More Random Pictures

Brennan finally gave in and fell asleep with Pawpaw.













Jason after grudgingly eating his lunch.

















Haelley decided to pose for pictures. All the poses were head tilts =)

















Jason playing dress up.

















Jared's model of our house.

Random Pictures

One day Haelley and Jason were not interested in eating their lunch. I found them hanging out like this. I guess they thought it would get them out of eating.

We all got to sign Brennan's cast. There are many die hard Kentucky fans around here, including Michael (thus the blue cast). John decided years ago to be a Louisville Cardinals fan just to be irritating. You can see his (irritating =) message on Brennan's cast.

Somebody put a beanie on Brennan, then Joshua put his headphones on him. He left it all on for several minutes. Isn't he cute?!

We've gotten enough snow to play in. You can see Joseph's daddy of a snowman. Poor Nancy made a whole family (seen partially in the background) which collapsed overnight.

Jason is loyal to some of his treasures - even while sleeping.

Sunday

What a day. No exclamation point. Just plain old "what a day." I got up this morning and got right to the task of being ready to get out the door for Bible study and morning worship. Before leaving the church building we had a picture taken of the Dineen's who were present. Then we went to the store, got lunch for Michael and Elizabeth, and headed to their house. After dropping off things for them, we went home where I made pies to take to James' going away party, and John finished making our lunch. We ate, I put the leftover food away, and left with some of the boys to watch Michael play basketball in his YMCA league. (His team won.) While there, a friend stopped in to let me know she needed some help with the party for James. As a result, we went, after the game, to run some errands, then quickly home for me to change before evening Bible study because I had Dr. Pepper spill on my dress in the car. We had an encouraging prayer service then went to a member's house for James' going away party. That was a nice time of mingling and singing. Some of us went home after that, some to JW's for x-box night. JW came to our house so I could help him with a paper he's writing for psychology. We got about half way through that before needing to leave (in the snowstorm) to pick up the three boys who were at JW's. I got home with them, tucked Jason and James in, then sat down here to blog at nearly 1 AM. Do you see why I said, "what a day?"

Joshua's MRI results were normal! Praise God! He is doing very well now even without the medication. I am so glad and so grateful!

Jason is still doing better, but was wheezing again last night. He went to the eye doctor Tuesday. His vision was within normal for his gender and age. A relief to me. However, he has an autoimmune disorder (that Joshua also has) called vernal conjunctivitis. We started antihistamine drops Thursday. Hopefully they will control the symptoms and minimize complications. Unfortunately, the drops cost $99 for 25 days. Honestly, I'm fighting discouragement. I have seen the human limitations of the last few months as opportunities to see God's provision and to marvel at His goodness. This should be no different, and I'm frustrated to find myself discouraged. God has left NO REASON for discouragement ever, has He?

Brennan fell and broke his leg Friday night. Sadly, the break is an unusual one - and a serious one. The distal tibia sustained a buckle fracture near (into?) the growth plate. The orthopedic surgeon on call at the hospital was not recommended, so the decision was made to cast the leg and see a better surgeon this week. It seems the course of treatment will be either surgery followed by hard cast or just hard cast. Please pray that they can quickly get an appointment with a talented orthopedic doctor. Brennan has a vaccination appointment with his regular doctor tomorrow which they plan to keep (weather permitting). Hopefully, she can help them get prompt attention from a desired orthopedic surgeon.

James is planning to leave in the morning (Monday). The weather is snowy. The unprepared south has had much snow. I just am cringing and fretting over this. Again, my trust level is substandard. My facebook status is, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow..." I meant that. I meant that. I meant that. I can face this. I will be brave. I will trust God. I will. I will.

I don't even want to go to bed tonight. I know that once I fall asleep, James' departure will be upon me with that last fluttering of an eyelid. My baby boy. I still remember the nurse coming into my postpartum room and finding me asleep with James in my bed. She sweetly, but firmly, reminded me that if I wanted to sleep, the baby had to be in the bassinet. There was no choice for me. I stayed awake all night watching, loving, embracing, thanking God for my new boy. We watched the sun rise together in Papillion, NE that next morning. I hope to never forget that sunrise. I can remember so clearly the horizon as the sun slowly ascended in the sky. That was a night's sleep missed with no regret. Now the boy is off to the west to see the sun set by himself. May God watch over him as He did during his complicated birth.

Because He Lives

1. God sent His Son - they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.

3. And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory - and I'll know He lives.

Chorus:

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Wednesday

Joshua's MRI was postponed to Friday morning. The doctor's office failed to fax the hospital the order, and they (doctor's office) are closed today because of weather. The medication is giving him relief until it wears off. That has been a big boost. He went to JW's house yesterday and spent the night. It was a good distraction and change of scenery.

Jason is still improving. In fact, I am very happy with his progress at this point.

John and I had dinner and a visit with James last night. It was a good, relaxing time. I'm so glad that we got to do that one more thing before he leaves.

The snow here is beautiful. I am so grateful for it!

Update

I took Joshua to the doctor this morning. He had significant blood pressure issues, she thought indicated in his weakened condition, but a red flag, nevertheless. She did initially diagnose him with vertigo (labyrinthitis - there are many kinds of vertigo). However, double vision is not a vertigo symptom. She ordered an MRI (with =( and without contrast) to check for a brain tumor. That, Lord willing, will occur Wednesday evening.

Jason was another bit better this morning after a bad night. I'm thankful for that!

A Little Information

A "little" because our main furnace is not working, and the computer resides in its domain. It's cold sitting here.

Just want to share...

Nancy does seem to be hearing much better. She (and Jason) go to the doctor for hearing tests and follow up on the 16th.

Jason has been having the most serious respiratory "stuff" that I've seen in him. He's very wheezy and congested in his chest. The breathing treatments are making slow progress. This morning was the first morning in a few that didn't alarm me. He's been acting well and has no fever. I hope he will clear up quickly.

Joshua had trouble traveling through the mountains on the way to Florida this past Monday. Since then, he's continued to be very dizzy. It appears that his eardrum perforated Friday night. Unfortunately, that didn't alleviate the dizziness. He had nausea but it is better. He said he can't tell that his hearing has been effected. I, too, am not noticing trouble hearing. If he is not remarkably better tomorrow morning I will take him to the doctor.

James is moving back to Arizona. He leaves the 15th - a week from tomorrow. I know, I know, adult children leave home and go their way; it's a natural part of life. It is. I've said so many times, you *should* be concerned when a child doesn't mature enough to be individually responsible. However, I am so hesitant to find joy in his departure. I am dreading this last "count down" week. Please pray for him as he travels 1800 miles by himself and that he will thrive spiritually (and every other way) as he makes his adult way.

I've had knee problems, though the last two weeks have been certainly tolerable. I see an orthopedic surgeon on the 17th. I had an xray that revealed deteriorating cartilage in October 2008. I opted not to do anything about it at that time. I think it must be deteriorating further. It will be nice to have it fixed. Now that pain hasn't been a constant factor, I am challenged by the changed lifestyle and new way of accomplishing my work. In time, it will all be habit, I'm sure, but right now, it can be a frustration. (I'm sure that it's good for my boys to have to serve me. In fact, they do it without being asked. I do not naturally like to ask for help. I am not a delegater.)

Ok, I'm shivering. Back to the family room where the furnace does work.