Beautiful Sunday

Today was such a beautiful day and the kids played out almost all day long. It was so nice to see them swing on our rope swing and ride on the hammock and sing and sing and sing. That is one of their favorite things to do. I know that it will get cold again, but I sure am enjoying all this nice weather. 

We have strep here so we have had to avoid seeing Joey and his family which is sad cause it is just so nice outside. Bethany was begging me to take her over to play on Joshua's swing, but I just couldn't risk it even though she is not sick and is actually on an antibiotic for a sinus infection. We will just wait a few days before visiting anyone. 

I took a few of the kids to the mall to pick up some dinner on Saturday and Bethany wanted Chinese so we stopped at China Max. The guy there saw Piper and asked if she was Chinese and I said yes and that she had been here for one year. He asked if she spoke Chinese and I tried to get her to say something, but she acted pretty clueless as to what I wanted her to do. Then she did something rather funny. I asked her if she could say hi in Chinese and then she actually said, "Hi in Chinese". She just didn't get I wanted her to speak in Chinese. I think they are losing most of their language and I am looking for a place for them to go and practice speaking in Chinese. I think I have found a place. I do want them to keep their language. 

They played out until it was dark and ate their dinner on the front porch. Bella just didn't want to come in. She was still riding the scooter as it got dark and I had to make her come in to get ready for bed. How she loves to play outside. 

Visiting

Bethany and I stopped by Joey's this afternoon. He pushed her on the swing and we visited outside for a little while. He had slept most of the day as he was so sick last night. But, he looked pretty good this afternoon and said he felt better. Two more weeks until his next MRI to check on the shadow they saw. Waiting is hard. 

The kids were outside playing and it was nice to see them running around. I am really enjoying the weather, though it is not as warm as I would like. I do think tomorrow is suppose to have a high of 71 degrees. 

Joshua and Madelyn played in the sandbox most of the time we were there. They have such a nice yard for the kids to play in - so big with lots of trees and paths to the woods. 

Valentine's Day Tea

I had told the kids that we would have a small tea today to celebrate Valentine's Day so we planned our day around the tea. I mainly bought cookies and some cupcakes and a little candy. I decided at the last minute to get one of their favorite things - chicken strips. It doesn't take much for the kids to have fun so I didn't really worry about what we got. Oh, and I got apple juice to replace the tea. 

We invited Reagan and Asher and Joshua and Madelyn. Sadly, Joshua and Madelyn couldn't come as Caroline and Bethany had colds and Joey just finished his chemo. He gets almost everything he is exposed to and they are trying to keep him as healthy as possible. He feels bad enough as it is and  he definitely doesn't  need to pick up some cold or bug. 

So, we had a small tea and the kids really enjoyed themselves. Meredith and I sat in the family room and listened to them laughing and talking and I was thinking what a blessing they all are. It was a nice day. 

Each one of them picked the tea cup that they liked best and used that one. They had fun picking out their favorite and not one cup was broken.

Luke visited while his dad played the piano at a retirement home. He wasn't very interested in tea so he mainly slept. And no Michael, I didn't let Bethany or Caroline get near him -- they couldn't even come in the room he was in. 

Then the kids went out and played a little while before it got dark. I am loving the fact that it is warm enough for them to play out most days. 

Then after everybody was back inside and getting ready for bed, I took some cupcakes and cookies over to Joshua and Madelyn. They were just going to bed, but their mom let them get up and have a cupcake and I was so happy she let them cause I felt bad they missed the tea. Once spring and summer come, I think we will see more of them.

A Computer Again

Finally got my computer back and set up. It took awhile to get everything loaded and up and running again. I am so happy to finally be able to take pictures and put them on my computer. 

Took this picture today after church. The three older ones - Bethany, Tess and Piper play together all the time. It is great. This time last year I was wondering if it would ever happen, but now they play constantly. It is so nice to look outside and see them having so much fun. Bella would love to keep up with them, but she usually just tags along. 

This last adoption has gone so well and with very few problems. I am grateful.

Waiting

Joey and Shannon saw the doctor today for the results on the MRI he had done on Saturday. The news was not what we wanted to hear, but not necessarily bad. One of the scans showed a shadow that was new. It was not on the two other scans they did. But, apparently, the new shadow could be new tumor growth or it could be toxins from the chemo. The tumor board will meet on Friday and discuss -  then call Shannon to tell her what they decided. It could be that he has to start a new chemo as the doctor said that the tumor could be resistant to the chemo he is using. Lots of questions, but no answers right now. They will be doing another MRI in one month to recheck the shadow. Until then we just wait, and it will be a long month. Your continued prayers would be greatly appreciated. 

I had to really grasp to find a picture for tonight. Just haven't taken many since my computer has been in the shop. 

Today

Today I kept Luke while his dad played the piano for a church and went for a dental appointment. This was actually the first time I have kept him since he was born. He is a very good natured baby. The kids loved him being here and could hardly stay away, but I kept them out of his face and that wasn't easy. I knew his dad would feel better if 6 or 7 kids were not in his face all day. 

Tomorrow Joey and Shannon go in to see the doctor to get the results from the MRI he had done on Saturday -- prayers would be appreciated. He started chemo Monday and so far is feeling pretty good. They actually went out to the park today as it was such a pretty day. Hopefully, he will continue to feel pretty good this week, but he never knows when it will really hit him.

I still don't have my computer, but realized I could just take a few pictures and try to get them on my iPad. That was difficult as my iPad is old and didn't want to load the pictures, but after about 4 attempts they loaded. So, I have a few pictures from today. 

We have tons of doctor appointments coming up and several surgeries. I am hoping to have most of this done by summer. Tess can't talk about anything but going to the beach so I guess we will have to try to get there. It is a daily conversation. I have talked to a therapist to help with the girls and their adjustment here in the US. I know what problems a lack of attachment can cause and I am trying to avoid this. They seem to be doing very well, but a few tips from an attachment therapist can't hurt. 

Hopefully, I will have my computer back this week and can get back to taking pictures and blogging more. 

Prayers For Joey

My son will be going to the hospital tomorrow to have an MRI done.  He will not find out anything though, as he always has to go back and see the doctor. That appointment will be on Wednesday the 8th of February. Please pray that the MRI goes well and that he will get good news - that the tumor has shrunk or at least is stable. He missed his last chemo treatments as he was sick, but will probably be able to start back on Monday. We really appreciate your prayers.

Still no computer. Today we heard that it will probably be close to another week and they are having a hard time recovering our data. But, they are still working on it. So another picture from the archives. This one is Andrew in 2008. Boy, he looks small.