Christmas Blessings!

December 25th, 2012

Happy Halloween!

Black Ninja, White Ninja, and Little Red Riding Hood

October 31st, 2012

Pumpkins...

We skipped our annual trip to the pumpkin patch this year, however the kids still talked me into swinging by a local church which had hundreds of pumpkins for sale.  The stick-in pumpkin parts that Arnie P gave us have been such a hit with my family.  We're slowly losing pieces though - we'll need to look for more.

**Poor Zep was so sick during this picture.  He was scared to tell me he didn't feel well, because he was worried he wouldn't be able to go trick-or-treating the next night.  I felt so bad for him!

Daddy had a busy week of work right before Halloween but was able to squeeze in a little bit of time to carve a very quick pumpkin.  It wasn't his best pumpkin carving to date but the kids were still super excited!

October 30th, 2012

All Saints Day

Our homeschool group hosts a really fun All Saints Party each year.  The kids get to dress up like a saint of their choosing and read off clues to everyone.  All the kids try to guess who the saints are.  After there are tons of games set up.  My kids absolutely love this party!

Here are our saints of 2012!  Can you guess who they are?  Scroll to the bottom to find out if you're right.

Bright Eyes' Clues

1.  God made a covenant with me.
2.  God told me to build an ark.
3.  I am from the Old Testament.





Zep's Clues

1.  I led two crusades.
2.  I was the King of France.
3.  I was known for my charity.





Bright Eyes was Noah.
Zep was St. Louis IX King of France

October 21st, 2012

St. Louis Trip - Purina Farms

For the last year Zep has been begging me for the opportunity to milk a cow.  You would think that would be an easy request to fulfill.  I had zero luck finding a place to take him.  So...you better believe when I saw the Purina Farms in Missouri had cow milking I signed us up right away!

The Farm is amazing!  They have a small barn where they keep lots of animals that the kids were able to interact with.  The little ones loved this!  The best part was the dog agility demonstration!  It is absolutely amazing to watch the trainers with these beautiful dogs.  

The kids had a great time - definitely a must do if in the St. Louis area!

October 13th, 2012

Soccer - Fall Season 2012

Yet another awesome soccer season!  Hubby coached the boys, which kept him and us extremely busy!  How I love seeing these boys having so much fun though!

September 15th, 2012

Sweet and spicy...

B.E. is a fascinating child!  I spend much of my days trying to figure out how his head works.  He can be very dreamy and get lost during tasks.  He is very stubborn and only does things when he's ready.  And he doesn't respond to any form of discipline.  But on the opposite side of all of that is the sweetest boy who goes out of his way to show his love.  He takes care of his sisters with the gentlest tone and touch.  He's sensitive and feels everyone else's hurts.  He is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!

We got to witness just how sweet and spicy B.E. can be this week...

We had a less than stellar week.  The boys have been completely off a schedule due to our summer break and trying to get them situated back onto one has been a struggle.  One day in particular caused my blood pressure to rise quite a bit.  It started with morning chores, after 30 minutes I went upstairs to find Zep and B.E. had yet to complete even one of their tasks.  Then came school, as B.E. complained during almost all of his lessons.  Next was lunch chores, three hours of them goofing off while not completing anything.  B.E. knew I was angry; everyone knew I was angry.

Flash forward to yesterday.  We were getting ready to head out to a homeschool back to school party. I asked the boys to clean their room before we left for the day.  B.E. came up to me and announced that he would clean the room all by himself.  "What? Why?" I asked.  And this is where my sweet Bright Eyes emerged, "Because I was mean to you the other day, and I want to do something nice for God."

If there was ever a moment when I was so proud I could cry, this was one of them.  I scooped up that little boy and praised him and squeezed him to pieces.

I have no doubts that our spicy B.E. will return, but his sweet side balances him perfectly!

***Kawasaki update - B.E. saw his cardiologist yesterday.  He has a beautiful heart and does not have to see the doctor again for a whole year!  

August 24th, 2012

Lake fun!

August 8th, 2012

Celebrating a friend!

The boys were invited to a dear friend's birthday not too long ago. His mom is a great friend of mine.  She managed to snag her best friend (a party planner) to plan the party for her.  It was awesome!  A complete dirt bike themed party.  Zep and B.E. managed to forget their swimsuits in the car.  I was told that, "they won't get too wet."  Ha!  When I came back to pick them up they were dripping wet from head to toe.  The boys had such a great time!  Happy Birthday, Mr. P!

August 1st, 2012

Welcoming a new cousin!

Hubby's sister welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world!  We're so excited for J&K.  Little HC is absolutely adorable.  I can already envision lake days in the future...the four little girls huddled together laughing and giggling.  

Pic of the new parents with all the kids!

And the boys could never miss an opportunity to torture their Uncle Totem!  He's such a good sport!

July 20th, 2012

Summer Crafts

In a desperate attempt to squash summer boredom we pulled out some craft sets we had around and spent some time painting.  I think we managed to only fill about an hour.  It was fun though!

Lil' Bit was close by!

July 5th, 2012

This Might Be Why...

it takes Bright Eyes F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to put his clothes away!!  He laid them out across the entire floor this way.  Some days he arranges them in to designs.  Recently he had them in the shape of a smiley face.  So this is what it's like raising a creative child!

June 20th, 2012

A Wednesday Morning Blessing...

I've had a rough couple of days.  My emotions are all over the place.  Thankfully, I was able to call a good friend to just sit with me on Monday.  And then yesterday, I totally lost my cool and went on a rampage.  Thankfully, again, I was able to attend our monthly Ultreya last evening.  The peace that all my wonderful Cursillo sisters and brothers provide me is unmeasurable! 

I wish I could put my feelings into words.  I'm overwhelmed.  I look at my son, and from the surface, he looks fine.  But I know that inside that beautiful little boy is a heart that is damaged.  I'm constantly searching every inch of his body for rashes or signs that the disease has returned.  The poor kid!  I'm sure if I ask to look at his bottom or stick out his tongue one more time he's going to start screaming at me.  Thankfully, we'll be able to see his cardiologist next week to see if the condition of his left coronary artery has changed any.  We're praying that all has returned to normal.  If so, I think we can move on with our lives with just the precaution of a heart healthy diet and a watchful eye of arthritic pain.  It's obviously not the life you want for any of your children, but we'll take whatever we can get.

God gave me a special blessing this morning when I turned on the radio.  I needed to hear this today.  I needed to be reminded that it's okay to be sad and upset.

When listening to the song it also reminded me of a fellow mommy friend of mine who is also going through some tough stuff with her own son who was recently diagnosed with Type I diabetes.  So, YankeeBelle, this is for you too!

We're getting in the limo...

I was just reminded that, unless you can read my Facebook page, you probably have no idea that WE'RE HOME!!!!  The rest of the next 5 weeks will be about healing our little boy.  He'll need to gain his strength back and take an aspirin regimen to reduce the swollen artery in his heart.  Hubby and I both feel great about where Bright Eyes health is at this moment.

So, for now folks, we're moving on....

I've put together a weekly schedule for our summer, and we're going to start homeschooling officially tomorrow!  Yes, we will be one of those crazy families that continues to school though out the summer break.  Don't judge me yet though!!!  We'll JUST be doing some basic phonics and math work.  Tops...an hour a day! 

We're ready to put this last couple weeks behind us, rejoice in all of God's graces, and move on to the wonderful life that is ahead of us!

As we walked out of the hospital today, a beautiful little girl was being pushed out in wheelchair.  She had lost all of her hair, so I'm sure she had been suffering from cancer.  Awaiting her in the driveway was a white stretch limousine.  From the people talking, I gathered that she was finally in remission and this was her congratulatory drive home.  That limo was the beginning of her new life, without illness.

The Heart of the Home limo takes off tonight!!!  Thanks again to EVERYONE for EVERYTHING!  I would send out thank you cards, but I'm sure I would forget someone.  Please know that hubby and I have been so incredibly humbled by all the love we have received.  We can only pray that we have the opportunity to pass it on to the next person/persons in need!  Love you all!

Just another day at the hospital...

I'm starting to really figure out my new "home away from home."  I've got most of the rules down, and can find all the necessary places in the hospital.  This really is the greatest hospital.  They have so many activities for the kids, and (overall) the staff is pretty incredible!

But...regardless of how wonderful it is...I WANT TO GO HOME!!!  And it looks like that may happen tomorrow at some point.  The doctors came in at lunch and verified that all of his symptoms were either gone or almost gone.  His ECHO from yesterday showed no additional damage to his heart (Praise God!).  The only symptom that really seems to be hanging around is his inability to walk around very much.  His little legs just hurt.  So, he's been riding in a wagon through the halls.  We visited the game room, where I finally kicked his booty in air hockey, and we stopped by the activity room and painted a few pictures.  We even had a lunch date in the cafeteria.

As long as things remain the same, we'll be released tomorrow.  And then we'll pray that the symptoms don't return again at home.  If they do, the doctors said something about doing yada, yada, yada or maybe blah, blah, blah.  Yeah, I think I just didn't hear all the "ifs."  I'll worry about the "ifs" IF the need arises!

Bright Eyes wants to send a shout-out to all his homies in PreK!  He hopes that the Mass and celebration were fun today, and he misses everyone very much!! 

Bright Eyes' Prayer Warriors

Our little boy has gained quite the group of prayer warriors.  We have family praying, friends praying, family of friends praying, and even strangers praying.  I truly believe that without it things would be so different now.  Both hubby's and my spirits have stayed quite high today, and I truly attribute that to all of you that have given of your time to lift up our child.

How beautiful is this list....(thanks especially to Heather for setting this up!)

9:30:  Heather

10:00:  Kathleen

10:30: Stacey, Susan, Brooke, Cathy, Beth
11:00:  Susan's mom, Patty
11:30:  Terry, Suzannne

12:00:  Carol, Patty
12:30:  Stacie, Stacey
1:00:  Sheila, Jamie, Joanne, Stacey's mom
1:30:  Brian
2:00:  Kathleen, Teresa
2:30:  Janie, Traci
3:00:  Michelle, Cathy's mom, Peg, Polly, Lynette
3:30:  Denise, Polly, Jackie
4:00:  Chesney, Jacqueline, Doug, Melanie, Amanda
4:30:  Betty
5:00:  Jill's mom
5:30:  Yvonne, Jonni, Whitney, Sarah, Stacey, Cathy's sister, Cathy's niece, Tina, Erin
6:00:  Regina
6:30:  Beth, Erin, Mary Gay
7:00:  Amy, Rinn
7:30:  Rinn, Angela
8:00:  Kristina, Kate
8:30:  Jenny, Kristina, Annie, Jean
9:00:  Jill, Kristina, Ginger, Linda, Sheila, Melanie
9:30:  Marie, Lori
10:00 pm:  Christie
10:00 p.m-4:00 a.m:  Erika (in between patients and during breaks)
3:30 a.m.:  Heidi (while nursing babes)
4:30 am: Annie
Sometime late tonight:  Renee, Carrie

We were also told that a friend, who's uncle is a priest, said Mass for Bright Eyes today.  So very special!  Mac and Nana couldn't stand it anymore, so Mac is headed our direction.  They love their little man!

On a completely different note...I have one more small request.  I know, I know...how could I possibly ask for more!!??!!  But this one isn't for me...I've had a very special little girl in my life for several years.  She's not my daughter, but I love her like one of my own.  She holds a big ol' piece of my heart.  Yesterday she had a slight spill and prayers are needed for her adorable little head!  So while you're praying for our Bright Eyes please pray for "my girl" as well!  Thanks so much!

The post where I whine...and rant...

It's 10:15pm.  On a normal Sunday evening, my husband and I would be in bed, turning out the lights for the night.  We would have just checked in on all of the children to give them their nightly blessing.  All would be right within our four walls.  But tonight, there are only three people at home, because our Bright Eyes was once again admitted to the hospital. 

Yesterday, B.E. started showing signs of the rash that he never had during his entire time at the hospital.  By the end of the day he said it hurt too much to walk.  Today he woke up relatively fine.  His eyes looked almost completely white again, his lips just a tad on the red side.  Hubby and I played a silly scavenger hunt game with both Zep and Bright Eyes.  We noticed that B.E. was limping a bit, but I was warned ahead of time that he might suffer some arthritis-type symptoms for several more weeks.  At about 4pm, he started refusing to walk again and complained of horrible pain in his feet.  His eyes and lips had both reddened.  We took him to soak in a warm bath and things suddenly turned horrible.  The rash on his body intensified and he was writhing in pain.  He was screaming and crying.  All I could do was hold his hand.  I tried so hard, but I couldn't keep myself from crying uncontrollably.  I know I scared Zep, and for that I feel horrible. 

The on-call Infectious Disease doctor suggested we bring him back to the hospital.  We waited a whole 5 minutes before they called us back and went to work on him.  When the nurse came in with a "newbie" nurse, she asked him if he'd ever seen Kawasaki Disease before; he hadn't.  She went on to explain to him that he was looking at a classic case.  Yes, reassuring to know that we've got a definite diagnosis, but not good because I don't want him to have this disease anymore and all she has to do is look at him to see it.  And here we thought things were getting better.

They've already had to stick him twice for blood and an IV line.  I HATE this...and I HATE saying that word, but I really HATE it!  The entire time we were carrying him to the car the only thing he kept saying was that he didn't want any more shots.  All I want to do is hold him and make him feel better.  My little boy should be going to his last day of school tomorrow with his friends, and instead he'll be in a hospital room receiving another blood transfusion.  It's just not fair.  I know I'm supposed to be strong.  I know I should be thankful that it's not something worse, but I'M NOT!  I'm sorry if that's selfish, but this sucks!

So, once again, I beg you for your prayers.  Lord, please let this next IVIG treatment be his last!  Lord, please let us have our little boy back!!  I don't care if he colors on the walls, sticks gum in his hair, or rides on the garage door...I just want him back!!  And Lord, please help me to trust in You!  I know that this is in Your hands.  Help me to let go and let You!

Home Again, Home Again...

I'm sorry I didn't post something earlier.  Blogger has been on the fritz for the past day or so.  I'll do my best to update everyone with as much information as my little memory box can hold...

Within hours of Bright Eyes' IVIG treatment, he began to improve.  It really was absolutely amazing!  I can not even begin to sing enough praises about our doctor.  She was able to diagnose him quickly even though he wasn't showing all of the typical signs of Kawasaki Disease (KD).  It was one of those moments when she heard hoof beats and thought zebras, not horses.  If the diagnosis had gone unsolved for even only a few days more we could have been facing permanent heart damage. 

On Thursday, Bright Eyes woke up noticeably different.  The swelling in his neck was almost completely gone.  His energy level was up, as was his appetite.  The little stinker ate an entire donut that Gramma brought him.  His liquid IV infiltrated during the night, so his poor little hand looked like a balloon, but he didn't even complain much about that.  During the day we took two outings.  Some wonderful employees from the IT department at Southern Company were letting the kids "Build a Bear" on one of the upper floors.  Bright Eyes enjoyed coloring a t-shirt for "Robo Bear."  They took some cute pictures of him and let us keep the copies.  We also ventured over to the Children's Harbor where B.E. beat me in air hockey! 

Walking around the hospital was a very humbling experience for me.  There is nothing more uplifting and inspiring than seeing a 3-year-old suffering from cancer dancing through the halls with a huge smile across his face.  Or watching a 10-year-old who'd recently undergone brain surgery smile proudly at a camera after being glamorized with make-up and a tiara.  We can learn so much from children.  Their bravery and courage is amazing.  And they have such incredible trust towards their doctors and parents.  It's easy to see why God calls us to be as children.  I sure wish my bravery, courage, and trust were even mildly close to those of the children I saw at the hospital this week.

Today WE'RE HOME!  Hubby just drove Gramma home.  I'm exhausted.  Bright Eyes hasn't sat down for more than 5 minutes.  Zep's fever is down.  Sunshine is practically running around the house (oh yeah, in the midst of the last several weeks, she started walking).  Life is practically back to normal!!

We made the decision today to keep the boys home from school for the remainder of the year (a whole 5 days!).  We just can't take the chance of either of the kids picking up a sickness that may mix with the high doses of aspirin Bright Eyes has been on, because there's the VERY slim chance he could end up getting Reye's Syndrome.  I think after one of your children comes down with a rare Japanese disease, you tend to become a little more afraid of even the VERY slim chances. 

Again, we can't thank everyone enough.  We've received prayers, kid sitting, meals, home cleanings, a lawn mowing, gifts and cards galore for Bright Eyes, and encouraging words on a daily basis.  If we don't get around to thanking you personally, please know it's not because we're not appreciative.  We feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.  We love you all!!

Important Update...PLEASE PRAY!!!!!

The doctor came in and spent a good amount of time speaking with me.  Apparently she IS an infectious disease doctor (oops!).  She's ordered a whole bunch of additional tests.  We just returned from an ultrasound, and they'll be coming in to do more blood work shortly.  SHHH...don't tell Bright Eyes...he's going to freak out. 
.....
They just finished the blood work, and, yep, he freaked out! 
....
At the ultrasound, he needed to use the restroom.  I placed him on the floor to walk and he nearly fell over.  His legs are completely giving out on him.  He's barely able to stand at the potty without his knees and ankles buckling on him.  When we got back from getting the ultrasound there were infectious disease papers all over the door.  Apparently they'll be running another test on him tomorrow, and if it comes back positive it's extremely contagious.  So, in preparation for a positive test, we're being quarantined.  I guess it's like being treated as guilty before proven innocent.

All the tests should arrive back by tomorrow afternoon.  At that point, if everything is negative, the doctor will probably determine that he has what is called atypical Kawasaki's disease.  I'm not going into all the specifics of the disease, just google it or click here .  The treatment will be a 10 hour IVIG, which is an infusion of blood antibodies, as well as high doses of aspirin.  I'm not really ready to talk about the lasting effects of the disease, please just go to the link for that information.

We need pray warriors more than ever right now...please pray that whatever is wrong with our baby that it is something simple, treatable, and without long-term complications.

Bright Eyes' Spring Program...

We enjoyed another wonderful preschool spring program!  Bright Eyes was so cute.  He had been singing the songs for weeks, and he only clammed up a bit on stage!  I can't believe this is our last traditional school program!

April 13th, 2011