One Week From Today...

This time next week, we are praying that Cade's venous malformation will be gone forever! There will be minor procedures on the eye that will need to be taken care, but this will be his last major procedure... Lord-willing. It has seemed like a very long journey, and there have been many bumps in the road-more like massive speed bumps-but now we can finally see our destination..it is in sight! Thank you Jesus!!
He is scheduled for surgery next Wednesday at 8:00.. We are not sure how long the procedure will take, but we are confident that the Lord will guide each of the doctors and nurses as they operate on our precious little boy..(although he is not that little anymore) Chris and I have had many people come to us, in person, through email, through mail, and tell us they are praying for Cade. I am still amazed at how the body of Christ surrounds those who are "weary and heavy burdened." Thank you for your constant prayers!
The times we have been in the hospital with Cade, the Lord provided Chris and I with opportunities to speak into the lives of other families-who may be dealing with harsher circumstances. May He be glorified through our actions and may our words be HIS words!

Lord, we know you are the great Healer, and we know that our plans are not always yours. May you direct the paths of these doctors, may you give them steady hands and a ready mind, and the ability to remove the entire mass. We ask that Cade would not have any complications from the surgery,and that he will have a full recovery. We ask for comfort for Cade and that you would give him strength for this battle as you have for the others. Lord, give Chris and I calmness and give us your strength as well. We place Cade in your hands, and ask that you will hold ours along the way. Thank you for blessing us with a son and may everything that is said and done bring glory to you!

Small Reminders..

There are often times when I am so overwhelmed and my thoughts cloudy about what Cade has to go through in the next few weeks, that I forget God's goodness. Today I was reminded through the face of another child, one that is a year younger than Cade, who has a disease that will eventually take his life as a child. I watched as his mom walked behind him carrying his oxygen tank. I watched him as he happily walked the halls with his backpack on his shoulders, carrying his food that is fed to him through a tube.. (he cannot eat or drink or swallow), eating a sucker.. He was so joyful and full of life. These are small reminders to me that our God is bigger than any disease and any malformation, and that I am thankful that Cade just has to deal with some minor issues(when you compare it to disease). God is good. My heart is so heavy for that mom, but I know the Lord will prepare her for things to come.. This is not the first time I have been reminded of these facts, but the Lord always seems to know when I am considering having to walk over the mountain, when all along He will move the mountain if I will just let him.. Love you Jesus and thank you for small reminders!

History in the making!

Being a government teacher, I was super excited today about being a part of history.. It makes me think back to the times when African-Americans were discriminated against in regards to many things inlcuding the right to vote. Today we witnessed someone take the oath of office that many years ago would probably have been kicked out of a restaurant due to the color of his skin. Many of us don't agree with his ideologies, his plans for America, and many other things, but this was the day to put all of that aside and witness history in the making. I can just picture one of President Obama's little girls sitting at his desk in the Oval office, feet dangling in the chair as she finishes her homework. She sits behind the same desk that Lincoln sat behind when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation-a freeing of the slaves..Just picture that.. Many African-Americans have been interviewed in the past few days leading up to the inauguration and most of them have said that yes, they had dreams and goals growing up, but becoming President was never an option..until 2008! This is obviously an historic day, and even though I don't agree with President Obama, it was amazing to witness today's events. He will face many challenges in the upcoming days. I pray that the Lord will give him wisdom and direction as he leads this great nation! Thank you Lord for the privilege to live in a great country and may we be on our knees for our new President, Barack H. Obama!

School Days

Cade's favorite teacher at school took these pics and sent them to me.. He loves his pre-school and learns so much everyday. Right now they are learning their letters, although Cade already knows how to say his ABC's.. We have had to have some discussions from time to time about how it is not okay to tackle at school, only at home with mommy and daddy..and it is not okay to tackle girls whatsoever!! When I told Chris about Cade having to sit in timeout at school for tackling..(I did this about 3 times last week), he responded, "Did he use the correct form?" No, he really didn't say that, but he is a boy and doesn't seem to realize that he can't tackle at school even if he is playing. I can just imagine, a little girl playing with her doll, when all of a sudden Cade puts a Ray Lewis on her.. (a defensive player for the Baltimore Ravens). Not good! The little boy in most of the pics with Cade is his best buddy at school. His name is Christopher and he was adopted from Guatemala. I work with him mom and we get to share stories all the time.. They are both little trouble makers and Christopher has taken the brunt of many tackles.. but they love each other..
We are so thankful that Cade is in a Christian pre-school (KidConnection at CPA). He learns so much and enjoys being there! We are also thankful for his two teachers Mrs. Brenda and Ms. Sarah!

A Mericle? We will see..

As much as we have hated seeing our little one go in and out of surgery, we are very thankful that Cade's next major procedure has been scheduled. After about a 1 yr and a 1/2, trips to NYC, many CT's and MRIs, visits to offices,and advice from many doctors, we finally met with both of Cade's surgeons today to discuss how to remove the remainder of this mass in the orbit. Chris and I left the office today with a peace knowing that the surgeons have a plan for Cade and this will be removed from his eye finally!! Thank you Jesus! They are going to inject a glue-like substance (onyx) into the lesion which will make it form into somewhat of a jello substance.. Once that is complete the other surgeon will then go in and resect the lesion one piece at a time. Sounds easy, but pretty extensive.
You see, I did not mispell the word miracle. One of Cade's surgeons is Dr. Mericle, the other Dr. Mawn. We ask that you lift these wonderful doctors up in your prayers on February 4th as they operate on Cade. We are very thankful for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. (ranked #15 in the world) The Lord has answered our prayers and we give Him all the glory for what is to come.. Thank you for continued prayers for Cade. This process will not be easy for him, but the Lord has always given him strength for the battle, which is why he is our little warrior!
Soli Deo Gloria!

Important Appt. Tomorrow

After our fiasco with our appointment in NYC, Chris and I immediately called Cade's doctor here in Nashville to get the ball rolling with the remainder of Cade's surgery.. We finally have an appointment with his surgeon and neurologist tomorrow at Vanderbilt.. Thank you Lord. We are hoping to get many answers to our questions and to be able to set a date for surgery.. I still am amazed everyday at our almost 3 yr. old (can't believe that! )  and the many procedures he has gone through and the strength he has as he takes on new battles with his eye.. He is now able to recognize that he has a "boo-boo" on his eye and it makes me sad sometimes.  We had a a friend over the other night with a little baby and Cade looked at her and said, "she not have a boo-boo."  It was the sweetest thing,but also made me sad.   I am very thankful and encouraged that he is "fearfully and wonderfully made."  Chris and I have learned so much through this journey and our faith has increased ten-fold!  Thank you Lord for teaching us how to use our "trust-muscles."  We ask that your will be done in Cade's life and that we will give you all the glory!  

Please be in prayer for us tomorrow, and that the Lord will give the doctors wisdom in treating Cade.. our warrior!

Does this not speak for itself?

Okay.. How awesome is this shirt and so true isn't it? If the church would be more about people and not the building itself, what amazing things would begin to happen? The church is not the building, but the people themselves...Love the quote!!  May we be the hands and feet of Jesus!!

Recommended Reading

I have just finished reading a book by one of my favorite authors-Max Lucado.  I have always loved the way he writes. His books really challenge me in my faith and encourage me at the same time. In his latest book "Cast of Characters" he takes a look at some of the common characters found in Scripture, all of whom were human and had imperfections as we do, and shows us God's redeeming story in their lives.  Of all his books that I have read, I have enjoyed this one the most and intend to read it again.  You can also access his website to download webcasts, daily devotionals, book excerpts, etc.  I think it is called UpWords Ministry. The website is www.maxlucado.com.  

Here is an exerpt from the back of the book:

"COMMON PEOPLE....Story after story marked by scandal, stumble, and intrigue. Who are these people? They're the people of the Bible. And they're us. We find our stories in theirs. We find our hope where they find theirs. In the hands of an UNCOMMON GOD."

"In the midst of them all... hovering over them all...is the hero of it all: God. Maker. Shaper. Rescuer of sinking hearts. God. Passing out high callings, second chances, and moral compasses to all comers and takers. If God can find a place for them... He might have a place for us too." 

Sugar Bowl-Here we come!

We are ready for the Sugar Bowl tonight. I put Cade's new Bama jersey on him today that Nana and Papa got him for Christmas. It swallows him whole, but he wore it.. and I do have to say he got comments from everyone that saw him with it on.. Go Alabama! Roll Tide!