Wow...... I hardly know where to start with this blog of mine...... I want to keep people up to speed with the going's on of the clan, but I want to do it in a God glorifying, encouraging way. So here goes, a brief or not so brief synopsis of our life as of late......
Last week was difficult for me, I was generally discouraged, mostly about Aggie and some of her behavior that is less than ideal. Nothing phenomenal, but things that make the reality of the fact that she has some disabilities; a sobering thing to face at times. I was specifically seeing some symptoms of cerebral palsy, but that isn't my call b/c i'm not a Dr. We did see that Dr. today, but more on that later. So...... I was discouraged last week. My body was tired. I was struggling with self-pity. I was sad or maybe weepy, perhaps both. All icky things. I still knew and held fast to the fact that Christ is my savior and apart from Him I am doomed, so I still have much to be thankful for, I tried to set my mind on that. Thankfully Mike was able to have the past weekend off of work and we were able to re-group. He helped me to tidy, we showed hospitality to some sweet friends, which we love doing, and had a team meeting on Sunday, which consisted of discussing some parenting issues, some budget goals, ect...... very refreshing to be on the same page. Monday rolled around and I had a fresh set of legs under me. Thank you if you prayed for me, the Lord answered. This week has been especially full, and the Lord has graced me to dance though it thus far.
Something fun we've committed our time to this week and next is swim lessons for the older children. We think it is a good investment of time and money to have some safety skills in the water. A friend(thanks Melissa) gave me the name of a women who does them at her home. So it is just my children and a friends children, 4 in all, taking lessons. On the first day, Tuesday, Mrs. Susan the instructor cut up watermelon for the children for after the lesson and they got to help her feed the rhine to the horses. They loved that! The price is so agreeable, I have the notion to heavily tip her for her good work. It is such a blessing. She is a very sweet, kind lady.
Hosea saw the urologist on Tuesday, for some man issues he's had since birth. We had been using some cream to correct the issue and it mostly worked, but at his follow-up Tuesday the Dr. realized that the cream couldn't fix all of the problem, and the little dude is going to have to have surgery soon to correct it.
Aggie saw the neurologist today. Her labs came back that were ordered at her last appointment. They indicated that her cells are a little more acidic than they should be. This is going to require further testing. The Dr. is checking for
mitochondrial diseases (there are several different ones). Let me try and explain....This might be confusing if you didn't pay attention in science class. If you remember the little cell diagram in biology class, there was the big circle in the middle of the cell, the nucleus, some ribosome's,...ect. the mitochondria was also in there, it was the little hot-dog with a zipper one, anyway it's purpose is to create energy for the cell from the food it receives. So in short they are checking to see if Aggies little hot-dog's with zippers are working properly. She will also have an EEG of her brain, mid-June, and has a referral to see a GI doctor. None of this testing is a rush since Aggie is continuing to develop and hasn't had any unusual symptoms other than her delayed developmental stuff, and lot's of smiles.
Friday physical therapy was an encouraging day for me. I have been praying fervently for Aggies legs to work properly. It is truly the cry of my heart, as I desire deeply that she would some day be able to walk. At physical therapy friday the therapist told me, "that it seems Aggies brain is finding new path ways for her to be able to use legs, there tone is looking more normal". This has been my exact prayer!!! God is amazing to look upon us in this, my heart is overwhelmed with gratefulness at this news. We serve a God who cares and hears us!
If you are lead to pray for us as we continue to press on toward the finish line please petition the Lord for Aggies continued development; generally speaking, her arms and torso are area's we are exercising more right now. Pray for her to sit-up independently. Please also pray for me. I am thankful to be encouraged right now, but am certain this flesh will fail me as some point, and I will need lifted up again. Thank you so much for walking with me though this.
This is Shiloh presenting her green (mike's favorite color) heart shaped card covered with sparkles on one side and birthday wishes on the other. She was very proud of her work.
Here Hosea is showing him his drawing of a "super hero" aka. stick man, also covered in glitter. This was the first time I could get Hosea to draw "super hero's" with out my help. He often gets frustrated, I was proud of him for trying.
This was a yummy orange dream-cicle cake. It was my first attempt, it was good, but not a home-run. 
