Catching Up

Where do I begin.... it has been along time since I have updated and lots has happened.

Lets see... I'll start with the fun stuff. We got to take the boys up the Space Needle. They loved it. They took their binoculars, checked out all the views and had some hot chocolate and cookies. Good time all the way around.

We have had a couple cold but sunny days between the rainy ones where we headed to the park for some playing. The boys really enjoy it and Mommy loves that they get all worn out and take good naps.

Elijah had his very first art show at school. He was so excited to show us his works and did a very good job. (insert two very proud artist parents)

We were generously given tickets to go to the Sounders playoff game. Got to sit in a suite as well. It was fantasic. They lost but we still had a great time.

Mark is doing good. Skin really seems to be healing up. Rash is going away. At the same time, the Dr. continues to decrease his steroid level - with no signs of the GVHD increasing. So far, so good. Now we need to stay on this track of improvement and we'll be home in Spokane by the end of December. We will hit the 100 day mark (usually allowed to go home mark) on the 31st of December. If all goes well and we don't have any set-backs we will ring in the new year as a family in Spokane!! Praise the LORD!!! When you are on high doses of steroids you feel as if you have consumed at least a pot of coffee each day.... as you come off you feel as if you are missing that boost in energy and mood. Headaches, apathy, lack of appetite and general tiredness are all side effects of the taper. Pray for Mark to power through this new set of hurdles. I know he can do it with God's help. Mark is trying real hard to stick to his eating and workout plan - even getting the boys involved in his physical therapy exercises (super cute to watch). Continue to pray for his muscle mass and strength to return. Pray for a balance of mood and energy and the stamina for us all to get through this 40+ days in Seattle.

We got to visit with some new friends that are just starting the transplant process that we met through mutual friends back in Spokane. I mentioned my coffee date with the Bekah in a previous post. They came over for dinner last night. (They are in Seattle for some pre-transplant appointments) It was good to chat with another couple that understands where we are at. We got to share more of our stories and encourage each other. They are an amazing pair. When you think of it please include them in your prayers. They have a long road ahead of them that Mark and I know too well. I know they can do it - with the Lord leading them they will make it through.

I am getting laundry done, cleaning the house, and preparing food for the arrival of our Thanksgiving guests - the Roth family - Jordan and Rusty and their 4 kids. They should arrive before dinner tonight and get to stay through Friday. We are so excited for things to feel a little more like normal. We have missed them SO much. It will be good to just be together and remember how much we truly have to be thankful for.

As we head into this holiday season and start with sitting around a table filled with our favorite foods remember to be thankful. Take time out to reflect on your life, family, health and friends. Thank your creator for all you have and enjoy the time you have together - soak it up! We will be most thankful this year for a Daddy that seems to be over the hardest part of this whole adventure. We are thankful to be together. Thankful for all we have to look forward to experiencing together as a family this next year. We are thankful for all our financial donors. Thankful for all our family and friends prayer support. Thankful for a God who has carried us through this past 8 months. Thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, grace, forgiveness and eternal life.

My mom told me something she realized this morning that really got me thinking..... Remember as you are sitting around your table tomorrow - you are part of a great nation that is filled with families gathering around good food and every second of the day someone will be giving thanks aloud, holding hands or bowed in prayer. Starting with the first meal on the East Coast till the last dinners are cleaned up in Hawaii - somewhere in our nation families will be reflecting on their blessings. The day will be filled with gratitude. Amidst all the struggles we have as a country and as individual families - tomorrow will be a day to put those aside and be thankful for what we DO have. Share your blessing aloud tomorrow, giving thanks to the source of them and remember to bless each other.