As of last Monday, our church’s 21 day fast was over. My first piece of chocolate? A delicious “kiss” wrapped in silver. Followed by another one. Oh, how I missed you. My tea maker is humming again, too. All in all, the fast was hard and wonderful. I’m so glad that I listened to God’s prompting to join in.
Last Monday, I had to wake up BEFORE the birds and drive Dylan to his Shriner’s appt in Greenville, SC. Payton, sweet guy that he is, joined me. We were only going for a check-up to make sure his little leg healed completely after surgery, but the prosthetist immediately saw that the socket of his prosthesis is now too large for him (he said it’s normal for the leg to thin out, as they lose baby fat)…that’s why his leg has been turning in while he walked, his little leg has just been too loose to control it. So, they’re making him a new prosthesis, he should have it by mid March. He’s thinking Spider Man print this go round.
Here he is getting the new mold of his little leg so they can make the new socket just the right size. The gals doing it, Crissy and India, are so great with Dylan, they spend the whole time laughing. That’s me on the left, holding the wobbly boy up, and trying not to get plaster splattered on me.
After church last Sunday, all the big kids scattered away with friends, so it was just us and the littles. We took advantage of what would be a cheaper lunch-out and headed to Joel’s Grill and Sushi. Since we had worn our qi pao to church that day, it kinda turned into a 2nd CNY celebration :) Joel was a hoot, taking pictures of the kids and us in our Chinese Sunday best. We’ll be back to Joel’s for sure.
He eats his sushi the correct way, all in one bite!
Of course, so does she.
We participate in a homeschool co-op on Wednesdays. The kids take american history, writing, and science. I help in the nursery, middle school history, and preK-K classes. My friend, Holly, does an amazing job teaching history…she really brings it alive for them (and me!). We were studying WWII, and the holocaust about a week ago and she decided to try and find a local survivor. And, she did. Do a web search for Suly Chenkin and read her story…you’ll be amazed. We were so blessed by her sharing her history with us.
Abbey likes to grab my phone (all these shots are from my phone, which is why some of them aren’t so good…) and take random pictures of me. I didn’t even know she took this one till I found it. It struck me how long my hair is getting. I’m pretty sure I’m going to keep growing it, so that I can donate it this year. I’ve always wanted to do that.
Ethan takes guitar lessons every Friday for an hour. His teacher is an awesome young guy from church, who is an extremely respected musician on our church’s worship team. He also leads one (there are two that rotate) of the Jr. high worship bands, and he offered Ethan an acoustic guitar position on one of those teams today. He’ll play every-other-week for both Jr. High services. He’s wanted to do this since we moved here…well, since beginning guitar back in FL when he was 10 years old. He’s psyched.
I took this shot of Lainey tonight. She’s been complaining of a sore throat since yesterday, and tonight she went downhill fast at dinner. Her fever was 102.2, and she crashed on the couch. She’s sleeping soundly in bed now, poor girl.
So, let’s recap. Dylan is getting a NEW leg. We have a NEW favorite Chinese place. We have a NEW appreciation for survivors of the Holocaust. I’ll be getting a NEW haircut sometime this year. And, Ethan has a NEW “job” at church.
I left the best NEW thing for last. We’re moving to a NEW house! Out of this rental and into our own home. We’re so crazy excited. Thankful. Amazed at the house that God provided. We’ll still be in the same town, but in a more rural area, a mile or so from our little “downtown” main street. Cows across the street, horses behind us. Only one neighbor within normal walking distance. I’m in heaven! Move-in is scheduled for mid-March. Feel free to drop what you’re doing and pack a box or two for me. I’m in denial about that part of the move so far. ;)
A sneak peek…
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:19 pm
So much new “news” — all wonderful! Especially the new house all your own!
Just have to comment about you donating your hair: I have a teenaged friend from home who has lost all her hair this fall/winter from chemo, due to Ewing’s Sarcoma. She will be having surgery sometime within the next month, plus more chemo, then radiation. Prayers have been answered so far, and we are continuing to pray for miracle, for Valerie Danielle King (and her family). Her pictures occasionally show up on my FB page. As a matter of fact, the one of me as the “shorty” in the photo with 4 tall young women was taken in her hospital room the day that 4 of the Lady Tarheels came to call on her. She has chosen not to wear a wig, but so many people do need them, I would be so proud of you if you are able to donate your hair.
Not so sure I’m likely to be much help at packing or unpacking boxes (you never know, though), but I’ll be shouting encouragement from a distance. :)
Love you,
February 4th, 2012 at 12:09 am
Last thing … first: I have seen pictures of the house and it is FABULOUS ! It may not have water around it, but it does have lots of land. Ethan and Payton are going to be kept busy mowing all that yard unless you get a couple of goats. My offer to come help pack/unpack is still open.
Loved all the news except that Lainey isn’t feeling good. Prayers for her to feel better quickly. Can Dylan and Lainey use chopsticks? I noticed that Lainey had her sushi on one stick. Just give me a fork…. please.
The woman at my church would still like some pictures and your thoughts about the Shriners Hospital you go to. She wants to share them with the Shriners group she belongs to.
As for your hair…. our assistant pastor Randy Mann has a daughter named Abbie who is losing her hair and the doctors haven’t been able to find out why. She recently got her first “real hair” wig to wear, but will also go bald sometimes. She is being so brave with this. She is about the same age as Marley and had beautiful hair, but is still so cute w/o hair. Thanks to whoever it was that donated their hair…. so I am proud of you for doing this.
Tell Ethan Gram and PaPaul are very proud of him and the way he is using his love for playing the guitar to honor God in your church.
February 4th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
When I saw Dylan after Christmas, I thought he was walking like that because he was possibly getting too tall for the prosthesis. He certainly is cheerful and unafraid in having all of that stuff done at the hospital. I wish I could be as brave about more ankle/foot surgery on March 16.
One of the last times that Jackie visited us before she died, we went to a new Holocaust Museum that had just been opened in Richmond by local Jewish organizations. It was not completely finished at the time and I have not been back. It was very educational but many of the displays were also very disturbing when you thought of how those people were treated and the conditions under which they were trying to survive. Jackie loved history and was particularly interested in this because she had met and talked with someone who was a survivor. I went online and read about the lady who spoke to the home school group. She has an amazing story.
I know you all are excited about moving (and all the packing). It sounds like everyone in your family is busy, busy, busy so thanks for taking time to catch us all up in what’s going on.
February 5th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
You said “sneak peek” of the new house, but WE went to it yesterday, and I just can’t get over how it looked from the road…a mansion!!! I thought it was closer to the road, but you can sure see it as you drive by….it’s one of those homes that your dad and I would drive by and say how beautiful it is!!! It has crepe myrtle trees lined up in the yard…how pretty they will be in the summer!!! There’s sooo much yard for the kids…they’ll enjoy that!!!
Glad that Dylan is getting a new prosthesis and that you found out there was a problem while he was there for a check-up. Soon he’ll be enjoying a new leg and running all over the place!!
Sushi? No thanks!! The photo of the kids in co-op in good!! I’m sure that learning about the holocaust was interesting. Your dad & I watch documentaries on PBS when they have them on that subject. The kids are very fortunate to have Holly & you as history teachers.
Praying that Lainey feels better. Your dad said she was running and having a good time yesterday when he took them to Dunkin’ Donuts.
Just let us know when you want us to help with packing, etc. You DO remember that I’m now retired, right?!!! lol :)
February 5th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Ooops!! Forgot 2 important things. Ethan, we couldn’t be happier for you to be able to play your guitar in church. This is a wonderful thing and a great opportunity for you…we know you’ll do great. So proud of you!!
Also, Donna, we had no idea that you were thinking of donating your hair. I know a girl who works at Building Blocks…she’s in her 50’s. She joined a little boy, Bo Baker, who was undergoing chemo for kidney cancer. Since he was losing his hair, she had her head shaved and donated the hair for wigs…and also made a cute little boy very happy when she decided to do this. Stories like this just give me chills. So proud of you for deciding to do this…your hair is so beautiful to share with someone else.