When innocent, helpless children are persecuted and treated in ways that animals don't even get treated, we all feel disgusted. Those of us that call ourselves "Christians" and who seek to be God's heart MUST do more for these precious ones.
If you have a few minutes look at these few heartrending photos of Russian orphans and say some prayers. It is Satan's scheme to keep Russia from allowing us to adopt from their country, but God is still King of Kings and He WILL win the war for these children. This is just one example of Satan's ploys against adoption and attacking innocent children. You will see that most of the photos are of disabled children. In Russia, disabled people are seen as scum and treated as such. Little children are put into hospitals for the mentally insane when they have certain diagnosis.
Russian Photos
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Change of Direction for Isaiah
Just when you think things will go one way God has other plans LOL.
I spoke with the ENT on the phone last night (very nice and thorough doctor). She isn't comfortable
that by removing tonsils and adenoids that his sleep issues will be
resolved and believes he will still need CPAP for relief.
Rather than just putting him in a surgery, with possible
complications and risks she would rather we try the CPAP to see if it
even gives him any relief first and foremost.
This will be a long
on-going process, watching him for a healing of that nerve, and making
sure those tonsils/adenoids don't activate and get larger than they are
(I guess combined they are not too large of a blockage). So we are
comfortable with that.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Isaiah Heart and Health Update
Well, the day before Isaiah's cath was scheduled he woke up with a very high fever, which has not ever happened since we have had him in our lives. It got as high as 103.8 at one point. The cath was cancelled for the following day, as they won't do a cath with the potential of viral illness like that. He had no other symptoms beside fussiness and not wanting to eat, saying his tummy hurt. The following morning his fever was completely gone and he seemed healthy. I was a bit frustrated at first, not sure why God would allow this to be cancelled. I did surrender it to God though, knowing He has Isaiah in His hands and I am not going to be in control of even the timing of his cath, as much as I wanted to be. LOL
We had a sleep study scheduled for him for February 28th, because of his ongoing, terrible sleepless nights. We did ask them to keep us on the "Cancellation List" and on last Friday morning we got a call that they had an opening that night if we wanted it. I jumped on that chance and Isaiah and I were headed down to our Children's Hospital just a few hours later.
It was a VERY long night for him. The technician was very thorough and kept coming in and trying different things on him to help his pressures. It seems he is hyperventilating from trying to breath and there is definitely severe sleep apnea going on. He had high CO2 levels through out the night that suggests that.
The doctor who read the study the next morning called us before we even made it home (1 1/4 hour drive home). She was very concerned about what was witnessed all night and asked if that was typical for Isaiah? I told her it was not totally typical but did happen part of the night just about every night and happened as bad as that, once a week on average. She recommended we get him into the ENT asap. He also would need a CPAP machine as well as this type of apnea doesn't usually totally go away even with tonsils/adenoids removed.
Yesterday morning, Jay took Isaiah to see the ENT and Pulmonary Sleep Doctors and get him fitted for a CPAP mask. The ENT doctor scoped him (they went down his nose with a camera which he was very brave about). What they found is that yes, his tonsils and adenoids are contributing to the blockage but only by 25%. The other major issue is that his left vocal chord has been damaged from his open heart surgery. So my knowing that this happened after surgery was right on! When are doctors going to listen better to mothers? Just thankful that he did not have his cath last week. God is so in control of everything and does care about protecting His little ones. What a faith builder this has been for me.
So it was still to be decided if they should remove his tonsils/adenoids or just wait and see if the CPAP does enough. My concern is that if they are causing some airway issues, which he did have that before the surgery just not as severe, and he has many procedures through out his life in his future and while the nerve in his vocal chord theoretically should heal, but may not, then of course they should be removed. Isaiah needs all the help he can have regarding this breathing issue. He has enough issues alone for his pulmonary hypertension. Thankfully, it seems the doctors agreed.
So right now, we are waiting to hear from the ENT to schedule that surgery. Because of his age and airway issues and heart issues he will likely be hospitalized for up to 3 days following this surgery. And they suggest waiting at least a month for him to heal before his heart cath is done, because of intubation and swelling etc. Currently, the Cath was put on the calendar for March 24th.
Not sure if that will work out for that date or not now. Again trusting the Lord to work out those details. He will also need an xray for swallowing to make sure he is not aspirating. He has had that done, but it was before October's heart surgery and all looked good then. He will also need another sleep study after surgery and on CPAP to make sure his pressures are good with the machine set up.
God is good!! Isaiah is so brave and such my hero. How blessed I am to be called "Mommy" by him and so many other precious "babies" of many ages.
Here was the night of the sleep study. It took over 30 minutes for the tech to get all the electrodes and stuff on him. He also had a cannula and a sensor over his lip to make it complete. I was not supposed to have my phone on during the test so after I took this picture I shut it down.
We had a sleep study scheduled for him for February 28th, because of his ongoing, terrible sleepless nights. We did ask them to keep us on the "Cancellation List" and on last Friday morning we got a call that they had an opening that night if we wanted it. I jumped on that chance and Isaiah and I were headed down to our Children's Hospital just a few hours later.
It was a VERY long night for him. The technician was very thorough and kept coming in and trying different things on him to help his pressures. It seems he is hyperventilating from trying to breath and there is definitely severe sleep apnea going on. He had high CO2 levels through out the night that suggests that.
The doctor who read the study the next morning called us before we even made it home (1 1/4 hour drive home). She was very concerned about what was witnessed all night and asked if that was typical for Isaiah? I told her it was not totally typical but did happen part of the night just about every night and happened as bad as that, once a week on average. She recommended we get him into the ENT asap. He also would need a CPAP machine as well as this type of apnea doesn't usually totally go away even with tonsils/adenoids removed.
Yesterday morning, Jay took Isaiah to see the ENT and Pulmonary Sleep Doctors and get him fitted for a CPAP mask. The ENT doctor scoped him (they went down his nose with a camera which he was very brave about). What they found is that yes, his tonsils and adenoids are contributing to the blockage but only by 25%. The other major issue is that his left vocal chord has been damaged from his open heart surgery. So my knowing that this happened after surgery was right on! When are doctors going to listen better to mothers? Just thankful that he did not have his cath last week. God is so in control of everything and does care about protecting His little ones. What a faith builder this has been for me.
So it was still to be decided if they should remove his tonsils/adenoids or just wait and see if the CPAP does enough. My concern is that if they are causing some airway issues, which he did have that before the surgery just not as severe, and he has many procedures through out his life in his future and while the nerve in his vocal chord theoretically should heal, but may not, then of course they should be removed. Isaiah needs all the help he can have regarding this breathing issue. He has enough issues alone for his pulmonary hypertension. Thankfully, it seems the doctors agreed.
So right now, we are waiting to hear from the ENT to schedule that surgery. Because of his age and airway issues and heart issues he will likely be hospitalized for up to 3 days following this surgery. And they suggest waiting at least a month for him to heal before his heart cath is done, because of intubation and swelling etc. Currently, the Cath was put on the calendar for March 24th.
Not sure if that will work out for that date or not now. Again trusting the Lord to work out those details. He will also need an xray for swallowing to make sure he is not aspirating. He has had that done, but it was before October's heart surgery and all looked good then. He will also need another sleep study after surgery and on CPAP to make sure his pressures are good with the machine set up.
God is good!! Isaiah is so brave and such my hero. How blessed I am to be called "Mommy" by him and so many other precious "babies" of many ages.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Health To A Better Way
I have always been interested in health, nutrition, exercise and supplements (aka vitamins, minerals, herbs, essential oils, anything that will enhance the body in natural health and healing).
Before I met Jay (at the young age of 19) I was going to school, aspiring to become a Nutritionist. Even after getting married (only 3 months after meeting him) and having a child a year later, I still went to college working toward that goal.
However, when Tyler was 2 years old we moved to another state, which "temporarily" put my college on hold since we weren't residents and it would be too expensive. Shortly after that move, I was expecting Makenna and at the same time began seriously thinking about homeschooling my children. God, also at that time, brought me to a full surrendering my life to him. I had always known Him, "loved" Him and believed in Jesus, but I had not really ever understood what it meant to give my life to Him, I had always lived for self. So going back to college to have a career was not a strong desire any longer. Teaching my children and following the Lord was. So I gave up college at that time in my life. Honestly, I can say, I have No regrets!
Still health and nutrition interested me. I had a family I was managing, responsible for what they ate and how they spent their free time. My eating and cooking have been through quite the journey: typical American diet of junk, fast food, and empty calories as a kid, to then starving myself to lose "5-10" lbs, "because I never had a flat tummy." When I finally got to a "normal" weight I went from vegetarianism, to low fat, low carbs, low calories, only God-made foods, then back to the freedom of all foods (even junk again but in moderation)...Through all of that, having 7 biological babies, and when I turned 35 something wouldn't budge. My "baby" weight would not come off with the typical nursing, exercise and portion control.
After the birth of my last "baby" (she is now 6), I finally got a sensible doctor who diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and low adrenals, so I began medication that has helped my energy tremendously. Unfortunately, since then I have had 20-25 lbs that I struggle back and forth with, losing and gaining back, never even reaching my pre-baby weight. It is yo-yo body, which I try not to be obsessive about or put as an idol before God. I know my weight and health is not something God wants me to put above Him. Nor do I want my children to see me as vain in my appearance; which might cause them to struggle inward about themselves. It is true though that when I am at a more normal weight for me, get in some exercise, and eat better I feel all around healthier with lots more energy, less aches in my joints, more clear minded and sleep better.
So how do I find a balance that is safe, healthy and not idolatry? One that will keep the last half of my life on this earth, Lord willing, be one that is free from undue aches and pains, but also one that is not so strict that I can't enjoy living or cooking or fellowship with other friends around the dinner table? Not to mention I want to stay attractive for my husband. He has always been so kind and loving toward my many pregnancies and after baby weight. He insists he loves the way I look, which I believe him, but I think he just might enjoy a bit healthier wife. I am in no way advocating "skinny minnie" either. I believe, my matronly figure was earned and I am proud of it. I believe muscle is key to keeping things in place, keeping bones strong and bodies be healthy looking. I am also not speaking about body building types. While I do have some muscle under my thin layers of fat that I would prefer to stand out, body building is not for me
I am so excited to say that I believe I have found a wonderful answer to a healthy, easy, delicious, balanced approach that seems to work.
The book Trim Healthy Mama by Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett.
It was a Christmas request that I had asked for and received from the kids. I have always enjoyed Nancy Campbell's Above Rubies magazine and her Bible studies. I also have a couple of Serene and Pearl's music CDS. I was very excited to hear about this book the sisters had been working on for 5 years. I had heard amazing reviews about it.
It is a bit on the "expensive" side as books go. But I tell you I would pay double the price for what I have learned so far and all the recipes I have tried are really good and easy. I have been reading the book a couple hours every week since I got it for Christmas and still only about half way through it. There is a lot to learn and put into change. It is nothing like I have ever read or considered and I have read probably 25 books on nutrition, dieting, health etc. I am definitely going to recommend this book to every Mama I know! Just a little disclaimer, this book definitely has some topics that are not "Kid Approved", or maybe even Husband friendly. It is written toward married Mamas. My girls have enjoyed hearing me tell them about the content as to how the eating works for us to keep our weight managed and they have enjoyed the recipe section, but they have been warned to stay away from the rest of the content.
I am beginning to put some of the principles into practice which have been simple, satisfying and so delicious. The principles are not only biblical but they have been easy to put into practice and my family have been enjoying everything as well. I know, without a doubt, that it will be principles that I will easily be able to manage for the rest of my life. And in just a week's time of doing some of the program I have lost about 2 lbs (I am still learning and trying to figure how it will exactly work for my lifestyle). I haven't measured myself yet either but one pair of my pants are getting quite baggy in just that same week.
I hope to give some progress as I go and learn. I also plan to continue and up my exercise with T-Tapp to 3-4 times a week. When I am faithfully doing T-Tapp I don't have back, hip or neck pain at all. The stretching and strengthening not only help you create more lean muscle mass but it keeps those injured body areas pain free. You can go to the above link and try some of her free exercises. Right now my new favorite is Lady Bug. It is supposed o be great for your hormones too!
Here is a before photo of me taken. This sweater isn't the most flattering, but that is okay. I wanted this "Before Photo" to be me at one of my worst looking days.
And here are a few links to get you started in learning about it. Let me know what you think.
Trim Healthy Mama Forum
Gwen's Nest Blog
This last link is a blog I found last night and she has lost 40 lbs on this diet in 6 months and maintained it. She has some delicious looking recipes. I already tried this milkshake recipe this morning for breakfast (yes breakfast, although I added a scoop of Jay Robb's chocolate whey protein powder) and it was amazing.
Thin Mint Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
Before I met Jay (at the young age of 19) I was going to school, aspiring to become a Nutritionist. Even after getting married (only 3 months after meeting him) and having a child a year later, I still went to college working toward that goal.
However, when Tyler was 2 years old we moved to another state, which "temporarily" put my college on hold since we weren't residents and it would be too expensive. Shortly after that move, I was expecting Makenna and at the same time began seriously thinking about homeschooling my children. God, also at that time, brought me to a full surrendering my life to him. I had always known Him, "loved" Him and believed in Jesus, but I had not really ever understood what it meant to give my life to Him, I had always lived for self. So going back to college to have a career was not a strong desire any longer. Teaching my children and following the Lord was. So I gave up college at that time in my life. Honestly, I can say, I have No regrets!
Still health and nutrition interested me. I had a family I was managing, responsible for what they ate and how they spent their free time. My eating and cooking have been through quite the journey: typical American diet of junk, fast food, and empty calories as a kid, to then starving myself to lose "5-10" lbs, "because I never had a flat tummy." When I finally got to a "normal" weight I went from vegetarianism, to low fat, low carbs, low calories, only God-made foods, then back to the freedom of all foods (even junk again but in moderation)...Through all of that, having 7 biological babies, and when I turned 35 something wouldn't budge. My "baby" weight would not come off with the typical nursing, exercise and portion control.
After the birth of my last "baby" (she is now 6), I finally got a sensible doctor who diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and low adrenals, so I began medication that has helped my energy tremendously. Unfortunately, since then I have had 20-25 lbs that I struggle back and forth with, losing and gaining back, never even reaching my pre-baby weight. It is yo-yo body, which I try not to be obsessive about or put as an idol before God. I know my weight and health is not something God wants me to put above Him. Nor do I want my children to see me as vain in my appearance; which might cause them to struggle inward about themselves. It is true though that when I am at a more normal weight for me, get in some exercise, and eat better I feel all around healthier with lots more energy, less aches in my joints, more clear minded and sleep better.
So how do I find a balance that is safe, healthy and not idolatry? One that will keep the last half of my life on this earth, Lord willing, be one that is free from undue aches and pains, but also one that is not so strict that I can't enjoy living or cooking or fellowship with other friends around the dinner table? Not to mention I want to stay attractive for my husband. He has always been so kind and loving toward my many pregnancies and after baby weight. He insists he loves the way I look, which I believe him, but I think he just might enjoy a bit healthier wife. I am in no way advocating "skinny minnie" either. I believe, my matronly figure was earned and I am proud of it. I believe muscle is key to keeping things in place, keeping bones strong and bodies be healthy looking. I am also not speaking about body building types. While I do have some muscle under my thin layers of fat that I would prefer to stand out, body building is not for me
I am so excited to say that I believe I have found a wonderful answer to a healthy, easy, delicious, balanced approach that seems to work.
The book Trim Healthy Mama by Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett.
It was a Christmas request that I had asked for and received from the kids. I have always enjoyed Nancy Campbell's Above Rubies magazine and her Bible studies. I also have a couple of Serene and Pearl's music CDS. I was very excited to hear about this book the sisters had been working on for 5 years. I had heard amazing reviews about it.
It is a bit on the "expensive" side as books go. But I tell you I would pay double the price for what I have learned so far and all the recipes I have tried are really good and easy. I have been reading the book a couple hours every week since I got it for Christmas and still only about half way through it. There is a lot to learn and put into change. It is nothing like I have ever read or considered and I have read probably 25 books on nutrition, dieting, health etc. I am definitely going to recommend this book to every Mama I know! Just a little disclaimer, this book definitely has some topics that are not "Kid Approved", or maybe even Husband friendly. It is written toward married Mamas. My girls have enjoyed hearing me tell them about the content as to how the eating works for us to keep our weight managed and they have enjoyed the recipe section, but they have been warned to stay away from the rest of the content.
I am beginning to put some of the principles into practice which have been simple, satisfying and so delicious. The principles are not only biblical but they have been easy to put into practice and my family have been enjoying everything as well. I know, without a doubt, that it will be principles that I will easily be able to manage for the rest of my life. And in just a week's time of doing some of the program I have lost about 2 lbs (I am still learning and trying to figure how it will exactly work for my lifestyle). I haven't measured myself yet either but one pair of my pants are getting quite baggy in just that same week.
I hope to give some progress as I go and learn. I also plan to continue and up my exercise with T-Tapp to 3-4 times a week. When I am faithfully doing T-Tapp I don't have back, hip or neck pain at all. The stretching and strengthening not only help you create more lean muscle mass but it keeps those injured body areas pain free. You can go to the above link and try some of her free exercises. Right now my new favorite is Lady Bug. It is supposed o be great for your hormones too!
Here is a before photo of me taken. This sweater isn't the most flattering, but that is okay. I wanted this "Before Photo" to be me at one of my worst looking days.
And here are a few links to get you started in learning about it. Let me know what you think.
Trim Healthy Mama Forum
Gwen's Nest Blog
This last link is a blog I found last night and she has lost 40 lbs on this diet in 6 months and maintained it. She has some delicious looking recipes. I already tried this milkshake recipe this morning for breakfast (yes breakfast, although I added a scoop of Jay Robb's chocolate whey protein powder) and it was amazing.
Thin Mint Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
Grant Update
On February 1st, Jay and I went to a dinner for the Kids For Kyla grant that we received.
With a combination from the donations our friends sent in and the $1750 grant, we were given $3450 to be sent to our agency to use for Adelia's adoption! We feel so blessed and appreciative for this grant. Thank you so much to our friends who gave and for those who prayed for us and still are.
We know that the Lord will continue to provide for this adoption. Adoption is such a roller coaster of a journey. Because monies are not commonly sitting in the bank for a $33,000 adoption, it really is one thing that keeps many families from pursuing adoption.
If all of us would just consider giving up a little bit of financial comfort to help orphans in whatever way God leads us (adoption, sponsoring, hosting, supporting an adoptive family etc) think of the impact we could make in the Lord's name. He gives all we have financially, it is all His in the first place right?
With a combination from the donations our friends sent in and the $1750 grant, we were given $3450 to be sent to our agency to use for Adelia's adoption! We feel so blessed and appreciative for this grant. Thank you so much to our friends who gave and for those who prayed for us and still are.
We know that the Lord will continue to provide for this adoption. Adoption is such a roller coaster of a journey. Because monies are not commonly sitting in the bank for a $33,000 adoption, it really is one thing that keeps many families from pursuing adoption.
If all of us would just consider giving up a little bit of financial comfort to help orphans in whatever way God leads us (adoption, sponsoring, hosting, supporting an adoptive family etc) think of the impact we could make in the Lord's name. He gives all we have financially, it is all His in the first place right?
Monday, February 3, 2014
Happy Chinese New Year
Last Friday we celebrated Chinese New Year. Makenna made a couple of crafts with the kids while I took some others to Physical Therapy that morning.
They made egg carton Dragons and paper Chinese Lanterns.
For dinner Eliza, Makenna, Moriah and I worked hard making Lemon Chicken with a very delicious lemon sauce, Vegetable wontons, Chicken Lettuce Wraps and rice noodles (that didn't turn out so well), along with Moon Cookies.
They made egg carton Dragons and paper Chinese Lanterns.
For dinner Eliza, Makenna, Moriah and I worked hard making Lemon Chicken with a very delicious lemon sauce, Vegetable wontons, Chicken Lettuce Wraps and rice noodles (that didn't turn out so well), along with Moon Cookies.
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