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSotqqFqEv-58uD7cIh2UkcnGt2-GYixctQitzPTbX0MvTGFvD8jrEVX4tRqOEOEQncSDm2GHDXW9CGpQ4UOaevY2HjyZcjzBdN7W2UEFZ4KAI2hJ5QKXIERY_-z2KceqaB5Y/s1600/20150609_125258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSotqqFqEv-58uD7cIh2UkcnGt2-GYixctQitzPTbX0MvTGFvD8jrEVX4tRqOEOEQncSDm2GHDXW9CGpQ4UOaevY2HjyZcjzBdN7W2UEFZ4KAI2hJ5QKXIERY_-z2KceqaB5Y/s640/20150609_125258.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6eOyFLc0OMv_kq255U5dVkSLYB9G97-us_LvzZ9bV46oep0ePUr0waMUsJB2CFpa1mHV1oFAoCou2hxfZqE0JLBx6bx23xFpDKH1VLW-rTLSymqxEhyphenhypheneVUDSwGeGrajIHVkr/s1600/20150609_134804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6eOyFLc0OMv_kq255U5dVkSLYB9G97-us_LvzZ9bV46oep0ePUr0waMUsJB2CFpa1mHV1oFAoCou2hxfZqE0JLBx6bx23xFpDKH1VLW-rTLSymqxEhyphenhypheneVUDSwGeGrajIHVkr/s640/20150609_134804.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC7NjTcy7UmazuFdhyZFX3kdY9S1cCZ2STgU6Hk2KE9RWGDMnDJ3_j3VmEd8XN3Wsk_IDaMt7qzR6_VwF7PTyhN93xckfXT0LmnVS1LhXFWnfFBhu3Z88qU2dCCN9omT-J8lw/s1600/20150609_135720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC7NjTcy7UmazuFdhyZFX3kdY9S1cCZ2STgU6Hk2KE9RWGDMnDJ3_j3VmEd8XN3Wsk_IDaMt7qzR6_VwF7PTyhN93xckfXT0LmnVS1LhXFWnfFBhu3Z88qU2dCCN9omT-J8lw/s640/20150609_135720.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_g-Gv_qkoUfCNe57Utl4FAfPy8T-KeMxoYmiE8Q5npc6104RvDFMSsdBBBinBmBLdLDdtQApvZwvid3YzrzpAwdZUUhXHoL25Zimqztpl8K3ubZiRk0LpqWzC8c8vKZ_HL9Up/s1600/20150610_184751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_g-Gv_qkoUfCNe57Utl4FAfPy8T-KeMxoYmiE8Q5npc6104RvDFMSsdBBBinBmBLdLDdtQApvZwvid3YzrzpAwdZUUhXHoL25Zimqztpl8K3ubZiRk0LpqWzC8c8vKZ_HL9Up/s640/20150610_184751.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2V0D5RK4Pz_M8wY_6JOA6xx0rQEs2tpamRqO5kMgEq_NAImobQ6rlExhbKR_GIUboFu1wGdhT825jgxP_dOPaN2Lt3ZR64eMWypE0vWQz3n0q4ncBvkGpp-cM3opoguHou7R/s1600/20150610_184836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2V0D5RK4Pz_M8wY_6JOA6xx0rQEs2tpamRqO5kMgEq_NAImobQ6rlExhbKR_GIUboFu1wGdhT825jgxP_dOPaN2Lt3ZR64eMWypE0vWQz3n0q4ncBvkGpp-cM3opoguHou7R/s640/20150610_184836.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-43133999176230952742015-05-22T23:01:00.000-05:002015-05-22T23:01:00.547-05:00Opthamology Visit<div dir="ltr">
We had waited for what seemed like ages for this appointment. When the week was finally upon us, a dear friend asked who we were seeing and I wasn't quite sure. She said she hoped Samuel was seeing a certain opthamologist because she knows his family well and he is fantastic. I came home to discover that he was who we were scheduled to see the next day!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Samuel and I headed to Vanderbilt on Tuesday, May 12th, for his appointment. They began with several tests, checking his vision. I was so impressed at how much he recognized at such a distance! They then started with a PIP 24 palette test, checking his ability to recognize colors. I was amazed at this point. Not only could he distinguish between the colors, he was recognizing numbers that are higher than we have learned. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
It was here that the assistant said that most children with optic swelling have difficulty distinguishing colors and have a hard time with that particular test. Samuel did not!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We then had to have drops put into his eyes for dilation. It was awful, but we finished and waited until they were ready for the next check of his eyes. Twenty minutes later, the fantastic doctor came in! He checked Samuel and made his diagnosis very clear...</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Samuel does NOT have papillodema (optic swelling)! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Praising God that this is all in HIS hands!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
He was asked to wear some cool sunglasses home, but he wasn't keen on the idea... until he realized how bright it was outside! All in all, it was a great day, and we are incredibly grateful for all of the prayers being lifted on Samuel's behalf.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
* We will revisit the neurosurgeon in June, but until then, we are doing okay. </div>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-76286291793407704212015-04-29T14:00:00.001-05:002015-05-22T22:24:10.112-05:00Yesterday<p dir="ltr">Written April 29, 2015</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">Yesterday was harder than I want to admit. It's probably going to be a day I will always remember. Samuel struggled, and as his mom, I will admit that I struggled too. I cried out to God (and to Brian) a lot more yesterday than I have before, and I made more phone calls to doctors than I have in the past. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It seemed like a normal day when we woke yesterday. We went to the homeschool/classroom, but Samuel was moving very slowly with his blanket in tow. His eyes were dark, and it was almost as if he hadn't slept 9 hours the night before. This child of mine who loves school and learning didn't go to his green desk; instead, he went to the corner of the room, laid down in the floor, and put his blanket over his head. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The rest of the day went slowly. It involved a lot of falling asleep, waking up only to get sick, moaning, very little speaking, and falling asleep again. Yesterday... it was scary for me. I waited on phone calls from the neurologist and from our pediatrician, but I couldn't help but notice how tired and how different he seemed from just a few days before.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In God's sovereign grace and provision, He cared for Samuel yesterday when I was frightened and unsure of what to do. He seemed to lifeless to me, but God was sustaining him and knew exactly what to do when I didn't. How grateful I am for my Heavenly Father! His care is so much greater than mine for both me and the children that He's entrusted me with.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today... oh, TODAY.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today, Samuel is filled with laughter and smiles, and he is gladly sitting on the couch, doing his school work because he realized he missed it yesterday. I am typing this through tears of thankfulness because joy truly does come in the morning. Friends of ours are going through trials that I cannot fathom. Their children are facing battles that shouldn't be comprehended by little ones at their ages. </p><p dir="ltr">Yet, I see God. I see him working it all together for good. Romans 8:28. Even through the hard, disappointing, sad, unfair situations, I see that God has a greater purpose that I cannot truly understand at this time. I have to be willing to trust His plans and know that His will is going to be done in each of them... because yesterday, oh yesterday, I had no control. God had it all.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I don't know what tomorrow holds or what next week brings, but I know God already has it planned. I want to be willing and able to trust Him whatever it looks like...</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">The doctors believe Samuel was having an adverse reaction to his new medication. The dosage will be lowered and monitored for a short time.<br><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRitKw-v9TmxFTXFVCoehLIsFBsrRX5xGdgfCCxRaeivb8cweW7V8lDuxLPeLQKY0FAfHx278JSwyILuCcEVaoAWmyiiiThbCdACCPJHzk6ZzdxblccRlxZ1mfcFCiEPrkjwXm/s1600/20150428_120935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRitKw-v9TmxFTXFVCoehLIsFBsrRX5xGdgfCCxRaeivb8cweW7V8lDuxLPeLQKY0FAfHx278JSwyILuCcEVaoAWmyiiiThbCdACCPJHzk6ZzdxblccRlxZ1mfcFCiEPrkjwXm/s640/20150428_120935.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-19961699348316864102015-04-27T12:41:00.001-05:002015-04-27T12:41:27.739-05:00Daniel is SIX!<p dir="ltr">I cannot believe I am even typing those words... he has been such an amazing joy and work of grace in our lives, and it feels like only yesterday that Daniel was born! He has had a HUGE year, and God has done great things for him in it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Because our three boys have birthdays so close together, we usually combine them and celebrate with one large party. We, however, take special care in creating a day for each boy on his actual birthday where he chooses, within reason, where we eat and what dessert we are having. It is fun!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Daniel was pretty adamant about his April <u>20th</u> birthday this year. He wanted Cracker Barrel for supper and frozen yogurt for dessert. However, we have no frozen yogurt places in our town, and I knew he would love cake just as much. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I walked into Walmart after eating supper and found the perfect cake for Daniel! He will tell you he doesn't really have a favorite color... because he loves them all. Sometimes, he will say his favorite color is a rainbow color. :) Walmart had a rainbow blast cake premade, and the excitement on his face when we cut into it was precious! </p>
<p dir="ltr">I think my favorite moments from his 6th birthday were when he actually prayed over his own birthday dinner at Cracker Barrel and the joyful expressions on his face as he opened his gifts! He is just so excited and happy about most things... it is contagious. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We are so blessed by this rambunctious ball of energy! I am thankful God has entrusted us with him for a season. I couldn't be more excited to see what is in store for Daniel.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJATw3vtov-3I56p3UL1-tjyhd2T8FmqW0nOuwVdMe1BH2A3iogE-d7BZA0CRzzBh_219uSVxr-OpPn866JO0vaQcCsrYkEODUftsEsZQC_Pm_gDbi5z1siSAOp3NJwWRP6KDE/s1600/20150420_130054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJATw3vtov-3I56p3UL1-tjyhd2T8FmqW0nOuwVdMe1BH2A3iogE-d7BZA0CRzzBh_219uSVxr-OpPn866JO0vaQcCsrYkEODUftsEsZQC_Pm_gDbi5z1siSAOp3NJwWRP6KDE/s640/20150420_130054.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU54B-NJtNJkPK-ZBHfzptc-SNQ96swVaHnPKxM43V-2NDGCzgn5SMCk96EP2pEdSyA-ece3RH1R-UuwM4b1bk2YsK9iNpXrK55nQy8B7F5Uw30-OQIjOVM2b3hu8aPfNlfsB/s1600/20150420_173625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU54B-NJtNJkPK-ZBHfzptc-SNQ96swVaHnPKxM43V-2NDGCzgn5SMCk96EP2pEdSyA-ece3RH1R-UuwM4b1bk2YsK9iNpXrK55nQy8B7F5Uw30-OQIjOVM2b3hu8aPfNlfsB/s640/20150420_173625.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rOcvehupFBmtSP1wSVwnUjeVkF0mlU1crKI4l8cuY7BTSkZ95os-8z3iUKsF5jw-rsdzzzY7dwEdbDs9slbFSPEJ4KKYSEDSw6I6l97m8Nx50mWkT33d6O_KM57S4ZGnf6Qe/s1600/20150420_181119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rOcvehupFBmtSP1wSVwnUjeVkF0mlU1crKI4l8cuY7BTSkZ95os-8z3iUKsF5jw-rsdzzzY7dwEdbDs9slbFSPEJ4KKYSEDSw6I6l97m8Nx50mWkT33d6O_KM57S4ZGnf6Qe/s640/20150420_181119.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7myqG1QV6oWv9tgFpMudTLFhJUrqrf0f0_g-hHhfKlZyASxdhTaDwHS-U5HXpnZSVsyABSFyc6IjTpdzq20MvjVvfy2zdaTBkDaoHhIWjQUsz94SQoXqHWyBK7hhhJbtz8fk/s1600/20150420_181129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7myqG1QV6oWv9tgFpMudTLFhJUrqrf0f0_g-hHhfKlZyASxdhTaDwHS-U5HXpnZSVsyABSFyc6IjTpdzq20MvjVvfy2zdaTBkDaoHhIWjQUsz94SQoXqHWyBK7hhhJbtz8fk/s640/20150420_181129.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3H6aDt6wG9GxdQ4iiDvohFrw5fLq02ty1PWpMrP8s1n7zpeDVg0IhDbbMGclO1rmGDXAc_A9inOIdReyrNSxf9F0fx3D5__XawHXAMzpmfv6uo2Acux8W1CKr1aR7ZRxV_gQ/s1600/20150420_190451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3H6aDt6wG9GxdQ4iiDvohFrw5fLq02ty1PWpMrP8s1n7zpeDVg0IhDbbMGclO1rmGDXAc_A9inOIdReyrNSxf9F0fx3D5__XawHXAMzpmfv6uo2Acux8W1CKr1aR7ZRxV_gQ/s640/20150420_190451.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXoVy54WBHBWdz_oxGr1hCcQEwysXm6xwy8izuReukq8oluNYrEz-b4odScVx5URa1utQHzxC2ZFiv9APUoX1SWsGPe1I7HmRCGdR0sbpNnhTXUJ14u-Xo5kocdIGZEiIUpTs/s1600/20150420_190526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXoVy54WBHBWdz_oxGr1hCcQEwysXm6xwy8izuReukq8oluNYrEz-b4odScVx5URa1utQHzxC2ZFiv9APUoX1SWsGPe1I7HmRCGdR0sbpNnhTXUJ14u-Xo5kocdIGZEiIUpTs/s640/20150420_190526.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRX3v5mEiuaH3EJ2JX7VdgoW33PZr-WhABkz9ZCJiGkgif5Gc9fr93zV-zSJZadx0VbRoibaNUwh5bZqsn6EBMKiZsXPvxL72CoOgfhKyPyafv-63RQdZht49akL4vwoRXm_Y/s1600/20150420_190614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRX3v5mEiuaH3EJ2JX7VdgoW33PZr-WhABkz9ZCJiGkgif5Gc9fr93zV-zSJZadx0VbRoibaNUwh5bZqsn6EBMKiZsXPvxL72CoOgfhKyPyafv-63RQdZht49akL4vwoRXm_Y/s640/20150420_190614.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V88u-uNFrgs/VT50qm4cvBI/AAAAAAAAWec/S0DNka8CW_s/s1600/20150420_192102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V88u-uNFrgs/VT50qm4cvBI/AAAAAAAAWec/S0DNka8CW_s/s640/20150420_192102.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJ9l_7v2yLg/VT50r40-InI/AAAAAAAAWek/tU1GTXj7rdA/s1600/20150420_192132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJ9l_7v2yLg/VT50r40-InI/AAAAAAAAWek/tU1GTXj7rdA/s640/20150420_192132.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy-bvFVgiB8QSq52yUBiNRvOorXUmJN2p3wlJAbF8RQ8d44XXImKpWCJGhV3KiKP91nP6tQe6us-21QVtgEV9P1c5AeD__8oIfqGy2GfWfQB3yWNy-LqB-v8UcSNq4KdyRzm4/s1600/20150420_192311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy-bvFVgiB8QSq52yUBiNRvOorXUmJN2p3wlJAbF8RQ8d44XXImKpWCJGhV3KiKP91nP6tQe6us-21QVtgEV9P1c5AeD__8oIfqGy2GfWfQB3yWNy-LqB-v8UcSNq4KdyRzm4/s640/20150420_192311.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTdtVPNxQELg45LVJptlEpnK2JlG-HMGf2dX0c8-PPGE1JD3N6QMg08enCvJfZ0YhCdsp4LvGBzmLZUOugzGEF-lBGxQyyZNmyPuNTtZ_4swi1KEPssTnk72hJB0ebiAv05i5/s1600/20150420_192514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTdtVPNxQELg45LVJptlEpnK2JlG-HMGf2dX0c8-PPGE1JD3N6QMg08enCvJfZ0YhCdsp4LvGBzmLZUOugzGEF-lBGxQyyZNmyPuNTtZ_4swi1KEPssTnk72hJB0ebiAv05i5/s640/20150420_192514.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R-9adiQUo8k/VT50vrQv1gI/AAAAAAAAWe8/s1600/20150420_203706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R-9adiQUo8k/VT50vrQv1gI/AAAAAAAAWe8/s640/20150420_203706.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIrL5ix0c0oKMEleWyDgKHCRkgDw3k-27OpiZBHITcGcuQpr4qP6SocYOBLXiTaj6yrksiI3Fm3WE_7_XmeK73HcFjxJf2k8lfY0EMNQTgcYOg6j-WMptm3GkkWNxPgkfC1Zh/s1600/20150420_203737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIrL5ix0c0oKMEleWyDgKHCRkgDw3k-27OpiZBHITcGcuQpr4qP6SocYOBLXiTaj6yrksiI3Fm3WE_7_XmeK73HcFjxJf2k8lfY0EMNQTgcYOg6j-WMptm3GkkWNxPgkfC1Zh/s640/20150420_203737.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtFzY3fhcFvUujNwidU7jRz-S-kXXLclwsQ3VDUo01DhUzwhsOFUh8IFqP7PRoREut7w8v-50TH4l6xgsDi6hn_xwIyvZ2IKS4ekqnBXwi60yiC9C2SSY-Y6w4sjB1B0E7wkl/s1600/20150420_204015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtFzY3fhcFvUujNwidU7jRz-S-kXXLclwsQ3VDUo01DhUzwhsOFUh8IFqP7PRoREut7w8v-50TH4l6xgsDi6hn_xwIyvZ2IKS4ekqnBXwi60yiC9C2SSY-Y6w4sjB1B0E7wkl/s640/20150420_204015.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-18929297310770198262015-04-27T12:11:00.001-05:002015-04-27T12:11:02.858-05:00Allergy Testing Revisited<p dir="ltr">We knew it would have to be done at some point, and since Elias has struggled some with runny nose and a cough since his adenoids and tonsils were removed in January, his pulmonologist felt now, April 22nd, was the time. He is one month away from turning three, and he handled this testing so much better than he did at 16 months old. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I kept him busy by playing with my phone and watching YouTube videos of Paw Patrol. The fifteen minutes flew by! He didn't cry or scratch at all, and that is probably because he isn't allergic anymore and hasn't added any new ones! Praising God for this great news!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjups5gTOvQG1v6KInhfnVGunychx_Re2fa9IDBsbZesvzfYOC3s2GRkrBxHQmfwADuhlHbOw_XwHRX3lNh07IllN8N6VhA602Lt3iQY6XrDh6EZ0LYq4gratJ-iPqbwJMcs1A4/s1600/20150422_152353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjups5gTOvQG1v6KInhfnVGunychx_Re2fa9IDBsbZesvzfYOC3s2GRkrBxHQmfwADuhlHbOw_XwHRX3lNh07IllN8N6VhA602Lt3iQY6XrDh6EZ0LYq4gratJ-iPqbwJMcs1A4/s640/20150422_152353.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ml3staVSeBbhbQDtwPEz0EginGQ0jbT6ljpfL20GEWo3kxk_nzwxNWYxQwXsfl931tDedObqr03oQqVCwtgXs_55sIHqwx4dqEa5awNXOFQUf4GmjFSnhlE5vQLHtvvEXBIJ/s1600/20150422_152306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ml3staVSeBbhbQDtwPEz0EginGQ0jbT6ljpfL20GEWo3kxk_nzwxNWYxQwXsfl931tDedObqr03oQqVCwtgXs_55sIHqwx4dqEa5awNXOFQUf4GmjFSnhlE5vQLHtvvEXBIJ/s640/20150422_152306.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2pj-uVqZDdRn7qLqZU9CpPaFKgnpYBe-uhLfLAFy9Xx2EzcInPa3x4ZjIk4kiJ2r_WNp8U-QYY8YyNOX83m9uOxNjIlzYehVT5FPuXIS6wZI-sIDgOm_51r6Ttb-6tcdqBJN/s1600/20150422_152317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2pj-uVqZDdRn7qLqZU9CpPaFKgnpYBe-uhLfLAFy9Xx2EzcInPa3x4ZjIk4kiJ2r_WNp8U-QYY8YyNOX83m9uOxNjIlzYehVT5FPuXIS6wZI-sIDgOm_51r6Ttb-6tcdqBJN/s640/20150422_152317.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyre4pUOsEJzOt5Azp1sUe9RD3Q3scFVI-N3xMSOasCFBjTe1nZqTE-ilQlfHPF2izejsrefGUO42RPd0CQyiiuAcUP1rw9q5-pEtOKEcbJXYEfjXw4QfmPwbSw98MXVIdZy6/s1600/20150422_174154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyre4pUOsEJzOt5Azp1sUe9RD3Q3scFVI-N3xMSOasCFBjTe1nZqTE-ilQlfHPF2izejsrefGUO42RPd0CQyiiuAcUP1rw9q5-pEtOKEcbJXYEfjXw4QfmPwbSw98MXVIdZy6/s640/20150422_174154.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-82494738853290093472015-04-23T18:37:00.001-05:002015-04-23T18:37:08.228-05:00Elias Escapades<p dir="ltr">He really is quite the child. He has turned out to be the most rambunctious, energetic, and hilarious of our three sons, and not a day goes by that he doesn't drive me crazy. However, he can make me laugh more than anyone in the world.   </p>
<p dir="ltr">Just recently, for instance, this little bit:</p>
<p dir="ltr">* decided to pour a gallon of water all over the bathroom floor.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* has taken a liking to dressing himself in the most fascinating ways. Clothes are often inside out, socks are gloves, coats are acceptable in the spring, and anything goes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* shovels food in his mouth.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* thinks he can avoid bedtime if he's pretending to potty train, which he clearly isn't interested in attempting or accomplishing yet.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* likes pretending to be the bad "die", which is guy, and runs at us with a water gun.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* figured out how to unbuckle his car seat, get really quiet, then fall asleep while we're on the interstate. Oh, yes, he did.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* ate both of his brothers' leftover pieces of birthday cake. Both of theirs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">* likes to have crazy hair... at his sleep study, they put this gel on the electrodes to keep them on his head. When they came off, his hair was everywhere, but he just laughed! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xGSQ4hDZaU_E_gXX-yjX-15OkRfa85AL6kmWqDOkGZlNJDT9VEn6IDpPcKxn5-fCKeRUjTl2yuKvuvTDWGXkzIRLPfFI9e0Lv57AaDxSgCP16Fv-KExy2kvTMPriLQQTJRX3/s1600/20150423_181525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xGSQ4hDZaU_E_gXX-yjX-15OkRfa85AL6kmWqDOkGZlNJDT9VEn6IDpPcKxn5-fCKeRUjTl2yuKvuvTDWGXkzIRLPfFI9e0Lv57AaDxSgCP16Fv-KExy2kvTMPriLQQTJRX3/s640/20150423_181525.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-otm6oY_XSxo/VTmCAmKHs4I/AAAAAAAAWS8/SAtkI8Ij-Bc/s1600/20150423_115743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-otm6oY_XSxo/VTmCAmKHs4I/AAAAAAAAWS8/SAtkI8Ij-Bc/s640/20150423_115743.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4Eyo3FoemdUkem_qtlBS6dVLJJSc5nGdQYYZ1ogMHhx214kaPJDs8Suym_ZDTm3Zl5Nbkm-5e1_5IZJACEOUnCzYeCGgGnTFd7gVr-Fm6SLP1kjLwBHZSkPw714XtBpyCcQp/s1600/20150422_204105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4Eyo3FoemdUkem_qtlBS6dVLJJSc5nGdQYYZ1ogMHhx214kaPJDs8Suym_ZDTm3Zl5Nbkm-5e1_5IZJACEOUnCzYeCGgGnTFd7gVr-Fm6SLP1kjLwBHZSkPw714XtBpyCcQp/s640/20150422_204105.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD0_rjLGqpDFpgInrCwlTg0-oi0d_6U6O9FeqoFTsUcouJWoMgysbfprnVv9A_VLvhqdoOYHutUHVJl_fD7cHX3T5dP1cAiNZdbGRQzlLQ0rqxCg8lxP4aFzBaj-QxblDcyrt/s1600/20150422_213411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD0_rjLGqpDFpgInrCwlTg0-oi0d_6U6O9FeqoFTsUcouJWoMgysbfprnVv9A_VLvhqdoOYHutUHVJl_fD7cHX3T5dP1cAiNZdbGRQzlLQ0rqxCg8lxP4aFzBaj-QxblDcyrt/s640/20150422_213411.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyMZxYTa3trJ33OUmCQYQFllFgHWjwPCaRZ8rH4Zuakp6eNYyj-zqkc-kd1V59A4wkjTTXrq2ekA15y3K88YCAo4V390NtjuIBVTA0ZbPrEYieqhE-odTQMItr55tRYEUQLx3/s1600/20150422_173758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyMZxYTa3trJ33OUmCQYQFllFgHWjwPCaRZ8rH4Zuakp6eNYyj-zqkc-kd1V59A4wkjTTXrq2ekA15y3K88YCAo4V390NtjuIBVTA0ZbPrEYieqhE-odTQMItr55tRYEUQLx3/s640/20150422_173758.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_KD4-sp983uN0nweVnygklnftEWCx-yI7c4wRt6jOwq1RGKU_Mpyy1-5wbKJq4fpLKepuJ1ZaDEmrVWJ9tsY8jQJMXbL-ggNlXXXebpoSGFN2s9Id8a2hGRU-OMFfAlk9Xnp/s1600/20150421_184240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_KD4-sp983uN0nweVnygklnftEWCx-yI7c4wRt6jOwq1RGKU_Mpyy1-5wbKJq4fpLKepuJ1ZaDEmrVWJ9tsY8jQJMXbL-ggNlXXXebpoSGFN2s9Id8a2hGRU-OMFfAlk9Xnp/s640/20150421_184240.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_dkR87u12s/VTmCGsbEDfI/AAAAAAAAWTk/fETY_DvXDyE/s1600/20150421_160951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_dkR87u12s/VTmCGsbEDfI/AAAAAAAAWTk/fETY_DvXDyE/s640/20150421_160951.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_Ora38l7sWaacv7TjOLA3HizrGN7MD2sWLEDqswGpwb8NJKATs8ZyrtDlFo-VTX0Mzy-f5r5Ii5gORv8myY5y7DZlAiDer38vRmErYYCQcHuUg2mTlophvt6MMivPBziopue/s1600/20150420_191640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_Ora38l7sWaacv7TjOLA3HizrGN7MD2sWLEDqswGpwb8NJKATs8ZyrtDlFo-VTX0Mzy-f5r5Ii5gORv8myY5y7DZlAiDer38vRmErYYCQcHuUg2mTlophvt6MMivPBziopue/s640/20150420_191640.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgUtxjzHV2jrZ9p9C3tmbXf10-XzJvdiCeKiEpkBLCajKR-sMOBiMeShxq7mYkJrpOgY9s2enXqpGMGHhFVRLaeS-R0ubLRrVeNbM4OUPXUWy4AdysUrOSYN1MAvMnxw3O93T/s1600/20150418_053205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgUtxjzHV2jrZ9p9C3tmbXf10-XzJvdiCeKiEpkBLCajKR-sMOBiMeShxq7mYkJrpOgY9s2enXqpGMGHhFVRLaeS-R0ubLRrVeNbM4OUPXUWy4AdysUrOSYN1MAvMnxw3O93T/s640/20150418_053205.jpg"> </a> </div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20296148.post-54288675421276093692015-04-18T12:42:00.001-05:002015-04-18T12:52:52.046-05:00Perspective <p dir="ltr">I had a wise man today tell me that he just didn't believe it. He was going to choose to trust that God could heal Samuel's condition of <a href="http://conquerchiari.org/index.html">Chiari</a>, and he was going to pray to that end.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Do you know what I said?! I immediately told him it was <i>unlikely</i>. That the same MAN (Jesus) who made the lame walk, blind see, and dead rise couldn't reverse or heal this malformation within my child's head?! Standing there with him, it was easy to state medical facts that I have researched or been told, but my faith perspective wasn't coming into focus.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Oh, but he made me see it so differently. I don't know what will happen, but I sure want to change my perspective in light of this conversation. It is so easy to become focused on the difficulties of this condition and the symptoms we are facing and lose sight of WHO is in control of it. God does not change. He does not love us any less. He wants us to cling to Him that much more. I believe that this will be what God decides it to be, and I <u>pray</u> Samuel's <a href="http://conquerchiari.org/index.html">Chiari</a> story (and whatever else he is diagnosed with) will be used to bring the Lord glory. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Perspective... it changes everything, and lately, I am sorry to say I have been looking at links online instead of facts in THE BOOK - the holy, inspired Word of God. My friend today gave me perspective, and I really needed to hear it.</p>
JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833450208194038098noreply@blogger.com0