Monday, October 17, 2011

Fall is here!

We are loving the fall scenery that has come our way lately and the traditions that follow the cool, crisp air in Tennessee in October.  (although it has been a bit warmer than usual!) Before I share some family highlights, we want to let you know that Caleb is having another MRI tomorrow (Tuesday), Oct. 18. We will go in for results on Wednesday. We thank you in advance for praying for our sweet Caleb and for us. It means more than words can describe. We will keep you updated.

Many of you have joined alongside of us through this past summer season of Caleb's health. If not, the brief overview is this: Caleb was diagnosed with a brain tumor -located in his optic nerve chiasm- at 9 months of age (it was an incidental finding). For 4 years the doctors at Vanderbilt have watched it approximately every 6 months. We have fortunately never seen any side affects and so they have left it alone. This past February the MRI came back as a slight change. This upped the doctors' concerns and began to run hormone tests and issued more frequent MRI scans. His hormones came back abnormal in May which caused the docs to come close to issuing treatment; however, in the midst of this they have decided to wait. Caleb has no visible signs of the tumor's affects. Although his hormones are at levels that indicate puberty, he has no physical signs! We feel the Lord has sustained him at this time and feel as though he is being delivered! We are humbled.
It has been a whirlwind of doctor appointments and tests- physical tests for Caleb and tests of faith for Austin and myself. Once again, He has proved to be the faithful one- giving us peace, endurance, and footing to stand in the midst of this storm. We are so thankful.
However, we have also had this summer some really hard health issues with Annelise- which is something we have yet to share on our blog (although many of you are fully aware). Back at the end of May, Annelise began coughing at night. After a few weeks, we took her in believing it to be allergies. After another several weeks of the medicine not working and our nights full of coughing and little sleep for all of us (except Caleb), we went back to the doctor. Unfortunately, for the next 3 months (total of over 4) symptoms worsened and we experienced a myriad of doctors appointments, medicines, and tests that led us finally to a Vanderbilt Pulmonologist (lung doc) at the beginning of October. He believed it was asthma and sure enough, we believe it is! The medicine is working, and we are so very thankful to have an answer! We hope and pray she will continue to get better and grow out of it sooner than later....all this to say, we have truly felt hard pressed in this season, but have not felt abandoned. We know the Lord has a purpose for all of these trials to refine each of us, mold and shape us, and teach us dependence on His grace for each day. Thank you again to all of you who have been walking through this with us- we have been and are still in a needy place. We love you!

The 1st weekend in October a bunch of our friends joined us as we journeyed to the Gentry's Farm. We look forward to this special day each year. Playing in the corn is always such fun!


This is my favorite picture of Annelise! I love her overalls and her big grin! The tire swing was a hit!

Caleb sat on top!

Look at all the kids- we might not fit on the truck next year! What gifts we've been given with these precious children!!
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