I can't believe it has been a week since I last updated...but we have been so busy, so that is all good!

thanks to everyone at J K Lee's!!!  The rummage sale is going great, get over there this weekend if you have any needs for rummaging!  they are holding a four day rummage for us, huge thanks again!  I was hoping to be there to help out on Sunday, but then remembered my sister in law is having a baby shower then...but tomorrow we will come!!  It is in the afternoon, I think 1-5?  I will double check. 

Hollyn's surgery went great today, I had tears in my eyes when Dr. Winthrop told her it made her day to see Hollyn on her schedule and we asked for a picture, she wore Hollyn's pink hat and hugged her and told her she loved her!  When you have a surgeon like that, you know your child is in good hands.  Dr. Winthrop did Hollyn's first three surgeries, so it was a bit emotional for me to have her close this final chapter for Hollyn.  She also placed the power hickman in Hollyn, at that time Hollyn was one of her youngest patients she put one in, and it worked like a charm.  She is an experienced surgeon, it's just the power hickman isn't that commonly used.  I remember, I was so worried about her having a line infection, but felt good that Dr. Winthrop did it and was happy with this type of line and it did the trick since November, thank God. 

I am so blessed, I love God with all my heart and know He has seen Hollyn through so much...and know He will continue to care for her each and everyday.  I have witnessed so many miracles, had the opportunity to meet some amazing kids and families walking this journey with us.  I pray and think of Jake's family everyday, I think of all the lives Jake touched and forever they will carry him around with them.  There isn't a day that goes by that I dont' think of him and pray for his folks and little Avery.  I miss him.  Everytime I walk into clinic and see Dr. Kelly I think of Jake.  Everytime I see Susie, I think of Jake.  Everytime the kids talk about legos, I think of Jake.  On top of so many other times too.  There have been so many families, like Josh Holm, he was from Eau Claire, his mom is dealing with a relapse of breast cancer.  And Cole, little three year old Cole.  Today while waiting I started reading his dad's book he wrote.  It brought me to tears many times.  But how this little boy touched so many people, and is still doing so.  He would have just celebrated his fourth birthday.  Go to www.colesfoundation.com to find out more.  Or Chelsea, Super Sam, Sigrid, Amelia, Mackenzie, I wear one of her drawings on my tee shirt, I always smile and say a prayer for Debbie when I wear it.  There was Sam and Bryce, Matthew, and Mathieu, and Sadie, Zak and Zack and too many more to list.  Now another friend, Jo Ann, her and her husband live in L.A., they have two boys, Grady and Pablo, and Pablo has the most awesome smile...he is struggling with breathing and in hospice care.  Please pray for him and his family.  Pray for Kaitlin,Maddie, Meghan and Tess.  Also pray for Emily who is also in hospice.  These kids are dealing with relapses.  We need that cure...I over heard one of the doctors in clinic today (after surgery we went to clinic for an appointment) and one of the doctors was talking about a tumor and that it was the size of a golf ball but not as big as they thought....it made me pray for whoever's child that was...and it bothered me all the same.  To hear such casual talk...talk that has changed another life, another family.  It made me think of Cole's book, and Hollyn's journey.  We never thought we would be in this place, never thought one of our children would get cancer.  And now, after all this, at times it all gets too me.  I try and keep very busy so the worries can't catch me, so any what ifs can't find me...if only I can keep busy and pray, just to live and enjoy and appreciate...try and not let stress of life get to me either, and roll with it all....sometimes I do well, other times I don't.  Sometimes I just want to cry and lean on Jesus to carry me through another day.  Most the time, I just do...and put it in the big man's hands, He is the one with the plan, not I.  And we are so blessed.  So, each day that comes, we live and keep busy and say lots of prayers and keep that attitude of gratitude.  Sometimes that is hard when Jessica only wants to eat ice cream for lunch, or her and Kailey are arguing, or someone doesn't pitch in with chores...but then I look at it all, and say, this is life, to the fullest....just like everyone else, doing laundry and fussing over eating vegetables.  Telling Jessica to get off the trampoline that is broke, because now my little gymnast can climb up there by herself!  And with hands on hips will insist, no mama, I am not coming down!  I am fine!!!  And continues to jump...part of me just wants to let her, but the smart part of me says are you nuts???  Don't answer that one, okay?  haha...but life is good...just a bit hectic...please continue to pray for Austin who is now home, for David to continue to heal, for Grant and Evan, for Isabella who might be able to go home soon!!  And for Nadia and Brooke, Taylor and Abby and for Ally and for those who are done, like Corey, Sicily, Autumn, Dustan and Nicholas and all the wonderful kids out there who are fighting this battle. 

Thanks for checking in...and Kelly it was great seeing you...good luck on your big day, Kassy thanks for the birthday gift, hope Florida is awesome!!  And Mike I will get back to you about VIBES...promise!

Shout to the Lord, forever and always...I will update pics soon...wait til you hear about Hollyn's birthday!!