Urgent Prayer Request

Please pray for Nina Kovach and her family. Nina is 4 years old and attend my church. Here is an email from her Mommy.

"Our four year old daughter, Nina, was diagnosed with a 5cm tumor between her adrenal gland and right kidney. This was discovered last Thursday 1/24/08 during an ultra sound to find out why she has had three urinary tract infections since August. We were asked to come back the next day for a CT scan, and we weren't expecting to get any results until today. But then we got that horrific call on Saturday to meet the pediatrician at his office immediately. Here is where things stand today 1/28/08:
We were told by our pediatrician to just show up at the Hematology/Oncology clinic this morning. The nurse who registered Nina said that she wasn't sure which doctor we would be seeing, but that Nina had been discussed during morning rounds. It was sad seeing some children wearing masks and others without hair. Nina didn't seem to notice. She was too busy blowing through all the toys in the waiting room. She was excited to be there. She really doesn't get any of this.
We met Dr. Olshefski and he said that the tumor could be one of three things. Two of them involved Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, but the third possibility was a benign tumor. Finally, someone is saying that there is a 33% chance that this is not cancer. Dr. O said that this tumor must come out immediately, and then he let us see her CT scan. Technology is amazing! The scan was in a three-dimensional bird's eye view on the computer screen. It started at the liver and moved down showing the left kidney. We could see the tumor on the opposite side of the screen. Her right kidney was noticeably larger, and it had calcium deposits on it.
Dr. O said they would like to have the golf ball sized tumor out this week, but there is a chance that the surgeon will say that Nina needs to have chemotherapy, before surgery, to shrink the tumor making it easier to remove. Surgery will likely involve slicing off part of Nina's liver and some or all of her right kidney. We will meet the surgeon, Dr. King, at 1:15 tomorrow (Tuesday 1/29) to discuss all of this.
Nina's tests today were minimal. They took urine to look for chemicals that the body produces with neuroblastoma. They also took a blood sample. Nina did amazingly well with the needle. She didn't even blink or flinch when it went in, and she watched the whole time. She's been telling everyone that the nurses took some "Nina Juice" out of her arm. We were out of the clinic by 10:40, which was such a blessing because we were told that we could be there all day and even be admitted.
Dr. O said that our main goal is to get it out. During surgery the pathologist will determine if the tumor is neuroblastoma or benign. If it does turn out to be cancerous, she will need lots of other scans and tests. Some that will begin right then and there, like a bone marrow biopsy. Then, she will start chemo once she is strong enough. If it is benign, they will get it all out, and this nightmare will be over.
For those who are keeping us in prayer, please pray that they can do the surgery this week and not have to put Nina through chemo first. Also, pray that this is benign. What a wonderful possibility to hear today. We are having so much hope. The fact that Nina is almost asymptomatic, she is eating well, and playing hard, makes us feel hopeful. Today was a good day.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. We have really felt them. All four of us were able to get a good night's sleep last night, and that was a huge improvement over Saturday. You have all offered us so much love and support. We are overwhelmed by your spirit of giving and eagerness to help. Thank you to the people we've never met who are taking the time each day to pray for Nina.
God Bless You! Tonia"

A rough few days

Aaron feeding Ernie

I have been one of the lucky ones-by that I mean that the Mom thing cane to me easy. I never really had a hard time adjusting or anything like that. However, that was before the last few days. Aaron has started throwing tantrums and they are getting me to the absolute core of my being. He screams, cries, hits me and pulls my hair. It is horrible. I have gone to bed before 9:30 the last 2 nights, just shutting down. Alex actually posted my last entry for me.

So that is Ernie, Aaron's new fishie. We just got home from dinner with everyone and I am toast thanks to a tantrum. For the most part we sit him in the chair and let him cry it out explaining that his behavior is unacceptable. Please pray for me to have patience and strenght during this time. I guess here is God in my life, being my drill sargeant-just like Pastor Ken says!

Well-he just came in and le me know that he pooped, so I am off to change him.

A new addition to our family!

"No, Einstein"

Tonight I came home from my Weight Watchers meeting and we had dinner. After that I gave Aaron a bath and as he was getting out I asked him if he wanted to watch Noah-which refers to Baby Noah of Baby Einstien. He said, "No Einstein". I am so sure! Gosh-he is growing up so fast!

We started an official bed time last week in order to get him on a schedule and provide Alex and I with a smidgen of down time before bed. Let me tell you he is doing amazing. We decided on 9pm, which may be late for his age, but lets face it-we work all day. If it was up to use he would be awake until we went to bed! Every night he has been asleep no later than 9:10. We brush teeth at 8:50 and then I put on his music, hold him for 2 songs, put him down and he is out! Amazing little guy! Since we started it has been easier for him to get up in the morning, which was our main concern.

This week Denise went to visit her Mom with the boys so we are putting forth a group effort for the week. Tomorrow my Dad is coming up and staying until Wednesday night, Thursday Beth and Kelsey are keeping him and Friday Grandma is taking the day off. Raising a baby is so much easier when you have family that is involved. We are truly blessed in that regard!

New pictures

Daddy and Aaaron having coffee! Mommy and Aaron before clogging-which he loved and I think I will take him every week.

This is Aaron playing on his drum set about a week ago-he hasn't played with it since.

Alex got an iPod for his birthday and this is him and Aaron listening to it!

The weekend

How nice it is to have an extra day off! I wish I had that every week. Friday my boss let us leave early so I got home before the boys. I was able to get the entire downstairs clean before they got here. I got a call from Alex saying, "Get a towel ready, he puked!!!'. It was the nastiest chunkiest barf I have ever seen! Holy cowabunga!!! I gave Aaron a quick bath while Alex cleaned up the van (poor thing) and we went to church for Winterfeast. It is a dinner put on by all th ekids that go to camp in the summer. The food was good and the entertainment was hilarious. The kids make up all the skits and everything.

Our Saturday plans got cancelled so we went to the mall and took Kelsey with us. It was Beth and Chimey's anniversary. We got our washer and dryer-OUCH! and the kids played. Saturday night we finalized out Outer Banks plans and headed home from Mom's.

Sunday we went to church and came home. I went to Kohl's and did a little bit of shopping. Alert-The Kohl's on West Broad has short sleeved shirts (you know for summer) for $1.20. I purchased about 21 of them! Last night I made potato soup and chicken rice soup-yummy! I cannot remember the last time I made potato soup, but it sure is good.

Today we went to Petsmart so Alex could get his fish tank. Mom bought him gift cards for Christmas so in Alex fashion he waits until a month later to get it. I thought we were going to have a small tank, but he got a 55 gallon! We also got Aaron a Beta fish. We have stuffed peppers in the oven, Alex is putting the stand together and Aaron is sitting on my lap eating a Twizzler. Life is good and we are so blessed!

Sheri Update

Last night Sheri's Granmda passed away. Sheri is doing well right now and is thankful that she was with her Grandma when she passed. Yesterday when I talked to her I just knew what was going to happen. Her Grandma was suffering from pneumonia which was what happend with my Grandpa. Sheri went to leave yesterday, but something within her told her to stay. There is something amazing to say about the power of God. I was able to share with Sheri today something that my dear friend Ruth shared with me when my Grandpa passed away. She told me, "I know it hurts, just be thankful that it hurts so much". I was lucky enough to have an amazingly wonderful relationship with my Grandparents as was Sheri so when I shared this with her she totally understood. So, please continue to pray for Sheri and her family that God gives them the strength to get through this time together.

ELMO!!

My son LOVES Elmo! Why is it like crack to kids? La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La Elmo's World!

Aaron's 1st

I am taking Aaron to clogging with me tonight for the first time-I will let you know how it goes!

Prayers for Sheri

My dear sweet friend Sheri needs prayers. Her Grandmother is not doing well right now. I would like for all of you to pray for her and her family.

Sheri-I am praying for you! I love you sweetie and I am here if you need ANYTHING at ANYTIME!

Some important kids...

Below are some pictures of kids that we have been blessed with being a part of their lives. As you get older it is funny how importand your firends kids become to you. I love each and every one of these rascals to death!

These 2 are Kyle and Conner. Their Mom is my friend Colleen who has been one of my best friends since we were about Conner's age. When Conner was born I went home and stayed with Colleen for a week to help out. We had no idea what we were doing, it was so funny.

This one is Billy. His Mommy is Missy my other best friend of eternity. The scary guy(hehehe) in the back is Bill, Missy's husband. Billy is a trooper to say the least. He came rather early and by some grace of God Alex and I were in Pittsburgh when he was born and we able to see all 2 pounds of him that day!

And this spit fire, this is Kelsey-daughter of Beth and Chimey. She loves Aaron, and Ashalee(her way of saying it) and she LOVES Andy. She is so funny and cute. She likes to Mother Aaron so I can only imagine what will happen when her brother or sister arrives.

Weekly update

This has been a somewhat hectic week for us. I started my new job and it is going really well. It didn't take me long to realize that I definitely made the right decision. I am really excited and nervous. Aaron has been sick off and on all week, but he has been a trooper. Alex stayed home with him Wednesday and Aunt Krissy kept him Friday(THANK YOU, LOVE YOU)! When i got home that night he didn't really want me-little booger. We had a good and busy day today. We went to breakfast with everyone and then to the mall to look at a washer and dryer-DANG! Why do they have to cost so much money? It's too bad there isn't a money tree to pick from for things like this! Mom and John took Aaron to the mall and to Build a Bear, the choice today was a dog he named Abbie...or Abeeeee as he says it. God Bless America my child is so cute and wonderful. We also went to Starbucks and I got a new cup for Valentine's Day and some sugar free cinnamon syrup-YUMMO! Mom, Krissy and I joined Weight Watchers Monday and I did great all week. Colleen is sending me a WW care package with recipes so hopefull I will be as successful at it as she was. I am pretty sure she is skinnier today than she was in kindergarten!
Tomorrow is church and the plan is to take down the last tree-5 down, 1 to go, go, go! The house looks so much bigger already. Hope all is well with all of you that read this!
Comment-let me know you were here!!!

Also-Our friends Beth and Chimey are pregnant! I am soooooo excited for them and for us because we will be able to help them through the tough times and share the good ones. She is due 8/31 so poor Chimey and Kelsey may have a very, very long summer. YEA! Congrats you two, I am so happy for you! Love you bunches and bunches.

Colleen-hang in there. Things will get better. I love you!

My most important people

Crappy Day

Our house

Easter 2007









Christmas Eve











Poor Aaron-missed his Daddy's birthday cake!












The Superman truck.

Not sure why, but I am in a rather disguisting mood

We need your prayers today

This is still my favorite oicture of me and Alex. Happy Birthday Babe-I love you!

-Christmas Day drive to Grandma's-Aaron drove!

What makes the crate so fun?

The Rodriguez kids!

Christmas Eve!

It is 4:54 am and Alex, Andy and Ashley have just left for the airport. Obviously we are not going to get Aaron up this early to see Ashley off so I am staying home. Poor Alex after almost 4 years of this, I still cannot ever find words that make sense for this situation. Today it was "it is what it is, this is our life and we just have to be thankful for what we do have". Wow-amazing choice huh? I guess that is the way that I do look at it-it is our life. Alex, Becky and Diana made choices that made this our reality and we have to make the best of it. Ashley is sad, but she is truly a Mommy's girl and she would be miserable without her Mom so she needs to be with her. Andy on the other hand-I won't even go there this early in the morning. So, please prat for my husband, our kids and especially Aaron as I cannot even think of what the day will be like as he non-stop calls for Nene and she is nowhere to be found.

Yesterday we celebrated Alex's birthday. I made meatloaf for lunch, Krissy made cake and the kids gave him Dolphins jibbtiz and an iPod. I took Alex, Andy and Ashley to Monster Jam and they were all really excited. The kids had never been, but they LOVED it. We were able to see the Superman truck for the first time and were mortified-he sucked! The only bad thing about Monster Jam is Grave Digger-I cannot stand that truck. Perhaps becasue he is always the crowd favorite or something. Krissy and Tish kept Aaron and then we went to Pizza Hut.

My Grandma(Dad's Mom) is in the hospital so keep her in your thoughts as well.

I know there are many of you that read this so please pray for us today-it is also Alex's birthday! I love you Alex and I am so sorry that your heart is so broken today.

A door is closing...

Well, today is my last day at PMI. I have so emotions about leaving becasue I have met so many incredible people. This morning I met my dear sweet friends Michele and Sheri for breakfast. I was late because the car was covered in ice and I couldn't find the scraper. Michele treated me to breakfast and got me 2 amazing gifts. One is a "Dear Special Friend" plaque and the other is a book titled "God's Answers For Your Life". Michele is someone that has really touched my life in a way that no one ever did before. I call her Dibliicious-is-Bootyicilious!! Sheir on the other hand decided to make me fat on my last day because she made me-get this-a homemade Red Velvet cake. I CANNOT wait to eat it later today. Now, she has been promising me this cakse for a while so I am not sure when I would have gotten it had I not decided to take another job. Sheri (Sheree-I call her) is so cute and funny. She has somehow found a way to soften me up over time and taught me a lot of things. I will miss them both terribly!

Sheri and Michele if you read this, please know that I love you and I am so thankful that you have been part of my life. Know that you will never be able to get rid of me, I will pester you forever!


It is always important to remember that when one door closes another open!

Those long lost friends I was talking about...

Are Kelly Marsh(Crosby now that she is married) and Scott Haskins.

Kelly
Kelly was a year younger than me and we somehow got to be extremely good friends in high school. To be honest, I have NO idea what started our friendship, but we were really close. We went through bad boyfriends and all that jazz. She was married a while ago and I was in her wedding-having never met her hubby-that is how close our firendship was. Even though we were not part of each other's daily life we still had that bond. I haven't talked to her since I was pregnant but we talked last week and it was like no time had passed. But, that is no shock because that is the way it has been since we both graduated. We may not talk for periods of time, but when we do it is just like the old days! She is married to Zack and they live back home with 2 kids-Celia and Jacob. When we go home next time I will see her-yea!!! There is nothin g like the people you grew up with. She is very involved in her church so we spent a lot of time talking about our walks with God and it was amazing. To have that bond with her is something I will definitely treasure as we get older.

Scott
Scott lived in Garden Drive by my Grandma so we grew up running around the neighborhood, playing tag, riding bikes and going down the sliding board with our butts out! HeHe! I haven't talked to him for 13 years. However, I was on myspace and searched name and BINGO! There he was!

I love my friends and having this opportunity to rekindle them!

Back to the Grind

It figures, the first day I feel 100% is the day I have to go back to work! Argh!!! So today we are back to the grind of 5:30 wake up times, the baby sitter and going to work. The things we have to do in life to make it all worth it! The kidsare home alone today with a rather large list of chores-lucky them huh?
I have 3 days left at PMI and then start my new job, I am excited and nervous all at the same time.
We had a great New Years Day. We celebrated at home-Andy was puking sick. Yesterday we went to teh McDermott's for sauerkraut and then to Mom's for a repeat! Most people woudl barf at the thought, but not us-we all love it! (all but Andy)
I really wanted to go to my friend Colleen's for New Years, but oh well. I wish we lived closer to her and Missy so we could always celebrate together! We will see them next month though since Billy and Conner's birthdays are in Feb.
Well-I am back to work! Until next time!!!