Day One Hundred Nine

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Colossians 3:2

Ryan had a pretty good day today.  He was real excited about a field trip tomorrow, and I believe Mirjan will accompany him.  He wanted to go to bed early, so tomorrow will come quicker. :)  He came home today and was singing a new song that he learned in school: 

"Since Jesus Christ came in,
And cleansed my heart from sin.
I'm inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time."

I've missed his excitement of him learning new things at school and then sharing them with the family.  

He still had a problem with eating dinner, but he did like the salad with vinegar dressing.  He said it was his new favorite food.   In the evening, he got a little moody again, so I'm trying to be firm while understanding that food and chemo are affecting his behavior.  We have given him a lot of leeway, but he must understand that certain behavior is not acceptable.  Then his mood kicks it up another notch.  Disciplining him and letting him know that I love him at the same time isn't easy.  I think as long as he sees consistency with the discipline and that the love is always there, it will all work out.  I could use a little help, Lord.   Before this, he hardly ever had a problem with kindness and respect, hardly ever threw a fit (unless a toy was involved), and was always sweet towards everyone.  We are now on the mood roller coaster, and I feel bad that he probably doesn't understand why he feels like he does at times, and as a result, acts out.  

Emma was a happy little girl tonight, like always.   When things start getting loud, she gets happier and happier...and then contributes to the loudness.  She loves chasing her brother and sister around the house.  She loves kissing everyone, and there's nothing better than a kiss from your baby girl.  Such a blessing!

Davianna talked to Abby on the phone tonight.  Little girl phone conversations are very interesting to say the least.  Later, we read an "I Spy" book, which is always fun.  After I left her room, she came out and said she had a "head-ick."  I asked what that was and she said, "You know. When you head hurts."  I told her if she can't pronounce it, she doesn't have it.  :)  I told her to come down, and I'll give her some magic for her headick, uh, headache.  I told her to close her eyes, visualize the ocean, hear the sound of waves, hear the birds, see herself relaxing on the beach, etc.  I told her to open her mouth and eat the magic ocean beans (ocean beans??), and they will cure her headache.  She did and was walking back to her room, and said, "Thanks for the jellybeans, Dad."  She went to bed and was fine.  Wow, that really worked??  I should market the "magic ocean beans."

Father, thank you for blessing Ryan with another healthy day.  Thank you for the time with the kids and my beautiful wife this evening.  I ask that you fill Ryan with your love and comfort him.  Guide me with the appropriate discipline and expressions of love as his body reacts to the many changes introduced by the treatment.  Please keep his immune system strong, give him confidence, and continue to heal his little body.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.