value

Today at my Bible study I learned that we shouldn't define our value based on what others say. I just discovered one reason why I should.

Frances walks into the kitchen with a doll in arm and feeding it a bottle.

me: You are doing such a great job of holding that baby and feeding it like a real one!
Frances: I know.
me: where did you learn to be such a good mommy? (okay, so it is a leading question)
Frances: when Delaney was a baby I watched you and said in my head that when I am 5 I want to be like that.

Gotta love the great moments!!!!!!!!!

room share take 2

So the girls are going to share a room again. I have always figured they would at some point as we only have three bedrooms. It is nice to have a spare room for guests but also helps us feel more ready to accept foster children as needed. We are waiting for news about a 2 year old boy that may be coming to stay with us!

So we got a loft for Frances' bed. It is neat. I am really pleased with the way the room came together! There is plenty of room for playing in there and it looks great! Last night was the first night they both slept in there (I just moved the crib yesterday). I was very worried as it did not go well in the past. Frances had a hard time leaving her sister alone when unsupervised. That is the reason they weren't sharing anymore, it was almost like a punishment for Frances. So...it went really well!!! Delaney was so tired yesterday as she woke up earlier than normal. So she went to bed first and was already asleep when Frances went to bed. Frances left her alone!!!! Delaney did wake up around 4 crying, I went in and covered her up. At 4:45 Frances hollered "Mom" I said "what" she said Delaney is crying and bothering me and I am not ready to wake up" (thank goodness). So I brought Delaney into my room for some early morning snuggling (which turned into sleeping in until 6:50). We will see how tonight goes as they will most likely go to bed at the same time!

The "ceiling" of the loft. Hannah Montana fabric and Christmas lights!

The top board of the loft has been airbrushed with a cheetah design.

Little boy B update

I went to visit last weekend. He looked better than I had expected. He was no longer paralyzed but sedated very heavily. He had not actually woken up yet when I was there but he fluttered his eyes and moved his hands and feet. he even gripped my finger and held it while I talked with him.

I talked with his mother this weekend and he continues to improve. He is now off the ventilator completely and is just receiving oxygen via the nose thing. (real medical huh?) he also was able to have his final chest tube removed. They will continue to x-ray and make sure the air does not return to his chest. He has a feeding tube for about another week, until he is breathing better on his own. He also still has a couple iv's for medication. He is awake and smiles but is very sleepy. Mom gets to hold him so that is great! It has been one month today!!!! What a haul but I am so glad to hear he is doing better!

good news!

I talked with byron's mom today and he is doing better. Still don't know what the overall prognosis is but he went from 6 tubes in his chest down to just one! His lungs seem to be healing and the air in his chest is diminishing! He still has one tube in to help him breathe but they are decreasing the amount of oxygen he receives and he is working to breathe independently! He is also starting to wake up! He opened his eyes today and has been moving his hands, feet and tongue.

I am heading up to see him tomorrow. I will update more after my visit! Thanks for all the prayers!! (His mom and dad seem to be getting along really well too so more good news)

update

So I got a hold of his mom. He is not doing worse but not improving yet. He now has four drainage tubes in his chest with hopes of eliminating the air. Honestly, that is all I know. :(

Prayers please!

I don't have an update on Byron. I did not call yesterday, trying to give a little space as I am not really certain what my role is. I have tried calling numerous times today and this evening but get no answer in his room. When I call the nurses station they can't tell me if his mom is in the building, has been in the building or if he is even still a patient. Just praying for good news. His mom is walking around with an enlarged gall bladder so her own health is in danger as well. Thanks everyone!

Amazed...

I am always amazed how when I make, or take, the time to read devotions they always relate. If not directly to me, they make me think of someone else that I should share it with. This is what I read today...

Secret Things
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of his law. Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV

O God, why are You allowing this to happen?
Have you ever asked that question? As humans, most of us sometimes do. Whether it;s a big tragedy or a string of difficulties, we want to know the purpose. There are times, though, that such knowledge is for god alone. His purpose might be simply to strengthen our trust in him. Perhaps if he revealed the reasons, they still wouldn't make sense to us. They are for God to use for His glory. There are times, too, that if God revealed the bigger picture, we would be so frightened it would do us more harm than good. The important thing to remember is that God will never give us more than we can handle through his grace.
Some things God keeps hidden, but He brings to light those things that will help us to be obedient to Him. Our true purpose is to glorify Him and to have close communion with Him. His Word is packed full of everything we need to accomplish this. The proper question is not so much "Why is this happening?" but "How can I approach what is happening in a way that brings glory to you?" That is what will truly make us stronger.