Happy Birthday Abby!

Abby celebrated her 4th birthday one week ago today. She had a party at the Mickey Mouse pool last Saturday and loved every minute of it. We have been talking about that party for months and the thought of it got us through some rough times-IV sticks, fasting, etc. For a while, when nurses or doctors would ask her when her birthday was, she would say "Mickey Mouse!" I couldn't hardly believe it when the day of the party actually got here-we had spent so much time talking about it. I think it was just how she pictured it!

On her actual birthday, we got her a tiny cake and a few presents and spent the evening with just our family-me, Jason, Abby, and Lyla. She thought she was having another birthday!

We also went camping last week with Jason's mom. Abby and Lyla both had a great time. Abby told me about 10 times that she loved camping!

Please continue to pray for us all. It will be October and MRI time before we know it.

Recent Trip to St. Jude

I Iam sorry it has been so long since my last post. When we found out that the tumor had not grown we were so relieved and felt like things could really get back to normal around our house. We have been trying to get back on some kind of schedule and be normal again.

Our trip went very well. We took Lyla with us this time and it worked out really well. She was a good distraction for Abby and they both seemed to do better having each other. Abby was very brave during all of her procedures. She still doesn't like having to get an IV but she was the most calm she has ever been this time. After her MRI she told me that she loves having pictures taken of her head! She also said she loved our hotel (Grizzlies House). It was nice to hear her say that-I guess this all will become normal for us. When Dr. Armstrong called and told us the tumor hadn't grown, we were ecstatic! We went to eat at a fancy restaurant to celebrate! We also took the girls on the trolley which they loved!

The next day she had her EEG and did wonderful during that! Then we got to come home. Overall, a very good trip. Oh yeah, she got to sit on Santa's lap and make a superhero cape while we were there! They always have fun activities for them!

We appreciate everyone for the prayers and love they have shown to us. Please continue to pray for Abby that the tumor will never grow!

"And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Deuteronomy 31:8

Some Good News

Morgan, Jason, Abby and Lyla are at St. Jude now. The results of the latest MRI show the tumor has not spread since the last MRI. They will not have to begin any treatment at this time and will be able to go home for three months then they will return to St. Jude for her next MRI. They will be in Memphis until tomorrow afternoon and then will be headed home. This is very good news and such an answer to prayer. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for Abby.

Busy!

We had a wonderful VBS last week. Our whole family had a good time but we were exhausted by Saturday! I led the music and really enjoyed getting to work with all the kids. I even learned some new songs that I can't wait to share with the kids on Wednesday nights.

The pageant went great Saturday night! Abby looked so beautiful and did a pretty good job passing out crowns. Thank you to Pasha and Whitney and everyone else who helped make it a success. They raised a lot of money for us and we really appreciate it!

Yesterday, Abby and I had a special day. We got our hair cut, got pedicures, ate lunch, and went to see Ice Age. We had so much fun! We rarely get to spend time out together just the two of us. I think I had more fun than she did! I spent all day looking at her and listening to her just thinking-I have the most beautiful, smart, and amazing child! I am so lucky to be her momma!

We are going to Branson this weekend with my family for a mini-vacation. I am so excited! I love Silver Dollar City and Abby has only been at night at Christmas. There will probably be some rides that she shouldn't ride but I think she is going to love it!

We leave Monday to return to St. Jude. This time we are taking Lyla with us. We have appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday and another MRI. I figure we will be there til Thursday though b/c they always slip in extra appts. We are hopeful that the tumor has not grown so we won't have to start chemo but we have noticed some changes in her in the past few weeks so I won't be surprised if it has grown some. I am pretty sure she had a seizure earlier in the week and she seems to be having some vision issues. St. Jude upped her seizure meds (twice) to see if it was a problem with her meds-it is just really hard to know if it is due to meds, tumor, surgery, or her age. They didn't think we needed to have the MRI this week though so we are going to enjoy the rest of the week and our trip to Branson and worry about all this next week! Please pray for us though. As the MRI gets closer we get more anxious. And pray for Abby-she is very anxious about having to have another IV and getting blood drawn. She asks about it every day, multiple times a day. She doesn't mind the MRI-just the IV. So pray for our whole family!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" Psalm 55:22

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July weekend! We got to spend time with our families, eat, swim, and watch some great fireworks! Abby loved them but they scared Lyla. We have really enjoyed the nicer weather and have spent a lot of time outside.

This week is VBS at our church so we have a very busy week ahead of us. We decorated the church today and it looks great. I can't wait until it gets started tomorrow night!

Don't forget about the pageant Saturday night!

Abby's Army Benefit Pageant

I just wanted to let everyone know that there will be a benefit beauty pageant for Abby at UACCB on Saturday, July 11th. It will be in Independence Hall and will start at 5:15. Entry forms must be received by July 6th (Monday). It is for ages birth to 18 years so if you or anyone you know would like to enter call Pasha Alexander at 870-307-8284.

Abby is very excited about the pageant. She will be presenting the crowns to the winners (if she doesn't chicken out). I told her she would be a princess for the night and would get to make other little girls princesses too!

Week In Review

We spent the week trying to stay cool and have fun. I am trying to get our household back on a routine. Lyla is having separation anxiety so I have spent a lot of time reassuring her that I will not stay in the shower all day!

Abby is doing great. She talks non-stop and run around like crazy! She loves playing in the sprinkler outside-she would stay outside all day if we would let her!

I wanted to let you all know that I resigned from my job this week. I want all of my co-workers and speech families to know that I will miss you all but I plan to keep in touch. I really enjoyed my job and plan on going back to it some day. I just really feel that my place for now is at home with my family. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring for us and I want to enjoy every minute I can with my girls. One thing I have learned through this trial is to take life one day at a time. Enjoy the day, enjoy your life.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" Matthew 6:34