Bitter Sweet..

This time next week we will be in Ohio taking care of Cade after surgery. This happens to be our spring break, so that is why this spring break will be bitter sweet. His surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, the 16th. We are praying for many things in regards to this procedure. Since we are dealing with new doctors and facilities, my worries have increased, not because of efficiency, but with how Cade will do in a new place.
I have spent the last two nights just praying for many things, Cade's fears, the procedures themselves, no profuse bleeding, doctors involved, Cade's pain afterwards, etc. My tendencies are to worry, it is how I sometimes prepare myself for what's to come. I know it is not healthy, and the Lord is teaching me everyday to leave these cares at the foot of the cross. As a mom, it is hard. I want to make things better. I want Cade not to be afraid. I want to make sure he is not in pain. I want to heal his eye. This is ALL out of my control and that can be hard at times. Again, it is during these times, the Lord chooses to exercise my "trust muscles." He has brought Cade through many surgeries, why should I doubt Him now?

Who knew that four years after Cade was diagnosed with a VM we would still be on this journey. It has been a long journey, but Chris and I would have it no other way. We have been blessed by Cade and his strength through it all and it has brought us closer to Christ in the midst of these difficult times. He has been that calm presence that surrounded us in the hospital room,the waiting room,the operating room, and in the doctor offices. I cannot tell you how many times I have been at peace as Cade would leave my arms and head toward the OR. I was scared for him, but I was at peace knowing that the Lord was holding him in the palms of his hands. So next Tuesday will not be any different. This surgery will follow the same format. We will be in constant prayer for Cade and his doctors-Dr. Holland and Dr. Nerad. We will pray for success and for a full recovery, and that his pain will be limited. I will try to post again sometime Tuesday after surgery.
We would so appreciate your prayers for Cade, Dr. Holland,Dr. Nerad, and the many surrounding nurses and staff working on Cade.
He is "our warrior" and one tough boy!!! He will do great!
Soi Deo Gloria!

A Tired Little Boy....

This is what happens when you have to get up at 6:00 a.m. and go to work with mommy early because she has a meeting at school, plus no nap today. I got off the phone with my mom this afternoon on my way home from school and knew Cade was awful quiet. I turned around and he was plopped over in his booster sound asleep. "He was worn slap out," as my mom would say. So cute!

"The Power of A Praying Parent"

For a few years, ever since Chris and I began attending Crosspoint I really felt the need to get involved in a small group. Each time the chance would come, there was always something that interfered with the group I was interested in attending, work, Cade, Chris' job.. always something. This year when community group sign ups began, I made a point to seek a group that would be feasible and that I would make work, no matter what. So I received an email that a group of women met on Monday nights at the church. I was very excited that finally I would be able to meet other women while learning more about my Savior, all at the same time. The hindrance now was the time. The group met very late and I wouldn't be getting home until 10, but something(Holy Spirit) kept saying "so what?" I went back and forth about "should I go or not?" I finally decided to email the sweet lady who invited me and tell her I would not be attending. I felt awful, but again I felt a nudging of don't quit, try to find one that works. The next day, I received an email from one of the directors of Crosspoint's small groups and she sent me some information regarding another group that met just up the street from me. I was overjoyed. The time was great and she lived just 2 minutes from me. I could actually walk there..which I will be doing when spring decides to arrive.
Anyway, this group is a working moms' group that meets on Thursday nights. They had already met twice, so I had some catching up to do. We are working through Stormie Omartian's book The Power of a Praying Parent.
I felt so welcomed and it was so neat to hear everyone share about their own children as we discussed issues such as control, worry, fear, ect. This group is very unique. There are single moms, divorced moms, those with one, two, or three children,and those who are expecting their first child. I am very excited about what the Lord is going to do in my life over the next several weeks. One thing I know already, is that I must DAILY give Cade to the Lord. Its not a one time thing such as a baby dedication, but everyday I must say "Lord, He is yours and He is in good hands, and I believe that you are good and you want what is best for Cade!" Soli Deo Gloria..

Growing up...

We have entered a new phase with Cade in the last few days. He has just begun calling Chris and I "mom and dad." You see, this wouldn't be such a big deal if he was 12 or 13, but at 4? We are used to hearing "mommy and daddy." I am just not prepared for him to sound so grown up I guess. He says "he is getting big now," when we ask him why he calls us mom and dad. I can't believe how much he has grown from 3 to 4.(his birthday is next month) He has already told us that he wants a wrestling party for his birthday..not sure what that is going to look like.

Chris and I are so proud that Cade has also memorized his first Bible verse, "With God all things are possible." Matt. 19:26 We thought it was quite sad that he knew words to some songs--that I won't mention--yet he didn't know a Bible verse. We are so proud of Cade and I hope that one day this verse will speak into his life as it has ours!

"I Gotta Feeling....."

So this past Friday, I was able to go to the Black Eyed Peas concert with some of my students. It was an amazing concert despite the other bands that performed before the B.E.P. We had alot of fun and I enjoyed the entire performance. Fergie sang some of her hits like "Big Girls, Don't Cry" and "Glamorous." She was amazing! So glad I had the opportunity to see them! Big shout out to Erin and Shelby!! Thanks for all the fun!

Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus..

So this is an unusual post, but felt that I needed to share. This is a post that was shared about the many steps of faith that we all take within a lifetime that change us for the good. They are difficult roads that we all have been on that carry pain, tiredness, discouragement, etc, but the rewards are truly great and they are HIS most treasured gifts because they bring us one step closer to HIM! May you be blessed by Gwen's words! Love ya sista and thankful for your friendship!

(could not figure out how to add the link, so you might have to type in the address..sorry)

http://nohandscurrentinfo.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-can-i-adopt-precious-maggie-josie.html

Winter Fun-2010

Nashville got an unusual amount of snow this past week and we took full advantage of it. Cade was very excited about all the snow. We all got 2 snow days which was great! We went sledding down our hill with friends, built a snowman, threw snowballs, shoveled the driveway, and had the best time! Although Cade didn't enjoy the sledding as much, he loved pushing everyone down the hill. So much fun!