Christmas Pics

To the right are the Christmas pics that I promised. We had just a wonderful time together! New Years is just a few days away, and I am really looking forward to the new year! We pray that it is wonderful for you all. Many blessings, love the Foleys

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I'm gonna post some pics sometime today. I have a massive pile of laundry to hit first. In Ethan's words..."this was the best Christmas EVER!" I think in our home, that is true. We were all home and healthy. We had a wonderful week full of visits and phone calls from friends and family. Christmas Eve we finally spent some time with some friends. One of those friends has a mom that is battling cancer right now. We surprised her by about 30 of us showing up at the front of her home caroling. I think it made her day. She has really had to miss out on so much this time of year, and Em and I know how that feels. We feel so blessed this Christmas. Just to think that one year ago we were spending every night in Ivee's hospital room making sure she wasn't hurting and that she wasn't choking. Well, enough of that stuff.
It's a new year coming and we are excited to see what God has in store! God bless you all, and we pray it is a FULL one!

G.I.F.T. Day

I have been just wracking my brain to try and come up with a name for this day. I would just ponder, and ask the Lord to help me. But nothing seemed to fit. Then while in the shower, where most brilliant ideas come from it hit me. December 18th is G.I.F.T Day.

As many of you know, Emmett, Britt and I were in a production in 2005 and then again in 2006 called "The Gift." Many of you have were there to see it, or have seen the DVD. In the play we are married and our daughter has leukemia. She is in remission, but then slips back into a very heavy case that will require a transplant. Her family is not wealthy and has no insurance so they don't know how she will survive. A man, who the girl shows complete unconditional love to, is saved by the grace of God and the witness of the little girl. The man then helps save the little girls life by giving financially for her to receive the transplant.
Well, after the 2006 production of this play...one week later in fact...Ivee's cancer was discovered by the grace of God. He allowed us to find it before it was too late. That's is when our lives changed...for the better. Yes...for the BETTER. You see, it was through this "gift" that we have become more dependent on him...closer to him...and have learned to "hold on to his faithfulness." So, you see December 18th is G.I.F.T day. Not because of a play we were in called "The Gift", but because on that day we learned once again that...

God - Is - Faithful and - True.

So to you all... Happy G.I.F.T. Day

If you haven't watched our thanks video, click the link to the top left.

Love to All~ Hope, Em, Britt, Ethan, and Ivee

BIRTHDAY >>>>>>

Today is my buddies birthday. Yes, my son is my buddy. He makes me laugh all the time...he's just so silly. We are not having a party yet, but he is having one after Christmas. This weekend just filled up to quickly with other stuff. For those who don't know, December is a rotten time to have your birthday cause it's just too busy all the time! Ask Emmett...better yet... don't~

Anyway, if you missed my last blog (below) please read it.

1 Year Anniversary

It is that time of year. Yes, Christmastime...true. But I'm referring to the 1 year anniversary of the day where our lives changed forever. This Tuesday, December 18th marks a year from the day that Ivee fell. Our lives were changed forever. I know that God was/is our strength through all of this and for the rest of our lives, but we also know that he uses his people in a great way to be his "physical" hand. WE ARE SO BLESSED! I wanted to make a thank you to all of you, and the best way I could think of doing that is to make a video of Ivee's life. You have all had a hand in saving her...through your prayers and support. This journey was made easier through all of you. We feel as though words are not enough.
So my first request. Please, take 10 minutes to watch her video. It was too long to post on here, so I had to post it on youtube. The link is listed on the top to the left. The hardest part about making this video is I didn't want to leave any part of her journey out, but the video would have lasted 24 hours. No one is going to watch a video that long, so I had to purposefully leave things out. Oh, make sure your volume is up. These are some of mommy's favorite songs, and Ivee has a message.
My next request is if you know anyone who is struggling with an illness or maybe even cancer themselves, let them know about the video. Ivee's a strong fighter, and people like to know/feel that they are not alone.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL! We love you more than words can say.

Well, all went well this weekend. Ethan came home sick from Jacksonville, FL with a fever and vomiting. He didn't want to eat today at all. He looks so sick in his eyes. He just laid around all day today. I just pray he's better tomorrow.
I'm attaching a video of Ivee in her favorite place...the tub. I'm headed to bed now. Hope you enjoy.

A late night

It's been a late night tonight. We had dress rehearsal, so we got home late. I took and shower and some meds. Just waiting for my throat to stop itching, so I can stop coughing. I kept Emmett up all night last night with it, so I'm trying to be considerate tonight. Might sleep on the couch.
Ivee is doing so well today. The only time she really got fussy was at supper time. She wanted to eat my food. I had a creamy dessert in front of me, so I gave her a taste. MISTAKE! That is all she wanted and I couldn't give her that little bit that I can fast enough. She, Britt and I spent most of the day shopping for grocery's and for a blouse for the musical. She was very cooperative, and talked to everybody. I think being cooped up in the house for a week and a half drove her crazy, and she was just happy to be out and about. She blew kisses to everyone she came across. And her babbling just goes on and on now. I remember after her brain surgery she would try to cry, but for weeks she couldn't make any sounds. My hear ached so much, and I just remember saying that I would listen to her cry for hours if she could just make a noise. So now I find myself when she goes on and on remembering what I had said then. She can be loud sometimes, and she makes this really annoying gasping sound when she doesn't get her way...but I wouldn't have her any other way. There's nothing like hearing her say mama, dada, and bye bye to everyone. And it is so sweet when she blows kisses and goes mawa.
Ethan and Papaw made it to Jacksonville, and the infection on Ethan's thumb looks better today according to my dad. It had me a little worried. It was just kinda gross.
The play/musical really came together tonight. I hope you all can come see it. You can purchase a DVD of it (Christy). I think you can do that online at the church website (faithfamilyonline.com). Also, there are DVD's still available of The Gift. I actually think I have some extras around my house, but I'm not sure of that. For those who can come this weekend, it starts at 6 pm Saturday and Sunday night.
I'm getting sleepy now, so I'll sign off. God bless and goodnight.

Well, for those still keeping up with the Foley's...I miss the comments :( ... Ivee is feeling much better, and her attitude has improved. Still hacking her head off, but who of us isn't right now. Mucus has taken up a permanent residence in my throat. Now I've grossed some of you out. Sorry :) A quick prayer request. Remember Johnny (link to the left...Sileno family). His MRI came back with a shadow. Could be radiation scarring or tumor grow. Leaning toward scarring, but the docs have to paint worse case scenario. Johnny received his second dose of radiation for the same tumor Ivee had while we were at St. Jude. His parents are awesome. He'll have another MRI in a month instead of three to make sure there is no new growth, and that it is an affect of the radiation. Thanks.
Ethan has left to go to Jacksonville with papaw to see Aunt Sonia this weekend. Britt wanted to go, but our Christmas musical is this Saturday and Sunday, and I told her if she wanted to be involved she had to be committed. SO, even when a fun trip comes up, commitments come first. I'm sure she hated the responsibility speech. For those interested, the musical is at 6:00 pm. It seems a bit strange that this is the same time last year when Em, Britt and I portrayed a family in "cancer" crisis, and then a few weeks later it became reality. It just seems sometimes like it was yesterday, and then other days it feels like forever ago. We are so blessed! By the grace of God we will celebrate our first Christmas at home with Ivee there! He has been gracious on this journey, and we are forever grateful. And I can't tell you enough...you all were his physical hands here on earth through it all! We ended that musical (The Gift) with a song called "We are One." I'll end with the words that truly became reality for us through you.
They'll (the people will) know we are Christians by our love
Yes, they'll KNOW we are Christians by our love
You are a gracious, giving and Loving family. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
(PS. Daisy, I wasn't referring to you earlier :) Compliment, I mean comment all you want!

I'm a pretty...

Rotten Princess... Ivee has been just soooooo ill...physically and emotionally. Not only is she trying to get over the sickness, but she's cutting four teeth. So, she is very trying today. Well, I know, two post in a few days. Shocking. Hope you enjoyed the video below. Here are some more pics as promised. Enjoy...

Here's Ivee on Thanksgiving. She's learning to stand on her legs better. She really enjoyed getting into the puffed peppermints.

Here's Ivee, pappaw, and cousing Haley. They got along well!

Ivee and her new tricks

1st. After you read this post, click on our Christmas Message link to the left.

Ivee has learned how to say bye-bye and blow kisses. She's also learned to try to get away from me. All this you can see in the video.

Right now she has been sick since Wednesday. Today Em took her to the ER for a chest xray. She may possibly have a spot of pneumonia, but other wise, she just needs to kick this. The worse part is they were in there all day. Then tonight when we came home, her g g-button was leaking horribly. I had to change it out for the first time. Not a fun experience.

So, please pray that her little nose and sinuses would heal. If you can't swallow the mucus, it's becomes horrible to deal with. We went ahead and suctioned her nose out today. She just couldn't breath. We are also giving her breathing treatments twice daily to help her sleep. It seems to be working. She's also on an antibiotic.

Well, I hope all is well with you and I'll get some pics up this week hopefully. Our Christmas musical is taking place the 8th and 9th, so it will be an extremely busy week. Just wanted to update.

Okay, so here's the video, turn up the volume. :) enjoy

Update

Ivee did very well in her swallow study yesterday. She didn't cry, not even once. She wanted to know what was going on the whole time. And she was adorable with her Barium "go-t". Wish I had took a picture. Well, she didn't aspirate once. She couldn't do thin liquids very well, but on the consistency of 2nd stage foods, she could get it down after about 3 swallows. So, we have a long patient road ahead of us, but she didn't fail the test. Daddy and I are thrilled. We are just waiting on approval from the oncologist, and we will begin to try to feed her. She is starting all over again. She really doesn't remember "how" to eat. She pushed it out of her mouth. We are excited and are anxious to get started. Thank you for the prayers. God bless everyone of you!

Tomorrow is the Day

Ivee has learned how to undress herself from her Nemo PJs.
And she knows how to get around enough to get in trouble.
A few days ago, she decided to start putting weight on her legs. She did this on her own without us prompting her. She's really coming along.
This is daddy getting her feet after standing up.
He favorite toys right now are blocks. This is her in the blocks box.

Her swallow test is tomorrow and mommy is anxious. It's at 2 pm at USA C&W. Be praying for us. I'll keep you posted on the results.

Just taking a moment to remind you all to pray for Ivee. Her swallowing test is coming up on Monday, and mommy is very anxious. Trying not to be, but human feelings can be hard to control. Praying for peace.
The fundraiser for St. Jude is going so well. If you don't know what I'm talking about or still want to give your financial support, look at the last blog.
The upstairs is near completion, with doors to paint and install and a toilet leak that we'll have to find a way to fix.
Gonna try to post some pics later.
Take care.

Just a quick note. Ivee only had a virus, as we suspected. She's came home Saturday, and except for congestion is fine. The swallow study is scheduled for Monday, November 19th. So, we hopefully will be good and well for it.
A couple of notes:
1. If your child has aquadots, as my niece does, take them away. A recall is taking place because if they are swallowed, they react with the bodies acids and cause an effect like the date rape drug. Two children have been hospitalized after ingesting them. It is extremely dangerous. My niece put it in her ear, and had to go to the doctor. How much easier is it for them to swallow them.
2. The upstairs is near completion. I'll post pics soon. Carpet was laid on Monday, the stairs are stained, walls painted, and couch delivered. just need to complete doors and windows, some lights, and other minor stuff.
3. VERY IMPORTANT
If you are one of our friends or website followers, this is for you. My good friend Angela runs the preschool connected to our church. She is having a Preschool Trike-a-thon for St. Jude in honor of Ivee next week Nov. 12-16th. This means alot to us, and the support for St. Jude is huge. Just look at their website at all they do for medicine, treatments, housing/food, and so much more and you'll know. (stjude.org). Well, if you would like to sponsor a preschooler, it would be greatly appreciated. I don't have a tricycle riding preschooler yet (one day she'll be able to ride) but you can send your support in general, or perhaps even sponsor my friend Angela's little girl, Ella. Anyway, to show your support give Angela a call at work...626-1379 or email her at Angela@faithfamilyonline.com. You can also email me with your info, and I'll pass it along to her at hopealations@hotmail.com. Thank you everyone, and thanks for giving to help Ivee and other kids.
I LOVE YOU ALL. Good night.

Today we are in USA W&C hospital. Ivee woke at midnight with horrible congestion. Then a few hours later had a fever of 102.7. They will keep her for 48 hours to do cultures. Have to make sure her port isn't infected. Em and I believe we know what is wrong. She went to the Children's Medical Group office on Tuesday, and just as I figured would happen...she was fine when she went there (and for the record has not had any illnesses not cancer related since December of 06) ... and then a little after 24 hours of leaving the ped's office, she is sick. This happens every time we take her there. I just feel like we are walking into a cesspool of germs. Ironically, she told us to stay away from people who maybe sick, and to socially keep her isolated. That's not the problem. Well, I'll stop now. Just remember my back in your prayers. The hospital is not a comfortable place to sleep.

Update on the Foley's

Fall is such a great time around here. It has felt so wonderful over the last two days.

Em is really enjoying this new job. Someone asked him how it was going, and he said so well, that I'm waiting for something bad to happen. They looked at him and said, "Don't you think that it's time for you to have something good happen?" I guess we always expect the worse don't we. Not enjoying the good seasons cause we just came out of a tough season and are already anticipating what else could happen.

The upstairs is almost complete...so to speak. Gonna take some new pics and get them on here.
The kids are doing great. School is going fine, and Ivee is just a cute little stinker (as you can see below). Go back to the oncologist next Thursday to hopefully schedule that swallowing test we are anticipating. Can't wait. Well, here are some pics...enjoy!

This is a cake I made for my mom's birthday. Just thought I would share it cause it was so fall looking...and it tasted good!

Ivee had a hard day and fell asleep in her highchair. We don't use it for eating of course...we use it to throw stuff down from.

"Where's the baby?" This reminds me of the scene from ET where he is hiding in Elliot's closet and just looks like one of the big toys in there.

It seems like every time I try to take her picture (when she's awake), she wants to make this silly looking face. What a colorful looking bunch they are.

Just a Quick Note

I haven't blogged since the good news, so I just wanted to make a quick note. Ivee is doing great. We go back to our local oncologist on Nov. 1st and hopefully will schedule another swallow study. I'm anxious to see what the results will be considering that Dr. Thompson, ENT doctor, said her vocal chord was looking so much better. And her voice has been so loud lately.
Please, continue to pray that we complete the upstairs soon. We ordered the carpet, but need to get a few things complete before they can install it in about 1 1/2 weeks. Carpet is a big step, but then we still have to complete the bathroom, and doors, and the bottom of the stairs, and just smaller stuff. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we seem to be moving slowly towards it.
Congrats to my friends Wyatt and Daisy and big sister Maggie on the birth of baby Luke. He was born last Friday, and I can't wait to see him. I'm sure Daisy will have time to blog about it :)
Take care, and I miss hearing (or reading) from some of you. Just remember, all of you are my inspiration and you helped me make it through the last 10+ months. I love you!

It's offical. Ivee is in REMISSION. There was no sign of anything on her MRI, except the fluid still on the back of her head. And as Dr. Merchant said before, he doesn't see this causing any issues. Praise God, we are cancer free.
So, most great news all around this visit to St. Jude. Now, our only concerns are getting started with PT and OT here at home, and to get a swallow study done again. Read the previous post for more info on that subject.
Once again, thank you all for your unending prayers. I have many pics from this visit and will post them when I have time. We love you!
Once again...WHEW>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praise God!

A Quick Post

I have time for a quick post while here at St. Jude. We had an MRI today, but no news yet. Will probably be tomorrow.
Her Auditory Brainstem was yesterday. Her normal hearing is fine. She did fail the high frequency ranges, so I guess no annoying high pitch sounds in Ivee's future. Also, today we had another nose scope to check her vocal chords. Dr. Thompson said there is significant improvement. Her left vocal chord is becoming really strong, and he is looking forward to what her next swallow study will show. He think it will be good. However, he does believe that her right vocal chord is permanently paralyzed, and she will probably never regain function of it. Her left one is already learning to over compensate for the right ones inability. Will Ivee's swallowing or talking ever be normal? Probably not, but with God anything is possible.
Well, that is the report for now. I'll keep you posted.
Keep praying. God does answer prayer.

Today

Today was Jenn's service, and it was a beautiful one. We couldn't make it to the graveside service for two reasons: One, I forgot Ivee's feeding tube, and we were already an hour late feeding her, and two, Emmett hasn't been feeling well. He just needed to come home and get some rest. We guessed leaving Ivee's feeding stuff at home by mistake, (which I have never done in 10 months of feedings) was a sign just to go home. Emmett and I have really been pushing Ivee's vocabulary. Trying to get her to say different stuff. She most of the time looks at us like we're crazy. Well, of all days to start verbalizing, and loudly, it was during Jenn's service. She wouldn't be quiet. Em and I decided it was okay though. That's how Jenn would've want it...having Ivee just jabbering away. Kevin, Meredith and Jacob are doing just wonderful.
Just one week until we leave for St. Jude. Then I guess we'll know what is going on inside that baby's head. We pray for a clean MRI! I guess if it is clear, we can officially say that Ivee is in remission. We still covet your prayers. We'll discuss future swallow test in the next few months. Her voice is seeming so much stronger. We'll also have a ENT visit, and I suppose the doctor will scope her to see how her vocal chord is doing. Her eye has been off lately, but today it looked pretty good.
Homeschooling has been interesting this first month. I think the kids have realized that mommy is a harder teacher than anyone else. We begin books 2 next week. Praying for a easier month now that we know kinda what we are doing.
Watching the AU game against Florida. Crossing my fingers as we speak.
Okay, getting good...gotta go.