And baby makes Four

Ethan's First Movie!

2012-01-18T21:19:00.001-08:00

Move over Warren Miller, Ethan has produced his first movie...

Jack is one decade!

2011-12-05T09:32:00.001-08:00

Celebrating 10 Glorious Years with this Smiling boy! Our lives would not be near as happy without you. You are such JOY! Happy Birthday Jack, we love you!

In love with a question?

2011-11-29T09:39:00.001-08:00

First, this is how I spend my days and nights... With this absolutely gorgeous baby! We have been blessed beyond measure with this bundle of pure joy. Crew Abraham, born October 24th, 2011 weighing 8lbs, 8ozs, and 21 1/2 inches long. Perfect in every way! Now I realize raising a newborn is a full time job and I assume that every mom feels the magnitude of this feat! And I know I have brought this up before in a previous post, but here is the thing... I told my husband I wanted to order Crew's birth announcements and he asked "why, with facebook, and texts, and email everyone has heard the good news!" For me, birth announcements are a tradition so they are ordered (with Joe's blessing). But it in a way Joe is right. Do people get tired of seeing the same news over and over? When I do have a few spare minutes while my angel boy sleeps, (and I am feeling rested) I want to make photo books at my publisher, facebook, blog, work on his baby book etc. Should I blog and facebook? I used to love to update our family events but now I feel like with facebook it is just extra work. But then I miss it!? Anyone else out there feel overwhelmed with all this technology?

Pumpkins 2011

2011-10-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

pumpkins, pumpkins, we squeezed one more family outing in just the five of us... unless you count the pumpkin under my shirt!

Waiting

2011-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to be on the other side of the camera one beautiful sunny evening in late September. Linda Atkins of L. Louise Photography captured my ever-growing baby bump. If I was this big a the end of September imagine me now! Yikes. Thank you Linda for capturing this really special time for us.

My Sweet Girl is so excited for the baby...

All images by L. Louise Photography.

U- Pick

2011-10-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

What do you do if you have two hours between football games? And you are out in the county?

U-pick apples! Lots of them, actually more than we can eat!

Apple crisp recipes anyone?

The right Price!

Love Him.

Showered with Love

2011-09-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day to celebrate the upcoming arrival of this baby boy... Thank you to all my sweet friends who helped to make the day so special. I truly enjoyed your company!

Winnie out did herself with the decorations! Beautiful.

Fall = Football

2011-09-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

And we love every minute of it! These are from Jack's first game...

Can these two sit down and watch the game? NO! They pace the whole time!

TOUCHDOWN! She is seriously so cute.

We try to stay in our chairs...

#57 going after the QB, Go Jackers!

Ending the day at Ethan's game, that day it was 90 plus degrees. The fall weather this weekend will be nice for all the pregnant fans.

Every Last Drop

2011-09-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Celebrating every last drop of Summer! The Hendrickson Family so lovingly invite us to land in their boat for tubing and wake boarding. All the kids love going out on the boat and we are so grateful for good friends that take us out for such fun. The hardest part about the night: Dad was working late... and had the camera. No tubing pics of the Bellie Bells this year. Those are my favorite! Thanks Scott and Jacqueline for the fun and yummy din din!

Such a beautiful night on the lake!

And they are off!

2011-09-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

September 7th, 2011 First Day of School

And so it is time, back to school 2011! I thought I was so happy about it but the first day I was ready to pick them up by noon!

My Middle Schoolers! I can't believe how big they are... Izzy 8th grade and EE 6th grade. CRAZY.

The ONLY reason I took this shot was because we were dropping off Isabelle first and clearly, none of his friends were around!

Jack, 4th Grade with Ms. Britt

Ethan, 6th grade, first year of middle school!

Isabelle, 8th Grade

and thanks to the meds, and Jesus, she is feeling so much better. I think she will get around school just fine!

Have a great year kiddos, I will sure miss you!

Until I get used to the quiet then it is party time for mom... :)

Post Summer Clean-Up

2011-09-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

After spending the summer in the pool and summer sun, first stop: Haircuts! The three amigos, Before...

After!

Next Stop, Brenthaven to get the fancy Middle School binder. Ethan is all set! And the red shoes for Jack.

I am always a little jealous of Isabelle's school supplies, they are so cute now...

Ready or not, here we come!

The Last Splash 2011

2011-09-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

These guys have grown up together here at the pool, Ethan, Jack, Ethan and Nolan.

Ethan B and Jack

This is how white people sunbathe. :)

Clearly never invested in a maternity suit! Good thing summer is over.

The boys gathered up the last of the golf balls from the creek.

Good bye Sudden Valley pool, goodbye deep end, we will be excited to see you next year...

Back at the baby pool side!

And another one hits the field...

2011-08-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Why, oh why does this day get me every time? I think it is because when you see your son in his very first football uniform you are forced to see he is growing up. It was just yesterday that Ethan was starting and now, three years later here is Jack! And I suppose in about nine years I'll be doing this all over again...

Joe- most proud football dad ever.

Jack- August 2011

E- August 2009

Let the games begin! And after the SIX practices a week total they better be ready!

Girls Night Out

2011-08-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

We went to Seattle on Monday for more testing. We did our appointments at Children's in Seattle and then we stopped for a little fun before checking into the sleep center in Bellevue. We had to rest a lot however because when you are nearly 8 months pregnant, you should not push a 110lb 14- year- old all over the place!

Dinner time.... with orange cream soda!

And then it was off to her favorite number SeVen, to slEEp!

But First they had to hook her up to every single one of these wires...

Not long and she looked like this :(

Unfortunately the nurse had to come in and UP her oxygen during the night to keep her in the high 90s oxygen wise. We are still waiting to hear back on all three tests.

Resting in the fact: God is in Control!

Bellingham Bells

2011-08-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Jack's baseball coach arranged the coolest thing last Friday night. Jack and his team got to go onto the field and be introduced over the microphone at the Bellingham Bells game with a Bells player. I didn't even know you could do that! It was a beautiful, summer night and a fun way to end the season. Goodbye baseball, hello football, literally the next Monday we picked up fb gear, more to come on that!

They both even got a game ball.

Matters of the Heart

2011-08-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

When school got out I was noticing what Isabelle had previously been able to do was now a struggle. For example, comfortably walking through the grocery store or what I call the Target test. Early in June she was asking to ride in the cart. Two weeks ago when walking from the pool to the car I turned around to check where she was and she was doubled over, struggling for breath. Ethan and I managed to get her to the car and she immediately asked for her oxygen. Bad sign, but definitely a sign of a heart issue rather than Lupus. She never asks for oxygen during the day.

So on Tuesday tests were repeated at Children's confirming her oxygen stats had plummeted. So three or four things are happening and we would love your prayers:

1. The Cardiologist (Dr. Yung) doubled her existing medication. Pray that she will not have any side effects and this will bring her back to activity!

2. We are headed to Children's again on Monday to do a CT scan of her lungs. Dr. wants to rule out Lupus attacking her lungs. My instincts tell me it is NOT this! Please Lord, not this.

3. She will also be expected to do a pulmonary function test, difficult for her to understand directions so pray she will be able to do what she needs to do.

4. Monday night we check into the Children's sleep center in Bellevue to see what is going on during the night. We might need to increase the oxygen levels at night. Praying we don't have to go to the whole C-pap contraption at night.

Thank you for praying! Isabelle is a tough cookie and nearly always has a positive attitude. She is a shining example for all of us at this house. Despite her physical circumstances she remains upbeat and spunky.

Moths

2011-07-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

I first fell in love with moth photos when I saw one hanging on the wall in Interior Design magazine. I emailed the gallery in New York, Ruby Beets and I too could have one for only $1,200.00! And the boss said NO! clearly. So I was thrilled the other day when for the first time in Bellingham, I spotted this beauty on my deck! I'm going to collect my own pics and then blow them up... gigantic. Side note: If you live around here and see one, call me! I'll grab my camera and come over. This one stayed for over a day in the same exact spot.

Fourteen Wonderful Years!

2011-07-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Isabelle wants to celebrate her birthday year round so when it finally arrives on the calender we go for it! First she got to have a "girls day out" with Tam, complete with clothes shopping, lunch and a manicure. She was sooo happy! Thanks Tam for the wonderful day for Isabelle.
Next grandpa and grandma got to come. We enjoyed a beautiful night with the Gish family with a BBQ and fire-pit.

We are so happy to have grandma here to help us celebrate!

New Jammies from Uncle Mike and Auntie. And big 14 year old girl lotion!

I can't take credit for this feast, my dad thought of the food and Joe put everything on the sticks. Yum.

Next we got to celebrate with our wonderful small group. I am sad however because once the guests arrived the camera went away. :( Thank you everyone for coming over and making Isabelle feel so special!

These are from party Number Two, such a lucky girl!

Isabelle with Auntie

Fun skit, singing, and joke time around the fire... Thanks to Emily and Jack for getting us rolling!

Thank you Jesus for giving us such a beautiful, sweet daughter. I thank you for her every day. Please protect her health in the coming year!

4th of July

2011-07-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

4th of July was a beauty this year! Perfect weather... We enjoyed the day with my mom and dad all over Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Jack got to be in the Parade for Joe's work, they both had fun!

Picnic at Riverside Park

I remember thinking in February... "I'll be huge this summer" and yep, I was right!

Jack, enjoying some "Ethan-Free" time while he was away at camp.

We started out at the Bellwether but the Nebraskan got too cold... So we tucked her in safely at home and headed to the SV Marina.

Bellie at the Sudden Valley marina firework show. What a fun night!

Good-bye 4th, you came and went too fast!

Mom and Dad & the San Juan Islands

2011-07-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

It was seriously the most beautiful day of the summer so far last week when we took the San Juan Island Ferry with my mom and dad, Absolutely stunning! I'm trying this backwards now... Link to more pics Here on facebook?! Even if your not a facebooker, ie, Joe Mason!

Mt. Baker

Best of Buddies

My mom and dad... We LOVE having them here with us!

Joe enlightened me: "California Poppies", I had no idea, I have loved these for years!

Love Friday Harbor!

Grandpa Time!

Lemonade Shelm-o-nade

2011-07-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

These little entrepreneurs have made over $50.00 selling golf balls on the golf course in the last two weeks! They hunt for them early morning (well 9ish) and at dusk and then sell them during the day. So far it is keeping them out of trouble and stuffing their wallets full of cash! They are thinking about expanding to golf-tees, etc... which brings on interesting conversations about investment vs. profit and other business, money making ideas. Funny kids!

The "menu"- Like the name of their business "Fore Golfballs" pretty clever boys...

Rain or shine, if there are golfers they go for it... Unless we are at the pool.

Paradise Back!

2011-06-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

We got our paradise back! After two years of the pool being closed for the summer, or was it one, it felt like a long time! We are finally back in business for our summer routine. Chores and errands in the morning and the pool in the afternoons. Followed by reading and baseball.

Good friends, good times...

Nothing makes boys more hungry than sun and swimming!
Caden and Ethan devouring Nachos...

The water is heated this year and feels good on my pregnant belly. You will find me in the water this year rather than just lounging on the side.

The best part is... This is a great way for Isabelle to get some exercise. With her Lupus hurting her legs, swimming is a good solution. So come clouds or sun we will be there... as long as the temp goes above 65!

Our church even helped open the pool with a donation, thank you SVCC!

Remembering, finally.

2011-06-25T15:40:00.001-07:00

The cool, rainy days this week (good only for chores and blogging) are reminding me of everything I love about summer. We have had such a long, cold, wet spring that I was starting to forget what to look forward to. Things like flowers on the deck, the color of the sunlight, baseball, and finally this summer I am remembering something really wonderful... How much I love being pregnant. The first four months were difficult! Right along with the depressing cold and rainy spring was constant nausea and blues. So let the summer sun SHINE! It's about time.

This house (one of my favorites on Lakeway) was LIT-Up with the summer sun one night on the way home from our baseball game.

Flowers from the Pike Place Market, beeeeautiful!

Baby bump, 22nd week. One of the 6 that I have truly enjoyed. I can feel him kicking like crazy now and I love that feeling. Another wonderful thing is that this is all new to Joe. I can't wait until he can actually see him move from looking at my stomach. It will be soon!

Baseball, the perfect way to spend summer evenings!

2011-06-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

All about Jack... He has sat at the sidelines so many times to watch Ethan that now it is HIS turn. We love spending warm (or in this case, cool) summer nights out at the baseball field. Super fun!

His greatest fans... Go Jackers!

Look how cute the pitcher is... nothing makes the mama more nervous at BB than when your son is pitching! I scream, dad paces...

Ready for the game, 22 weeks!

The other base ball player is growing too, yikes! Scary to think 17 more weeks!

We are very proud of you Jack, play ball!

Summer fun, Fire-Pit Style

2011-06-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Joe made last Wednesday his Saturday and made a fire-pit in our own yard. The best part, this is all the camping I will ever need! It feels like camping, then I go inside, take a shower and sleep in my own bed!

We even had a visitor come by to check it out... A buck!

Warming it up...

Time to break it in... Ethan's Kick off to Summer. He had several friends over to enjoy some S'mores.

Looking forward to many more summer nights spent by the fire!

Way to Go Ethan!

2011-06-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day! The wrap up of Ethan's Elementary School days. Just yesterday I dropped him off with tear filled eyes (mine not his) to kindergarten! We are super proud of his accomplishments and hard work.

Congratulations EE we are super proud of you!!!

I feel truly blessed that he has such a good group of friends. Friendships that will no doubt last a lifetime.

The famous 5th Grade Tunnel!

The Last Lunch!

This one is entitled... "Who's on First?"

FIRST place in the district track meet for the 400m!

E with Mrs. Ritchie, one of his favorite Geneva teachers.

And last but not least...(I'm totally freaking out) is Ethan's first girlfriend, Abigail. Heaven help me!

To Blog or NOT to Blog...

2011-06-13T16:38:00.001-07:00

Is anybody out there? (I think that's a Journey Song) Facebook put a wrench in the whole blogging routine I had going. It is so quick and easy to upload a couple of photos and a quick blurb about what is happening. But lately I have been thinking... "Why don't I ever blog anymore?" I recently went to a baby shower for a friend and she had the most lovely book published from all of her blog posts. It included photos and all the text, what a great keepsake for the future!! We have big news going on over here, Isabelle's health, the boys and their injury reports and certainly our new baby! So perhaps I will do the best I can to move on over here back to blogspot and catch up, well not exactly catch up, but pick up where we are now.

If you are out there and this ever gets looked at, comment and let me know.

Love,

Amy, former blogger since 2004

(thinking of Hawaii in this cool, dreary weather)

Yuck

2011-04-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is why I have not been on my blog... we are tired. Isabelle has endured a lot this winter and we are still seeking some solutions. This is her liver biopsy in February. Sadly it revealed she has auto immune hepatitis. Now we are on new meds that need to be regulated. She has a blood test every 7 to 10 days to try and get it right.

"Ready!"

Since then they have also added on the diagnosis of Lupus?!!! I am just starting to completely ignore the labels and get on with our life. Poor baby, is taking a lot of pills. :(

It's complicated.

2010-12-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for all the support, love and prayer. Seriously. She needs all the prayers we can send up, thank you. I will simplify mainly because there is still so many unknowns.

We are seeing a Pediatric Gastroenterologist - Concerning her liver functions. On her one year heart check up a blood test indicated a possible problem. Please pray it is nothing.

Then her knees swelled and would not extend. Her hamstrings cramped up and now her back is hurting. A Pediatric Rheumatologist is joining the mix. Is is mechanical? Meaning the position of her feet, ankles, and knees are not lined up correctly. With her heart feeling better she was a lot more active, able to walk further, this activity could of started this.

Or is it more serious and long term, Arthritis?

Or is it tied back to the liver?

Pray it is NOT the second or third!! The first we can 'fix' with lots physical therapy and orthotics.

Her eyes rolling back episode on Christmas Eve was not heart related so that is a praise!! It may of been medication, dehydration, ???

To sum it up we need prayer that Isabelle has the fewest complications possible with her liver and legs as possible. That the pain will subside so she can walk upright. Now she is all hunched over and miserable, some mornings crawling. And lastly for all the poking and prodding to come on Wednesday. We need answers but getting them is hard to put her though.

She is amazing, sweet, and patient while we are scrambling to find some help. Thank you sweet friends, we should know more after Wednesday.

NiNe.

2010-12-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

Jackers Turns NiNe... Seattle Style. At his request we celebrated Jack's birthday in Seattle and what a day we had. He wanted to go to a store called 'Fireworks' to pick out something new for his miniature collection, to his favorite candy store and ride the Christmas carousel. We ended the day at his favorite Seattle restaurant... Claim Jumper.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Jack's fav candy store.

Fireworks...home of the tiny miniature glass animals.

Go Big or Go home... with a 12' tree

2010-12-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Our reputation proceeds us... Tree looks perfect size in the forest but a bit ridiculous when it goes on the top of the car and even worse when we try to get it into the house. All 12' feet of it.

Thankful

2010-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

I have no kids and no husband this morning so I am working on my 2009 family photo book. When I came to these pics I had an overwhelming Thankfulness for how blessed I have been in my life. I just adore this people with my whole heart. Thank You Jesus for entrusting me with these three people. I am so, so thankful for them.

She is a Winner!!!

2010-11-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Izzy conquered again in the Special Olympics bowling tournament. It is is the most fun to watch! Even if these sweet girls got one pin, they would turn around and be so proud, give each other high fives and celebrate. Congratulations Bellie! May my heart not burst with pride.

Right after the tournament, we had to rush over and show Ethan (and his football team) her medal!

Mountain School

2010-11-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

We had the best time at Mountain school last week! It was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed so much to spend time with Ethan's class and the fun parents that went too. Let me know if you want a disk and I will make sure and get one to you... Full Set Here.

Trick o Treat!

2010-11-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

We just went all over the place this Halloween. It was a fun filled family time. And see what you get when you push your nose up at the Halloween costumes we got you... Isabelle and I will wear them and you will be jealous when you can't walk fast wearing a box!

Carving is Fun.

2010-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Carving it up! I don't know why I think carving pumpkins is so fun?

We worked hard, so imagine my outrage when the squirrels ate them to shreds the next day!

Rrrrr to the squirrels!

We got some pumpkins!

2010-10-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

Nebraska 10/10

2010-10-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Isabelle and I had a great time visiting my mama a couple of weeks ago. It was so fun to spend nine days at the cabin, it is such a beautiful place!

Remember this? wow has she grown!

Enjoying the sun on the Platte River.

They don't call it the cornhusker state for nothin'!

It was fun to take Iz around and show her my old neighborhood.

If we could of fit her in our suitcase, we would of tried to bring her with us!

Good bye to doggie.

And then we were sad to say good bye to grandma! We had a great time with her... I love you mom!

11

2010-09-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here is how you turn

You hope your mom does not forget the tradition since you were two, to wake you up with a doughnut with candles. And of course, she doesn't.

Then you ask her to make football cookies for both your classmates and your football team. Even if your mom has a true 'blond' moment, driving all over town looking for a 'football' shape cookie cutter, realizing after wasting tons of gas and time you can just buy a round one and bend it. And after using brown food coloring to make white frosting brown, rather than just buying chocolate...

Then you head down down to go to your favorite candy store for the traditional chocolate frog.

Next up, football practice! My favorite.

Then you stand around looking grown up and cute, and make your mom want to cry.

Good exercise to burn off the flaming doughnut, the chocolate frog and the brownies to come!

A few presents, a Chargers shirt, new socks and a guitar stand make me so happy.

Then you show your mom and dad you have actually been listening during guitar lessons.

And that is how I, Ethan Cole turned 11!

Blue Fox

2010-09-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

There is nothing but fun at this little 50's joint in Oak Harbor. We went over Labor Day weekend to see a triple! feature: Despicable Me, Toy Story 3 and Iron Man 2. We didn't make it through the third, it was 2:00 in the morning after all!

A fully stocked snack bar... including 50 cent hot dogs and pops.

Yeah for a little routine!

2010-09-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

My 'bubble' says... I'm so happy I could cry!

Summer did not move like a Snail!

2010-08-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

SUN!

At first I felt summer was moving like a snail, would school ever start?! But now that fall is knocking on the back door I am going to miss the warm, sunny, summertime days! I am so happy we got to visit our friends on Big Lake last week! Today is cold, rainy and miserable to be outside so soaking up the last bit of summer was fantastic!

Thanks Scott and Jacqueline for the fabulous evening!

The Watering Hole

2010-08-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the heat at the the local watering hole, summer is not complete without it!

Now that is a free-ride!

Summer and Friends, the best of times!

Isabelle is Amazing.

2010-07-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Jack is amazing too, however to be on oxygen every night and then want to follow what Jack did on the tube was awesome! We were so, so proud of her!

Jack showed her how it was done...

Then dad said "Isabelle's turn", then I almost freaked out!

It was so, so great to watch her take off and have a blast! Phil was a perfect driver.

Happy, Happy Girl!!!

Thanks for the awesome time Phil!

Thumbs UP: faster, faster, faster!

Sandra, my partner in crime to stalk Camp Firwood :)

Captain Jack.

Firwood, Ethan's paradise

2010-07-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was pure bliss for EE. Camp Firwood. I am so excited to have this fabulous summer camp right in our own back yard (not exactly, but close). What an awesome experience. Wake boarding, rock climbing, paint balling, guys night out on the island, and most of all time dedicated everyday to learn about Jesus! He had the time of his life but we sure missed him like crazy around here.

There were families from Oregon and Northern California so again, yippee this place is so close!

EE and Turbulence, his camp counselor.

And who wouldn't want to sleep here for a week???

(Well... me for one :)

Passed the swim test, YES!

Awesome facilities.

Side Note*** and do not repeat this if you see my son. The cutest thing happened when he got home. I saw him on the computer looking through hundreds of pictures on the Firwood website. I went to show him where the one's of him were that I had found and he said "I'm looking for this girl that was in my rock climbing class. She doesn't go to Geneva and I don't think I will ever see her again." He was crushed. I asked him if she was cute? And with full embarrassment on his face he said "very". His first real crush and I learned one parenting key: Ask him with all seriousness and don't tease... or your gettin nothing out of him.

Ahhh that explains why he insisted packing his hair gel!

tHiRteeN!

2010-07-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

This beautiful young lady is Thirteen! Yes, I am the official mother of a teenager! Unbelievable, I'm way to young to have such a grown up daughter :) She is an unending amount of blessings and joy. We are so thankful to have her in our lives.

Happy Birthday Iz!

Making Photo Mosaics has been fun... try it HERE

4th of July

2010-07-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Our New Doggy.

2010-06-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Look what dad brought home from Missouri... A doggy. And I can't tell you the excitement in these three kids! The little baby was Joe's mama's pride and joy so I hope we can give her the love and attention she is used to. So far so good, maybe she gets too much attention! Her name was Sasha but because Isabelle can't say 'S's' very well her new name is Penelope. 'P's' are much easier for Bellie to pronounce. She is such a sweet dog, with a cute personality as well as adorableness! She has been a great addition to our family, she even goes out in boat with Ethan. More Summer pics of Frogs and Dogs HERE. Happy Summer Everyone!

EE and Nolan, ready to fish!

EE and Ems

This is where she like to sit, right at your feet. (or on your lap :)

This is how she arrives at baseball games... in Isabelle's bag. NOT MINE.

Thanks Grandma Mary for the incredibly sweet dog. We will take good care of your baby.

We love and miss you!

Rockin' it 80's Style!

2010-06-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Geneva ended the school year with a fantastic 80's Summer Send Off. It was super fun to see all the kids in their 80's get ups. If only I saved some of my old clothes!

Jack with his buddies, Maddie and Grace.

Bellie, rocking the side ponytail. Ah, memories! And jeans rolled up so tight you can barley walk!

And to finish off the school year, field day.

Goodbye 4th Grade!

VOTE for US...

2010-06-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

You can vote everyday from today until June 17th. Thanks Friends!

Go Banana Slugs!

2010-05-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

We had a blast Saturday at the Jr. Ski to Sea race at Lake Padden, Ethan and his BANANA SLUG team did a fantastic job!

Ready to cheer Ethan on!

Warming up.

Thanks to Sean for the cool shirts...

The banana Slugs, plus one little brother...

E and his three legged race partner. They did amazing well despite the height difference. Awesome job!

I do believe half of Bellingham was there and Joe was quick to observe the whole scene could be a REI commercial. Nearly everyone sporting REI gear or fleece.

Our friends Liam, Phil and Sandra.

She waited and waited for her turn, so when the real race wrapped, it was time for Isabelle to attack the obstacle course!

There was no real category for kids literally as slow as banana slugs but she sure is Number ONE to us! Thanks EE for the awesome day!

Jr. Ski to Sea Parade (in the sun!)

2010-05-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

We got my hubby warmed up for next weekend by attending the Jr. Ski to Sea parade Friday night. Parades are one of Isabelle's very favorite things. By Friday evening she was recovered enough from the hospital ordeal to get out and about. And now Joe will be ready for the big one... Saturday at NOON!

Happy to have a smile back on our sunshine girl!

Sweet Child O Mine

2010-05-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

We got home this morning from an overnight visit to Children's. And it was one heck of a night! We had four appointments in Seattle, echocardiogram, swallow study, clinic walking test, and a long visit with her cardiologist. After all of that we headed to see a good girl movie before we had to check into Bellevue Children's Hospital for her sleep study. The movie was Ironman 2, go figure. She was mad that there were Shrek posters everywhere but it did not start until today. Boo.

We left Bellevue this morning at 6:00am awaiting more test results but so far, no more "bad" news. Except for some mention of starting another medication for blood clots. Her progress is slow (as they expected). Her cardiologist doubled all her medication and we will wait to hear how the results of the sleep study go. They did not have to come in and give her "emergency" oxygen like they warned me so I was happy about that! A "sleep" study I learned involved very little sleep, especially for me, I was awake all night!

Once I got the coat of Crisco-like glue that was matted all over her hair out, she started to smile again. Until then she was pretty ticked about the whole ordeal.

We are home, taking pills and waiting good results! Thanks for all the kindness.

The Best Weekend.

2010-05-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

The best Mother's Day ever. We stayed in Sudden Valley the whole weekend and enjoyed everything right in our own backyard. I was spoiled...

We helped E build a bike jump,

I received the most beautiful bouquet of flowers,

We took Isabelle in the Canoe,

We felt the sun on our faces,

I got breakfast in BED!

We went Fishing,

And caught some whoppers :)

We took the bunny too,

And I looked at each of my children thinking I am the luckiest mom on the planet.

What in the world?

2010-05-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

I know time flies and all but these are my big 9 1/2 size feet in my son's shoes and they are too big! I knew this day was inevitable but I didn't know it would happen so soon. I miss those little feet but I am excited to see where these big ones will take him...

Happy Anniversary to Us

2010-04-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

My husband, of exactly two years today... is awesome.

I would love to live this day again, it was perfect.

Gotta love tradition...

2010-04-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

Peep! Happy Easter! Look what Christine put in my Easter basket... and just like that, right back to 1977. We had an awesome Easter Sunday. We had a great Easter service at our church and then headed to Lynden for our annual egg hunt. And we had Easter enchiladas, yum! Christine threatened Caleb and Emily that this is the last year but I think we can talk her into many more, after all you can't just change tradition.

We started this annual event with only Caleb and Isabelle (whom are both in braces this year) Time flies!

Giggly Girl!

Welcome Spring, Welcome Baseball!

2010-04-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Tis the season, welcome back baseball. We missed you!

Practice, 2.5 minutes from our front door. Gotta love that!

Somebody call 911!

2010-03-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

EE and Bellie 2003

WOW, wow, wow... here is the next chapter to that story. I was outside with Jack when Joe yelled to get me because she had woke up after coming home from school sick at 9:30 and sleeping all day. I walked into the bathroom to see her falling face first off the toilet, completely white as a ghost and unconscious laying in a puddle of diarrhea. Joe held her while I called 911. We spent from 3:30 until 11:30 Friday night in the ER. Thankfully the doctors (who in bellingham fall extremely short, just my opinion) think the collapse was more due to her vomiting in the morning, not drinking anything all day and then having severe diarrhea. When she lost all that fluid out the other end, her blood pressure dropped and she collapsed. I asked them over and over about her heart and they don't think that was what made her crash. They did an EKG and that indicated no heart stress / failure...

Friday was the scariest day I had seen from her. Joe was in tears Friday night saying "I thought I was going to see her die."

In the hospital when she snorted at me like a pig I knew she was feeling better.

And talk about resiliency, she was at school today!!

This child, I'll tell ya, is going to give me a heart attack! Thanks as always for praying for her. I am counting on this spring to really bring a new chapter for us. With the warm sun and fresh air covering us may the virus and health problems go away! xxxooo

P.S. the paramedics who have been frequenting our house are awesome!

May I ask...

2010-03-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

It seems this little dolly girl goes from one thing to the next. Please continue to pray for her health. On top of everything she has been though since the end of December she still continues to "catch" nasty things. Like an ear infection so bad that her hearing aid can't work and "lower lobe" pneumonia. Bllaaaa! I so badly want her healthy so she can get into her school routine and feel the positive affects of the medicine that otherwise should be improving her life a ton. With all this other stuff in the way it is hard to see a difference. She gets so frustrated because she can't hear, she asked over and over yesterday for a "new battery" and it made me so sad. It's her ear that is broken not the aid! Thanks as always for the love you pour out so graciously on her behalf! Love you!

San Juan Islands

2010-03-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Two Tickets for ferry, 22 bucks, not thinking about heart disease all day...priceless!

It was the best day we have had in a long, long, time.

Jackism

2010-02-22T15:25:00.001-08:00

"Mom, if you stick your earphones up your nose, music comes out your mouth!"

Remind me not to borrow is ipod... :)

Day Six...

2010-02-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

and NO side effects! No headaches, no upset stomach, no dizziness! I am so thankful. Little miss will even be back at school this week!

This was surgery day... can someone say "find a stylist quick!" check out those roots... geesh.

I'll be the frog...

2010-02-15T21:14:00.001-08:00

I am going to use the experience Jack and I had this afternoon as a parallel to my life and… I’ll be the frog. These past two months have been a disaster. I have tried to stay positive but really our life had started to unravel. “Your daughter might die,” they said. One year and five months my husband has been unemployed and sinking each day into a deeper hole of frustration. And like the frog, I am hopping all over the place from one problem to the next. Lately in sheer panic.

First I will expand on Isabelle’s surgery and results from last Tuesday. We headed to Seattle expecting a “routine procedure”. The routine part ended immediately when the anesthesiologist warned me, because of the high pressures in her heart and lungs, putting her under was a huge risk alone. I was so concerned that the thought of grabbing her and running for the door crossed my mind. Then I remembered I’m not in control, God is. She made it though surgery and the six hours of recovery that followed. Laying flat on her back waiting for the artery to “close up” and for her to be able to sit up. As we waited the cardiologist came in with the results. And they found the problem… Heartbreak, as her doctor in Bellingham should have found the “large hole” in the value connecting the right and left side of the heart called the PDA. He should of found it years ago and then we would not be in this position. And we can’t close the hole now because her body has used the hole (that caused the problem in the first place) to keep her alive. To add to the drama, I no sooner had her inside the front door late Tuesday night when Joe noticed blood all over the front of her dress! The artery opened and blood was escaping her like a fountain. 911!!! And must I brag a moment.. the paramedics were completely impressed by the technique I was using to stop the bleeding. Exactly as I was shown hours before. We spend most of that night in the ER. She made it though the entire ordeal.

And from the wisdom from Children’s Hospital we have a plan… Medication, three times a day. We might not see the pressures start to come down for a year! But the meds should cause her to start feeling better, able to do more things like she used to. They might try and close the hole in 3 to 5 years but we will have to wait and see what the medicine and God can do to bring down the high pressures in her heart and lungs. We will be heading to Children’s every three months to check her progress and dosage.

Back to the overall picture... As you can imagine, being unemployed for one year and five months can bring on a multitude of problems with money being the least of our worries. About a month ago I noticed my husband sleeping late and waking grouchy only to find him back in bed in the afternoons. Welcome depression, frustration and an overwhelming desire to leave this “one horse town”. As you can imagine with any man searching day after day, after yet another day for work can really bring out the worst in someone! With no job prospects in sight and many tears latter we decided it would be best if we could spend some time apart, with Joe going to Missouri to look for work and spend time with his mom and other family members, after all the fighting has to stop.

Back to the frog. As I watched it hopping all around while Jack was chasing it, I was reminded once again of me. Sheer panic, I can’t loose my husband, I can’t loose my daughter. Hop, panic, hop, panic. Then these huge hands swooped down and held him snug and secure. He calmed down and just was at rest. And that is exactly how God works. Joe got a job offer yesterday and Isabelle got up at basketball practice and RAN all the way across the court to get a drink of water!!! (after only 15 doses in her cute little body!) So could of our Lord swooped in- in the nick of time and made it all better? It’s possible. My husband will have an office to go to every day, he will I pray be blessed beyond measure in his work. And could God have created such a drug that will save my daughters life? It is more than possible… after all He did create the universe. And so I will rest, fully aware that I am in the father’s hands. And He didn’t forget about us and I will praise him that His hands are so much more gentle and wise than an eight-year-old boy!

So if I may ask for yet another prayer request please pray that all the details will be worked out for Joe to start this job soon. Pray the enemy will be rebuked from our hearts and lives!! Pray that God will bless Joe with success and our family with peace. Pray that the medicine will be effective in Isabelle’s body. I am so thankful for each one of you.

Update from Childrens visit February 4th

2010-02-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here is the information we took from yesterday. First, it is overwhelming to try and wrap my head around this complicated issue. She has had tests on top of more tests, and has taken each one like a trooper with few complaints. I am so proud of her. When we got to Children’s the specialist clarified the reason for two of her tests: First blood test indicated liver issues, blood flow problems to the liver, which would cause liver failure. Went right to ultrasound, results came back “Perfect”. No problems with liver.

Rheumatology. The study of disease where the body turns on itself. Again blood tests indicated that she might have problems with something related to these issues. Went right over to Rheumatologist where she did a full body exam looking for visible signs of lupus, arthritis, thyroid issues etc… NO VISIBLE SIGNS or reason for immediate concern. Took more blood and urine tests, waiting for results.

Both above causes can contribute or cause pulmonary hypertension. Two more issues off the list, which still leaves us with…. No answers!

Surgery on Tuesday will tell the doctor what she needs to know to prescribe medication to get the oxygen extended all the way out into the lungs. To open the tubes that are restricted so she can function without overextending her heart.

So waiting again… for the procedure on Tuesday. Then we will have some direction. Planning on starting medication by Wednesday.

We spent a tiny bit discussing the two most dreaded words I can imagine… life expectancy. I barely listen but what is clear is that this is a serious disease and it making her life so much more difficult. After they get in there and see what is going on we will know a lot more about that.

I fall back on what I know for sure: God has an amazing plan for Isabelle. He will stand in the gap and bring her out of danger, He has before and He will do it again. I am incredibly grateful for the staff at Childrens, I am, but my faith in God remains the same. He is the ultimate physician and I will continue to ask Him to take care of the gift He gave me so I can be with her for a very long time. Thanks for praying…truly.

Love, Amy

Next Up...

2010-02-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday February 4th: Arrive at Childrens at 7:15 am, Liver Ultrasound, visit with Pulmonary Hypertension specialist about surgery next Tuesday, echocardiogram, visit with Rheumatologist, blood draw and finally fitting for new ear mold. Bellie, I promise I’ll hold your hand! Thank you everyone for praying, it is appreciate more than I can express in words. We need some answers...

Date Night

2010-01-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

This fine looking lad is my date tonight. I can't wait. We are going out to dinner and to a movie and then heading home to watch our favorite cartoon... The Smurfs. Hopefully by the end of the day this worried look he has been carrying around will turn into a big smile.

Childrens Visit, January 7th

2010-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Thank your for praying for us, truly it is making a HUGE difference. We made it back from Seattle late this morning. Yesterday was a full day of information and testing but not a whole lot of answers. I had prepared Isabelle for more heart monitoring and echo cardiograms but we were not prepared when they took her back to put in an IV. I am so thankful that Auntie (Christine) was able to come. She was a huge help for convincing Isabelle it had to be done and taking the pressure off of me to “make her”!

We are still in the process of gathering test results from all the tests that have been taken. More tests than I ever thought possible. They have taken enough blood for hundreds of tests, at least that’s how it looks to me! Here is what we know for sure…

FACTS:
-Isasbelle will be having surgery in approximately two weeks. During this surgery the doctor will insert a catheter into an incision in her groin area and threat it up into her heart. There they will test for exact pressures as well as several other tests that will help the specialist determine which medication to start with.

-Isabelle did not have any of the chemical in her system that indicated heart failure. She looks great and is not in a critical situation. She does however have a level of pressures that is on the more serious side.

-Many test results have come back normal, which is great but also a bit frustrating because if we find something we can treat completely that will help to solve the high pressures in her heart. Examples: Sleep apnea, blood clots in her lungs, lung disease. All great things to NOT HAVE but still not showing us why or clues to treatment.

-Her first treatment after surgery might come into her system intravenously. L The medication would have reconstructive properties but she would have to have an IV in at home. Or, the specialist (Dr. Yung) will start her treatment with oral medications.

-There is not a quick fix to this problem. It will be a long haul with many trips to Childrens. This is a problem that we will have to watch carefully for her lifetime. No cure, just treatment. But then we have Jesus so there are no limitations for what can happen!

Blessings:

-We have Childrens and the specialists with all the current and up coming new drugs and facts about Pulmonary Hypertension.

-Her oxygen levels at night are not a huge concern at this point. She is sleeping safely.

-Isabelle gets to return to school as long as we are certain that she will not be in any situations where should could over exert herself.

-We have the most loving awesome family, friends, church family we could ask for!!! WE FEEL YOUR PRAYERS!!!!

Prayer Requests:

-Test results will continue to not reveal serious concerns yet a reason will be found for why the Pulmonary Hypertension exists in her sweet little heart.

-She will remain healthy everyday (free of colds, flu’s, etc…) Especially leading up to surgery and the start of treatment.

-That I will not have a heart attack watching for her to have a heart attack!!! I am already secure in the fact that she is in Gods powerful hands but it is still hard for me to see her struggle and to know her insides are not working right.

-That Isabelle’s body will respond to the medications when we start them.

-God has had His mighty hands on her since the second she was born. He has saved her from many scary moments and I know He has an amazing plan for her life! Pray for the long, long, healthy life He has in store for her!

-Lastly pray for Joe- He is gone (flew out early this morning) to see his mom in Missouri. She is in testing to see if she might have ALS Lou Gearigs and is not well. He is really worried about his mom and Isabelle. It is hard for us to be apart with all this going on. He will return in NINE days!

Upon arrival, still happy...

"I'm not going to let you"... Auntie to the rescue!

Did it! Onto testing...

Tomorrow: Childrens Today: Smiles

2010-01-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

I have to tell each of you that we can feel your every prayer! God has blessed us beyond measure this week with His peace and focus on His promises! We are so grateful for all of your loving prayers, phone calls, emails and love you have shown for our sweet daughter! We are excited to return to Childrens in the morning to have more testing done to see exactly what can be done for her heart. We will have a full day of poking and prodding, then spend the night in Seattle. Hopefully in a hotel, not a hospital bed! It will not be until Friday morning that I can update you on our findings. Please continue to pray for healing and wisdom for the doctors and nurses that will be in charge of her care.

We love you all!

Amy, Isabelle and family

p.s. This was us sneaking away to the park yesterday afternoon. We had been cooped up in the house all week and when Isabelle asked to play at the park we just had to take her! ALL SMILES!

Please Pray for Isabelle's HEART!!!

2010-01-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...

On Monday 12/28 we got a scary diagnosis from Children's hospital in Seattle concerning Isabelle's heart. Here is an overview of what happened as well as our prayer requests. She is happy at home, laying low with us. We are to keep her away from potential germs and and make sure she does not over exert herself in anyway. Because of that she will not be going back to school. I am really scared and excited at the same time to get back to Children's on Thursday. I will try and keep anything we find out up to date here. I can't thank you enough for all the prayers!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

I am leaving the emotion in my original email I wrote when we got home Monday night....

Written Monday night 12/28:

I am writing this in an email because to be completely honest I am on the verge of a panic attack... I am trying to stop crying. Joe is here and is committed to praying with me and handing me kleenex, so I feel like I have support. Today Isabelle and I went to Children's in Seattle for some "routine" tests on her heart. I will back up just in case you don't have the whole story. In October Isabelle had the swine flu, or the flu, regardless she was really sick. When she didn't fully recover I took her back in for breathing problems. A new nurse practitioner (a Christian) fell in love with her and really spent a lot of time with her. She started treating her for Asthma. When I took her back for a re-check I told the nurse practitioner that the breathing problems were not getting better. She sent us to Children's on a "hunch".

After five hours of tests she has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. A very serious heart condition. The pediatric cardiologist entered the room with "I have really bad news" So there is a lot to say that I can't actually say out loud right now. First we will be going through a lot of testing to see WHY SHE HAS IT. The blood pressure inside her heart is almost twice what it should be, her heart is having to work way too hard. There are many, many reasons that can contribute, cause, or make the condition worse. She is on a heart monitor for the next 24 hours (at home) and they will be sending a nurse out to the house to set up oxygen for night time, she will be tested for sleep apnea as well. They took tons of blood today, we will return on the 7th for continued testing.

First Prayer Request: That the specialist at children's will be able to correctly find the cause.

After they find the "why" THEY WILL BE ABLE TO START TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TREAT IT. There are very few cases that surgery will make a difference. Most cases are treated with a multitude of drugs. Depending on the cause a medicine or medicines with be picked.

Second Prayer Request: Her life expectancy is all dependent on how well her body will respond to the treatment. WE NEED COMPLETE HEALING FOR HER!!!! GOD HAS BEEN 100% FAITHFUL TO HER SO FAR AND I KNOW HE WILL BE AGAIN. I want the doctors to already be amazed when we go back before we even start treatment.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ISABELLE AND THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GET THE BEST TREATMENT. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS I ADJUST TO THIS NEWS. I KNOW I WILL SETTLE DOWN AND FEEL NORMAL AGAIN BUT RIGHT NOW I AM BUZZING WITH HURT, FEAR, ETC... PRAY FOR PEACE FOR ME, JOE AND THE BOYS AND FOR SEAN.

I love you all, I just can't talk on the phone right now. I am a wreck and I know talking about it, at least for a little while, will just make it worse.

PRAISES!!!! That we ended up at Childrens today. If not, they said she may of not made it six more months untreated.

Childrens hospital has a pulmonary hypertension specialist!!!! A woman who has dedicated her career to only this and she is right in Seattle!

Thank you Jesus for guidance!

Thank you for your beautiful love and friendship and for going to the thrown on Isabelle's behalf!

We love you all!

Amy

p.s. Please put Isabelle on every available prayer chain. Jesus is all we need!

"The best Christmas Ever!"

2009-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

This is what you get when you say "Absolutely, positively NO!" when asked an xbox 360 for Christmas...

And then your dad surprises you anyway...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

My dad just emailed me this for Christmas... Isn't it the best gift.

Trains and Trees!

2009-12-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

We rode on this steam train today! It is only running thru Sunday so if you are interested let me know and I'll give you directions. Free, pet food or people food donation.

She is sooo cute! All said she kept saying over and over crystal clear: "I help you!" I love it when she talks and can be so easily understood!

Here is Charlie Brown...

Gobble, Gobble

2009-11-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. We enjoyed this year just the five of us. It was fun to cook our meal together and watch the Macy's parade and football. We had a wonderful meal and then got to go to the movie. The Blind Side, highly recommended.

We are grateful this year for all of our blessings. I am asking if you don't mind to continue to pray for direction for our family. My husband really needs a job. We know God has a plan for us but the wait has been long. It has been over a year and all the experience Joe has is in items that are not moving: houses, mortgages, cars, etc... Having only commission and being new in this small town is difficult! He is struggling, trying to find where he belongs. He wants to work and it is hard to see him at home day after day wanting to get out there. Thanks for praying, praying God will find him a job quick!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jack was my helper this year... Decorations, potatoes, cranberry sauce. Very helpful.

Happy Happy Haircut!

2009-11-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here is my little hippie-freak... yesterday. Mailing out his B-Day invites. Ode to the year of the camp-fire. If you fall in one and nearly burn your hand off we may as well celebrate the beginning of his 8th year with an indoor camp out, a little fire is not going to scare him...

Now look at this cute boy!! Ship- shape. I'm thankful for haircuts.

Boo

2009-11-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Halloween is here again!

I love this boy... This all comes from him. He just loves her, no matter what.

Two Things... Well actually Three

2009-10-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

First it was a beautiful Saturday morning for football, no rain! There are two facts about this game that made it extra special. Two circumstances that brought out a beast on the field, an animal ready to play. One, how cute is Ethan's 4th grade teacher, she came to his game. Ethan asked me two times... "Mom, is she here yet?" It was so cute.

Thank you Mrs. Allen for taking the time to make your students feel special!

Secondly these two... I don't know if I should share this info or not. It worked so I am sharing. E was paid! 5 bucks for every solo tackle, 1 buck for an assisted tackle. A dollar lost for missing a tackle from the offensive line. A bit whacked but it worked. Ethan was on fire and dad is out 15 smacks!

Here is our friend Hayden... And the ball was gone, gone, gone. 26 to 14.

So fun to watch!

I'm really looking forward to this...

2009-10-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Another soaking wet football game. Kick off- 8:00 am, drop off an hour before that. (that was sean's job :) Come on slop, muck, mud, and mire! Go King Nissan!

A stunning way to pick up some pumpkins...

2009-10-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Cascadian Farms... is great but it is the way there that is really breathtaking! It is out HWY 20, 3 miles past Rockport. It is may favorite "no-frills" patch. A perfect Sunday afternoon.

Pics Here

This sweet church was even having there 3:00 every other Sunday service. Right out of a Movie!