Praise Be to GOD!

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him: tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105:1-2

I just got off the phone with Dr. Carrasco, Parker's rheumatologist, and have fantastic news to share with all of you guys. Dr. Carrasco was placing the same phone call he placed to me exactly one year ago to the week, he was calling to discuss Parkers MRI results. After reviewing Parker's latest MRI images he came to the conclusion that for all medical purposes Parker is now in a medicated remission, meaning that for now there seems to be no traces of inflammation in any of his joints including the SI joints. He did say that there were small traces of fluid remaining and of course previous damage but that he never expected them to be this clear especially after only a year of infusions. We talked for a while about what a blessing this news was and how happy we both were for Parker to be able to continue his life for now without worrying about changing medicines or more surgery. This is a huge step in the right direction and although we all realize how quickly things can change for now we are choosing to celebrate! I give all the glory to God for answering all of our many prayers and give many thanks to you guys for all yours as well. For now Parker will be kept on infusions every 8 weeks and injections once a week. Now if only Jackson can be so lucky and sail through his surgery tomorrow and heal quickly we might all be able to relax for a while and if nothing else slow down the number of doctors appointments:)

Two and a half weeks down!

Hello all, I guess the new life I am leading isn't as slow and boring as I once thought it might be. I have enjoyed the quiet and the fact that my house stays clean for longer than it use to but I do miss my kids terribly while they are gone. Today is the halfway point of our third week of school and these boys have kept me hopping lately. Jack has been having sinus issues yet again and after several doctors appointments and testing we have made the decision to have his adenoids removed in hopes that he will finally start to feel better. The surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday and will require him to miss 3 days of school the doctors feel like this is the next step we should take but did admit that there is only 50% chance that it will help him. At this point we will do anything to get him out of his misery and we have faith that God will lead us to a solution soon if we are diligent with our research, I must admit I am feeling like I did when I was trying to find out what was wrong with Parker. You find yourself questioning every symptom and every treatment but this time I am just handing it to God to lead us in the right direction. Parker has been great he didn't do as well after the last infusion as he had the previous one but a day later he was back to "normal":) We have reached the one year mark of his official diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis so its time for repeat MRIs of his SI joints to make sure that the Remicade is working. He seems to be loving 6th grade and definitely walks taller as one of the oldest in the halls at school. He has been very diligent with all the homework so far and very helpful in transitioning Avery and Jack into school. I had to leave before the first bell one day to get Jack to a doctor appointment and Parker realized that Avery and a friend were so deep in conversation that they didn't hear the bell ring so he quickly led them to their class line as a big brother should. Avery.... well.... is Avery winning every award in class for listening and following directions but who didn't see that coming! She has her best friend Hazel from preschool in her class so they have been leaning on each other now that she doesn't have Jack to follow. Jackson, dear lord where to begin with him well first off he is consistently wearing underwear due to Kindergarten law, one I made up. As of this week he is up to 6 or 7 girlfriends, or friends that are girls, every time I'm up at school he is the lone ranger in a huge group of them but I guess that comes from playing solely with Avery since conception. We knew the day the kid was born that he was one of a kind and he is proving that daily, a few Mom's have told me that all their daughters talk about is him, makes me cringe and smile all at once but then again he has that affect on everyone. All Mitch and I can hope for is that the rest of the year goes as smoothly as the last three weeks. If you would add us to your prayers this week we would appreciate it. Parkers MRI's are Friday and Jacks surgery is next Wednesday. Thanks for all of the love and support you continue to bless upon us. Hope the end of your week is filled with fun and love.