Surgery for Piper

Piper had surgery today for a hernia and another minor problem. She was actually looking forward to it. She was scheduled to have it done last week and it was cancelled and she was quite disappointed. Then we got a call yesterday afternoon asking if we could be at the hospital today at 6:30 am. She was definitely in a pretty good mood. I tried to explain what they would be doing but it was a little difficult. It was a long wait before they took her back but she was in good spirits. 

She was not in such a good mood afterwards. She was not even interested in the popsicle they offered her. That is unusual.

She was feeling much better by the time we left the hospital. She even asked for a Happy Meal. She loves Happy Meals. 

MRI

I just want to say that we have been blessed today. Joey had his MRI done and there was evidence of shrinkage. What wonderful words to hear! We had been told not to expect any change on this first MRI and so to hear that there is some shrinkage was such a blessing. We don't actually have any numbers on how much shrinkage, but it was evident that there was improvement. 

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and emails. Please continue to remember Joey in your prayers as he starts up a new round of chemo on Monday. 

Picture of both of his kids -- age one and two, but soon to be two and three. I took this the other evening when we visited right before it got dark. 

This Evening

Early this evening Shannon called to see if I could bring a few of the kids over to play outside with Joshua and Madelyn. I was on my way home from the store and running rather late so just figured there was no way to get over there this evening with any kids. But, after I got home and got dinner made, I decided to take Bethany over for a little while. Not really for long as it was starting to get late and I needed to give some baths and Bethany still had treatments to do.

Joey and Shannon live in an unusual house -- built over a 100 years ago. The property is really interesting and Joey has built a really nice swing and a beautiful sandbox for the kids. It is a great place for the kids to play and like a little piece of country right here in the city. 

The first thing Bethany wanted to do was swing. It really is a great swing and I just wish we had a really good tree in our yard and then I would try to get Bill to make a swing for the kids. But all of our big trees have either been struck by lightning or taken down during a hurricane. The one swing that Joey actually put on a tree limb for us ended up on the ground one morning and I was just glad it happened when nobody was on it. The entire branch fell off the tree. It seemed so sturdy when the swing was put up. But Joey and Shannon have some great trees -- huge ones. Joey gave Bethany a few pushes to get her started. 

The weather was great and it was a really nice evening. I enjoyed spending time with Joey and his family and just walking the property talking. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and even though Bethany is much older than Joshua and Madelyn she still loves to play with them.

As it got a little darker we left the wooded area and Bethany begged to run across the big field next to their house. I figured why not? So she and Joshua and Madelyn ran and ran and Joey had to do some running to make sure they were safe. But, I told him the exercise was good for him. It was a pleasant evening and I'm glad we took the time to go. Joey told me this evening he has felt great for the past three days. It makes me so happy to hear him say that. He is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday and then will be starting up on chemo again -- a higher dose than before. I want to thank everyone for their prayers for our son. Please continue to remember him. 

One other thing I thought I would mention is that we realized earlier this week that the birdfeeder that I bought Bethany to paint was not very sturdy. She and Andrew filled it whenever it was empty and the birds and squirrels loved it. But, sadly, after our first couple of rains Andrew came in and told me it was obviously not sturdy enough to withstand the rain and heavy squirrels. We were a little sad -- especially Bethany.

Colonial Williamsburg

When I got up on Friday morning, I felt like spending the day in Williamsburg just walking around the streets and looking at the gardens. So, I packed some snacks and we were on our way by around 10:30 or so. While we were getting ready, my son called to see if I wanted to get coffee with him. I told him that we were getting ready to leave for Williamsburg and he said maybe they would go, too. So, Joey and Shannon and the kids met us there and we had a nice day just walking around together. He is finally feeling better -- tired but that is expected. 

I just love Williamsburg. I never get tired of walking the streets and visiting the gardens. Though there are always people walking around everywhere, it still seems so peaceful to me. 

Joey and Shannon's son -- Joshua. He ran and ran most of the day. I know he was tired enough to sleep on the way back -- along with his daddy.

Friends

I love the way Piper and Tess are finally becoming friends with their new siblings. For awhile it didn't seem like they were going to ever play with anyone -- only each other. Now, they are finally branching out and playing with their sisters and brother and even the girls next door. This is so nice to see. 

For some reason I love this picture of Tess, Bethany and Caroline. I'm not sure why, but I do. They finally seem so at home together and they are all becoming fast friends as well as siblings. 

Haircut?

SOMEBODY decided to cut her bangs. Her sister hid scissors under her pillow and Bella found them. Hidden scissors, as I don't allow scissors in their rooms -- for this reason.