Update

Just wanted to do a quick (or not so quick... sorry) update on things going on here.  Abbey continues to feel good. She is amazing us as she seems to be breezing through this phase so far.  We have had no issues this past week.  She is eating good, sleeping good, playing a lot and happy.  We go back Monday for the next treatment in this phase. They again will increase her methotrexate so the chance of sores and sickness will again increase.  She will also get vincristine and a dose of chemo in her spine (she will be under sedation for her spinal).  It is always hard to see her go under sedation and have to leave her while they do the procedure so pray that all goes well.  Last time she was put under sedation she had a really hard time coming out of it.  She couldn't open her eyes or even hold up her head for a long time and she was very weak for a while.  That had never happened before, so it was scary to see.  Please pray for her to come out of sedation quickly and feeling good.  We have two more treatments this phase and then will have a couple week break before starting Delayed Intensification.     

We have two weeks of homeschooling under our belts and it is going great.  I am loving it more than I thought I would and it is truly a joy to watch them learn new things each day.  Jacob is reading more and more each day and is soaking so much up.  Abbey is even starting to be able to sound some short words out.  They really are like sponges and absorb so much so quickly.  It has been really neat to watch.  Abbey is keeping up better than I thought she would.  It is a kindergarten curriculum so I thought a lot of it would be too much for her, but she is enjoying it and wanting to do most of it with Jacob and I.  I still am trying to get on a good schedule with our school day, but with time I think that will come.  Everyday has been a little different with what times we do what, but we are getting it all in at some point during our school days.  

Last night Jim, myself and Jacob went to church.  It was wonderful to be back with our church family!  We so love that place and have missed being there more than I even realized.  I had to hold back tears as we sang and as I looked around and saw so many people that mean so much to us.  After church, the three of us went out to dinner.  It is weird to be out and nice at the same time.  I often go over a week without even stepping foot outside (usually only on clinic days) so when I'm constantly home, going places is a little foreign at this point.  It was good though and I enjoyed my time with just Jim and Jacob so much.  

Jacob has grown up so much these last four months.  Last night at dinner, Jim and I looked at each other several times and just smiled at things he was saying and doing.  Every time the waiter would come and ask us a question like "how is everything", "can I get you anything", "do you need a box" Jacob would politely answer along with us.  He sat and talked with us much of the time and just seems so much older to us lately.  We know God is using this situation in his life and love seeing the little man that he is becoming.  He colored his kids menu really carefully and when we got home he was so excited to give it to Abbey.  He is a compassionate little guy and cares about his sister very much.   

Micah is good.  He had an ear infection last week, which came out of no where.  He had no cold or anything else going on, but just had a few really rough nights where he was up a lot and crying.  I finally took him to the doctor after the third rough night and she said he had an ear infection.  He's been on antibiotics for a few days now and is feeling much better.  He's been sleeping better than ever since he's feeling better and has slept 13 hours straight the last two nights.  Can I get a whooo hooo!  It has been wonderful!

We continue to be amazed at the peace that we have as we go through this time.  We have clung to God and each other and still sometimes have to remind ourselves what we are really going through.  I love my family with an unstopping love and am just so thankful for the life that God has given me.  It's not easy to watch my child battle cancer or something I would ever wish upon us, but I am thankful for where I am as a person and where we are as a family.  I feel confident that God is going to heal Abbey and God is forming me into a better wife and mommy in the meantime.  

One more thing... please continue to pray for little Abby Riggs (see button on right).  She is at a very critical time in her treatment and is having a lot of very concerning things going on with her body right now.  Jim and I have been praying for this little one so much lately and our hearts are so heavy right now for her parents.  When we compare our situation to hers, we have said many times that we have had an easy road compared to what they've gone through. Their faith is strong and we have learned many things through them.  Riggs family, we are praying like crazy for you and your sweet Abby.  

I will let you know Monday evening at some point how Abbey's treatment goes.  Please pray for high numbers and for her to handle the three chemos that she's getting well.  We feel covered in prayer and it means so much to us that you continue to walk this road with us.  There is something so comforting to us about seeing how many of you think about us enough to check in everyday and read how we're doing.  Thank you!