The Flip Side

 It has been a while since we have written an update on our blog. Life is moving along as it always does. We just got back from a wonderful vacation at our favorite beach in North Carolina. The kids had a great time and Rick and I got to just unwind a little and take a deep breath. Vacation takes on a different meaning when you are a mom. You see, Rick got to leave his job in the Valley, however, I brought most of my job along with me. The difference for me is the phone calls, the house work, the emails, and just the "duties" that go along with the day to day life. I love being with my kids, but needed a break from the routines we become so enslaved to. We were able to just get away, leaving all internet access behind and be a family.

 As we unpacked our loaded van and the kids ran around the beach house claiming their rooms and their beds, I noticed how each one had grown up in many ways this year. Madi was almost in kindergarten and  becoming a beautiful, young girl. Becca had become our dramatic, imaginative child that wanted her bed to be a boat to sail away to grandma's. Luke was taking steps and by the end of the vacation had mastered walking. And our little hero, Andrew, well we decided to put him in his own big boy bed at the beach. We had never tried it before, but he wanted to do it so we thought we would try. The first night as I walked from room to room to check on the kids, I stopped for a while to just stare at the "almost 3 year old boy" sleeping soundly in a big bed. I just watched him and smiled and cried. I smiled because he is growing up and is such an amazing little man. I cried because only a few months ago I didn't think we would be able to go to the beach. The original diagnosis was 8-10 months of treatment and then another check. We were supposed to be in the hospital with chemo, shots, and doctors. However, our Great God saw fit to take us down another path.  Andrew is doing well and enjoying a beach trip to the fullest...without tubes, shots, chemo treatments, and major concerns.  I would stare at him almost in disbelief that he was there, sleeping soundly, doing so well.  My heart is beyond thankful.

 So we continue on with playdates, library visits, bike rides, wading pool time, ice cream cones and fun. We learn each day how to love each other more and respect our differences. We fall down, apologize, and pick ourselves back up. We laugh, cry, shake our fists at the sky when frustrated, and live a little more each day. God had been good to us and we wouldn't be where we are without Him. We even had a neat opportunity (the picture fanatic in me loved this) to have family portraits taken. It is my husband's worst nightmare trying to get four young children straight, looking at the camera, and making a somewhat appropriate face. But, he was sweet enough to give me this gift for Mother's Day. So on two different occasions, we found matching outfits for everyone, went out in the heat a little past bedtime, and took probably 100 shots. Our great photographer did a wonderful job and captured many of our true expressions. I will hang these pictures proudly all over our house. They will be reminders of our story over the last 10 years, especially over the last 8 months. We are stronger than we were and more in love with God and each other because of the journey we have been down.

On another note, Andrew goes for his physical, urine, and blood tests this Thurs, so please pray that everything comes back "normal" once again. Thank you for your love and support!