Happy 10th Anniversary To Us

Today is our 10th anniversary. In some ways it is hard to believe ten years have passed since we got married. And then again, so much has changed in ten years. Here are a few of the highlights --

We have lived in five different cities and three different states -- Arizona, Utah, Arizona again and New York.

We have lived in seven different houses.

We have owned five different vehicles.

We have had three dogs and four cats.

Between the two of us we have had ten major surgeries.

We have suffered through infertility and miscarriages.

We have adopted three amazing children. Each one has been a confirmation that adoption is a miracle and God sends the right children to the right family, no matter how they have to get here!

We have suffered the loss of Brent's Dad and we miss him every day.

Brent has had four different jobs.

We have watched our child suffer through leukemia and keep fighting. He is an amazing kid!

We have each had several callings in church.

We have traveled to many different places. Some of my favorites include the Oklahoma City Memorial, the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

We have endured many trials and had many blessings. No matter what, I can't imagine doing this with anyone other than Brent. He is.....well, he's amazing. There simply aren't enough words to describe how much I love that man. He puts up with me through all my moods. That in itself is a miracle. He is kind and patient, loving and genuine. He is an awesome Dad and nothing makes me happier than watching him with our children. Is he the person I thought he was when I married him? No. He is far beyond what I could have ever hoped for. He has changed me in ways I never expected.

I love you, Brent! Thank you for making the last ten years the best of my life. I can't wait to see what's next!!

Back To School

I haven't updated for awhile.....So much has been going on. Most notably, though, is that Tyler went back to school today! They go for six weeks in the summer and we were so happy to get a spot at Mary Cariola, the same school he went to BC, (before cancer.) We were also very lucky to get the same teacher he had before. She is amazing and Tyler loves her!

I am both thrilled and terrified that he is at school this morning. Thrilled for him because he has missed it so much. He has also missed out on a great deal of therapy this past year. He loves being there, and the routine of it is so good for him.

Then the germ-a-phobe in me kicks in. We have had to be so careful this past year. We have avoided church, avoided the grocery store, avoided any possibility of him being in contact with other kids and germs. We have carried Clorox Wipes and Purell and made sure that we wipe everything down before he touches it. We have kept friends and family at bay, avoided play dates, kept Emmalee home from pre-school if she shows any sign of sniffling. We have been warned and we took those warnings to heart.

And now, here he is, with full permission to go back to school. I am trying not to be overwhelmed with concern, really I am. But the fact is, I do worry. I know I can't hold him back forever. I know that the doctors and medical professionals have his best interest at heart and would never let him return to school if they didn't feel it was absolutely safe. I know. But I'm his mom and I will worry none the less.

Tyler, however, was not one bit worried! He was thrilled! He was so excited to see the bus. His enthusiasum made me feel better. Only two and a half hours until he gets home. :)

Good Morning! It's time to go back to school!!

Headed to the bus with my bus driver.

All strapped in and ready to go.

And they're off!

Swine Flu

We've had a Swine Flu scare around here. We're still waiting on Brent's test results. He has been miserable with all the classic Swine Flu symptoms. I feel pretty yucky myself though it hasn't hit me as hard as him. None of that really matters....all that matters is making sure Tyler doesn't get sick. His oncologist went ahead and started him on Tamiflu as a precaution and so far he is doing fine. We just pray that we started it soon enough.

Grab Your Tissues

I saw this story online this morning and just couldn't help but cry. Grab some tissues before you read it!

Update

It has been quite awhile since my last update. Here goes....

First and foremost, Tyler is doing well. We still have our challenges, especially during "roid rage." But, for the most part, we are holding steady. He continues to amaze us each day with his strength and perseverance. He had clinic last week and he did great. His counts have been pretty typical, no real alarm bells. We just pray each day that this will continue and that we can get through the next ten months without any major issues.

I stay very positive for the most part. But then I will hear about another child who has relapsed and it freaks me out. I try hard not to imagine what that would mean in our own lives. But cancer is not predictable. All we can do is live day to day, be thankful for each moment we get, pray and fight!

In other news.....Nathaniel had his rectal biopsies done and, thank goodness, it does not appear that he has Hirschsprung's disease. He did show ganglion cells in his tissue samples. This is both an answer to prayers and frustrating because we are back at the beginning. Don't get me wrong; I am VERY thankful that he does not have to have surgery or a colostomy. I just wish we had some more definate answers. However, we both trust his doctor and know that he will help us get through this. For now the plan is to increase his dose of Miralax and begin adding additional medications to help ease his constipation. If this doesn't help, we will explore some other options. Dr. Rossi thinks that because he was a micro-preemie, he may just need continued time to grow and he may grow out of this phase. We certainly hope that is the case.

Emmalee, Nathaniel and I got back from our trip last Monday. Please let apologize to all of our friends and family in Utah. We literally had less than 24 hours in Salt Lake. We drove straight from the airport to Elko when we arrived, drove straight through to Wyoming the next weekend and then spent less than 12 hours in the hotel before we flew home. I am so sad that we didn't get to see all of you! I guess this means we'll just have to come out again....or you'll have to come and visit us!!

We had a great time, minus the fact that the kids were sick for a few days. They both ended up with a nasty stomach virus and then poor Emmalee got a urinary tract infection. Not fun. As Emma said, "you're not apposed to get sick on cation." So true!

The rest of our trip was a lot of fun. My oldest niece graduated from high school. I'm still not sure if I believe it or not. Where did the time go? It was a blessing to be there and spend time with my family. I can't believe how much I missed them! It is very hard to live so far away.

We spent the second week of our trip in Wyoming, spending time with my dad and my grandma. My grandma has Alzheimer's and her memory is really starting to deteriorate. I am so thankful that I had time with her! She is one of the kindest, most loving people I have ever known. It was just incredible to be home with her and have that time together.

On our way back to the airport we stopped and spent time with my aunt, uncle and cousins. That was so much fun! I just wish we had more time together.

I think Emmalee's favorite parts of our trip were spending time with her cousins and following my dad around like a puppy. She had so much fun! She tells me every day how much she misses everyone and wishes we could see them. I agree!

Tyler did alright while I was gone. Brent said he asked for me quite often. I expected him to be thrilled to see me when we got back. He wasn't, at least not at first. It took him several hours to really pay attention to me and a couple of days for him to get over being mad at me. Poor kiddo. As much as I enjoyed my trip, I don't think I will ever be able to leave him for that long again. Thankfully he had his daddy home with him during the evenings and weekends and our amazing friend Hannah with him while Brent worked.

I have a million pictures to get posted but that will have to wait for another day. :)

All in all things are going well. Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers and support. It is because of you that we make it through this fight every day. We love you all!

Thank You!

Emmalee has truly enjoyed her time in Nursery School this year. Tomorrow is the last day. I'm not sure which of us is sadder to see it end. Although, her reasons are probably different than mine. *smile*

I wanted to do something special for her teacher and the assistants. I really wanted to avoid the typical teacher gifts but I am painfully non-creative. Never fear, Google to the rescue! I found this super cute idea and it was very, very easy as well as affordable. We got each of them a small plant. Then I took a picture of Emmalee and went to the store to one of those photo machines. I added text and a border to the picture. The picture says "Thank you for helping me grow," along with her name and the date. Emmalee decorated the little pots to make them extra special. They ended up being around $3 each.

Thank goodness for Google!

Music Education

There are many things in this world that I simply don't understand. One that always upsets me is when I hear that schools have had to cut music education programs due to lack of funds. I truly believe that music should be as fundamental as reading, writing, math, etc.

I have seen music work wonders in my own family, especially for Tyler. Watching him engage with his Dad while Brent plays the piano is incredible. Seeing him interact with his music therapists is amazing. It has opened up his level of communication and brings him out of his shell. I simply can't imagine him not being able to experience this in school....or any of my other children, for that matter.

Here's another example of the importance of music education in schools.

Be The Match!!

From now until June 22nd you can sign up to be a bone marrow donor for FREE! By joining the registry you could potentially help save the life of someone with cancer. You can sign up through the mail. It's quick, easy and painless. Please take advantage of this great opportunity to sign up for FREE today!!!!

Emma-Isms

"Mom, please stop talking to me like that.  I can't stand it.  Don't you even know me at all?"

"Don't worry about me, Momma.  Just be worried about yourself."

While emptying the dishwasher......"I can hold sharp knives Mom.  I'm really very asponsable."

My all time favorite...."You're a great Mom!"

Mark & Janet

This may be a long shot but I feel compelled to post this on  my blog.  We have some amazing friends named Mark & Janet.  They have been hoping to adopt for three years.  Please, if you know anyone who may be interested in placing their child for adoption, forward this video to them.  I can't think of anyone else who would be more kind, loving and committed to a child.

Never A Dull Moment

Sometimes I wonder if good health will ever come back to our family.  I try not to complain, really I do.  But sometimes I think that I'm one big complaint factory.  Here's the latest.

*Disclaimer - This first part is all about poop.  Read at your own risk.  

Since bringing Nathaniel home, we have struggled to get him to poop regularly.  He never really has.  We have tried Miralax, enemas, different formulas, prune juice, etc.  Nothing seems to help.  He generally poops about every two weeks or so....and when he does it is awful.  He screams in pain.  The stool comes out hard and huge.  We just want to cry for him.  His stomach is very distended.  He looks like a little pregnant woman.  It is so sad!

I have taken Nate to the doctor and they have told me that it isn't unusual for micro-preemies to have issues with pooping.  Sometimes it just takes their little bodies longer to get everything working right.  They gave us new things to try.  We've tried to no avail.   

As you know, Tyler has Hirschsprung's disease and he has a colostomy.  Hirschsprung's is a genetic disease, meaning it is something you are born with.  There is a section in the colon and intestine that is misshapen.  Therefore, once the poop gets to that point, it can't go on.  The misshapen section is missing the necessary cells, called ganglion cells.  This prevents you from being able to poop, causing constant constipation.  Most children are diagnosed with Hirschsprung's shortly after birth when they fail to pass the meconium.  This is how it was for Tyler.  They realized right away that he was sick and he had his colostomy placed very early in his little life.

Sometimes kids aren't diagnosed until they are older.  I didn't realize this until just recently and didn't really think that Nate's problems could be Hirschsprung's.  However, I started reading more about it and realized that some kids are diagnosed later on.  I decided it was time to call Tyler's GI doctor and get Nate in to see him.

I took him in a couple of weeks ago and the first thing the Nurse Practitioner said was that she suspected Hirschsprung's.  I was really hoping she was wrong and that maybe there was some other explanation.  She did switch him to a soy based nutritional drink,  just in case it was a milk protien allergy.  She also ordered a host of tests, including a barium enema x-ray.

Nate had the x-ray last week and it showed the classic signs of Hirschsprung's.  There is a section, just near the rectum, that is misshapen.  The saddest part of the x-ray was seeing just how much poop is backed up into his intestine.  The radiologist pointed it out to me and I could clearly see it, all the way up.  It went almost all the way to his appendix.  That made me cry.  No wonder my poor baby is in so much pain and agony.  No wonder his tummy is so big.  After seeing that, I was almost hoping it was Hirschsprung's just so we would have an answer and be able to get him some relief!

The only sure way to diagnose Hirschsprung's is to do a rectal biopsy.  They take tissue samples from the sections that are misshapen and if they are missing the ganglion cells, that is the certain diagnosis.  Nate goes in on Tuesday for the biopsies.  Once we have the results, we will know for sure and we can make a plan.  He may have to have a colostomy and he may not.  It just depends.  Either way, we are ready and hoping that we can just get him some relief.  

Okay, that's the end of the poop story.  :)

As for the rest of our health issues....my foot is infected.  Not sure what that is all about.  I went in to have my stitches removed on Wednesday.  For a few days before that I had felt kind of yucky.  Running a slight fever, chills, extra tired, etc.  I thought maybe I just had a cold or something.  Apparently not.  The incision site is infected and there is redness all around there as well as in the ankle and foot.  My foot is swollen about three times the size it should be.  Needless to say, she started me on some strong antibiotics.  Hopefully that will knock it out.  Honestly, this darned ankle is just one frustration after another.  

The kids are sick.  Again.  Both Emma and Nate have yucky coughs, runny noses, and complaints of ear pain.  They are headed to the doctor today.  Tyler has a yucky nose but none of the other symptoms, thank goodness!  We are on constant fever alert for him but so far he has been doing well.  

I suppose that's it for my complaints today.  :)  I'll update as I know more about Nate.  As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated!!

The Emmalee Tree

We rent our house from the greatest guy!  He is truly kind and we are so thankful for him and for our nice home.  Also, Emma has him wrapped around her little finger.  :)  

Jason was here planting some new trees the other day.  He is always very good about including Emmalee as his "helper".  They planted this cute little tree and he snapped a picture of her.  I'm curious to see who grows faster!!

Points To Ponder

For as long as I can remember, my grandma has had a plaque hanging in her hallway. It reads, "Never Judge Another Indian Until You Have Walked A Mile In His Moccasins."

As a child, I never really understood what that meant. As an adult, I am beginning to comprehend.

It is so easy to look into the lives of others and question their actions, motives, etc. It is easy to look at others and think how easy they have it and wish to switch lives with them. It is easy to look at others and judge, one way or another, good or bad.

The hard part, at times, is loving people no matter what. Loving them and accepting them and lifting them when they're down.

I'm learning. I'm learning that even if you go through the exact same experience as someone else, you will handle it differently. You will get something different out of it. You will learn different lessons. You will apply those lessons to your own life and your own circumstances. Perhaps your choices are right and perhaps they are wrong. There are many times when you will go back and reevaluate, try again, learn something new. That's all part of life.

Brent and I have been through some of the most difficult experiences of our lives in the recent past. We have struggled. We have tried hard to understand the lessons that our trials are teaching us. We have tried to apply those lessons to our lives and allow them to strengthen us. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes it isn't.

Through it all, we have been lifted and loved by others. We have been strengthened and helped. We could not make it through our trials without the love and help we have been given. We have been sent Earthly angels and because of you, we have made it. We will never have the words to thank you. You are truly loved and appreciated.

Surgery Update

Surgery went well yesterday. I was in and out in about four hours. What I didn't anticipate was how awful I would feel afterwards. I threw up quite a bit yesterday which has never really happened to me after surgery. I was really surprised considering it was a minor procedure compared to the others.

Today hasn't been much better. Thankfully the throwing up is over but I feel like I was hit by a truck.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

For those of you who are curious, I did keep the screw she removed. I'll post some pics soon.

Thanks to everyone for checking in. I truly appreciate your love and support!!

But Not That Much!

I haven't posted any Emma-isms for awhile.  That isn't to say that there haven't been any.  Here are a two of the latest.....

This morning Brent was digging through our loose change container to find some quarters. Here's the conversation between he and Emma.

Emma - Daddy, get out of my money!!

Daddy - This is your money?  I don't see your name on it.

Emma - But it IS my money.  Get out of there.  Quit stealing my coins.

Daddy - Emma, I don't see your name on it.

Emma - Mommy, can you put my name on that?

This afternoon Emmalee was irritated with me for one reason or another.  I finally told her that it was time for nap.  I gave her her juice and she headed down the hall.  I said, "Emmalee, I love you."  She turned around and yelled, "Yeah, I love you too!  But not that much!"  At least I know she loves me.