Change of Plans

Well, Caleb's MRI has been canceled for tomorrow due to a cold that he got over the weekend. Austin called this morning and spoke with the anesthesiologist. He said we should wait several weeks before having another MRI due to his cold. Apparently Caleb could have trouble waking from the anesthesia due to the congestion that would back up during the hour of the MRI. So, we are going to have to reschedule the scan. We will keep you posted in the coming weeks. We both have mixed emotions about waiting, but we feel that it must be God's plan. He knew this in advance; so, we will once again ask Him to help us wait well, to trust in Him and lean not on our own understanding.

And, I just had to post about the sweet time Annelise had with her daddy!!!!
She got to go to the Daddy-Daughter Dance at our church for Valentine's! She was beside herself excited for days before the dance, and it was everything she had hoped it would be. There were cupcakes, crafts, and of course dancing!!!
I was able to invite my dear friend Barbara who was a dance instructor for years to help teach the daddies and daughters a couple of dances--and wow was it fun!! I was really impressed at how well everyone caught on- great job, Barb!!!


Annelise felt so pretty in her dress-up tutu and her heals. And Austin brought home a corsage, which made her feel extra special! 

Here she is doing a Valentine craft and having Daddy all to herself!

Toward the end of the night, all the little ladies had to take their dancing shoes off. They twirled so free on their bare feet.

And here is Annelise with her dear friend, Sarah Beth. I just love this picture!!

--thanks for all your prayers and for waiting well with us.
In Christ,
Nicole

Update and Christmas

We wanted to give you an update on our status as so many have been asking and praying...over the last few weeks we have heard back from St. Judes confirming the same plan as Vanderbilt. Although we feel grateful that this confirms the validity of Vanderbilt's plan of action, it was still hard to swallow- as we so much want to find another way to help our son. However, we did ask for another MRI before making our final decision on treatment in light of the fact that a couple months has passed.They agreed and another MRI has been scheduled for February 19th with result on the 20th. (that's next Tuesday and Wednesday).
This last MRI before decisions are made feels pretty heavy. We are continuing to ask for wisdom and for the Lord to give us the grace to wake up each morning with gratitude on our lips- for we are truly so blessed in every direction we turn. I have been so incredibly encouraged by God's Word over and over lately. I could write and write,but today's encouragement was this from Hebrews 4:14-16 (I will write only part)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God,...Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

and I will sing again and again...

         My hope is built on nothing less
            Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

We are so grateful that so many of you are approaching His throne of grace with confidence on our behalf.
Here is a brief Christmas 2012 update: Caleb-61/2 years and Annelise- 3 1/2 years
Christmas was sweet again with many festivities on both sides of the family.

Christmas at Ma's

 

There it is!!! The ring!!! We are so excited that Kayla is joining our family!!! We love you both!!!!

Here is precious little Grady- my cousin Joanna's son. 

And here is Grayson hugging on Aiken (Allison's youngest). I just want to eat all 3 of these boys up!!

This has a funny story but no time to share! ;)

And this is our silly family Christmas photo--with my Uncle Kelly looking like Silas from Duck Dynasty-Ha!!

We enjoyed our 1st Christmas so very much in our new home! And we really really enjoyed our 1st Christmas Eve service at our church. I think it was my favorite part. All the kids went on stage to help lead a song. And Annelise wore these PJ's seen here. I will treasure that memory for a lifetime. She and Caleb sang out with all their heart. How sweet it must have sounded in heaven from the lips of children. 

Annelise got a doll house!!!  and Caleb a fish tank!!

we also enjoyed a Christmas lunch with Austin's family at our house!

Caleb getting a hug from Mr. Jim

And lastly, we celebrated at Janie's - here is Pa holding cousin Jonah. Another little one i just want to eat up!! ;)

 

Life long friends: Janie, Debbie, and KG - love it

I had to put this shot in...Caleb just looks so cute holding his new box of Legos--he's obsessed. 

Caleb and Annelise loved little Joah too- here he is just delighted with their attention. 

And lastly, a few shots in Jan/February...the kids have been wishing for snow every day- I am so thankful it came!!! They had fun while it lasted.

Daddy even got to play too!! 

Annelise got some special time with Daddy on her Daddy-Daughter Date. 

And here is little Grayson playing at our house for Will T's birthday party--I can't get enough of him.
We will keep you posted...In Christ, Nicole