A Full Week

"I'M A SURVIVOR"

The family spent last Saturday morning volunteering for "Ride Yellow" to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Cancer Foundation. It is bike ride that has taken place in Bay Minette for a few years now. Ivee, our inspiration of course, is wearing her "I'm a survivor" tag. They had a great turn out. Em and I donated and volunteered in honor of Ivee, and in memory of Jennifer Busby and Jody Caraway. We are still fighting for a cure and better treatments. The kids had a good time helping, as you can see below with Ethan's smile!

Sunday, Father's Day was great. It was my friend and long time boss, Tony's, last Sunday leading Faith Family in worship. We ended the day with the choir singing the national anthem at Hank Aaron Stadium, the home of the Bay Bears. Ivee didn't enjoy the heat at first, but as the sun was setting behind us, she found her "love" of the game.

Here is Ivee and papaw enjoying the game.

Next, Ivee got the chance to try the water pad in Bay Minette in her first swimsuit ever. Mommy wrapped her gbutton up really well in bandages and saran wrap so that it would stay dry. I was a little scared it may not work, but when I unwrapped her it was as dry as a whistle!

She had so much fun that when it was time for her to get out and dry off she was NOT HAPPY. She wanted to continue to play with Brittney and Ethan. It figures that the kid who loves water and bathes is the one who can't have them! Oh well, mommy found a way. Unfortunately tagederms (the bandages that cover wounds and medical stuff) cost too much money and are not covered by insurance, so we can't go play or take a bath everyday. A shame isn't it! SO, we all enjoy these moments that come so few times.

Thanks for checking in. Life is still busy here, but all is well. We will be leaving for St. Jude on Sunday, July 6th. We'll be gone a whole week with a ton of test and procedures. If I don't update before then keep us in your prayers.

Been a while...

It has been a while since I have blogged. There is not much new going on with the Foley's. Em has a motorcycle now, for those who don't know. It is helping with the gas prices. Luckily, he hasn't been rained on yet. Ivee has had diarrhea for two days, but we have kept her hydrated. Good thing she can't throw-up, cause she has tried often. The kids are enjoying a break from school. We'll start up again after we return from St. Jude in July. I did well on my yard sale. Craigslist is working well for me too. No bites lately, but still trying.
NOW, for my south beach diet friends and those who just want to eat healthier, I have a recipe for you. I made it last night, and the kids and Em loved he. He couldn't believe something that good could be healthy for you. So, I am going to share. (Ange and Cathy, you'll love it). I have modified it a bit to work for us, and you can do the same as well.

Harvest Grain N' Nut Pancakes

In one bowl mix the following
3/4 cup Quaker Oats (not instant)
(important: grind oats in a blender or food processor until fine, like flour)
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (not enriched)
1/3 cup all purpose flour (not bleached or enriched)
2 tsps baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Mix dry ingredients together. Set aside.

In another bowl mix the following
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup milk (fat free or 1%)
1/4 cup olive oil (or canola)
2 eggs
1/4 cup Splenda or raw sugar (you can use reg. sugar if you are not dieting or on a health trip)
Mix with electric mixer until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Then add...
3 tablespoons finely chopped blanched almonds
3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
I put mine in the chopper to make them real fine.

Ladle 1/3 cup of the batter onto the hot skillet (set on medium to medium/low and spray with cooking spray). Cook the pancakes for 1 to 3 minutes per side or until brown.

I had to lower my griddle and cook longer to make sure they got cooked all the way through. Makes a thick, delicious and healthy pancake. Use sugar free syrup! Makes a great breakfast or supper!
Makes about 12 pancakes.
You can also freeze these after they cool. To reheat, just put a stack in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes.

Hope you all enjoy, and if I find any more yummy recipes, I'll be sure to share.

This weekend

We are having a huge yard sale/ antique furniture sale this weekend at the house. I've posted mostly on this on our other website (to the right). I am getting rid of ALOT of nice clothes (mostly mine). If any ladies need any size 14 and some 16 size clothing, then come by and look. Also getting rid of some of the kids clothing (mostly Ivee and Brittney). Em and Ethan will have some. I am praying that we can do well this weekend with getting some of the furniture sold! We shall see what God has in store for us. Praying for a nice, beautiful day.

The Malpas boys are doing better! Austin will be discharged soon, but Drew has a longer recovery. He already had 4 transfusions in 3 days! He is lethargic, and depressed, but he will make it through! God is faithful! Hope all of you are well.

Oh, I need to post some new pics.

Here is Ivee being Oh So SILLY in a tin bucket that she loves to pull out from underneath the stairs in the living room!

And I was growing my hair out for locks of love. This past week I decided it was time to lose it! I had cut it before Ivee's cancer was discovered in '06, so I have been growing it out for about 1 1/2 years. I only trim it myself, cause frankly, I just don't care and it is faster and cheaper to do it yourself. Well, I did let someone cut a "style" for me after this time. So, here are pics of my "once every year and half or so" haircut. Take it all in, cause it won't happen again for a long time :)

News and Updates

They have taken Drew Malpas to UAB, and are testing his brother for E Coli as well. Things are stable for now. Thanks for praying.
Next Saturday the 31st from 6am to 4pm Em and I are having a yard sale and antique furniture sale. I have posted some pics on my other blogspot, so take a look. I'll have alot of miscellaneous stuff, s clothing, baby clothing and much, much more baby stuff, some men's clothing, and alot more. Well have the crib, walker, boppy, stroller, a twin headboard and rail, chairs and the stuff on my other blog out. If your interested in something before I put it out, let me know!

Prayer Request

If you would, please remember 4 year old Drew Malpas, and mom Melody and dad Kevin, in your prayers. He was admitted to Mobile Infirmary Saturday. They diagnosed him with E Coli which is extremely serious in children. His intestines are in serious condition and his kidneys are not functioning properly. Drew's mom Melody taught with Emmett at Robertsdale, and we have kept in touch with them through Upward Basketball and aquaintances.

My New Blog

I updated my new blog today. The Link is over to the right. For those of you interested, or if you know someone who is, visit it to see what I have on ebay right now. I'll be doing more to the site later, letting you see items before I put them on ebay. I'm excited and I hope you out there who love antiques, furniture and more will enjoy this site. I've posted the link below for now also, thanks.
www.uniquemeantiques.blogspot.com.

Picture Update

Here are some pics. I'm catching up over the past few weeks.

Here is Ivee with her "t-bone". She licked all over it. It was quite yummy I suppose.

Can't you tell by that look on her face. Yum, Yum!

Here she is with one of her favorite toys, or should I say Ethan's. She loves this light saber. I guess she has Star Wars fever already at the young age of 2. With her daddy, that is no surprise.

Mommy and daddy got her a little tikes play castle. She likes it, and has already had a tumble from it. The tumble was caused from attitude though.

Here she is at her party. We covered her g-button really well and allowed her to go on the water pad with her sister and friends. She really liked it. Here she is with Britt, Ashlynn, and Sara.

Here is a big motley crew of them. Ethan, Ashlynn, and Sara. Then Abigail, Brittney, Ivee, Olivia, and Ella. They had a great time, and the weather was kind to our outing.
Then, it was cake time. She had a great time digging through it with her fingers and throwing it to the ground for the ants. Thanks to Diane for making her the cutest Fishy "Nemo" cake.

Then she opened her presents. She enjoyed diggin the paper and stuff out of the bags. Finally, we all said bye-bye. This was such a good pic of her and my friend Diane. I told Ivee to say cheese and she hammed it up for the camera. She's my sister as a child all over again.
This is from Sunday morning. Anna spent the night, and on the way to church they all were passed out. So early in the morning. Glad I had my camera!

A long weekend

Well, it was a long, but fun, weekend! Ivee's party was great, and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate it with us. (And those who tried, but a flat tire got in the way!) I will post some pics asap, promise.
Ivee had a swallow test today, and even though it was with a speech therapist we have never had before, I saw improvement. And, based on what I told her of the previous test, she seemed to agree with me and what I saw happen today. Ivee, however, did not cooperate. We did manage to get some down her throat, and even with the crying, I didn't see her aspirate once! She seemed to swallow without having much difficulty. It made Em and I very happy, and makes us want to push really hard to get her the right therapy. Early Childhood Intervention is nice and they give great advice, but I believe that if Ivee had the right treatment a few days a week, we would see dramatic improvement. So, that was good.
Tomorrow, our niece, Erin, graduates from Daphne. We are proud of her. Em will go to graduation. I think Ivee needs to stay home, so I will be there in spirit. Erin's softball team from Daphne is also in the state finals, so the fam is going to travel to Montgomery this Friday and Saturday to support her and the team there. Pray all goes well, and that the kids will be on their best behavior while there. Ivee hasn't been outside for long periods of time, so we are praying that she will do well.
Well, Em and I are undergoing a new "hobby/business." We are selling on ebay, and trying our hand at selling antique furniture. I plan on perhaps starting a "blog" to display these items so that people who are interested can view them and the prices there. So far, the furniture on ebay hasn't sold. So, if anyone out there is interested, or knows someone who is, in antique furniture or ideas, I'll start that soon (perhaps). Look for a link on my blog to it. I'll need a cute name for it, so I need to get the wheels a turnin'.
Take care and talk at you all soon. I promise to post the bday pics SOON!

Ivee's Birthday

ANNOUNCING IVEE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Em and I want to invite anyone who wants to come to Ivee's birthday party!

It will be at the Bay Minette Park

There is a playground/fort and water pad, so kids bring your swimsuit.

It will be Saturday, May 10th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

I'll have some cake there and some other stuff, but I can't promise I'll have enough since I am opening this up to anyone who wants to come. If you would like, you can bring a bag of chips or something, but you do not have to feel obligated.

Below are the directions to the park in Bay Minette (I hope they are correct), and we hope to all see you there. Any questions, comment or email me.

(Please, do not feel obligated to bring Ivee any gifts. We just want to celebrate her life with you!)

In case there is to be bad weather, watch my blog. I will let you know if we will cancel, or move it. Thanks, and we can't wait to celebrate with you.

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.

On the Road

Today the kids and I are headed to Jacksonville. Pray for a safe trip. Also, my father will be going on a mission trip, leaving this weekend for Mexico. He and others will be helping to build homes. Pray for a safe trip, good road conditions, for great weather, and for the peoples hearts to be open to hearing God's Word. My dad has never done this before, and here he is at 71 going. What a dad. Pray that the Lord protects him there.
God bless, and remember Em and my Mom will be home alone while we are all gone.

Resurrection Day Homegoing

After I posted last night I checked in on Amy and CHristian Showers. Christian went home to Jesus Easter Day afternoon. His mommy took pics of the boys last week cause she didn't know if he would be here on this earth for Easter. It seems that she must have felt in her heart of hearts that her baby boy would go meet his Savior on that day. Thank you to those who pray for these kids and their mommy and daddies. Every time Em and I read a blog of a little one who has passed on or is not doing well, we just hug Ivee and Em says, "Everyday is a gift." It truly is! Ivee is doing so well in comparison to other kids out there, and sometimes their stories would just sadden me deeper. I would anticipate the day when her cancer would return as it has done to all the other kids I follow that have her cancer. Then, a few weeks ago I found a boy who has only had the initial Ependymoma, and he has been tumor free for 5 years with no recurrences. God reminds me that every situation is different, and nothing is out of his hands. He will use Ivee and the others for his glory no matter how or when the story on earth may end. Everyday is a brand new beginning! Everyday he will renew our strength! So, today my heart is burdened for Christians' families lose, but I am not sad. For today is a new day with Brittney, Ethan and Ivee. I AM BLESSED!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter from the Foley Family. It was a lovely day outside, wasn't it! Here is our crew after church and lunch. We had a great day at church, then lunch together, followed by a nap, supper with my parents, and then the movie "Enchanted." Below are our family pics. We will have to get some new ones done soon since our Ivee has a head full of hair, and she doesn't look chemo sick. I'll be leaving for Jacksonville this Thursday with the kids (by myself). Six hours in the car doesn't sound that bad...does it? Well be fine. Going to visit my sisters. I haven't been able to travel to see them for over a year since Ivee's journey began. So, we don't get to see much of each other anymore. Maybe Sonia will move back home soon...hint, hint. Pray for safe travel, that NO ONE gets sick, and that we just have a fun relaxing time with the 5 kids. Thanks for always checking in and remembering us.

By the way, Ivee is doing okay with her braces. She's not as bothered by them anymore. Now we just have to convince her to not be so lazy at the standing and taking steps. Scooting, as she does, she is convinced is the only and best form of transportation to her.

What a pretty, sunny day!
Daddy and his babies!
Mommy and her angel!
Mommy and all her angels!
My rotten little angels!

Someone is going to get in trouble...

Does someone look like trouble to you? To bad she's so darn cute.

Okay, but I had sympathy here. She really didn't want to wear her monkey mask. Can you see that hurt look of pain and complete despair?

But then yesterday we were back at it again. We learned to open the side table by the couch, and pull ourself up. Mommy will have to try to break that quick! I think she's gonna pull the table down on top of herself.

A word to the wise.

I have definitely come to a conclusion. As school is approaching the last part of the year, for anyone out there who is considering homeschooling, DO NOT use the Lifepacs from Alpha Omega. I like the idea of books being available to work in, but the curriculum is ridiculous to me. Em and I have been reading the math for Britt lately, and we believe it must have been written by a math idiot. I'm sorry, but when it tells you to round the the nearest period, something is wrong. There are no periods in math. Decimals, yes, but when it wants to you round to the closest millionth or billionth, it is not a period! And the Bible must have been written by a senior in seminary who needed a thesis. It is just not on the level of a 6th grader. I doubt even the greatest Bible scholar out there could tell some of the minor kings (all 2 thousand of them) in the Old Testament and which one did which. Plus, all their names sound the same! The subject matter in these books just never complete one thought before they are trying to move you on to some other law of American language arts.
I'm sorry, I just had to vent and try to persuade anyone out there from purchasing Lifepacs. Someone once told me they were the hardest curriculum. Yeah, it is cause NO ONE CAN UNDERSTAND IT!
So, I will be looking for other options for next year, if I continue down this road. Any suggestions from my Homeschooling parents out there, let me know! Thanks for listening (so to speak).

Ivee and her NEW DO!

We have finally been able to put Ivee's hair up...some. Below are some pics. Her braces came in today. I put them on her feet for a little while, and the only thing that really bothered her about them is that she couldn't get her socks off. That just made her mad!

Here is her hair after pulling out the first ponytail she had on top of her head. Then we tried something new.
Here she is with her pigtails. They lasted a little while. Today she had her hair up all day. I was happy that she wasn't obsessed with pulling stuff out of her hair.
This is her troll look after pulling out today's ponytail. Too Cute!

Just being silly

Ivee has just been so silly lately. You can definitely tell she has been feeling better. She is still slightly nauseated when eating, but it has improved. Her new medicine regime seems to have some positive effect. The congestion is still there, but she isn't gagging on the thick saliva that she was having. Hopefully the braces for her feet will be in soon, so she can have more support when standing and learning to walk. She is pretending to eat by mouth more and more. Sometimes we can actually get her to eat something (thin of course). Here are some pics of her being silly the other night in her highchair.

And also, even though this feels weird and I'll probably never do it again...here are pics of Em and I on our diet. This is for our friends and family who can't or don't see us in person often. The first pictureon the left is before, the middle picture is after 1 month, and the last picture on the right is after two months. Em has lost over 30 lbs, and I have lost over 30 lbs. He's lookin' good :) We measure as well since muscle weighs more than fat. One of my friends is discouraged cause she hasn't lost as many pounds, but she didn't measure herself. I told her too, cause visibly I can really see the difference. Don't want her to be discouraged! Okay, so here are the creepy pics. Em will probably kill me when he sees this on here. :) heehee

Sharing Knowledge is Power

Well, maybe or maybe not. BUT, I have learned alot about alot of things this past year. I'm going to share some of my knowledge with you moms out there with little ones in diapers. When Ivee under went chemo, she consistently had horrible, blistering diaper rashes. Now, I know her circumstances were unique, but everyone with a little one has to deal with diaper rashes. Desitin and Boudreaux's Butt Paste can do the job. But sometimes they don't work well enough, soon enough, or maybe even at all. In the hospital they made a concoction that I have tweaked a little at home. At this moment Ivee has a pretty bad rash and we tried both for a few days. It just got worse, so once again I made the quick fix. After just 1/2 a day of applying it is going away...finally. So, here is the mix. I think I'll just keep some made up and ready to use any time I need it.

You'll need the following...
1 tablespoon - Desitin
1 tablespoon - Boudreaux's Butt paste
1 teaspoon - Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly (Optional)
1 1/2 teaspoon - Liquid Mallox or Mylanta
Mix the Desitin, Butt Paste and Jelly together. Then add the Mallox or Mylanta. If it seems too thin, add more desitin and butt paste. If it is too thick, add more Mallox.

Honestly this will do the trick! The ointments help to sooth and make it stick, while the Mallox/Mylanta take care of the acids that cause the blistering. If you have any questions just email me. I hope this helps any of you who are looking for a good fix for that unpleasant problem.
Now if Nurse Hope can help with any other issues, just give me a shout :0)

We are waiting anxiously for Ivee's braces to come in for her feet. She's doing well with taking some steps with help, of course. But, her poor feet and ankles need support. Shoes are helping cause her ankles are so big. She'd have to wear clown shoes to get any to fit. That just won't work.
She is trying to mock everything we say now. Some words of course are easier than others. She has learned a new song. The Elephant Show song...or Sharon, Lois and Bram show song ..."I love You." She is so cute doing it. I'll try to get it on video, but as many parents know, once the camera goes on, everythign cuts off. Can't make a one year old cooperate when it comes to that I suppose.
I would ask in prayer right now that everyone remember little Christian (over in my links). He is going downhill rapidly, and his mommy and daddy are just trying to make him comfortable here in the end. You can tell their heart ache just in their comments. My thoughts are with them daily.
Hope everyone has a great week and REMEMBER. SUNDAY is Daylight savings. SO move your clock forward one hour.

News

Well, the doctor was away on a family emergency all this week, and then the nurse practitioner was sick. So, the nurse I spoke to looked at Ivee's scan and read "stable." As I have learned that means that there is no new growth. I don't know anything else. She said that next week when Dr. Merchant gets back, I'll probably get a more detailed phone call.
So, that is good news. Now Em and I can relax for 4 more months until the next MRI. Thank you for the prayers. We got home last night and Ivee is glad to be here! As is the case with mom and dad too. Pray for Em, he is traveling to Texas today and tomorrow with his dad. He really didn't want to go after being on the road alot this week and just being tired from not sleeping in his bed. But, we are trying to by a more gas efficient car, and Texas was the place we found it. I just pray that when he gets there the car is what we were expecting and he won't come home empty handed (so to speak). If it's a go, then we'll sale the truck. We like the truck, but we have to pay for the new car and plus....what a gas guzzler! We are just going to buy a older truck that we'll use when we need to haul something.
Once again, thanks for the prayers, and remember us and the other kids out there fighting this disease!

News for the Day

Well, the only news that I have is that Ivee DID have the MRI today, so one prayer has been answered. Thanks for the prayers. As soon as we know any news on it, I'll post. We'll come home tomorrow, so pray for a safe trip.

Writing from Memphis

Just a quick note. Ivee couldn't have her MRI yesterday. Dr. B. (anesthesiologist) was afraid to put her under cause she was wheezing and congested. So, we are treating her for the problems. We have had it rescheduled for tomorrow. So, we won't be coming home until Thursday. Please pray that it works so that we can have the MRI done tomorrow. I don't want to have to stay any longer, and I don't want to have to come back, So pray, pray, pray. Ivee is feeling much better since her last hospital stay two weekends ago. They did a chest xray yesterday and she still looks the same after a dose of a good antibiotic. So, we are trying some different medicine regimes to try to find out if it is allergies and/or asthma. Hopefully something will be done. She is has been consistently congested for a year, so we are ready for this to be over.
Hope we see you all soon.
Hope, EM and Ivee

busy, busy, busy

Ethan playing and having fun!

Ivee, Uncle Chris and Cousin Haley.

Yes, as usual, we are always busy here. It was a short weekend. Ivee had a fever Friday night, so by midnight we were in the ER of USA. It was once again not her port. The blood culture showed signs likely to that of a virus or a bacterial infection. So, a dose of antibiotics and then we got home around 6 am Saturday morning. Not much sleep! After a quick 3 hour nap, Em went and helped his uncle and aunt move, and I went to Ethan's b-ball game and brought the kids home. Good thing we have good friends who don't mind us calling in the middle of the night to drop our kids off. We'll be so thankful in June when Ivee can get the port out. Then everytime she gets a fever we won't have to worry about going to the hospital. Sunday morning I dropped the kids and Em off at church and I had to return to the ER to get Ivee's last shot of antibodies.


So, today we are snotty (but have been for three weeks) but she is happy and playful again. Good to have her back to herself.


Well, the anticipation is growing. We leave this Sunday for Memphis. Monday the 25th Ivee will be having her next MRI. For any parent who has a child with cancer, this is a anxious time. There have been alot of really good reports of other kids lately, so I just pray that Ivee follows on that path. I know the Lord tells us to be anxious for nothing...so that is what I will attempt to do!


Otherwise, we are just a typical family with no extra time for anything :0) I'll take it. Ethan's last ball game is this coming Saturday. I love to watch him play, but I love when it is over too. Those mid Saturday afternoon games just put a dent in your day.

Em and I have been dieting since the beginning of the year. Em has lost 20 lbs. I lost 10 lbs when I came home from St. Jude. (Probably cause I got more active and stopped eating out). On the diet I have lost almost 20 lbs. So together I have lost almost 30 lbs. Sure makes you feel better. Someone made a joke the other day. So many of us friends are on the South Beach DIet, that we should have a SBD Sunday School Class. I guess we could call it the SSSBD class or the S Cubed BD class. Okay, maybe not. We'll post some pics for those who really care to see us later. I know your so totally dying to see it :) My friend Cathy (who is also dieting) and I decided we need to go back to NYC when we are skinny and take pics again cause we're fat in all the other pics. That or I could photoshop our new bodies on our old faces :)


The kids are schooling better. I have learn to back off a little. It's not easy when your mom is a perfectionist at some many things. I know they are a little me and mostly not me. Britt and Ethan are both going to drama and looking forward to the skit they are working on for the play. Britt's friend Anna is also going to be in it. We are so the drama family, so this should be fun.


Ivee physically is getting so much better. We really think she maybe standing and taking some steps by her 2nd birthday. She is just wanting to try so hard. She wants to pretend to eat all the time! And at many meals she will drink from a cup (assisted of course) and she will eat a little off of a fork or spoon. She still has to go very slow, but maybe by her next swallow study that left vocalchord will be one hundred percent. THANKS for the prayers for her continued healing. I know we have a friend out there who still prays and fast one day a week for her. That means the world!


Well, I need to get back to work and teaching, and once again this thing won't let me spellcheck. Hopefully it's not to horrible. God bless you all and have a great week!

As Promised....

To the left are the pics I have promised of the remodel. Em worked hard on this, so I wanted to make sure he gets his props. (Of course, I helped alot as well) He got alot done while we were in Memphis. By the time I got home, we were ready for sheetrock, so he and family did alot. Enjoy!