One became SEVEN?!? How did THAT happen? 4/24 UPDATE

[p00h4me]

Judy, continued prayers for all the family's needs!

Still praying that Rachel will get one of the scholarships. Probably saving one of the best for near the end to perform. They already know how good she is.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Judy, there's never any need to apologize or feel like you should go back and edit something that you wrote in your time of need. That's what your Dis friends are for! We love you!

Praying, my friend, praying!

 

[VBAndrea]

Judy, I missed yesterday's post b/f the extreme edit but I hope things calm down for you. And I really feel for Lisa and her back as mine hasn't been the same since my fall down the stairs last year (it still is swollen!). I hope the orhto doctor has a good handle on things. I am positively keeping Lisa in my thoughts and prayers as well as your entire family.

I can't remember when I last updated you. I think you saw in my New Year's card that both children were accepted at their new school. Soccer starts this week so Ben is excited, but it's supposed to be cold the rest of the week so I'm not looking forward to practice tomorrow night. Riding lessons continue but no shows until April, and things at the stable are getting dramatic b/c our instructor is not getting along with the owner. While I like the instructor, I just wish she'd quit so we can get a new instructor without the drama or switch stables, as the ponies the current stable has are none too hot for riding.

I am busy spring cleaning b/c the house has developed a musty odor. I traced it to the duct work. So last night J went under the house and crawled in all the rat and opossum doo and found all the ducts intact (none were chewed). So I called the HVAC folks this morning to get a quote for cleaning the ducts but they told me the odor may be from coils on the AC unit so they will check that first -- that will be a much cheaper fix, but I still think we need our system vacuumed out to help my allergies.

Did I tell you I am taking piano lessons along with Alexa since we got our piano? And Ben got a classical guitar for his birthday so J is teaching him for now. J picked a classical for him b/c he was having a hard time w/ the strings on the electric acoustic that J has. He enjoys it, but like Alexa, needs reminding to practice. Alexa has selected a piece from Lord of the Rings for her spring recital (movie theme). I was hoping she would choose something more classic, but the piece is actually pretty.

Again, keeping you in my thoughts and hope to hear from you more often.

 

[scdak]

Judy - of all the times I choose to not bring a laptop with me, I miss your post that 300+ people read and only a few responded too, that would be the post that you edited, I am sure that it was painful to write and then when you re-read it you felt it was too much information. I feel pretty sure that those of us that read your thread all the time and feel like we are all "family" truly would have understood your post, those same people also understand why you edited it, not that its too much information for the "family" but too much for lurkers. I am happy you did feel that you could share some of your concerns about Lisa and her newest challenges although I was unhappy to read about the back pain. I truly understand those problems firsthand and its hard enough for me to deal with, no 10 year old should have to endure it!!!!! I can only pray that she gets some relief soon and you are able to get some answers on what is going on and what will help it. Prayers being doubled for the family now!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Judy - of all the times I choose to not bring a laptop with me, I miss your post that 300+ people read and only a few responded too, that would be the post that you edited, I am sure that it was painful to write and then when you re-read it you felt it was too much information. I feel pretty sure that those of us that read your thread all the time and feel like we are all "family" truly would have understood your post, those same people also understand why you edited it, not that its too much information for the "family" but too much for lurkers. I am happy you did feel that you could share some of your concerns about Lisa and her newest challenges although I was unhappy to read about the back pain. I truly understand those problems firsthand and its hard enough for me to deal with, no 10 year old should have to endure it!!!!! I can only pray that she gets some relief soon and you are able to get some answers on what is going on and what will help it. Prayers being doubled for the family now!

You said exactly what I was thinking.

 

[ladylyons]

Oh Judy! Continued prayers for all your needs!! Hope things go more smoothly for you this week.

To help put a smile on your face (which I know your always doing anyways) here's a couple pictures of Baby Jeffrey. Can't believe he's already 5 weeks old!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh Judy, I am so very sorry for the difficulties you are facing. I believe that every person that lands here on these pages whether by intent or God's design is here for the specific purpose to be another person on their knees for you and your family and to encourage you.

I can't begin to imagine the trials you face; but I know the God that walks with you through them and I know that he isn't about to let you go! Not even for a second. With every financial challenge, health issue or diagnosis, every crushing disappointment or unfulfilled dream.... it is another opportunity for Him to show Himself strong on your behalf. I love the CS Lewis quote, "God whispers to us in our pleasure but shouts to us in our pain."


I will love Thee, O Lord my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18: 1-3

Sending love and prayers your way.

 

[blessedmom4]

The DIS is moving horribly slow this morning so I am not sure how many responses I will get to.

Judy,

Still here reading and keeping your family in my prayers.

Debbie, I appreciate your prayers!

Judy - Praying for you and Lisa and the rest of your family. I will be on a little more often now.

I am also praying for everyone else on this thread and hope everyone is well.

Thank you Rachel! I see you have another trip (at BTL?) how exciting!! You have been on my mind/heart a lot as we start thinking about prom! I hope you are well!!

Judy, continued prayers for all the family's needs!

Still praying that Rachel will get one of the scholarships. Probably saving one of the best for near the end to perform. They already know how good she is.

God Bless Gail, it was great to talk to you and Billy on Sunday! I know everyone on here joins with me to lift you both up in prayer, what a wild few weeks!!

You may have been right on the order of the auditions. Rachel came in as second runner up. She was bummed, but as I told her it was her first time applying and the 2 winners not only were in college, they were students of the person whose name the scholarship is in. I am extremely proud of her for even trying!

Judy, there's never any need to apologize or feel like you should go back and edit something that you wrote in your time of need. That's what your Dis friends are for! We love you!

Praying, my friend, praying!

Thank you Lisa, I love you all as well and you have been such a huge source of comfort to me through the years!

Thank you for your, prayers oh how I need them!!!

Judy, I missed yesterday's post b/f the extreme edit but I hope things calm down for you. And I really feel for Lisa and her back as mine hasn't been the same since my fall down the stairs last year (it still is swollen!). I hope the orhto doctor has a good handle on things. I am positively keeping Lisa in my thoughts and prayers as well as your entire family.

I can't remember when I last updated you. I think you saw in my New Year's card that both children were accepted at their new school. Soccer starts this week so Ben is excited, but it's supposed to be cold the rest of the week so I'm not looking forward to practice tomorrow night. Riding lessons continue but no shows until April, and things at the stable are getting dramatic b/c our instructor is not getting along with the owner. While I like the instructor, I just wish she'd quit so we can get a new instructor without the drama or switch stables, as the ponies the current stable has are none too hot for riding.

I am busy spring cleaning b/c the house has developed a musty odor. I traced it to the duct work. So last night J went under the house and crawled in all the rat and opossum doo and found all the ducts intact (none were chewed). So I called the HVAC folks this morning to get a quote for cleaning the ducts but they told me the odor may be from coils on the AC unit so they will check that first -- that will be a much cheaper fix, but I still think we need our system vacuumed out to help my allergies.

Did I tell you I am taking piano lessons along with Alexa since we got our piano? And Ben got a classical guitar for his birthday so J is teaching him for now. J picked a classical for him b/c he was having a hard time w/ the strings on the electric acoustic that J has. He enjoys it, but like Alexa, needs reminding to practice. Alexa has selected a piece from Lord of the Rings for her spring recital (movie theme). I was hoping she would choose something more classic, but the piece is actually pretty.

Again, keeping you in my thoughts and hope to hear from you more often.

Thank you Andrea for all of the prayers! I am sorry you have had back issues continue, they are never fun, least of all when you are 10 (almost 11!!) and they worry your Mama!

I am so excited about the school news, but I didn't get your Card. When you wrote about it last I just thought it hadn't yet arrived, but I am really bummed! I hope things settle down at the stables, that doesn't sound comfortable.

Yea for the spring cleaning, but YUCK on the rat, etc stuff! When you are finished you are welcome to come help ME spring clean!! I hope the HVAC helps with the mustiness.

How exciting that you get to take piano lessons,, something for you!!! EXCITING! I am happy Ben is learning classical guitar! Rachel needs a new acoustic/electric, the one she has is huge and she is small. She needs one that is more fitted to her body...she had to play it Sunday (it was an acoustic camp) and she still was awesome! I am thankful I never have to remind the to practice. My favorite times is when I can here them in the music room jamming away! Good for Alexa picking something SHE enjoys playing! Classical piano is overrated, IMO. I may be jaded, tonight is the scholarship winners recital and Rachel is the only bright spot in the program (although she is doing a softer version of Layla...should be interesting). I am going to have to sit through 13 performances of piano, cello, violin, etc that go on for 10 to 20 minutes each. I long for 5 minutes, then clear the stage. I am thrilled, can you tell... Hopefully I can get some sleep...and yes, put me in a chair for 20 mins and I WILL fall asleep! They truly are gifted at what they do though! They are passionate about their instruments, that is evident.

Prayers for your needs and everyone else's continue!

 

[blessedmom4]

Let me try this again....the DIS is moving at a snails pace for me. Must be my computer.

Judy - of all the times I choose to not bring a laptop with me, I miss your post that 300+ people read and only a few responded too, that would be the post that you edited, I am sure that it was painful to write and then when you re-read it you felt it was too much information. I feel pretty sure that those of us that read your thread all the time and feel like we are all "family" truly would have understood your post, those same people also understand why you edited it, not that its too much information for the "family" but too much for lurkers. I am happy you did feel that you could share some of your concerns about Lisa and her newest challenges although I was unhappy to read about the back pain. I truly understand those problems firsthand and its hard enough for me to deal with, no 10 year old should have to endure it!!!!! I can only pray that she gets some relief soon and you are able to get some answers on what is going on and what will help it. Prayers being doubled for the family now!

Ahhh, it really wasn't too bad to write, I just didn't realize how overwhelming it probably was to somebody not enmeshed in the day to day of it all. I really believe the old saying how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. It is came at me all at once, as my post did, it would be hard to digest. I do appreciate the prayers though and the support I receive here. I want to keep the energy positive.

You said exactly what I was thinking.

You both are quite in tune. YOu just never know.

Oh Judy! Continued prayers for all your needs!! Hope things go more smoothly for you this week.

To help put a smile on your face (which I know your always doing anyways) here's a couple pictures of Baby Jeffrey. Can't believe he's already 5 weeks old!!

Thank yo uSandra, you always know how to put a smile on m y face and baby Jeffrey was just the medicine I needed.

Oh Judy, I am so very sorry for the difficulties you are facing. I believe that every person that lands here on these pages whether by intent or God's design is here for the specific purpose to be another person on their knees for you and your family and to encourage you.

I can't begin to imagine the trials you face; but I know the God that walks with you through them and I know that he isn't about to let you go! Not even for a second. With every financial challenge, health issue or diagnosis, every crushing disappointment or unfulfilled dream.... it is another opportunity for Him to show Himself strong on your behalf. I love the CS Lewis quote, "God whispers to us in our pleasure but shouts to us in our pain."


I will love Thee, O Lord my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18: 1-3

Sending love and prayers your way.

Brenda, your messages are alway so positive and full of love. The bible verse is one I cling to, thanks for posting it. I am incredibly blessed to have such great support here and I agree, God brings those to us whom we need the most. It definitely isn't about quantity but the quality of those in our lives and the folks here on this thread of the DIS are truly AMAZING!

God is at the center of it all and I so agree He shouts his presence in the midst of our pain. I cling to Him, it is then I can feel the strength from Him the most. I am blessed and I know it. Thanks for being one of those friends I can count on!!!

 

[redomni]

Judy, I didn't see your original post but you and your family are in my prayers. I haven't been here lately I am still having a hard time dealing with what has been going on here.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them

Marilyn

 

[thebeesknees]

Marilyn, I was just thinking about you this morning and wondering how you are doing. We'll continue to pray for your family.

Today is my Ezra's 6th birthday. I can't believe how time has flown! I met with his doctor yesterday to go over the results of their preliminary ADHD screening for him, and he said there is definitely something going on there, but until we have further testing done, we won't know if it is ADHD, learning difficulties, or a combination of the two. He warned me that insurance usually doesn't cover the testing but sometimes covers part of the therapies, so I made a bunch of calls when I got home to the people he recommended. It is sobering to have to be calling psychotherapists for your 6-year-old. Two of the three people he recommended are not in our insurance network; the other one is, but she has not returned my call yet. In the mean time, I read through the test results and teachers' remarks on them. My heart just broke for my little boy. The teachers have never told me in conferences some of the things they said on the screening tests, and to see it all spelled out in black and white was so discouraging. I pray we can get him the help he needs, but after talking to the one therapist yesterday and getting her fee schedule, I just don't see how we can afford the treatment she is recommending ($$$ per session for 40 sessions, plus thousands of dollars in other tests). Maybe the one in our network will be more affordable. I feel like I don't know where to begin, but I keep reminding myself that I am Ezra's advocate because he can't stand up for himself. I want to give him the best chance to be successful in life and pursue his dreams and talents, even if they are packaged differently than everyone else's. I just sat and cried in the car yesterday when I came out of the meeting because I was so overwhelmed and discouraged.

Sorry to ramble. I know this is nothing compared to the medical issues some of you are facing with your little ones. Judy, please give our love to Lisa and tell her we are thinking of her and praying for her back!

 

[blessedmom4]

Judy, I didn't see your original post but you and your family are in my prayers. I haven't been here lately I am still having a hard time dealing with what has been going on here.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them
Dear Marilyn,

I can only imagine how tough it has been with the little you have shared here. I know things for you on many fronts haven't been easy for you. I am truly sorry about the loss of your Dad.
Marilyn

Marilyn, I was just thinking about you this morning and wondering how you are doing. We'll continue to pray for your family.

Today is my Ezra's 6th birthday. I can't believe how time has flown! I met with his doctor yesterday to go over the results of their preliminary ADHD screening for him, and he said there is definitely something going on there, but until we have further testing done, we won't know if it is ADHD, learning difficulties, or a combination of the two. He warned me that insurance usually doesn't cover the testing but sometimes covers part of the therapies, so I made a bunch of calls when I got home to the people he recommended. It is sobering to have to be calling psychotherapists for your 6-year-old. Two of the three people he recommended are not in our insurance network; the other one is, but she has not returned my call yet. In the mean time, I read through the test results and teachers' remarks on them. My heart just broke for my little boy. The teachers have never told me in conferences some of the things they said on the screening tests, and to see it all spelled out in black and white was so discouraging. I pray we can get him the help he needs, but after talking to the one therapist yesterday and getting her fee schedule, I just don't see how we can afford the treatment she is recommending ($$$ per session for 40 sessions, plus thousands of dollars in other tests). Maybe the one in our network will be more affordable. I feel like I don't know where to begin, but I keep reminding myself that I am Ezra's advocate because he can't stand up for himself. I want to give him the best chance to be successful in life and pursue his dreams and talents, even if they are packaged differently than everyone else's. I just sat and cried in the car yesterday when I came out of the meeting because I was so overwhelmed and discouraged.

Sorry to ramble. I know this is nothing compared to the medical issues some of you are facing with your little ones. Judy, please give our love to Lisa and tell her we are thinking of her and praying for her back!

Happy birthday to Ezra!! I am so sorry you are having difficulties and worries for him. Having been on the front of both physical, mental, emotional and educational challenges I can say with certainty that each one has their own unique issues to deal with. Please know I am praying for you and if I can help in ANY way, let me know. I do have experience in this area.


Thank you both for your prayers!!

 

[kaoden39]

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.


I haven't been on as much because I am still spending so much time at the hospital. My mom is still in the hospital. She is more local at least and that makes it easier. I had the flu so I wasn't online as much then either. I am still trudging on my trip report because frankly it has been really low on my importance level.

 

[blessedmom4]

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.


I haven't been on as much because I am still spending so much time at the hospital. My mom is still in the hospital. She is more local at least and that makes it easier. I had the flu so I wasn't online as much then either. I am still trudging on my trip report because frankly it has been really low on my importance level.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers as well!

 

[ladylyons]

Thank yo uSandra, you always know how to put a smile on m y face and baby Jeffrey was just the medicine I needed.

Happy to help out anytime I can. Wish I was closer and then I could bring lots more smiles to your face with him (and the other 3 too of course!!)

 

[lovethattink]

Hi Judy.I how today finds Lisa in no pain, or at least much less pain. Praying for you and your family.

No, neither boy had flu shots. JJ has bad reactions to vaccines so we don't do any optional ones with him. Grumpy can't get either flu or pneumonia shots. He's allergic to eggs. And with the pneumonia vaccine, ended up in the hospital with pneumonia every time he had one. This is the first time they've ever had the flu.

 

[blessedmom4]

Some days are hit after hit, we have all had them. Today was one of those days.

We had 5 dental appointments today (The children and mine, Pete went 2 weeks ago). It should have been simple. NOT. Lisa has a class III... “something”, similar to an underbite but that isn’t what he said... it really flew over my head exactly what he called it when he said it was so bad he was sure she would need surgery. He thought it could be a result of all of the times she was on a ventilator following her OHS. It was the first time in over 18 dental cleaning appointments for her that the dentist has told us this. (we actually have a group, so several different dentist have examined her in the past). Shocked does not describe how I feel. It was the third piece of not great news I heard today, so my tolerance level was low.

She sees the orthodontist Tuesday. Please agree with me in prayer they can fix this WITHOUT surgery. ANY surgery for Lisa requires a minimum of a week hospital stay due to her mitral valve implant. Plus I can only imagine it will be painful. She deserves better.

And in the middle of this not great day, Lisa had a box waiting on her tonight after ballet class to celebrate her birthday. Pictures will have to wait, but I want to say a huge, HUGE Thank you to my sweet friend Courtneybelle...I wish you could have seen her!! (and the other children) The pics will have to suffice and I will get them up, she was SO AMAZED! We all were!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

Tink, thinking of you all, so sorry they had the flu. Last year in spite of the shot, David and Lisa had it.

Sandra, if you were closer we would have a ball playing with the children and helping each other out!!

 

[courtneybelle]

Oh no, I will definitely be praying that Lisa doesn't need surgery! I am SO happy that she got the package and it could bring you a smile on a brutal day. I am excited to see pictures but I know you have a lot on your plate so I will be patient enjoy!

 

[emmysmommy]

Sorry for the day full of not so good news but how wonderful that Courtney helped brighten Lisa's day!!

 

[ladylyons]

Sandra, if you were closer we would have a ball playing with the children and helping each other out!!

Prayers that Lisa does not need surgery!! Hopefully they can fix it easily. I'll just share I had a really bad overbite when I was growing up (it was so bad that when I bit down my upper teeth protruded so far forward I could put my thumb under my teeth and hit the roof of my mouth.) The dentist originally said I'd need major surgery to correct it and then braces to fix that work. They also said I'd be in braces for at least 4 years with full head gear. My parent's could not afford that so they put if off since it wasn't affecting my eating or speech (I did go through speech therapy in elementary school but it was for my lisp.) Once my parent's figured they better do something about it and could afford it better than they could when I was younger (I was 15 when we started everything) they made the appointment with the orthodontist. Come to find out all that needed to be done was pull 4 teeth (2 on top and 2 on bottom) and once that was all healed up they were able to put braces on. I was in braces for just shy of 2 years and no head gear!!! I now have a smile I'm not ashamed of. I really hope that once you go to the orthodontist they tell you it's not as bad as they are saying.

Yeah for a package to help cheer up such a dreadful day.


Yes I do wish we were all closer and not just for the fun we'd all have but because I wish I could help you with all your going through. Even if it was just a ride for some one to a practice or wherever they needed to go.