The past week ...

has been pure hell for many reasons, but the number one reason is because one of my very good friends, Stephanie, is in the hospital fighting for her life.  She's only 26.  It's just not fair.  I keep trying to wrap my head around it, but I just don't know how.  Like I said, she's only 26 years old.  She's a wife to Michael (USAF) and a mama to Sara Faith (4) and June Claire (19 months).  She's a daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend.  A devout Christian and the sweetest person I know.  She's always the most positive, upbeat, encouraging person.  I just cannot imagine a world without Stephanie in it.

Last week, right before Thanksgiving, Stephanie went in for a bone marrow biopsy where she found out she had a rare form of leukemia called Acute Pramyeloytic Leukemia (APL). You'll have to google it to know exactly what it means/does.  She was too weak to start the induction phase, and then at some point through the night Sunday night she was put into a medically induced coma.  For what reason, I'm still unclear.  Then, to make matters even worse, on Tuesday her kidneys shut down.  The doctors have her on a ventilator, dialysis and 100% oxygen.  The dialysis is working to keep her alive, but that's about it.  Yesterday the doctors started chemo in hopes of reversing the kidney failure.  They said it could take up to three days to see any signs of improvement.  Well, my friends ... this evening we received the best news any of us have heard in a very long time!  The dialysis is working, she's down to 55% oxygen.  When she stabilizes at 30% oxygen, they will try to take her off the ventilator.  Then they will try to wake her up.  Praise God!!!

I will leave you with this ... I am not a church-goer, but I do believe in Christ.  To me, you don't have to be a church-goer to believe in a higher power and the power of prayer.  I can see God doing what He does best ... make miracles happen.  If you're not already, I encourage you to say a prayer for my friend and her family.  They could all use it right now!  I also encourage you to go hug your spouse, babies and all the rest of your family a little tighter tonight and every night.  Life is so precious.  It can be taken away in the blink of an eye.  <3

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days Seven & Eight

Yesterday, November 7th, was day seven of the 30 days of thankfulness.  I was really under the weather, so that's why there was no blog post from me yesterday.  Anyway, yesterday I was really thankful for Monday night television.  My theory is Mondays suck so bad that they had to make a good lineup for television at night to give everyone something to look forward to.  lol

Today, November 8th, is day eight of the 30 days of thankfulness, and I'm really thankful that I'm starting to feel better.  I've been under the weather for over a week now and I'm just really wanting to get back to feeling normal again.

More Thankfulness Coming Your Way!

So, dropped the ball here for a few days.  I think I've missed Friday and Saturday, days 4 & 5.

Friday, November 4th - Day 4 of the 30 Days of Thankfulness.  Today, as cheesy as it sounds, I am incredibly thankful it's the weekend and that I get to spend it with my babies.  :)

Saturday, November 5th - Day 5 of the 30 Days of Thanksfulness.  Today I am thankful that Henry doesn't have an opinion on what he wears yet.  haha  Fighting every morning with Jacob on what he's going to wear is getting old.  I let him choose his outfits for the most part, but sometimes I just HAVE to intervene.  He's NOT wearing camo pants with a bright orange tshirt out in public.  It's just not going to happen!  And, which we're on the topic, I'm a little annoyed that he won't wear this one navy blue long sleeve tshirt that has a fire truck on it.  I bought it specifically to go with a pair of navy blue sweatpants that I bought at the same time and every time I put it on him he flips out and takes it off and says he's NOT wearing it.  I bought it, I want him to WEAR IT!!!  I don't get it.  The boy LOVES fire trucks.  Ugh!  Whatever, I guess.  At least my little Henry doesn't have an opinion yet and I quite like it that way!

Sunday, November 6th - day 6 of the 30 Days of Thankfulness.  Today I'm thankful for a little bit of quiet time.  John took Jacob with him to get new tires on the car and Henry has been napping *knock on wood* for the past 2 hours.  It's been nice having a little bit of peace and quiet for once.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Three

Today I'm most thankful for a house full of healthy people!  If you were following along with us earlier in the week on facebook, you will remember that I had a nasty stomach bug that lasted 2 days and made you wish you were dead.  Well, two days later, John got it and I truly thought the kids would be next, but it appears this bug has passed them by and they are in the clear (I hope I don't eat my words tomorrow!).  So, yeah ... I'm super thankful that we're all healthy again and the stomach flu spared my babies! :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Two

Here we are at day two and I'm already having a hard time finding something to be thankful for.  How terrible is that?!  I think it's just because I'm so tired and very ready for the weekend!  So, for day two of the 30 days of thankfulness, I'm incredibly thankful that the week is half over and that soon it'll be the weekend again where I can get some much needed rest and spend some time with the family! :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day One

In honor of the month of November and Thanksgiving, I'll be making a post a day this month with one thing that I'm thankful for.  Some might be incredibly meaningful while others might be very random, but I think it'll be fun and a really nice way to remind myself to be thankful for what I have because there are so many others out there that are way less fortunate.  :)

Day One: November 1st

Today (and every day) I'm so thankful for the two beautiful children God has given me.  Without them I don't even know where I'd be today.  Love my little monkeys!!