A Little Dramatic Fun

The kids had a blast last Thursday doing the homeschool drama program. They (to me) were the highlight of the night. First Anna and Brittney (along with Heather and Christina) did "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from "The Little Mermaid." I had coached and directed the kids skits, and I think this one was so good. Anna really shined as Ursela, and for anyone who knows her in real life, Anna is very quiet and reserved. BUT, on the stage, she is crazy. (Except during rehearsals. You have to drag it out of her. Below is my favorite picture from that scene.

(From Left to Right) Eels: Heather and Christina, Ariel: Brittney, Ursela: Anna

Next and the last "act" of the night. Ethan, Britt and Anna did "Huma Huma" from High School Musical 2. It was so awesome and totally unexpected. I am going to try to download some video sometime, cause you have to see it to believe it! The kids were crazy. Ethan was the fish prince, as you can see. Brittney played Sharpay and Anna was Ryan. They used props and everything. It was so fun. I really enjoyed working on all this with the kids. Theatre is just a calling I suppose. I'm just glad my kids and their friends enjoy doing it as well!

I am sadden to announce that little Avery I spoke of last week had her home going on Saturday. The day before, another little , Mira, from our ependymoma support group also went home on Friday. So, I believe that went Avery approached those golden gates on Saturday, Mira and other children were there to great her! It really burdens my heart and makes me ache when this happens. I told Emmett that I just don't think I can follow any more children's stories. It's just too hard, but God reminded me that this journey is not a easy one. He never intended for it to be, but what we do with his message and what we do with his grace and mercy is what it is all about. I cannot physically be there for these families, but my thoughts, prayers, and heart can be with them. And my words can encourage, build, and witness to them. So today I will share my pray online for them.
Good Lord...Sweet Jesus. My heart is burdened for your children. The pain of losing a little one is unbearable I am sure. But Lord your will is good and perfect. Nothing is out of your hands. So, I give my heart to your will, and wish for my words to exhort your glory and your majesty. May you ease the pain and ache of Avery's and Mira's mommy and daddy. May the find rest in the arms of the Savior of our souls. May they seek you earnestly, not trying to understand, but excepting that your ways are higher than our ways. May their life sing praises to you in their time of struggle! And Lord may they know you in their soul. May your Spirit speak truth to them and give them peace. The peace that passes understanding. You are good and mercy endures forever. Amen
Thank you to all my support. Don't forget my Ivee in your prayers. My heart is still burdened for my little . I pray that she will physically improve everyday. The reality is that God does hear my prayers, even when they are selfish! He has what is best in mind. I pray that we make the right decisions concerning Ivee, Brittney and Ethan everyday!

The week comes to an end

It has been a long week, but I am glad to see Friday today! The kids had there drama play last night, and it was fun for all. They are exhausted this morning, so I am allowing them to sleep in a little. I have some pics and some video. I will down load all that later at sometime.
Right now I ask for prayer. A little internet friend of ours is not doing well. I ask that you lift Avery Ann and her family up in prayer to our Lord. She has taken a turn for the worse, and the doctors are doing all they can. Her parents are tired and she is exhausted. She has gone downhill for quite a while now, but this past week has just taken a nose dive. If you would like to see what is going on with her, her link is to the right or just type in www.averyann.net. Thank you and I know that the family would covet your prayers.
It has been quite hard for me to see two precious babies pass away over the last few months, and now my heartbreaks as I read that Avery, without a miracle, may be leaving soon as well. I just can't and don't want to imagine it.
But, the mind cannot thrive or dwell in such places. I long for Ivee to be "normal" everyday, BUT I rejoice that I can hug, kiss and play with her. Even her whinny crying on some occasions is music to my ears :)
So, I am blessed, and I thank God for everyday with ALL my children!

Pictures on the Update

Here are some pics. This one is from the conference I spoke about in my last post. Enjoy

Here are (from Left to Right) Melissa, Me (Hope), Angela and Cathy. These are my "girls." Some of my biggest support out there. We had a great time in Gatlinburg. I told them that we all need to go every year and visit a different state. So, we have about 46 left. We'll fit them all in by the time we are 82 to 90 :)
I gave Ivee a small piece of chocolate. Here's what happen to it.
The kids like the park. Ivee loves the slides and swings. She is anxious to do it all herself.
Tonight she was so tired. She didn't take a good nap today. About 4:00 pm I put her in her bed. She cried and cried, then I heard silence. After 3 or 4 minutes I went to check on her. She was standing up with her arms crossed over the railing and her head down. She was asleep STANDING UP! I should have snapped a pic, but I felt so sorry for her. Later she woke up and Em put her on the living room floor. She went right back to sleep. Here is the close up and below the pan out. How do they sleep like that?

Well, I have attempted to update the blog a few times, and each time it didn't save. Hopefully all will go well this time. I just returned from the "Women of Joy" conference in Gatlinburg, TN. Em and my dad keep the kids for me. It's a relief to know that you can leave your kids with your husband and know that all will be well while you are gone. I am a very blessed wife and mom. I had a wonderful time. It was a joy to spend my time with my friends Melissa, Ange and Cathy. It was a much needed time away from the stresses of our normal lives, and a great bonding time.
The conference was good. I had never personally "heard" Kay Arthur. I suppose many would put her on a type of "pedestal." But, what I enjoyed so much about her is that she was just so like the rest of us, and down to earth, and just burdened for this country. She was just in alignment with the things of God concerning where our nation should be, and why we aren't there any longer. The other two speakers were just so funny (and so was Kay many times). Liz Curtis Higgins was one speaker, who is by trade a Christian-fiction historical novelist. She was just so entertaining. And we ended with Sylvia Harney on Sunday. Just a funny lady with a great testimony. She is that person who has anything and everything happen to her. Like one of the those people who you can't believe had all that happen to them in life, cause no one has that many stories that can be true.
Jeremy Camp was in concert Saturday night, and we just loved his time with us. It was like walking in on someones "jam" session and just talking to him on the couch. Except, he was the one doing all the talking.
So, all is well at the Foley's. Ivee will have another swallow study soon, within' the next few weeks. We are praying for a great report. Her second birthday is in just 3 weeks. I can't believe it.
I have to go now. Homeschool is SCREAMING at me.

Back from Florida

We had a great time in Jacksonville. Unfortunately, all three of my kids are sick. Brittney hasn't felt well since Sunday, and it has progressed. Ethan woke up with an ear ache and hurting in his legs. Ivee was fussy all day yesterday, didn't sleep well last night, and woke up with diarrhea. So they are all going to the doctor this afternoon. So, needless to stay, it is a little yucky around the Foley house today. Below are some pics from Saturday. We all drove down to Orlando and went to Seaworld for the day. Everyone enjoyed it.

Here we are as we entered the park.
Here is a whale from the Shamu show.
Here is part of our Motley Crew in the Artic Expedition Exhibit.
The flowers were beautiful. Seaworld has a beautiful campus.
There were two mommies and babies at the killer whale show. Ivee adored this part. I'll post some more pics of her enjoying them later.