My brave little man!

Cale's MRI was Tuesday. He really is doing SO, SO much better. I kid you not, he is a different child! But, I just knew a hospital environment was going to be more than he could handle and shoving an IV into his arm would bring back some old habits.

Alana went with us to keep both mine and Cale's nerves at bay (he ADORES her!). He, of course, had his Tony car to keep him safe, but Alana brought him another car and motorcycle to make him brave. He was a happy/distracted boy as we walked back to his bed. He was armed with toys and a tv and didn't even seem to notice everything going on around him. Already, that's a BIG deal for him! Then he let us put a gown on him without saying a word, he even told the nurse how old he was! Normally, in these situations, he doesn't speak to anyone and when he does, he isn't very kind lol. He was precious.

The nurse came by and explained that she needed to look for some little blue worms (veins) in his arms. He let her search both arms without even an ounce of protest. Then it was time, she asked him to relax so, he did! He laid back and crossed his feet to watch the tv! SO CUTE!


He LOVED the Prayer Bear Alana brought him :)
It has replaced Tiger as his bedtime friend!


He LITERALLY just laid there, completely unbothered while she stuck him five or six times trying to get the IV in his hand (unsuccessfully). He looked down to check and see what was taking so long, then looked back up at the tv. Alana and I were in SHOCK. I think I actually teared up with amazement. This is the same little boy that normally kicks and screams when doctors try to look inside his mouth or get him to stretch out his legs!

Unfortunately, she wasn't able to get the IV in his hand and was going to have to try the inside of his elbow (oooouch). He still did GREAT though, he started to say "ow, ow, ow" and then had some big crocodile tears roll down his cheeks. He got a little clingy after that, while the N.P. explained what was about to happen, but he walked down to procedure room and allowed HER to pick him up and set him up on the table. Again... wow. He watched her push the meds before he went limp in my arms and we said goodbye!





Exactly one hour later, my pager went off that he was done! They said he woke up the instant he heard them open his pretzels :)
As soon as he saw us, he asked to put his clothes on. Then he asked the nurse for his "red juice" (powerade). Once she gave it to him, he said "Thank you... I'm out of here."




I just can't believe he did SO well. I mean, I can. Because he's a miracle! I am just still so shocked by the difference. He did better than I would expect ANY child to do... much less a child who just a few weeks ago had major anxiety issues and wouldn't let unfamiliar people touch him, let alone seven different nurses!! I am soooo proud of our little man!

We should be able to call today to get the results.

Modern-day Miracles

This was committment weekend at Freedom Church. The "Building on a Dream" campaign was in full force to make more room for our children and it was time to step up and decide what we, what I, was going to do to help make that happen. I have three children back there growing in God's space and lots of other littles I care about, plus others I don't even know yet... it's important to me that they have what they need.

But there was a problem. For those of you that don't know- about two weeks ago, someone hacked into our bank account and stole every dime we had, plus an additional thousand dollars that we definitely didn't have. We LITERALLY had zero dollars. NONE. As if that whole ordeal wasn't stressful enough, how were we going to give anything on committment weekend with no money?

Then Pastor Terrell told us that the church staff was going to fast for three days before committment weekend, and pray for a miracle before committments were made. Anyone who would like to join them, could. Now that it's over, I will tell you... both for medical reasons and my weight, I am not a good candidate for fasting. And I knew it. No one wanted me to do it, but we had ZERO dollars and Building on a Dream was important, it was all I had to give. I spent quite a bit of time in prayer in the days ahead of time, making sure God and I were on the same page. I researched and looked for tips and suggestions so that I did it right and my body was safe. And then, I fasted for a miracle.

One of the websites I found suggested I begin my days with praise and worship. I took that literally and did my morning chores while belting out songs. Funny thing, I never had to think of a song. They just erupted from my smile. Same two songs over and over. Songs I haven't heard or sung in YEARS. We're talking some OLD school Jars of Clay, "Like A Child". The last time I sang that song I think I was in high school, but all the words came to me like it was yesterday.

Dear God, surround me as I speak,
the bridges that I walk across are weak
Frustrations fill the void that I can't solely bear
Dear God, don't let me fall apart,
you've held me close to you
I have turned away and searched for answers I can't understand

[Chorus:]

They say that I can move the mountains
And send them crashing into the sea
They say that I can walk on water
If I would follow and believe
with faith like a child

[Chorus:]

Sometimes, when I feel miles away
and my eyes can't see your face
I wonder if I've grown to lose the recklessness
I walked in light of you


They say that love can heal the broken
They say that hope can make you see
They say that faith can find a Savior
If you would follow and believe
with faith like a child

The other one was Rich Mullins, "Verge of a Miracle". I don't know why these two songs stayed with me and decided to come out this week... but I know He does!

During meals or when I was hungry, I spent time in my bible. I kept coming back to one verse. Philippians 2:13

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."

It became my anthem. It just put a fire inside me and reassured me that I was on the right path.

I made it through day one without much trouble at all. I was excited! Day two went well, but that I was definitely feeling tired and listless. I was getting weak and a little nauseated, not to mention frustrated that the bank had called that day to say it was going to be another 45 days before all our money was returned to us. I just kept telling myself I had made it 48 hrs, and when I woke up, it would be Thursday (the last day!) and there would only be 12 more hours or so to go.


Unfortunately, when I woke up... I was SICK. I very literally crawled out of bed and dry-heaved my way to the bathroom. Pardon the honesty. I ignored the chest pains I was having and went on to fix the kids breakfast to start our day. I faced the shower with dread, because I just knew I was going to pass out if I got in there. I had to, so I did. I buckled and had to sit down, but never actually passed out. I was getting ready to go spend the whole day outside in the sun for Layla's Field Day at school and we were expecting an 85 degree day. Taking ALL of this into consideration... I decided it would be best for me to eat something than end up in the hospital. I was bummed, but I had done my best. For 61 hours I had fasted and prayed for a miracle. I honesly believe I had given God all I had.




Miracle#1

By Thursday evening, the fast was officially over and I was starting to feel like myself again. Nathan was home sick on Friday and I was trying to get stuff done around the house. For whatever reason (wink wink, nudge nudge), he checked our bank account. OUR MONEY WAS BACK. Just two days before the bank had said it was going to take 45 DAYS and it was BACK. And no, we were not misinformed, they didn't mess up, this was GOD. And we knew why. I gave all I had and He gave back and guess what?! We were able give again! We were able to give our sacrificial gift yesterday that was not even possible two days before. And HE WILL GIVE AGAIN. It may not be to us, I hope it's to our kids! But He will give!

AMAZING.



Miracle#2

Cale.

I haven't put all of this out here yet to you all what's been going on with Cale, because it's just been a lot and we didn't really know what "it" was yet.

But now... Well, as Pastor Terrell shared with us yesterday,
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for ALL to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:16

We have had some concerns about Cale for quite some time and have been working with his pediatrician to put a finger on those concerns. Then, after his speech evaluation and visit to the pediatric neurologist, things drastically sped up and it was time to seek a diagnosis. Due to his social anxiety issues, sensory issues, behavior outbursts, etc., we are now on a wait-list to be assessed by the CDC at Vandy for a PDD/autism dx.


HOWEVER, after three years of being an already wonderfully-made Cale, he has become a NEW child in the last two weeks. His speech/language has changed dramatically- he told us a story for the first time EVER! He has been engaging with other children very well and enjoying it(!) at birthday parties, church, playdates instead of sitting by himself or acting out. After five months in the same class, he has finally been participating in Sunday School and colored/made a craft for the last TWO weeks! Even though his issues weren't THAT extreme, this is a huge difference from just a few weeks ago!


And trust me, this was not a phase. The child has been the same sweet babe God made since birth, he has had these tendencies his whole life. But there have been people praying and praying HARD for the last few weeks. This is a miracle.


Now, that might be the end of the story, but I'm just not sure. I fasted for two and half days. God just might have half a miracle left in Him. I happen to think He does and I actually believe I already know what it is :) I'll keep you updated if He reveals it!


And just FYI, for family and friends- here's the seizure/neuro update on Cale:
MRI has been scheduled for 10:15 tomorrow a.m. at Vandy. He will be sedated. Alana is going with me (you're awesome!) since that probably won't go well, and to keep me company. I'l let you know how it goes!
EEG is next Monday.

Till Summer comes around...

We are SOO ready for (consistent) warm weather, no school, and PLAYDATES!

It was nice and hot last week for a few days while we were out of school, although the reason for being out of school is devastating. It means our city is destroyed. But since we were, we made the most of it and got out of the house for the first time in DAYS.

The kids were so excited to 1) be out of the house 2) for it to be sunny and 85 degrees outside and 3) to have a playdate with our favorite family. Trifecta!

They had the best time (so did the mommies!). All 8 of them were the most well-behaved, easy children! It is so BEYOND evident that God brought our familes together in so many different ways and it's just plain fun to watch them bond on their own. We'll be doing this a lot! :)





Brynn is attached to Addy! They STAYED hand-in-hand almost the whole time.

Cutie Patooties- Tanner and Layla

The whole gang!
Tanner, Taylor, Zeke, Wesley, Layla, Brynn, Addy, & Cale