"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.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Ryan loves "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman, so here it is:
We had a good day today. We made it to the early service early. Yep, we were there before it started! Pastor is out of town, and Mike did a great job picking up on the deployment series.
We had an easy and relaxing day today. I wanted to go do something with the family, but I think everyone just wanted to have a slow day. Ryan was in a pretty good mood most of the day, with a small exception during dinner time. He wasn't real happy about eating tonight. After we got through that, Davianna, Ryan, and I went to Target to get a couple of groceries that were on sale. They both got an icee and were instantly in an awesome mood. Ryan ate some yogurt when we got home, so we know he was hungry. He just didn't want what he was served for dinner.
I worked a little bit on a video this afternoon, Ryan was playing with his toys, Emma was in everybody's face, Mirjan was working on baby shower stuff, and Davianna snuck in a nap. At some point I heard Davianna and Emma laughing loud, so I had to see what they were doing. This is what I found:
Davianna was giving her rides around the house. Emma was loving it, but I had Davianna put her down. We don't need another little person hurt, and Emma wasn't real interested in holding on tight.
Mirjan put Emma to sleep early tonight, so the noise in the house reduced to about airplane level. The kids helped Mirjan with some of the baby shower stuff and their conversation was entertaining. Mirjan is really good with the kids and craft activities. She knows how to invoke their creativity and encourages them very well.
Father, thank you for a restful day with the family. Thank you for blessing Ryan with another healthy day and one full of energy. I ask that you comfort his mind, strengthen his body, and keep him healthy. I am so grateful for every moment with the kids and Mirjan and feel so blessed. Please guide us through this week in every situation, conversation, and thought. Guide us to use our gifts. 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.
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." Matthew 5:13
"A little bit of salt can change something. It can enhance the flavor. And just as salt makes a difference, one Christian in a dark situation also can make a difference. Salt stimulates thirst as well. Christians who are living their lives the way they ought to will stimulate in others a thirst for Jesus Christ.
Salt is valuable. Salt makes a difference. Salt stimulates thirst. So be a salty Christian. Be a representative of Jesus Christ in this culture. " PowerPoint
That made me think.
Well, mistakes are made, and I made one yesterday. In one of the pictures where Evan Bourne is signing an autograph for Ryan, there was someone in the background with a very inappropriate shirt. Inappropriate because it listed quite a few very obscene words one after the other. Anyway, someone (who might be an english teacher) was kind enough to point that out, and I removed it. At first I thought she was talking about Eva Torres and I couldn't remove that picture! :) For those who saw it, I apologize. For those who didn't, be glad. I will pay closer attention to the pictures in the future.
Ryan was sound asleep when I got home. So was Emma. Davianna was awake but in her own little world, taking after her mother. I woke up Emma when I went to my room, and in turn, she woke up Ryan. Boy, he was moody tonight. We're on the home stretch, son. Hang in there.
Mirjan cooked another wonderful meal. She started the meal yesterday afternoon and had to stop so we wouldn't be late for the wrestling matches. It was good as new. After dinner, Mirjan and Davianna did hair stuff. Ryan, Emma, and I went outside for a while. Sometime, Ryan ended up in the bath and Emma and I played. Then the lessons of WWE began. I really think Emma understood the wrestling last night. When I was on the floor, she body slammed me. Then she started jumping on me. Then Ryan came running and screaming and did some type of slam on me knocking both Emma and myself over. Emma started laughing like a hyena. Good stuff! I read Ryan a book, he got moody, and so we had a good discussion. He has to understand that the boundaries can't be crossed in regards to love and respect in the family. It's hard to discipline him, but we have to be consistent or it will be chaos. Later, he came and hugged everyone goodnight, gave everyone a kiss, and was in a good mood. Rollercoaster. I'm not sure whether it was our discussion or the jug of milk he drank. I'm putting my money on the milk, but hope that he heard some of the discussion. I read a book to Davianna and then to Emma and said my goodnights. Sweet kids....such blessings.
The song, "My Favorite Things," from the "Sound of Music" popped into my head today. Then a snowball of songs from Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, etc. came afterward. Why? I don't know. Maybe I'm weird. Maybe I took one of Mirjan's woman vitamins by mistake. Maybe it's my mother's fault for making me watch them. I just hope nobody heard me singing or humming them today.
Anyway, my thoughts turned to Ryan, which happens all the time now, and while I was driving home, I started thinking about his least favorite things on this journey. These are things that he has commented about or have just been very obvious since he started treatment. So, I just replaced the original lyrics with mine and a masterpiece was created.
If you need a reminder of the original song, then shame on you. :) However, here is one courtesy of youtube.
My Least Favorite Things by David (based on Ryan's experience)
Trips to the doctor and big scary needles
Elevator music by a group called the beatles
Flushing my port, man, that really stings
These are a few of my least favorite things
Losing weight and losing my hair
Constantly pulling up baggy underwear
I'm going crazy with all these mood swings
These are a few of my least favorite things
Getting the chemo and then getting sick
Not being in school with all of the chicks
Feeling like a martian among earthlings
These are a few of my least favorite things
When I'm tickled
When I'm held tight
When I'm playing ball
I simply forget my least favorite things
And then it's not bad at all
Good day! Thank you, Lord.
Father, thank you for your blessings daily. Each day with Mirjan and the kids is special, and I am grateful. I ask that you help me be a representative of Jesus Christ in this culture and stimulate a thirst in others. Guide me with this request. Father, please continue to strengthen Ryan's body, let him feel your love and calm his behavior, and please heal my little boy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"While I worked, I listened to a talk show on Christian radio. "I feel like I'm not doing anything for God!" moaned one mom who called in. "I'm just stuck here at home with four kids, wiping noses and doing laundry. Nothing I am doing is making a difference for God."
I nearly fell off the stepladder! How could this dear woman think that being a mom was not making a difference for God? Mothers make a Kingdom difference, every day. At first glance, wiping noses, doing laundry and even painting a bathroom are tasks that may not seem to make a huge difference, compared to the work of a missionary or a minister. Do not be deceived! Every mom has a mission field, a ministry platform, and multiple outreach opportunities.
-- Moms have a mission field. Where do people get the idea that missions is a glamorous job? My friend Mary just completed her first year of serving as a missionary teacher to Palestinian children in Jerusalem. She went overseas to wipe noses and dry tears, something that moms do every day. Mary says, "Your mission field is the next lost person you see." That little person asking for juice or needing a diaper change is your mission field.
-- Moms have a ministry platform. Candidates want the votes of the soccer moms. Most books are written to a female audience. Advertising caters to women. Moms have a platform, and the world has noticed. Just like a pastor who takes on the challenges of the pulpit every Sunday, mothers take on the challenges of the breakfast table, the carpool, and the PTA. Are you speaking with wisdom? Is faithful instruction on your tongue? Because you are the mom, you have your children's attention. Because you are a mom, you have a voice that needs to be heard.
-- Moms have multiple outreach opportunities. Birthday parties. School field trips. Team sports. Church activities. Do you see the potential for building relationships? Your house serves as a mission outpost for every friend your child brings home. Your kitchen table can serve up love from a heart that genuinely cares for others. Your desk at work can radiate God's love with a framed verse of Scripture, a dish of candy to share, and your own big smile. Even your car can serve the Lord. When it is your turn to carpool, be sure your car is clean and comfortable, and play Christian music to create an atmosphere that both kids and adults will immediately recognize as different.
How can we look at our daily lives as being anything less than missional? Are you viewing the role of motherhood from the right perspective? Missionaries make their mark on a culture by living among and working with the people. They make a difference by their love. In the same way, even a pastor cannot make a difference unless his congregation has seen his life, and his actions have proven him to be real. Perhaps your attitude could use some spring cleaning. Get rid of the clutter of wrong thinking. You are Christ's hands and feet. You are making a difference because you are investing your life, your love, and your gifts in the eternal souls of the children around you. You are right where you are supposed to be, Mom. Wake up to your mission field!" Live It
When Mirjan was taking Ryan to school, this song came on and Ryan started singing. Amen, brother!
When I got home, everything was quiet....too quiet. I found Ryan and Davianna playing together and enjoying one another. Then they wanted to take a bath. Hmmm....what is wrong here? Then they ate their dinner. Alarm bells going off. I'm not sure what happened today, but I like it. Mirjan must have put the hammer down today...or just a lot of love.
Mirjan said Emma ate like a hog today, which is a good thing because she didn't eat much last week. I think she had a mild stomach virus, but she is definitely over it now. On that lovely note, I'll add another...her potty training is off and on, but her comprehension of her situation is getting better. If she doesn't let us know beforehand, she'll spank her rear and say, "Caca!" As if by that time, we all couldn't tell by the wonderful aroma.
We had a wonderful dinner that was provided by Kendra and Bob. They called and said that they left some brisket in the refrigerator at church for us, so Mirjan quickly picked it up. We didn't have too much of a problem getting the kids to eat tonight. :) It was great! They are such loving and kind people, and we are thankful that they thought of us.
After dinner, the kids started watching a movie together. I think "Polar Express" was the best movie investment that I have made. I guess they are ready for Christmas already, and so am I. It will be a great one this year, as we have so much to be thankful for. I think Santa is going to be very good to the kids this year...as long as Santa's helper approves.
Mirjan ran to the store this evening, and as the kids watched the movie, Emma and I played around. She loves flipping through pictures on the phone. Every picture that she sees, she'll yell the person's name and then blow them a kiss. She was more than ready for bed, and she kept putting her head on me. What a good feeling. Then Mirjan came home, and Emma turned into a tornado again.
Davianna received another package in the mail from Supersibs! It was a pillow case with the words, "Strength, Courage, Hope, Dream" on it. There was also a nice little poem as well. We'll get it washed, so she can put it on her pillow tomorrow. I'm consistently amazed at the love and caring of so many organizations. They truly are a blessing.
As I was putting the kids to bed, I received a work call, so the bed time routine was expedited. I was on fire in "I Spy"...I was winning 4-0, but when I got off the phone, Davianna found 5 in a row. Oh, well, I'll get her tomorrow night.
Father, thank you for blessing us with a wonderful day and a healthy one for Ryan. Thank you for the love displayed between Davianna and Ryan, and I ask that you continue to strengthen that bond. Father, be with us this week and help us continue to grow closer and enjoy the wonderful, little things of life that you continuously bless us with. I ask that you continue to heal my little boy. In Jesus' name I pray. amen.
"Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
(Does that not also remind you of a Mother's love? Happy Mother's Day!)
What a day! We woke up and there were Mother's Day balloons all over the house. There were cards from everyone on the table, flowers on the counter, a little cake, and a gift too! Davianna was determined that her mommy should have breakfast in bed, so she made her a bowl of fruit loops and a glass of water and brought it to her on a tray. Next year I might assist her in making some "designer" pancakes and enjoy watching Mirjan eat those. :) Ryan brought the cards and gift up, and Mirjan started the day off right!
Ryan had a good day even though he lost the battle of what he was going to wear to church. We went to the early service and actually got there in time to sing some songs. The kids went to rock time and then to Sunday School, and they made little crosses. Davianna said the teacher was going to eliminate them, but we finally figured out that she was going to laminate them. :)
After church, we had lunch at home and then headed out on a special trip. The kids didn't know where we were going, and they tried to guess. It took a while to get there, but we finally made it to the strawberry patch to pick some berries. The kids got their boxes and headed out into the fields. Emma's dress was covered in strawberries after 2 minutes. Davianna just jumped in there and started picking, while Ryan made me his designated picker. We picked strawberries for about 25 minutes and then headed in. We paid for them and then got some homemade ice cream. We were lucky that the rain held off while we were picking, but it started up as we were finishing the ice cream. So, we decided to skip some of the kids activities since we didn't want the kids in the cold rain....especially Ryan. I told the kids that their old dad had taught them yet another skill that they could fall back on if dad can't afford their college. :) On our way home, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant (the same one that we stopped by on the way to our Alpha church retreat) and had dinner. Mirjan received a beautiful rose for being a beautiful mother.
We finally made it home around 6:30 and the kids ate some strawberries. Davianna and Mirjan ate some of Mirjan's cake, which was a little damaged because the tornado (Emma) likes to pull things off the counter. Luckily, it was still in the container. They loved it! Mirjan also received a fruit basket from her sister...it was HUGE!
Mirjan had all of the kids in the tub, and when I walked in there were lots of smiles and laughter. Ryan got some computer time this evening and Davianna had her nails painted. Emma was all over the place...smiling and giggling. Good stuff. Ryan called me in his room after he was in bed and asked if tomorrow could be "guy's day." I told him that I have to work, and he has to go to school. So, he asked if I could come home early. Got to love that.
A Mother's Prayer on Mother's Day
Father, thank you for the blessings of a wonderful mother and the blessing of marrying a wonderful person who is a beautiful, loving mother. Thank you for blessing us with a day of love. The love of a little girl who made breakfast for her mommy, the love of a little boy who was excited for his mother, and the love of a toddler who just loves her mommy all of the time. Thank you for the time we were able to spend together today as a family enjoying one another. Father, I ask that you continue to guide us along this journey, comfort and strengthen Ryan, let him know that you are walking with him, and continue to heal his little body. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are." Casting Crowns
Ryan had a rough day today with his mood. This has got to get better, so I'm praying that he feels peace, comfort, and love. I'm sure that it's related to food, but he is just not hungry....at all...at any time. He started calming down during bath time, but he did cause me to turn my head and suppress a laugh. He was arguing with his sister and it was escalating, so I stopped it (rather sternly) and started talking about family and the expectation that we show love for one another...always...period. As I was going into my "daddy lecture," Ryan, in his four-year-old-sounding-like-forty said, "Oh, no! We are not going over this information again!" It's hard to have a serious talk when things like that pop out. Anyway, at least they both acknowledged that they understood. Ryan and I had a good conversation while I was putting him to bed. I think it's time for a boy's day this weekend.
Mirjan sent me this picture today. "Monkeys in a Tree" she titled it. Davianna, Ryan, Emma, Parker (Ryan's best friend), and Genevieve.
After dinner, we went out in the back yard and checked out Mirjan's garden. Her mother planted just about everything possible when she was here, and everything is growing. The beans are growing like crazy, but I'm waiting for the okra. Mirjan is determined to keep the weeds out this year. See all of those tiny little rocks? When several tons arrive in a huge pile in your driveway, they end up being heavier than you think that they ever could be. Life lesson learned...if the materials of an idea weigh over 16 tons, it's not a one person job. The 16 railroad ties weren't easy to manage by myself either. Mirjan, I did this because I love you, and I hope that you are enjoying your garden. :)
That's it. The house is quiet. Mirjan is doing laundry, so I'm finishing up to go help her.
Father, thank you for telling me I am yours and catching me when I fall. Thank you for putting things in perspective for me daily. Thank you for your grace. I ask that you fill Ryan's heart with your love and peace. I ask that you urge his body to eat and get the nutrition and balance that he needs. Father, please strengthen his body and let him not need a transfusion. Please continue to heal my little boy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights," James 1:17
CT RESULTS LOOK GREAT!
MRI RESULTS LOOK GREAT!
Ryan had a good day, and so did I! Michael, Molly, Riley, and Megan came up for dinner and birthday cake. Will and Merielk came over as well. Mirjan cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and Mama Elise made macaroni salad, beans, and cheese dip. Pops and Elise picked up an ice cream birthday cake too. We ate and then played guitar hero, which Riley was clearly the best. Will finally finished a level on the pre-beginner level. He was excited. It was a good evening, and the kids went to bed in about 2 minutes tonight.
Mirjan went to the blood and tissue center to have her blood tested. She will go back on Tuesday for a directed donor for Ryan's transfusion next week. I'm praying that he won't need it.
We are watching another John Wayne movie tonight, which is rather good. I might get hooked on these movies.
Father, thank you for the wonderful results of the scans! We are clearly seeing your work in progress, and I am grateful. Thank you for the love of our family today, and the blessing of another birthday. This has truly been a wonderful week, and the joy is all in your name. I ask that you continue to guide us along this journey, and continue to heal my little boy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
I thought the video would be appropriate when I read the verse. Ryan had a good food day. Mirjan said he ate a big breakfast and lunch. He had a bowl of rice and meat for dinner and ended up the day with a bottle of milk. I'm hoping that we go four weeks in a row of weight gain! Today was Monday, so he got his two doses of Bactrim. He doesn't like it at all, so we have to have something ready to follow it.
When I got home, Mirjan was finishing the tiles in the kitchen. So, I ate quickly and then diverted the kids from that area. It's amazing what a reward with an ipod game will do. They picked up everything off of the floor in order to play. Emma followed behind and messed everything up, of course. They have started shutting their bedroom doors because the little tornado will mess up their room. Anyway, they played some games and then we went outside for a while. Then a bath and bed. I told Davianna we could play "I Spy" as long as she wanted if she sounded out the words. She did well, and we even threw in some punctuation lessons.
Emma was hanging out with Mirjan, so when I was done and sat on the couch, she came to "talk." Before she went up, she came over to give me a kiss. Nothing is better than a lot of little kisses from your baby girl.
I'm praying that this weekend goes well, and that we can get the scans done at the same time. I would love to be sitting in church on Sunday right now knowing that the scans are clean and Ryan has made it through another big treatment.
For Ryan's benefit when he is reading this when he is 25, Duke is playing Butler for the NCAA Basketball Championship tonight.
Father, thank you for blessing Ryan with another good day! Thank you for the kisses of daughters. I'm grateful for our family and the many blessing that you provide daily. Thank you for the love of our extended family and friends, and the constant offers of assistance. Father, I ask that you give Ryan strength for this weekend, smiles throughout this journey, and continue to heal his little body. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Father, thank you for your love and the love in our family! These are blessings that make me truly grateful.
Ryan had a good day today. Mirjan took him by his school, and everyone was glad to see him. He told them about his day trip to the safari and talked about the HUGE longhorn that almost dented our car.
He filled his tummy with sausage today; it seems like he can never get enough of that. I'm glad that he has been eating well this week. As a result, he was in a good mood throughout the day.
When I got home the kids were just getting home with their friends, and they went to jump on the trampoline. It was a short visit, but they had a blast. Emma just walked around and enjoyed being outside.
Ryan and I looked at the states tonight, and he learned "blah blah Nevada" and "why why Wyoming." He still likes "I don't know Idaho" the best, so I'll have to be as creative as we keep moving east. He then wanted me to tell him stories when I was a little kid, so I did.
Okay....Mirjan keeps giving me a hard time about an ipod game. She thinks that she is so much better than me, so I am about to go teach her a lesson.
Not much exciting happened today....just a good day with the family full of happiness and love.
Father, thank you for blessing us with a wonderful day! Thank you for the love and kindness shared with Ryan at his school. I ask that you touch Davianna's heart and let her know that she is loved completely by you and both Mirjan and I. Let us make sure that she receives the attention and care that she deserves and needs during this journey. I ask that you continue to hold Ryan in your hands, give him confidence and strength, and continue to heal his little body. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~Author Unknown
Today, we took it easy. Ryan was tired and had a little temperature, so he took a nap and we watched him closely. If he gets a fever that reaches 101.5, that means we go to the emergency room.
All of the women went out for a late lunch and then over to Uncle Will's house. Ryan and I chilled, did some shrinky dinks, watched basketball and cartoons, and had guy talk (that's like 10 words every 10 minutes).
(The picture is Ryan and Udi from the other day.)
15 days. That is how long it took from the first chemotherapy treatment to when hair freely starts to fall. I'm glad that we got his mohawk yesterday and that he had a really good day. He was sitting with me today, rubbed his head, and and said, "Here, Daddy. Take some of my hair." His hand was full of hair. We watched a little basketball, and he saw all the 'bolted' heads. Then the commentator talked about the coach that was diagnosed with cancer and is starting chemo. Ryan said, "Hey, he is like me." We also saw a commercial about cancer, and he said, "I have cancer like those kids." We will continue to talk openly with him and have the Life Care folks talk to him on Friday too. Ryan wants a nike hat, so I'll need to find one this week. He saw the gray nike skull cap online, and of course that is the only one that isn't available anywhere. I'll need to find him something this week, just in case he is determined about wearing a cap.
The kids like Phineas and Ferb and this is a song from one of the episodes. Ryan and I saw this today, and I can't get it out of my head. S to the I to the M to the P.
The aunties leave this week, and they will be missed. However, it was really nice that they were able to make the time to see Ryan. Mirjan has really enjoyed spending time with them. I have enjoyed annoying them. :)
Father, the time that I spent with Ryan today was priceless, and I'm grateful! Thank you for all of the blessings that you have provided! I ask that you continue to protect and heal my little boy. Amen.
As I searched for guidance I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word....When I saw "G," I thought of God followed by "U" and "I." God, U and I dance. As I let go and let God, I know that I will get guidance in my life...when I let God lead. -source unknown
It has been another regular, uneventful day, so I will ramble about miscellaneous stuff.
Today I was thinking alot about Mirjan, so I wanted to dedicate the following blog space in appreciation of her.
Mirjan's response to my cold shower: "If I take a shower and use up all of the hot water here, then you should go to the other bathroom and take a shower there."
Mirjan's question of the day, "What's so funny?" (uh, don't ask)
Tomorrow is Ryan's chemo treatment, and I'm really hoping that it goes like last week. Tonight, he looked tired and his face looked swollen. However, he has a lot of energy and everything else is normal. Ryan has been singing, "Mighty to Save" again. He just sings the chorus over and over...louder,louder, and louder each time.
Via came in today.....her flight took off, was in the air for about an hour, returned, she switched planes, and then arrived just a couple of hours later than originally scheduled. She brought lots of learning books and stuff for the kids, and they are happy that she is here. She was here less than an hour and chowed down on some good bbq.
Thank you, Lord, for another good day. I ask that you continue to heal my little boy.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. --Max Lucado
Happy Valentine's Day, Mirjan! I love you with all of my heart!
Today was another simple day. We went to the early service and pastor gave another good message. Emma had a bad case of mamitis (anxiety separation) and Mirjan spent the entire service with her in the foyer. Emma usually does good at the nursery, but not today. I think she was tired because she was asleep by the time we got home and slept for several hours.
Ryan and Davianna played with the playdoh that Aunt Kaki sent and Mirjan was reading blog pages of other children with cancer. I had to ask her to turn off the computer because it was tearing her apart. There are so many heartbreaking stories. God, please be with those families and comfort them.
We received an email from Cindy at church asking us how things were going, what did we need, when did we need it, etc. She said people are asking how they can help. She is such a nice person and the church family is so giving. God's love displayed.
I'm not sure what happened in the afternoon, because Mirjan slipped something into my food which caused me to take a nap. :) When I woke up, everyone was huddled up on the couch watching television. Emma had to have a conversation with me, so we did, and then she led me to the kitchen and was pointing to the bananas. So, I gave her one and she demolished it quickly.
The big event of the day was Shrinky Dinks. Aunt Molly sent those last week. Wow, these brought back memories. I didn't know that they still made them. Davianna and I started and then Ryan joined in. We made 5 of them and watched them bake in the oven. The instructions said don't panic if they curl up, but we panicked. However, they turned out great and the kids had fun.
Will and Merielk came by afterwards and brought the kids gifts, which was really nice of them. I think Ryan can now open a bakugan store. I might teach him about ebay in the next several weeks.
Father, I thank you for another simple, good day spent with the family. I thank you for blessing me with a wonderful, beautiful, caring, funny, goofy, sweet wife. I'm truly thankful for her every day. Thank you for blessing us a good weekend for Davianna, as she really felt special. Thank you for Ryan's good health and energy this weekend. I thank you for your love that has been displayed through many people, and it continues each day. We are amazed, thankful, and feel so blessed. I ask that you comfort all of the families that are dealing with cancer in their families. The stories and videos that we saw were painful, and I know that they need you with them. I ask that you keep Ryan healthy, minimize the side affects of the medicines, and give our family strength to support him and each other. 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.
We showed up at the doctor's office at 12:30 and didn't wait long before seeing the doctor. He said that he wasn't sure what it was, but it wasn't good. He wanted to schedule surgery for tomorrow. He said that they would perform a biopsy while Ryan was still under and then determine the next steps. I asked him what he thought it was, and he said if he was going to Vegas he would bet on rhabdomyosarcoma. Our hearts sank, and I could see all color leave Mirjan.
The surgery was scheduled for tomorrow at 12:00pm. As we left, Ryan wanted to go with me. He asked if I had any meetings in the afternoon, and if not, could he be with me. I let him come with me and didn't go back to work for the afternoon.
Mirjan stopped by the church on the way home and the staff prayed with her. I played soccer with Ryan, and our neighbor came over and talked with us.
The afternoon was full of emotions, calls for help to watch the other children tomorrow, etc. I was amazed at the love displayed. My mother said she would come up and watch the kids tomorrow. Her calendar is full three months out, but it wasn't a problem. My older brother was on the phone all afternoon checking doctors and said he would be at the hospital with us tomorrow. He brought Ryan toys which made him feel special. My younger brother offered to be here. Mirjan's mom wanted to get on a plane that day and come down. Elise offered to get on a plane that day to come and help. Everyone opened their hearts and offered their time, prayers, etc., immediately.....God's love displayed.
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