So, what is Ivee doing........

Well, she takes stuff apart and decorates herself. She says, "It's pretty. It's pretty!"

She is starting to take some bites of food and drink from a straw. She is not in anyway near giving herself nutrition by mouth, but is beginning to really take interest.

She wants to sit at the table all the time and pretend to eat, or taste test, or sip from the cip cup. She is really beginning to be like a normal child. What is sad is that her being 'normal' is very weird for Emmett and I. We just don't know what to do with normalcy concerning her. I try to reflect on the other kids and what they were like at this age, and I have trouble remembering. It has just been so different.

This last pic is of Ivee's hat that she made (decorated) while being at St. Jude.

After all our meetings, let's just say that all is stable and we are just watching and are not "concerned". God is great and his name is greatly to be praised! He is Jehovah Rapha...her healer! Thank you for your prayers again and again.

Live from Memphis....

It's the gal who thinks her dad rocks!!!!

She was like a "crazy" woman yesterday. After sedation she was a mad, twisted drunk! But she did get over it. It was entertaining for a while, and then became a bit of a hassle, but she made it. We turned Barney on (but then she changed her mind) and she demanded we put Madagascar in. Then we were okay. Later last night, she was all over me. I think she was finally getting all my attention (no brother, sister, daddy or housework to interfere) and she was loving it! My abdomen is a little sore from the constant body slamming she gave me, but Cathy and I laughed at her silliness. Below is a picture to remind me of this time. Maybe it was the piggy tails!

Okay, to the reason we came to Memphis. Ivee is still cancer FREE!!! Yeah. Dr. Merchant does have a concern (this is concerning the concern that I had no info on back in December, but obviously wasn't a huge concern because we were not rushed back!) The concern is her brain stem. Dr. Sanford did show me in an MRI prior to her scar tissue removal that her brain stem was a bit thin do to pressure from scar tissue and the cyst that was on the back of her head. Dr. Merchant must have believed that the tissue removal would have fixed this. Well, it hasn't. It is still quite thin. What does this mean. Well, he doesn't know. Will it bother her? Don't know. Cause her pain? Don't know. Well, I am not concerned cause God has done so much through and for Ivee.

Dr. Merchant wants to talk to Dr. Sanford and I will meet with them tomorrow. I told him that she is doing fine, and that even though it is all a slow process, she is making progress and she is not moving backward. So, I am pleased with her, and he was pleased to see what she is doing with talking, moving and etc. He was also pleased that Ivee is going to preschool and having interaction with the kids her age. He agrees that is really good for her. So, that is it from Memphis where it is extremely windy and wet today. We have only 2 appointments today, so if the weather would so graciously permit, we will visit one of Ivee's favorite places...the zoo!

Thank you for continued support and prayers. Pray for us to safely return. Wednesdays weather will not be good, and that would have us traveling more at night, so we will probably return home on Thursday.

Sorry for the lull in updating...

I know I haven't updated in a while, but I have just been preoccupied with working and getting the kids back to school. I can catch you up though, not much is happening.

Ivee saw Dr. Martino (neurosurgeon) on Tuesday. She looks good and of course no leaking, so he just wants to get a CT scan as a reference point for her. This is so that if something happens in the future with the shunt and ventricles, we will have a scan to compare another scan too.

We go back to St. Jude on February 9th for her next MRI. We will speak with Dr. Merchant about whatever this "post Surgery" thingy was that he was concerned but not too concerned about.

On a "non medical note" Ivee is doing well. Still not eating by mouth, but is taste testing everything. She can take sips from a straw, but it is not a consistent thing. She can walk with assistance by one hand, but still can't stand on her own. She is just really scared.

Below are pics I took of her yesterday. She climbed up to the piano, opened a book I had and began to sing and play. She was so serious about about "knowing" what she was singing and playing. Guess she's been watching mommy at work. She began to sing one of her favorite songs over the last two months, "Sing Noel." She just played and sang. It was too cute.

Grandmother's Home Going

My last grandparent, Grandma Vernetta Matthews, had her homegoing this morning at 1:00 a.m. Grandma was the mom of four kids: Paul Matthews, Shirley Stevens and twins Nancy Long (my mom) and Hugh Matthews. Grandma left us at the age of 93. She will be missed, but she will live on in her children (4), grandchildren (10) and great grandchildren (15+).

Update and getting rid of some stuff.

Well, I missed blogging, but as many of you may know...December 18th/21st was the Foley Family G.I.F.T day. (God is faithful and true) We celebrated Ethan's birthday on this day, but we were reminded and celebrated the life of our children, and esp. Ivee. It has been 2 years since her "fall" from the grocery cart and diagnosis. Em and I fell very blessed to have our children, and we are overwhelmed by the memories of our journey over the past two years.
May we all remember that children are a gift from God, and may we teach them to walk in truth and in the light of Christ. May we not stray from our responsibility to them, and may we be reminded daily that we are not promised tomorrow. So, live each day to the fullest, and take advantage of every chance you have to hug someone and tell then you love them!

I've got some stuff on craigslist, but I thought I would put it on here in case one of you were looking for something or if you knew someone who was looking.
We are selling our couch and loveseat, just asking $350 for both. They are in good shape.


Also, still selling a changing table and crib. Asking $150 for both. I can work with anyone on the prices if I need to. Should have a yard sale within the next month to get some stuff out of the house, so if you are interested you may need to jump on it.
Thanks and take care. God bless you!

Just a note of Thanks

To the Rodericks, McLeods and Hildreths...thank you for the boxes of clothing. I was surprised to come home and find them on the porch. I feel like I am missing someone, but I'll have to go home and see. I seem to have only a few minutes at work to post, so I am trying to remember these names from breif glances.
The play was a success. I haven't done one by myself before, but the Lord provided needs and blessed everyone involved and in the congregation. I expected to come out seeing about 250 to 300 people, but there were (including the cast/choir/band, children and workers in the nursery) about 530 people. About 475 to 500 in the audience. We didn't count, so I don't know for sure. I didn't really get to see alot of people cause my back is to the people all the time. But I was told there were alot of people who use to come here, and people who may not have been to church in a long time, and then some people who's names are big in the community here. I was just shocked! That is all I can say. God is good and faithful, and remember "Jesus is the reason for the season...but so are you!"

The Reason

I want to invite all of you to our production at the church this weekend. I am posting the info below. Also, you can take a look at the poster and get more info from our church website. That address is www.faithfamilyonline.com. I would put it all on here, but my church PC will not allow me access to post any pics or anything. If I have never meet you and you decide to come, please see me afterwards so I can meet you and introduce you to Ivee. Thanks for always lifting us up in prayer. God bless.

Faith Family Fellowship Presents...
The Reason
Written and Directed by Hope Foley
This Sunday, December 7th
6:00 p.m.
Spanish Fort, AL

Just a note of thanks

I just wanted to give a note of thanks to everyone who has given us clothes. Ivee has a good lot now. So...thank you, thank you, thank you. The clothes have come from everywhere.

No News...

I still haven't heard from Dr. Merchant because he is trying to talk to Dr. Sanford (neurosurgeon). But, according to Christi, he doesn't think we need to come back so soon for a scan. Still don't know what all this means, and not worried about it.
Please, be in prayer for the Vang family. They were one of the first families we meet at St. Jude whose daughter, Kayla, was diagnosed and fighting the same cancer Ivee has. Kayla lost her fight with ependymoma (cancer) this past weekend. She was a ray of sunshine everytime you saw her. We were privelged to be a part of her birthday while living at the Ronald McDonald house in Memphis. If I recall, Kayla just turned 10 in July. She is just another reminder of what a blessing our children should be to us everyday of our lives. So, give your babies a hug today and tell them how much you love them.

The News from St. Jude

The MRI results came back stable and clear of tumor! Thank the Lord again!
Added to that though, according to Dr. Merchant's nurse...from the doctors words though, there is post-operative changes to the brain. She didn't say if any of these are of concern. She just told me that Dr. Merchant would take Ivee's MRI to the tumor board on Wednesday and have Dr. Sanford and the other neuro's take a look at it. Then the nurse, Christy, said she would call me back about the next check up. It sort of made me feel like we would be going back up sooner than later. I'm not concerned about this news...for now...cause I don't really know what any of this means, since of course I am not a brain specialist and I don't know exactly what Dr. Merchant meant by the term changes to the brain.
I CAN tell you that Ivee is talking like "crazy" now and she repeats all kinds of things. She is even talking in two or three word sentences. Her balance may not be 100%, but there has been some kinda change (in my eyes) for the better.

Update from Memphis

We are doing fine in Memphis. Allergies, or something, is affecting me and the s, but we are making through. Ivee just got out of her MRI about 30 minutes ago. Hopefully we'll know the prelimanary results this afternoon. We got to eat supper with our friends Zack and Randall who go to seminary here in Memphis. Today after our last appointment, I'm gonna take the s to the zoo. St. Jude kids plus 3 family members can get in for free if the child is wearing her/his hospital braclet. Ivee really enjoys the zoo, and it is nice outside today here. I'll keep everyone posted on what the results are.

Pics promised

This is Ivee post her September 11th brain surgery.

Here she is after the shunt was put in.

At the hospital with Ethan and Britt visiting.

Once we got home, she got busy feeding the baby doll Ms. Savage gave her. Then she made daddy feed the baby.

Busy on the phone.
!

Then....we made Britt put all the hair stuff in our hair.

Finally, we rode a horsy the other day.

So, we are doing fine and are back in school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. MRI day is next Tuesday and we are trusting in the Lord to give us good news again.

Thanks and so on...

Thanks to those who have responded about having clothes. This will help out more than you know.
Well, this will be the kids (and my) last normal week for a while...if you can call it that. We leave next Monday the 3rd for Memphis. Ivee has a scheduled MRI for Tuesday the 4th...election day. So, we are praying for a day of great news...oh, are we praying!!! I had to do an absentee ballot for the first time ever. Who can even understand all those amendments?!
The Christmas production at church is underway. I am in need of assistance in many areas (or should I say I have places where I need people to serve), but the Lord is bringing it all together. I am not stressed...........yet!
That is it from the Foley clan. Thanks for keeping in touch.

Just Putting This Out There

Let me say first, I am not looking for financial donations. Just putting it out there if you have any!
The kids, all three, and myself are going to have to go buy new clothes soon with the fall / winter weather coming. If you have any hand-me downs, we'll take them. I'll put our sizes and the kids ages on here (sometimes age makes a difference in what a child will and won't wear...pre-teen if you know what I mean!) Ivee is 2 years old and in 24 months - 2t. Brittney is 12 years old and a size 10/12 in s. Ethan is almost 9 years old and a size 10/12 in boys, and I am a true 8/10 (not on the small size). Also, if you have it, Emmett is a 36/30 in pants and a size m to large in shirts.
Like I said, I am not looking for financial contributions!!! I mean that. But, if your like me, you may have bags and bags of old clothes, and your trying to find someone who maybe could use them. (Luckily for me, my sister has two s slightly younger than my s, and my friend Vicki gets Ethan's old stuff).
Now I just have the task of see what we all really have and what is really needed.
If you do have some, just email me (or comment with your name and email address/phone...if I don't know how to get a hold of you).
Thanks for keeping in touch!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Tammy showed me this dress...it amazing!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Getting Better

Two nights ago, I put Ivee back in her own room. She has done well. You can still her making noises in the night, but I haven't really heard any screams. Hopefully the nightmares are subsiding. She returned to pre-school yesterday and did very well! She didn't cry going in, cause her class was in the "Imagination Theatre" room dancing to music. For those who know Ivee, you know she loves to move it to the music!!! So, she didn't cry...she wanted to be a part of the party!
Yesterday, I got Ivee's shoes on her and she kept them on all day until we got home. This is a very big ordeal! Last night I dreamed that she walked. I have yet to have this dream when Emmett and friends have. Maybe it will all come to fruition now!
My wireless internet is down, so I can't post the cute pics I have of her until that is resolved. Thanks for checking in and talk at ya soon!

Update on the Family

We are getting settled back in at home. Ivee still sleeps in our room. She has nightmares every night! We are not sure what we are going to do about her right now. She is extremely clingy, but that is understandable. We just don't know how to make her feel safe, besides praying for God to give the poor baby peace. She doesn't seem to have the nightmares when she sleeps in our bed, but then we get even less sleep. She is not a great bed companion.
I am currently in crunch mode for the Christmas production. The hospital stay has put me way behind! I have decided that many things I will just have to delegate to other people, but there is so much still left to do. Be in prayer for me and the worship team at my church as we prepare for that night. It is on Sunday night December 7th at 6:00 P.M. for those who don't come to our church but would like to come see it. The Lord laid the whole concept of the play in my heart back in the summer, and as I was writing it, it all came pretty easily. So, I know that this is not something that I was pushing myself to come up with, but not to say that it isn't still "pushing" me.
On another note, congrats to my friends Deb and Blayne who are expecting their 2nd baby. I am so excited for them! And to Christy and Brad Benton who are expecting their 3rd...maybe a this time?!
Schooling is going well, and the kids like the new curriculum better. So, that is a positive thing!
Thanks for the prayers, and I promise a better update later, maybe with pics.

Just a quick note

We did get to come home on Wednesday. I have just been too busy to blog...so sorry. Ivee finishes her IV meds tonight. I'll be having a little more time once that is over, but then I need to get back to work and teaching the kids. Life doesn't slow down...it just sometimes takes a detour! Thanks for your prayers, and I will see many of you tomorrow.

The day is coming to and end...

and once again...the location is...THE SAME!
They took samples again, and the med was still in her system. So, they are changing to an different and new antibiotic. That means staying here at least another 24 hours to see how she does on that med, and take more . She has to be on antibiotics until Sunday, marking 21 days. At this rate, I'll never have to take any meds home, cause we'll be here FOR-EV-ER~!
And the day started with me not being able to get any return on Ivee's line, so we had to change out her access line. And then they wanted her labs drawn from her by needle for an exact reading. Couldn't get a vein, so they just stuck her finger and squeezed it out.

On another note, I had all three kids in the room today. That was interesting. Especially when Ethan went into the bathroom to read something in his school work (cause it is quiet in there) and he dropped his mechanical pencil in the toilet, which or course he got out by hand. So dramatic Brittney starts over reacting, cause Ethan is touching stuff...all the while the nurse is trying to prep Ivee for a lab draw from the port line, so Ivee is screaming, and Brittney is still doing some ridiculous..."Ethan is disgusting" dance and song, which is extremely loud and over exaggerated. So, of course I had to scream at her to calm down, just as people are walking by the open door. Hope you enjoy my "run on" story.

So, that is the news from the newly named "Foley" wing of USA C&W. I hope lifetime maximum on insurance change soon, cause Ivee is approaching the million dollar max pretty quickly! We guess that if she continues down this path, by the time she's 5, she will reach it!

'Tis not the day...

why does it allude us?
Her levels for the antibiotic were still too high. The doctors just can't risk kidney/renal failure, and that is what can happen if the dose stays too high.
Ivee is in high spirits, even though they had to stick her this morning. They have removed her bandages, and now I know why her belly hurt so much. The 2 inch scar is in her lower abdomen and it is extremely bruised, so the poor baby was just hurting! She is a trooper though! One tough cookie!
We are stuck at USA, whats new, for at least 24 more hours. Thank God there is a window in the room, or the walls would be closing in.
My older kids are really missing their family, but my mom has taken on the responsibility of helping with them. They are trying to do school, but it is difficult when your teacher is in the hospital. They are holding their own, though. When I get home, I will concentrate my time and focus on them and their studies as much as I can.
In the words of my Natalie...so yeah. That's it.