"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Happy Birthday, Mirjan!! I love you!!
We slept a little late today, so we made it to the late service. However, before we headed to church, the kids gave Mirjan their cards and gifts. They were probably more excited than Mirjan! The kids and I picked up a little bit before we left, because there was a surprise coming later in the day.
After church, Mirjan was getting ready to take Emma a nap, and the doorbell rang. It was Pops and Mama Elise with a huge bouquet of flowers. Mirjan was speechless. Surprise! They were driving across country and timed it perfectly! So, we spent the day with them...and their little dog. They took us out to dinner to celebrate Mirjan's 35th or 38th or 22nd or something birthday. Will and Marielk stopped by the restaurant and brought Mirjan some flowers and a gift. That was so nice of them, and Mirjan was really happy.
The evening was relaxing, but definitely not quiet. It's never quiet at our house, and I'm thankful.
Here are some pictures from the day:
It seemed like a short day, but fun. I'm glad that we were able to spend time with them today, and it looks like we will spend a week with them in August too! It was a good day.
Father, thank you for the blessing of love and family. Thank you for the blessing of a wonderful wife and a day to celebrate her. I ask that you be with Pops and Elise and let them have safe travels. Please continue to strengthen Ryan's body and keep him healthy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Happy Birthday, Ryan! What a wonderful, blessed day! He was beaming all day long. I put balloons around the house last night, and he was happy this morning when he woke up. He followed me in the kitchen, and he said, "You know that I wanted the GI Joe pack for my birthday?" I said, "Like that one on the table?" His reaction was priceless.
I love you, son! I heard one of your favorite songs a couple of times today, and I thought of you. Especially, during the chorus: "Be strong in the Lord, and never give up hope! You're going to do great things. I already know. God's got His hand on you. "
Mirjan made the little gift sacks late last night, ordered the cake a couple of days ago, and coordinated the party at Pump It Up. Today, Elissa's mom called her and said they were back at the children's hosptial here for their son's surgery, so Mirjan and Melinda went up there and prayed with them for about two hours straight. God bless their family. They were in Houston yesterday for her treatment and up here today for their son's treatment. It looks like they will go back to Houston and be there for quite a while. As a result, things were a little behind this afternoon, so Peggy picked up the cake, and the kids spent time with Genevieve and her boys. It was a blessing that they could help out at the last minute.
When I got the party, there were kids running, jumping, and sliding everywhere. I know that people changed their plans to celebrate Ryan's birthday with him, and I am truly grateful. This really was a special day for him. We might have gone a little overboard, but why not? This was a really special day for Mirjan and I too.
Afterward, Ryan was really worn out, so when we got home, we started getting ready for bed. Marielk came by and brought Ryan a present, which was really nice of her. We were glad to see her.
Father, thank you for blessing us with such a wonderful day. Thank you for the generosity and love from so many families. They really helped make this a wonderful day for Ryan, and I am grateful. Thank you for the joy in Ryan's heart today! I ask that you comfort his mind for tomorrow's treatment, and let it be safe and effective. I am thankful beyond words that we are at this point, and I pray that you continue to heal my little boy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34
I love you, Davianna! I'm glad that you had a wonderful day!
We watched a video last night that I made when she was born. It was about 30 minutes long and had about 1000 pictures and a couple of video clips. Ryan was watching it and was fascinated with all the "stuff" on her body. He asked me what it was, and I told him that his mother had eaten a lot of beans that day and since Davianna came out of his mother's tummy, she got some of those beans on her body. :) Davianna was fascinated with the video.
We didn't really know what to expect from Ryan's visit today, with the exception that he would get vincristine. It was crowded in that room with the whole family. Ryan was playing xbox, Davianna was blowing bubbles everywhere, and Emma was just making a lot of noise. The doctor performed a physical examination of Ryan and then talked to us for about 15 minutes. He prescribed several more medicines for the side affects of the chemotherapy. I can't remember the names, but they are written down in the folder. One will have to be taken 3 times a week for the next year.
After that, the nurse came in and accessed Ryan's port (which I have on video now), and then quickly took his blood and gave his medicine. We received the CBC results about 10 minutes later, and thank God, everything was in the normal range. She said there was no reason for Ryan to stay inside for the next week. Mirjan just loved that answer, as I have already started questioning where he goes daily and prompting Mirjan not to go out with him. We'll continue to watch that closely and make the right decisions.
When we were finished with that, we got a surprise. The nurses came by and sang happy birthday to Davianna. They brought her some toys too! That's just another example of how much they listen and care for the kids that walk through their doors.
Davianna was smiling all afternoon. The kids then went to the art and play room for a couple of minutes. Davianna was putting an IV in a play doll and taking her temperature. She definitely showed her caring and take charge personality. We left and since it was a special day, the kids really wanted to go out for an early dinner (or for cake). They kept asking which restaurant had chocolate cake. I was concerned that Ryan wouldn't eat and would be sleepy, but he was determined to go somewhere. So, we went to Chili's and the kids ate all of my ribs and then had chocolate cake. If I had a timer, I'd be willing to bet that the cake and ice cream (that was supposed to be shared among all of us) was gone within 3 minutes. It was unbelievable. Next time I will video the disappearing cake act.
Davianna and I ran some errands after we all got home and had a good time together. The nightly routine started later than usual, as I was replacing the dish tv box and had to reconfigure everything, make the remotes work again, make the tv upstairs work with it again, etc. Ryan went to be quickly...I think I'll sleep with him tonight. Davianna wanted to read some books, so we did. Mirjan took care of Emma again. It was a good night. Afterwards, Mirjan and I watched Flywheel (and she didn't fall asleep). This was a really good movie...made on a 20K budget. If you haven't seen it, that needs to be on your list to watch.
Father, I thank you with all of my heart for my baby girl, Davianna. Thank you for such a loving girl. Thank you for our reading time each night. Thank you for her beautiful smile and kind heart. Thank you for her funny laughs, the way she rolls her eyes, and her crazy dancing. Please guide her, protect her, keep her safe, and let her feel your love and the love of her parents every day. Father, I also thank you for a good day for Ryan. I thank you that everything went well, and that he was in good spirits. I ask that you keep him healthy, that the side affects are minimized, and that you continue to heal him. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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