Friday, June 14

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28

I love that verse. While things are not always easy, as God never promised it would be, He does promise to always care for us. Ultimately, that meant giving "his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. How absolutely awesome that He loved us so very much that he gave his only child for us? Could you do it? I'm not sure I could. I've lost children and have to say I don't ever want to go down that path again and pretty sure I couldn't do it so willing especially to suffer the way Jesus did. No matter how hard things may get in this wordly place our Heavenly Father is always there for us. 

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31 We are all far from perfect and weak by ourselves.  And, we will eventually be unable to carry our burdens on our back. After our storm, in the Wicker Home, I came to realize that when man says "God won't give you more than you can handle" it's just untrue. God does and will give you more than you can handle and it's in those weakest moments that the truth is revealed to you... He does it because he wants us to fully rely on Him so that he can be our strength, our peace, and grace. He never will give you more than He can handle. Surrender fully to Him today. I know we (Chris and myself) are thankful for the journey we've been on because some people go their entire life and never see how much god truly loves us and will never see these things~  One, to understand the huge sacrifice he made for us. Two, to hear Him speak so loudly to you. And three, to watch him bear all of your burdens and the full weight of them on His shoulders. So, you can definitely say that Chris and I are grateful for the hard time we've been through. Just make the most of every moment, good and bad, or else you may miss some very important things He's trying to show and teach you. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thelossians 5:18

I write all of this with a very happy and content heart. Things our going very well in our family right now. I just feel the the first verse, from Romans speaks volumes for us. As God'smchildren we are not immune to storms, but we know that no matter what it will always be ok. We've just moved into our house we built. Everything with it went very well, it had its headaches, but what doesn't? God definitely has something in store for us here. I'm not sure what, but I can't wait to see as it was His will for us to be here. The kids are out of school for the summer, and I'm soaking every sweet moment of this up, even the crazy moments. I love having my children with me, and its even better when Chris is with us. We will be taking a beach vacation this summer that everyone is very excited about. We will also have vacation bible school at our church, swim lessons, pool time, Davis birthday, a camp or 2 for Bradley... And maybe another quick getaway towards the end of summer. And, not to mention, fun times with friends and family. Can't believe by summers end we will have Bradley, 7, starting 2nd grade; Austin, 4, will be entering 4 year old preschool (his last year:(); Cameron Grace, 3, will be beginning her first year of preschool in the 3's class, and Davis will be 2! Quick updates on all the kids...
Bradley finished first grade with a bang receiving the radiant reader award and the Good and Plenty award as he is full of great ideas. He excelled in all areas and received rave review for being a great leader. He's working hard on being an obedient follower of Christ and making good choices. He accepted Christ into his heart this past spring and understands he should strive to exhibit the fruits of the spirit. He's doing well in karate and showing a great understanding of moves etc. Austin did great in 3 year old preschool. His teachers doted on him and said what a thrill it was to have him in their class after praying for him for so long. The prayers worked wonderfully as he didn't miss a beat and keep up with all the other children. He is now 36 pounds and getting a little chunky which is absolutely amazing. He's a little fish in the pool this year and his swim teacher complimented his coordination for his age, having absolutely no idea of his medical history. Cameron Grace tries to keep all her brothers in line. She's the little Mama of the group. She sings and talks all the time. She loves being with friends, playing dress up, and going to church. When we moved in the new house she said she was ready for her big girl bed, so she has been sleeping in one for a few weeks now and such an obedient little girl and stays in her bed all night.  In the mornings she gets up and comes downstairs, and often yells, "Mama where you at?" Lol it's so cute in her sweet, southern voice. She's been potty trained a few months. She did it in a couple of days with no issues and even stays dry during sleep. Davis keeps us on our toes. He's so sweet and reminds me so much of Bradley at this age, but he's into more than any of our other kids. He loves tractors, which has always been a favorite of Bradley's too. Davis transitioned well to the new house and seems to like his new room. He talks a lot and thinks he's as big as Bradley and keeps up with Austin and Bradley. I think Davis is our biggest kid yet, he's huge.  He eats anything and everything just like Cameron Grace. Davis already strings together 3 or 4 words at a time. It's wonderful after having my last 2 delayed speech wise. 
Everyone is growing so fast and doing great. It's wonderful to just be living life and enjoying the simple things. 

Saturday, May 4

More Homemade cleaning . . .

Dishwasher detergent

1 cup Borax
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Coarse Salt
1/2 cup citric acid (Found with the canning products)

Mix all ingredients in a container. Use 1 tbs per load.
 

Straight white vinegar works great as a rinse aide. I just fill my dispenser with it as needed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Homemade liquid body soap

We've always used liquid body soap instead of bar bc it doesn't leave the hard to clean soap scum. I have trouble with eczema and dry skin normally, and its improved greatly since we started us

1 cup of distiller water / boiled water
1/4 liquid Castile soap (I've bought at target and whole foods in the soap section/ beauty section, all different scents available)
1 tsp vegetable glycerin (food in target or Walmart in the food oil section) 
Optional 15-30 drops of essential oils, which I like the smell of the Castile soap so I don't use it

Mix and enjoy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


To freshen laundry instead of a fabric softener sheet. Pour 4 drops of essential oils on a dry wash
cloth and add to wet laundry in dryer. May be used multiple times.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hope everyone enjoys making your homemade goodies as much as we do. Saves money, is healthier, and the kids enjoy helping make everything. 

Quick and crazy update, sorry its all over the place but let's you know a little about our what and whereabouts!
We're busy as usual in the Wicker household. We're closing at the end of the month on our new home and moving. Bradley's finishing first grade and Austin is finishing 3 year old preschool. Cameron Grace turned 3 in March and Davis is 21 months. They all love going to the new house and cry when we leave. They've been telling people everywhere about it. We have a family vacation planned next month to the beach.  After vacation, all of us are participating in our church vacation bible school this year. We've planted vegetable seeds in pots, for a garden that we will transplant to the 
new home. It's been such a cool spring that we haven't been to pick strawberries yet, but plan to do that soon. We bought a couple of strawberry and blueberry bushes for the new house as well. Let me run, literally, to get in some exercise while the kids are napping. Chris just got off his bike, so it's my turn then onto packing! Living a blessed and simple life and so thankful for it!

Monday, December 31

2012, The Year in Review


It has been entirely too long since my last post. We 're living a blessed life. We continue to keep the focus on serving God, and it allows us to keep life simple. There have been lots of changes, new and exciting things going on in our household.  We finally got the ok, in the spring, to return to church with Austin.  It had been advised, by his physicians up until that point, to not have Austin in any childcare setting.  His immune system is lower than the average child, and with his chronic lung disease it was feared that a common cold would send him to the hospital and that our time here with him could be short.  (We still have to use caution when exposing him to animals and staying away from sick people. Those common things for most people could still cost Austin a lot of harm and a possible hospital stay.)  So, finally we were allowed to go back and we returned to the Sunday school class that we used to be part of; it has been wonderful for us. We've been able to be very active in the class on Sundays as well as for get together and church during the week. Our family has thrived with this, and it has been wonderful to get that consistent spiritual encouragement from others.
When you live second by second walking with the Lord you strive to exhibit HIS traits. Correct? Bradley and I often review the fruits of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no such law against these things." If you have the spirit within you then your life should produce the fruits.  We pray for The Lord to continue to show us His will and know that we must continue to trust in Him and He will give us peace and grace. It's just amazing to see what our Heavenly Father continues to do in our life. It's wonderful to watch and be so positive about every little thing. Truly, when Jesus is in your heart and you surrender to Him , to serve Him, you just can't help but have a joyful heart. We're surrounded by Godly people, and its such a wonderful experience. Godly people just smile so much more. Their eyes light up with this secret that they hold in their hearts knowing that Jesus died for the to have eternal life. They're encouraging, loving, and supportive. And, yet we still have Christ who loves us more and will never forsake us.
Looking at these great verses I found about walking with The Lord- the joy, peace, love and happiness it will bring you...
2 Samuel 7:28 O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psalm 37:5-6  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalm 84:12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Psalm 86:2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.
Psalm 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:6-7 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 The kids are growing so fast. Bradley is in the first grade and thriving. He's in a new vertical program where they can go at their own pace for language arts.  Reading is a favorite thing to do for Bradley and  he logs about 500 minutes a month for his reading chart.  His reading level is above that of where it should be, which absolutely thrills Chris and myself. What parent wouldn't want that?!?:)  If the program goes well, then next year they plan to make math vertical as well. His teacher calls him a leader, giving, and helpful.  Bradley has asked to take karate for years, so we finally started that at the end of the summer. He has graduated to his 3rd belt, which is orange with his karate instructor. Bradley loves being active in church and is continuing to grow in his walk with the Lord. He strives to always make the right choices and follow the fruits of the spirit. He can recite them and understands them well.  I'm constantly told, by other adults, how well mannered he is. I've always strived to teach him these things and now he's old enough to model this in his daily life. I truly believe h e will bring many to know and love Jesus Christ.  Austin turned FOUR on Thanksgiving and that amazes me. Our child that may never walk or talk does it exceptionally well these days. He's in preschool and has done great with the new endeavor. His immune system still doesn't handle it as well as we'd hoped, but he fights through each illness. We've had to do oral steroid treatments a good bit since the start of fall, but he's done much better over the past few weeks. So, hopefully his immunities are starting to kick in. Austin has grown exponentially over the last year, in our opinion. On his 3rd birthday he was 24 pounds, and he is currently 31 pounds! We haven't gone for his 4 year well check yet as the pediatrician decided recently with all the flu and other bad sicknesses going around that we should postpone his well visit until February. She said no point in risking his health. But he is almost filling out size 4 clothes. He's the oldest in his preschool class, so I guess you'd expect him to be one of the bigger kids and he's not but to our delight and joy  he isn't the smallest which we did expect. He has grown, because we started him on an appetite stimulant a few months ago. He was not growing and finally the pulmonologist said we had to do something. I had heard about this one good medication and thats the one he suggested. So, we said lets try it and it's working! Austin participated in the little Christmas performance with his class that they do for the parents and sang and danced. Yes, I cried! (I cry when all my kids do stuff like that. FYI) Austin loves to sing and dance. He has the ability to memorize all songs and even movies and often goes around repeating the whole thing, especially when watching it. Got to get that on camera! Cameron Grace will be 3 in March. She still eats and sleeps like a champ. She loves to help me with laundry, cooking, and cleaning. I'm so blessed to be able to experience raising both sexes. I'm so very thankful for that. Cameron's favorite colors are pink and purple. "Hot pink" is her favorite though. She cracks me up with things like that... Where did she get that?!?! She is such a little Mama and helps with everything. She enjoys going to church too. She has learned so much about Baby Jesus and tells us all about him often. Cameron Grace also likes to sing and dance too. She is already in love with our new house. She insisted on going upstairs as soon as the stairs were in to see "my room". At just 2 years old I'm just amazed with how much she already knows and understands. And, when we went downstairs she said, "bye room, bye. I love you" and blew kisses! Ha ha. She loves her baby cousin who was born in July. She begs to hold him and love on him. And, in case you're wondering. She has asked to be called  "Cameron Grace" and since we think its a beautiful name we oblige. All girl! ( she does like playing with cars though:)) Davis is walking and talking. He's growing so fast! People ask if the 3 little ones are triplets; that's a little bittersweet. Davis is a wild man and thinks he is as big as everyone else. He does everything the others are doing such as singing and dancing. I'm soaking up every bit of the baby stages that are slipping away too quickly... Some days they are flying by when he does things like refuses to be carried, because he wants to run after his older siblings. By spring I'm sure he will actually be running! He tries all kinds of foods, and his most often used words are cookie and cracker. He is already starting to string together 2 words. His speech reminds me of how Bradley's was at this age, so if that continues he may surpass Cameron Grace if she doesn't watch out. (Her speech is coming along nicely too) Davis does best at church when he's with everyone, but he has gotten a lot better in nursery now that he's waking. Walking has made him happier all around just like his older brothers. He also gives the sweetest hugs and kisses.
Other Wicker whereabouts . . . We sold our home and moved during the summer to a house that we are renting while we build a new home. The new house is coming along nicely. We designed it specifically for our family. It's the same square footage as the old house, but it works much better for us.  Less formal space,  because that isn't "us" at all. Things such as a laundry ROOM and not closet, walk in pantry, and drop zone will help this family of 6 run more smoothly.  With 4 kids we have lots of laundry, food, and "things" that need homes. I can't wait to get organized again, because there isn't much of that going on in the rental house. We can't wait to share it with our family and friends.  We continue to spend lots of time in the new neighborhood having picnics, walks, and playing with old and new friends. The kids love it there. Cameron Grace begs to see the new house... She loves being outdoors, well all the kids do, and we spend so much time outdoors there. Chris' job is keeping him busy. I hate to call it a job, because its really more of a lifestyle.  It's way more than a job. It takes a lot of commitment from him. It's never just a weekday, 9 to 5 job. It doesn't include breaks, lunch breaks, nor always weekends and holidays off. It requires commitment from me as well. There are long hours of running solo with our crew. The kids are learning that if someone is sick Daddy has to go help them instead of staying home with us. It's good for them to know that there is a world beyond them. God definitely led Chris to this career, and I see it more and more the longer he practices. We took a few trips this year. We went to Isle of Palms in June, and it was great. We had a few different friends come visit us while we were there for the week. We ate great food, enjoyed afternoons by the pool, walked to get ice cream, spent long hours on the beach,  and just enjoyed being together as a family. In August, we went to Pigeon Forge with Papa and Nanny Wicker.  It was such a nice end of the summer treat and break away from the heat of the Midlands. We enjoyed the aquarium, bear exhibit, and this cool parrot place while eating lots of yummy food and spending family time together. We can't wait for our trip next year with them.  A few days before Labor Day weekend Chris and I decided last minute to pack up the kids and surprise them with a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte. It was absolutely awesome. We were just there one night, but it was magical. We ALL loved it.  The water park is great fun, then there is the mini bowling alley, arcade, and craft area. And, even the food is fabulous. We highly recommend it for a night or 2 away . . . So much so that we decided to take Austin back for his 4th birthday. His birthday was onThanksgiving this year and truthfully both of those days are bittersweet because of Brayden and Lexi, so we decided to just do something extra special this year. We extended an invitation to our family to go with, so my parents and The Wickers packed up and got their own rooms and celebrated with us.  Another fun trip! Chris and I said perhaps we should go away every Thanksgiving. We took our normal trips this year to pick strawberries and apples a couple times each. Chris and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary and 17 years together! Wow! Davis followed our family tradition and was baptized on Mothers Day. All 6 of our lives have been dedicated to our Heavenly Father on Mother's Day.  Bradley's 6th birthday was celebrated at the bowing alley with an Angry Bird theme. Cameron Graces 2nd birthday was an ice cream social complete with an ice cream buffet. Davis' big number ONE was a pool party with snow cones provided by Kona Ice. And, Austin got his monster truck cake as he wished at Great Wolf. 
It has been a great year. I can't believe that 2012 will come to a close in a few short hours. I pray for my family in 2013 as I always do. I pray for us to continue to serve The Lord first. I pray that we seek His will in all we do, big and small, and continue to grow in our walk with Him.  I pray for our well-being and health. This time next year I pray that I'm able to reflect on the year warmly and with a heart full of joy as I am right now about 2012.  I can't believe this time next year I will have a 7 year old son, 5 year old son, 3 year old daughter, and 2 year old son.  How incredibly blessed!
I look forward to what the new year will bring to our family. I know it will hold many sweet memories. Thank you for catching up with us. I hope to post more often, after all this is such a great way to remember this most special season of our life. I pray for all our friends and family to have a wonderful New Year. May God bless you!

Tuesday, December 11

Homemade goodness

I've been making my own laundry detergent for about a year, and it's been great. Saved lots of money, no skin issues, works with HE and regular washers, smells good, and exposes us to less unnecessary chemicals. Have you ever read the labels on things such as this and wondered how much of it your body was absorbing???? Yuck. So, I was asked to share the recipes. Here you go:

1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha, grated ( I use 1/2 bar instead for extra scent)

½ cup washing soda (found in the laundry aisle in most stores - Arm & Hammer makes it)

½ cup borax powder (also in the laundry aisle - look for "20 Mule Team" brand)

~You will also need a 5 gallon bucket with lid.  I use bucket to mix then i have 3 old laundry detergent containers that I use to hold all it makes.

Put the grated soap in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. I pour immediately into my containers. Let the soap sit for ab an hr and it will gel. You use ½ cup per load.

Fyi: This soap does not foam, so don't be surprised when you first use it. Also, if you want more scent just use your favorite essential oil. I don't use any bc of using more of bar soap. I've found all things above at walmart

So, since I had such success with the laundry detergent I recently researched and made my first batch of fabric softener. I've been using it for about a month and it's great. I do use the essential oils for this to make the vinegar smell not so strong which the vinegar smell does go away with wash regardless. My favorite essential oils are orange and lemon.

Fabric softener :
1 cup baking soda
6 cups white vinegar
1 cup of water
10 -15 drops of essential oil of your choice. I like orange or lemon
a bucket
wooden spoon
* Add the baking soda to the bucket
* Add the water to the baking soda in the bucket
* SLOWLY add
 the vinegar to the bucket, take care though as it’s going to bubble up like a 5th grade paper-maché volcano
* When all of the vinegar is added to the baking soda and has settled, stir it a bit so that the majority of the baking soda dissolves.
* Get a large empty plastic bottle and pour the vinegar/ baking soda/ water brew into it, add the essential oils.
Use 1/4-1/3 cup of mixture per load of laundry.


PS. I've been working on a new post of our whereabouts so check back soon for that. Gotta get thru Christmas cards and shopping first. :-)

Tuesday, May 22

Bad, bad blogger! Part 2

I'm sorry I've been neglecting the blog, but I've been busy just enjoying our blessings. Life is great; absolutely no complaints. I've got to do better documenting this precious season in life, because I know these memories will be so appreciated when my babies are older. What joy they bring to us. I just can't say that enough. The simple things are absolutely the best . . . an afternoon outside in the sprinklers, a picnic, giggles, and so many sweet moments are what life is all about.
The Wicker Alphabet is thriving and doing very well. I'll catch up soon, but in the meantime I think I'm going to take this blog private to protect my family. I know there are a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ, that we don't know, that read this blog and I will continue to allow that. I just want to guard against the others evil in this world and this is one way I may be able to do so. God has laid it on my heart and made me aware that the Devil is out there.  So, please start emailing me if you want to be added to be allowed to read the blog. I covet all of your prayers for our family, and I want to be able to keep you all updated on our whereabouts. So, please email me: LHWicker@windstream.net You will just have to sign into google, which is free and easy, then it will allow you to have access to our site. I have some other friends that have done this and there have been no issues. You may also contact me on Facebook to gain access. (Lisa Hawkins Wicker). Thanks so much and prayers all is well with you!

Friday, February 24

My Austin

My Austin, my Austin . . . that kid keeps us on our toes. First he was sick as I posted last time which it took forever for him to get rid of that junk, but it's finally gone. Then, all the testing, but everything came back ok- no cystic fibrosis or kidney issues as suspected, just low protein. So, he is being referred to a nutritionist. And, there was talk about going to an endocrinologist if nothing was found with all the testing so I'm not sure about that yet.
So, the bottom line is he has to grow. To avoid a feeding tube we are praying that he grows before the doctors start to pressure us with that. So, I'm praying for 5 pounds. That would put him on the low end of average for a 3 year old. Austin has never been on the growth charts for his age for length or weight, so we'd love to see that. So, I'm asking God to specifically let Austin gain FIVE pounds. That would be huge! I believe God can do that, and if I keep feeling this need for 5 pounds then there must be a reason- God must be placing that in my heart for a reason. I'm feeding Austin all day long and anything he wants. That is what the doctors have said to do, no matter how high in sugar or fat- just get the calories anyway possible. He was a little under 25 pounds before his surgery, so 25 is the starting point. And, this week he hit 26.4 pounds- the most he has ever weighed! Yay! He needs to stay well too, because every time he gets sick he loses weight.
Tonight Austin is having another sleep study done. And, I'm asking for prayers that he does well and there are no signs of sleep apnea. We still suspect sleep apnea, but know God is in charge of this. His sleep is still off even with his tonsils being removed.  He is up on and off all night and if he naps then he stays up very late at night. And, children his age should be napping still. Sometimes he just falls asleep where ever he is and he shouldn't do that. And, then he is very hard to wake.

My sweet Austin all hooked up and ready for his sleep study.


So, I'm asking for prayers. . .  for Austin to gain 5 pounds, for Austin to not show any apnea, and for Austin to stay well. Please join me in praying for my sweet Austin. We continue to be amazed by all of his accomplisments and love how happy he is.  . . he is such a special child and I want him to be well. He is worth every moment of worry and anxiety that he has caused us. God conintues to give us strength and knowledge as to how to best for care for him, and we're so grateful. God's peace is one of the things I'm most grateful for . .. on the days when we get bad news about Austin or they start to talk about things that are possible wrong, I get upset, but then I go to sleep and over night God takes away all of that worry and anxiety AND the next day is better. It's amazing and something I'm so thankful for. God is good all the time!

Monday, February 13

Bad, busy blogger!

Ok, ok. I'm admitting to being a bad blogger, but we've been busy around here. I mean we do have FOUR children- cut me some slack please! :-)
We've been busy with daily life, normal things. We have spent lots of afternoons outside enjoying our very warm winter. It has been gorgeous and has given us spring fever. The kids love being outside, and we've taken many walks once Daddy gets home and often stop to play at our neighborhood park or the play set in our backyard afterwards.
I've been leading the produce co-op which has been named Third Day Harvest, because God created vegetation on Earth on the 3rd day in Genesis. We've had 2 deliveries and have had much success. There are 24 happy families involved so far. Chris and I have also been making all of our bread products- everything from hot dog and hamburger buns to cinnamon buns to loafs of bread. It's delicious! We're slowly cutting out as much processed foods as possible.It's isn't too hard, but does take up more time than normal.
The kids have been sick. Austin was taken to the emergency room a couple of weeks ago due to issues breathing and was diagnosed with viral pneumonia. Then, the crud slowly made its way around our home. Bradley shook it off like a pro while Cameron and Davis only developed sinus infections due to it- yeah, Austin always gets it worse than everyone.  His immune system is just not doing as well as the doctors expected it to.  He still has a cough, but no more steroids or breathing treatments thankfully. We went to see the pediatrician for a follow-up from that and to check his growth after his tonsillectomy in December. And, she wasn't happy because he still isn't growing which normally happens right away. He isn't sleeping better either. So, we will be going for another sleep study in a couple of weeks, and she scheduled him for a few tests with the diagnosis of failure to thrive. That did hit us pretty hard, because basically we don't know what else to do- BUT the bottom line is that he is happy (thank you Sarah for reminding me of that- oh yes and my dear friend, Sarah, is recovering well and found out today that she won't have to do any chemo nor radiation!!! praise God- she will have to take a medication for 5 years- so many prayers her way still and as she continues on her road to recovery and reconstruction). So, Austin is happy and for that we just can't ask much more. We found out today that he doesn't have Cystic Fibrosis which was suspected by both his pediatrician and ENT. There were some other tests run that we don't know the results of yet. So, please be praying for him. Bradley had his tonsils out in January and did great with it, and Cameron had her adenoids out last week and is recovering well so far. Bradley is also doing well in school and continues to get smiley faces everyday! He has never brought home anything less- yay! That's my boy! Austin is signed up for preschool next year . . . that brings some anxiety but trying to give it all to God! His doctors have okayed it, so lots of prayers. He will go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12. Cameron is talking more and more. She spends her time chasing after her brothers and loving on them. Davis is rolling everywhere, and he is fast! He is sitting up pretty well too, but he moves so much that he still can't stay up consistently. He loves all foods that we've tried, and was in the 95% for his height and 80% for his weight at his 6 month well visit (he wore an 18 month outfit today- wow!- he is just so long).
Less than 4 months to our beach trip, and we're growing more and more excited everyday. But before the beach we will have some fun celebrations. Bradley will turn 6 next month and Cameron will turn 2. Bradley's party has been very easy to plan as he wants it at the bowling center where he had it last year and wants an Angry Bird cake. He has already told me what he wants for his present as well. Can't get any easier than that. Cameron on the other hand we know exactly what to get her, but can't decide between all the cute girly themes. She loves pink and Minnie Mouse, so considering that. There are also some cute ice cream and cupcake themes as well which she gets excited about both. We did the Sweet Shoppe theme last year and used candy and cupcakes, so not sure we should do that again. We also thought last year about doing an Egg Hunt, but then Easter was late last year. Decisions, decisions! Davis will be baptized this Mothers' Day as it is a family tradition. Just to remind everyone Chris, myself, Bradley, Austin, and Cameron have all been baptized on  Mother's Day. Chris was baptized when he was older, because he grew up Baptist. I was baptized as an infant and confirmed when I was 13 since I grew up in an United Methodist church.
So, just quick updates as I really don't have time for anything else these days. Between the kids, keeping the house straight and clean since it's on the market (and kinda have to do it anyway), cooking, and laundry I already stay up till midnight or later trying to maintain everything else.